Hide My Ass Review : Lots Of Positives But One Major Drawback

HMA! operates a relatively small network of approximately 1,000 servers, yet it spans over 210 countries. It’s important to note that some of these servers are virtual, although the specific ratio of virtual to physical servers has not been disclosed.

Performance Testing of HMA VPN

We conducted tests on servers located in North America, Europe, and Hong Kong at various times throughout the day. Below are the average speeds recorded for HMA! in each region:

• North America: 105 Mbps
• Europe: 149 Mbps
• Asia: 74 Mbps

HMA!’s speeds have shown improvement since our last evaluation, particularly in Asian regions, where previous tests indicated significant speed reductions. This time, the results demonstrate sufficient bandwidth for streaming 4K video and high-quality live broadcasts, regardless of the location connected.

During testing, I did not experience any lag or buffering while streaming, nor did I notice any slowdowns while browsing. Additionally, I was able to engage in online gaming without issues.

It is important to note that these tests are not definitive and should be viewed as a general indication of potential performance. The inherent variability of internet connections can introduce factors of randomness, leading to longer wait times or discrepancies in speed.

Apps: What Devices Are Compatible with HMA VPN?

Device Compatibility and Application Features of HMA VPN

A single HMA! subscription allows for connection on up to five devices simultaneously. The applications are available for the following platforms:

• Windows
• macOS
• iOS
• Android
• Android TV

Additionally, HMA! offers a web browser extension for Chrome. It is important to note that this extension functions as a proxy server, securing only your browser traffic rather than all applications on your device.

The newly designed HMA! applications feature a modern, appealing aesthetic and are user-friendly. Upon signing up for an account, you will receive a license key, which can be used alongside your credentials (username and password) to log into any of the applications.

In the desktop application, the server list is organized by region, or you can utilize the Lightning Connect option, which automatically connects you to the fastest server available for your location.

You can also view a list of streaming or P2P servers, add specific servers to your favorites, or utilize the search function to find your optimal server easily.

In the Settings menu, you have the option to configure the app to launch at startup and to hide it once it has started.

Here are additional features that enhance security and usability, including a kill switch, IP shuffle, automatic Wi-Fi protection, and protocol selection.

HMA has optimized its product design to ensure that the mobile applications closely resemble their desktop counterparts, though they offer a more limited set of features.

In the Connection Rules section, you have the option to enable automatic Wi-Fi protection. In the Personal Privacy section, there is a single setting: the ability to share usage data with third parties for analytics. This option allows app and device usage data to be shared with external parties.

Please note that this setting is enabled by default, so it may be advisable to disable it as one of your first actions.

Overall, the mobile applications are sleek and user-friendly; however, they do not offer the same feature set as the desktop versions. For instance, the iOS app lacks a kill switch. The Windows, Android, and Linux versions utilize the OpenVPN protocol, while macOS and iOS rely on IKEv2.

Routers

HMA can be manually configured on Linux and select routers. Detailed instructions for this process are available in HMA’s online Help section.

Pre-configured routers are also available as an alternative.

Configuring a VPN on your router offers several advantages. Firstly, it enables devices that do not natively support VPN connections to tunnel their traffic through the VPN server by connecting to your router. Additionally, having a VPN set up on your router allows you to tunnel your traffic without needing a dedicated application. This setup also helps you bypass any limitations providers impose on simultaneous connections, as all connected devices will only count as a single connection.

For further details, refer to our guide on VPN routers.

Streaming, Netflix, and Kodi

Does HideMyAss unblock Netflix?

Yes, HMA successfully works with Netflix US. However, I was unable to access Netflix UK or Germany. To access Netflix US, you will need to use the dedicated streaming servers, which are marked with a “Play button” icon. Unfortunately, I could not get HMA to function with Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, or BBC iPlayer.

If your primary goal is to access popular Netflix libraries, HMA is suitable; however, it may not be effective for unblocking a wide variety of streaming sites.

Are you a Kodi user?

HideMyAss does not perform well with Kodi, so you may need to consider alternative VPN options.

For more recommendations, check out our list of VPNs for streaming.

Does HideMyAss allow torrenting?

Yes, HideMyAss permits P2P file sharing and includes a selection of servers optimized for this purpose.

