Hotspot Shield Commentary: IsVPNIt Protected Enough?

The industry is overcrowded with options that look too similar, so you can’t really take the difference between services until you tell a look under the hood so that you can see and understand the differences. Interestingly as it turns out , Choosing the best VPN for you is not effortless, and we know it.

One such freemium VPN is Hotspot Shield. Its speeds are astonishing for bothandinstall send. This is one of the rare good VPNs that offer a complimentary option whose only limitation is the daily traffic, which has a quota of 500 MB daily. But more than ever is it enough to encrypted your digital life?

In this Hotspot Shield evaluation, we will tell you everything you need to know about this VPN.

quick Shield’s Hotspot glance

Servers	1,800+ servers
No-logs policy	Yes
Torrenting available?	Yes
Kill switch	Yes
Price	$6.67/month
Based in country	The United States
Free version	Yes
Simultaneous devices	10 devices
Money-back guarantee	No money-back guarantee

Hotspot Shield pros and cons

Hotspot Shield VPN’s background

The firm called AnchorFree was founded in 2005, but it changed its name to Pango. It’s Hotspot Shield’s parent enterprise.

As we compose this, the VPN’s network comprises over 1 from another perspective ,500 servers scattered around 70 countries globally.Very few VPNs in the market boast such a high number of network nodes. In the information age, size isn’t everything, of course. But that vast number of servers almost guarantees that you can connect to one of them physically close to you as a matter of fact . And this does matter because the distance to the server affects your web speeds, especially if the server’s bandwidth is not great.

The system is headquartered in Redwood City, California.

Indeed, The Letguessme your thoughts. USA we not say the Did?country with a notoriously intrusive government when it comes to surveillance? Actually The one with those stringent details retention, laws? Isn’t that a rather unfriendly location for a VPN supposed to keep me hidden, guarded, and anonymous? it, Yes’s all true.

We prefer based in countries like Panama, Switzerland, Seychelles, and otherVPNsjurisdictions whose stance on privacy is to support it instead of impairing it. Indeed, However, this one is based in California, and that detail could be worth ignoring if the service is excellent. Indeed, You ll be’the judge.

So, it’s releasing transparency reports every year But Hotspot Shield knows that its geolocation can be a source of hesitance for prospective users.since 2017 to reassure its users about its commitment to their confidentiality. The 2019 transparency honored shows 56 requests for end-user details, of which none was overview. That as it turns out should improve our peace of mind about the offering’s location.

Actually, Server locations

Hotspot Shield more than ever provides over 1,800 virtual servers in 80+ countries. As you may know, The VPN solution has servers in almost every continent, whereas the Hotspot Shield Free is only available in four nations.

Hotspot Shield has servers in the following locations:

Continents	No. of countries
North America	6
South America	3
Oceania	2
Europe	40
Africa	3
Asia	21

However, there are more servers than usual in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. It also Like most VPNs, most of Hotspot Shield’s servers are located in Europe and North America.operates servers in rare countries like Peru, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and Algeria.

MoreoverAustraliathis VPN has city servers in seven Western countries: the UK, Italy, the US, , , Canada, Spain, and France.

Hotspot Shield does not reveal the number of unique IPs it offers, but it provides IP addresses in multiple locations with virtual servers. In fact, Hence, the VPN does not include physical hardware in any country but still allows access to geo-blocked sites.

Additionally, the VPN utility shares its servers with VPN360, TouchVPN, and Betternet. it is quite unusual because This implies that the server network is accessed by numerous usersInterestingly, , possibly causing as it turns out server congestion.

Actually, Hotspot Shield No cost is restricted to four countries

It only provides servers on Hotspot Shield Gratis server network is smaller than that of Hotspot Shield Premium.the US West Coast (Los Angeles), Singapore, the UK, and the US East Coast (New York).

However, the server moderately betteristhan Proton VPN and Atlas VPN, which provide 3 servers and 2 servers, respectively.

