# Hotspot Shield VPN Software Pricing, Alternatives & More 2026 | Capterra

> With the help of Capterra, learn about Hotspot Shield VPN Software - reviews, pricing plans, popular comparisons to other VPN products and more.

Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/186549/Hotspot-Shield-VPN

---

# 

 Hotspot Shield VPN Software Review 2026: Features, Integrations, Pros & Cons

Last updated on March 13, 2026

Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team.

Independent research methodology

Capterra’s researchers use a mix of verified reviews, independent research and objective methodologies to bring you selection and ranking information you can trust. While we may earn a referral fee when you visit a provider through our links or speak to an advisor, this has no influence on our research or methodology. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/resources/proprietary-data-research/)

How Capterra verifies reviews

Capterra carefully verified over 2.5 million+ reviews to bring you authentic software experiences from real users. Our human moderators verify that reviewers are real people and that reviews are authentic. They use leading tech to analyze text quality and to detect plagiarism and generative AI. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/resources/how-we-verify-reviews/)

How Capterra ensures transparency

Capterra lists all providers across its website—not just those that pay us—so that users can make informed purchase decisions. Capterra is free for users. Software providers pay us for sponsored profiles to receive web traffic and sales opportunities. Sponsored profiles include a link-out icon that takes users to the provider’s website. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/resources/how-we-ensure-transparency/)

[Description](#description)[Use cases](#use-cases)[Alternatives](#alternatives)[Features](#features)[Pricing](#pricing)[Support](#support)[Reviews](#reviews)

Hotspot Shield VPN

## What is Hotspot Shield VPN?

Provides access to a free and open Internet, connecting you to any content and sites, securely and anonymously.

## What is Hotspot Shield VPN used for?

[VPN](https://www.capterra.com/vpn-software/)[Encryption](https://www.capterra.com/encryption-software/)

Top alternative

Featured

Overall rating

Based on 80 user reviews

Reviews sentiment

Positive

88%

Neutral

8%

Negative

5%

Starting price

$12.99

Flat Rate, Per Month

Free trial  
not available

Capterra Shortlist charts the highest-rated and most popular products...

Our "Best of" badge program showcases products with the highest ratings...

Our "Best of" badge program showcases products with the highest ratings...

Do you work for Hotspot Shield VPN?[Manage this product listing](https://digitalmarkets.gartner.com/get-listed/claim-bx?url=https://www.pango.co/&name=Hotspot Shield VPN)

## Compare with a popular alternative

Capterra selects software alternatives based on relevant features, verified user reviews and user interactions. Placement may be influenced by client status.

### Hotspot Shield VPN

4.3 (80)

VS.

[4.6 (34)](https://www.capterra.com/p/203059/NordLayer/reviews/)

Starting Price

$12.99

Flat Rate, Per Month

Starting Price

$8

Per User, Per Month

Free Trial

Free Version

Pricing Options

Free Trial

Free Version

Ease Of Use

4.4 (80)

Ease Of Use

4.7 (34)

Value For Money

4.1 (51)

Value For Money

4.3 (31)

Customer Service

4.1 (37)

Customer Service

4.2 (26)

## Hotspot Shield VPN alternatives

Highest Rated

[UTunnel VPN](https://www.capterra.com/p/199683/Utunnel-VPN/)

[5.0 (69)](https://www.capterra.com/p/199683/Utunnel-VPN/reviews/)

Starting price

$6.00

Per User, Per Month

Pricing Options

Free Trial

Free Version

User Rating

100%

of reviewers

rated it above 4 stars

[Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/199683/Utunnel-VPN/)

[FortiClient](https://www.capterra.com/p/151916/FortiClient/)

[4.4 (292)](https://www.capterra.com/p/151916/FortiClient/reviews/)

Starting price

Contact vendor for pricing

Pricing Options

Free Trial

Free Version

User Rating

90%

of reviewers

rated it above 4 stars

[Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/151916/FortiClient/)

[Cisco AnyConnect](https://www.capterra.com/p/169495/VPN-and-Endpoint-Security-Clients/)

