Hide My Ass Review 20225: Do we recommend it?

Hide My Ass VPN was first launched in 2005, making it one of the longest-running consumer VPNs. HMA is known for humorous donkey branding and a massive server network. However, it has a somewhat negative reputation due to its previous logging practices and controversies surrounding data sharing.

Wondering if HMA VPN is safe to use in 2025? Hide My Ass VPN has updated its policy to a strict no-logs policy, which was independently audited by VerSprite in 2020. It no longer records users’ IP addresses, DNS queries, or browsing activities, which is a massive improvement for online privacy. HMA’s home in the UK might still put some users off, but the no-logs policy goes a long way toward mitigating privacy risks posed by government authorities.

In this HMA VPN review, I’ll test its speed, server network, privacy policy, gaming support, Netflix streaming performance, device compatibility, security tools, pricing, and customer support. This comprehensive VPN review will help you decide whether Hide My Ass deserves a spot among the best VPNs.

Hide My Ass VPN Key Data

OVERALL RANK:  #16 of 61 VPNs
Speed	Score: 7
Average Speed*:	109 Mbps
Video Streaming Support:	4K, HD video conferencing
Streaming	Score: 7
Netflix:	Yes
Other Streaming Services:	BBC iPlayer
Security	Score: 9
Encryption Type:	256-bit AES
Kill Switch:	Yes
Log Policy:	No logs
Protocols:	OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, IPSec
Value for Money	Score: 8
Lowest Monthly Cost:	$2.99
Money Back Guarantee:	30 days
Website	www.hidemyass.com

* Average speed over multiple global locations based across multiple speed tests per day.

Hide My Ass VPN pros and cons

If you’re looking for a VPN with strong security and wide server coverage, Hide My Ass VPN has some decent features. Below, I’ve summarized the top pros and cons based on testing, privacy policy analysis, and user experience. I’ll go into more detail about each point later in this HMA VPN review.

Summary: Do I recommend Hide My Ass VPN?

Hide My Ass VPN has improved, but it still can’t compete with the best VPNs for privacy. It has a strict no-logs policy (validated by the HMA VPN VerSprite audit in 2020), but its UK jurisdiction and historical data sharing controversies still weigh heavily. The HMA VPN warrant canary helps, but it is still a Five Eyes-based VPN, so some risks remain due to the UK government surveillance.

On the plus side, HMA VPN is a fast VPN. The WireGuard protocol is great, outperforming OpenVPN in speed tests. The Lightning Connect feature makes it easy to get online. Streaming performance was disappointing: HMA VPN didn’t work with Hulu, HBO Max, or Amazon Prime Video. However, it worked with US Netflix.

Torrenting is allowed on its P2P-optimized servers, and ad blocking is available using the Chrome extension. Users get five simultaneous connections on standard plans, which is fewer than rivals. There is no live chat support, and email support is slow.

HMA VPN is cheap at just $2.99 per month. Despite this, I’d still prefer NordVPN or Surfshark for the cost.

HMA features

HMA VPN offers a decent range of features, but availability varies significantly between devices. Features like split tunneling, WireGuard support, and the kill switch will depend on the app you are using. For this reason, I recommend checking the section later in this article, where I have listed which features are available on which platforms. Be sure to check compatibility before you subscribe to avoid disappointment.

On the plus side, the apps are easy to use, and core VPN functions are well-organized. It’s a pretty decent VPN for beginners. The torrenting-optimized servers are clearly labeled in the apps.

The VPN lacks advanced features such as multi-hop, Smart DNS, RAM-only servers, Tor over VPN, and port forwarding. It does not rent dedicated IPs.

Core VPN features

Hide My Ass VPN has custom apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV, Linux (CLI), and Chrome. Manual installation for routers is no longer supported (and setup guides have been removed from the website). There’s no dedicated app for Fire TV, Apple TV, or gaming consoles. Streaming device compatibility is also limited (you’ll need to share your connection via a VPN-protected hotspot).

HMA offers one of the biggest server networks of any VPN, with server locations in up to 195 countries and 23 territories. These include underrepresented regions like the Middle East and Africa. US city-level servers are also available in over 50 locations, so it’s a decent option for bypassing blackout restrictions. However, the VPN was temperamental for streaming, so I’d test it with your sports streaming provider first using the money-back guarantee.

HMA employs the OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols with AES-256 encryption and Perfect Forward Secrecy. WireGuard (ChaCha20 encryption) and OpenVPN are supported on Windows, while Android supports OpenVPN only. Mac and iOS only provide IKEv2/IPSec. The proprietary Mimic protocol obfuscates your connection, making VPN use more difficult for ISPs to detect (it’s closed-source and seemed a bit buggy during testing – more on this later).

HMA has optimized servers for streaming and torrenting. It’s easy to find a server. An IP Shuffle feature rotates your IP address at set intervals. This is good for sessions that require additional privacy, but not suitable when accessing services that may get suspicious if your location keeps changing too regularly.

The Lightning Connect feature selects the fastest server available, based on distance and server load. Split tunneling and app-level kill switches are available on Android and Windows only. HMA’s auto-connect feature can automatically connect the VPN when you join a public Wi-Fi network.

