Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Windscribe VS Hotspot Shield

Compare Windscribe VS Hotspot Shield and see what are their differences

Windscribe logo Windscribe

Windscribe is a desktop application and browser extension that work together to block ads and trackers, restore access to blocked content and help you safeguard your privacy online.

Hotspot Shield logo Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield is a software application developed by AnchorFree, Inc.
  • Windscribe Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-05
  • Hotspot Shield Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-17

Windscribe features and specs

  • Generous Free Plan
    Windscribe offers a free plan with up to 10GB of data per month, with additional bandwidth available through various promotions.
  • Strong Security and Privacy
    The service provides strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and various secure protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard).
  • Wide Range of Features
    Includes features such as R.O.B.E.R.T. (ad and malware blocker), multiple hop connections, and a secure hotspot.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    Windscribe has applications for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.
  • Unlimited Devices
    Allows usage on an unlimited number of devices with a single account.

Possible disadvantages of Windscribe

  • Limited Server Network
    Compared to some competitors, Windscribe has a smaller network with servers in fewer countries.
  • Medium Speed Performance
    While generally reliable, Windscribe's speed may not be as fast as some top-tier VPN providers, especially on long-distance connections.
  • Free Plan Limitations
    The free plan has limitations on server locations and features, pushing users towards upgrading to a paid plan.
  • Inconsistent Customer Support
    Customer support is primarily via email and ticket system, with no live chat available, which may lead to slower response times.
  • Geoblocking Issues
    Some users report difficulty accessing certain geo-restricted content, such as streaming services from specific countries.

Hotspot Shield features and specs

  • High-Speed Performance
    Hotspot Shield is known for its high-speed connections, making it ideal for streaming, large downloads, and gaming.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The application is designed with a simple, intuitive interface that makes it easy for both technical and non-technical users to operate.
  • Large Server Network
    Hotspot Shield provides access to a large number of servers in various locations around the world, which can help bypass geo-restrictions.
  • Strong Security Features
    It offers robust encryption and security features such as malware protection, which enhance user privacy and data security.
  • Free Version Available
    A free version of Hotspot Shield is available, allowing users to try the service before committing to a paid subscription.

Possible disadvantages of Hotspot Shield

  • Logging Policy
    Hotspot Shield’s privacy policy has been criticized for potential logging of user data, which raises concerns for privacy-conscious users.
  • Ads in Free Version
    The free version of Hotspot Shield includes advertisements, which can be intrusive and disrupt the browsing experience.
  • Limited Features in Free Version
    The free version offers a limited set of features compared to the premium version, which may not meet all user needs.
  • Cost of Premium Version
    The premium subscription can be relatively expensive, which may not be affordable for all users.
  • Inconsistent Performance
    Some users have reported inconsistent performance, such as occasional slowdowns or interruptions depending on the server or location.

Windscribe videos

100% HONEST Windscribe Review 2020 ?

More videos:

  • Review - WindScribe Review - HONEST VPN REVIEW 2019!
  • Review - Windscribe VPN | A Full Comprehensive Review

Hotspot Shield videos

Hotspot Shield Review - Brutally Honest Review in 2019

More videos:

  • Review - Hotspot Shield VPN Review
  • Review - Hotspot Shield review: Should you get it? | VPNpro

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Windscribe and Hotspot Shield)
VPN
56 56%
44% 44
Cloud VPN
54 54%
46% 46
Security & Privacy
51 51%
49% 49
Security
64 64%
36% 36

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Windscribe and Hotspot Shield

