Hotspot Shield Free VPN Proxy & Wi-Fi Security for Android

Used Hotspot Shield Free VPN Proxy & Wi-Fi Security for Android?

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffSeptember 30, 2026

Hotspot Shield VPN for Android secures your Wi-Fi connection with HTTPS encryption, grants you access to Web sites that in your region may be blocked by a firewall, and enables you to browse the Web privately. It's the most popular app of its kind and for good reason -- it works as intended and runs unobtrusively in the background, requiring minimal configuration.

Pros

Effective: Hotspot Shield VPN for Android's encryption, private browsing, and virtual location work effectively with just one tap, bringing you peace of mind when you're connecting to the Web using public Wi-Fi networks, which by their nature are insecure.

Useful: Grants you access to restricted Web sites like Facebook or YouTube, which you may not be able to access from work or certain countries.

Net Stats feature: By showing you in real time how much data other apps upload and download, it can help you reduce your data plan expenses.

Cons

Fullscreen video ads: The free version will constantly nag you with fullscreen, voiced-over video ads.

Bottom Line

With its efficiency and straightforwardness, Hotspot Shield VPN for Android proves to be an essential security app that you should definitely try, especially if you travel a lot and frequently connect to public Wi-Fi networks. While the free version works fine, you may want to upgrade to the Elite version to get rid of the ads, be able to change your virtual location, and get multiplatform support, so you can use the app with other devices and computers.

What’s new in version 12.0.0

Bug fixes and optimizations.

Hotspot Shield Free VPN Proxy & Wi-Fi Security for Android

Used Hotspot Shield Free VPN Proxy & Wi-Fi Security for Android?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: February 13, 2019

Latest update: September 30, 2026

Version: 12.0.0

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Android

Also available in:

Mac
iOS
Windows

Operating System: Android 17.0

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 691,265

Downloads Last Week: 0

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Last Updated

User Reviews

4/5

10 User Votes

Awesome vpn for unblocking content
alwaysanonymousMarch 5, 2015
Pros
Use their virtual locations to gain access to content restricted in certain countries. I'm currently using the app to watch the Cricket World Cup. I can't live stream from US for free without Hotspot Shield.
Cons
none yet...
Summary
Allows me to see all the internet uncensored
Geeria3March 4, 2015
Pros
Easy (one main on/off button) It just works Cheap
Cons
Ads if you don't pay (fair enough though)
Summary
Great app for people who travel!
DinidaniMarch 4, 2015
Pros
It allows me to get cheaper flights, listen at Pandora and watch Netflix when I am abroad for traveling!
Cons
Sometimes it slows down my connection
Summary
if you travel and you want to access the usual websites/apps you use at home, this app is great! Plus if you switch your ip location you can also find cheapest rates for flights... best thing ever for who loves traveling as me!
Works as advertised
mroberte81March 4, 2015
Pros
Allows me to watch shows when I'm traveling or get to sites that are censored in various countries.
Cons
It can be slow depending on connection sometimes, not really the products fault, but more so my internet connection. Also it was confusing at first to know if I was signed in or not, saying I was a free member when I wasn't. They should make this more clear for new users.
Summary
Overall, the product seems to keep getting better with each release and allows people to access the internet how it should - open and free!
One of my favorite apps
KiarooMarch 4, 2015
Pros
Use it every time I connect to public wifi.... that is to say a lot. Now I feel totally secure when checking my fav sites while on the go. It's crazy how easy it is now to steal someone's data on unsecured wifi networks so with this app, my worries are gone! I also use it to prevent any entities from tracking me online. Also it can be very useful when you have to travel outside US. Inside the app I was able to select a US ip address while being abroad so I could access my US Netflix account ;)
Cons
I upgraded to the Elite version to get rid of ads though it's not a big deal as the paid version cost me barely nothing (about $30 bucks).
Summary
Great and cheap app to keep your data private and access geo-blocked sites.
Works great on my Galaxy 4
fenerbahcesMarch 4, 2015
Pros
- Easy to setup and get started - Smart mode that turns on automatically when connected to unsecure WiFi
Cons
- There are ads but it's free
Summary
Best privacy and security I've found on Android so far
big question
Ali3hFebruary 23, 2014
Pros
I don't know why ?! but it doesn't work I installed it on HTC HD2
Cons
I open the app and I tap on "Protect your connection" but it doesn't turn on and this is a big question for me because one of my friends who has installed this app like this and said it works great but I don't know why it doesn't work on my device
Summary
Works as advertised
GehovaGyraNovember 27, 2012
Pros
Install and set up was easy. My tests show that it really is securing my Wifi signal. Sort of idiot proof with little user input available. No problems making telephone calls with Skype. Only took maybe 5 seconds to connect to the VPN the 3 times I tried it.
Cons
Slows down the internet connection somewhat while browsing. I had to turn off image compression to load and use the youtube app. Needs a little more user settings, the image compression defaults to medium every time I turn protection off and back on.
Summary
I like the added security and will use the product on free mode for now. I would like to know more about this VPN and if someone in the back room has access to my online activities. Using this while connected to a 4G hotspot router via wifi, Android 2.3.4 and cheap Net10 LG phone.
I used it on HTC EVO 3D both on wifi and usb tether.
ALPHAPK1November 27, 2012
Pros
works after the first install and works fine if you dont close it or restart your andriod phone
Cons
Does not connect at all, take several minutes just to show that it is unable to connect with random errors
Summary

Developer’s Description

Unblock any Web site or app to access videos, movies, and social networks.