Hotspot Shield Reviews
Read unbiased Hotspot Shield reviews from 40 verified users to discover if it's the best choice for you. Hotspot Shield is currently ranked #7 in the vpn industry with an average star rating of 4.0 and sentiment score of 59%. Keep reading to learn more.
Hotspot Shield
TrustScore
78
Very Good TrustScore (out of 0 to 100)
Industry Rank
#7
Out of 16 tracked companies
Industry Standing
62.5%
Solid performance among 16 companies
Sentiment Score
59%
Customer overall sentiment score
Average Rating
4.0
Star rating out of 5
Total Reviews
40
Last updated: 2025-01-26 21:19:16
Industry Comparison - VPN
| Company | Rank | TrustScore | Rating | Sentiment | Reviews | Market Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HideMe VPN | #1 | 87 | 4.6 | 70% | 46 | 7.2% |
| PrivateVPN | #2 | 84 | 4.6 | 59% | 247 | 7.1% |
| PureVPN | #3 | 82 | 4.5 | 55% | 536 | 7.4% |
| Private Internet Access | #4 | 82 | 4.5 | 56% | 159 | 6.6% |
| Surfshark | #5 | 82 | 4.5 | 59% | 1,819 | 10.1% |
| IPVanish | #6 | 79 | 4.3 | 53% | 325 | 6.7% |
| TorGuard | #7 | 78 | 4.2 | 52% | 45 | 6.0% |
| ExpressVPN | #8 | 78 | 4.2 | 51% | 1,745 | 9.4% |
| Hotspot Shield | #9 | 78 | 4.0 | 59% | 40 | 6.0% |
| NordVPN | #10 | 76 | 4.2 | 47% | 2,911 | 11.4% |
In the VPN industry, HideMe VPN leads with the highest trust score of 87%, performing 20.1% above average, while HideMyAss has the lowest trust score of 31%, 57.2% below the industry average. HideMe VPN has the highest sentiment score of 70%, and NordVPN has the most customer feedback with 2,911 reviews.
Industry Average Rating
3.8
Industry Average Sentiment
48%
Industry Total Reviews
8,328
Hotspot Shield Trust Score
0
out of 100
Rating Score (40% weighted)4.0 / 5
Sentiment Score (60% weighted)59%
TrustScore is a combination of 1 to 5 star rating (40% weighted) and -1 to 1 sentiment score (60% weighted) to provide an accurate and comprehensive measure of customer satisfaction. Learn more.
Hotspot Shield Sentiment Overview
Total Reviews
40
Positive
83%
33 reviews
Neutral
0%
0 reviews
Negative
18%
7 reviews
Hotspot Shield Customer Reviews
Hotspot Shield customers are most satisfied with Security (90%) and Support (80%), while being most critical of Support (45%).
Reviews by Category
Positive Feedback
Security
Keeping up on cyber security is hard but not with hotspot shield keeping up on cyber security is hard.
Support
Never use this service gervie m their customer representative technical support team.
Support
They should send any email confirmation if there is any charge and should have call support.
Negative Feedback
Support
From past experience customer support has always been a disaster in most circumstances for me.
Most Recent Hotspot Shield Reviews
Positive Reviews
Effective VPN, and support is great. It's the only VPN that I've found to work where I live (Uzbekistan) -there may or may not be...
J Bryant
(Problem resolved now) Hotspot shield took a payment without authorisation. . Edit: I have been fully refunded before i received a reply. Im happy with...
Stephen
Best VPN so far. . I've tried other VPNs but Hotspot Shield, is the best one I've tried so far. I remember one time I...
Andrei Ganeb
Negative Reviews
Customer service endless runaround. Currently on Day 4 of trying and failing to get ahold of a human — thus far by chat, email, and...
Em Vee
Awful in every way! And it just gets worse. . . . Awful in every way! Speeds are slow, support is non-existent and the prices...
Andrew Maher
Subscription Price sneaked up x9. Subscription sneaked up on me from 12. 99 to 95. 99 very quietly with literally little improvement in fact the...
Alfred Saad
The sentiment analysis above has highlighted customer feedback at scale. The Hotspot Shield review below provides an expert take at the features that matter most to help you decide if this company is the right choice for you.
Company Overview
Hotspot Shield is a VPN provider known for its proprietary Hydra protocol, which delivers exceptional speed and security. It holds a strong market position, catering to millions of users worldwide with a focus on privacy and streaming capabilities. The company differentiates itself with innovative technologies, such as its Catapult Hydra protocol, which optimizes data transfer to minimize latency and maximize performance.
Industries
Cybersecurity
VPN Services
Digital Privacy
Target Audience
Frequent travelers who need secure connections on public Wi-Fi.
Streaming enthusiasts who want to access geo-blocked content.
Privacy-conscious individuals looking to protect their online activities.
Unique Selling Points
Proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol ensures faster and more secure connections compared to traditional VPN protocols.
Wide server network spanning over 80 countries allows seamless access to geo-restricted content.
User-friendly interface with one-click connectivity makes it accessible for both beginners and advanced users.
