Transparent comparison based on 14-Eyes jurisdiction, independent no-logs audits, protocol speeds, and pricing structure. Zero affiliate bias.
$2.99/month (2-year plan)
$6.66 /month (1-Year Plan)
| Specification | ProtonVPN | Hotspot Shield |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Switzerland (🟢 Outside 14-Eyes) | USA (🟢 Outside 14-Eyes) |
| Independent Audit | The most recent audit, conducted by Securitum and published on July 12, 2024, reaffirmed that Proton VPN does not log user activity or metadata | Specific information about independent audits of their no-log policies is not readily available. |
| Servers & Coverage | Over 11,000 servers (110+ countries.) | Over 3,200 servers (85 countries.) |
| Obfuscated Servers | ||
| Ad & Malware Blocker | ||
| Kill Switch | ||
| Split Tunneling | ||
| Streaming Performance | Supports major global streaming platforms and services. | Offers fast speeds but has a history of DNS leaks and questionable practices, which may affect streaming reliability. |
| Smart TV & Android TV | Partial (no native app; can use router or SmartDNS workaround) | Yes (Android TV app + router support) |
| 1 Year Plan | $4.99 | $7.99 |
| 1 Month Plan | $9.99 | $12.99 |
| Free Forever Tier | ||
| Pricing Summary | $2.99/month (2-year plan) | $6.66 /month (1-Year Plan) |
| Category Scores (1-5) | ||
| Jurisdiction Score | 5 / 5 | 3 / 5 |
| Speed Score | 5 / 5 | 4 / 5 |
| Encryption & Security Score | 4 / 5 | 5 / 5 |
| Protocols Score | 5 / 5 | 5 / 5 |