Hotspot Shield review

Hotspot Shield is the easiest way on this list to try streaming over a VPN without paying. Its free tier is unlimited and ad-supported, with no card required, and Premium removes the ads, opens 800+ servers with speeds up to 1 Gbps and covers 10 devices. Connections run over Hydra, Hotspot Shield's own protocol, which picks the fastest server automatically, and the apps include a video mode alongside gaming and browsing modes. The homepage lists 115+ virtual locations across 80+ countries and 35+ cities, and names Netflix, YouTube, Prime and Disney+ among the services it targets. Apps cover Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and smart TVs. On the US App Store, Premium costs $79.99 a year after a 7-day free trial or $9.99 a month, which is more than Surfshark or PIA charge for unlimited devices. Buying directly adds a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Who it is for

viewers who want to try a free tier first

Price

Free ad-supported plan; Premium $79.99 per year on the US App Store (about $6.67 per month) after a 7-day free trial, or $9.99 per month.

Annual plan: first 7 days free, then $79.99/yr.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• Hydra protocol that automatically connects to the fastest server
• 115+ virtual locations across 80+ countries and 35+ cities
• Premium adds 800+ servers with speeds up to 1 Gbps
• Multiple VPN modes optimized for gaming, browsing and video
• Premium covers 10 devices and removes ads

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Only VPN here with a free, unlimited, ad-supported tier and no card required
• Strength: Apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and smart TVs
• Strength: 45-day money-back guarantee when bought directly
• Weakness: Highest yearly App Store price on this list, tied with ExpressVPN Basic
• Weakness: Speed claims such as 2.2x faster are the vendor's own
• Weakness: Fewer servers than the top four on this list

Key facts

• Locations: 115+ virtual locations, 80+ countries
• Devices: 10 on Premium
• Free plan: Yes, ad-supported
• Money-back guarantee: 45 days when bought directly

Where it ranks

Hotspot Shield is No. 9 in our Best VPN for Streaming verdict.