HideMyAss VPN Review

Talking about speed, HideMyAss VPN delivers decent performance, but it’s not always the fastest option on the market. In general, local server connections (within the same country or nearby regions) provide solid download and upload speeds with minimal latency. That’s more than enough for streaming, browsing, and video calls without noticeable lag.

However, long-distance connections can be hit or miss. While HMA’s global server network is impressively wide, connecting to faraway servers (especially in less common locations) often results in increased latency and speed drops. This may affect activities like gaming or HD streaming if you’re relying on distant servers.

The VPN supports OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols, both of which are optimized for stability and speed. HMA also offers a Lightning Connect feature, which automatically picks the fastest available server based on your location. This is helpful for users who prioritize convenience and don’t want to experiment with server switching.

In speed tests, HMA performs best in Europe and North America, with mixed results in Asia and South America. Overall, while HMA may not be the fastest VPN in head-to-head comparisons, it delivers reliable, everyday performance that should satisfy most casual users, especially those not relying heavily on long-distance connections.

Can You Trust HideMyAss VPN?

HideMyAss VPN has made strides in improving its reputation over the years, but its past still lingers in discussions around privacy and user trust. Originally criticized for cooperating with law enforcement by handing over user data in high-profile cases, HMA’s logging practices and UK jurisdiction have raised concerns among privacy-focused users.

That said, the company has taken clear steps to rebuild trust. HMA has implemented a strict no-logs policy, meaning it claims not to store IP addresses, browsing activity, or connection timestamps. To back this up, the service has undergone independent security audits (by VerSprite) to verify its privacy claims – an important move toward transparency in an industry that often lacks oversight.

On the upside, HMA has improved its encryption standards (using AES-256), added stronger privacy features like a kill switch and IP shuffle, and taken steps to minimize data retention.

Important features:

• 1. Encryption: AES-256
• 2. Protocols: OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, IPSec
• 3. Kill Switch: : yes
• 4. Split Tunneling: yes
• 5. No Logging : does not log your activity
• 5. Lightning Connect : finds the fastest available server with one click
• 5. IP shuffle : let’s you quickly change IPs
• 5. Advanced Leak Protection : against IPv4, IPv6, and other DNS leaks
• 5. P2P optimized servers : easily upload or download torrents

Is Streaming Good?

HMA offers dedicated streaming servers optimized for platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. During tests, HMA was able to reliably unblock US Netflix and BBC iPlayer, but access to other libraries or services (like Disney+ or HBO Max) can be inconsistent. Buffering is generally minimal on nearby servers, but may occur when using long-distance locations. Overall, HMA is a good but not flawless choice for streaming, especially if you’re looking for access to specific content libraries.

Is Torrenting Possible?

HMA allows P2P traffic on selected servers, which are clearly labeled in the app. The VPN supports torrenting with decent speeds and essential privacy features like a kill switch and IP address protection, helping users stay anonymous while downloading. However, due to its UK jurisdiction and past controversies regarding user data, some torrenters may prefer VPNs based in countries with stricter privacy protections. Still, for casual torrenting, HMA is secure and easy to use.

24/7 Support

HideMyAss provides 24/7 customer support, but with some drawbacks. The support team is knowledgeable about both technical and account-related issues, making it easy to resolve problems or get guidance. However, currently you can only reach out via email (contact form on their website) and response time vary. That aside, HMA maintains a comprehensive help center, with FAQs, setup guides, and troubleshooting articles for users who prefer self-service. It is good enough – you can find answer to most common questions.

When it comes to pricing, HMA VPN sits in the mid-range of the VPN market. The service offers a variety of subscription plans, with discounts for longer-term commitments, making it a more affordable option for users who are willing to pay for a year or more upfront.

HideMyAss VPN Prices:

5 Connections

• 1 month – €10.99/ month
• 12 months – €4.39/ month
• 36 months – €2.99 / month

10 Connections

• 1 month – €6.99/ month
• 3 months – €5.99/ month
• 6 months – €4.99 / month

The cost is reasonable for a VPN with global server coverage, strong encryption, and solid customer support, but it’s worth noting that there are other VPNs (like NordVPN) that offer comparable features at a similar or sometimes lower price point, particularly if you’re looking for maximum privacy or the fastest speeds.

HideMyAss VPN offers a reliable and user-friendly VPN service with solid performance for everyday use, especially for those who want easy access to streaming, secure browsing, and basic privacy features. Its global server coverage, AES-256 encryption, and user-friendly interface make it an excellent choice for beginners and casual users who want a hassle-free VPN experience.

In terms of cost, HMA offers good value for the features it provides, but it’s important to weigh the price against the competition. If you’re looking for an easy-to-use VPN with decent security and streaming capabilities, HideMyAss is a solid choice, but it’s not the best option for users who demand the highest levels of anonymity or performance.