HideMyAss VPN Review 2025: Global Coverage Meets User-Friendly Design
HideMyAss offers 290+ server locations worldwide with solid streaming performance, but UK jurisdiction raises privacy concerns for some users.
Updated:
July 20, 2025
Screenshots Update:
Today
Devices:
5
Servers:
1,100+
Countries:
190+
Founded:
2005
Country:
United Kingdom
Executive Summary
HideMyAss (now just HMA) has been around the VPN block for nearly two decades, and it shows in all the right ways. What really sets them apart is their massive global footprint – we're talking 290+ server locations that'll let you virtually travel anywhere from Iceland to Japan. If you're someone who needs reliable access to content from around the world, this kind of coverage is genuinely impressive.
The good stuff? Lightning-fast 20 Gbps servers, dead-simple apps that won't confuse your grandma, and streaming performance that actually works with Netflix and BBC iPlayer. Their Lightning Connect feature automatically finds the fastest server for you, which saves you from playing guessing games. Plus, you get unlimited device installs with 5 simultaneous connections.
The not-so-great? They're based in the UK (Five Eyes territory), which privacy purists won't love, and their monthly pricing is pretty steep at $12. However, their long-term plans drop to around $3 monthly, which is much more reasonable. If you want global server coverage with user-friendly apps and don't mind the UK jurisdiction, HMA delivers solid value.
The good stuff? Lightning-fast 20 Gbps servers, dead-simple apps that won't confuse your grandma, and streaming performance that actually works with Netflix and BBC iPlayer. Their Lightning Connect feature automatically finds the fastest server for you, which saves you from playing guessing games. Plus, you get unlimited device installs with 5 simultaneous connections.
The not-so-great? They're based in the UK (Five Eyes territory), which privacy purists won't love, and their monthly pricing is pretty steep at $12. However, their long-term plans drop to around $3 monthly, which is much more reasonable. If you want global server coverage with user-friendly apps and don't mind the UK jurisdiction, HMA delivers solid value.
Pros
- Strict no-logging policy
- Independently audited security
- Large server network (1,100+ servers)
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Based in 5 Eyes jurisdiction
- No port forwarding support
- Limited to 5 simultaneous connections
Features & Performance
HideMyAss (or HMA as they like to be called now) is like that friend who's been everywhere and knows everyone. With servers in 290+ locations across the globe, they've got you covered whether you want to virtually hop to Tokyo or pretend you're chilling in Iceland. Think of their network as having VIP access to almost every country on the planet – and trust me, that's pretty impressive coverage.
Speed-wise, they're packing 20 Gbps servers, which is like having a Ferrari engine under the hood of your internet connection. They use OpenVPN protocol, which is basically the reliable, trustworthy route for your data to travel – think of protocols as different highways, and OpenVPN is the well-maintained interstate that gets you there safely and efficiently.
For streaming fans, HMA is pretty solid. They've got dedicated servers optimized for streaming, so you can binge-watch shows from different countries without that annoying buffering wheel of doom. Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming services generally play nice with HMA, though like any VPN, some servers work better than others.
What really sets them apart are some nifty features like Lightning Connect, which automatically finds the fastest server for you – no more playing server roulette. IP Shuffle is another cool trick that randomly changes your IP address to keep trackers guessing. It's like constantly changing disguises while you browse.
Their Kill Switch feature acts like a safety net, cutting your internet if the VPN connection drops, so you don't accidentally expose your real location. The Smart Kill Switch takes it further by automatically launching HMA to protect specific apps. Pretty handy if you're the type who forgets to turn things on.
Speed-wise, they're packing 20 Gbps servers, which is like having a Ferrari engine under the hood of your internet connection. They use OpenVPN protocol, which is basically the reliable, trustworthy route for your data to travel – think of protocols as different highways, and OpenVPN is the well-maintained interstate that gets you there safely and efficiently.
For streaming fans, HMA is pretty solid. They've got dedicated servers optimized for streaming, so you can binge-watch shows from different countries without that annoying buffering wheel of doom. Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming services generally play nice with HMA, though like any VPN, some servers work better than others.
What really sets them apart are some nifty features like Lightning Connect, which automatically finds the fastest server for you – no more playing server roulette. IP Shuffle is another cool trick that randomly changes your IP address to keep trackers guessing. It's like constantly changing disguises while you browse.
Their Kill Switch feature acts like a safety net, cutting your internet if the VPN connection drops, so you don't accidentally expose your real location. The Smart Kill Switch takes it further by automatically launching HMA to protect specific apps. Pretty handy if you're the type who forgets to turn things on.