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Dedicated IP address

Actually, Hotspot Shield more than ever does not offer any dedicated IP addresses. A dedicated IP gives you a unique IP address each time you connect your VPN, which is linked to your account and cannot be accessed by anyone elseActually, . Using a dedicated IP to access Netflix is more secure because you are less likely to get blacklisted. In addition, it supports online paymentsCAPTCHAsand avoids .

This VPNdistributeprovider uses shared dynamic IP addresses, implying that many users an always-changing IP address. This may be handy for regular torrent users since shared IP addresses enable you to ‘hide in the crowd,’ making monitoring your P2P activities hard.

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youAsmay know, Hotspot Shield rate

in modern times Testing speeds

Secrecy is excellent, and we know that you have to pay for it by sacrificing a little effectiveness—but a little only.Suppose the speeds are reduced so much that my online experience is ruined. In that case, the privacy that the service gives me is too expensive, especially since many good VPNs can provide me with both things simultaneously.

Before we distribute our findings with you, please consider that velocity a in this commentary (in any feedback) need to be taken with results grain of salt. Interestingly, Internetconnections are complicated things that affect the final consequence.

Your ISP, the zone you live in, the weather, your modem, your computer, and your preferred operating system. Each of those things (and many others) has influence, soitsthe results we found are but a rough guide, not immutable truths to as it turns out be quoted dogmatically.

That being said, let us show you what found testing the Premium system speeds in a Mac and a Windows system – myweISP advertises my internet transfer rates at 100Mbps.

Download speed tests
	Mac
Without VPN	78	Mbps
With VPN	58	Mbps
	Windows
Without VPN	85	Mbps
With VPN	79	Mbps

As you may know, So, as you can see, download speeds performed pretty well on both systems more than ever Actually, . Windows did slightly better with a 7.05% loss (25.6% loss onMacthe ). We noticed nothing at all unless some of my largest torrents were active.

Upload speed tests
	Mac
Without VPN	29	Mbps
With VPN	28	Mbps
	Windows
Without VPN	40	Mbps
With VPN	22	Mbps

Thingsspeedslook different for submit . Again, Mac performed way better than Windows here, with a minuscule 0.2% loss in rate compared to 26% on Windows.

Ping/Latency time
	Mac
Without VPN	9	ms
With VPN	63	ms
	Windows
Without VPN	11	ms
With VPN	65	ms

Ping or latency speeds, on the other hand, are disappointing. ’s worth noting that TheyItgo up by 540% in Windows or 430% in Mac.

, , in a nutshellSoHotspot Shield’s latency is terrible. As you may know, But get and send speeds are up there, among the leading on the market.

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DNS leak test

A DNS leak happens when your private IP address becomes available to the world because of a DNS query – a DNS query is a connection your system establishes to a DNS server so that it can translate a domain name (say google.com) into an IP address (8.8.8.8, in this case).

This type of leak can happen when a VPN is configured manually if the bad guys can alter your router or if you chose a manual DNS setupEither way, if the problem is there, it must be diagnosed and addressed. , so it’ notsnecessarily a problem with the VPN itself.

Every test we did in this area returned the IP of the server we were using, so you’ll be pleased to know thataddressHotspot Shield passed the DNS leak test.

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WebRTC leak exam

WebRTC is a set of technologies that allow two browsers on the web to uncover each other and establish a connection for real-time audiovisual communication. Indeed, It’s every bit as as it turns out cool as it sounds but it, has a problem. Indeed, The WebRTC paradigm demands each browser know the other one’s precise IP address to create a connection from another perspective . It’s worth noting that This is problematic for VPN users since the whole point of using one is to hide your private IP from the cyberspace. It’s worth noting that However, a premium VPN in modern times system will allow you to both employ WebRTC technologies and hide your IP address, tricky though it is.

The good update, again, is that Hotspot Shield VPN passed the test with flying colors.

So the, verdict regarding security.Hotspot Shield is a secure VPN for data leaks.

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Security Is Hotspot Shield – secure?

