Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
ExpressVPN and HideMyAss are two VPN services with varying strengths. ExpressVPN, based in the British Virgin Islands, outperforms HideMyAss in terms of overall ratings, server count, and additional features like ad blocking. Although HideMyAss offers lower pricing options, it falls short in its server count and is based in the United Kingdom, a country known for extensive surveillance and data-sharing practices. Thus, from a user’s perspective, ExpressVPN appears to be the better choice due to its superior privacy protection, larger server network, and additional features.
About Our VPN Rating Systems
Our reviews delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Ratings are based on our comprehensive research of 96 VPN companies. Out of 96 VPNs we reviewed, only 11 surpass the 75% threshold in our evaluation, while half of the reviewed services score below average (54.1%).
Why Read Our VPN Guide?
- Our VPN reviews are unbiased and data-driven. We are not affiliated to any of the VPN companies listed on this website.
- Our rating system covers diverse user needs. We delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Specifications: ExpressVPN vs HideMyAss
| VPN Company | ExpressVPN | HideMyAss |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | British Virgin Islands (BVI) | United Kingdom |
| Cheapest Price | $6.67/mo over 15-month subscription | $2.99/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.95 | $4.99 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256, and ChaCha20 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and Lightway | IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPSec, OpenVPN, WireGuard, and Proprietary |
| Servers | 3,000 | 1,100 |
| Servers Countries | 94 | 290 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 8 devices | 5 devices |
| Works in China? | Partially | Unlikely |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | No |
| Double VPN | No | No |
| Ads Blocking | No | No |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Cure53 | VerSprite |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat | Phone call, and Email |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Disney+ |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: HideMyAss Better
HideMyAss presents an appealing price point at $2.99/mo, while ExpressVPN opts for a premium pricing strategy, starting at $6.67/mo for their 15-month subscription plan. This leads to an intriguing evaluation of the additional value ExpressVPN offers. Boasting military-grade encryption (AES-256, and ChaCha20), 24×7 live chat support, and a global network of 3,000 servers in more than 90 countries, ExpressVPN aims to justify its higher cost.
Yet, when compared to the offerings of HideMyAss, the question remains: do these enhanced features of ExpressVPN align with the specific needs and preferences of users seeking a premium VPN experience? This is something you’ll need to consider when comparing the two.
Jurisdiction: ExpressVPN Better
When it comes to privacy, the jurisdiction of a VPN provider is key. ExpressVPN’s location in British Virgin Islands (BVI), free from mandatory data retention laws, offers a significant privacy advantage over HideMyAss, based in the 14-Eye Alliance country of United Kingdom. This alliance, including the US, UK, and several European nations, is known for its extensive surveillance and data-sharing practices, potentially impacting user privacy.
In brief, for those dealing with sensitive data or in strict online environments, ExpressVPN represents a safer choice. Its non-14-Eyes location reduces the risk of surveillance and involuntary data sharing, making it a preferable option for privacy-conscious users.
Comparing the two, ExpressVPN’s BVI base generally offers a higher level of privacy protection. However, it’s important to consider other factors such as the VPN’s own privacy policy, encryption standards, and track record in handling user data. Both VPNs have their own merits, but for strict privacy considerations, being based in BVI gives ExpressVPN an edge.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: ExpressVPN Better
The server fleet size of ExpressVPN and HideMyAss is a critical aspect where these two VPN providers diverge significantly. ExpressVPN stands out with its impressive network, hosting over 3,000 servers worldwide. This extensive coverage ensures that users almost anywhere can find a reliable and fast server connection.
In contrast, HideMyAss maintains a more modest server presence, with only 1,100 servers across 290 countries. If you live in regions with fewer servers from HideMyAss, this might translate to slower speeds and potentially less stable connections. The vast server network of ExpressVPN not only provides broader geographic reach but also typically allows for better performance and lower latency.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
The commitment of ExpressVPN and HideMyAss to customer satisfaction is clearly seen in their extensive money-back guarantees. These guarantees show the confidence each service has in its quality. It’s a no-risk offer. Users can try out each VPN’s features without worry. Explore HideMyAss’s server network in 290 countries, experience ExpressVPN’s ad blocking and Lightway protocol, and exaluate their technical support quality. All this can be done before making a long-term decision.
Ad Blocking Feature: ExpressVPN Better
A notable difference between ExpressVPN and HideMyAss lies in their additional features – particularly ad blocking. ExpressVPN offers an integrated ad blocker, enhancing the browsing experience by eliminating unwanted ads and potentially harmful malware. On the other hand, HideMyAss does not come with an ad blocking feature, which might be a drawback for users who prioritize a clean and uninterrupted browsing experience.
Bottomline
ExpressVPN and HideMyAss, with their unique offerings, cater to different user needs in the VPN market. While HideMyAss offers a more affordable solution, ExpressVPN justifies its premium pricing with superior privacy protection, a larger server network, and additional features like ad blocking, thereby providing a comprehensive VPN experience for the discerning user.
Pick What You Need
Our VPN recommendations and ratings are just a general guide and may not match your personal needs. Know what you need and pick a VPN that fits. It’s crucial to assess your personal requirements, whether it’s enhanced security, better privacy, faster speeds, or access to specific content. Use our ExpressVPN and HideMyAss comparison as a starting point, but ultimately, select a VPN that aligns with your unique needs. This approach ensures you get the most out of your VPN service.
About ExpressVPN & HideMyAss
HideMyAss
HMA VPN, founded in 2005 by Jack Cator, is a well-known name in the VPN industry. The company, headquartered in the United Kingdom, is noted for its large server network and user-friendly interface. HMA offers features like 256-bit AES encryption, and it supports various platforms including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux.
To learn more, read our HideMyAss review.
ExpressVPN
Founded in 2009 by Peter Burchhardt and Dan Pomerantz, ExpressVPN stands out for its speed and extensive server network, with over 3,000 servers across 94 countries. It uses TrustedServer technology for enhanced security and supports AES-256 encryption. ExpressVPN offers wide device compatibility, including routers and smart TVs, and provides 24/7 customer support. The company is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands.
To learn more, read our ExpressVPN review.