Rating: 4/5
Summary: Hotspot Shield is a fantastic VPN service which is easy to use, doesn’t impact internet speed and has numerous servers in more than 55 countries. It also unblocks most of the streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video in some cases.
Hotspot Shield VPN Review
Offers dedicated apps for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android, Hotspot Shield can be connected upto 5 devices at a time. It is known for its fastest speed when you wish to enjoy your favorite shows and play games online. It also offers a browser extension for Chrome. Their dedicated applications are user-friendly and minimalist. A single click and the VPN is connected for use.
Hotspot Shield has continuously been making improvements since past few years and has made its way into routers, Linux, and Smart TVs. It is also known for Catapult Hydra Protocol as its proprietary service which serves high speed. Moreover, a dedicated support team, unlimited bandwidth cap(Premium) and data encryption are some of the most important features.
- Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Hulu.
- Excellent connection speed
- Perfect secrecy with AES-256encryption.
- Works only with dedicated desktop and mobile apps of Hotspot Shield.
- Adblocker service is not available.
- Not compatible with gaming systems.
Features & Services Of Hotspot Shield VPN
| Number of servers(countries) | 80+ |
| Anti-Logging policy | Doesn’t keep usage logs but keeps other information like real IP address, email, username, mobile ID, etc. |
| Number of devices supported | 5 |
| USP | Catapult Hydra Protocol (maximizes speed) |
| Streaming services | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu |
| Encryption | AES-256 |
| Kill Switch | Yes (Automatic available only for Windows) |
| Platforms supported | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Routers, Smart TV |
| Payment method | Credit card |
1. Secures Your IP Address
Each one of us expects the VPN to hide our IP address and keep us away from cyber theft; Hotspot Shield is rightly working on the same. You can be sure of the fact that your digital steps will not be traced and your privacy is maintained online, whether connected to Public Wi-Fi or any other untrusted networks.
2. Fast Speed
This is one of the most exciting features and USP of Hotspot Shield. Driven by Catapult Hydra security, the VPN provides maximum speed with security. Users usually look for these two features in a good VPN and hence Hotspot Shield clears it with flying colors. An average speed of 63Mbps can be expected from the VPN.
3. Torrenting & Streaming Services
You would be pretty satisfied with the torrenting services where unlimited bandwidth and essential features support quickly downloading of files. And when streaming services are talked about, most of the servers can unblock Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ and Prime Video. Moreover, you can be sure of streaming HD videos as much as you like.
4. Device Compatibility
As we have learned that Hotspot Shield is making improvements in its services, it has made its way to not just Windows, Mac, Android, iOS but also with Linux, routers, Android TV, and Chrome extension.
5. Ease Of Use
Even if you are a newbie, you can easily navigate yourself to various options without the help of an expert. As you get the dedicated app for desktop or phone, the following instructions will help you to run VPN as well as access other options.
Is Hotspot Shield VPN Safe?
Yes. According to our research and usage, Hotspot Shield is safe to use, protects your privacy, saves you from identity theft and secures web session, online shopping data and personal information with its HTTPS encryption. The Hotspot Shield apps are known to keep your DNS intact, but there are chances that its Chrome extension may leak your DNS data when visiting some websites.
Does Hotspot Shield Keep Logs?
Hotspot Shield may not impress you with its logging policy. It doesn’t keep the logs of activities and websites you have visited. Still, it may disappoint you with logging of real IP address, network information, language, email address, username, operating system version and mobile ID.
Is there a free version of Hotspot Shield?
Yes! There is a Free and Premium version of Hotspot Shield. The free version provides a 500MB data limit, one virtual location, one device per account and military-grade encryption.
How Much Does Hotspot Shield Cost?
Where Free version provides limited options for safe browsing, Premium version provides 1Gbps connection speed, unlimited data, 115+ virtual locations, 24*7 customer support, malware protection and military-grade protection. Premium version is pretty affordable with $7.99 per month with 45 days money-back guarantee.
Verdict
We would say that Hotspot Shield is a good VPN with our rating 4 out of 5. The only major glitch we found is the logging policy or else its ease of use, torrenting & streaming services, 45 days money-back guarantee, military-grade encryption and affordable services are simply great. However, we do not recommend the free version, and one can try their hands using the Premium version only. If you still seek the alternatives, we recommend Cyberghost VPN or NordVPN.