Our Verdict
Our Thoughts on HideMyAss
In our extensive analysis of 96 VPN providers, HideMyAss unfortunately falls below the average, with a rating under 54.1% — the average rating determined from our study. Our in-depth review reveals significant concerns with its features and user experience. While HideMyAss offers some basic functionalities, its lower rating suggests that users might find more robust and efficient VPN solutions elsewhere.
Market Benchmarks
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 Review?
- 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.
About 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.
HideMyAss offers different subscription plans. The cheapest plan starts at $2.99/mo and require a 36-month commitment.
Visit HideMyAss Online: https://www.hidemyass.com/en-my/index
HideMyAss Technical Specs
| Features | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | United Kingdom |
| Servers | 1,100 |
| Countries with Servers | 290 |
| Works In China | Unlikely |
| Encryptions | AES-256, and ChaCha20 |
| Cheapest Price | $2.99/mo, 36-month Subscription |
| Protocols | IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPSec, OpenVPN, WireGuard, and Proprietary |
| Simultaneous Connections | 5 |
| Unblock Streaming Platforms | Disney+ |
| Dedicated Device Apps | Both Android and Apple (iOS) |
| Ads Blocking | No |
| Support | Phone call, and Email |
HideMyAss Pros & Cons
Listed below are what we like and dislike about HideMyAss. As you explore the list, it’s crucial to weigh what sets this VPN apart from competitors against the aspects you might not favor.
The strengths of HideMyAss highlight its unique advantages in the VPN market – offering features and services that may align perfectly with your specific needs. On the flip side, the cons, while not deal-breakers, are areas that may not meet everyone’s preferences or requirements.
It’s important for you to carefully consider these factors in relation to your individual needs and priorities in choosing a VPN service.
✅ Competitive Pricing
HideMyAss offers an economically attractive option in the VPN market. Its cheapest plan, while requires a 36-month commitment, costs only $2.99 per month. This competitive pricing makes HideMyAss a compelling choice for those seeking affordable online privacy solutions.
However, users should still evaluate the overall value of the service, including features, security levels, and customer support, to ensure it meets their specific needs despite the lower price point.
❌ Base in One of 14-Eye Alliance Countries
HideMyAss operates from United Kingdom – a country within the 14-Eye surveillance alliance. Users should be aware of potential data sharing agreements in this jurisdiction. Privacy-focused customers might view this as a concern. It’s important to consider how this may affect data privacy and security.
What is the 14-Eyes Alliance?
The 14-Eyes Alliance, also referred to as SIGINT Seniors Europe (SSEUR), is an extended intelligence collaboration originally rooted in the Five- and Nine-Eyes alliance. Countries included in the 14-Eyes Alliances are the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Sweden.
The primary goal of this coalition is the exchange of signals intelligence (SIGINT), encompassing electronic communications and data.
How does the 14-Eyes Alliance affect your privacy and security?
The impact of this alliance on everyday life privacy is profound. Member nations, as disclosed in revelations like those by Edward Snowden (watch video), often engage in extensive surveillance of both their citizens and global communications. This means that data collected by one member could be shared with others in the alliance.
Additionally, online services based in a 14-Eyes country may be legally obligated to provide user data to their respective governments, which can then be disseminated among member states. This surveillance culture erodes personal privacy and can pose threats to digital security as there are pushes for encryption “backdoors” that could inadvertently weaken cyber defenses.
Users often consider the jurisdiction of the VPN provider as a key factor in their decision-making process. Those who are particularly concerned about privacy might opt for VPN providers based outside of the 14-Eyes countries to reduce the risk of surveillance and data sharing among these nations.
✅ Offer a Kill Switch Feature
HideMyAss enhances its VPN services with a robust kill switch feature. This security measure ensures that if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops, the user’s device will automatically disconnect from the internet, thus preventing any accidental exposure of the user’s real IP address and online activities.
A kill switch feature is particularly valuable for users who handle sensitive information or looking an added layer of privacy protection.
✅ Strict No-Logging Policy
Our market study finds that HideMyAss adheres to a strict no-logging policy. The company does not track or store logs of users’ internet activities, including browsing and download history, traffic data, or IP addresses.
