HideMyAss Review + Customer Reviews and Speed Test
HideMyAss VPN
Website: www.hidemyass.com/vpn/
Company: Privax LTD (UK)
Protocols: OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP/IPSec
Servers: 343 VPN Servers in 53 Countries
Regular Price: $11.52 / Monthly
Special Promo: $6.55 / Monthly (Grab This Deal)
(4.7/5)
(4.5/5)
The most popular VPN, with the most extensive global network in the industry.
Best VPN Provider’s Review of HideMyAss
HideMyAss VPN – Review Summary
The Good: HideMyAss offers the most extensive network in the industry, with the most servers, countries of any VPN provider. They provide customers with their custom VPN software, that has all the features the pros love, but easy-to-use that beginners will have no trouble setting it up. Their VPN is fast, reliable and priced very reasonably – they even include a 30 day Money-Back Guarantee.
The Bad: Customer Support is lacking Phone support, so you’ll usually have to wait a few hours behind a support ticket if you have a question or issue. HideMyAss logs certain information from it’s users as well; something that has caused some concern with some users.
The Bottom Line: HideMyAss has the biggest network, fast and reliable servers, and one of the most advance softwares around. While their support can use some improvement, they have secured their spot as the top dog in the VPN world.
Servers and Countries
One of the most notable qualities of HideMyAss, is their extensive network. They currently have 358 Servers in 53 Countries, with over 42’000+ IP Addresses available (Updated March 16th, 2013), with more servers and IP addresses added regularly (See the Entire List). This extensive is essential and one of the reasons HideMyAss is considered one of the top VPN Providers.
Why is this important?
Speed (Ping) – The closer a VPN Server is to you, the faster your connection speed will be. Since HideMyAss has such an extensive network, there is bound to be a server near you (Locate Servers Near You)
Higher Reliability – While having more servers doesn’t necessarily mean every server is going to be super fast and reliable, it does mean you have options. If you find yourself connected to a server that’s slow or unreliable, you can easily switch over to a faster and more reliable server. HideMyAss has no limits when switching from server to server.
Access Localized Content – There are tons of websites that have geo-restrictions; Netflix, Hulu Plus, Olympics, and some Facebook Fan Pages just to name a few. Having such an extensive network of VPNs at your disposal means you’ll be able to easily connect to a VPN in a supported country for websites/services, and gain access to them. Whether you travel aboard often, or simply live in a country that doesn’t get too much attention online – it’s always helpful!
Business - There are tons of business uses; from monitor international marketing and SEO campaigns, to gaining access to a country-specific business web application.
Customer Support
We found the HideMyAss customer support surprisingly helpful, and our overall experience was above-average. We contacted them for a number of pre-sale questions (Live Chat), and later on some more technically-challenging questions (through Email) and received a responses quickly, which thoroughly address our questions and problems.
HideMyAss currently offers Three Types of Support:
Email Support (Recommended) – We found email support to best method to contact either their sales or technical team for support, because it’s much more organized, you can keep everything on record and their response time is usually within an hour or two. They can also address more complicated issues or questions in detail through email.
Live Chat – This is great if you have a quick question or concern about their service. However, their Live Chat is only available 12 hours a day (UK-time) so they may not always be there when you need them.
Community (Forum) – This is pretty straightforward, but also very convenient. The Community Support Forum is perfect if you have a general problem or question, since answers are most likely already there from someone who has the same or similar issue or question in the past. You can ask a question here, and can usually get an answer rather quickly but don’t even think about posting any personal information here, since the forum is public and accessible to anyone.
Phone Support – Phone support isn’t available with HideMyAss, which is very disappointing since this would normally be the quickest way of getting an answer or fixing an issue. However, we have been told by HideMyAss management, that they will soon offer Phone support. We’re definitely looking forward to it.
Protocols and Compatibility
HideMyAss supports the most common VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, PPTP, and L2TP/IPSec. Each protocol undergoes a different method of tunneling and encrypting your data, some are faster but less secure, while others are slower but more secure. Here’s the gist of it:
OpenVPN (Highly Recommended) - OpenVPN is the preferred protocol to use. It provides maximum security (256 Bit Encryption), it’s compatible with all types internet connections, and it usually offers the fastest speeds. The only drawback is that most devices don’t naively support OpenVPN. You can use the HideMyAss VPN Software to connect on a computer, but you won’t be able to use OpenVPN on most Smart Phones, Tablets or Routers.
