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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

VPN Hotspot Shield vs NordVPN

VPN Hotspot Shield 4.6★ · Free + IAP 60
Winner NordVPN
NordVPN 4.7★ · Free + IAP 75

NordVPN is generally a more reliable and faster option for paid users, while VPN Hotspot Shield struggles with consistent connectivity and customer support, especially for its premium tier.

Full reviews: VPN Hotspot Shield · NordVPN

NordVPN offers better speed and a more reliable connection for its users, though some experience issues with specific services and occasional slowdowns. VPN Hotspot Shield, while praised by some long-term users, faces significant complaints regarding connectivity, customer support, and issues with its premium subscription.

Head to head

Features & Functionality tieR8R14R49R7
VPN Hotspot Shield VPN Hotspot Shield users appreciate its ability to bypass restrictions for gaming R8 and general use while traveling R14R49. However, many premium users report that the VPN fails to connect to desired locations R7 or bypass geo-restrictions for specific content . The free tier is noted for ads and limitations R16R17.
NordVPN NordVPN is praised for successfully hiding IP addresses and working well for international streaming R68. However, a significant number of users report that it does not work for specific services like Paramount+ R51 or YouTube TV abroad R97R99, and some find it too restrictive, blocking access to usual websites or car connectivity .
Ease of Use edge: NordVPNR40R48R13R21
VPN Hotspot Shield Some users find VPN Hotspot Shield easy and fast to use R40R48. However, there are significant complaints about the app's user experience, particularly with signing into paid subscriptions after updates or on new devices R13R21. The free tier often pushes users to sign up for trials, with tiny, non-functional options to proceed with ads .
NordVPN NordVPN is generally considered simple to set up . Recent updates have improved the UI, adding a single button to disconnect and reconnect . However, some users dislike the 'dark UX patterns' that make it difficult to fully turn off the VPN, often defaulting to a 15-minute pause .
Reliability & Performance edge: NordVPNR12R28R38R9
VPN Hotspot Shield While some long-term users find VPN Hotspot Shield reliable R12R28R38, many recent reviews indicate severe reliability issues. Users report frequent disconnections R9, inability to connect to any servers R3R7, and the VPN not working in specific regions like the UAE or China R1R7. Some also note it can be slow R16.
NordVPN NordVPN is often praised for being fast and working well . However, a common complaint is that it significantly slows down internet speeds R53R67R88. Users also report issues with auto-connect turning off in the background and frequent disconnections , leading to a degradation in phone functionality .
Price & Value tieR6R30R16R17
VPN Hotspot Shield VPN Hotspot Shield offers a free tier, which some users appreciate R6R30, but it comes with ads and limitations R16R17. Premium users often feel it's a 'scam' due to connectivity issues after paying R9 and the inability to access paid features R27. Some feel it's a waste of money when channels are still restricted .
NordVPN NordVPN is a paid service, and while some acknowledge it's worth the money for protection , others feel it's a 'complete waste of money' due to non-functionality . There are also complaints about difficulty in getting refunds, especially when purchased through the App Store .
Customer Support tieR1R3R9R27
VPN Hotspot Shield VPN Hotspot Shield users frequently report a complete lack of customer support R1R3R9R27. Issues like being unable to reach support or get refunds for non-working premium services are common.
NordVPN NordVPN users also report difficulties with customer support, particularly regarding refunds . There are complaints about the process of canceling subscriptions being intentionally difficult .
Pick VPN Hotspot Shield if

Pick VPN Hotspot Shield if you are looking for a free VPN for basic use, such as unblocking games like Roblox, and are willing to tolerate ads and potential connectivity issues R6R8R30. It might also be suitable if you've had a positive, long-term experience with its reliability for general travel R12R49.

Pick NordVPN if

Pick NordVPN if you prioritize a generally faster VPN for security and international streaming, and are comfortable with a paid subscription R68. It's a good choice if you value a straightforward setup and recent UI improvements .

Evidence note: Many of VPN Hotspot Shield's positive reviews are short, generic, or 5-star ratings without specific details, making it harder to extract concrete evidence for its strengths. Conversely, its negative reviews are highly detailed regarding specific failures. NordVPN's reviews, both positive and negative, offer more specific insights into functionality and user experience.

