Hotspot Shield is a mobile and desktop app that adds security and privacy to your WiFi Hotspots and private internet network, to protect your data and hide your identity from hackers. Hotspot Shield also provides freedom of access to websites that are not available in your area.
Hotspot Shield offers various features, which often differ between its free (Basic) and paid (Premium) plans.
Proprietary Hydra Protocol: Hotspot Shield's own VPN protocol is designed for speed and security, often making it one of the faster VPN services available. It also offers other protocols like WireGuard and IKEv2/IPSec.
Military-Grade Encryption: It uses strong encryption (e.g., AES-256) to secure your data.
Server Network: It provides access to a large network of servers across many countries (over 80 countries for Premium users).
Kill Switch: This security feature automatically cuts your internet connection if the VPN unexpectedly drops, preventing your real IP address from being exposed.
Split-Tunneling (Smart VPN): This feature allows you to choose which apps or websites will use the VPN tunnel and which ones will use your regular, non-VPN connection.
"No-Logs" Policy: The company claims not to log any data that could be tied back to your browsing activity.