PPTP (Fast/Less Secure) - This protocol is as fast as OpenVPN, but less secure. While the encryption (128 bit) is perfectly fine for typical users, it shouldn’t be used when handling very sensitive data. PPTP is naively supported by most Smart Phones and Tablets (iOS, Androids, Windows Phone, etc.), as well as most VPN routers.
L2TP/IPSec (More Secure/Slower) – This protocol is the most secure of the three, with the highest-grade 256-Bit encryption (Approved by the NSA for top secret information). However, the heighten-level of security means that it’s less efficient than both PPTP and OpenVPN, so speeds are usually slower. Similarly to PPTP, L2TP is naively supported on most mobile devices and routers.
The HideMyAss Pro VPN Software
The HideMyAss Pro VPN Software (Windows/Mac) is very easy to use, and essentially makes connecting to a VPN as simple as clicking a button. Even so, the HMA VPN software is loaded with features that Advance users will absolutely love, and even some features that most other providers don’t offer. Here are some of the key features we loved:
Easy Connect - Connecting to a VPN is simple with the Easy Connect feature. Simply enter your Username and Password (these are automatically saved after your first login), select a VPN Server and click connect. Voila! You’re connected.
VPN Recommendations - Don’t know which server to select? No worries! HMA’s software will automatically give you recommendations on which servers are fastest and have the most resources available for you. Helps avoid the entire trial-and-error step.
Random Server Selection – For those who want to take their anonymity to the next level, you can automatically switch between different VPN servers every few minutes with the HMA software. Perfect to make you untrackable while online.
Secure IP Bind – This is really the Golden Egg that HideMyAss’ software offers. When enabled, Secure IP Bind will force ALL applications on your computer to establish internet connection only when you’re connected through the secure VPN. If you’re VPN disconnects suddenly (which can happen), or your as forgetful as us and sometimes forget to connect to a VPN when you start your computer, the Secure IP Bind feature will prevent any application from connecting to the internet until you connect to the VPN.
This handy feature ensures you’re always connected behind the security and anonymity of the HideMyAss VPN. Now those slip ups won’t be able to get the best of you anymore.
Software Conclusion
All in all, we feel that the HideMyAss Pro VPN Software tops the competition without a doubt. It’s easy to use and beginners won’t have any issues setting it up. It also have tons of cool and useful features that experts will love; many of which can’t be found with any other VPN software, which as the Random Server Selection and Secure IP Bind.
Checkout all of the features included in the software here.
Speed Test / Comparison
How fast is HideMyAss VPN? HideMyAss is faster than most VPN providers we tested. Our average internet download speed is about 11mbsp without a VPN. With HideMyAss, our internet speed was about 10.50mbps, which is not bad at all!
However, your speed may vary depending on your normal Internet Speed, the server you connect to, and the VPN Protocol you select. We highly suggest you use OpenVPN (UDP) for the fastest and most secure connection speed.
Privacy and Anonymity
HideMyAss keeps you anonymous and secure whenever you’re online, but that doesn’t mean you’re completely off the radar. HMA does keep logs for 30 days to track abuses such as spam and have a history of cooperating with Law Enforcement to to track down hackers and fraudsters using their service. Logs are not stored in any VPN Server, but instead in a secure offshore location. According to HideMyAss:
We only log the times you connect and disconnect from our service. We do not log what activity you get up to behind our VPN service, such as what websites you visit and who you talk to.
Feel free to read HMA’s full Privacy Policy for more info.
Packages and Prices
We love how simple HideMyAss makes their packages and pricing. They offer 1 Unlimited VPN package (it includes it all) and you can select between three different terms for the package; 1, 6 or 12 months.
Current Pricing
One Month Term – $11.52
Six Month Term – $49.99
One Year Term – $77.66
Available Payment Methods
HideMyAss allows you to pay using a number of payment methods, including all major credit cards, PayPal, Google Checkout, Dalpay, AlertPay, and Liberty Reserve.
