Hotspot Shield VPN Review: Is it Secure? | Pricing, Features, and More

Keeping your online activities private is very important nowadays. Hackers, advertisers, and others may try to see what you do online. This review is about HotSpot Shield. It is a powerful tool that can protect your internet privacy.

HotSpot Shield was created by experts who wanted to help people browse privately. It uses strong encryption to hide your online activities from threats. HotSpot Shield is based in the United States which has good privacy laws.

HotSpot Shield has servers all around the world. You can use these servers to access any website or content from any country. Your real location stays hidden when you use HotSpot Shield VPN.

This full Hotspot Shield review looks at how well it works. It checks the speed, security features, ease of use, customer support, and cost. It also shows which parts of the world use HotSpot Shield the most and why people use it.

If you already use VPNs or are new to them, this review can help you. It thoroughly explains what is HotSpot Shield VPN. This way, you can understand if HotSpot Shield meets your needs for internet privacy.

Why Have So Many People Recently Chosen HotSpot Shield?

Maintaining complete privacy over your online activities is of utmost importance, and HotSpot Shield is one of the best choices for achieving this. It was created by experts who are genuinely committed to protecting internet privacy and freedom.

Experts who care about internet privacy created HotSpot Shield. It is based in the United States which has strong rules against snooping on people’s internet use.

HotSpot Shield uses very secure encryption. This hides everything you do online from hackers, advertisers, or anyone trying to spy. It never keeps records of the websites you visit, videos you watch, or files you download. Your private information stays completely secret.

HotSpot Shield is special because it is reliable and easy to use. Security experts carefully check all its safety features. They make sure there are no backdoor vulnerabilities. HotSpot Shield VPN has servers all around the world. You can access any internet content from any country. But your real location is hidden. No one can see or trace where you are.

It has user-friendly apps that work well on phones, tablets, and computers. The apps have automatic kill switches if your connection drops. HotSpot Shield VPN charges a reasonable monthly price.

Overall, HotSpot Shield VPN is a truly safe and easy way to browse privately. No company, hacker, or government can track what you do online. That’s why many people are choosing it lately.

Overall Rating: 3.7/5

Performance

Rating: 4.7/5

HotSpot Shield VPN keeps your internet very fast. You get quick, reliable connections. It has servers everywhere in the world. You can connect to a server close to you for top speeds. Your internet won’t be slow. Everything is fast with HotSpot Shield VPN on, just like not using a VPN. Videos, games, downloads – all lightning quick when connected nearby.

Security and Privacy

Rating: 4.8/5

HotSpot Shield VPN keeps you safe and private online. It never logs your activities – checked by experts. Very strong encryption locks up your data tightly. Its servers delete everything after each use. Being in the privacy-focused US prevents snooping. With no logs, strong encryption, auto-deleting servers, and that US location – your privacy stays 100% protected.

Features

Rating: 4.5/5

HotSpot Shield VPN has cool extras like split tunneling to help you choose which apps use the VPN. It also has a built-in speed test to find the fastest server. While it doesn’t have as many custom settings as some VPNs, it still includes lots of useful features overall. The tools give you flexibility and speed boosts.

Ease of Use

Rating: 4.6/5

HotSpot Shield VPN is incredibly easy to use and great for new users. The apps are simple and intuitive. It works on Windows, Macs, Linux, Android, and iPhones/iPads. Setting it up is very easy – just a couple of clicks. Most users have no trouble installing and using it on phones, tablets, or computers.

Customer Support

Rating: 4.5/5

HotSpot Shield VPN has excellent customer support. It has lots of helpful guides and tutorials. You can get live chat support 24/7 whenever you need help.

Value for Money

Rating: 4.4/5

HotSpot Shield VPN has different pricing options that are reasonably priced compared to others. The great security, privacy, and performance make it worth the price for many users.

Distribution of HotSpot Shield VPN Users

North America (30%)

Many people in North America want to keep their online activities private. There are news stories about companies misusing people’s information or the government spying on what citizens do online. So, people use VPNs like HotSpot Shield VPN to keep their internet activities secure and away from others.