Windscribe Reviews

Best Top 20 OpenVPN Alternatives (Pros and Cons)
Windscribe is a Canadian-based VPN alternative that comes with a paid version and a free tier with 10GB bandwidth per month. This software cannot assure the fast performance of NordVPN and others,but has many advantages too.
Best Ad Blockers in 2023: Adblock Plus vs AdGuard vs uBlock Origin and More
R.O.B.E.R.T. comes with all Windscribe plans, although the free plan will only allow you to add three custom online ads rules. It will, however, help with blocking overlay ads and avoid spyware-infected ads as well. If you’re already using Windscribe, R.O.B.E.R.T. is a worthy addition, though we aren’t sure we would go out of our way to get it as a stand-alone product.
10 Best Free Online Proxy Server List of 2022 [VERIFIED]
Windscribe offers the solution of VPN and Ad Block. It offers the solution as a desktop application and as a browser extension. It will let you browse privately and unblock the geo-restricted content. Your activities will be encrypted with Windscribe. The pricing plan starts at $4.08 per month.
Best NordVPN Alternatives
Windscribe, like ProtonVPN, offers a high-quality free VPN app alongside its paid version. However, unlike the competition, it has a monthly bandwidth limit of 10 GB. Despite all that, Windscribe remains a public favorite. This is mainly because the VPN works wonders circumventing geo-blocks and content filters, even in China. Furthermore, it offers torrenting on every...
Source: vpnwired.com
10 Best NordVPN Alternatives – Safe & Fast VPNs in 2022
This one is pretty much similar to the TunnelBear VPN listed above. Like TunnelBear, Windscribe also offers 500MB of free data every month. It has over 2000 servers spread across 36 countries. It also has a strict no-log policy, IP Stamps, etc.
Source: techviral.net

Hotspot Shield Reviews

The Best Top 10 VPNs for Spotify 2025
Hotspot Shield is a popular VPN solution for Spotify users, offering fast and secure connections to its vast network of servers. With a user-friendly interface and 24/7 customer support, Hotspot Shield is perfect for music lovers.
Turbo VPN Alternatives – Best Free VPN Apps For Android in 2022
Hotspot Shield is the best and most popular VPN proxy application for Android smartphones. It takes security and privacy very seriously. Since it’s a VPN app, it can be used to unlock geo-restricted websites and content.
Source: techviral.net
112 Best Chrome Extensions You Should Try (2021 List)
Hotspot Shield extension is a freemium security tool. It uses WebRTC technologies to hide your IP and uses military-grade encryption to protect your data. Yes! it offers both free and paid plans, but as free, it only connects to one location and provides primary security. But premium subscription plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee. However, for beginners, the free...
8 Best Turbo VPN Alternatives for Android and iOS
HotSpot Shield is yet another VPN that offers unlimited data just like Turbo VPN. It does not throttle the speed and the servers are always up which translates to excellent performance. However, bear in mind, under the free service, you have servers only from the US region which could be a bummer for some. Nevertheless, the best part about Hotspot Shield is that it offers...
Source: beebom.com
8 Similar Apps like Psiphon that are Actually Better
Hotspot Shield VPN is yet another incredible app like Psiphon. However, it does require you to subscribe to a plan to be able to utilize the VPN service. The pricing plans are similar to the ones offered by other VPN providers.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Windscribe seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 140 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Windscribe mentions (140)

  • How to Make an Argentina Steam Account in 2023 – Tried and Tested
    Windscribe (offers a free plan, with the option to purchase Argentina servers). Source: over 1 year ago
  • So Windscribe's Android app is being recommended as a secure client against the TunnelCrack exploit.
    "In case you use OpenVPN servers and profiles, then you can use the open-source Windscribe client and load your OpenVPN profile in Windscribe. You will then be able to use Windscribe with your own server. At the time of disclosure, the Windscribe client was secure against all attacks on all the platforms that we tested (Windows, Android, macOS, Linux, iOS). In contrast, during the disclosure we were not aware of... Source: over 1 year ago
  • Windscribe Voucher 2023 - Free 1GB of VPN Data - Use this link https://windscribe.com/yo/inae8osm - New Customers Only
    And here’s a non-referral link too: https://windscribe.com/. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Blocked IP
    If "Sorry, you have been blocked. You are unable to access windscribe.com" ? Source: almost 2 years ago
  • The ongoing protest should include ad-blocking and anti-tracking
    To block ads entirely: AdGuard or Windscribe VPN. Source: almost 2 years ago
View more

Hotspot Shield mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Hotspot Shield yet. Tracking of Hotspot Shield recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Windscribe and Hotspot Shield, you can also consider the following products

ProtonVPN - ProtonVPN is a security focused FREE VPN service, developed by CERN and MIT scientists. Use the web anonymously, unblock websites & encrypt your connection.

OpenVPN - OpenVPN - The Open Source VPN

Psiphon - Psiphon is circumvention software for Windows and Mobile platforms that provides uncensored access to Internet content. Read more about Psiphon.

TunnelBear - Really simple VPN to browse the web privately & anonymously.

NordVPN - NordVPN offers VPN technology that encrypts data twice.

Tor Browser - Tor is free software for enabling anonymous communication.