Comparison

VPN Hotspot Shield vs VPN

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

VPN Hotspot Shield

Secure your internet connection with a fast and reliable virtual private network. Protect your online privacy, encrypt your traffic, and shield your IP address from threats, especially on public Wi-Fi. Enjoy faster speeds and unlimited bandwidth.

Highlights
  • Fast VPN speeds
  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • One-tap connection
  • Military-grade encryption
  • Global server locations
  • Multiple VPN modes
  • Connect up to 10 devices
Features
Read full description

Hotspot Shield VPN is the fastest VPN for secure, private internet access on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Protect your online activity with industry-leading VPN encryption and protocols, shield your IP address, and enjoy lightning-fast speeds whether browsing, gaming, streaming movies, or using public WiFi. Activate our VPN with one tap to encrypt your traffic and block threats while maintaining a lightning-fast connection. Hotspot Shield VPN delivers superior privacy and performance with patented technology that automatically connects you to the fastest VPN server. Free VPN Features: • Industry-leading speed - up to 2.2x faster vs. other VPN apps • Unlimited bandwidth and data with our free VPN • Simple one-tap VPN connection • Secure proxy VPN with no-logs policy and military-grade encryption • Multiple VPN plans — use free with ads or upgrade to premium • Optimized for latest iOS on Apple devices • Advanced patented VPN protocols for reliable connections • 24/7 customer support Premium VPN Features (with subscription): • 1800+ ultra-fast VPN servers up to 1 Gbps • 125+ premium VPN locations across 80+ countries • Auto-connect VPN on startup with IKEv2 • Specialized VPN modes for gaming, browsing, and video streaming • Connect up to 10 devices simultaneously • Fully ad-free VPN experience Choose from flexible VPN subscription plans: monthly, 6-month, or annual. Unlock full VPN access with a premium subscription — 45-day money-back guarantee. Cancel anytime. Payments via App Store; subscriptions auto-renew unless turned off 24 hours before renewal. Unused trial portions are forfeited upon purchase. Privacy Policy: https://www.hotspotshield.com/privacy-policy/ Terms of Service: https://www.hotspotshield.com/terms/

About

VPN

This app provides a secure and private internet connection for your iPhone and iPad. It encrypts your network, shields you from online threats, and allows anonymous browsing with global server access. Enjoy faster speeds and unrestricted access to content.

Highlights
  • Unlimited VPN data
  • Global server locations
  • No registration required
  • Hide IP address
  • Faster connection speeds
  • Anonymous web browsing
Features
Read full description

VPN app for iPhone and iPad is the fastest and most trusted VPN to protect your online privacy from getting compromised. It provides data security by encrypting your network connections and shielding you from cyber threats, identity thieves, snoopers, and advertisers. Whether you're trying to prevent DNS leaks, surf online anonymously, or safeguard your privacy, the multi-tunneled encryption layers of this Virtual Private Network ensure an effortless way of achieving it. Key Features of VPN: - Faster connection - Unlimited VPN data - Global server location - No VPN registration or login is required - IKEv2 VPN service protocol for network access protection - Hide your IP address to secure internet activity and WiFi connection Hassle-Free VPN Internet Connection Use unlimited network bandwidth with this VPN app that requires no sign-up. Seamlessly set up a virtualized modern network with a single click. Start untraceable web browsing safely on the internet while maintaining anonymity. Fast Global VPN Servers Blazing-fast global secure servers in the VPN app let you experience true freedom of the internet. Watch any content on popular sites like YouTube, Facebook, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and more without facing any lags. VPN Protection and Privacy Guard Set up home servers using VPN encryption to keep your data safe from the intrusive eyes of cybercriminals, advertisers, and Internet Service Providers(ISP). Be it home or public WiFi, browse anonymously without the fear of being tracked using this VPN proxy app. Gaming VPN Solve connection problems and boost internet speed while playing games for a better online gaming experience. Fast connection, good latency or ping speed, and unparalleled privacy protection make this one of the best VPN protocols for gaming. What is VPN on iPhone? IP(Internet Protocol) addresses can reveal sensitive information about yourself. VPN's primary role is to hide public IP addresses on your iPhone. A reliable VPN connection for DNS and IP masking is essential to keep confidential data secured. And this is the best VPN app for iPhone and iPad to accomplish that. How to use VPN on iPhone with this app? Start anonymous web surfing and keep your presence hidden with a single tap. The following steps will tell you how to encrypt an internet connection using a VPN on iPhone and iPad. - Open the VPN app - If you select "Connect," it will automatically connect to the most optimal server - Alternatively, tap on "See All" to view the servers - Select the desired server - Press on "Connect" and start anonymous browsing Auto-Renewable Subscription Terms: Subscribe to get unrestricted access to all the features outlined above. • Subscription Length: Monthly • Subscription with a free trial period will automatically renew to a paid subscription unless it is canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the trial period. • Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase. • Your Apple ID account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours before the end of the trial period. • You can manage and cancel your subscriptions by going to your account settings on the App Store. • Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when the user purchases a subscription to that publication, where applicable. • By signing up for this subscription, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Terms of Use: https://dreamdownloader.net/api/vpn/terms.php Privacy Policy: https://dreamdownloader.net/api/vpn/privacy.php Disclaimer: This app is free to download, but you will be required to sign-up for an auto-renewing subscription to access the app's full functionality.