North America has excellent, fast internet in most places. This makes it easy to use data-heavy services like VPNs without slowing down your connection or browsing experience.

Another significant reason people in North America use HotSpot Shield VPN is to access streaming shows, movies, and other online content that is usually blocked in their area. A VPN helps them bypass these location restrictions and watch whatever they want from wherever they are.

It’s like having a secret trick to access the full, open internet without any borders or limitations! The combination of privacy and access is a real game-changer for online freedom in North America.

Europe (25%)

In Europe, strict privacy laws like GDPR make people aware of data protection concerns. This drives them to use VPNs to protect their online activities.

Different laws across European countries control access to online content and services. So, people use VPNs to bypass these location restrictions by making it seem like they’re browsing from another country.

Like North America, Europe has widespread high-speed internet. This allows smooth VPN usage without slowing down performance.

Asia (20%)

In some Asian countries like China, the government blocks and bans many internet sites and services. VPNs are very popular there because they let people get around this strict censorship. With a VPN, they can freely access the open, unrestricted internet as it’s meant to be.

As more people get online in highly populated places like India and Indonesia, they become aware of privacy risks on the internet. They don’t want their activities tracked or exposed. That’s why they use privacy tools like HotSpot Shield VPN – to keep their browsing and streaming private, away from prying eyes and data collectors.

South America (15%)

Internet access keeps growing in South America. More people are online, and they realize the importance of privacy and security tools like VPNs.

In some unstable areas of South America, VPNs offer a secure way to communicate, protecting users from government surveillance and letting them access restricted internet content.

Other Regions (10%)

This covers areas like Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Oceania, where VPN usage could be driven by different reasons in each region. Some of these regions may have less developed internet, while others are more technologically advanced. This affects how widespread VPN adoption is.

People may use HotSpot Shield VPN to get around local censorship of websites and content, enhance their privacy from surveillance, or securely access entertainment from other countries.

The reasons for using HotSpot Shield VPN can vary a lot by region based on censorship levels, internet access, privacy laws, and technological development. But its encryption and ability to bypass restrictions while hiding your identity make it useful worldwide for both security and entertainment.

Features of HotSpot Shield VPN

No-Logs Policy

• Feature: HotSpot Shield VPN never keeps any records of what you do online. It follows a strict policy that prohibits data logs.
• Benefit: This ensures your private information and browsing history stays completely secret. No one can access or check what websites you visit. Keeps you totally anonymous.

Hydra Protocol

• Feature: HotSpot Shield VPN uses a proprietary protocol called Hydra. It encrypts your data strongly but is extremely fast.
• Benefit: Hydra keeps all your online activities secure with powerful encryption. But it also gives you blazing-fast internet speeds for streaming video or online gaming.

Split Tunneling

• Feature: This lets you choose which apps use the VPN tunnel and which apps don’t.
• Benefit: You can secure just certain online activities with VPN encryption. Other apps bypass the VPN for maximum speeds.

Kill Switch

• Feature: If the VPN disconnects, the Kill Switch immediately blocks all internet traffic.
• Benefit: This prevents any private data exposure by ensuring nothing goes online without the VPN encryption protecting it.

TrustedServer Technology

• Feature: HotSpot Shield VPN servers run only on RAM, not physical hard drives.
• Benefit: All server data gets wiped clean on every restart. No information ever gets written to a hard drive, eliminating data seizure risks.

Streaming Service Support

• Feature: HotSpot Shield VPN works seamlessly for streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ from anywhere worldwide.
• Benefit: You can access and watch your favorite shows and movies unblocked, no matter what country you’re in. No buffering or interruptions.

High-Speed Connections

• Feature: Despite robust encryption, HotSpot Shield VPN delivers super-fast download and upload speeds.
• Benefit: Get top security without performance drops. Perfect for data-heavy tasks like HD streaming, gaming, or transferring large files quickly.

Device Compatibility

• Feature: HotSpot Shield VPN has user-friendly apps for Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, and more devices.
• Benefit: Secure your entire internet browsing across all your phones, tablets, laptops, and computers with one HotSpot Shield VPN subscription.

How Fast Is HotSpot Shield VPN?

