Hotspot Shield vs ProtonVPN: The Speed Performance Showdown
Discover how the US-based Hotspot Shield and Swiss ProtonVPN stack up in speed. Which VPN delivers faster browsing and streaming for you?
Should You Switch to ProtonVPN?
Gain privacy with GDPR, no Cloud Act, and advanced security features
None significant
Switch to ProtonVPN for better privacy; ideal for privacy-focused users
At a Glance
US data laws
GDPR protected
Hotspot Shield
Contact
ProtonVPN
freemium
Privacy & Compliance Comparison
Critical data sovereignty factors at a glance
| Criteria | Hotspot Shield | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
Server Location | US (AWS), EU (optional) | CH, EU |
GDPR Compliance | Unknown | Full |
Open Source | ||
E2E Encryption | Optional | All plans |
Data Portability | Unknown | Full export |
CLOUD Act Notice
Hotspot Shield is a US company and must comply with CLOUD Act data requests, even for data stored in EU data centers. ProtonVPN is not subject to US jurisdiction.
Hotspot Shield
🇺🇸Aura

ProtonVPN
🇨đź‡ProtonVPN
US Data Storage
Data subject to US CLOUD Act and may be accessed by US authorities
EU Data Protection
Data protected under GDPR with EU-only data residency
Certifications & Compliance
No certifications listed
Reasons to Switch
- ✓12,000+ servers in 120+ countries for wide access
- ✓NetShield blocks ads, trackers, and malware
- ✓Secure Core routes traffic via privacy-friendly nations
- ✓Open source apps audited for transparency
Things to Consider
- !Potential learning curve with new features
- !Migration process may require time and effort
- !Some users may miss Hotspot Shield's unknown features
Migration Overview
Depends on data size and complexity
Quick Steps
Create your ProtonVPN account
Export data from Hotspot Shield
Import to ProtonVPN and verify
Other alternatives to Hotspot Shield
Ready to make the switch?
Start using ProtonVPN today and take control of your data privacy.


