HideMyAss VPN Review—Does It Have What You Need?
Cybercrime is a large and complex issue that's projected to cost businesses and consumers up to $10.5 trillion by 2025[1]. As online security threats become increasingly sophisticated, many individuals and companies are turning to VPNs as an additional piece of the online security toolkit. HideMyAss (HMA) VPN is one of the providers whose services people rely on for their online safety and privacy.
In this HideMyAss VPN review, we will explore the VPN's features to help you determine whether it's the right choice for you.
If you're also concerned about protecting your financial data, this article will show you an additional way to increase the safety of your sensitive details online.
Disclaimer: The details presented in this review are accurate as of May 2024. The features and performance of HMA VPN may change due to updates and modifications made by the service provider.
HideMyAss VPN's Key Features
The review will examine HMA VPN across six key areas:
- Privacy and security
- Speed and performance
- Server network
- Device compatibility
- User experience and customer support
- Pricing
Privacy and Security
HideMyAss VPN uses the OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec protocols[2] to create a secure tunnel between the user and a server in the VPN's network. For encryption, it uses the AES-256 algorithm, an industry standard that's also used by banks, the military, and governments.
Here's a breakdown of additional security features and measures[3] HMA VPN offers:
Speed and Performance
In an independent test, HideMyAss VPN demonstrated speeds of up to 238 Mbps[4]. Its Lightning Connect[2] feature automatically selects the best server, helping users get optimal internet speeds.
The VPN uses servers capable of handling 20 Gbps of traffic in their core data centers[5], which are centers optimized for more demanding online activities, larger numbers of users, and increased security. HideMyAss VPN also contains servers capable of handling 10 Gbps[3] in non-core locations.
Users may experience different browsing speeds depending on several factors, including:
- Distance between the user and the server
- Server load
- Chosen protocol
- User's base internet connection speed
Server Network
HideMyAss VPN features a network of over 1,100 servers spanning 290 locations in more than 210 countries and territories[5]. The extensive global server network enables users to bypass regional restrictions and access local content and services.
Having servers in numerous locations also makes it easier to find a nearby server, potentially enhancing internet speed when using the VPN.
This global presence also ensures that users traveling internationally can securely access corporate resources and maintain seamless business operations from anywhere.
Users who require more servers for their online activities may prefer other VPNs, such as NordVPN, CyberGhost VPN, Turbo VPN, and BitDefender Premium.
Device Compatibility
HMA VPN supports all major platforms, making it convenient for both mobile devices and computers. HMA VPN offers apps for:
- Windows: 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11[6]
- macOS: Monterey (12), Sierra, High Sierra, Mojave, Catalina, and Big Sur[7]
- iOS: 13, 14, and 15[8]
- Android: 6.0 (Marshmallow, API 23) or later[9]
- Android TV[10]
HMA VPN allows users to install the app on as many devices as they want, but the service supports only five simultaneous active connections per account[3]. Users who find this limiting can opt for the HMA VPN Family Plan, which allows up to ten simultaneous connections.[11]
For those who need to protect more than ten devices at a time, Private Internet Access VPN and Surfshark VPN may be suitable alternatives as they allow unlimited simultaneous connections.
User Experience and Customer Support
HMA VPN has a simple, intuitive interface—users can easily connect to a server, access options, or change IP addresses.
Users can get support from HMA VPN in two ways:
- By accessing a comprehensive knowledge base featuring FAQs and guides[12]
- By submitting a support ticket through a dedicated form to address more complex issues
Pricing
HMA VPN offers various plans to suit different user needs. The 36-month plan provides the lowest monthly rate—$2.99 for five simultaneous connections or $5.99 for ten[13].
For those preferring shorter commitments, HMA VPN offers plans ranging from one month to two years. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
The VPN also offers a free seven-day trial. Users who want a VPN with a longer free plan may want to test out Proton VPN, Windscribe VPN, Hide.me VPN, or Hotspot Shield VPN.
Do VPNs Offer Absolute Protection?
Even though HideMyAss VPN can boost your privacy and security, it can't protect you from certain types of cybercrime, such as scams, fraud, and malware.
Using a VPN also can't guarantee the safety of your financial information when shopping online. Its encryption process can help protect your data from being intercepted—but once that information is stored on the website's servers, it's at risk of being compromised.
One of the most effective ways to protect your financial data online is by employing virtual cards. These cards replace your real payment details with random numbers at checkout, reducing the chances of your financial data being stolen from merchant servers in case of data breaches.
Large banks like American Express® and Capital One® offer their customers virtual cards. However, independent companies such as Privacy offer convenience for online transactions on top of robust security.
Your Financial Protection Begins With Privacy Virtual Cards
Privacy allows you to generate virtual card numbers you can utilize for regular online transactions. You can use these numbers instead of your real card details to ensure protection in case of a data breach on a merchant’s servers.
As a BBB-accredited service, Privacy uses strict security measures similar to those of reputable banks, including:
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)—Privacy lets you choose between email, SMS, and authenticator apps as the second authentication factor.
- Transaction alerts—You will get transaction notifications each time your card is used or declined. This feature allows you to react quickly in case you notice an unusual transaction.
- Fraud protection—If you report a transaction with your virtual card as fraudulent and the claim is valid, Privacy will launch an investigation and issue a chargeback claim against the merchant.
Privacy Virtual Cards and Features
Privacy offers three types of virtual cards:
Privacy also provides you with card spending controls, allowing you to:
- Set spending limits—This feature helps protect your bank account from potential overcharges and hidden fees by allowing you to define the amount you can be charged. Privacy will block any charge above the designated limit.
- Pause, unpause, and close cards—You can pause or close your cards at any time, and Privacy will decline any further charges. This can help you limit any unexpected charges, such as those that may occur during subscription cancellation.
Privacy Convenience Features
Privacy offers several convenience features for seamless transactions:
- Privacy App—Available for iOS and Android, it lets you create, pause, or close your Privacy Virtual Cards on the go.
- Privacy Browser Extension—Privacy provides browser extensions for Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari, including the Safari One on iOS. These extensions let you create and manage virtual cards within browsers for a streamlined online shopping experience.
- 1Password integration—Privacy integrates with 1Password, allowing you to create and manage your Privacy Cards from 1Password's browser extension.
- Shared Cards—You can share a Privacy Card with your close friends and family without disclosing your actual card numbers.
- Card Notes—Create notes on your Privacy Virtual Cards to help you remember details such as the merchants you use them with or your subscription renewal dates.
How To Get a Privacy Virtual Card
To get started with Privacy:
- Go to the signup page
- Input the necessary Know-Your-Customer (KYC) details
- Add a funding source (debit card or bank account)
- Submit a request for your first Privacy Card
Privacy offers four subscription plans:
You can use Privacy Cards at most vendors and websites that accept Visa® or Mastercard®, including popular platforms like Netflix, YouTube Premium, and Paramount Plus.