User Experience
HMA gets major points for keeping things simple. Their interface is clean and friendly – no confusing buttons or tech jargon that makes your head spin. When you open the app, you'll see their mascot Jack the donkey doing a little stealth animation, which honestly made me chuckle the first time. It's these little touches that show they don't take themselves too seriously.
Setting up HMA is refreshingly straightforward. You download the app, log in, and you're pretty much good to go. Even if you're not particularly tech-savvy, you'll figure it out without pulling your hair out. The main screen shows your connection status clearly, and connecting to a server is literally just clicking a button.
The app works on pretty much everything you own – Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and even Android TV. You can install it on unlimited devices, though you can only have 5 running simultaneously (or 10 with their Family Plan). It's like having a universal key that works on all your digital doors.
One thing I really appreciate is their Lightning Connect feature. Instead of scrolling through hundreds of server locations wondering which one to pick, you just hit this button and it finds the fastest option for you. It's like having a personal assistant for your VPN needs.
Customer support is actually pretty decent. They offer live chat, and from what I've seen, they're responsive and helpful rather than giving you the runaround. Their website also has a good FAQ section that answers most common questions without the usual corporate speak.
The only minor gripe is that with so many server options, the location list can feel a bit overwhelming at first, but you get used to it quickly.
Setting up HMA is refreshingly straightforward. You download the app, log in, and you're pretty much good to go. Even if you're not particularly tech-savvy, you'll figure it out without pulling your hair out. The main screen shows your connection status clearly, and connecting to a server is literally just clicking a button.
The app works on pretty much everything you own – Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and even Android TV. You can install it on unlimited devices, though you can only have 5 running simultaneously (or 10 with their Family Plan). It's like having a universal key that works on all your digital doors.
One thing I really appreciate is their Lightning Connect feature. Instead of scrolling through hundreds of server locations wondering which one to pick, you just hit this button and it finds the fastest option for you. It's like having a personal assistant for your VPN needs.
Customer support is actually pretty decent. They offer live chat, and from what I've seen, they're responsive and helpful rather than giving you the runaround. Their website also has a good FAQ section that answers most common questions without the usual corporate speak.
The only minor gripe is that with so many server options, the location list can feel a bit overwhelming at first, but you get used to it quickly.
Features & Security
Security & Privacy
No Logging Policy
Independent Security Audit
RAM-Only Servers
Advanced Features
Dedicated IP Available
Port Forwarding
24/7 Customer Support
Security & Privacy
Let's talk about the stuff that really matters – keeping your digital life locked down tight. HMA uses 256-bit AES encryption, which is basically like wrapping your data in an unbreakable digital vault. To put it in perspective, they claim it would take 2.73 × 10^61 years to crack their security. That's a number so big it makes your brain hurt, but the point is: your data is seriously protected.
Their no-logs policy is where things get interesting. HMA promises they don't keep records of what you do online, which websites you visit, or what files you download. Think of it like having a conversation in a soundproof room – nobody's taking notes, and there's no recording. This matters because even if someone came knocking on their door asking for your data, there wouldn't be anything meaningful to hand over.
HMA is based in the UK, which isn't ideal from a privacy standpoint since the UK is part of the "Five Eyes" intelligence alliance. However, their strict no-logs policy helps offset this concern. It's like living in a nosy neighborhood but keeping your curtains firmly closed.
They've packed in some solid security features that actually make a difference in real life. Their Kill Switch prevents data leaks if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly – think of it as an emergency brake for your privacy. The Leak Shield feature stops those sneaky IPv4, IPv6, and DNS leaks that could expose your real location.
Their no-log DNS feature means even your domain name requests don't leave a trail. It's like having a private postal service that doesn't keep records of where your mail goes.
While HMA hasn't undergone the same level of independent security audits as some competitors, their long track record (they've been around for 19+ years) and transparent approach to security features gives them some credibility in the privacy game.
Their no-logs policy is where things get interesting. HMA promises they don't keep records of what you do online, which websites you visit, or what files you download. Think of it like having a conversation in a soundproof room – nobody's taking notes, and there's no recording. This matters because even if someone came knocking on their door asking for your data, there wouldn't be anything meaningful to hand over.
HMA is based in the UK, which isn't ideal from a privacy standpoint since the UK is part of the "Five Eyes" intelligence alliance. However, their strict no-logs policy helps offset this concern. It's like living in a nosy neighborhood but keeping your curtains firmly closed.
They've packed in some solid security features that actually make a difference in real life. Their Kill Switch prevents data leaks if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly – think of it as an emergency brake for your privacy. The Leak Shield feature stops those sneaky IPv4, IPv6, and DNS leaks that could expose your real location.