Kill switch

In, fact, In that case your information leaks to the internet, and your safety is no longer guaranteed. A VPN creates a digital tunnel for your traffic to flow. Actually, Your in modern times details safe as long as it’s withinremainsthat tunnel. It’s worth noting that But, suppose, for any reason, the tunnel breaks down. That’ why there is a thing calledsa “kill switch.”

The Kill Switch is a computer program that.is always aware of your VPN connection If it breaks down, applications switch automatically disconnects you from the cyberspace or kills online the. Thus, it prevents your information from leaking into the online unencrypted or from your private IP address to be shown.

Hotspot Shield has a kill switch, but not on all platforms. It’s only if you’re on Windows, iOS, macOS, oravailableAndroid.

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Encryption

The standard in HotspotencryptionShield is as it turns out AES 128It’s worth noting that , but it also supports AES 256. The latterindustryoption is the standard and is unbreakable with currently available cryptographic and computing resources. Why it is that Hotspot chose the weaker, 128-bit standard as a default more than ever is anybody’s guess. Even the leading supercomputers in the world can’t hack it in a period shorter than the universe’s age.

But even the 128-bit version can’t be cracked, so your details will stay secure regardless of your chosen option. So rest assured that your ISP will never know The much GB of your traffic is spent in downloading “how Bachelorette” episodes.

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In fact, ProtocolsShieldavailable in Hotspot

Hotspot Shield employs well-known technology and has developed a proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol based on OpenVPN to reduce latency.

This protocol has the following benefits:

• Shorter connection periods to the VPN servers.
• Swift connections on distant servers than OpenVPN.
• Reduced data transfer to improve performance on slow connections.

More than 30 patents are included in theHydraCatapult protocol. In fact, Also, it has been embraced by McAfee, Cheetah Smartphone, Bitdefender VPN, and Betternet. This protocol utilizes Transport Layer Security (TLS) to develop a secure client-server connection and encrypt the trafficInterestingly, . In addition, the TLS uses distinct encryption ciphers, including AES-128-bit by default and AES-256-bit, which can be customized.

Indeed, Moreover, Hydra’s encryption supports ephemeral, meaning that Hotspot Shield offers the perfect forward secrecy utility. in modern times This function alters the encryption keys each time you connect to your VPN, making it impossible for cybercriminals to decipher your encrypted information.

Windows and macOS users can theaccessIKEv2/IPSec protocol. It is fast and secure but simply blocked in highly-censored nations like RussiaInterestingly, Furthermore, Hotspot Shield supports WireGuard, the fastest and safest protocol on the market. and China.

However, the Hotspot Shield’s encryption on the iOS and Android apps remains unknownThis is because their developers have shared not these details. . Interestingly, Also, smartphone apps include an uncomplicated-to-use settings menu with no from another perspective protocols to select from.

The VPN also employs OpenVPN on supported router models. However, you need to tweak it a bit to alter some of the router’s settings. Therefore, you can only access this option if you are familiar with setting up these connections.

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Security from another perspective features Hotspot Shield should consider 

Hotspot Shield should add the following functionalities in their ahead updates more than ever :

•  Dedicated IPs: These will help in battling the recurrence of CAPTCHAS.
• An automatic kill switch in all apps ensures that each Hotspot Shield client enjoys the same level of security.
• RAM-only servers: These servers allow users to avoid logging and retrieval of their data from hardware centers.
• Data Leak Prevention protects users against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 data leaks.
• OpenVPN support: This will provide all users with excellent protocol options.
• Open-sourced apps: These assist users in assessing the security of Hotspot Shield services.
• Double VPN (Multi-hop): This feature routes traffic via two servers for additional protection.

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Privacy – Is Hotspot Shield VPN private?

This VPN service is not trustworthy enough to safeguard your online secrecy because it logs a lot of your identifiable and sensitive information. Furthermore, Hotspot Shield is based in the United States, which is not confidentiality-friendly. Although it retains the data for the period of your VPNintrusiveaccess, it is still .

