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

NordVPN vs VPN Hotspot Shield

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

NordVPN is generally preferred for its speed and reliability, though both apps face challenges with geo-unblocking and occasional connection issues, especially for free users.

Full reviews: NordVPN · VPN Hotspot Shield

NordVPN and VPN Hotspot Shield both offer VPN services with free and paid options, but users report NordVPN generally provides better speed and security, while Hotspot Shield struggles more with consistent connections and customer support. Both apps have issues with geo-unblocking specific content and websites.

Head to head

Features and Geo-Unblocking tieR1R8R13R14
NordVPN NordVPN users appreciate its ability to hide IP addresses and provide protection, with some finding it effective for international content like YouTube TV R8R14R16. However, many users report it fails to bypass geo-restrictions for services like Paramount+, AppleTV, or YouTube TV in certain regions R1R13R25R47. Some also note it can block access to usual websites or car connectivity .
VPN Hotspot Shield VPN Hotspot Shield is used for security and privacy, especially when traveling . Users report success in unblocking Roblox and accessing content in different countries . However, many users find it ineffective for UAE, UK channels, or in China, and it often fails to connect to desired country servers R51R55R57R59.
Performance and Reliability edge: NordVPNR2R3R9R16
NordVPN NordVPN is praised for being fast and working well R2R16. However, a significant number of users experience severe slowdowns, with speeds dropping from 200 to 15-20 R3R17R23R38. Disconnections and issues with auto-connect turning off in the background are also reported R9.
VPN Hotspot Shield VPN Hotspot Shield is described as reliable and fast by some users . Conversely, many users report it is not reliable enough, with frequent disconnections and slow speeds R53R55R59. Some users also note it blocks internet connection when the screen is off .
Ease of Use and User Experience edge: NordVPNR5R14R24R26
NordVPN NordVPN is generally considered simple to set up R14 and has seen UI improvements R24R26. However, users complain about dark UX patterns, such as the difficulty in turning off the VPN or it automatically re-enabling R5. Some also report issues with connecting to specific servers or signing in .
VPN Hotspot Shield VPN Hotspot Shield is described as very easy and quick to use . However, many users report significant frustration with the sign-in process, especially after updates or on new devices, often being forced to start a free trial despite having a paid subscription . The free version also has annoying premium prompts and ads .
Price and Value edge: NordVPNR7R11R14R19
NordVPN NordVPN is seen as worth the money by many users for the protection it offers R14. However, some users feel it's a complete waste of money due to non-functionality or issues R7R25. There are also complaints about not being informed about connection issues in certain regions before purchase R11R19 and difficulties getting refunds, especially when purchased through the App Store R36R42.
VPN Hotspot Shield VPN Hotspot Shield offers a free tier that some users highly recommend . However, many users who pay for premium feel it's a scam or a waste of money because the service doesn't work as expected after payment R59. Users also complain about price changes and difficulty accessing paid features .
Customer Support edge: NordVPNR7R33R36R53
NordVPN NordVPN users report difficulties with refunds and hearing back from support after filing complaints R7R36. Some also mention needing to seek external help to ensure security settings are correct R33.
VPN Hotspot Shield VPN Hotspot Shield users frequently report a complete lack of customer support or inability to reach them when issues arise R53R59.
Pick NordVPN if

You prioritize speed and a generally reliable connection, and are comfortable with a paid subscription, as NordVPN users often find it fast and effective for general protection R16. You also value a VPN with a better user interface, despite some minor frustrations with pausing or disconnecting R24R26.

Pick VPN Hotspot Shield if

You are looking for a free VPN option and are willing to tolerate ads and potential connection limits, as Hotspot Shield is praised as a good free VPN . You primarily need a VPN for basic tasks or unblocking less restricted content, and are not reliant on consistent geo-unblocking for specific streaming services .

Evidence note: Both apps have a significant number of negative reviews, especially concerning geo-unblocking and connection stability. The free-vs-paid asymmetry is notable for Hotspot Shield, where many negative reviews stem from free-tier limitations or issues after upgrading to premium, while NordVPN's negative reviews are more focused on performance and geo-unblocking failures for paying users.

Frequently asked

Does NordVPN work in China or for streaming services?
NordVPN users report mixed results; some successfully used it in China , but many found it did not work for streaming services like Paramount+, AppleTV, or YouTube TV in various international locations R1R13R25R47.
Why is my internet slow when using NordVPN?
Many NordVPN users report significant internet slowdowns, with speeds decreasing from nearly 200 Mbps to 15-20 Mbps, often requiring them to disconnect the VPN to use Wi-Fi effectively R3R17R23R38.
Is VPN Hotspot Shield reliable for unblocking content abroad?
VPN Hotspot Shield's reliability for unblocking content abroad is inconsistent; while some users found it effective for general travel , many reported it failed to connect to desired country servers or unblock specific content in regions like UAE, UK, or China R51R55R57R59.
Can I get a refund for NordVPN if I'm not satisfied?
NordVPN offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, but users report difficulties obtaining refunds, especially if the purchase was made through the Apple App Store, as Apple may not honor the refund R36R42.

