Download.com también está disponible en Español Visitar Sitio

Hotspot Shield

CNET Editors' review

This freeware program promises to encrypt all your Internet connections, but since most public wi-fi access points in the U.S. are open, it's a bit hard to gauge Hotspot Shield's effectiveness. However, the connection itself is a bit wonky.

Once the program is installed, it creates an HTML link on your desktop. Double-clicking on it will open the application in your Web browser, and you'll be taken to a page detailing your Connection Status, IP Address, Server Address, Bytes sent and received, and the duration of the connection. Hotspot Shield is ad supported, so you'll get a big banner ad that lives at the top of every Web page, too. Closing the tab with the app's control panel doesn't disconnect the shield, though: for that, or to reload the control panel, you have to go through the green shield icon that gets loaded into your system tray. Also, there's a 5 GB transfer limit.

Overall, we can't give Hotspot Shield a strong recommendation, but as a last resort it might be worth trying out.

Hotspot Shield - Maintain and protect your privacy - Download Video Previews:

Publisher's Description

More Products to Consider

  • Avast Free Antiviru...
    Protect your PC against the latest viruses and spyware.
    Download Or, Learn More About Avast Free Antivirus

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • AVG AntiVirus Free ...
    Protect your computer from viruses and malicious programs.
    Download Or, Learn More About AVG AntiVirus Free 2013

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Malwarebytes Anti-M...
    Detect and quickly remove malicious threats to your computer.
    Download Or, Learn More About Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Hotspot Shield
    Provide secure, anonymous, and private browsing on Wi-Fi hotspo...
    Download Or, Learn More About Hotspot Shield

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Spybot - Search & D...
    Search your hard disk and Registry for threats to your security...
    Download Or, Learn More About Spybot - Search & Destroy

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Avira Free Antiviru...
    Detect and eliminate viruses, get free protection for home user...
    Download Or, Learn More About Avira Free Antivirus 2013

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • AVG AntiVirus 2013
    Download and exchange files safely, enjoy games and Web surfing...
    Download Or, Learn More About AVG AntiVirus 2013

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Free Keylogger
    Record and view every keystroke typed on keyboard.
    Download Or, Learn More About Free Keylogger

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Hotspot Shield Elit...
    Secure your connection to public Wi-Fi networks with premium VP...
    Download Or, Learn More About Hotspot Shield Elite

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • AVG Anti-Virus Busi...
    Keep your business safe when e-mailing or going online.
    Download Or, Learn More About AVG Anti-Virus Business Edition

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Ad-Aware Free Antiv...
    Protect your personal home computer from malware attacks.
    Download Or, Learn More About Ad-Aware Free Antivirus +

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • SuperAntiSpyware Fr...
    Detect and remove spyware, malware, rootkits, trojans, hijacker...
    Download Or, Learn More About SuperAntiSpyware Free Edition

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Kaspersky Anti-Viru...
    Protect your PC against viruses, spyware, Trojans, worms, rootk...
    Download Or, Learn More About Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Spotflux
    Stay anonymous, change your IP address, and protect your comput...
    Download Or, Learn More About Spotflux

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Avast Internet Secu...
    Protect your Windows PC from online threats.
    Download Or, Learn More About Avast Internet Security

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • PC Tools AntiVirus ...
    Detect and clean thousands of threats.

    This download is served from an external site

    close

    NOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.

    Continue to download

    Sponsored Products

    Download Or, Learn More About PC Tools AntiVirus Free

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Easy-Hide-IP
    Hide your IP address and prevent Internet activity tracking.
    Download Or, Learn More About Easy-Hide-IP

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • AVG Internet Securi...
    Protect your PC from all kinds of Internet threats.
    Download Or, Learn More About AVG Internet Security 2013

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Microsoft Security ...
    Protect your computer with Microsoft's latest security software...

    This download is served from an external site

    close

    NOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.