A VPN’s no-logging policy is a significant factor for users who prioritize privacy, as it ensures that their online activities are not monitored or recorded. In an era where digital privacy is increasingly valued, HideMyAss’s commitment to not keeping logs enhances its appeal to privacy-conscious individuals seeking a trustworthy VPN service.
Furthermore, HideMyAss reinforces its commitment of no-logging policy by engaging VerSprite to audit its infrastructure and software configurations.
❌ No Double VPN
HideMyAss’s suite of features does not include a double VPN option. A double VPN function may not be crucial for those with basic security needs, but it could be a major drawback for those seeking advanced privacy measures. Users requiring higher security levels, such as journalists or activists, might need to look for other providers that offer this enhanced privacy feature.
What is a Double VPN?
Double VPN is a more advanced security feature typically offered by premium VPN providers. Typically, only one VPN server is used to route data. Double VPN technology routes data through an extra server. The core benefits of double VPN are a further boost in security and anonymity. Since all your data is protected with an extra layer of encryption, this makes it twice as hard for hackers to crack.
There are some who strongly believe that a double VPN could be an overkill as having data pass through a basic single VPN connection is already almost impossible to compromise. This point of view of course depends on individual circumstance. If your complete anonymity on the Internet trumps all other concerns then using a double VPN may be for you. For example, if you were an investigative journalist or a political activist in a totalitarian country, using a Double VPN would make sense. After all, your life would be at stake.
✅ Support Split Tunneling
HideMyAss also stands out with its split tunneling feature. This functionality allows you to choose which apps or websites are routed through the VPN and which access the internet directly. The split tunneling feature is a plus for those wanting the best of both worlds: speedy local access without VPN interference and protected browsing for select tasks. Compared to VPNs that do not come with such a feature, HideMyAss could save you countless hours of frustration.
❌ Unlikely to Work in China
At least half of the VPN companies we studied are unlikely to function effectively in China, and HideMyAss falls into this category.
Due to China’s stringent internet regulations and advanced censorship technologies, many VPN services struggle to bypass these restrictions. Users planning to access the internet from within China should be aware that HideMyAss may not be the most reliable option in this region. This limitation is a crucial consideration for travelers or residents in China who require consistent VPN access.
❌ Small Server Fleet
We noted in our market research that the average server fleet size is1,679. In comparison, HideMyAss operates just 1,100 servers. This places it below half the market average in terms of server count. While a small server network might suggest limited geographical reach and potentially higher server load, it doesn’t automatically equate to a compromised user experience. You should consider how the server count aligns with your specific needs, such as subscription cost, desired server locations and expected network performance.
✅ Unblock Major Streaming Platforms
Our analysis indicates that HideMyAss excels in bypassing geo-restrictions on most streaming platforms including Disney+. Whether you’re a film buff, a TV series enthusiast, or simply wish to enjoy local content while traveling abroad – its proficiency in unblocking streaming platforms enriches your viewing experience without the hassle of geographical limitations.
Bottom Line: Is HideMyAss Right for You?
Verdict Recap
In our extensive analysis of 96 VPN providers, HideMyAss unfortunately falls below the average, with a rating under 54.1% — the average rating determined from our study. Our in-depth review reveals significant concerns with its features and user experience. While HideMyAss offers some basic functionalities, its lower rating suggests that users might find more robust and efficient VPN solutions elsewhere.
When considering our VPN ratings, remember they are for reference only and may not reflect every individual’s unique needs. It’s essential for you to understand your specific requirements and choose a VPN service accordingly.
If your priority is extreme security, features like a double VPN and a jurisdiction outside of the 14-Eyes should be your focus, rather than factors like pricing, streaming platforms unblocking, or server count. Conversely, if you’re seeking extra privacy for casual internet browsing, advanced security features might be less critical, allowing you to opt for a more basic, cost-effective VPN solution.
We encourage you to actively try and test various VPNs yourself to find the one that best fits your unique requirements.
Alternatives to HideMyAss
There are many HideMyAss alternatives in the market – many of which are powerful and reasonably priced. Read further to compare and choose below.