Want online freedom without someone snooping on your every move?
You need a VPN, but choosing the right one can be tricky.
This post explores the 11 best alternatives to Hotspot Shield, focusing on top-notch security, blazing speeds, and real value.
We’ll explain their features, pros, and cons so you can find the perfect VPN to keep your digital life private.
Ready to take control?
Let’s dive in!
What are the Best Hotspot Shield Alternatives?
You want a VPN that’s safe, fast, and easy to use. We get it.
That’s why we tested many VPNs to find the best ones.
Check out our list to see which ones beat Hotspot Shield!
1. NordVPN (⭐️4.8)
NordVPN is a solid choice for online privacy and security.
They have a huge server network.
This means you have lots of options for getting around those pesky geo-restrictions.
Plus, they don’t keep any logs, so your online activity stays private.
You can use it on tons of devices simultaneously.
Pretty handy, right? Overall, NordVPN is a reliable and user-friendly VPN service.
Unlock its potential with our NordVPN tutorial.
Also, explore our VyprVPN vs NordVPN comparison!
Our Take
NordVPN gets a 9/10 because it offers a fantastic combination of security, features, and ease of use. The massive server network and strong security features make it an excellent choice for most users
Key Benefits
- Massive server network: Boasts over 5,500 servers in 60 countries.
- Strong security: Uses AES-256 encryption and a variety of security protocols.
- Specialty servers: Offers dedicated servers for streaming, torrenting, and extra security.
- Strict no-logs policy: They don’t track your online activity.
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Plenty of time to try it risk-free.
Pricing
- Basic: $3.39/month – 1GB of free eSim Data, Secure, high-speed VPN.
- Plus: $4.39/month – 5GB of free eSim Data, Secure, high-speed VPN.
- Complete: $5.39/month – 10GB of free eSim Data, Secure, high-speed VPN.
Pros
Cons
2. Surfshark (⭐️4.5)
Surfshark is a really cool VPN.
It’s super affordable, especially if you go for a longer subscription.
They have a bunch of features, like split tunneling and a kill switch.
These help keep your data safe and secure.
Plus, they have this awesome thing called “CleanWeb” that blocks ads and trackers. No more annoying pop-ups!
They also allow unlimited simultaneous connections.
Not bad, huh? Overall, Surfshark is a great value VPN with some excellent features.
Unlock its potential with our SurfsharkVPN tutorial.
Also, explore our VyprVPN vs SurfsharkVPN comparison!
Our Take
Surfshark VPN is popular because it offers an outstanding balance of features, security, and price. It’s a fantastic choice for budget-conscious users or those who need to connect multiple devices.
Key Benefits
- Unlimited simultaneous connections: Connect all your devices!
- Affordable price: Great value for your money.
- Strong security features: Includes AES-256 encryption and a kill switch.
- Fast speeds: Good for streaming and downloading.
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Plenty of time to try it out.
Pricing
All the Pricing Billed Annually.
- Surfshark Starter: $1.99/month + 3 Extra months
- Surfshark One: $3.19/month + 3 Extra months.
- Surfshark One+: $15.145/month
Pros
Cons
3. Proton VPN (⭐️4.0)
If you’re really serious about privacy, Proton VPN is worth checking out.
They’re based in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws.
They also offer a free version, although it’s limited.
Unlock its potential with our Proton VPN tutorial.
Also, explore our VyprVPN vs Proton VPN comparison!
Our Take
Join over 100 million users who choose Proton VPN for ironclad online security. With 13,000+ servers spanning 120+ countries and speeds boosted by up to 400% with VPN Accelerator, you can browse, stream, and game with unparalleled privacy and performance.
Key Benefits
- Strong focus on privacy: Based in Switzerland with a strict no-logs policy.
- Secure core servers: Adds an extra layer of protection.
- Free version available: Try it out before you buy.
- Open-source apps: Transparency and community-driven development.
Pricing
- Proton Free: $0.00/month.
- VPN Plus: $4.99/month.
- Proton Unlimited: $7.99/month.
Pros
Cons
4. FastestVPN (⭐️3.8)
The name kinda gives it away, right?
FastestVPN is all about speed.
They have servers all over the place, and they’re designed to give you the fastest connection possible.
Plus, it doesn’t break the bank either, which is always a bonus.
Unlock its potential with our FastestVPN tutorial.
Also, explore our VyprVPN vs FastestVPN comparison!
Our Take
FastestVPN is popular because it delivers on its promise of fast speeds. It’s a good option for performance-critical tasks like gaming and torrenting.
