VPN Hotspot Shield alternatives

Users often look for alternatives to VPN Hotspot Shield due to connection issues in specific regions, problems with premium features after purchase, and difficulties with customer support and account access. Alternatives like NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer more consistent performance and broader compatibility for some users.

Why users look for alternatives to VPN Hotspot Shield

Users experience frequent connection issues, especially in certain regions like UAE, China, and Europe, even with premium subscriptions, making the service unreliable for consistent access.^R1^R5^R7^R9
There are reports of the VPN not working after purchasing a premium subscription, with some users calling it a 'scam' and experiencing constant disconnections.^R9^R11
Many users report difficulties reaching customer support for connection problems, refund requests, or account issues.^R1^R3^R9^R27
Users encounter problems signing in to existing paid subscriptions, especially after updates or on new devices, often being prompted to start a new trial or pay again.^R13^R21^R23^R27
The free version is perceived as having too many ads and limitations, with some users stating it blocks internet connection when the screen is off or is difficult to use without signing up for a trial.^R15^R16^R17^R19
Some users find that even with a premium subscription, certain channels or websites remain restricted, and the VPN may not consistently change their perceived location.^R25^R29

The alternatives

NordVPN

4.7★ · 686,268 ratings · Free

NordVPN is seen by some users as a reliable option for online protection and privacy, with a simple setup process . It is considered better than some other VPNs .

Better for: NordVPN is better for users who prioritize ease of setup and a general sense of online security across multiple devices . However, users in China may not be able to connect , and some users report it slows down WiFi connections significantly ^R53. It may also not work with services like Paramount+ in certain regions ^R51 or with AppleTV for live programming .

Head-to-head: VPN Hotspot Shield vs NordVPN

ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN

4.7★ · 417,171 ratings · Free

There are no reviews provided for ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN, so its specific offerings and user experiences cannot be determined from the given data.

Better for: There are no reviews provided for ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN, so it is not possible to determine who it suits better based on the given data.

Head-to-head: VPN Hotspot Shield vs ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN

VPN, Betternet

There are no reviews provided for Betternet, so its specific offerings and user experiences cannot be determined from the given data.

Better for: There are no reviews provided for Betternet, so it is not possible to determine who it suits better based on the given data.

Stick with VPN Hotspot Shield if

You should stick with VPN Hotspot Shield if you find it reliable for your specific needs, especially for general security and privacy when traveling, and if you have not encountered the common connection or account issues reported by other users . It is also recommended by some as a good free VPN option, despite ads and limitations ^R6.

Evidence note: ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN and VPN, Betternet have too few reviews to judge their performance or suitability.

Frequently asked

Why do users switch from Hotspot Shield?

Users often switch from Hotspot Shield due to unreliable connections in specific countries like UAE, China, and parts of Europe, issues with premium subscriptions failing to work after payment, and difficulties accessing customer support or signing into their accounts ^R1^R7^R9^R23.

Is Hotspot Shield free?

Hotspot Shield offers a free version that some users find useful and secure, but it comes with ads and limitations, and some users report that the free option is difficult to access due to prompts for paid trials ^R6^R15^R16^R19.

Does Hotspot Shield work for streaming?

Some users report that Hotspot Shield does not consistently work for streaming, with certain UK channels remaining restricted even with a paid subscription, and the VPN sometimes failing to change their perceived location ^R25^R29.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 64 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

