Does Hotspot Shield offer dedicated IPs?

No, Hotspot Shield does not offer dedicated IPs.

Does Hotspot Shield have a warrant canary?

No, Hotspot Shield does not provide a warrant canary.

Does Hotspot Shield keep logs?

No, Hotspot Shield has a no-logs policy.

Does Hotspot Shield have a free plan?

Yes, Hotspot Shield does offer a free plan.

Is Hotspot Shield easy to use?

Yes, Hotspot Shield is easy to use, as indicated by its 'good' usability score from our expert review.

Is Hotspot Shield easy to cancel?

Yes, Hotspot Shield is easy to cancel.

What's the company location of Hotspot Shield?

Hotspot Shield is located in the USA. US data sharing and privacy laws can be intrusive, with authorities having the power to request user data. However, Hotspot Shield maintains a strict no-logs policy.

Does Hotspot Shield support torrenting/P2P file sharing?

No, Hotspot Shield does not support torrenting or P2P file sharing.

Does Hotspot Shield block ads and malware?

Yes, Hotspot Shield does block ads and malware.

Does Hotspot Shield have a kill switch?

Yes, Hotspot Shield does have a kill switch feature.

What encryption standards does Hotspot Shield use?

Hotspot Shield uses AES-256 encryption, a high-level security standard.

Hotspot Shield VPN Review

Q: Is Hotspot Shield secure?

Yes, Hotspot Shield is secure, using AES-256 encryption and providing DNS and IPv6 leak protection.

5 / 10Fair

Last updated at 03.11.2023 21:15

Editorial Team of BestVPN.fyi

Try Hotspot Shield Today!

"Experience high-level online privacy and security with Hotspot Shield's robust encryption and no-logs policy."

Pros & Cons

User-friendly interface
Supports up to 10 concurrent devices
Free plan
45-day money-back guarantee
No-log policy
Does not support P2P file sharing
Does not have a warrant canary
Limited payment options, with no support for cryptocurrencies and certain digital wallets

Quick facts

📱Devices (up to): 10
🖥️Servers: 800
🌍Available countries: 83
📍Company location: USA
🔒Logging policy: No logs
🎥Streaming: no
🌊Torrenting: no

Your Privacy Matters

7.99EUR / month

Coupon codes are not applicable

Start Free Trial

Subject to additional terms and conditions of Hotspot Shield.

Summary

Hotspot Shield stakes its reputation on its proprietary Hydra protocol, claiming that it provides superior speed compared to other VPNs. With a promise of supporting up to 1Gbps speeds, this claim is not without substance, as the service is reportedly capable of maintaining a seamless internet experience for activities such as streaming, gaming, and torrenting. The service boasts a robust network of 1,800 servers spread across 80 countries, enabling users to unlock content on various streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Disney+, YouTube TV, and ITV Hub. However, it is essential to note that these capabilities are limited to its premium version, as the free version of Hotspot Shield only supports 2 Mbps speeds, with a daily usage cap of 500 MB and access to just one server.

Hotspot Shield also brings to the table a variety of security features that include AES 256-bit encryption, automatic WiFi protection, split-tunneling, malware detection, and obfuscation capabilities. However, it is worth noting that the service has a history of data logging, which raises legitimate concerns about user privacy. The company claims to have made improvements in this area following its acquisition by Aura in 2020, but whether this is the case remains a subject of inquiry.

On the performance front, Hotspot Shield is reported to deliver outstanding performance, particularly when it comes to streaming. The premium version of the service, in particular, impresses with its combination of speed, security, and usability. However, some users may find the options for VPN configuration to be somewhat limited, which could be a drawback for those seeking more control over their VPN settings. The premium version, despite these limitations, offers value for its price. In contrast, the free version of the software is deemed suitable only for testing and not recommended for regular VPN use.

As we delve deeper into our review, we will explore all these aspects of Hotspot Shield, seeking to provide a comprehensive assessment of its strengths and weaknesses, and to discern whether it lives up to its promises and can hold its ground against other premium VPN services. We invite our readers to join us on this journey as we unravel the intricacies of this VPN service, with the ultimate goal of helping you make an informed decision about whether Hotspot Shield is the right VPN service for your needs.

