Hide My Ass VPN Review: Is It Worth Your Money in 2024?

HMA VPN company logo

Ever heard of Hide My Ass VPN? It is also called HMA VPN. HMA VPN is a popular service. It keeps your online activities private and secure. You should consider getting a HMA VPN. It has user-friendly apps. Their apps are easy to use. They also offer strong security features.

These security features protect your privacy. Hide My Ass VPN provides affordable subscription plans. The plans work for different needs. HMA VPN has many strengths, but like any service, it has some drawbacks, too. This HMA VPN review looks closely at what is HMA VPN. It examines the pros and cons.

What Is A VPN And Why Use One?

What Is A VPN And Why Use One

Let’s talk about what a VPN is and about why you may need one. A VPN stands for virtual private network. A VPN creates an encrypted connection. This connection is between your device and a remote server. 

The connection is like a tunnel. This encrypted tunnel hides your online activities. It also hides your internet traffic. The tunnel hides you from hackers, internet service providers (ISPs), and government agencies. It hides you from others who want to see what you do online. There are several key reasons why people use VPN services like Hide My Ass VPN:

  • Privacy: A VPN keeps your browsing private. It hides your internet traffic from your ISPs. It also helps you hide your traffic from others.
  • Security: You use public WiFi sometimes. A VPN protects your data and stops hackers from seeing your data. It encrypts your internet connection.
  • Access restricted content: Some websites are blocked in places. Some online services are blocked too. A VPN lets you bypass these blocks.
  • Torrent downloads: Torrenting itself is not illegal. But some ISPs slow down torrent traffic. A VPN hides your torrenting from your ISP. Here is a detailed guide if you want to boost your VPN download speed for fast torrenting.

Now that we understand VPNs, let’s look at what makes Hide My Ass VPN stand out.

Why Hide My Ass VPN Is Gaining Popularity?

Why HideMyAss VPN Is Gaining Popularity

HMA is a top choice for online privacy and security. HMA VPN started in 2005. It has grown to be a well-known VPN brand. It offers strong encryption. It has a strict no-logs policy which helps you protect your anonymity.

What makes Hide My Ass VPN special? It has a massive server network. The network spans 190+ countries. No matter where you go, you can connect nearby. This keeps you secure. HMA VPN updates its software often. It updates security protocols to protect you against new threats.

Hide My Ass VPN delivers easy apps. The apps work on major devices like Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. The user-friendly apps connect you quickly. They have features like a kill switch and an IP shuffle tool. HMA has strong encryption. It also has split tunneling. You choose which apps use the VPN.

HMA VPN is very affordable. But it still has lots of premium features. It has fast speeds. The speeds are good for streaming or torrenting. Hide My Ass VPN cares about online freedom and strong privacy. This makes it a top VPN choice.

Overall Rating: 4.1/5

★★★★

Performance

Rating: 4.5/5

Hide My Ass VPN has reliable speeds. The speeds are good for activities like streaming HD video. These speeds are good for gaming too. HMA VPN has a large network of servers worldwide. You can usually find a fast server near you. But some speeds may vary because speeds depend on your location and on how busy the servers are. Overall, HMA VPN provides a smooth experience. You won’t have much buffering or lag.

Privacy and Security

Rating: 4.8/5

Privacy is HideMyAss VPN’s biggest strength. It uses very powerful encryption. This encryption includes OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols. The encryption secures your internet connection. HideMyAss has a verified no-logs policy. This means none of your activities are recorded. HideMyAss performs very well in real privacy tests.

Features

Rating: 4.5/5

Hide My Ass VPN has many strong security features. It has military-grade encryption and protects you against malware. It has a kill switch. And it can shuffle your IP address. HideMyAss also has extra features like split-tunneling. You can optimize servers for streaming and P2P downloads. The VPN does not have every advanced feature. But it could benefit from a few more bonus features.

Ease of Use

Rating: 4.8/5

HMA’s custom apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and more. It makes it incredibly easy for anyone to start using the VPN in just a couple clicks. The simple, intuitive interfaces keep things straightforward for new users. But there are also plenty of configuration options available for more experienced users who want to tweak settings.