We all know what matters the most. The speed of a VPN. And this is how fast HotSpot Shield VPN is:

Web Browsing (91%)

With HotSpot Shield VPN, browsing the internet will feel just as fast and smooth as when you are not using a VPN at all. It’s designed to preserve around 91% of your regular internet speeds.

So websites load lightning-quick, almost exactly like they normally would. But with that small speed tradeoff, you get incredible online safety and privacy that keeps your activities fully protected. HotSpot Shield VPN gives you the best of both worlds – blazing-fast internet while ensuring your data stays locked down tight.

HD Streaming (78%)

Watching high-definition video requires good speeds. With HotSpot Shield VPN, you will still get 78% of your usual streaming speeds without the VPN, which is quite fast! While you might encounter slightly longer buffering times compared to not using a VPN, HD video streams should still play smoothly overall.

Online Gaming (88%)

Playing games online needs super-fast internet for fast reflexes and no delays. The great thing is that HotSpot Shield VPN maintains an impressive 88% of your usual gaming speeds, with speeds that are quick during online gaming, so you won’t even notice the slight difference from not using a VPN at all.  

Large File Download (70%)

The most demanding task is downloading really large files, which requires maximum bandwidth. With HotSpot Shield VPN, you can expect performance at 70% of your usual download speeds without a VPN. So, while those massive file downloads may take a bit longer with the VPN on, you can still download quite quickly while ensuring total security and privacy.

Speed And Performance

Here’s the overview of HotSpot Shield VPN’s speed and performance:

VPN Protocols and Speed

HotSpot Shield VPN uses different secure “languages” called protocols to talk to their servers. The proprietary Hydra protocol is incredibly fast yet still has very strong security. It’s the top choice for getting excellent internet speeds. They also have older protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2 which are reliable and private but not quite as blazing fast as Hydra. Still, you won’t notice much slowdown.

TrustedServer Technology

HotSpot Shield VPN created its own special TrustedServer tech that makes servers run only using RAM chips instead of hard drives. This boosts security a ton by automatically wiping all your data after every restart, leaving no traces behind. It also optimizes the servers to run faster by skipping the usual time-wasting steps of reading and writing to disks.

Server Load and Distribution  

If too many people use the same HotSpot Shield VPN server, it can create internet traffic jams that slow down your connection speeds. But HotSpot Shield VPN lets you easily see how crowded each server location is. You can then simply pick one with fewer users for a smooth, wide-open full-speed experience.

HotSpot Shield VPN’s massive server network spans the globe, so you can connect to whichever one is closest to where you are. Choosing a nearby server minimizes the distance your data travels for maximum quickness.

Performance For Specific Activities

HotSpot Shield VPN is specially optimized for flawless video streaming performance, giving you a direct high-speed connection to Netflix and other streaming services. You can binge-watch in beautiful crystal-clear HD or 4K quality without any frustrating delays, buffering, or interruptions.

For online gaming, their servers deliver lightning-fast, low-latency connections with super low ping times to ensure silky smooth responsive gameplay free of any lags, stutters, or choppiness. HotSpot Shield VPN also has dedicated servers optimized specifically for full speeds when downloading or torrenting large files.

Security Features Impact on Speed

While HotSpot Shield VPN’s robust security features like TrustedServer and their Kill Switch do create some minor technical overheads, their impact on overall connection speeds is negligible in real-world use. You get maxed-out security balanced with high-performance speeds.

Can HotSpot Shield VPN Unblock Netflix and Other Streaming Sites?

Yes, HotSpot Shield VPN works well for streaming Netflix and other sites with location blocks.

Specialized Streaming Servers

HotSpot Shield VPN has special servers just for streaming video that bypasses the VPN blocks and location restrictions put up by streaming platforms.

Consistently Unblocks Libraries

HotSpot Shield VPN can consistently unblock different Netflix libraries from countries all over the world. Even when streaming platforms try new ways to block VPNs, HotSpot Shield VPN quickly finds a workaround to keep those streaming servers working right.

Fast Streaming Speeds

With cool features like Hydra and server optimizations, HotSpot Shield VPN’s streaming servers give fast enough speeds for smooth HD and 4K video streaming with very little buffering. The HotSpot Shield VPN apps make it super easy – you simply pick the streaming server for whatever location you want to watch from.

