Best Hotspot Shield Alternatives [Free + Paid]

Hotspot Shield is a well-known VPN provider, having been operational for several years. However, it’s not without its critics. Over the years, some users have raised concerns about its ownership structure, privacy practices, and server limitations. Here are some common issues users report with Hotspot Shield:

• Murky Ownership Structure: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango Inc., a company with a mixed reputation in the VPN space. This has raised questions about its data practices and transparency.
• Server Limitations: While Hotspot Shield offers decent speed, users often find its server selection limited compared to other top-tier VPNs, particularly on the free plan.
• Ads on Free Plan: The free version of Hotspot Shield is ad-supported, which can be distracting for users who value an uninterrupted browsing experience.

If you’re looking for alternatives addressing these concerns while providing a reliable and transparent VPN experience, here are the best free and paid options.

Best Free Alternatives to Hotspot Shield

Windscribe

Windscribe’s free plan is one of the most feature-packed alternatives to Hotspot Shield, offering more flexibility and transparency.

• Generous Bandwidth: Windscribe’s free plan provides 10GB of data per month. If needed, users can earn additional bandwidth through referrals or tweeting about the service.
• R.O.B.E.R.T: This customizable ad and malware blocker lets you filter out specific categories like gambling, social media trackers, and more. It’s a feature rarely available on free VPN plans, making Windscribe a unique option for users seeking added privacy.
• Unlimited Simultaneous Connections: Unlike most free VPNs, Windscribe allows unlimited device connections, making it a great choice for households or users with multiple devices.
• Diverse Server Options: Free users can access servers in several major regions, offering more flexibility for location switching than Hotspot Shield’s single US-based server for free users.
• Ad-Free Browsing: Unlike Hotspot Shield’s ad-supported free plan, Windscribe’s free version offers an ad-free experience, making it more user-friendly.

Windscribe’s combination of generous data, advanced features, and an ad-free interface makes it an ideal free alternative to Hotspot Shield for users who value privacy and flexibility.

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is another worthy alternative to Hotspot Shield, particularly for users prioritizing privacy and data security.

• Unlimited Data: Unlike most free VPNs, ProtonVPN offers unlimited data. Some users may find this a perk, but the service says it caps speeds to manage the server load. Nonetheless, it's a nice option to have.
• Limited Server Locations: Free users can connect to servers in the US, Netherlands, and Japan. While the selection is limited, these locations cover major regions and work well for general browsing.
• Privacy-Focused: Based in Switzerland, ProtonVPN adheres to strict privacy laws and maintains a clear no-logs policy, making it a reliable choice for users concerned about Hotspot Shield’s data practices.
• One Device Restriction: Free accounts are limited to one device, which may not suit users with multiple devices.

ProtonVPN’s unlimited data and privacy-first approach make it a strong alternative for users frustrated with Hotspot Shield’s ownership concerns and limited server selection.

Hide.me

Hide.me offers a well-rounded free VPN option that combines user-friendly features with reliable performance.

• Eight Server Locations: Free users can access servers in the US, Canada, Netherlands, Germany, Singapore, and more. This variety gives more flexibility than Hotspot Shield’s single free server.
• Ad-Free Browsing: Hide.me’s free plan doesn’t include ads, ensuring a smooth and distraction-free user experience.
• Reliable Speeds: Unlike Hotspot Shield’s speed throttling on the free plan, Hide.me offers decent speeds even for free users.

Hide.me’s ad-free interface, generous data allowance, and strong server options make it a great alternative for users seeking a simple, no-cost VPN.

Best Paid Alternatives to Hotspot Shield

Windscribe

Windscribe’s paid plan expands on its free version, providing advanced features and excellent performance, making it a compelling paid alternative to Hotspot Shield.

• Transparent Ownership: Unlike Hotspot Shield’s murky ownership under Pango Inc., Windscribe operates with a clear and transparent ownership structure, reassuring users concerned about data privacy.
• Streaming Optimization: Windscribe’s servers are optimized for streaming platforms, ensuring smooth playback without buffering—a common issue with Hotspot Shield.
• Pricing: Windscribe costs $5.75/month on annual plans, making it easy on your pocket. It also runs frequent promotions, helping you save even more.
• Ad-Free and Customizable: Windscribe’s R.O.B.E.R.T offers more customization than Hotspot Shield’s ad-blocking features, letting users tailor their experience to specific needs.
• Ethical Practices: Windscribe emphasizes ethical and transparent data handling, making it a trustworthy choice for users seeking a reliable VPN provider.

For users looking for a more ethical, transparent, and feature-rich VPN, Windscribe’s paid plan is a top choice.

TunnelBear

TunnelBear is a user-friendly VPN focused on simplicity, making it an appealing alternative for users who find Hotspot Shield’s app overwhelming.

• Beginner-Friendly Design: TunnelBear’s playful bear-themed branding and intuitive interface make it ideal for first-time VPN users.
• Transparent Policies: TunnelBear undergoes regular independent security audits, giving users confidence in its data privacy practices.
• Affordable Pricing: TunnelBear offers competitive pricing, particularly for users who don’t need advanced features or a vast server network.

While TunnelBear lacks some of the advanced features found in other VPNs, its simplicity and transparency make it a solid alternative to Hotspot Shield for casual users.

Mullvad

Mullvad is a privacy-first VPN that caters to users who value security and anonymity over flashy features.

• Anonymous Sign-Up: Mullvad doesn’t require personal information for account creation, making it a top choice for privacy enthusiasts.
• Flat Pricing: Mullvad offers a simple, flat monthly fee with no long-term contracts or upsells, providing a straightforward approach to pricing.
• No-Nonsense Design: Mullvad’s minimalist interface focuses on functionality, which may appeal to users who find Hotspot Shield’s app bloated.

Mullvad’s commitment to privacy and simple pricing make it a great alternative for users who prioritize transparency and anonymity.

Surfshark

Surfshark’s range of features makes it a versatile alternative to Hotspot Shield for users seeking more value.

• Unlimited Device Connections: Surfshark allows unlimited devices on a single account, which is perfect for families or users with multiple gadgets.
• CleanWeb Feature: Like Windscribe’s R.O.B.E.R.T, Surfshark’s CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers, and malware, enhancing browsing security.
• Murky Ownership Structure: Surfshark merged with NordVPN a few years ago, raising some concerns about data ethics and privacy.

Surfshark is a good contender for a Hotspot Shield alternative, but it does have some major drawbacks.

AirVPN

AirVPN is ideal for users who value privacy and advanced customization, offering features tailored to privacy-conscious individuals.

• Open-Source Client: AirVPN’s app, Eddie, is open-source and allows for advanced configuration, such as VPN over Tor, providing unparalleled control for power users.
• Transparent Policies: AirVPN is highly transparent, publishing real-time server information and adhering to strict no-logs policies.
• Small but Reliable Network: While AirVPN’s server network is smaller, its performance is consistent, and its focus on privacy makes it appealing for users seeking security over quantity.

AirVPN’s focus on transparency and advanced customization makes it a strong alternative for users frustrated with Hotspot Shield’s limited server flexibility.

Conclusion

Hotspot Shield may have longevity in the VPN industry, but it's certainly not for everyone. From Windscribe to AirVPN, the VPNs on this list offer a blend of form and functionality to cater to a varied range of interests.

With options that prioritize transparency, usability, and performance, switching from Hotspot Shield has never been easier.