Customer Support

Rating: 4.2/5

Hide My Ass VPN provides customer support 24/7. You can contact support via live chat. You can also email them. Having support staff available all the time is nice. HideMyAss has a large knowledge base and user guides. These can help you fix issues yourself. How fast they respond varies. It depends on how busy they are. But HideMyAss does a decent job. They address most user questions.

Value for Money

Rating: 4.7/5

Hide My Ass VPN offers monthly and yearly subscription plans. The plans have very competitive rates. This makes HideMyAss one of the more affordable premium VPNs. You can often find generous discounts too. The discounts lower the costs even more. With Hide My Ass VPN, you get good value for your money. You get solid security features and functions.

Distribution of HMA VPN Users

Distribution of HideMyAss VPN Users

Here is the distribution of HMA VPN users across regions:

North America (35%)

Many people in North America use HMA VPN. Because more people now care about privacy. More people want to stream their favorite video too. HMA VPN lets you access geo-blocked content which includes services like Netflix. This is a big reason people get HMA VPN. It also appeals to security-minded users. These users want to hide their activities. They want to hide from ISPs and the government watching.

Europe (30%)

In Europe, there are rules about data privacy. Rules like GDPR make people aware of online privacy. This makes more people in Europe use VPNs. HMA VPN is a good option in Europe. It has a strict no-logs policy. It can access content across country borders. This helps get around censorship. HMA VPN has many servers in Europe. This ensures a fast, reliable connection nearby.

Asia (20%)

In many parts of Asia, there is internet censorship. Governments block access to websites and online services. HideMyAss VPN allows users to bypass these blocks. Users connect to servers in other countries. This way they can access blocked sites. HideMyAss VPN uses strong encryption too. Encryption protects against surveillance and monitoring. You must check out this guide to learn how VPNs can defeat internet censorship.

South America (7%)

While VPN usage is a bit lower, HideMyAss does have a growing base across South America. It provides a way for users to access global content and services that may be restricted locally. Online banking security and anonymity also drive some adoption as concerns over data privacy rise.

Other Regions (8%)

This includes places like the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Oceania. In these areas, people use HMA VPN for different reasons. Internet censorship motivates some users. Data privacy motivates other users. Some users want open access to information. HMA VPN has servers all over the world. It also has more and more features. This makes HMA VPN an attractive solution. It provides secure, unrestricted internet access.

Key Features of HideMyAss VPN

Key Features of HideMyAss VPN

Here are some of HMA VPN’s standout features and how they benefit users:

Massive Server Network

  • Feature: HideMyAss has a huge network. The network has over 1,100 servers. The servers are in more than 190+ countries worldwide.
  • Benefit: No matter where you go, you can find a nearby HMA server to connect for secure, fast access. The network’s breadth also helps bypass restrictions.

Split Tunneling

  • Feature: HMA’s split tunneling capability lets you designate which apps/websites use the VPN versus your normal connection.
  • Benefit: This optimizes performance by only routing some activities through the VPN tunnel while others leverage your raw internet speeds.

IP Shuffle

  • Feature: With the click of a button, HMA can automatically switch your IP address to a new location.
  • Benefit: Regularly shuffling your IP makes it nearly impossible for websites to track your identity or location over time.

Multi-Platform Support

  • Feature: HideMyAss offers dedicated VPN apps for all major platforms and devices like Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and more.
  • Benefit: You can secure every single internet-connected device with HMA using its user-friendly custom software.

Military-Grade Encryption

  • Feature: HMA uses very strong encryption. The encryption is like a powerful lock.
  • Benefit: This strong encryption protects your online data. It protects your online activities. Hackers cannot see your data. People cannot watch or listen to you online. Your information is safe and private.

No-Logs Policy

  • Feature: HideMyAss has a strict no-logging policy. This policy is verified. HideMyAss does not record what you do online. It does not record your connection data.
  • Benefit: This policy keeps you anonymous and private. There is no trail of information about your activities. No one can take your information. No one can misuse your information.

Getting Started and User Experience

Getting Started and User Experience

Why do most people prefer using HMA? It is very easy to use, even for beginners. Here is why HMA VPN is picked for so many people:

Installation and Setup

HMA has apps for all major devices. This includes Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and more. Start with downloading the right app for your device. Then, install the app on your device. After that, log in with your account information. The installation process guides you step-by-step. It only takes a few clicks to install.

