Hotspot Shield review
Hotspot Shield's free Android app protects your privacy, identity, and device by intercepting and routing Wi-Fi network activity through a Virtual Private Network (VPN) of servers. It can intercept all network activity or allow trusted sites, networks, and hotspots. Important capabilities include start on boot, network notification, and sleep mode.
Pros
Full and Smart Protection: Full Protection intercepts all network traffic. Smart Protection allows selected sites like Google, Facebook, and YouTube and trusted networks and hotspots. It's easy to add or remove sites and networks to the Selected Sites list.
Network activities: All your device's network activities are captured and displayed in an easy-to-browse list.
Help file: Hotspot Shield's Help file is more extensive than those in many Windows programs. It explains everything about the app, including VPNs, proxies, and security.
Cons
Not untraceable: VPNs like Hotspot Shield mask your online activity but not your phone service, and your calls and other activity can still be traced in the usual ways.
Pop-up ads: The irregular appearance of fullscreen ads is a minor annoyance that ends with an Elite subscription.
Bottom Line
Hotspot Shield secures your Android device from growing threats to your privacy and data from Wi-Fi networks and public hotspots. The free version meets most users' needs, and affordable subscriptions are available for users who need more bandwidth or features.
