Hotspot Shield VPN Chrome Extension for Web Apps

Secure Browsing Experience

Hotspot Shield VPN Chrome Extension is a virtual private network created by AnchorFree Inc. This security application provides access to websites that are blocked. It also protects users from all kinds of online danger. Their private information is secured through encryption with private servers.

One-Step VPN Extension

Hotspot Shield VPN Chrome Extension is very simple to use, taking only a single activation to get users redirected to a virtual private network. The app does not need registration or logging in with an account to operate. Once activated, the user’s private information gets encrypted to a remote server. They can then select one of the virtual locations to mask their IP address, identity, and current location. If you are not sure what server to use, you can use the app's Optimal Location option. This feature automatically selects the server that best fits the user’s network connection. 

As with other VPN apps, Hotspot Shield VPN Chrome Extension protects you from online snooping. Anyone attempting to pry with their private information is lost on mirrored networks. More so, users can enter blocked websites if they are not available in their country or region.  It also has an unlimited bandwidth to provide unlimited access. With this, you can reduce the usual bandwidth limitations from your network provider. 

Users can also open restricted websites on places with website blocking and firewalls. Whether you're at home, in school, at work, or traveling, the web application can bypass unwanted websites as long as you select which websites you want to block. 

Furthermore, Hotspot Shield VPN Chrome Extension enforces several kinds of protection services during its activation. It comes with Ad Blocking, Cookie Blocking, Malware Protection, and Tracker Blocking. All these protection services guarantee safe browsing. No private information will be leaked to unwanted elements like advertisers, online trackers, and hackers. There is also an option to upgrade into an Elite user which features full benefits across platforms, from computers to mobile devices. With the Elite user, you can connect to premium locations that ensure extra bandwidth and protection.

P2P Support and Torrenting Capabilities

Hotspot Shield VPN is a torrent-friendly service that offers seamless P2P support across all its servers. Users can easily download torrents using any of the available clients, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. There are no bandwidth limits or restrictions, ensuring an enjoyable experience for users who engage in torrenting activities.

Device Compatibility and Manual Setup

This VPN service offers extensive device compatibility, with apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. It also provides a command line app for Linux and a TV app for Amazon Fire TV or smart TVs with Google Play access. For users seeking to set up the VPN on other platforms like routers, Hotspot Shield has step-by-step guides on its support site for manual configuration.

Hydra Protocol and Encryption

Hotspot Shield uses its proprietary Hydra protocol, which is based on TLS 1.2 and employs AES-256 and AES-128 encryption, 2048-bit RSA certificates for server authentication, and Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman (ECDHE) for perfect forward secrecy. Although the code is not open source, the VPN service ensures that users' data is protected using top-notch encryption technologies.

Privacy Policy and Logging Practices

The company's privacy policy clearly states that Hotspot Shield's VPN products do not log IP addresses, device identifiers, or any other form of identifier in combination with VPN browsing activity. However, some logging does occur, including the duration of VPN sessions, the bandwidth consumed, and the domains accessed in an anonymized manner. Although this information cannot be linked to specific VPN browsing activity, users should be aware of these logging practices.

Kill Switch Performance

Hotspot Shield's apps feature a kill switch that prevents IP leaks by blocking the internet connection if the VPN connection drops. While tests showed that the kill switch works well in most common scenarios, some extreme situations revealed potential vulnerabilities, where the kill switch failed to activate and left the device unprotected.

Unblocking Streaming Services

The VPN excels in unblocking popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, and more. Users can gain access to Netflix libraries in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and Japan, as well as other platforms like BBC iPlayer, ITV, and Channel 4. Hotspot Shield's impressive unblocking capabilities make it an excellent choice for streaming enthusiasts.

Customer Support and Knowledge Base

Hotspot Shield offers live chat support and a comprehensive knowledge base organized by platform and categories like Payments and Subscriptions, Manage Account, and Common Issues. The support team is friendly and knowledgeable, providing quick assistance when needed. Although there is room for improvement in the support site's content, users can find most of the essential information and rely on live chat support for additional help.

Security and Convenience Combined

Hotspot Shield VPN Chrome Extension is a decent VPN service for online browsing. The web application itself does the job of encrypting users without having any extra apps. They can also save their bandwidth consumption with the web application. It guarantees convenience and protection when surfing online.