User Interface

The HideMyAss VPN apps are easy to use. The main screen is simple. It shows if you are connected. There is a big button to start the VPN. You can see a list of countries. You can connect to servers in those countries. The list is simple. Advanced settings are in separate menus, and these menus are hidden away. The apps are made for connecting quickly.

Connection Speeds and Reliability

HideMyAss has servers in many places. It uses special connection methods. This gives fast speeds with no buffering. The fast speeds are good for activities like HD streaming. Streaming uses lots of data. Performance may change sometimes. But HideMyAss usually has stable, high-speed connections. The connections are reliable and fast.

Customer Support

HideMyAss has live chat support 24/7. You can chat on the website or mobile apps. This lets you get help anytime. HideMyAss also has many tutorials and guides. These answer common questions. If you prefer, you can also call or email for support. There are phone and email options too. HideMyAss gives you different ways to get assistance.

Streaming and Torrenting Capabilities

Like most premium VPNs, HideMyAss works to unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and more by masking your real IP and location. Results may vary by title and over time, but usually you can access most libraries.

HMA also allows torrenting and P2P downloads on many of its servers. It helps you conceal your true identity from ISPs, copyright holders, and other prying eyes. You also have a choice to pick servers specifically optimized for P2P traffic.

Overall, HideMyAss makes onboarding a seamless process. The user-friendly VPN apps aim to provide a simple experience, even for complete beginners, while still delivering advanced functionality.

Pros And Cons

Pros

  • Has many servers in many countries. Can connect from anywhere.
  • Keeps you anonymous online. No logs of your activities.
  • Strong encryption protects your data. Hackers cannot see it.
  • Apps are simple to use. Easy for beginners.
  • Can access blocked websites and content anywhere.
  • Good speeds for streaming and downloads.
  • 24/7 live chat support if you need help.
  • Affordable pricing, especially for longer plans.

Cons

  • No free version or free trial to test it first.
  • Sometimes, it has issues unblocking streaming services.
  • It may lack some advanced features that tech experts want.
  • Customer support could be slower at times.
  • Speeds can vary based on server load.
  • History of potential privacy leaks, though resolved now.
  • Fewer servers are optimized for specific uses like torrenting.

Subscription Plans and Pricing

Plan Type
Duration
Price per Month
Total Price
Features
Monthly
1 month
$11.99
$11.99
Access to all features, 5-device support
6 Months
6 months
$7.99
$47.94
Access to all features, 5-device support
Annual
12 months
$4.99
$59.88
Access to all features, 5-device support
36 Months
36 months
$2.99
$107.64
Access to all features, 5-device support

Additional costs

You may need to pay extra fees. This depends on where you live. There could be taxes added to the price. Some places charge a value-added fee. These fees are on top of the subscription cost.

Free trial and refunds

HideMyAss has no free trial. But you can get your money back. You have 30 days to test it. If you don’t like it, ask for a refund. You will get all your money back. No need to explain why. The 30-day guarantee applies to all plans.

Payment methods

You can pay for HideMyAss in different ways. Credit cards are accepted. You can use PayPal too. For more privacy, pay with Bitcoin or other crypto. HideMyAss has many choices for subscribing.

The costs are reasonable for a top VPN, and purchasing it is simple. You get good value, especially with long plans. The longer you subscribe, the bigger the discount.

Installation Process

Installation Process

HideMyAss provides custom software for all major device platforms to make installation and setup a seamless process. Here’s an overview:

Windows

  • Go to the HMA website and download the Windows client software
  • Run the installer once downloaded
  • Follow the prompts to install the app
  • Launch HMA, enter your credentials and connect

Mac

  • Go to the HMA site and download the Mac version
  • Open the DMG disk image file
  • Drag the HMA icon to your Applications folder
  • Launch HMA from Applications and log in

Android

  • Visit the Google Play Store on your Android device
  • Search for “Hide My Ass VPN” and download
  • Open the HMA app and sign in with your account

iOS

  • Go to the iOS App Store
  • Download the “Hide My Ass VPN” app
  • Launch HMA after installing and logging in

Known Issues and Potential Problems

While HideMyAss VPN delivers reliably for most users across most platforms, no software is perfect. Here are some potential issues and problems users have reported:

  • Installation errors on older systems: Outdated operating systems may encounter some errors when trying to install or run HMA due to compatibility issues.
  • Slow reconnection after IP address changes: There have been reports of HMA apps being slow to reconnect and re-establish encryption after the IP address changes.
  • Connection drops on mobile: The mobile apps for HMA can sometimes suffer from random disconnects or dropped connections, especially on cellular networks.
  • Streaming issues for certain regions: HideMyAss works to unblock streaming services like Netflix, but access to specific regional libraries can be inconsistent.
  • No support for manual configurations: HMA relies solely on its custom apps and does not support manual setup or third-party configurations.

