Best VPN Provider || HideMyAss Review 2022

Introduction || HideMyAss Review

HideMyAss is a well-known VPN software used across the world. The VPN service runs a large gambit of networks consisting of about 1080 servers in over 290 locations globally. This free web proxy service covers almost every possible country.

Going further in this review, the HideMyAss VPN service will be assessed based on its privacy, security, speed, and streaming capacities.
On the positive side of things, HMA (abbreviated HideMyAss) has specially dedicated servers for streaming. It unblocks platforms like BBC iPlayer and Netflix and runs them without a hitch.

However, on grounds of security HMA has several blind spots. For instance, regardless of using industry-standard AES-256 encryption, the software’s kill switch does not work optimally. Other grievances include the fact that HMA has limited functions available for Apple and iOS devices.
HMA’s support for privacy is also under heavy scrutiny as it has a history of cooperating with federal authorities.

In this HideMyAss review, we will go into detail about the software whether it is worth your purchase and is it the best VPN provider.

 

What does HideMyAss offer? : Features || HideMyAss Review

HideMyAss is a VPN software with regular VPN-type features. Here is a list of what HidemyAss offers:

• Streaming Support:

  HMA allows you to access streaming services from around the world. You can easily register on the streaming services that are not available in your country e.g. BBC iPlayer; or watch region-locked content such as anime on Netflix.
  You can simply select the server you want and access the content from the location you want to, as HideMyAss offers more than 1080 servers across 290 locations. HMA offers the highest number of server locations when compared to any other VPN service.
  HMA offers 20 Gbps servers that facilitate little to no effect on your internet connection. It ensures that using a VPN during streaming will not cause unnecessary loading or lags and let you stream in full HD. Furthermore, HideMyAss offers a speed test feature to check which servers are working fastest to troubleshoot any problems you may face while browsing or streaming.

• Privacy:
  

  HideMyAss claims to offer some of the best features to ensure privacy. After the LulzSec incident, they have taken several preventive measures to safeguard user privacy. For starters, they have a no-logging function that does not keep direct track of your VPN usage.
  Then there is the smart kill switch which makes your virtual private network immune from any kind of data leak. The best VPN provider automatically switches off your internet whenever the VPN connection drops. It prevents your data and location from getting exposed online.
  The privacy features of the best HMA VPN service include split tunneling. This feature lets you prioritize the level of privacy required for each application. You can even select applications to take them out of VPN and work them with your regular internet connection.
  HideMyAss deploys a number of techniques to protect you from advanced data leak methods. It has an in-built IPv4, IPv6, and DNS leaks protection working in tandem with no-log servers managing your DNS requests to make sure not a single byte is exposed.

• Security:

  HideMyAss uses military-grade encryption with the implementation of their encryption with OpenVPN protocol in AES 256 GCM, with 4096-bit RSA keys for handshakes, and SHA256 authentication. You also get a wider level of control on how automated you want things to be. E.g. If you need specific networks to automatically trigger HMA to turn on, you can do that.
  Other key aspects of HMA’s security feature include highly secure servers and DDoS protection. HideMyAss uses fully-encrypted 256-bit encryption to protect your data from hackers, federal authorities, and even HMA themselves. The security factor does not limit to data and server alone, as it also takes extra steps to safeguard your network, and saves you from DDoS attacks that would otherwise slow you down.

• Access Anything:

  HideMyAss is the world’s largest VPN network. It has servers in over 290 different locations and no other VPN can offer this service.
  In case you are a regular torrent user, HMA has got you covered as it offers an optimized P2P server that will help in uploading and downloading the torrent content without jeopardizing your privacy.

 

Key HideMyAss VPN Stats || HideMyAss Review

Here are some key performance statistics for HideMyAss VPN:

• Data Cap: Unlimited

• Speed: 96 Mbps

• Data Leaks: No

• Logging Policy: Anonymous Server Usage Data

• Legal Supervision: United Kingdom (member of five-eyes)

• Number of Servers: 1080

• Number of IP Addresses: 1080

• Countries Supported: 190

• Torrenting Capacity: Unlimited

• Concurrent Connections: 10

• Works in China: No

• Support: Live Chat

 

Pros and Cons of Using HideMyAss || HideMyAss Review

HideMyAss is a pretty infamous solution as far as VPNs are considered. As with every solution, HMA has its fair share of pros and cons.

Here are some of the key advantages of using HideMyAss.

1. Helps you connect to region-locked content and international streaming services that may not be available in your country.
2. HideMyAss offers the largest number of VPN server locations.
3.  Has a very easy-to-use interface and does not require any user manual to get started.
4. HideMyAss servers are superfast, clocking at 20 Gbps.
5. 7-day free trial.

And now, some drawbacks.

1. HideMyAss has a sketchy history regarding privacy as it has given data to UK authorities and the FBI before.
2. Kill switch tends to malfunction at times and requires improvement.
3. Protocols are limited for Apple and iPhone devices.
4. HideMyAss does not work with smart DNS  and Firestick apps.
5. It is based in the UK and comes under the five eyes jurisdiction which makes it very susceptible.
6. HideMyAss’s biggest problem is its shaky connectivity. Also many times, their server is not physically present in a location. They use virtual server locations along with physical ones. So you could be using a Kenyan HMA server but the server will be physically present in Florida.
7. There are downsides to using virtual server locations. For example, it carries immense security risks as the server is not physically present which makes it susceptible to online attacks. This results in having an already jeopardized virtual network.

Price of HideMyAss || HideMyAss Review

HideMyAss is available in two different packages. One is for personal usage and the second one is for business.

 

The personal use plans are as follows:

1. Free 7 Day Trial Plan
2. $ 11.99 per month for 1 month plan (billed monthly) (for 5 devices)
3. $ 8.99 per month for 6 month plan (billed at once) (for 5 devices)
4. $ 4.99 per month for 12 month plan (billed annually) (for 5 devices)
5. $ 4.99 per month for 24 month plan (billed annually) (for 5 devices)
6. $ 2.99 per month for 36 month plan (billed at once) (for 5 devices)
7. $ 7.99 per month for 12 month plan (billed annually) (for 10 devices)
8. $ 6.99 per month for 24 month plan (billed at once) (for 10 devices)
9. $ 5.99 per month for 36 month plan (billed at once) (for 10 devices)

And prices for business plans are dependent on the number of users and devices required by the organization.

In Conclusion || HideMyAss Review

HideMyAss is a very generic and overpriced VPN software. Now that does not take away the fact that it does the job it is built for pretty well. The limitations are severe and can compromise your security. The claim of it providing server access to 290 locations is also a bit sketchy as HMA is using a virtual server location.

The biggest problem with HideMyAss is that it focuses too much on providing access from a large set of locations which leaves it completely weakened on other fronts. HMA can use improvements in various aspects such as less reliance on virtual server locations, focusing more on server speeds, etc. HideMyAss offers some of the lowest speeds when compared to its competitors such as Surfshark, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN; while charging more money at the same time. But then again if you are just looking for a regular VPN, HideMyAss is really not that bad.