Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
Consider Proton VPN and hide.me VPN. Comparatively, hide.me VPN scores higher, at 85.6%, surpassing Proton VPN’s 80.8%. From a user’s perspective, hide.me stands out with superior performance, particularly in China, and provides an additional security layer with a double VPN feature. However, Proton VPN offers more server countries, which potentially accounts for better performance and lower latency. So, from a geographic and performance perspective, Proton VPN has an edge. Both VPNs match for privacy (based outside the 14-Eye Alliance), pricing, and refund policy. Noteworthy is hide.me’s lower monthly price, $2.22, compared to Proton VPN’s $4.99. In contrast, Proton VPN supersedes hide.me in streaming, making it a better choice for users prioritizing this feature. Accordingly, the decision between the two services ultimately depends on individual user needs and priorities. If you prioritize geographic coverage and unblocking streaming platforms, Proton VPN is more suitable. Conversely, if cost and dual VPN security are a priority, hide.me presents a better option.
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: Proton VPN vs hide.me VPN
| VPN Company | Proton VPN | hide.me VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Switzerland | Malaysia |
| Cheapest Price | $4.99/mo over 24-month subscription | $2.22/mo |
| Monthly Price | $9.99 | $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 | 2,970 | 2,300 |
| Servers Countries | 68 | 49 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 devices | 10 devices |
| Works in China? | No | Likely |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | No | Yes |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | No |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Securitum | 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
Searching for a VPN that marries cost-effectiveness with reliable performance? Both Proton VPN and hide.me VPN are priced affordably. Proton VPN costs $4.99/mo for its 24-month plan; while hide.me VPN cheapest 27-month plan starts at $2.22/mo. These VPNs exemplify the possibility of obtaining superior online security and privacy without a significant financial outlay. Both services highlight that accessing top-tier VPN features can indeed be budget-friendly
Jurisdiction: Tie
Proton VPN and hide.me VPN both offer the distinct advantage of operating outside the 14-Eye Alliance, with Proton VPN based in the privacy-conscious environment of Switzerland and hide.me VPN in the non-alliance territory of Malaysia. Their non-14-Eyes bases ensure a higher degree of privacy from global surveillance networks.
The Impact of the 14-Eye Alliance on VPN Services
Originating from the Five-Eyes and expanding to Nine-Eyes, the 14-Eyes Alliance encompasses a broad group of countries, including powerhouses like the US, UK, and various European nations. VPN providers in these countries might face legal pressures to hand over user information, contradicting their no-logs claims. By choosing a VPN service like Proton VPN or hide.me VPN, both located outside these surveillance-intensive areas, users gain an extra layer of security against potential government interceptions and data monitoring, making them a preferred choice for users who value their digital privacy and security.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: Proton VPN Better
The server fleet size of Proton VPN and hide.me VPN is a critical aspect where these two VPN providers diverge significantly. Proton VPN stands out with its impressive network, hosting over 2,970 servers in 68 countries worldwide. This extensive coverage ensures that users almost anywhere can find a reliable and fast server connection.
In contrast, hide.me VPN maintains a more modest server presence, with only 2,300 servers across 49 countries. If you live in regions with fewer servers from hide.me VPN, this might translate to slower speeds and potentially less stable connections. The vast server network of Proton VPN not only provides broader geographic reach but also typically allows for better performance and lower latency.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
Both Proton VPN and hide.me VPN reassures its users with a lengthy money-back guarantee, allowing ample time to test their services thoroughly. These guarantees are more than just policies; they are strong indicators of the confidence that both services have in the quality they offer. This assurance provides users with a risk-free opportunity to immerse themselves in the diverse features of each VPN. From the vast server network of Proton VPN to the advanced security protocols of hide.me VPN – you have the liberty to thoroughly evaluate each service before deciding on a long-term investment.
Performance in China: hide.me VPN Better
Proton VPN 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 Proton VPN and hide.me VPN.
Double VPN Feature: hide.me VPN Better
One of the notable differences between hide.me VPN and Proton VPN is the inclusion of a double VPN feature. hide.me VPN offers this advanced feature, which routes your internet traffic through two VPN servers instead of one, adding an extra layer of security and privacy. On the other hand, Proton VPN does not provide a double VPN option.
Ad Blocking Feature: Proton VPN Better
A significant differentiator between Proton VPN and hide.me VPN lies in their performance in unblocking popular streaming platforms. Proton VPN 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 Proton VPN and hide.me VPN offer reliable and secure services with a wide array of features. In areas such as pricing and jurisdiction, both services excel equally, though there are marked divergences in server count and particular features, like the double VPN offering of hide.me VPN and the Ad Blocking feature of Proton VPN. Ultimately, choosing between the two depends on users’ specific requirements and preferences, such as the need for a vast server network, advanced security features, or effective streaming access.
About Proton VPN & 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.
Proton VPN
Proton VPN is a virtual private network service operated by Proton AG, a Swiss company renowned for their secure email service – Proton Mail.
Proton VPN and Proton Mail share the same management team, offices, and technical resources, and are operated from Switzerland. The VPN service currently has 2,970 servers in 68 countries. Although ProtonVPN owns and operates some of its servers, the majority are operated by ASNs such as Datacamp Limited. The service is available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, as well as ChromeOS and can be used on smartphones, personal computers, and even installed on a wireless router.
Proton VPN is one of the most secure VPN services available in the market. It utilizes OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols with AES-256 encryption. In addition to this, Proton VPN has a no-logs policy that has been independently audited by Securitum, a European security auditing company. In October 2022, Proton VPN released their Stealth Protocol that disguises VPN traffic as HTTPS traffic.
To learn more, read our Proton VPN review.