Hotspot
Shield Elite is a subscription-based service that allows you not only
to secure your connection while surfing WiFi hotspots, but also to
access sites not normally available outside of the USA such as Pandora
and Hulu. It is the paid version of Hotspot Shield and guarantees faster
and more stable streaming.
To
secure your internet connection, Hotspot Shield Elite creates a Virtual
Private Network (a secure connection, usually abbreviated to VPN)
between your computer and the Hotspot Shield Elite developer's website,
Anchorfree, based in the USA.
Everything
is done in an extra tab open in your browser so there's no need to
configure anything. A green and red shield in your system tray indicates
when Hotspot Shield is and is not connected. The VPN is encrypted with
128 bit SSL encryption so that you can surf safely without worrying
about others intercepting your data.
The major reason why users
are flocking to Hotspot Shield Elite though is because it allows you to
view sites in the USA that are usually restricted to outside users. This
is particularly useful for video sites such as Hulu or restricted
videos on YouTube. The advantage over the free version is that streaming
is much more stable. You can also view your purchase history for
Hotspot Shield Elite in your browser.
Hotspot Shield Elite works
very well and you don't have to put up with an ad banner at the top of
your browser like in the free version. In addition, it tries to install a
toolbar at the beginning although you can opt out of this. If you've
got Expat Shield installed, you'll also need to remove that first before
installing. Also, surfing with Hotspot Shield is noticeably slower than
normal but it's fine for streaming video from video sites such as Hulu.
Hotspot
Shield now includes malware protection meaning that while using it, you
shouldn't get infected by anything that may damage your system.
Hotspot Shield Elite is an easy-to-install and use way of accessing sites that are blocked in your regionRecent changes
Most
recently, the developers have added malware protection meaning that
while using Hotspot Shield, you shouldn't get infected by anything that
may damage your system.
Notes
Please note that the file you
download is Hotspot Shield standard. By paying the subscription fee, you
will be automatically upgraded to Hotspot Shield Elite.
Read more
Pros
Secures your internet connection
May allow you to watch sites restricted in your region
Easy to use and install
Streams fairly well
No data transfer limit
No intrusive banner
Recent changes
Most
recently, the developers have added malware protection meaning that
while using Hotspot Shield, you shouldn't get infected by anything that
may damage your system.
Notes
Please note that the file you
download is Hotspot Shield standard. By paying the subscription fee, you
will be automatically upgraded to Hotspot Shield Elite.
Read more
Pros
Secures your internet connection
May allow you to watch sites restricted in your region
Easy to use and install
Streams fairly well
No data transfer limit
No intrusive banner
hotspot shield
