Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield's OpenVPN-based client offers many useful features, including the ability to anonymize your browsing, bypass geographical blocks, and access region-specific content.

Pros

Specific site tunneling: Hotspot Shield now allows you to turn the service on when visiting specific websites -- such as Netflix, YouTube, or the BBC -- rather than tunneling your entire Internet session. This site targeting increases general browsing speed when the VPN is not required, and it's ideal for conserving bandwidth when data limits are an issue.

Easy setup: It takes just a few minutes to install Hotspot Shield and start using it. The redesigned interface enables you to toggle VPN activity, as well as switch to different regions and countries with a few clicks.

Wide selections: If you upgrade to the paid version, Hotspot Shield Elite, the service boasts 17 virtual locations, covering North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Reliable connection: Hotspot Shield performed admirably in our speed tests. We had no trouble streaming HD-quality Netflix and YouTube from virtual locations in the US and Canada. But keep in mind that overall speed depends on your location, hardware, peak traffic hours, and Internet connection.

Cons

Buggy interface: The Virtual Location menu sometimes failed to load the slider scroll during our tests, which prevented us from seeing all the available regions.

Limited free connection: Hotspot Shield Free VPN caps desktop users at 750MB for every 12 hours. With today's bandwidth-heavy video and music, you will hit that limit a lot faster than you think.

Limited content: Hotspot Shield Free VPN locks you into US servers, limiting access to international content.

Ad-supported: If you're using the free version of Hotspot Shield, you'll suffer aggressive upsell ads.

Bottom Line

With its advanced options, customization, and stable service, Hotspot Shield excels in the VPN field. With the majority of features locked behind a paywall, you'll need a subscription to enjoy the full benefit of the service.

This is a review of Hotspot Shield Elite Trial and Hotspot Shield Free VPN.