A free and reliable VPN service
Hotspot Shield VPN is a free VPN download available for your Android device. The beginner-friendly software program creates an encrypted tunnel that hides your computer’s IP address and gives you online privacy. It is suitable for streaming content, bypassing geo-specific restrictions, and blocking hackers and ISPs from tracking your online activity.
The Hotspot Shield VPN free download has over 3,000 servers spread across 80 countries. Owing to this, the company offers high speeds, irrespective of where you log in from. In addition to this, users who create an account on Hotspot Shield can link it with up to 5 devices. A few security programs that offer similar features include Free VPN, VPN 360, OpenVPN Connect APK, and Stark VPN APK.
What can users expect from Hotspot Shield VPN?
When you connect to the internet on a public network, your IP address and online activity are open to all. That means anyone lurking on the same network can easily see what you’re doing on the internet and steal your identity, data, and other important information. One way of protecting yourself from prying eyes is to download and use a VPN service like Hotspot Shield.
The free and beginner-friendly software lets you create a virtual private network, such that all your traffic goes through an encrypted tunnel. It ensures that all your data remains safe and protected against attacks. The security tool provides P2P file-sharing servers, shared ISPs, customer support, and an option to bypass restrictions placed by streaming sites and governments. With over 3,000 servers, the program offers high speeds and lets you connect to the internet safely.
What are the features of Hotspot Shield VPN?
One of the best parts about downloading Hotspot Shield VPN free is that it offers military-grade AES 256-bit encryption. In addition to this, the tool uses a key-based protocol that continues to change the encryption key so that your session is never compromised. Anytime you connect to the internet with Hotspot Shield VPN, you can rest assured knowing that your data and personal information are safe from hackers and other cyber attacks.
When it comes to connection speeds, Hotspot Shield VPN uses a protocol called Catapult Hydra. This protocol is designed to offer maximum speed without impacting security. It fixes all latency problems that often appear in OpenVPN protocols and IPsec. The security tool also gives users an option of over 3,000 servers and routers in 80 countries.
The Hotspot Shield VPN app supports P2P file-sharing, which means users can continue torrenting while knowing that their activity and IP address will remain masked. Furthermore, the software also lets users unblock streaming websites like Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus. That means users can bypass region-based restrictions placed by governments and watch content available in other countries.
Can I trust Hotspot Shield VPN?
When you download Hotspot Shield VPN app on your Android device, you’ll be able to mask your IP address from governments, internet service providers, and users on the same network. The VPN connection does a great job of hiding your online activity and letting you safely watch content available in other locations. However, the software does save a lot of information, including your email ID, connecting date and time, IP address, and more. The company also has its headquarters in the United States.
Is Hotspot Shield VPN free?
Hotspot Shield VPN app is free to download and has usage limits. The free version is also supported by advertisements. In case you want to get rid of these ads, you can subscribe to the app’s premium version and get access to additional features. The paid version of Hotspot Shield VPN download also doesn’t come with any data limits and removes all paywalls.
P2P Support and Torrenting Capabilities
Hotspot Shield VPN is a torrent-friendly service that offers seamless P2P support across all its servers. Users can easily download torrents using any of the available clients, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. There are no bandwidth limits or restrictions, ensuring an enjoyable experience for users who engage in torrenting activities.
Device Compatibility and Manual Setup
This VPN service offers extensive device compatibility, with apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. It also provides a command line app for Linux and a TV app for Amazon Fire TV or smart TVs with Google Play access. For users seeking to set up the VPN on other platforms like routers, Hotspot Shield has step-by-step guides on its support site for manual configuration.
Hydra Protocol and Encryption
Hotspot Shield uses its proprietary Hydra protocol, which is based on TLS 1.2 and employs AES-256 and AES-128 encryption, 2048-bit RSA certificates for server authentication, and Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman (ECDHE) for perfect forward secrecy. Although the code is not open source, the VPN service ensures that users’ data is protected using top-notch encryption technologies.
Privacy Policy and Logging Practices
The company’s privacy policy clearly states that Hotspot Shield’s VPN products do not log IP addresses, device identifiers, or any other form of identifier in combination with VPN browsing activity. However, some logging does occur, including the duration of VPN sessions, the bandwidth consumed, and the domains accessed in an anonymized manner. Although this information cannot be linked to specific VPN browsing activity, users should be aware of these logging practices.
Kill Switch Performance
Hotspot Shield’s apps feature a kill switch that prevents IP leaks by blocking the internet connection if the VPN connection drops. While tests showed that the kill switch works well in most common scenarios, some extreme situations revealed potential vulnerabilities, where the kill switch failed to activate and left the device unprotected.
Unblocking Streaming Services
The VPN excels in unblocking popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, and more. Users can gain access to Netflix libraries in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and Japan, as well as other platforms like BBC iPlayer, ITV, and Channel 4. Hotspot Shield’s impressive unblocking capabilities make it an excellent choice for streaming enthusiasts.
Customer Support and Knowledge Base
Hotspot Shield offers live chat support and a comprehensive knowledge base organized by platform and categories like Payments and Subscriptions, Manage Account, and Common Issues. The support team is friendly and knowledgeable, providing quick assistance when needed. Although there is room for improvement in the support site’s content, users can find most of the essential information and rely on live chat support for additional help.
Should I download Hotspot Shield VPN?
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use VPN service for your Android device, you should download Hotspot Shield VPN. The free security tool offers a range of features, along with high speeds and a beginner-friendly interface. The company has over 3000 servers in 80 countries, making it easy for users to find a fast connection.
In addition to this, the software lets users bypass restrictions placed by streaming platforms and governments. It also offers P2P file-sharing, 24-hour customer support, and military-grade encryption to protect your privacy online.