HMA offers unlimited bandwidth and fast speeds on nearby servers, along with several features that are particularly beneficial for torrenting:

• Kill Switch (available in desktop apps and the Android app): This feature halts your internet connection if the VPN unexpectedly drops, preventing any data leaks. You can configure the kill switch to activate only for specific applications, such as your torrenting software.
• Automatic Protection for Select Apps: The app-specific kill switch includes functionality that ensures the VPN remains active when you launch designated applications.
• IP Shuffle: This feature periodically changes your IP address, providing an additional layer of privacy.

In the past, I encountered concerns regarding HMA’s logging policy; however, recent improvements have been made in this area (please refer to the section below for further details). It’s important to note that the free HMA unblocker proxy still maintains logs.

For more suitable options, check out our recommended VPNs for torrenting.

Does HideMyAss support split tunneling?

Yes, HideMyAss does support split tunneling, allowing you to route specific traffic through the VPN while directing other traffic through your regular internet connection. This feature can enhance performance and usability for various applications.

HMA recently introduced support for split tunneling, but currently, this feature is available only on Android devices.

Split tunneling allows users to specify which applications should route their traffic through the VPN and which should not. For example, you could utilize your ISP connection for streaming while directing other traffic through HMA’s servers. Alternatively, you might choose to send only your torrent traffic through the VPN, with all other data using your ISP. This feature offers significant flexibility and can accommodate a variety of configurations. It would be beneficial if HMA extends this functionality to its other applications in future updates.

For more options, consider exploring our top recommendations for VPNs that support split tunneling.

Security, Privacy, and Logging

Hide My Ass! is based in the UK, making it subject to data retention laws. The UK is part of the Five Eyes (and Fourteen Eyes) alliance, which allows for monitoring by external governments.

While many VPNs are not significantly impacted by their home country’s data retention laws due to robust no-logs policies, HMA’s history has raised concerns. Previously, HMA stored identifiable information, including users’ real IP addresses and the IP addresses of connected servers, along with timestamps. This data could potentially trace a user’s online activity, a situation that gained notoriety when HMA disclosed logs in a 2011 FBI case.

The data collection practices were particularly alarming given recent reports that Avast, HMA’s parent company since 2016, had been selling user browsing data—potentially de-anonymized—to third parties through a subsidiary called Jumpshot. While the Jumpshot data collection has ceased, it remains unclear whether it included information from VPN users.

Fortunately, HMA has since updated its privacy policy, now collecting only minimal logs, such as the date of user connections. Nonetheless, the primary challenge remains rebuilding trust in the service following its previous privacy issues.

A brief overview of its updated privacy policy reveals the following:

A bit further down, HMA discloses what they do collect and why:

In terms of security, HideMyAss effectively safeguards user traffic. While I previously discussed the kill switch and IP address shuffling in the torrenting section, here are additional key security features to consider:

• Strong Encryption: HMA employs 256-bit AES encryption, regarded as military-grade, along with 4096-bit RSA keys and perfect forward secrecy.
• Protocol Options: By default, HideMyAss utilizes the OpenVPN protocol over UDP, but users can switch to TCP within the desktop client. This change is recommended only if UDP is blocked or throttled, as TCP provides more stability while UDP typically offers faster speeds. Additionally, PPTP, L2TP, and IPSec protocols are available depending on the application in use.
• Automatic Wi-Fi Protection: When enabled, this feature ensures that the VPN automatically connects each time you access a Wi-Fi network. Users can customize this setting in the Network Security section of the desktop client or the Connection Rules tab in the mobile app settings.
• Private DNS Servers: HideMyAss operates private DNS servers owned by Avast. This is generally more favorable for privacy compared to public servers like those provided by Google; however, concerns regarding Avast’s data collection practices may diminish these benefits.
• Leak Protection: HMA claims to provide protection against DNS and WebRTC leaks, and our tests revealed no leaks. It is important to note that IPv6 leak protection is not built-in. While we did not observe any leaks, disabling IPv6 may be advisable for added security.

For further insights, consider reviewing the IP address test conducted without the VPN enabled.

IP Address Test – With VPN

DNS Test – Without VPN

DNS Test – With VPN

Does HMA VPN Work in China?

HideMyAss does not consistently function in China.

While it previously offered reliable service, recent discussions in support forums indicate that the VPN may no longer work for some users. You may wish to try using it, but for a dependable VPN solution in China, it is advisable to explore other options.

I reached out to HMA’s Support department for a definitive answer—details on that follow.

Is HideMyAss Customer Service Effective?