Features Included:
343 Servers in 53 Countries
Unlimited Bandwidth, Uncapped Speed
OpenVPN, PPTP & L2TP Protocals
30 Day Money Back Guarantee
Advance, yet Easy-to-Use Software
Hide Behind 42,000+ IP Addresses
New IP every time you connect
Limited-Time Specials and Deals
HideMyAss is running a limited-time promotion where their VPN is only $6.55 a month. That’s over 40% off their normal price! You can click below to see if the deal is still available.
Money Back Guarantee
Unlike most VPN providers who either don’t provide a Money-Back Guarantee, or have a shorter 3 to 7 Day Money-Back Guarantees, HideMyAss is the only provider that offers a full 30-day Money-Back Guarantee if you’re not completely satisfied.
This gives you an entire month to test out their service. If you’re unhappy with their VPN or it doesn’t live up to their expectations within the first 30 days, you can simply cancel and ask for a full refund.
Try HideMyAss Risk-Free for 30 Days
HideMyAss Customer Reviews
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Not bad at all. I love the software, and the actual VPN connection is pretty fast. I haven't tried it on my phone yet, but it looks very promising.
"The BEST VPN out there"
I've used VPN's for a few years now, and I've found that HideMyAss is definitely on top. There are a few competitors that come close such as IPVanish and StrongVPN, but none can beat the HUGE network HMA has, and the features such as Secure IP Bind, that they offer with their custom software.
Definitely my top pick. I wouldn't dare use anyone else.
Tremendous
This is no doubt tremendous and marvelous to have. You can have all German VPN or any country all over the world. This lacks security somewhere but 1/1000 errors are acceptable.
Marvelous
very First I have come across HideMyAss at bestvpnprovider.co. The most amazing and astonishing feature of this HidemyAss is security feature. This VPN keeps you unnamed and serves you at is best. I would rank it 5/5 and whenever you log on, your name, details, and everything would be kept private. You can have a look at its detailed reference documents and descriptions for gathering more information.
It has a great user interface with bells and whistles. Service was good for me too. Trouble is the VPN is too slow for my needs. The refund is too slow too.
Loved it! Renewed today
I just had to share my experience with HideMyAss's VPN service. I was traveling internationally about a month ago, and I decided to purchase HMA's VPN service to test out the waters, and to access Netflix overseas. I was beyond impressed! My movies streamed fast, in HD and without much buffering. Browsing the internet was fast, and I wasn't stuck using Google in other languages.
I renewed today, and that is saying a lot for someone as stingy as me. I definitely recommend HideMyAss!
Great VPN!
Hidemyass is a great vpn service. Fast, easy to use and pretty cheap. This is the 4th vpn I've used and by far the best.
Great VPN, Good Support. Can't Complain.
I decided to try HideMyAss a week ago, and so far I've been very impressed. Setup was pretty straight forward, and the software they have makes things 1000% easier. I was also able to setup to VPN on my phone after reading their tutorials.
In terms of speed, it's fast for the most part. Some servers are slower than others, but I've been able to get 70% to 80% of my normal speed while connected to the VPN. I have no issues loading Netflix, YouTube, or downloading large files. I can't even tell I'm using a VPN when browsing normal websites.
When it comes to support, I was initially a little disappointed with the lack for Phone support, but after emailing them and getting a reply in less than 10 minutes, I can say my disappointment slowly turned into satisfaction. The support team was very, very helpful and answered all my questions in detail.
Overall, I have to say getting the HideMyAss VPN was a great decision. Very easy to setup, very fast, good support and it has tons of features! Definitely worth every penny!
VERY GOOD!!
My first impression of hidemyass vpn was successful. It's very fast, has a huge selection of servers and countries, and an excellent software. If this keeps up, I will definitely renew next month.
Excellent Speeds! The Perfect VPN!
Good service. Great software very easy to use and switch servers. Good speeds on UK, US and Euro servers. Recently returned from holiday in Spain where I was able to watch the Olympics via BBC, speed and connection excellent. Top job!