[4.6 (978)](https://www.capterra.com/p/169495/VPN-and-Endpoint-Security-Clients/reviews/)

Starting price

Contact vendor for pricing

Pricing Options

Free Trial

Free Version

User Rating

94%

of reviewers

rated it above 4 stars

[Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/169495/VPN-and-Endpoint-Security-Clients/)

[GoodAccess](https://www.capterra.com/p/208155/GoodAccess/)

[4.9 (103)](https://www.capterra.com/p/208155/GoodAccess/reviews/)

Starting price

$7.00

Per User, Per Month

Pricing Options

Free Trial

Free Version

User Rating

99%

of reviewers

rated it above 4 stars

[Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/208155/GoodAccess/)

[View all alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/186549/Hotspot-Shield-VPN/alternatives/)

## Features

Features with the highest number of reviews are displayed first. Those that have no reviews appear next, sorted alphabetically.

Anonymous Browsing

4.3 (18)

55.56% of 18 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

Users can access websites without revealing their IP addresses

Encryption

4.5 (15)

66.67% of 15 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

Convert data into a code for security

Remote Access/Control

4.4 (12)

66.67% of 12 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

Access work applications remotely, for when working away from the office and/or traveling

DNS Leak Protection

4.7 (11)

54.55% of 11 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

Prevention of DNS leaks that allows ISPs to track internet movements

Secure Browsing

4.8 (11)

54.55% of 11 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

Allow or block access to specific domains and individual pages

VPN Tunneling

4.5 (11)

72.73% of 11 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

Creating an encrypted connection between users' devices and a VPN server

Hotspot Shield VPN 15 features

Define levels of authorization for access to specific files or systems

Block or filter online ads

Automatically identify and flag unusual behaviors and malicious software

Users can access websites without revealing their IP addresses

Track and manage adherence to policies for any service, product, process, or supplier

Protect sensitive data for digital privacy

Prevention of DNS leaks that allows ISPs to track internet movements

Convert data into a code for security

Process of changing the online location or country in order to hide users' real location

Hiding the end user's IP address and replacing it with a different address

Immediately stop the process from executing

Do not collect and store any data transmitted through the network

Access work applications remotely, for when working away from the office and/or traveling

Allow or block access to specific domains and individual pages

Creating an encrypted connection between users' devices and a VPN server

Features

4.1 (80)

4.1

Based on 80 reviews

## Pricing

Value for money

4.1 (51)

Free Version

[View pricing plan details](https://www.capterra.com/p/186549/Hotspot-Shield-VPN/pricing/)

Free

$0.00

It includes:

-   1 Device Connection
-   1 Member Account
-   500mb Per Day Data Limit
-   Android
-   Chrome Platforms
-   Hydra
-   Ios
-   Ipsec and Openvpn Protocols
-   Limited
-   Mac
-   Up to 2 Mbps Conection Speed
-   Windows

Premium

$12.99

Flat Rate,Per Month

It includes:

-   115+ Locations
-   1 Member Account
-   5 Device Connection
-   Android
-   Chrome Platforms
-   Disney+ & More
-   Hydra
-   Ios
-   Ipsec and Openvpn Protocols
-   Limited
-   Mac
-   Optimized for Fortnite
-   Optimized for Netflix
-   Roblox & More
-   Unlimited Data
-   Up to 1 Gbps Conection Speed
-   Windows
-   Youtube

Premium Family

$19.99

Flat Rate,Per Month

It includes:

-   115+ Locations
-   25 Device Connection( 5 Device Per Member)
-   5 Member Account
-   Android
-   Chrome Platforms
-   Disney+ & More
-   Hydra
-   Ios
-   Ipsec and Openvpn Protocols
-   Limited
-   Mac
-   Optimized for Fortnite
-   Optimized for Netflix
-   Roblox & More
-   Unlimited Data
-   Up to 1 Gbps Conection Speed
-   Windows
-   Youtube

Value for money

4.1 (51)

4.1

Based on 51 reviews

## Support, customer service and training options

Customer Service

4.1 (37)

Support

-   Email/Help Desk
-   FAQs/Forum
-   Knowledge Base
-   Phone Support
-   24/7 (Live rep)
-   Chat

Training

-   In Person
-   Live Online
-   Webinars
-   Documentation
-   Videos

Deployment

-   Web
-   Android
-   iPhone/iPad

Typical users

-   Freelancers
-   Small businesses
-   Mid size businesses
-   Enterprises

Customer Service

4.1 (37)

4.1

Based on 37 reviews

## User reviews

Overall rating

4.3

Based on 80 reviews

Filter by rating

5(39)

4(31)

3(6)

2(2)

1(2)

Mentioned topic

Sorted by most recent

DM

Dennis M.