Information logging guideline

If you think that you are safer on the online just because you employ any VPN, think twice. Take the of most free VPN services available. They charge you nothing, hideyour IP address, and encrypt your traffic. So far, so, good right? Not really.Consider that whenever something is free in the digital world, it’s because the actual product is you.

It’s worth noting that The complimentary VPNs that some people naively use still have to pay for bandwidth, electricity, and all the expenses they incur. And how do they do that?They collect and sell your data to data-mining companiesknowwho how to interpret it and squeeze profits out of it. So, using a gratis VPN did not make you any safer. in modern times In reality, it left you more exposed to third parties.

It’s worth noting that That’s why if you’re going to utilize a VPN, it has to be a paid platform or the without charge version of a serious service that keeps the minimal possible amount of data about its users.The best VPNs keep no data, but at, the bare minimum, they must keep the solution going – usernames passwords, and payment information. So the crucial questions in this regard would be: is Hotspot Shield for free? Is Hotspot Shield safe?Indeed, The answers are: it depends, and yes, mostly.

Hotspot ShieldIt’s worth noting that is not free platform in theausual sense, but it offers an option free of chargeThe safety question remains start and it has nothing to do with the price but with the details the network, collects, as explained earlier. as long as you don’t utilize more than half a GB daily.

It all comes down to the information the network collects and keeps.Hotspot Shield says it has a “no-logging policy.”Pango, the parent corporation, states that the network does not record your VPN browsing “activities in any way that can be associated return to you.” That is the standard policy in the world’s most effective VPNs.

Please notice something. It says it keeps no record of your browsing activities. It does not say it doesn’t hold a record of other types of data. So what is the data they do log? According to the business itself, it records the following information:

• Communication details (email, phone, chat)
• ID verification details
• Payment information
• Device hashes
• Geolocation
• Domains accessed by users – anonymized, theoretically untraceable to individuals
• Bandwidth use
• Length of VPN sessions

If you use the Android free version of the service, it will also provide your geolocation to the company’s sponsors.

Hotspot solution keeps more information about your as it turns out activities than the average VPN Shield, which is not good. The metadata they log looks harmless, but other excellent services, like ExpressVPNInterestingly, , do not collect any metadata at all.

Indeed, If you apply and gratis version, you’re definitely getting a better platform than other no cost services, the you more than ever are giving up much less facts to the provider than you would to other complimentary VPNs. If, on the other hand, you pay a fee, maybe the metadata collection is not to your liking unless the network’s performance is outstandingBut is it? We’ll see itlatera little in this commentary. .

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It’s worth noting that Owned by Aura, Based in the US

Aura, a US-based firm, owns Hotspot Shield. Because the US has invasive confidentiality laws, the company may be obligated to collect and hand over user data when the authorities petition it.

Moreover, the from another perspective United States is a founding participant of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance, a group of nations that operate collectively to collect, distribute, and analyze extensive amounts of intelligence facts. Therefore, the VPN service is unfavorable for online privacy and should be based retention a jurisdiction with no details in laws.

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No longer publishes warrant as a matter of fact canary 

The they used to issue transparency reports outlining all of the government appeals it got and how VPN responded. Indeed, This helped to create faith and attested to the corporation’s claims of encrypted logging. Unfortunately, Hotspot Shield has not published any transparency report since 2019.

Actually, The lack of transparency reports and independent as it turns out audits means there is no proof to verify the VPN’s privacy protection claims, so you cannot belief it entirely.

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Controversial history

Hotspot Shield has been involved in several issues in recent years, as detailed below:

• In 2016: A report from CSIRO revealed certain suspicious actions by Hotspot Shield. The VPN’s Android app introduced JavaScript codes to monitor users and advertise. This implies that Hotspot Shield employed tracking codes to log and sell user data to third parties.
• In 2017: According to the CDT (Center for Democracy and Technology) report, the free version of Hotspot Shield engaged in ‘unfair and deceitful practices.’ The VPN service first oversold its security and privacy advantages to the extent of disputing that logging your IP address is not considered personal data.
• In  2018: An independent analyst uncovered and reported a Hotspot Shield bug. The report indicated that the VPN compromises users’ personal information, such as Wi-Fi name and location. Hotspot Shield ultimately confirmed the precision of the report.