    Continue to download

    Sponsored Products

    Visit Site Or, Learn More About Microsoft Security Essentials
  • McAfee Deep Defende...
    Protect your PC from all kinds of virus threats.
    Download Or, Learn More About McAfee Deep Defender

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Antivirus Live CD
    Check your system for viruses with a lightweight antivirus on a...
    Download Or, Learn More About Antivirus Live CD

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Kruptos 2 Professio...
    Password protect your photos, movies, documents, or any other f...
    Download Or, Learn More About Kruptos 2 Professional

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • USB Disk Security
    Protect against any threats via USB drive and protect offline c...
    Download Or, Learn More About USB Disk Security

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • ESET NOD32 Antiviru...
    Protect your system and files from virus and spyware.
    Download Or, Learn More About ESET NOD32 Antivirus 6

    Installed

    Smart Install
All User Reviews
  • All versions:

    3.0 stars

    out of 504 votes

    • 5 star: 145
    • 4 star: 85
    • 3 star: 53
    • 2 star: 42
    • 1 star: 179
  • Current version:

    2.5 stars

    out of 14 votes

    • 5 star: 1
    • 4 star: 3
    • 3 star: 3
    • 2 star: 2
    • 1 star: 5
  • My rating:

    0 stars

    Write review

Results 1-10 of 14

  • 1.0 stars

    "beware its' spyware"

    April 15, 2009  |   By blankenstein

    Version: Hotspot Shield 1.12

    Pros

    does do as it claims, but!

    Cons

    piece **** malware

    Summary

    launches pop window with porn ads, but even worse, if you turn it off it will run in the background tracking your web browsing and doing god knows what else. It quietly runs hssrv.exe which will not show up as a running process in your task manager. Even with process explorer I was unable to stop it from re launching after killing the process. Avoid.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

  • 2.0 stars

    "Okay software"

    April 7, 2009  |   By Abstract_Writer

    Version: Hotspot Shield 1.12

    Pros

    Did the job.

    Cons

    Inappropriate and adult advertising.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (1) (0)

  • 3.0 stars

    "Good experience, but v1.13 triggering trojan alert ???"

    April 4, 2009  |   By f0r0ne

    Version: Hotspot Shield 1.12

    Pros

    Effective substitute address permitting Hulu, Pandora, etc. from Canada
    Easy to install and use
    No speed problems

    Cons

    Sticks an innocuous, removable but nuisance ad over top of each page
    After v1.13 update, AdAware scan alerted to a "level 10" trojan keystroke logger
    Very difficult to remove once installed

    Summary

    I found it very useful and was willing to put up with ads which can be clicked off. It's the only free service that worked with Hulu from Canada - UltraSurf does not. However, this last version triggered an AdAware highest level alert for a keystroke logger trojan. Uninstalling was impossible because Add/Remove and Revo found it always "in use" so I had to log in Safe Mode as Administrator to erase the folder. I hope Anchor Free reads this and fixes the trojan problem as I would like to go back to it.

    Reply to this review Read reply (1)

    Was this review helpful? (1) (0)

  • 1.0 stars

    "Nothing but ads with v. 1.13"

    April 3, 2009  |   By FunkyBrewster

    Version: Hotspot Shield 1.12

    Pros

    Can be uninstalled

    Cons

    Blocks EVERY website with a frame linked to RSS2Search. Clicking on any link and any page loads this frame, making it impossible to use the browser.

    Summary

    v. 1.12 wasn't great but at least it was usable. 1.13 is a joke.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

  • 1.0 stars

    "Pornographic Banner Ads"

    March 24, 2009  |   By BreakingBad

    Version: Hotspot Shield 1.12

    Pros

    Changes your ip address

    Cons

    This program put a pornographic banner ad at the top of my screen, I was sitting with my little daughter on my lap and looking at sesame street torrents and all of the sudden I have porn at the top of my page. Unacceptable.

    Summary

    I don't care what this program accomplishes because it puts Pornography at the top of your screen.

    Updated on Mar 25, 2009

    Update! When trying to uninstall this program, Avira antivirus warns that theuninstaller is the TR/PSW.IEPass.A.12 trojan. ***? I thought downloads from cnet were safe.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (1) (0)

  • 4.0 stars

    "It works but"

    March 23, 2009  |   By djfunkygrrl

    Version: Hotspot Shield 1.12

    Pros

    Hides your original IP address

    Cons

    UInless you search late at night, the connection speed is very slow during the day. and as, noted in the reviews, the connection will drop without notice.

    Summary



    Updated on Apr 6, 2009

    As others have stated, this product 1.12 and 1.13 has a trojan horse.
    I contacted Hotspot shield almost 2 weeks ago and have not received a reply. On their website AnchorFree is promoting Hotspot Shield 1.10, but when one downloads it shows up as 1.13. AVOID THIS PRODUCT! Remember the Conficker virus attacks Networks!!