Senior Frontend Engineer

Leisure, Travel & Tourism

### "Enjoy private Browsing, Military Grade-Encryption and Amazing Speeds using the Most Popular VPN: Hotspot Shield"

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

5.0

5.0

Likelihood to Recommend

10/10

June 3, 2025

Using Hotspot shield is an amazing Experience. Hotspot Shield VPN allows me to browse privately whether i am working from a Cyber Cafe or a public WIFI at a coffee shop. Furthermore, Hotspot shield is easy to use as it has a One-Click connect feature activating protection when i connect to a public WIFI. Furthermore, i can install Hotspot Shield VPN on a variety of devices and operating systems due to its cross-platform compatibility. Overall, I am impressed by Hotspot Shield VPN reliability and performance and i Give it a Solid 9.5 Rating out of 10.

Pros

What i like most about Hotspot Shield VPN is that you can login in multiple devices, up to 10 of them ensuring that you are protected at all times. Additionally, Hotspot Shield VPN has a free and a premium version catering for everyone.

Cons

I love everything about Hotspot Shield VPN as it meets all my needs. I would even recommend other people to switch from other VPNs and Try Hotspot Shield.

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

IR

Imogen R. A.

Digital Marketing Specialist

Marketing and Advertising

### "Reliable access protection safeguard with hotspot shield vpn"

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

4.0

4.0

Features

4.0

4.0

Customer Service

0.0

0.0

Likelihood to Recommend

8/10

May 19, 2025

There are advertisements playing client-side in different areas of the world, and it’s important to test if ads appear and access geo-blocked platforms. Hotspot Shield enables me to experience the environment as if I’m in another country and at the same time secure my data, which is a must for rapid digital marketing tasks.

Pros

Hotspot Shield VPN provides me with enough reassurance to safely check into client dashboards or access analytics tools when I’m traveling. The speed remains consistent, particularly on public Wi-Fi.

Cons

Every once in a while, it will screw up with some of the marketing tools or region-locked ad programs. Manual server switching could be more seamless.

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

EC

Evandro Claudio M.

Administrator Assistant

Accounting

### "Hotspot Shield VPN and it's reliability"

4.0

Overall Rating

4.0

4.0

Ease of Use

4.0

4.0

Features

4.0

4.0

Customer Service

3.0

3.0

Likelihood to Recommend

7/10

November 1, 2024

I used Hotspot Shield VPN on a trial for 7 days was a great experience, the speed is super legit and reliable.

Pros

The ability to use IP's from multiple countries

Cons

Sometimes disconnect suddenly without reporting the reason why!

Switched from

[Psiphon](https://www.capterra.com/p/242363/Psiphon/)

Hotspot Shield VPN has more countries to connect that's why.

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

ME

Mohamed E.

Pediatric register

Hospital & Health Care

### "Vpn helps in internet acess"

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

5.0

5.0

Likelihood to Recommend

8/10

April 4, 2024

Pros

Its fast and secure way of internet browsing

Cons

Cost is high but still better price for good service

Review source

Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

AG

Anely G.

Researcher

Education Management

### "Una gran aplicación para tener 100% seguridad"

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

4.0

4.0

Features

4.0

4.0

Customer Service

4.0

4.0

Likelihood to Recommend

8/10

December 20, 2023

En general ha sido buena, fácil de usar, económica y con grandes funciones.

Pros

Lo que más me gusta es que es la aplicación que me hace sentir más segura navegar por internet en redes públicas. Todas las funcionalidades te permiten estar completamente protegido.