Pricing Plans
| Plan Details | Free Plan $0/N/A Renews at $0/N/A The Free Plan offers basic VPN services with limited features and bandwidth, suitable for casual browsing. It provides access to a single server location and includes basic encryption for security. Best For: This plan is best suited for users who need occasional VPN access for light browsing and are not concerned about speed or advanced features. It is ideal for individuals testing VPN services before committing to a paid plan. No Free Trial N/A | Premium Plan $12.99/monthly Renews at $12.99/monthly The Premium Plan offers unlimited bandwidth, access to all server locations, and advanced features like streaming and torrenting support. It is designed for users who require high-speed, secure, and v... Best For: This plan is ideal for regular VPN users who prioritize speed, security, and access to a wide range of content. It is particularly suitable for streamers, gamers, and individuals requiring secure browsing. Free Trial 45-day money-back guarantee | Family Plan $19.99/monthly Renews at $19.99/monthly The Family Plan extends the benefits of the Premium Plan to up to 25 devices, making it ideal for households or small teams. It includes all premium features and additional device support. Best For: This plan is best suited for families or small teams who need VPN access on multiple devices. It is ideal for households with heavy streaming, gaming, or browsing needs. Free Trial 45-day money-back guarantee |
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| Payment & Billing | Payment Methods: N/A Currencies: N/A Billing Cycles: N/A | Payment Methods: Credit Card PayPal Google Pay Currencies: USD EUR GBP Billing Cycles: Monthly Annual | Payment Methods: Credit Card PayPal Google Pay Currencies: USD EUR GBP Billing Cycles: Monthly Annual |
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Free Plan
$0/N/A
Renews at $0/N/A
No Trial
N/A
The Free Plan offers basic VPN services with limited features and bandwidth, suitable for casual browsing. It provides access to a single server location and includes basic encryption for security.
Best For:
This plan is best suited for users who need occasional VPN access for light browsing and are not concerned about speed or advanced features. It is ideal for individuals testing VPN services before committing to a paid plan.
What's Included
- Basic encryption
- Access to one server location
- 500MB daily data limit
- Basic malware protection
What's Not Included
- No access to premium servers
- Limited speed
- No streaming or torrenting support
- No customer support priority
Hidden Costs
- Limited bandwidth may require upgrading for heavy usage.
- Advertisements displayed in the free version.
Payment & Billing
Payment Methods:
N/A
Currencies:
N/A
Billing Cycles:
N/A
Free Extra Features
- Basic malware protection
- Access to the Hotspot Shield app
Premium Plan
$12.99/monthly
Renews at $12.99/monthly
Free Trial
45-day money-back guarantee
The Premium Plan offers unlimited bandwidth, access to all server locations, and advanced features like streaming and torrenting support. It is designed for users who require high-speed, secure, and v...
Best For:
This plan is ideal for regular VPN users who prioritize speed, security, and access to a wide range of content. It is particularly suitable for streamers, gamers, and individuals requiring secure browsing.
What's Included
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Access to 80+ countries
- Streaming and torrenting support
- Advanced malware protection
- No ads
- 24/7 customer support
- High-speed connections
- Multiple device support (up to 5)
What's Not Included
- No dedicated IP
- Limited to 5 devices
- No enterprise-level features
- No custom server configuration
Hidden Costs
- Auto-renewal unless canceled
- Additional charges for optional add-ons
Payment & Billing
Payment Methods:
Credit Card
PayPal
Google Pay
Currencies:
USD
EUR
GBP
Billing Cycles:
Monthly
Annual
Free Extra Features
- Advanced malware protection
- Ad-free experience
Family Plan
$19.99/monthly
Renews at $19.99/monthly
Free Trial
45-day money-back guarantee
The Family Plan extends the benefits of the Premium Plan to up to 25 devices, making it ideal for households or small teams. It includes all premium features and additional device support.
Best For:
This plan is best suited for families or small teams who need VPN access on multiple devices. It is ideal for households with heavy streaming, gaming, or browsing needs.
What's Included
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Access to 80+ countries
- Streaming and torrenting support
- Advanced malware protection
- No ads
- 24/7 customer support
- High-speed connections
- Support for up to 25 devices
What's Not Included
- No dedicated IP
- No enterprise-level features
- No custom server configuration
- No business-specific tools
Hidden Costs
- Auto-renewal unless canceled
- Additional charges for optional add-ons
Payment & Billing
Payment Methods:
Credit Card
PayPal
Google Pay
Currencies:
USD
EUR
GBP
Billing Cycles:
Monthly
Annual
Free Extra Features
- Advanced malware protection
- Ad-free experience
Hotspot Shield is a solid choice for individuals and families looking for a fast, secure, and user-friendly VPN. While it may not cater to advanced users or businesses, its performance and ease of use make it a great option for everyday needs.
Total Cost Calculator
Pricing Plan
Cost Breakdown
Premium Plan Plan
Monthly Cost$13/month
Total Cost over 3 Years
Year 1$96
Year 2$96
Year 3$96
Total after Year 1
$96
Total after Year 2
$192
Total after Year 3
$288
Optional Add-ons
- Dedicated IP address
- Family plan upgrade
Extra Costs not Included
- Auto-renewal unless canceled
- Additional charges for optional add-ons
Explore Features
Feature Preferences
Select your feature requirements. Must-have features are essential for your needs, while nice-to-have features are beneficial but not critical.