Most of these types of issues tend to be relatively minor nuisances or edge cases. HideMyAss does work to quickly fix any major bugs or errors impacting performance or security through frequent software updates. But it’s smart to be aware of potential problems like these before subscribing.

Server Locations and Networks

Continent
Countries Included
Key Features
North America
United States, Canada, Mexico
Number of Servers: Over 1,100 servers, Global Coverage: 290+ locations in 190+ countries, P2P-Optimized Servers for torrenting and file sharing
Europe
United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Belgium, and many more
Streaming Servers optimized for geo-restricted content, Secure Core Servers for enhanced privacy, No Log Policy for user privacy
Asia
Japan, South Korea, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand
Smart Kill Switch to protect against data leaks, IP Shuffle for changing IP addresses at intervals, Split Tunneling for selective VPN use
South America
Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia
DNS Leak Protection to prevent DNS leaks

HideMyAss has over 1,100 servers. The servers are in more than 190+ countries. HideMyAss has one of the largest VPN networks. Many servers are in important places. Like the US, UK, Canada, and Germany.

These servers are very fast and reliable. Some servers are made for certain activities. Some for streaming videos. Some are for downloading torrent files. Others for more privacy. No matter where you are, connect nearby.

Unblock websites that are blocked. Access restricted content anywhere. Your traffic is anonymous and secure. Browse safely at high speeds.

Customer Support Channels

Customer Support Channels

HideMyAss provides several channels for users to get assistance and have their questions answered:

24/7 Live Chat

One of HMA’s biggest support advantages is offering 24/7 live chat support directly through the website and mobile apps. You can quickly get in touch with a support representative at any hour to receive real-time help.

Email Support

If you prefer, you can also submit requests and questions via email. HideMyAss has a team monitoring these support emails to provide responses, though turnaround times may be slower than live chat.

Phone Support

For more urgent matters, HMA has phone support available. You can find the support numbers on their website to call and speak directly with an agent.

Social Media

The company also has a presence on social platforms like Twitter and Facebook where they share updates and users can post questions that the support staff monitors.

Knowledge Base

In addition to speaking with human representatives, HideMyAss maintains an extensive knowledge base of guides, tutorials, troubleshooting tips, and FAQ articles covering all aspects of the VPN service. This informational resource is a valuable self-service option.

Setup Guides

Part of the knowledge base includes dedicated setup guides walking you through the process of installing and configuring HMA apps on every supported platform from Windows to iOS, Android, routers and more.

User Forums

There are active user forums where HideMyAss subscribers can get crowd-sourced support by posting questions that get answered by other experienced users as well as HMA staff members.

Overall, HideMyAss provides a good range of customer support channels to choose from based on your preferences and situation. The 24/7 live chat is certainly a standout perk for receiving immediate assistance anytime.

Why Buy From Third Parties?

Why Buy From Third-Parties

While you can purchase HideMyAss VPN directly from their website, there are some potential advantages to buying the service through a third-party reseller or platform:

Bundle Deals

Third-party vendors may offer bundle package deals that combine HideMyAss with other cybersecurity tools or services at a discounted rate versus purchasing each separately.

Exclusive Pricing

Some authorized resellers can negotiate special bulk pricing on HideMyAss to be able to offer it at lower rates than purchasing directly.

Extended Trials

While HMA itself does not provide any free trials, some third parties may offer extended free trial periods to test drive the VPN for a limited time before subscribing.

Additional Support

When purchasing through a reseller, you may get access to their internal technical support teams, which provide an additional layer of customer service beyond what HideMyAss offers directly.

Platform Integration

Companies like VPN.com bundle HideMyAss and others into unified cross-platform solutions for seamlessly using and managing multiple VPN providers together.

