In the world of VPNs, Hotspot Shield has gained attention as the 'world's fastest VPN' [37117bf0]. However, it lacks a clear no-logs policy and has been accused of logging user data in the past [37117bf0]. Hotspot Shield no longer offers a free version but provides a 7-day free trial [37117bf0]. While it offers the WireGuard, IKEv2, and Hydra protocols for speed, it lacks the secure OpenVPN protocol [37117bf0]. The monthly and annual subscription plans of Hotspot Shield are considered expensive compared to its competitors [37117bf0].
Despite its drawbacks, Hotspot Shield does have some notable features. It offers a speed test tool and split tunneling features for apps and websites [37117bf0]. It also allows for 10 simultaneous device connections, which is a generous offering [37117bf0]. The server network of Hotspot Shield consists of 3,200+ servers in 85 countries, providing users with a wide range of options [37117bf0].
The Windows desktop application of Hotspot Shield is well-designed, although it lacks intuitive features [37117bf0]. It is recommended for users who prioritize speed and occasional location changes [37117bf0]. However, for better security, NordVPN is recommended [37117bf0]. ProtonVPN is a good choice for those seeking an unlimited free VPN, while ExpressVPN offers a no-nonsense VPN experience [37117bf0].
In a review, Hotspot Shield receives a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars [37117bf0]. While it may excel in terms of speed, its lack of a clear no-logs policy and expensive subscription plans are factors to consider when choosing a VPN provider [37117bf0].
The article 'Free vs. paid VPNs: Which should you pick?' by Darragh Murphy on Android Police discusses the pros and cons of free and paid VPNs [869b7313]. It highlights that while free VPNs are cost-free, they often have limitations such as data limits, restricted server availability, slower speeds, and potential privacy risks [869b7313]. On the other hand, paid VPNs offer more features, including faster speeds, a wider range of servers, advanced security tools, and the ability to bypass geo-blocked content [869b7313]. The article recommends ExpressVPN as a top choice for paid VPNs, citing its fast speeds, extensive server network, and strong security features [869b7313]. For free VPNs, Windscribe is recommended for its optimal speeds, secure encryption, and ability to bypass geo-blocked content [869b7313]. The article concludes that while free VPNs can be useful, paid VPNs generally provide a better overall experience and greater privacy protection [869b7313].