[R1] VPN Hotspot Shield 1/5 · GB Doesn’t work for UAE: No suitable connection for UAE.. tried them all and no technical support Hotspot.
[R5] VPN Hotspot Shield 1/5 · GB Not reliable enough: Works not so well in Europe when you are from the uk
[R7] VPN Hotspot Shield 1/5 · GB Not working anymore: Hello I have premium and it used to work great with connecting to Uk whilst I’m currently in China but today I wasn’t able to connect to UK at all. Please fix this
[R9] VPN Hotspot Shield 1/5 · GB Terrible VPN such a Scam..!!: I am in Muscat on holiday, downloaded this vpn used the 7day trial, seems to work fine as soon as I paid for the premium, the vpn won’t work, always disconnects, simple WhatsApp calls also won’t work, such a big scam, paid 13£ for the monthly usage, tried re-installing etc exactly the same…no customer support, need my full refund asap.
[R11] VPN Hotspot Shield 1/5 · GB Terrible scam: STAY AWAY DOES NOT WORK
[R3] VPN Hotspot Shield 1/5 · GB Not working: The connections are down and cannot even reach support!
[R27] VPN Hotspot Shield 2/5 · GB Price change means unusable: Payed in November as have done for last many years now changes pricing and can not access and only allowing basic free trial. As usual it is impossible to contact these people
[R13] VPN Hotspot Shield 1/5 · GB Avoid: After getting this vpn initially on my pc with the thought of using on my iPad when I travel. On installing it on my iPad I could not get past the paywall so if I continue will end up paying 2 for something I already own this feels wrong
[R21] VPN Hotspot Shield 1/5 · GB Already Subscribed? Sign In Button does not work: I have a paid sub to this VPN and have done for years, got a new iPad and it prompted me to start a free trial in a big blue button. If you scroll down to the bottom of the app it has in the tiniest text ‘Already Subscribed? Sign In” but this is just text, I have clicked in multiple times and it does nothing nor does it prompt me to log in. Please
[R23] VPN Hotspot Shield 1/5 · GB Can’t sign in since update: Worked fine til latest update. Now wants me to start a free trial. There is a link to sign in if you already subscribe but this doesn’t work. So now I can’t sign in to what I am paying for
[R15] VPN Hotspot Shield 1/5 · GB Bad..: It was good before but now they are making everything premium I can’t even connect with anything. Honestly was a great app before but now meh.
[R16] VPN Hotspot Shield 5/5 · GB Ok: It’s good, but is very slow, please make it faster and stop the annoying ‘please get premium’ stuff
[R17] VPN Hotspot Shield 2/5 · GB Not the best: Basic plan has adds and blocks all internet connection once you turn off the screen. That doesn’t happen with some other apps.
[R19] VPN Hotspot Shield 1/5 · GB Makes you sign up: Page that demands you sign up to a free trial with a tiny “proceed with ads and limits” at the bottom, which doesn’t even work.
[R25] VPN Hotspot Shield 1/5 · GB Waste of money: Paid £80 for a year for this and majority of UK channels are still restricted.
[R29] VPN Hotspot Shield 1/5 · GB Not consistent: I will connect to different servers from different countries which I need to access a website but it won’t work as it will still say I’m from the UK
[R51] NordVPN 1/5 · US Did not work in the Philippines.: I pay for Paramount+. I tried to use NordVPN to watch the UFC on Paramount. Did not work in the Philippines.
[R53] NordVPN 1/5 · US Slows down my WiFi connection: Nord VPN slows down my WiFi so bad at times I can’t even use it. I’ve had to disconnect it many times so I could use WiFi on my phone. I’ve switched to different locations, but it doesn’t really make much of a difference! My speeds go from almost 200 down to 15-20! Really considering just removing it from my tv and everything else, because it may be helpful at pr
[R55] NordVPN 1/5 · US Keeps blocking internet when paused: I’m unable to access the Internet when my connection is paused
[R57] NordVPN 1/5 · US Complete waste of money: I am disabled and get $900 a month. I was expecting this to secure my devices and things kept escalating. I’m so sorry to leave. Love you, but I’ve tried every setting and even paid for the dedicated IP and no matter what it didn’t help. I just would like a refund and I would happily instantly change his review. I’ve given the opportunity. Thank you so much and God bless y
[R6] VPN Hotspot Shield 5/5 · GB Best vpn ever: It’s free it’s useful it’s secure and it’s one of the best I’ve used

Synthesized from 64 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store