Hotspot Shield Review
Detailed analysis of a speed-focused VPN with proprietary technology
Overview
Hotspot Shield is a US-based VPN service that's best known for its proprietary Hydra protocol, which delivers some of the fastest VPN speeds in the industry. Acquired by Aura in 2019, Hotspot Shield focuses on performance and accessibility, making it an excellent choice for streaming and gaming. While its privacy policies have faced scrutiny in the past, recent improvements have addressed many of these concerns. Hotspot Shield also offers a limited free version, making it accessible for casual users seeking basic protection.
Key Features
- 1,800+ servers in 80+ countries
- Proprietary Hydra protocol for speed
- Unlimited bandwidth
- 5 simultaneous connections (Premium)
- Free basic version available
- Auto-protection for unsecured Wi-Fi
- Smart VPN (split tunneling)
- Streaming optimized servers
Pricing
Free Plan
- 1 device only
- 1 virtual location (US)
- Limited to 2 Mbps
- 500MB daily data limit
- Ad-supported
1-Month Plan
- Premium features
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- 5 simultaneous connections
- Unlimited data
1-Year Plan
- Premium features
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- 5 simultaneous connections
- Unlimited data
- Save 38%
Security & Privacy
- Encryption: Military-grade encryption
- Protocols: Hydra (proprietary), IKEv2
- Kill Switch: Yes (desktop only)
- DNS: DNS leak protection
- Privacy Policy: Minimal logging policy
- Headquarters: United States (5 eyes alliance)
- Extra Features: Auto-connect, prevention of malicious sites
Pros
- Extremely fast speeds with Hydra protocol
- Free basic version available
- Good server coverage
- Reliable for streaming services
- User-friendly interface
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Consistent performance
Cons
- Based in the US (5 eyes alliance)
- Limited protocol options
- Only 5 simultaneous connections
- Higher price point than some competitors
- Free version has significant limitations
- Past privacy controversies
User Reviews
Trustpilot
Based on 4,800+ reviews
"The speed is simply incredible. I've used several VPNs and Hotspot Shield is the only one where I barely notice I'm using a VPN at all. Streaming works without buffering, and the app is simple to use. Worth every penny for the performance."
"I initially used the free version which was decent but very limited. The premium version is better but still has some issues connecting occasionally. The speeds are excellent when it works, but I wish they offered more simultaneous connections."
"Reliable service with some of the best speeds I've experienced with a VPN. The apps are intuitive and work well across platforms. My only complaint is the price - it's a bit higher than other options, but the performance might justify it for many users."