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (2) (0)

  • 3.0 stars

    "Phis program will hiding your real IP and loction"

    March 22, 2009  |   By neo1392

    Version: Hotspot Shield 1.12

    Pros

    1. Unblocks all ISP blocked site
    2. Complete privacy and descretion
    3. Free of cost
    4. Quick lauch sequence without disrupting your connection

    Cons

    1. Way too many advertisments
    2. Noticably more sluggish compared to when the software is'nt runnig
    3. Very annoying search engine pages sometimes show up while surfing
    4. Will automatically turn off without warning

    Summary

    If it had fewer ads, i would have given it 4 stars

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (1) (0)

  • 3.0 stars

    "AnchorFree Hotspot Shield"

    March 21, 2009  |   By HCC4

    Version: Hotspot Shield 1.12

    Pros

    It's okay as an alternative.

    Cons

    It has konked out 3 times, leaving me surfing naked without warning. Once, it showed that it was connected; but it wasn't! My own local IP was showing in http://whatismyipaddress.com/. AnchorFree is heavily ad-supported which can get annoying.

    Summary

    OK, but keep an eye on the warning icon in the status bar, AnchorFree shuts off without warning, and you are surfing naked.

    I found another free VPN with free account, free forum support by their staff, much less advertising, and it's not bad at all. Two weeks, and it has never konked out, I'm online 10-12 hours a day.

    www.alonweb.com

    AlonWeb IPs are in the Netherlands. Quick download and setup, easy to use. I have also discovered I can combine it with a proxy IP if I choose to manually insert one into my Firefox or IE browser.

    Updated on Mar 21, 2009

    Where the hell is my comment after all the sign-up **** you put me through to put it in!!!!

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (1) (0)

  • 4.0 stars

    "Works beautifully and can open up blocked sites."

    March 13, 2009  |   By dralnajim

    Version: Hotspot Shield 1.12

    Pros

    Opens up all my blocked sites such as crack and hack sites. Does not slow down the connection much.

    Cons

    Have to choose an advertised site first to have it start working but this is only a minor inconveniance.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (1)

  • 5.0 stars

    "Loving it in Canada!"

    March 2, 2009  |   By orochuck

    Version: Hotspot Shield 1.12

    Pros

    I live in Montreal, Canada. Install on my MAC was quick and easy. I got to watch abc news minutes after download. Video took 10 seconds longer to start than usual but once stream started, virtually flawless.

    Cons

    At first it's not clear when connection achieved but it soon becomes obvious.

    Summary

    Sites take slightly longer to load but it's worth it! I am using wi-fi on regular hi-speed cable. I was finally able to access Twilight Zone archive on CBS.com. I want to thank Anchor Free for this software. My only fear is that this is too good to be true and that it is actually spyware or something.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

Results 1-10 of 14

Add Your Review

or Log in or create an account to post a review.
You are logged in as . Please submit your review for Hotspot Shield 1.12
Add Your Review

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited.
Click here to review our site terms of use.

Submit your reply

Submit

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited.
Click here to review our site terms of use.

cancel

E-mail this review

Submit cancel

Report offensive content

If you believe this comment is offensive or violates the CNET's Site Terms of Use, you can report it below (this will not automatically remove the comment). Once reported, our staff will be notified and the comment will be reviewed.

Select type of offense:

Offensive: Sexually explicit or offensive language
Spam: Advertisements or commercial links
Disruptive posting: Flaming or offending other users
Illegal activities: Promote cracked software, or other illegal content
Submit cancel

Previous Versions:

Error

close

ERROR MESSAGE

If you think this is an error, please contact CNET TechTracker Support for further assistance.

Ok

Running Request

close

loading

Smart Install Software

close

CNET TechTracker will now automatically install software without requiring further action by you. (Note: This feature automatically accepts associated EULAs and third party applications on your behalf.)

You have selected the following software to Smart Install:

CNET TechTracker will attempt to install this software without interrupting you again. If an application requires manual installation, CNET TechTracker will download the installer and prompt you to take further action.

Proceed with Smart Install?

Confirm Standard Install Cancel

Submit a problem report for Hotspot Shield

close

Please describe the problem you have with this software. This information will be sent to our editors for review.

Problem:

The CNET Installer isn't working as expected

The download link does not work

The software has a newer version

The software contains malware

Other

Description:

Please select a feedback type.

Please enter a description.

Submit Problem Report

Problem Report submitted

close

Thank you for submitting a problem report! The Download team is committed to providing you with accurate software information.

OK

Or, Learn More About Hotspot Shield

Installed

Smart Install
Hotspot Shield