HotspotShield VPN Unlimited Privacy Security Proxy for iOS

Used HotspotShield VPN Unlimited Privacy Security Proxy for iOS?

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffJuly 4, 2026

Hotspot Shield VPN for iPhone allows you to protect your privacy, regardless of where you are or what network you're using, and it allows you to visit blocked sites as well. With this app on your phone, you'll never have to worry about carrying out sensitive transactions in public, and you can switch protection on and off with ease.

Pros

Location options: Through this app, you can choose to connect through several different countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Indonesia, Australia, Denmark, Canada, Hong Kong, and China. To select a location, just swipe through the options, and then tap the one you want. And you can change location at any time through the app's main interface as well.

Essential functions: You can also turn protection on and off directly from the main interface. This is a straightforward process, and it allows you to restore protection with the flip of a switch, just as quickly as you turned it off.

Cons

Some slow connections: While some of the country options provided good connection speeds, this was not true of all of them. In fact, we had little to no success connecting, using China and Denmark.

Bottom Line

Hotspot Shield VPN for iPhone is a convenient and easy-to-use tool to help you stay protected when you're online on your phone. With several effective options for connection countries and a clear interface, this app is a good choice for users of all experience levels. The app itself is free, and you can try out all features for seven days at no charge.

What’s new in version 8.45.0

Bug fixes

HotspotShield VPN Unlimited Privacy Security Proxy for iOS

Used HotspotShield VPN Unlimited Privacy Security Proxy for iOS?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: October 9, 2017

Latest update: July 4, 2026

Version: 8.45.0

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: iOS

Operating System: iOS 16.4

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 235,870

Downloads Last Week: 2

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Last Updated

User Reviews

4.2/5

16 User Votes

the best of whats available
RobC12345March 31, 2016
Pros
Easy to use. Decent customer service, they refunded my elite subscription because i could no longer use the service to gain access to HULU. More reliable than any others i have tried so far. They make it easy to see that you are in fact connected to the VPN with their tray icon.
Cons
This program auto updates whether you like it or not. This means that the program starts downloading the update without your permission and then once the update is installed - the VPN automatically enables, instantly slowing your internet or even interrupting your connection. I was on a Skype call from overseas when this happened. Internet dropped off, took me a minute or two to figure out what was going on. I am in Afghanistan, i think the satellite service provider must have caught on that we were using a VPN because now when i try to connect it sits there and spins like its trying to connect for minutes but never actually does. I think they may have blocked it somehow. Also, HULU doesn't allow use of VPN's anymore so if you are in Iraq or Afghanistan and the provider doesn't allow for use of HULU then you are SOL.
Summary
I have yet to find a truly good VPN program. I have tried many, i guess this would be considered the best option of all of them - even though its not working right now.
ripped off!
solar778December 19, 2015
Pros
slow, but worked.
Cons
Watch out consumers! This company, Hotspot shield has been charging double amount for my subscription. I have subscribed for 1 year, $29.99. Yet, they automatically charged me monthly subscription fee of $11.99 for last 5 months till I noticed.!!
Summary
<br /><br /><span class='notifyMsg'> Updated </span>on Dec 19, 2015<p/>Watch out consumers! This company, Hotspot shield has been charging double amount for my subscription. I have subscribed for 1 year, $29.99. Yet, they automatically charged me monthly subscription fee of $11.99 for last 5 months till I noticed.!!
great for unblocking content
alwaysanonymousMarch 5, 2015
Pros
gives me access to many sites/apps only available in the US when traveling. I travel frequently for work, so Hotspot Shield has been a live saver. Installing this app should be on everyone's packing list before they travel!
Cons
haven't found any yet.
Summary
Nice little app to access content from abroad
yui-chanMarch 4, 2015
Pros
Very easy to use. Many server locations to choose from. So far connecting pretty quickly, so stress free.
Cons
You are asked to pay to keep using it. But I already bought subscription on Android tablet, so it covers that
Summary
Easy to use, cheap, works great
KiarooMarch 4, 2015
Pros
Very easy to use, activate protection just with one click. Once I had a question, contacted their support team and got a reply very quickly and the guy was very helpful. Many different IP locations available. Can use it on up to 5 devices simultaneously.
Cons
I wish it had France among the virtual locations available
Summary
It's a great product overall and pretty cheap compare to other security solutions.
Good stuff
Aurelius2013March 4, 2015
Pros
Have been using HotspotVPN to watch Netflix and Hulu for the last 7 months. It is not free but works better than other VPNs I tried.
Cons
App has a very outdated look but who cares
Summary
<br /><br /><span class='notifyMsg'> Updated </span>on Mar 4, 2015<p/>Great app!
Simple to use
fenerbahcesMarch 4, 2015
Pros
- Very user friendly interface - Fast and responsive
Cons
- Doesn't have an unlimited free version. Comes with a 7-day free trial.
Summary
Paying for no service
joeintokyoFebruary 9, 2014
Pros
You get multiple connections with one subscription.
Cons
If anything goes wrong with the service, you will be hard pressed to get any customer service. If the problem is beyond what the already have posted online, you will need to go through a number of reps before anything may get done.
Summary
I have been down for a number of weeks without the service that I pay for and am getting absolutely the poorest customer service I have ever experienced with a paid service. If you are using the free Hotspot Shield, I can understand not getting very good service. however, i opted for the "Elite" service. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY. You are better off just using the free service.
Just what I needed!
scootah68September 19, 2013
Pros
The one app that I can use for those sites that are blocked, or where you want to sign-on anonymously for whatever reason. I feel like my data AND transactions ARE safe & secure from being tracked.
Cons
I haven't come across any as of yet! The install went very well in 8.1 Preview despite what I'd read about it's incompatibility w/8.1 on some blog. ? Maybe I got lucky?
Summary
How you use the app depends entirely on your IT needs, your lifestyle & such. Since we're all different, we can all use the portions of the product that we need and disregard the rest. If you find out that it's not the product for your needs, then you can always remove the app, but I doubt that you'll want/need to do that once you get it configured and are able to use it easily! And NO, I'm not a paid spokesperson for cnet or HotSpot. Just a guy who likes a good deal on new technology.<br /><br /><span class='notifyMsg'> Updated </span>on Sep 19, 2013<p/>SORRY - I got this review mixed up with another of my products that I purchased and downloaded today (hence the reference to Windows 8.1)!!! BUT, I did add it to iTunes and so for I am not having any problems getting it to run and perform as it should on my iPhone 5 and iPad 2 as I'm syncing them now. I'll report more as I continue with this installation. I APOLOGIZE, once again, for getting my reviews confused between all of my devices! Thanks for your patience with me on this and don't send me emails as to how stupid I am - I've admitted that I blundered this review so please don't "nail me to the cross" for making this mistake. Perhaps the Ops can remove my review on this item? I didn't see anywhere on cnet where I could do this for myself. :-) Have a great day and give an old man a break if you're gonna send negative comments as to my honest MISTAKE!
Creates unwanted flashing ad banners
Nicola9393July 18, 2013
Pros
None that I can see
Cons
Hot Spot Shield was installed as part of a Filezilla download I made. I now get annoying flashing adverts from Hot Spot Shield at the top of my browser. I find this an incredibly low minded attempt at sales and marketing and could never recommend this product on this basis. It can't uninstall the software.
Summary

Developer’s Description

Hotspot Shield VPN is the World's most trusted security, privacy and access app.