Simple to Use And Unlimited Data Usage

No complicated setup is needed. And there are no data limits for how much you can stream through HotSpot Shield VPN. While no VPN can 100% guarantee access forever due to the back-and-forth with streaming sites, HotSpot Shield VPN is widely considered one of the most reliable choices based on actual user experiences.

So whether you want U.S. Netflix or Indian Hotstar or want to bypass any other region’s locks, HotSpot Shield VPN is an excellent pick for safe, buffer-free streaming.

HotSpot Shield VPN and Streaming Sites

HotSpot Shield VPN performs exceptionally well with various streaming sites by offering dedicated servers that are optimized for streaming. Here’s a table showing how HotSpot Shield VPN works with some popular streaming platforms:

HotSpot Shield VPN’s ability to bypass geo-restrictions on these platforms makes it an outstanding choice for those looking to access a wide range of content from different regions.

Pricing 

Additional Costs

• VAT/Sales Tax: Depending on your country, taxes like VAT may be added.  
• Payment Options: Major credit cards, PayPal, Bitcoin, and more are accepted.
• Money-Back: If unsatisfied, request a full refund within 45 days for any reason.

The basic plan covers all of HotSpot Shield VPN’s core features at a reasonable cost. Taxes may apply additionally based on your location. Opting for longer multi-year subscriptions unlocks excellent discounts compared to monthly pricing.

How To Install HotSpot Shield VPN?  

Windows

• Go to the HotSpot Shield website. Make an account. 
• Download the app installer for Windows.
• Open the installer file. Follow the instructions on the screen.
• Open the HotSpot Shield app. Log in with your account.

Common Problem: Connection keeps dropping.

Solution: Check your internet is stable. Turn off other VPN apps. Allow HotSpot Shield through the firewall.

Mac

• Go to the HotSpot Shield website. Make an account.
• Download the app installer for Mac.
• Open the downloaded file. Drag HotSpot Shield to the Applications folder. 
• Open HotSpot Shield from Applications. Log in with your account.

Common Problem: The app doesn’t open; it says “unidentified developer.”

Solution: Allow the app in System Preferences > Security & Privacy.

Android

• Open the Play Store app on your Android device.
• Search for “HotSpot Shield VPN” and get the official app.
• Tap Install. After installing, open the HotSpot Shield app.
• Log in to the app with your account.

Common Problem: Cannot connect or slow speeds.

Solution: Change the VPN server location or protocol in settings. Make sure you have good internet.

iOS

• Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
• Search for “HotSpot Shield VPN” and download the app.
• Once installed, open the HotSpot Shield app. 
• Log in using your account details.

Common Problem: VPN disconnects when the device screen locks.

Solution: Enable “Connect On Demand” in Settings > VPN to stay connected.

Linux

• Go to the HotSpot Shield website. Make an account.
• Open Terminal and enter the command for your Linux version.
• Follow the prompts to log in with the HotSpot Shield account.

Common Problem: Install errors due to missing files.

Solution: Update the system and install any missing packages first.

Routers

• Many routers support VPN installation directly.
• Check if your router model is compatible with HotSpot Shield VPN.
• Download the router firmware or app from the HotSpot Shield website.
• Follow their step-by-step instructions to set up a VPN on your router. Here is a detailed guide if you are still having problems configuring the VPN on your routers.

Websites Blocked

Some sites block VPN connections. To bypass:

• Change your VPN server location/city
• Turn on any “stealth” mode in the VPN settings 
• Clear browser cookies and cache
• Contact HotSpot Shield support for help

Are There Any Issues Of Device And Operating System Compatibility with HotSpot Shield VPN?

In general, reputable VPN providers like HotSpot Shield VPN aim to support the latest and most popular devices and operating systems across desktop and mobile platforms. However, there can occasionally be isolated compatibility hiccups, especially with older software versions or more niche device configurations.