Frequently asked

Does VPN Hotspot Shield work in restrictive countries?
Reviews indicate mixed results for VPN Hotspot Shield in restrictive countries; some users report it not working in the UAE or China R1R7, while others have used it successfully for travel R14R49.
Is NordVPN good for streaming geo-restricted content?
NordVPN has mixed results for streaming geo-restricted content; some users successfully use it for international streaming like YouTube TV R68, but others report it does not work for services like Paramount+ or YouTube TV abroad R51R97R99.
Do these VPNs slow down internet speed?
Both VPNs have user reports of slowing down internet speed, with VPN Hotspot Shield users noting it can be 'very slow' R16 and NordVPN users experiencing significant speed drops, from 200 down to 15-20 R53R67R88.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 100 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R8] VPN Hotspot Shield 5/5 · GB Yay Roblox is no longer banned: YIPPIE
  2. [R14] VPN Hotspot Shield 5/5 · GB Best app.: Just the best app to use when your in different countries
  3. [R49] VPN Hotspot Shield 5/5 · GB Excellent VPN especially when travelling!: I have used Hotspot VPN for well over a year now and travel across the globe. It has never failed and I have come to trust it on every device I have! I got it with a digital password subscription…worth every penny. A great big thumbs up…good job team. 👍🏻
  4. [R7] VPN Hotspot Shield 1/5 · GB Not working anymore: Hello I have premium and it used to work great with connecting to Uk whilst I’m currently in China but today I wasn’t able to connect to UK at all. Please fix this
  5. [R40] VPN Hotspot Shield 5/5 · GB Love the app: Very fast and quick to use and very easy.
  6. [R48] VPN Hotspot Shield 5/5 · GB Great App: Works seamlessly! Highly recommend!
  7. [R13] VPN Hotspot Shield 1/5 · GB Avoid: After getting this vpn initially on my pc with the thought of using on my iPad when I travel. On installing it on my iPad I could not get past the paywall so if I continue will end up paying 2 for something I already own this feels wrong
  8. [R21] VPN Hotspot Shield 1/5 · GB Already Subscribed? Sign In Button does not work: I have a paid sub to this VPN and have done for years, got a new iPad and it prompted me to start a free trial in a big blue button. If you scroll down to the bottom of the app it has in the tiniest text ‘Already Subscribed? Sign In” but this is just text, I have clicked in multiple times and it does nothing nor does it prompt me to log in. Please
  9. [R12] VPN Hotspot Shield 5/5 · GB Used for years: I’ve use Hotspot for longer than I remember and was primarily to provide security and prob a y when travelling abroad. Whilst there are many other VPNs now around, I find Hotspot reliable and reliable
  10. [R28] VPN Hotspot Shield 5/5 · GB Faithful: It’s always been there for me for many years. I highly recommend hotspot
  11. [R38] VPN Hotspot Shield 5/5 · GB Review: Excellent and reliable VPN
  12. [R9] VPN Hotspot Shield 1/5 · GB Terrible VPN such a Scam..!!: I am in Muscat on holiday, downloaded this vpn used the 7day trial, seems to work fine as soon as I paid for the premium, the vpn won’t work, always disconnects, simple WhatsApp calls also won’t work, such a big scam, paid 13£ for the monthly usage, tried re-installing etc exactly the same…no customer support, need my full refund asap.
  13. [R6] VPN Hotspot Shield 5/5 · GB Best vpn ever: It’s free it’s useful it’s secure and it’s one of the best I’ve used
  14. [R30] VPN Hotspot Shield 5/5 · GB Best Free VPN: I have been using this app for years and it is the best free vpn i have ever come across. i recommend heavily
  15. [R16] VPN Hotspot Shield 5/5 · GB Ok: It’s good, but is very slow, please make it faster and stop the annoying ‘please get premium’ stuff
  16. [R17] VPN Hotspot Shield 2/5 · GB Not the best: Basic plan has adds and blocks all internet connection once you turn off the screen. That doesn’t happen with some other apps.
  17. [R1] VPN Hotspot Shield 1/5 · GB Doesn’t work for UAE: No suitable connection for UAE.. tried them all and no technical support Hotspot.
  18. [R3] VPN Hotspot Shield 1/5 · GB Not working: The connections are down and cannot even reach support!
  19. [R27] VPN Hotspot Shield 2/5 · GB Price change means unusable: Payed in November as have done for last many years now changes pricing and can not access and only allowing basic free trial. As usual it is impossible to contact these people
  20. [R68] NordVPN 5/5 · US Great: I signed up for one month and it works great. I’m a news junkie and need my YouTube TV internationally. I made an error complaining about the bill because of the bundling of charges Apple does for app purchases. Everything is great now.
  21. [R51] NordVPN 1/5 · US Did not work in the Philippines.: I pay for Paramount+. I tried to use NordVPN to watch the UFC on Paramount. Did not work in the Philippines.
  22. [R97] NordVPN 1/5 · US What good is it?: Can not access YouTube TV overseas!
  23. [R99] NordVPN 1/5 · US Doesn’t work: Advertise that you can use YouTube tv abroad but doesn’t work
  24. [R53] NordVPN 1/5 · US Slows down my WiFi connection: Nord VPN slows down my WiFi so bad at times I can’t even use it. I’ve had to disconnect it many times so I could use WiFi on my phone. I’ve switched to different locations, but it doesn’t really make much of a difference! My speeds go from almost 200 down to 15-20! Really considering just removing it from my tv and everything else, because it may be helpful at pr
  25. [R67] NordVPN 1/5 · US Slows my computers down: I frequently have to pause my connection in order to get my devices to connect. Not good at all
  26. [R88] NordVPN 2/5 · US Slows internet: NordVPN slows internet speed to 50%.

Synthesized from 100 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store