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. [R1] 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.
  2. [R8] NordVPN 5/5 · US Beautiful Nord: How can I thank you enough for all the protection that you provided me throughout the past few years. It’s 2026 and you can’t trust anybody anymore but with you at least I know they can’t find me. Love you! Quantum who?
  3. [R13] NordVPN 2/5 · US Doesn’t work with AppleTV: Doesn’t work with AppleTV, AppleTV detects it and doesn’t allow to play live programming. Might good as VPN.
  4. [R14] NordVPN 5/5 · US I’m no IT guy….: I’m not sure if I can explain this but bc it was so simple to set this VPN up, and like everyone I did so bc I had concerns about my exposure online, I feel safer. I prefer to err on the side of caution and for short money, along with the value based on their reputation, I feel as though I am getting my desired protection on multiple devices.
  5. [R2] NordVPN 5/5 · US Unlike Vpn super, works well and free: I am totally in Chicago, not on vacation. Totally.
  6. [R3] 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
  7. [R9] NordVPN 1/5 · US Auto Connect Turning OFF In Background: 7/10/26 Auto connect is turning off in the background. This is crazy. Has been happening for about two weeks. What is the point if the connection turns off in the background and you have no idea? So bad!
  8. [R16] NordVPN 5/5 · US This is great: I love nordVPN, it works really well and quickly and it hides my IP. It works really well
  9. [R5] NordVPN 1/5 · US Keeps blocking internet when paused: I’m unable to access the Internet when my connection is paused
  10. [R24] NordVPN 5/5 · US It’s good: Edit: they changed the UI, so I feel obligated to update this review. I’m also taking full credit for this change regardless if it played any part in it or not. Overall it’s genuinely a solid vpn service and I have no complaints about how it works., Why would you remove a button to disconnect from the vpn in one click? Now you have to click on pause and the last option lets you to di
  11. [R26] NordVPN 4/5 · US Finally: This 9.8.0 version finally gives you a single button to disconnect and reconnect. Thank you for listening.
  12. [R7] NordVPN 1/5 · US Complete waste of money: I am disabled and get $900 a month. I was expecting this to secure my devices and things kept escalating. I’m so sorry to leave. Love you, but I’ve tried every setting and even paid for the dedicated IP and no matter what it didn’t help. I just would like a refund and I would happily instantly change his review. I’ve given the opportunity. Thank you so much and God bless y
  13. [R11] NordVPN 1/5 · US Cannot connect in China, and there's no warning during top-up: Do not buy it. · translated
  14. [R19] NordVPN 1/5 · US Cannot connect, it keeps spinning. I even bought a one-year subscription. · translated
  15. [R33] NordVPN 1/5 · US All for youth: Download and pay for the app doesn’t tell you you’re not secure. My paranoia had me check you tube to tell you if you’re using a vpn. Wasn’t. Dude on a video told me what I had to do that Nord didn’t
  16. [R36] NordVPN 1/5 · US Refund: I only wanted to try your app out before I was charged a whole year of service when I wasn’t sure if I’d be using it in the next month. I filed my complaint with support. I haven’t heard/read from them.
  17. [R53] VPN Hotspot Shield 1/5 · GB Not working: The connections are down and cannot even reach support!
  18. [R25] NordVPN 1/5 · US Disappointed: I’m overseas and tried using nord to bypass geolocation and does not work. Wasted my money.
  19. [R47] NordVPN 1/5 · US What good is it?: Can not access YouTube TV overseas!
  20. [R17] 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
  21. [R23] NordVPN 2/5 · US Used to be good: Over the years I’ve noticed degradation in my phone functionality. When the vpn is on, I don’t receive calls or voicemails. It lags if my data traffic is too high and gets stuck loading an IP. Could be a combination of the new iOS and Nord changing how they do things
  22. [R38] NordVPN 2/5 · US Slows internet: NordVPN slows internet speed to 50%.
  23. [R51] VPN Hotspot Shield 1/5 · GB Doesn’t work for UAE: No suitable connection for UAE.. tried them all and no technical support Hotspot.
  24. [R55] VPN Hotspot Shield 1/5 · GB Not reliable enough: Works not so well in Europe when you are from the uk
  25. [R57] 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
  26. [R59] 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.
  27. [R42] NordVPN 1/5 · US Apple will not refund you: Despite having a 30 day satisfaction guarantee, if you buy nordvpn thru appstore, apple will not give back your money under any circumstance. Just buy the vpn from the actual site and they probably will honor the refund. Apple will just steal your money.

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