Hold Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (Mac) to select multiple features
Monthly Budget Range
Select your preferred budget range. This helps us find plans that fit your financial requirements.
Recommended Plans
Select features to get plan recommendations
Hotspot Shield Competitor Comparison
Select the features that are important to you. This will help us match competitors based on your needs.
Adjust how much you want to consider price in the comparison.
Features OnlyBalancedPrice Focused
Competitor Rankings
ExpressVPNBest Match
ExpressVPN is a premium VPN provider known for its strong security features and fast speeds. It offers a user-friendly interface and supports a wide range of devices.
Match Score: 0%
ExpressVPN is more expensive, with plans starting at $12.95 per month compared to Hotspot Shield's $12.99 Premium Plan.
Key Differences: ExpressVPN uses its proprietary Lightway protocol for enhanced speed and security, while Hotspot Shield relies on the Catapult Hydra protocol. ExpressVPN offers a larger number of server locations but at a higher price point.
When to Choose: Choose ExpressVPN if you prioritize a larger server network and advanced security features.
When Not to Choose: Do not choose ExpressVPN if you are looking for a free plan or a more affordable option.
NordVPN
NordVPN is a popular VPN service offering strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and additional features like Double VPN for enhanced security.
Match Score: 0%
NordVPN's pricing starts at $11.99 per month, slightly lower than Hotspot Shield's Premium Plan.
Key Differences: NordVPN provides specialized servers for activities like torrenting and streaming, while Hotspot Shield focuses on overall speed and performance. NordVPN's Double VPN feature adds an extra layer of encryption.
When to Choose: Choose NordVPN if you require specialized servers and advanced security features.
When Not to Choose: Do not choose NordVPN if you prioritize speed over additional security layers.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN with a focus on streaming and privacy. It offers pre-configured profiles for different use cases.
Match Score: 0%
CyberGhost's pricing starts at $12.99 per month, matching Hotspot Shield's Premium Plan.
Key Differences: CyberGhost provides pre-configured profiles for streaming and torrenting, while Hotspot Shield offers a more straightforward approach with fewer customization options.
When to Choose: Choose CyberGhost if you want pre-configured profiles for specific activities like streaming.
When Not to Choose: Do not choose CyberGhost if you need a free plan or prioritize speed.
User Feedback
Signup Process Difficulty
Easy
Time: The signup and installation process typically takes less than 10 minutes. Users can start using the VPN immediately after installation.
Required Technical Knowledge: No advanced technical knowledge is required. The process is straightforward, and the interface is designed to guide users through setup and usage.
01
Visit the official Hotspot Shield website.
02
Choose a plan and create an account.
03
Download and install the application on your device.
Watch Out For
Payment issues during checkout
Compatibility issues with older devices
Delays in receiving confirmation emails
Common Praise
Users appreciate the high-speed connections enabled by the Catapult Hydra protocol.
The intuitive user interface makes it easy for beginners to use the service effectively.
The ability to bypass geo-restrictions for streaming services like Netflix and Hulu is highly valued.
Common Complaints
Some users report inconsistent speeds during peak usage times.
The free plan includes advertisements, which can be intrusive for some users.
Limited customization options for advanced users seeking more control over settings.
Success Stories
A frequent traveler used Hotspot Shield to securely access public Wi-Fi networks without compromising sensitive data.
A family of five successfully used the Family Plan to stream content on multiple devices without interruptions.
A small business owner leveraged the VPN to protect their online transactions and communications from cyber threats.
Potential Deal Breakers
The lack of a dedicated IP option in standard plans may deter business users.
Advertisements in the free plan can be a major deterrent for casual users.
Inconsistent speeds during peak hours can affect user experience.
Final Verdict
Hotspot Shield is a reliable VPN service offering excellent speeds and robust security features, making it a strong choice for streaming, gaming, and secure browsing. Its proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol ensures efficient data transfer, while its user-friendly interface caters to users of all experience levels. However, its free plan comes with limitations, and advanced users may find the lack of customization options restrictive.
Hotspot Shield Pros
- Proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol ensures high-speed connections.
- Wide server network with access to geo-restricted content.
- User-friendly interface suitable for beginners.
- 45-day money-back guarantee provides peace of mind.
Hotspot Shield Cons
- Advertisements in the free plan can be intrusive.
- Limited customization options for advanced users.
- Inconsistent speeds during peak usage times.
Recommended For:
Hotspot Shield is ideal for individuals and families seeking a fast and secure VPN for everyday use. It is particularly well-suited for streaming enthusiasts and frequent travelers.
Not Recommended For:
Hotspot Shield may not be suitable for users who require advanced customization options or dedicated IP addresses. It is also not ideal for businesses seeking enterprise-level features.
Hotspot Shield is a solid choice for individuals and families looking for a fast, secure, and user-friendly VPN. While it may not cater to advanced users or businesses, its performance and ease of use make it a great option for everyday needs.
Frequently Asked Questions