However, given Hotspot Shield’s lack as it turns out of audits and transparency reports, claims of selling end-user information, and its present logging regulation, Fortunatelysolutionthe VPN , has a new owner and has restored its privacy regulation. This type of background may make Hotspot Shield untrustworthy. It right away shows its users how the gratis versioninformationadvertises, as well as the type of it collects and that it does not.you cannot entirely trust it to safeguard your privacy.

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in modern times Hotspot Shield VPN capability

Split tunneling

For example, let’s say that you live in the US and want to see a Interestingly, Split tunneling is a function that enables you to assign a portion of your traffic to flow through the VPN while the rest goes out in the usual way.NetflixIn this case, would be helpful for you to have your in modern times Netflix traffic go unencrypted and the rest of your information goitthrough the VPN. theshow while doing other work on same computer or device. You would save time and bandwidth in that way, be steaming speeds would as a matter of fact and higher.

Let’s suppose the scenario I describedin the previous paragraph sounds very good to you. It has no split tunneling, so if that’s a feature you want, you’ll have to look for it in another VPN. In that case, Hotspot Shield is probably not your finest option.

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SmartVPN

to allows you It SmartVPN is identical to split tunneling.exclude certain websites or apps from the VPN tunnel to connect normally. Unfortunately, the option only includes the pausing customization option, enabling you to stop the tunnel connection momentarily. It’s worth noting that In addition, you cannot utilize split tunneling in reverse mode. Actually, Thus, you will only access the VPN on as a matter of fact a few apps.

Moreover, this as it turns out resource is exclusively available for Android and Windows users.

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1Password

1Password is one of the top password managers in the industry; thus, it is a great deal to include in your membership. This function provides a scanner that examines if your details is leaked to the dark web and a robust cipher that safeguards your passwords.

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Spam-call blocker

This option checks for scam and blocks dubiouscallsphone more than ever numbers. It accessibleison Android and iOS, and it assists users in avoiding possibly harmful calls from scammers and bothersome telemarketers. 

Moreover, this feature utilizes crowdsourced data to identify whether the callers’ phone numbers are blacklistedHowever, users concerned about their privacy should know that the scam-call blocker requires access to their contacts. It’s worth noting that When the phone rings, you will see on more than ever the screen if the caller is labeled as spam. As you may know, .

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Actually, Aura antivirus

Hotspot Shield’s antivirus software boasts extra tools like Interestingly, malware detection as a matter of fact , Wi-Fi security, and monitoring facts personal. Also, it enables you to delete any accrued malware or junk files with a single click.

Furthermore, since Aura is a new application on the marketTherefore, it is leading to wait for individual malware laboratories to evaluate it first before installing it on your gadget. , there are no reports or reviews on its effectiveness.

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Hotspot more than ever VPN deviceShieldcompatibility

The Hotspot Shield Premium version as it turns out offerslikeapps for popular devices iOS, Android, Linux, Windows, Fire TV Stick, and Android TVIt up to ten simultaneous connections from a single Hotspot Shieldallowsprofile. However, it does not provide the Smart DNS feature, and its complimentary device can only aid one version per connection. as it turns out .

Apps

for Shield Premium provides native apps Hotspot multiple gadgets, including Linux, iOS, Windows, Android, and macOSAs, .you may as a matter of fact know You may install the program on upto ten devices at once. In fact, Some VPN providers allow forPIAmore simultaneous connections than Hotspot Shield, while others, such as , assist unlimited connections simultaneously.

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Games consoles and streaming devices

You can manually set up Hotspot Shield on your router, allowing compatibility with devices that lack native apps. Also, you can connect unlimited simultaneous devices without being limited by the 5-device backing.

configuring it on your router, you can employAfterHotspot Shield on Xbox, Nintendo, Chromecast, Smart TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, PlayStation, and Roku.