• On Desktop: For desktop usage, we would expect HotSpot Shield VPN’s Windows and macOS apps to work smoothly on most modern hardware running updated OS versions.  
• On Mobile: On mobile, HotSpot Shield VPN’s iOS app should integrate seamlessly with newer iOS versions on updated iPhone/iPad models. Their Android app may require a reasonably recent Android OS version, as very old versions can sometimes cause VPN app issues.
• Linux Support: HotSpot Shield VPN provides a command-line tool for Linux users. While it should function well on mainstream Linux distros like Ubuntu, there could potentially be some quirks on smaller niche distributions.

Ultimately, any compatibility problems are likely to edge cases. However, it is still wise for users to quickly check HotSpot Shield VPN’s website for any compatibility advisories about their specific device/OS setup before subscribing. Their customer support could also verify full functionality.  

Overall, we would expect HotSpot Shield VPN to provide a relatively hassle-free experience across most mainstream and updated device platforms. However, due diligence on verified device support is prudent for any VPN service.

Servers And Locations  

Note: Server count and availability may change. Some countries have a limited number of servers for standard VPN use only.

Pros and Cons

Facing Issues Using HotSpot VPN?

HotSpot Shield VPN tries to give a smooth experience, but you may have issues sometimes. Don’t worry, there are ways to fix problems:

• Check Help Center: Look for guides about common problems and how to solve them.
• Contact Support: HotSpot Shield’s support team can help you fix issues through chat, email, or support tickets.
• Update the App: Make sure you have the newest version of the HotSpot Shield VPN app installed.
• Check Settings: Review how you have set up HotSpot Shield VPN to match recommendations. 
• Switch Servers: If connected to one location, try a different server for a fresh connection. You can check out this guide if you are having problems changing the location of your VPNs.
• Check Compatibility: Ensure your device and software work properly with HotSpot Shield VPN’s requirements.

The key steps are checking HotSpot Shield’s help guides, updating the app, verifying settings, and contacting their support team for help.

Why Use Third-Party Resellers For HotSpot Shield VPN?

While you can purchase HotSpot Shield VPN directly from their website, some users opt to buy through authorized third-party retailers or platforms. There are a few potential advantages:

• Bundle Deals: Resellers may offer HotSpot Shield VPN packaged with other VPN tools or online services at a discounted bundle price.  
• Exclusive Discounts: Resellers often negotiate special pricing for HotSpot Shield VPN, allowing customers to save money.
• Added Support: Resellers provide additional technical support for setup, configuration, and troubleshooting.
• Consolidated Comparison: Reseller platforms let you compare HotSpot Shield VPN’s features and pricing against other top VPN services, helping you make an informed decision.  
• Established Reputation: Well-known reseller platforms with positive reviews offer reassurance for purchasing.
• Promotional Offers: Resellers occasionally run special promotions or offers for HotSpot Shield VPN.

The main benefits are bundled pricing, exclusive discounts, supplementary support services, side-by-side comparisons, and limited-time promotional deals.

However, it’s important to purchase from a reputable reseller platform to ensure you receive a legitimate HotSpot Shield VPN subscription with full access to updates and support.

While HotSpot Shield VPN’s official website is a great option, authorized resellers can provide added value through unique offers, bundles, and excellent customer service for users seeking the best deal.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

In the end, HotSpot Shield is a great choice for online privacy and security. It keeps your internet activities completely private and anonymous. No company, hacker, or government can see what you do online.

HotSpot Shield uses very strong encryption to hide your data. It has a strict no-logs policy, so none of your activities are ever recorded. Its servers automatically delete all data after each session.

With servers all over the world, you can connect to any country. This lets you access any websites or content while hiding your real location. No one can trace where you are.

The apps are easy to use on any device like phones, tablets, or computers. Cool features like split-tunneling give you more control. And there are automatic kill switches if your connection drops.

Customer support is excellent if you ever need help. You can access guides or contact live chat support 24/7. Pricing is reasonable, with discounts for longer subscriptions.

While not perfect, HotSpot Shield provides top-level privacy and security. Your online activities stay safely hidden behind strong encryption and anonymity.

Whether streaming shows, gaming online, or just browsing – HotSpot Shield lets you do it all in total privacy. That’s why so many people continue choosing this powerful VPN solution.