Their no-log DNS feature means even your domain name requests don't leave a trail. It's like having a private postal service that doesn't keep records of where your mail goes.
While HMA hasn't undergone the same level of independent security audits as some competitors, their long track record (they've been around for 19+ years) and transparent approach to security features gives them some credibility in the privacy game.
Pricing & Plans
HMA's pricing is pretty reasonable, especially if you're willing to commit to a longer plan. Their monthly plan runs about $12, which is on the higher side for month-to-month, but honestly, most people shouldn't go monthly with any VPN anyway.
The sweet spot is their 36-month plan at around $3 per month, which is genuinely good value for what you're getting. That's less than a fancy coffee, and you get access to their massive server network, solid speeds, and all those handy features we talked about. The 12-month plan sits in the middle at about $5 monthly, which is still reasonable.
They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, and here's the thing – they actually honor it without making you jump through hoops. If you're not happy, you get your money back, no questions asked. Just don't wait longer than 30 days, because then it becomes more of a "maybe" situation.
You can pay with all the usual suspects – credit cards, PayPal, and they even accept some cryptocurrencies if you're feeling extra privacy-conscious.
Who should consider HMA? If you want massive server coverage, easy-to-use apps, and solid streaming performance, it's worth a look. The long-term pricing is competitive, and that 30-day guarantee gives you a risk-free test drive.
Who might want to look elsewhere? If you're super privacy-focused and want a provider outside the Five Eyes countries, or if you're only willing to pay monthly, you might find better options elsewhere.
The sweet spot is their 36-month plan at around $3 per month, which is genuinely good value for what you're getting. That's less than a fancy coffee, and you get access to their massive server network, solid speeds, and all those handy features we talked about. The 12-month plan sits in the middle at about $5 monthly, which is still reasonable.
They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, and here's the thing – they actually honor it without making you jump through hoops. If you're not happy, you get your money back, no questions asked. Just don't wait longer than 30 days, because then it becomes more of a "maybe" situation.
You can pay with all the usual suspects – credit cards, PayPal, and they even accept some cryptocurrencies if you're feeling extra privacy-conscious.
Who should consider HMA? If you want massive server coverage, easy-to-use apps, and solid streaming performance, it's worth a look. The long-term pricing is competitive, and that 30-day guarantee gives you a risk-free test drive.
Who might want to look elsewhere? If you're super privacy-focused and want a provider outside the Five Eyes countries, or if you're only willing to pay monthly, you might find better options elsewhere.
The Bottom Line
HMA strikes a nice balance between extensive global coverage, user-friendly design, and reliable streaming performance that makes it worth considering for most people. You'll love it if you frequently need servers in different countries, want apps that just work without fuss, or prioritize streaming access over maximum privacy. The 36-month plan at $3 monthly is genuinely good value for what you're getting.
That said, privacy-focused users might want to look elsewhere due to the UK jurisdiction. But for everyone else, HMA's 30-day money-back guarantee gives you a full month to test drive their service risk-free. Given their solid track record and that impressive server network, it's definitely worth taking for a spin to see if it fits your needs.
That said, privacy-focused users might want to look elsewhere due to the UK jurisdiction. But for everyone else, HMA's 30-day money-back guarantee gives you a full month to test drive their service risk-free. Given their solid track record and that impressive server network, it's definitely worth taking for a spin to see if it fits your needs.
Try HideMyAss Risk-Free
30-day money-back guarantee • No questions asked
Our Scores Explained
Overall: 8.3 [19th of 34]
Our Overall score is simply the average of the four component scores below.
Price: 8.3 [19th of 34]
Competitive pricing with significant discounts on longer plans (36-month at CAD $4.29/mo), 30-day money-back guarantee, and reasonable monthly rates. Good value proposition with extensive server network and features included at these price points.
Security: 8.5 [23rd of 34]
Claims no-logs policy with independent audit, uses 256-bit AES encryption and OpenVPN protocol. However, UK jurisdiction (5-eyes) and past controversies create some privacy concerns. Lack of RAM-only servers is also a limitation for maximum privacy.
Features: 8.2 [16th of 34]
Strong server network with 1100+ servers across 190+ countries, includes kill switch, split tunneling, Lightning Connect, dedicated IP option, and streaming-optimized servers. Missing RAM-only servers and port forwarding which prevents a higher score.
Experience: 8.1 [24th of 34]
Simple, intuitive UI with easy setup process, 24/7 support available, and Lightning Connect feature for automatic server selection. Supports 5 simultaneous connections with apps across major platforms. Good overall usability but not exceptional.
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