Key Benefits
- Fast speeds: Fully optimized for performance.
- P2P optimized servers: Good for torrenting.
- Affordable pricing: Offers competitive plans.
- 15-day money-back guarantee: Try it risk-free.
Pricing
- Exclusive Offer: $0.83/month
- 1 Month Plan: $5/month
- Lifetime Plan: $40 For Lifetime.
Pros
Cons
5. Aura VPN (⭐️3.7)
Aura VPN is a little different from some of the others.
It’s not just a VPN, it’s like a whole security package.
You get a VPN to keep your online activity private, but you also get antivirus software to protect your devices from malware and identity theft protection just in case.
It’s like a one-stop shop for online security.
Unlock its potential with our Aura VPN tutorial.
Also, explore our VyprVPN vs Aura VPN comparison!
Our Take
Aura VPN is popular because it offers a comprehensive security solution at a reasonable price. It’s a good choice for those who want more than just a VPN.
Key Benefits
- Part of a comprehensive security suite: Includes antivirus, malware protection, and more.
- Good speeds: Suitable for streaming and downloading.
- Growing server network: Expanding to more locations.
- User-friendly interface: Easy to set up and use.
Pricing
- Kids: $10/month.
- Individual: $12/month.
- Couple: $22/month.
- Family: $32/month.
Pros
Cons
6. PureVPN (⭐️3.6)
PureVPN has been around for ages, so they really know what they’re doing.
They’ve got a ton of servers in loads of countries, and they have some cool features like port forwarding that some of the others don’t have.
They used to have some issues with their privacy policy, but they’ve gotten a lot better.
Unlock its potential with our PureVPN tutorial.
Also, explore our VyprVPN vs PureVPN comparison!
Our Take
Experience ultimate online freedom with PureVPN! Connect up to 10 devices simultaneously and access over 6,500 servers in 78+ countries.
Key Benefits
- Extensive server network: Over 6,500 servers in 78 countries.
- Wide range of features: Includes split tunneling, port forwarding, and dedicated IPs.
- No-logs policy: Audited by independent firms.
- 31-day money-back guarantee: Gives you a little extra time to decide.
Pricing
- Standard: $2.16/month.
- Plus: $2.66/month.
- Max: $3.33/month.
Pros
Cons
7. Privado VPN (⭐️3.5)
PrivadoVPN is a VPN service that helps keep your online activity private.
It’s like putting on an invisible cloak for your internet connection.
They focus on strong security and also have a pretty good free plan.
Unlock its potential with our PrivadoVPN tutorial.
Also, explore our VyprVPN vs PrivadoVPN comparison!
Key Benefits
- Generous free plan: Get 10GB of data monthly.
- Strong Swiss privacy laws: Protects your data well.
- Zero-log policy: No tracking of your online activity.
- 10 simultaneous connections: Connect many devices at once.
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Try premium risk-free.
Pricing
- 24 Month Unlimited VPN + 3 Free: $1.11/month.
- 12 Month Unlimited VPN + 3 Free: $1.33/month.
- 1 Month Plan: $10.99/month.
Pros
Cons
8. Mysterium VPN (⭐️3.4)
This one is a little different from the others.
It’s called a decentralized VPN, and it uses something called blockchain technology.
It’s a bit more technical, but it’s a really interesting option if you’re looking for something new and different.
Unlock its potential with our Mysterium tutorial.
Also, explore our VyprVPN vs Mysterium comparison!
Our Take
Mysterium VPN is popular because its decentralized network offers a unique approach to VPN technology. It’s a good option for privacy-conscious users.
Key Benefits
- Decentralized network: Increased privacy and security.
- No-logs policy: Doesn’t store your data.
- Open-source: Transparent and community-driven.
- Pay-as-you-go pricing: Only pay for what you use.
Pricing
- 2-Year Plan: $3.19/mo.
- 1-Year Plan: $5.14/mo.
- 6-Month Plan: $6.85/mo.
- 1-Month Plan: $9.99/mo.
Pros
Cons
9. Private Internet Access (⭐️3.2)
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a well-established VPN known for its strong security and affordable price.
Its extensive server network offers a good balance of features and performance.
Unlock its potential with our Private Internet Access tutorial.
Also, explore our VyprVPN vs Private Internet Access comparison!
Our Take
Unleash your online freedom with Private Internet Access! Connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously to a vast network of 35,000+ servers across 91 countries. Start your journey to a more private internet today!
Key Benefits
- Extensive server network: Over 35,912 servers in 84 countries.
- Strong security: Uses AES-256 encryption and has a kill switch.
