A VPN with free and premium packages Hotspot Shield is a VPN, also known as a virtual private network, that can be used when browsing the Internet to give you privacy and anonymity. It turns a public network into a private network that protects your identity from third parties trying to track your data. It connects to a variety of servers, hides your IP address, and displays an option. It’s a popular way for companies to connect and for IT professionals to prevent access to hackers’ data and identity modes for (function () {(‘review-app-page-desktop’);}); Hotspot Shield or HSS has two users to choose from. There is a free mode that gives you access to a virtual website in the United States and is supported by ads. It offers standard solution but cannot be paired with popular streaming services. The second way to access VPN is through premium mode, which works by one month, one year or two years subscription. The features of the premium plan include an ad-free experience. You get access to over seventy virtual sites to choose from and high definition streaming. Once you are on the premium payment plan, streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and BBC iPlayer are not blocked, but you need to use the right servers. The speeds for the free version are x1, while the premium plans give you x4 speeds. Fast connections The speeds offered by Hotspot make it one of the fastest VPN devices. It uses its unique protocol called Catapult Hydra. In general, speeds slow down when using a VPN, but the connection stays fast and in some cases was faster than the connection without a VPN. Switching between connections is also fast. Clicking on a new location will connect you to the fastest server in seconds. There are frequently asked questions that support free users, while the paid subscription provides users with 24/7 customer support. You can connect five different devices to a premium account, which means you can use this VPN in different locations or share it with family members. Free members get the opportunity to test a premium account for free. HSS was created by AnchorFree, which is known for low latency products that promote safety. They have manufactured several other products, including a Chrome extension for Hotspot. It only encrypts browser traffic, while the entire VPN also affects the applications you use. Simple settings The interface for this VPN is neat, clean and easy to navigate with a large start button to connect you. You will see a clock showing the length of your connection, with the option to stop. There is a simple settings menu on one page that gives you access to everything you need, although advanced users may want more information. HSS is designed to connect when Windows starts. It finds your network that was last used, and if you are connected, you can switch to an alternative. Hotspot Shield is known for its security, which means it does not leak IP or DNS. They provide data protection through encryption and block phishing. The app also provides an automatic dead switch to protect your data if you lose your VPN connection for any reason. There are concerns about privacy and reporting policies.Even if they do not keep activity files, some data is recorded during your session, such as your IP address. There are concerns about the privacy and reporting policies of Hotspot Shield. Even if they do not keep track of activity records, some data is recorded during your session, such as your IP address, even if it is deleted at the end of the session. Since VPNs focus on privacy and anonymity, it’s surprising to see that Hotspot Shield does not offer an anonymous payment method, such as Bitcoin. Other options available Although Hotspot Shield has advantages, it may not be for everyone, you may want more control over the settings, or you may need something simpler. There are options on the market that can meet your needs if you are unable to use this VPN. An alternative comes from the same company AnchorFree, they created Betternet Free VPN, which is a service without data boundaries. Although the speeds are significantly lower than the premium version of Hotspot, they are free and easy to use. You do not have to register for an account, but click and link. If this is a premium package you are looking for, IPVanish is a viable alternative. This is an excellent option for fast connection speeds and privacy, and also offers multiple device connections, but does not work with all streaming sites. This allows you to use an anonymous payment method because Bitcoin is accepted. If you are looking for a similar package with both free and premium subscribers, but a clearer privacy policy, Windscribe may be your answer. Data extensions via this VPN are generous, and the settings give you some control over your options. However, you may find that the number of sites offered is limited as other popular and useful VPNHotspot Shield has more than 650 million users, which is a sign that they are doing something right. The choice of packages they offer is attractive, and the excellent selling point is the speeds you can get, which means that smooth HD streaming through a VPN is a reality. The lack of DNA leaks and access to streaming services undoubtedly contributed to its popularity. Overall, it is the user-friendliness and good customer service that make this product stand out. The latest version of the application has improved some issues experienced by users through some servers. An internal web server has been removed to resolve an issue with CVE-2018-6460. There was also a bug in the Hot Spot Shield that was reported and corrected.