User Reviews

Third-party sites let users review HideMyAss. Users can share their experiences. These reviews can help others decide whether to buy or not. You should only buy from approved resellers like VPN.com. Make sure the reseller is reputable and authorized by HideMyAss. Then you will get the real product and service.

Checking third-party options can be good. Sometimes they offer more flexibility. Sometimes they have better support. Sometimes they have lower costs too. But you must buy from proper resellers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does HMA track your activity?

No, HideMyAss has a strict verified no-logs policy so none of your online activities or data is ever recorded or stored.

How do I pay anonymously?

HMA accepts various cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin for anonymous payments if desired for added privacy.

Do I need to configure the HMA VPN?

The HideMyAss apps are designed to work out-of-the-box requiring no manual configuration for most users to get up and running quickly.

Can HideMyAss be detected?

HMA works hard to stay ahead of VPN blocking by constantly rotating IP addresses. It can generally avoid detection by streaming sites, ISPs, and others.

Does it work for Netflix?

While capabilities fluctuate over time, HideMyAss generally works for unblocking Netflix libraries globally as well as other streaming platforms.

How to Cancel HMA VPN Subscription?

To cancel your HMA VPN subscription, log into your account on the HMA website, navigate to the subscription section, and select the option to cancel.

The Bottom Line

HideMyAss VPN keeps you safe and private online. It hides your internet activities. It prevents tracking. It means that you can access any website from anywhere.

HideMyAss has servers in over 190+ countries. It will let you connect to a fast server close to you. You can watch videos and download files quickly. HideMyAss uses strong encryption to protect your data. It has features like a kill switch and IP shuffle for extra security.

The yearly subscriptions are affordable. You can try it for 30 days with a money-back guarantee. However, there is also a drawback, as there is no free version after 30 days. You may have issues accessing some streaming sites. 

It also lacks advanced options for technical users. Overall, HideMyAss VPN is a great choice for privacy, security, and unrestricted internet access. It is easy to use and is of good value for money.

Hide My Ass Details and Metrics

Year Founded

2005

QualSys SSL Rating

A

Trust Pilot Rating

Pricing & Payment Information

12 Month Price $78.66

6 Month Price $49.99

3 Month Price n/a

1 Month Price $11.52

Lifetime Price n/a

Free Version:

Free Trial: No

Free Trial Days:

Refund Period Days: 30

Payment Methods:

  • Paypal
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Discover
  • UnionPay

 

Accepts Cryptocurrency:

n/a

Service Overview

# of Countries:210

# of Servers:840

# of Protocols:6

# of Connections:

Unlimited Bandwidth:Yes

Business VPN:Yes

Torrenting:Yes

Easy to Find Owners:Yes

Protocols:

  • L2TP/IPsec
  • OpenVPN
  • OpenVPN TCP
  • OpenVPN UDP
  • P2P Torrents
  • PPTP

 

Features

14 Eyes Jurisdiction:Five

Enemy of the Internet Jurisdiction:

Kill Switch:

Private DNS:

DNS Leak Protection:

IPv6 Leak Protection:

WebRTC Leak Protection:

SMTP Allowed:

Double Encryption:

Ad Tracking Block:

Claims "100% No Logs":No

Claims to Work in China:Yes

Claims to Work on Netflix:Yes

Logs Kept:

  • Bandwidth Used
  • Connection Timestamps
  • IP Address

 

Languages & Support

# of Setup Docs: 34

# of Troubleshooting Docs: 30

# of Languages Supported:

Types of Support Offered:

     

    Languages Supported:n/a

    Device & OS Support

    Windows Versions:

    • Windows 10
    • Windows 8.1
    • Windows 8
    • Windows 7
    • Windows Vista
    • Windows XP
    • Windows Phone

     

    Mac OS Versions:

       

      Linux Versions:

      • Linux
      • Ubuntu

       

      Android Versions:

      • Oreo - 8
      • Nougat - 7
      • Marshmallow - 6
      • Lollipop - 5
      • KitKat - 4.4
      • Jelly Bean - 4.3

       

      iOS Versions:

      • iOS 8
      • iOS 9
      • iOS 10
      • iOS 11

       

      Routers Supported:

      • ASUS
      • DD-WRT
      • Flash Router

       

      Browser Extensions:

      • Chrome
      • Opera
      • Firefox

       

      Gaming Devices:n/a

      TVs Supported:

      • Roku

       

      Other Devices:

       

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