- Affordable price: Offers competitive plans.
- Ten simultaneous connections: Protect all your devices.
Pricing
- 2 Years + 2 Months Free: $2.19/month.
- 6 Months: $7.50/month.
All plans include unlimited bandwidth and access to all server locations.
Pros
Cons
10. CyberGhost VPN (⭐️3.0)
CyberGhost is a really popular VPN with a ton of servers and some really cool features.
They have dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting, and they have a really user-friendly interface.
Unlock its potential with our CyberGhost tutorial.
Also, explore our VyprVPN vs CyberGhost comparison!
Our Take
It’s excellent for its large server network and streaming capabilities. The user-friendly interface is a big plus.
Key Benefits
- Massive server network: Over 11,500 servers in 100 countries.
- User-friendly apps: Easy to navigate for everyone.
- Optimized servers: Dedicated servers for streaming and P2P.
- Strong security features: Includes a kill switch and AES-256 encryption.
- 45-day money-back guarantee: A very generous refund period.
Pricing
- 2 Years + 2 Months: $2.19/month.
- 6 Month: $6.99/month.
Pros
Cons
11. ExpressVPN (⭐2.8)
This one’s a bit pricier, but it’s super fast and reliable.
Great for streaming and downloading.
They have a strict no-logs policy and use strong encryption.
If you want top-notch performance, ExpressVPN is a good option.
Unlock its potential with our ExpressVPN tutorial.
Also, explore our VyprVPN vs ExpressVPN comparison!
Our Take
ExpressVPN is popular because it’s fast, reliable, and secure. It’s a great all-around VPN, but it’s a little expensive compared to some others.
Key Benefits
- Blazing-fast speeds: Perfect for streaming and downloading.
- Huge server network: Over 3,000 servers in 94 countries.
- Strong security: Uses AES-256 encryption and has a kill switch.
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Try it risk-free.
Pricing
- 2 Year + 3 Months Free: $4.99/month
- 12 Month + 3 Months Free: $6.67/month.
- 1 Month: $12.95/month.
Pros
Cons
Buyers Guide
To determine the best Hotspot Shield alternatives, our research focused on several key factors to provide a comprehensive and unbiased review.
Here’s a breakdown of our methodology:
- Pricing Analysis: We thoroughly investigated the cost structures of various virtual private network (VPN) providers. This included examining subscription tiers, special offers, and the availability of a free VPN or free VPN service to assess overall value.
- Feature Comparison: A detailed analysis of the features offered by each VPN service provider was conducted. We looked for aspects like server locations, protocols supported, encryption standards, and any unique functionalities that contribute to unrestricted internet access and the ability to browse the internet privately.
- Identification of Negatives: We critically evaluated each product for its limitations or drawbacks. This involved identifying missing features, potential performance issues, or any aspects that might hinder a seamless user experience for internet users.
- Support and Refund Policy Review: We assessed the level of customer support provided, including the availability of a community forum, direct support channels, and the clarity and fairness of their refund policy. This ensured that users seeking to protect their online identity would have adequate assistance.
This rigorous approach allowed us to identify the most suitable Hotspot Shield alternatives based on a balanced consideration of price, features, limitations, and customer support.
Wrapping Up
These days, it’s essential to find a reliable VPN service. You want to be safe online.
A secure VPN service can help you do that.
It’s like having a secret shield when you’re on the internet.
You can use the internet without no worrying about people spying on you.
We looked at 11 different VPNs that are better than Hotspot Shield.
They all have good and bad things about them.
Think about what you need a VPN for. That will help you pick the best one.
Want to use a VPN on your web browser?
Look for one with a browser extension.
It makes things super easy!
We hope this guide finds the perfect VPN. Stay safe online!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hotspot Shield have a free version?
Yes, Hotspot Shield offers a “Basic” plan that is completely free ($0/month). It allows you to browse without entering credit card details. However, this free version is ad-supported, limits you to a single virtual location (US), and typically caps daily data usage compared to the unlimited Premium plan.
Is Hotspot Shield still good?
It remains a decent choice, particularly for speed, thanks to its proprietary Hydra protocol and military-grade encryption. However, with a rating of 3.0, it lags behind top-tier competitors like NordVPN. While it’s great for streaming, privacy purists often prefer VPNs with stricter, independently audited no-logs policies.
Is there a better VPN than Hotspot Shield?
Yes, many experts rank NordVPN (4.5 rating) and Surfshark higher. These alternatives offer larger server networks, strictly audited privacy policies, and features like Double VPN and ad-blocking that Hotspot Shield’s basic tiers may lack. They also avoid the ad-supported model used in Hotspot Shield’s free version.
