The Best Hotspot Shield Alternative in 2024

Hotspot Shield is a decent VPN service with a large server network, 45-day money back guarantee, and plenty of useful features. It also offers a free version that lets you connect to a single location on one device. However, Hotspot Shield is not the best option for privacy-conscious users. 

The VPN provider is based in the United States, a member of the Five Eyes surveillance alliance. Moreover, Hotspot Shield has not undergone any independent audits to prove its no-log claims. If you are looking for other better options, check out our list of the best Hotspot Shield alternatives below.

Reasons to Explore Hotspot Shield Alternatives

• Since Hotspot Shield is a US-based VPN service, your data is at risk of being collected by the government and intelligence agencies. 

• While Hotspot Shield claims to follow a strict no-log policy, no third party audits have been conducted to verify this.

• Lack of anonymous payment options means you cannot pay for Hotspot Shield with cryptocurrency like Bitcoin. 

• Hotspot Shield unblocks most streaming services, but proves unreliable when it comes to services like 10Play and 9Now. 

5 Best Hotspot Shield Alternatives

The alternatives listed below are excellent at unblocking geo-restricted platforms. They also provide the security and privacy features that you expect from high-quality VPN service. Their connection speeds are super-fast as well, of course.

Let’s take a look at them below.

1. PureVPN

	PureVPN	Hotspot Shield
Unblock all major streaming platforms	Yes	No
Uses 20 Gbps servers	Yes	Yes
Offers Popular Websites functionality	Yes	No

PureVPN’s commitment to user privacy is evident, having undergone four successful no-log audits. Additionally, being headquartered in the privacy-centric British Virgin Islands offers an added layer of assurance against invasive jurisdictions.

For those valuing discretion, PureVPN provides anonymous payment options, including cryptocurrency and gift cards. On the security front, users can benefit from features like a kill switch, quantum-resistant encryption, and DNS leak protection.

Lastly, streaming enthusiasts will not be disappointed either. PureVPN effortlessly unblocks an array of platforms, from Hulu and BBC iPlayer to 10Play and beyond, guaranteeing hours of endless entertainment.

Pros:

• Proven no-log policy
• User-friendly VPN app for Apple TV 
• Obfuscated servers

Cons:

• No SmartDNS

Get PureVPN

2. NordVPN

	NordVPN	Hotspot Shield
Protects against malware, trackers, and ads	Yes	No
Allows you to route your traffic through two VPN servers	Yes	No
Scans the dark web for data breaches	Yes	No

NordVPN, with its three independent no-log audits, stands as a testament to its dedication to user privacy. Based in Panama, a haven from prying surveillance alliances, NordVPN ensures a layer of security Hotspot Shield can’t match.

The VPN does not skimp on security features. Offering tools like Threat Protection and Dark Web Monitor alongside advanced functionalities like Double VPN and Onion over VPN, it ensures online protection is comprehensive. 

Moreover, its RAM-based server infrastructure means data is not persistently stored. As far as anonymous payment options are concerned, NordVPN accepts cryptocurrency and even lets you purchase its service using cash and gift cards at retail stores.

Pros:

• Best-in-class security
• Feature-rich apps
• SmartPlay technology

Cons: 

• Command-line Linux client

3. ExpressVPN 

	ExpressVPN	Hotspot Shield
Delivers consistently fast speeds	Yes	No
Comes with unlimited bandwidth	Yes	Yes
Lets you choose custom protocol for speed	Yes	Yes

ExpressVPN is synonymous with speed, offering blazing connections that make bandwidth-heavy tasks a breeze. Based in the British Virgin Islands, it operates under robust data protection laws, giving an edge to privacy-conscious users over Hotspot Shield.

Having successfully passed multiple no-log audits, ExpressVPN’s commitment to privacy is evident. The VPN service is packed with plenty of useful features like Threat Manager and split tunneling, ensuring a seamless and secure online experience. 

Furthermore, its proprietary TrustedServer technology (RAM-based servers) guarantees no data retention. Furthermore, the open-source Lightway protocol, developed in-house by ExpressVPN, provides speedy connections without compromising security. 

Pros:

• Blazing-fast speeds
• TrustedServer technology
• Accepts cryptocurrency

Cons:

• Costly subscription plans

4. Surfshark

	Surfshark	Hotspot Shield
Supports unlimited connections	Yes	No
Provides in-app support	Yes	No
Ensures broad device compatibility	Yes	Yes

Surfshark might be based in the Netherlands, a Nine Eyes member, but its commitment to user privacy is firm. The VPN service has passed an independent audit, backing their no-log policy claims. 

Where Surfshark truly differentiates itself is in its feature set. CleanWeb works diligently to block ads both in browsers and apps, Multihop adds an extra layer of privacy by channeling your traffic through two servers, and the built-in antivirus protects against digital threats.

In addition, Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections. So whether it is your phone, laptop, or any other device, they have got you covered, making it a compelling Hotspot Shield alternative.

Pros:

• Unblocks most streaming platforms 
• RAM-based server infrastructure
• 7-day free trial for macOS, Android, and iOS

Cons:

• Expensive monthly subscription

5. Windscribe

	Windscribe	Hotspot Shield
Gives users both free and paid versions	Yes	Yes
Enables you to build your own plan	Yes	No
Guarantees an ad-free experience	Yes	Yes (the free version does not)

If you are looking for a free Hotspot Shield alternative, Windscribe deserves your attention. Known for its impressive speeds, this VPN ensures a seamless online journey, even in its free version.

Windscribe generously offers 15GB of data monthly, covering servers across 10 countries. Not just that, streamers will appreciate its knack for unlocking top streaming platforms, guaranteeing hours of uninterrupted content.

For those who find 15GB limiting, Windscribe’s flexible build-a-plan ensures you are always online. Plus, features like R.O.B.E.R.T enhance your overall experience by blocking ads and trackers. 

Pros:

• Free version shows no ads
• Impressive speeds 
• Flexible paid plans 

Cons:

• 3-day refund policy (for paid version)

Final Word

The VPNs highlighted above not only have good privacy and security features but also offer great connection speeds and reliable unblocking capabilities, making them the best Hotspot Shield alternatives to try out.