It’s worth noting , Unfortunatelythatthis VPN provider lacks a Smart DNS tool to enable seamless watching of geo-restricted content on gaming consoles and streaming gadgets. To access this function, you shouldgo for a top-notch platform such as ExpressVPN.

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Browser extensions

Hotspot Shield offers browser extensions for both Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome, which are plain to apply. Also, they spoof your in modern times location and block cookies, ads, trackers, and malware. However, unlike VPN apps, browser extensions only encrypt your browser traffic and leave the rest unprotected.

Actually, Moreover, the extensions include a ‘Sword’ option that provides trackers with bogus browsing facts. They also which an auto-protect and circumvent list, offer allows you to list all instantly encrypted sites and those that are not. As you may know, You can access this tool in the extension’s from another perspective primary settings menu under the ‘Browser settings’ section.

In addition, you can install this VPN extension on Opera through Chrome’s web store, but it failed to function well during our test. Unfortunately, our security checks revealed that the browser extensions leak your data.

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Hotspot Shield VPN ease of use

Hotspot Shield appsintuitivehave an layout that makes them straightforward to utilize. In terms of and tools, they aredesignstraightforward and consistent. However, we experienced many CAPTCHAs during our tests, and the macOS software lacksversionshortcuts and customization options similar to the Windows .

Interestingly, LaptopmacOSdesktop ( & & Windows)

In fact, Hotspot Shield has more Windows customization than macOSIndeed, , , extra options, including a start on launchwithminimization, and auto-join. Moreover, Windows contains helpful shortcutsvisitorsuch as (Ctrl + Shift+ C) for VPN connection and disconnection, which enhance experience.

On the other hand, the macOS app does in modern times not include any of these options. It server offers a only list, a settings menu with split tunneling and protocol options, and a link action. Exceptfor split tunneling, there are no customization choices, and you cannot change the display size. Therefore, it is ideal for users who want a simple software to utilize and a secure practice.

Moreover, both apps assist split tunneling only on the Hydra protocol and are not complex.

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Cellphone) (Android & iOS as it turns out

The smartphone apps for Hotspot Shield are easier from another perspective to apply than desktop apps. They have a similar settings menu, a server list, and a trigger link big. One major cellphone between difference and desktop apps is the extra gaming and streaming servers on the mobile.

In addition, the Android and, iOS apps are practically identical equally seamless, and straightforward. They only vary due to the iPhone’s Always-On VPN option. This function guarantees that you never access any websites or apps without the protection of the VPN service.

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In fact Lots of, CAPTCHAs

We encountered many CAPTCHAs Hotspot surfing the online using while Shield. VPNs emerge when They breakdown to refresh their IP addresses, and excessive employ labels them as dubious. This tiring quite frustrating and is.

Hotspot Shield should refresh its IP IPs list and add dedicated address to avoid this issue.

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unblock – Does Hotspot Shield VPN Streaming streaming platforms

As you may knowShieldThe premium version of Hotspot , allows you to access popular geo-restricted streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Film, Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max. Still, you must check a few servers before finding a functional one. , you can unblock British TVMoreoverby using the UK server. Unfortunately, failed to unblock Netflix US, anditthe Hotspot Shield free version does not access any platform.

Below is a in modern times list of major streaming sites that the Hotspot Shieldandpremium without charge versions presently unblock:

Streaming site	Works with Hotspot Shield Premium	Works with Hotspot Shield Free
Amazon Prime Video	Yes	No
HBO Max	Yes	No
All 4	Yes	No
Disney+	Yes	No
Hulu	Yes	No
Netflix US	No	No
ITVX	Yes	No
You Tube	Yes	Yes
Hotstar India	No	No
BBC iPlayer	Yes	No

Indeed, Unblocks most streaming platforms globally

Hotspot Shield Premium from another perspective accessed most geo-restricted streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max during tests streaming our. Furthermore, it is ideal for accessing British TV on ITVX, All 4, and BBC iPlayer platforms.