Pricing, Trial, Money-Back Guarantee, and Cancellation

Hotspot Shield offers a free plan, providing an excellent opportunity to try their services before deciding to purchase. Their paid subscriptions are divided into multiple plans:

Monthly Plan: $12.99
Three-Month Plan: $12.99/month
Six-Month Plan: $12.99/month
Annual Plan: $7.99/month
Two-Year Plan: $7.99/month
Three-Year Plan: $7.99/month

Hotspot Shield has a transparent cancellation policy, allowing users to cancel their monthly plans at any time. It also provides a 45-day money-back guarantee, which is a significant advantage for those unsure about committing long-term.

Features

Hotspot Shield offers numerous notable features:

Kill Switch: This feature ensures your data stays secure by disconnecting your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops.
Split Tunneling: It allows you to route part of your traffic through the VPN while letting the rest directly access the internet, a feature that’s quite beneficial for those who don’t want their entire online activity affected by the VPN.
Concurrent Devices: The provider supports up to 10 concurrent devices, which is quite generous, considering the industry standard.
Encryption and Protocols: Hotspot Shield uses the reliable AES-256 encryption standard and supports both OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, but doesn’t support IKEv2 and L2TP. Additionally, it offers Hydra, its proprietary protocol.
Security Audits: The provider has been audited by third-party experts, adding another layer of trust in their security features.
Ad and Malware Blocker: Hotspot Shield provides an in-built ad and malware blocker, further enhancing online safety.

However, Hotspot Shield does not provide certain features such as Double VPN, Tor over VPN, and dedicated IP, which might be crucial for specific user needs.

Dedicated IP
No: Parental Controls
No: Split Tunneling / Bypassing
Yes: P2P Support
No: Ad and malware blocking
Yes: Bandwidth limits and data caps
Yes: Live Chat
Yes: Customer Service 24/7
Yes

Is Hotspot Shield Secure? Privacy & Logging

Hotspot Shield places a high emphasis on user privacy and security. Its no-logs policy ensures that user data is not stored or shared. The provider also includes DNS leak protection and IPv6 leak protection, ensuring that your online activities remain private.

However, it’s important to note that Hotspot Shield does not provide a warrant canary, a mechanism used by some organizations to signal that they have not been served with a secret government subpoena.

Encryption
aes-256: OpenVPN
Yes: WireGuard
Yes: IKEv2/IPsec
No: Hydra
Yes: Config File Generators
No: Kill Switch Feature
Yes: No Logs Policy
Yes: DNS Leak Protection
Yes: IPv6 Leak Protection
Yes: Double VPN / Multi-Hop Feature
No: Server Obfuscation
No: Independent Security Audits
Yes: Warrant Canary
No

About Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield, a USA-based VPN provider, is recognized for its network reliability and ease of use. It hosts about 800 servers across 83 countries, making it a reasonably extensive network. Its reputation score stands at a solid 9, indicating a high level of trust from its user base.

Headquarters
USA: Founded in

Apps & Platform Support

Hotspot Shield supports all major platforms, including Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, and Linux. Additionally, it provides a Chrome extension for seamless browsing. However, the provider does not currently offer extensions for Firefox and Edge browsers.

iOS
Yes: MacOS
Yes: Android
Yes: Chrome
Yes: Firefox
No: Windows
Yes: Linux
Yes

Reviews from Elsewhere

Hotspot Shield enjoys good ratings on various platforms. It has an excellent score of 4.8 on Trustpilot, based on 665 reviews, and has a decent score on the Android Playstore and iOS App Store, standing at 4 and 4.5, respectively.

Trustpilot Rating
4.8 (out of 665 reviews): Google Play Store Rating
4 (out of 1570000 reviews): iOS App Store rating
4.5 (out of 199700 reviews)

Torrenting and P2P Support

Unfortunately, Hotspot Shield does not support P2P connections, including torrenting. This might be a significant drawback for users who frequently engage in P2P file sharing.

Payment Methods

Hotspot Shield offers the standard range of payment options, including PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. However, it does not support any of the prominent digital payment methods such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, or cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.