A trusted VPN for security-savvy users
If you’re looking for a VPN that provides superior levels of anonymity and privacy when browsing the internet, Hotspot Shield has you covered. This security solution is developed by AnchorFree and offers an effective bundle of advanced functions that include anonymous browsing, faster and more stable connection, accessibility for geo-blocked sites, and more.
Available in free and subscription-based plans, Hotspot Shield has tailored packages to cater to the varied requirements of users. It functions similarly to other top-notch options like NordVPN and Turbo VPN. The best part is that it provides flexibility with its cross-platform support.
A superior choice with impressive features
Hotspot Shield is arguably one of the most effective VPNs currently on the market. As with any VPN service, several key metrics need to be addressed. This software has consistently scored higher than many of its competitors in terms of efficacy and security. With a connection that is more than twice as fast as some of its major competitors, it is an ideal choice for activities like video streaming, gaming, downloading, and conferencing. The free version, however, may have a slower connection than those of premium plans.
Additionally, its military-grade encryption system keeps cyber predators at bay and, thus, provides you peace of mind when making transactions that involve sensitive information. Its revolutionary Hydra Protocol masks the user’s IP addresses, leaving no trace of their internet traffic. It also has one of the highest malicious URL detection rates on the market. When we add other essential features, such as the ability to employ multiple server connections simultaneously, it becomes clear to appreciate why IT professionals opt for this bespoke privacy software.
Keeping the needs of the user in mind
Hotspot Shield is much respected for its user-friendly design. Its simple navigation system requires a single click for the service to work. In case a server fails, a kill switch will automatically activate so that the user’s device won’t revert to its original IP address. This mechanism prevents sensitive information from being compromised. Another great feature is its simultaneous connection to up to five devices. Plus, it has live technical support available 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
Aside from these features, it also provides more than 1,800 servers scattered in over 80 countries. This makes it easy for users to access geographically restricted content, giving you more expansive internet traffic. However, despite its sizable server network, it is slightly lagging behind CyberGhosts and NordVPN in terms of coverage, as the two VPN giants boast massive networks of 6,700 and 5,400 servers, respectively.
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.
A trusted provider to satisfy security needs
Hotspot Shield has been downloaded more than 600 million times, and it currently ranks as one of the top 50 apps across multiple platforms. While it is perfectly suited for development and IT professionals, it is just as useful for those who desire a superior sense of security when surfing the internet. It also prevents potential bandwidth throttling by your ISP. Despite some minor limitations, this VPN service is a highly beneficial option.
Gain unlimited, private access to all your favorite apps and websites, while advanced security protects you from online scams
Hotspot Shield is the most trusted VPN for internet freedom, security, and privacy, rated “by far the fastest VPN” by PCWorld. Whether you’re streaming videos, downloading, gaming, or using social media, you get unlimited access even where it’s restricted by public Wi-Fi content filters, ISPs, and other institutions that censor the internet. With unlimited data, you can access all your favorite content from all your devices as much as you want. Military-grade encryption ensures your personal information, including your IP address, remains private, while advanced security protects you from viruses and other online scams.
Hotspot Shield is fast, secure, easy to use, intuitive, and excels in every category. Independent IT-Security institute, AV-Test, rated Hotspot Shield as the #1 app for speed, security, and ease of use. This comprehensive test consisted of Hotspot Shield and 11 other VPNs, some of which were enterprise grade. Hotspot Shield was by far the fastest performing VPN tested, averaging 2x faster downloads than the competition. This is all made possible by Catapult Hydra, a proprietary VPN transport protocol. With over 30 patents, the unique technology optimizes multiple server connections that are stronger and faster over long distances, resulting in some of the fastest speeds available.