Screenshots

VPN Hotspot Shield4 screens
VPN4 screens

Verdict

The call

VPN Hotspot Shield and VPN both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 76% of VPN Hotspot Shield's written reviews are positive against 37% of VPN's. VPN Hotspot Shield also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 10 days vs every 2 months). On price, rating, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. VPN Hotspot Shield sells 14 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month and VPN sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for VPN Hotspot Shield against 4.6 for VPN. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 363K and 79K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 76% of VPN Hotspot Shield's written reviews are positive against 37% of VPN's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

VPN Hotspot Shield ships an update every 10 days, VPN every 2 months. Both last shipped on October 20, 2026.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
VPN Hotspot Shield versus VPN: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVPN Hotspot ShieldVPN
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (363K ratings)4.6 (79K ratings) — better
Positive reviews76.4% of reviews — better37.0% of reviews
Number of ratings363K — better79K
Update frequencyEvery 10 days — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#53 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS14.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size144 MB26 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperAnchorFree Inc.Dream Downloader Infotech Ltd.

Customer experience

VPN Hotspot Shield

All ratings362,514 ratings
Positive89.4%
Neutral3.0%
Negative7.6%
Written reviews2,857 reviews
Positive76.4%
Neutral4.8%
Negative18.8%

VPN

All ratings79,251 ratings
Positive90.6%
Neutral2.7%
Negative6.7%
Written reviews127 reviews
Positive37.0%
Neutral3.1%
Negative59.8%

User reviews

VPN Hotspot Shield

From 363K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 😄 THE BEST VPN
  • 🔒 MAKES MY PHONE SECURE
  • 🚀 FAST CONNECTION
  • 👍 EASY TO USE
  • 💯 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Room to improve

  • 🐛 CONNECTION ISSUES
  • 🔌 DISCONNECTS FREQUENTLY
  • 💰 REQUIRES PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION
  • 📺 DOESN'T WORK WITH STREAMING SERVICES
  • 🤖 MANY FAKE REVIEWS

VPN

From 79K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Fast and useful
  • 🔒 Secure and private browsing
  • 👍 User-friendly interface
  • 💡 Helpful for school/work

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent disconnections
  • 💰 Paywall for full functionality
  • 🔋 Drains battery quickly
  • ⚠️ Unreliable connection

Bugs and requests

VPN Hotspot Shield

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Frequent disconnections
  • Inability to turn off VPN
  • Compatibility issues with certain devices

Requested features

3 requests
  • More free server locations
  • Better compatibility with streaming services
  • Improved stability and reliability

VPN

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Login/subscription issues
  • Inconsistent performance
  • Inability to unsubscribe

Requested features

4 requests
  • Add more server locations
  • Improve stability and reliability
  • Provide a free version with limited features
  • Simplify subscription management

In-app purchases

14 purchases

VPN Hotspot Shield

Subscriptions14
  • Hotspot Shield Premium$9.991 Month
  • Hotspot Shield Premium7 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • 1 month VPN subscription7 Days trial$9.991 Month
Show 11 more
  • 1 month VPN subscription7 Days trial$10.991 Month
  • Hotspot Shield VPN with Pango2 variants$12.991 Month
  • Hotspot Shield VPN with Pango7 Days trial3 variants$12.991 Month
  • Monthly VPN Subscription7 Days trial$12.991 Month
  • Hotspot Shield Premium Bundle7 Days trial$12.991 Month
  • Hotspot Shield VPN with Pango14 Days trial$12.991 Month
  • 1 month VPN subscription7 Days trial2 variants$12.991 Month
  • 1 month VPN subscription$12.991 Month
  • Hotspot Shield Premium7 Days trial$69.991 Year
  • Hotspot Shield Premium7 Days trial$79.991 Year
  • 1 year VPN subscription7 Days trial2 variants$95.991 Year
10 purchases

VPN

Subscriptions10
  • VPN VIP$4.997 Days
  • VPN VIP3 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • VIP Weekly3 Days trial$7.997 Days
Show 7 more
  • VPN VIP3 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • VPN VIP7 Days trial$11.991 Month
  • VPN VIP3 Days trial$11.991 Month
  • VPN VIP$11.991 Month
  • Yearly Premium3 Days trial$49.991 Year
  • VPN for iPhone$49.991 Year
  • VPN VIP$71.991 Year

Questions

Is VPN Hotspot Shield free?
VPN Hotspot Shield is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is VPN free?
VPN is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, VPN Hotspot Shield or VPN?
VPN is rated higher. VPN Hotspot Shield averages 4.6 out of 5 from 363K ratings, while VPN averages 4.6 from 79K ratings.
Do VPN Hotspot Shield or VPN have ads?
VPN shows ads; VPN Hotspot Shield does not.
Which is updated more often, VPN Hotspot Shield or VPN?
VPN Hotspot Shield ships an update every 10 days, and VPN every 2 months. Most recently, VPN Hotspot Shield was updated on October 20, 2026 and VPN on October 20, 2026.

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