Cons

No le pondría puntos negativos, su diseo, funcionalidades y facilidad de pagar hacen una muy buena opción para cualquier interesado en proteger su seguridad en internet.

Review source

Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

Roshish S.

Flutter Developer

Information Technology and Services

### "Outstanding affordable VPN"

4.0

Overall Rating

4.0

4.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

0.0

0.0

Likelihood to Recommend

8/10

October 19, 2023

Pros

This VPN is incredibly user-friendly, and what's even better is that you can use it on up to 10 devices at once with a single premium plan. I've been relying on this software since 2018, and I can't imagine my online life without it. The real standout feature here is that it offers premium functionality at a price that won't break the bank

Cons

Using this VPN has generally been a smooth experience, with just a few recent hiccups in terms of connecting properly. While the connection issues are a bit bothersome and need some attention, once it's up and running, I haven't encountered any major problems. The only occasional challenge is establishing a connection to a server.

Switched from

[Avira Phantom VPN](https://www.capterra.com/p/250589/Avira-Phantom-VPN/)

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

NC

Nathan C.

Founder

Marketing and Advertising

### "Easy to use - Beginner friendly"

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

0.0

0.0

Likelihood to Recommend

9/10

August 9, 2023

Really good, easy to use, I can connect on multiple devices and offers good value for the price

Pros

Super easy to use, also you can use the VPN on 10 different devices with the same premium plan

Cons

Could have more servers in different countries, most of the countries they offer just one server connection

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

AI

Arda I.

Computer Engineering

Computer Software

### "One of my most trusted VPN app"

4.0

Overall Rating

4.0

4.0

Ease of Use

4.0

4.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

0.0

0.0

Likelihood to Recommend

8/10

May 25, 2023

Pros

It's VPN always worked for me, whenever or wherever i need it.

Cons

I can not really say that this app has cons.

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

PS

Philip S.

CEO

Airlines/Aviation

### "Robust ExpressVPN Alternative "

4.0

Overall Rating

4.0

4.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

4.0

4.0

Customer Service

4.0

4.0

Likelihood to Recommend

10/10

April 20, 2023

This application allows me to access websites that are blocked in my country and IP.

Pros

Hotspot Shield VPN makes it safer and secure to access websites via anonymous browsing.

Cons

It is pricey to acquire paid version and it doesn’t offer a lot of servers.

Review source

Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

AH

aseal H.

Accountant

Construction

### "On of the best free VPN softwares for PC and mobile "

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

4.0

4.0

Customer Service

5.0

5.0

Likelihood to Recommend

10/10

April 17, 2023

In my country there are many blocked applications that are important and this application helps me access those applications.

Pros

I like this VPN and I use it so much, the free version is good compared to other VPN applications. Also, I like that the speed of the internet is not affected too much and the servers that it connects to are great.

Cons

The paid version is a little bit expensive and there are a lot of advertisment in the mobile application that are so annoying.

Switched from

[NordVPN](https://www.capterra.com/p/166743/NordVPN/)

The speed of the internet after vpn connection is much faster using Hotspot Shield VPN

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

[View all Reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/186549/Hotspot-Shield-VPN/reviews/)

## Top-rated software of 2026

### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox.

Independent research methodology

Capterra's researchers use a mix of verified reviews, independent research and objective methodologies to bring you selection and ranking information you can trust. While we may earn a referral fee when you visit a provider through our links or speak to an advisor, this has no influence on our research or methodology.

[Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/resources/proprietary-data-research/)

How Capterra verifies reviews

Capterra carefully verified over 2.5 million+ reviews to bring you authentic software experiences from real users. Our human moderators verify that reviewers are real people and that reviews are authentic. They use leading tech to analyze text quality and to detect plagiarism and generative AI.

[Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/resources/how-we-verify-reviews/)

How Capterra ensures transparency

Capterra lists all providers across its website—not just those that pay us—so that users can make informed purchase decisions. Capterra is free for users. Software providers pay us for sponsored profiles to receive web traffic and sales opportunities. Sponsored profiles include a link-out icon that takes users to the provider's website.

[Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/resources/how-we-ensure-transparency/)