Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
NordVPN and hide.me VPN are two top-tier VPN services that offer solid privacy and security features. Both operate outside the jurisdiction of the 14-Eyes Alliance, NordVPN in Panama and hide.me VPN in Malaysia. NordVPN and hide.me VPN provide a high level of encryption (AES-256 and ChaCha20) and a no-logging policy, guaranteeing both privacy and safety for user data. Moreover, both offerings have comparably affordable pricing, with NordVPN’s cheapest plan at $2.99/mo and hide.me VPN’s at $2.22/mo. However, NordVPN’s larger network of servers (5,000 servers in 59 countries) likely provides better performance compared to hide.me VPN’s smaller network (2,300 servers in 49 countries). Yet, hide.me VPN supports more simultaneous device connections (10) when compared to NordVPN (6). Both VPNs can be a bit hit or miss when it comes to working in China, but hide.me VPN is currently proving to be the more reliable option. Remarkably, while NordVPN offers ad-blocking features, hide.me does not. Finally, the two VPNs are known for their robust customer service. In summary, while both NordVPN and hide.me VPN provide quality services, hide.me VPN’s lower price and better performance in China make it slightly more appealing to users.
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: NordVPN vs hide.me VPN
| VPN Company | NordVPN | hide.me VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Panama | Malaysia |
| Cheapest Price | $2.99/mo over 24-month subscription | $2.22/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.99 | $9.95 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256, and ChaCha20 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec | IKEv2/IPSec, OpenVPN, PPTP, SoftEther, TLS VPN, and WireGuard |
| Servers | 5,000 | 2,300 |
| Servers Countries | 59 | 49 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 6 devices | 10 devices |
| Works in China? | Yes, but unreliable | Likely |
| Smart DNS | Yes | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | Yes | Yes |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | No |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Deloitte | DefenseCode |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: Tie
For those on the hunt for a VPN that delivers both in terms of value and functionality, NordVPN and hide.me VPN are standout choices. NordVPN comes in at an appealing $2.99/mo, while hide.me VPN begins at just $2.22/mo. This pricing structure from both VPN services proves that securing top-notch online privacy and security does not necessitate a large expense. It’s clear that with these VPNs, affordability aligns seamlessly with quality.
hide.me VPN Plans
NordVPN Plans
Jurisdiction: Tie
Catering to the privacy-focused, both NordVPN and hide.me VPN have strategically established their headquarters outside the jurisdiction of the 14-Eyes Alliance. NordVPN takes advantage of the robust privacy laws of Panama; while hide.me VPN is based in Malaysia, another location known for its commitment to user privacy.
This geographical aspect distinctly sets them apart from VPN providers operating within countries deeply involved in intelligence-sharing networks.
Understanding the 14-Eyes Alliance
Originating from the Five-Eyes and expanding to the Nine-Eyes, the 14-Eyes Alliance includes major global players like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and several European countries. In these territories, VPN services may be legally bound to hand over user data, potentially undermining their promises of no logs.
By opting for NordVPN or hide.me VPN, both located beyond the reach of this alliance, users gain an additional shield of protection against such governmental intrusions. This positions these VPN services as preferred choices for those who prioritize utmost confidentiality.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: NordVPN Better
NordVPN and hide.me VPN differ substantially in their server fleet sizes. While NordVPN boasts a vast network of 5,000 servers globally, hide.me VPN operates with a much smaller server fleet, consisting of just 2,300 servers in 49 countries. This difference might affect the performance and speed – especially for users in less covered regions.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
A standout aspect of both NordVPN and hide.me VPN is their dedication to ensuring customer satisfaction – which clearly reflected in their extensive money-back guarantees. Such policies are a bold testament to their confidence in the quality of their services, offering users a no-risk chance to fully engage with each VPN’s array of features. Whether it’s the extensive server network of NordVPN or the robust security features of hide.me VPN, customers can explore these services in depth before making a long-term commitment.
Performance in China: hide.me VPN Better
NordVPN faces challenges operating reliably in China due to its stringent online restrictions. In contrast, hide.me VPN currently demonstrates a higher likelihood of functioning effectively within China. However, given the dynamic nature of China’s firewall policies, this advantage may not be sustainable in the long term. Users requiring consistent VPN access in China should consider these changing variables when choosing between NordVPN and hide.me VPN.
Ad Blocking Feature: NordVPN Better
A significant differentiator between NordVPN and hide.me VPN lies in their performance in unblocking popular streaming platforms. NordVPN excels in this regard, consistently providing users with access to a broad spectrum of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Nord users can reliably enjoy their preferred shows and movies from virtually any location.
Conversely, hide.me VPN faces challenges when it comes to this aspect. Despite having servers in 49 countries, the VPN frequently encounters difficulties in reliably unblocking major streaming platforms. This limitation is of paramount importance for users who prioritize seamless access to streaming content and are in search of a VPN service capable of effectively circumventing geo-restrictions.
Bottomline
In conclusion, both hide.me VPN and NordVPN present robust options for VPN services, distinguished by their stringent privacy policies and competitive pricing. The decision between the two ultimately hinges on your specific needs, whether that’s extensive geographic coverage and ad-blocking capabilities offered by NordVPN, or a greater likelihood of operating in China and cheaper price point provided by hide.me VPN.
About NordVPN & hide.me VPN
hide.me VPN
Hide.me VPN, launched in 2012, is based in Malaysia and focuses on privacy and security. The service is known for its strong commitment to a zero-log policy and offers AES-256 encryption. Hide.me supports a wide range of devices and platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux, and offers over 2,300 servers in 72 locations.
To learn more, read our hide.me VPN review.
NordVPN
NordVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service provider that has been in operation since 2012. The company has its headquarters in Panama, which is outside the jurisdiction of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes intelligence alliances. NordVPN is the flagship product of Tefincom & Co. S.A., a company that focuses on providing internet privacy and security solutions.
NordVPN offers several features that make it a popular VPN choice for individuals and businesses alike. The company has over 5,000 servers in over 59 countries, which makes it easy for users to connect to the internet from almost anywhere in the world. NordVPN also offers its users unlimited bandwidth, which means that they can browse and download content without worrying about data caps.
NordVPN places a strong emphasis on security and privacy. The company uses military-grade encryption to protect user data, and it allows users to browse the internet anonymously by masking their IP addresses. NordVPN also has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not store any information about its users’ online activities.
To learn more, read our NordVPN review.