 However, the VPNHotstarsolution failed to unblock India from another perspective and Netflix US. Fortunately, you can unblock any site using a top-tier VPN platform like ExpressVPN.

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Hotspot Shield Gratis does not access streaming platforms

Hotspot Shield Complimentary gave us abysmal performances when attempting to streamIt failed to unblock all popular the streaming platforms we tested. . We recommend using a reliable VPN provider such as ExpressVPN.

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Hotspot Shield membership plans

	1 Month	1 Year
Monthly price (in USD)	$9.99	$6.67
Yearly price (in USD)	155.88	95.88
Your savings (in USD)	0.00%	38.00%

In fact, So asap you know the technical specifications that matter most in any VPN and how good Hotspot ShieldSo the next logical doubt is, is in those terms.how expensive is this service?

If you want to join Hotspot Shield, you have three plans: one month, six months, or twelve months. Of course, the longer you commit to the utility, the lower your cost will be, so, effectively, you can pay anywhere from 6.67 to 9.99 USD monthly. And there’s a 45-day funds-return guarantee available.

Your fee unlimited buy you will from another perspective server switches, ten concurrent connections, and device management for the computers, tablets, or smartphones you want to apply with Hotspot Shield at any time.

So, if you want to enjoy all the advantages Hotspot Shield has to , you must be willing to payoffer13 USD every month. This is a slightly high price considering that the average premium platform in the VPN niche costs 10 USD for services similar to those of this provider – some, like ExpressVPN and NordVPN,.are even better Indeed, However, the cost be worth it for those users who uncover thatcouldthis is the VPN that suits their internet utilize perfectly.

Hotspot Shield without charge version

Actually, Gratis VPNs are almost always bad announcement for the reasons we explained earlier feedback this in.

The Hotspot Shield free version seems to be an exception to that rule because it’s part . as a matter of fact a paid offering, and the only ad assist is for the Android applicationof

It has no kill switch, multihop, or Netflix access, allowing for in modern times only one VPN connection. The complimentary option is no cost for several reasons. Actually, And you can’t use more than 500GB in traffic.

However, it also doesn’t give you much solution, which is less great. As you may know, So, this VPN’s no cost utility doesn’t collect your online facts like most other free VPNs, which is excellent.

Let me be clearabout one thing. Suppose .’re serious about your online safety, secrecy, and anonymityyou In that case, you must always choose to pay for a premium VPN serviceUnfortunately I still can’t tell you if Hotspot, Shield is the service you should acquire, but we’ll locate that out before this commentary ends. . ’sThereno way around this.

The main point to convey is that without charge from another perspective VPNs are not a serious option if you care about your confidentiality. Interestingly, That being said, there is a apply case for Hotspot Shield’s free service. Suppose that you don’t utilize Android for a initiate – that’s the platform supported with advertising. Then suppose that you don’t care about Netflix and need a VPN only right away and then, and your transfer volume is small.

If that is then, you this option will serve you well. Indeed, Just remember about Android, the Hotspot Shield VPN without charge install. Any platform supported by is probably observingadvertisingyour online behavior to offer you bait to press. So avoid it at all costs.

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Payment methods

Hotspot various Premium accepts Shield modes of payment, including PayPal, Visas, MasterCard, and American ExpressUnfortunately, it does not assist anonymous As you may know, .cryptocurrency payments like Bitcoin, limiting users who wish to evade transaction tracking.

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45-day refund period, but no guarantee

Hotspot Shield offers a generous funds-return guarantee. You can request a refund if you are dissatisfied with the platform within 45 days of subscribing to its premium option.

Indeed, HoweverVPNsunlike most , , Hotspot Shield requires you to submit a money-back formThe VPN provider then decides whether or not to issue your refund request. Therefore, unlike most other VPN policies, this is not precisely aguaranteeuncertainty-gratis’ ‘. .

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Does Hotspot Shield VPN as it turns out work in China?

