What are the reviews for Hotspot Shield VPN like?

Hotspot Shield VPN generally receives mixed reviews. Users often praise it for its user-friendly interface, strong privacy policies, and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions effectively, making it a popular choice for streaming content from various regions. The VPN's fast connection speeds are frequently highlighted, particularly with its proprietary Hydra protocol, which is designed to improve speed and performance. However, some users and experts raise concerns about its past privacy issues and the fact that the free version comes with ads and a limited selection of servers. Additionally, while many find the premium version provides a robust set of features, there is debate over whether it offers the best value compared to other premium VPN services on the market. Overall, it tends to be well-regarded for casual users seeking a simple and efficient solution, but those with more demanding security needs might look for alternatives.