Does Hotspot Shield slow down internet?
Generally, no. In fact, Hotspot Shield is famous for its speed due to its unique Catapult Hydra protocol, designed to fix latency issues. While all VPNs cause slight speed reductions due to encryption, Hotspot Shield is often faster than standard OpenVPN connections, making it solid for streaming.
Is Hotspot Shield better than Proton VPN?
For privacy, Proton VPN is generally considered superior due to its open-source apps and unlimited free data. Hotspot Shield is often faster, but its free version serves ads and has data caps. If you need unlimited data for free, Proton is better; for raw speed, Hotspot Shield has the edge.
How to get Hotspot Shield Premium for free?
You cannot legally get the Premium plan ($7.99/month) permanently for free. However, Hotspot Shield offers a 7-day free trial that unlocks all Premium features, including 115+ virtual locations and unlimited data. You must cancel before the trial ends to avoid being charged.
What to do if Hotspot Shield is not working?
First, try switching to a different virtual location or changing the protocol in the settings to “Hydra.” If connection issues persist, ensure your firewall isn’t blocking the app or try reinstalling it. Premium users also have access to 24/7 customer support for advanced troubleshooting.
More Facts about Hotspot Shield alternatives
- Mullvad and IVPN: These companies are famous for letting you sign up secretly. They also have strict rules against keeping records of what you do online.
- Mullvad’s Sign-up: You can use Mullvad without even giving them an email address. They also use a simple, fixed price for everyone.
- PrivadoVPN: This service gives you 10GB of fast data for free. They also promise to keep your browsing history private.
- Windscribe: Windscribe keeps you safe while searching the web. It also has a built-in ad blocker.
- Private Internet Access (PIA) Security: PIA creates a very secure connection for your internet. It uses strong codes to keep your data safe.
- PIA’s Privacy Record: Private Internet Access is one of the few VPNs that has proven in court that it truly does not keep records of its users.
- PrivateVPN: This service uses the same security protocols as the military. It allows you to watch high-quality videos and browse the web safely.
- CyberGhost VPN: CyberGhost is easy to use. It helps hide who you are online and prevents your private data from leaking.
- FastestVPN: This service uses modern security systems. It lets you safely visit websites that are based in other countries.
- NordVPN: Many people choose NordVPN instead of Hotspot Shield. It uses a special technology called “NordLynx” to be very fast and safe.
- Proton VPN and TunnelBear: experts recommend these services because they do a great job protecting your privacy. They also have good free versions you can try.
- Focus on Privacy: Alternatives like Mullvad and Proton VPN prioritize keeping you anonymous. They often handle your private data better than Hotspot Shield does.
- Free Versions: Proton VPN and TunnelBear offer reliable free plans, just as Hotspot Shield does.
- Streaming Movies: NordVPN and Surfshark are great at unlocking movies and shows from other countries. They work just as well as Hotspot Shield for this.
- Proton VPN’s Data: Proton VPN is based in Switzerland. Its free version lets you use as much data as you want, which is a big upgrade over Hotspot Shield’s daily limits.
- Privacy First: Many alternatives to Hotspot Shield focus on keeping your personal information safe and private.
- Strong Protection: VPNs that compete with Hotspot Shield often use strong security codes to protect your data.
- Unblocking Content: Many of these VPNs have features that help you visit websites that are usually blocked in your area.
- Easy to Use: Many VPNs are designed to be simple so anyone can use them.
- Extra Features: Many VPN services act like antivirus software, too. They can block ads and stop harmful viruses.
- Better Performance: These providers often outperform Hotspot Shield in speed, security checks, and additional privacy tools.
- ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is famous for its “Lightway” technology. This makes it very fast and easy to use, similar to Hotspot Shield.
- Better Value: Many VPNs offer better value than Hotspot Shield because they have stricter policies against tracking your history.
- Hotspot Shield Tracking: In the past, Hotspot Shield was caught tracking users’ connections and disconnections. They shared this information with advertisers.
- Hotspot Shield Ownership: Some people worry about using Hotspot Shield because of its owner, Pango Inc., and how it handles data.
- Windscribe’s Free Plan: Windscribe offers a free plan with 10GB of data per month, with no hidden tricks.
- Proton VPN’s Reputation: Proton VPN is known for being very serious about privacy. This makes it a strong choice if you want to switch from Hotspot Shield.
- Transparency: Companies like Windscribe and Proton VPN are very transparent about how they operate. This is different from how Hotspot Shield has operated in the past.
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