Hotspot Shield
A fast consumer VPN with a free ad-free tier and its own Hydra protocol.
- Verified facts
- 4 of 4
- Alternatives ranked
- 5
- Approved reviews
- 0
- Visits sent from here
- 0
About Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield is a long-standing consumer VPN, now owned by Pango (part of Aura). It uses its own Hydra protocol, which it promotes for speed, alongside WireGuard and IKEv2. The free Basic tier is limited to one device and fewer locations, while Premium unlocks the full network, more devices, streaming support and extra security tools depending on plan. Features include a kill switch and split tunnelling. It has had privacy criticism in the past, and the core Hydra protocol is proprietary, so privacy-focused users tend to prefer audited, open-source rivals. Pricing is subscription based with a 45-day money-back guarantee when bought directly. Apps run on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome and smart TVs. It suits people who prioritise speed and simplicity, and those who want a no-cost VPN for light use.
Best for: Speed-focused users who want a free tier and a long refund window.
Pros and cons
What works
- Free tier without ads
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Fast Hydra protocol
Why people leave
- Hydra protocol is proprietary
- Past privacy controversies
- Free tier limited to one device and fewer locations
Top Hotspot Shield alternatives
See all 5- 1
Proton VPN66.5Free tier with no data cap and open-source, audited apps.
- 2
TunnelBear62.6Beginner-friendly app with a long record of public audits.
- 3
ExpressVPN59.6Similar speed focus with its own open-source Lightway protocol.
- 4
CyberGhost VPN57.2Also offers a 45-day refund on long plans.
- 5
Windscribe55.3Free plan with more locations and open-source desktop app.
Why people left Hotspot Shield
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Hotspot Shield: common questions
Is Hotspot Shield free?
Hotspot Shield has a free plan and paid plans. Free plan: Yes, 1 device (checked on Hotspot Shield's own site).
Is Hotspot Shield open source?
No, Hotspot Shield is not open source. Open-source alternatives include Proton VPN and Windscribe.
What platforms does Hotspot Shield run on?
Hotspot Shield is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android and Browser extension.
What are the best alternatives to Hotspot Shield?
The highest-ranked Hotspot Shield alternatives right now are Proton VPN, TunnelBear and ExpressVPN. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.