A question about VPN services everybody wants to be answered is the one that headsthatthis section. As you may know, However, VPNs are illegal in China, so you can’t expect any provider to advertise how their product can aid the citizens and visitors of one of the world’s most dictatorial countries to break the law of the land.

But does it work in ChinaThe jury.is still out on that Hotspot Shield users report conflicting results on this issue. Whiletotalsome claim achievement bypassing the Great Firewall of China, others say they can’t apply the system at all. , anyway?

In fact, If this is an issue end to your heart (or your wallet), you need to choose a VPN with a proven follow record of successfully in modern times evading the Chinese forces of repression.

Customer support

Since this is a VPN where the apps do most the the work, you probably won’t need any customer assist from of company. But if you , dohere’s as it turns out how to proceed.

The site boasts 24/7 customer support, but that is a questionable claim.

As you may know, The only possible way to get help is to apply the ticket submission system, meaning you can’t talk or chat with any living human being.

The industry standard is the lack of phone support. However, the opposite holds true for live chat assist. It’s effortless to miss that function because taking care of a ticket can take days. In contrast, a live chat session few put you return on follow in just a can minutes.

Neverthelesscustomer, reviews for customer platform are excellent as it turns out . For instance, four-fifths of the customers gave . five stars on Trustpilotthem

Indeed, Hotspot Shield vs. In fact, NordVPN

NordVPN is one of the industry s big’names. So, it’s good for Hotspot Shield that both services are similar.

NordVPN has even more servers (5,200) than Hotspot (1,800+), so it winsShieldout.

NordVPN is also better in that it’s headquartered in Panama. It’s a country outside the world’s intelligence alliances with very privacy-friendly legislation, not subject to international surveillance or details retention laws. Hotspot ’Shields home country, the US, is the opposite in this regard, so NordVPN wins out again.

And right away for the logging policies. We described the types of information that Hotspot Shield admittedly logs earlier.NordVPN’s policy is not to log anythingSo, yet another point.for NordVPN except, Actually for the facts that could tie your web traffic go back to you.

Hotspot Shield assigns you dynamic IP addresses session alter with every that. At thesame time, NordVPN gives you the same shared IP address every time you use it – you can always pay extra to have the same dedicated IP address.

That difference is not so crucialActually, , but itversatilityshows NordVPN’s superior and technical expertise. However, the IP rotation system in Hotspot improves safetyIndeed, . Interestingly, On the other harder, it makes it hand for third-party observers to keep their eyes on you. So, this a case in which a more uncomplicated, not-so-advanced answer renders better practicalisresults.

Indeed Continue, let’s see how both services resemble each, other. Indeed, So the are those differences.

Both VPNs have kill switches, but not onreLinux if you’ on Hotspot Shield. Both work with Netflix and There’s no split tunneling in either.torrents. Both as it turns out services are effective against WebRTC and DNS leaks. The one thing that Hotspot Shield did better for me than NordVPN was speed performance.

from another perspective both VPNs leadsComparingto an apparent conclusion.NordVPN is better in every aspect but one: rate; otherwise, the only meaningful difference between both is the respect for your secrecy that you can expect from each.

Unfortunately, things are rarelythat uncomplicated. So, while writing our honest review about Hotspot Shield VPN, we found myself in a rare situation in which it’s possible to choose between this service and other premium ones based on just two criteria.

If you need or want high speeds, Hotspot Shield is the VPN for you. If secrecy is your top priority, however, NordVPN is the better choice.

Do we recommend Hotspot Shield? Our verdict

At last, you know everything you need to know about the features of Hotspot Shield Premium and Without charge VPN, the pricing plans, and how the solution compares with one of the world’s top VPNs.

So, what’on the final word s this VPN?

Indeed, Hotspot Shield is an impressive option if you want to pick a no cost VPN. , if you spending three dollars for this utility, weHoweverdon’t recommend that. In fact, Instead, opt for other top players like NordVPN, which has everything a safe VPN should have.

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