Secure, fast VPN service that encrypts traffic, hides IP, and unlocks geo-restricted content
Secure, fast VPN service that encrypts traffic, hides IP, and unlocks geo-restricted content
Vote (145 votes)
Program license Free
Developer Pango GmbH
Version 11.16.0
Works under Android
Also available for Mac
Also known as Hotspot Shield VPN
Vote
(145 votes)
Developer
Pango GmbH
Works under
Android
Program license
Free
Version
11.16.0
Also available for
Also known as
Hotspot Shield VPN
Pros
- Very simple to set up and use.
- Free VPN network is very fast and reliable.
- Allows unblocking of geo-restricted content, websites and apps.
- Hides your true IP address and encrypts all data sent and received over the mobile network.
Cons
- Accessing VPN servers outside the US requires upgrading to paid version.
- Ads in free version can interfere with app use and annoy some users.
Hotspot Shield VPN lets you access the world's most popular VPN service. The app's main feature is creating a secure and encrypted tunnel between your device and the rest of the Internet. This helps protect your privacy and is particularly useful when using public Wi-Fi hotspots, as it encrypts all of the data sent and received by your mobile device to prevent it from being intercepted by malicious users.
The app and the VPN network it uses can do much more than just securing your Internet connection on public Wi-Fi networks. Hotspot Shield VPN works on both Wi-Fi and mobile data networks. It protects your privacy by hiding your real IP address from the rest of the Internet, making it harder to determine your location or to track your online usage. The app app can also let you access geo-restricted content that wouldn't normally be available in your country, such as certain video and audio streaming apps or social media services. The free version gives you a US IP address, which gives you access to content and apps that would normally be available to Internet users in the United States. There is a possibility to access the full worldwide VPN network maintained by AnchorFree, the creators of the app. It has VPN servers in 20 countries, including Canada, Japan, Germany and the UK. However, this requires upgrading to the "Elite" version of the Android app and paying for a subscription.
The Hotspot Shield VPN tool is very easy to use, even for those who have never used a VPN before. One tap connects you to the network so that you can browse the Internet and use any app on your device privately. Network speed and reliability have been greatly improved lately, so you're unlikely to experience any service disruptions or slow data transfer speeds like with some other free VPN services. One downside of the free Hotspot Shield VPN is that the app displays fullscreen ads every couple of minutes. Although there is an option to skip most of them, this can be annoying and interfere with your use of some apps, most notably online games.
Pros
- Very simple to set up and use.
- Free VPN network is very fast and reliable.
- Allows unblocking of geo-restricted content, websites and apps.
- Hides your true IP address and encrypts all data sent and received over the mobile network.
Cons
- Accessing VPN servers outside the US requires upgrading to paid version.
- Ads in free version can interfere with app use and annoy some users.
Hotspot Shield VPN is a free VPN from Anchor Free. It is an industry veteran and designed to work on numerous platforms. However, there are many security concerns with this product.
It works on an advertisement revenue model, which is concerning for a tool that touts anonymity. The speeds can also be somewhat slow, and the free options are very limited. If you just want to check email when you're in a coffee shop, then it might be ideal for you.
However, power internet users should look elsewhere. There are better VPN options that are free (that is, unless you want to fork over the money for their premium subscription).