If you require assistance with setup or usage, HMA provides several support options. By clicking the Help tab on the website, you will find a Getting Started section and a Knowledge Base, both containing articles on setup, troubleshooting, and general inquiries. There is some overlap between the two resources, so it is worth exploring both before seeking additional help.

Additionally, a Community button leads to a forum categorized by various topics; while some sections appear outdated, others are actively maintained. General FAQs are also available.

If you cannot find the information you need, you can utilize the live chat option or send an email to HMA. Notably, customer support is handled in-house rather than outsourced, which is a positive aspect from a privacy perspective.

When I attempted to contact support via live chat, it was unavailable, so I opted to send an email inquiring about their official position on service availability in China. The response was courteous and clarified why HMA does not operate effectively in that region.

However, it took three days for me to receive a reply. While the quality of the support was excellent, a 72-hour response time is less than ideal. The representative acknowledged the delay. Overall, despite the wait, I found the support from HMA to be very satisfactory.

HMA VPN Pricing

HideMyAss offers plans that accommodate either five or ten simultaneous connections.

The five-device plans are structured as follows:

• 7-Day Free Trial (requires a credit card)
• Monthly: $11.99
• Six Months: $53.94 (equates to $8.99 per month)
• 12 Months: $59.88 (equates to $4.99 per month)
• 24 Months: $119.76 (equates to $4.99 per month)

Notably, there is little incentive to opt for the 24-month plan, as the monthly cost is the same as that of the 12-month plan.

Here are the 10-Device Plans:

• 12 Months: $95.88 (equates to $7.99 per month)
• 24 Months: $167.76 (equates to $6.99 per month)
• 36 Months: $215.64 (equates to $5.99 per month)

Please note that the 10-device plans do not offer a free trial or a monthly payment option. Overall, HMA’s pricing is relatively high.

Payment Options:

HMA accepts major credit cards and PayPal. However, for users seeking greater privacy, it does not support payment via Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies.

HideMyAss Coupon

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Do I Recommend HMA VPN?

HMA VPN offers good speeds and works with Netflix US, but struggles with some other streaming platforms. While it has improved its privacy policy, making it more appealing to torrenters and privacy-conscious users, it still faces challenges. If you’re specifically looking for a VPN that works reliably in China, you may need to explore other options.

HideMyAss Alternatives

NordVPN

NordVPN, based in Panama, is a widely recognized VPN provider known for its robust security, privacy features, and user convenience. It offers ad-blocking, DNS leak protection, military-grade encryption, and a reliable VPN kill switch for enhanced security. With a strict no-logging policy, support for anonymous payments, and dedicated P2P servers, NordVPN ensures privacy and flexibility for users. It also allows up to six simultaneous connections, making it a user-friendly option.

Surfshark

Surfshark offers strong VPN protocols and performs exceptionally well with most streaming services. With a strict no-logging policy and functionality in China, it’s a solid choice for users concerned with both privacy and performance. Surfshark’s standout feature is its allowance for unlimited simultaneous connections. Additionally, Surfshark has transitioned all its servers to run on RAM, ensuring heightened privacy.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a highly regarded VPN service with top-tier privacy and security measures. Its servers run entirely on volatile memory (RAM) and are booted from read-only disks, eliminating any risk of residual logs. This VPN is fast, secure, unblocks a variety of streaming platforms, and works reliably in China. Although it’s priced higher than many competitors, ExpressVPN’s strong reputation and performance justify the premium.

Methodology Used for Testing VPNs

Here are the key criteria we use to evaluate VPN services to ensure a consistent and objective assessment:

• Speed: Speed is essential for smooth browsing, streaming, and torrenting. We rigorously test VPNs to ensure they offer fast connections.
• Apps & Ease of Use: We assess the user interface, feature set, supported platforms, and overall ease of use. VPNs are increasingly mainstream, and intuitive app design is vital.
• Streaming Services: We test VPNs across popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Disney+, and Hulu to verify their effectiveness in unblocking content.
• Torrenting: Not all VPNs support P2P traffic, and some provide dedicated torrenting servers. We evaluate the VPN’s torrenting policy and test its performance for file-sharing.
• Security & Privacy: VPNs are primarily used for security and privacy. We examine each provider’s privacy policy, logging practices, encryption protocols, and protection against IP or DNS leaks.

For a more in-depth understanding of how we test VPNs, take a look at our comprehensive [VPN testing methodology]. This structured approach ensures that our recommendations are based on objective, data-driven results to help you find the best VPN service for your needs.