Advanced security & privacy features

• AES-256-GCM encryption with Perfect Forward Secrecy
• WireGuard and OpenVPN protocol support (Windows)
• Mimic protocol for obfuscation (inconsistent performance)
• System-wide and app-specific kill switch (Windows and Android only)
• Split tunneling (Windows and Android only)
• First-party DNS with DNS, IPv4, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection
• Passed all leak tests on Windows
• IP Shuffle to randomize IP addresses
• Auto-connect for public wifi (Windows, Android, macOS, iOS)
• Wifi Threat Shield (Android and ChromeOS)
• Audited no-logs policy (VerSprite 2020 audit, low-risk rating)
• Warrant canary published by parent company Avast
• Torrenting is allowed on P2P-optimized servers (8 locations)

Additional features

• Easy-to-use interface across desktop and mobile apps
• 10 simultaneous device connections (on family plans)
• 7-day free trial (may require card, auto-bills if not canceled)
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Chrome extension (proxy with ad-blocker)
• Email-based support (slow response times reported)

Hide My Ass VPN pricing

HMA VPN has a slightly confusing pricing model that feels over-engineered and out of touch with current VPN market trends. Rather than offering a single plan with a set device limit (which is what most VPNs do), HMA sells subscriptions based on the number of simultaneous device connections you want. You can pick between 5 or 10 devices on consumer plans and up to 30 on the business plan.

This structure feels overly complicated at a time when many top VPNs (including Surfshark, IPVanish, and PIA) offer unlimited device connections. Although HMA is often considered a cheap VPN, the reality is more nuanced. Although the 5-device plan is competitive, the 10-device plan is quite pricey.

HMA costs $5.99 per month on its cheapest 10-device plan (pictured above). This feels massively overpriced next to NordVPN’s $3.09 plan or PureVPN’s $2.14 plan, both of which allow 10 devices by default.

HMA’s supposedly “cheap” 5-device plans feel like a rip-off by comparison. In my opinion, HMA needs to ditch the 5-connection plan and apply its lower price to the 10-device option.

Overall, HMA’s pricing structure adds unnecessary friction to an otherwise straightforward product. The good news? All plans come with the same features, so at least that part isn’t confusing.

Add-ons

HMA VPN does not sell any bundles. You can’t buy the VPN bolted on to extras such as an antivirus, password manager, cloud storage, online data removal, or identity protection services.

On the plus side, this keeps the website and apps clutter-free. You won’t be served annoying ads for upgrades or extras, which is a problem in some of its competitors’ apps.

The downside, however, is that you can’t pick up the VPN as part of a bundle that adds real value. Some VPNs, such as IPVanish and TotalVPN, offer so many extras in their bundle that they practically make the VPN free.

Discounts

The 36-month plan for five devices reduces the cost of your subscription from the regular rate of $431.64 ($11.99 per month) to $107.64 ($2.99 per month). This is an incredible deal that is well worth locking in if you enjoy using Hide My Ass.

We also recommend checking back during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other holiday sales. We often get additional coupons and offers during these periods, which may reduce the cost of the VPN further (or give you some extra months for free with your purchase).

All accounts renew automatically if you don’t cancel, and the cost of the VPN increases to the full price. Cancel your account before your subscription comes to an end to avoid being charged (this applies to all discounted plans).

Payments and refunds

HMA VPN accepts a wide range of payment methods:

• Credit and debit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express
• PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay
• A wide choice of local options: UnionPay, Alipay, Giropay, Sofort, Discover, Konbini, Hopecard, Boletol, elo, Bleue, and others.

HMA does not accept cryptocurrency, which is a drawback for users who prefer anonymous payment methods. Cash payments and other anonymous payment options are also unavailable.

In addition to offering a 7-day free trial, all users get 30 days to change their minds. The 30-day money-back guarantee is available regardless of which plan you purchase.

Testing the money-back guarantee

I decided to test the HMA 30-day money-back guarantee. HMA does not offer live chat, so I had to request my refund via email. Unfortunately, the refund process wasn’t that smooth.

I paid for a 1-month account and used the service for three weeks. At this stage, I requested a refund using the support email address. I had to wait 4 days to get a response, and instead of agreeing to refund me, the VPN wanted to know my reason.

I explained that the VPN had failed to work with my streaming provider, which was my reason for getting the VPN, and reiterated my desire to receive a refund. Following that, I received another email after a couple more days, and this time the agent told me that my refund had been approved.

Once confirmed, HMA processed the refund and returned the money to my account within five working days.

HMA is one of the only VPNs that allows repeat refunds as long as it has been at least six months since you last got one. You could theoretically use the VPN for free for 30 days twice per year.

Speed: Is Hide My Ass fast?

Most users want a VPN that won’t slow them down unnecessarily. I always test VPN speeds to see how the service performs for data-intensive tasks such as streaming in HD, downloading torrents, making video calls, or simply browsing and using social media.

In my tests, Hide My Ass VPN delivered average performance, which is somewhat disappointing considering what its competitors typically achieve nowadays. The VPN is workable for most tasks, but not in the same league as the fastest VPNs I tested this year, some of which you can get for less.

The tests I conducted were carried out on a test machine where all VPNs are tested under the exact same conditions. Below, you can see my speed testing methodology.

How I tested Hide My Ass speed:

• I used a dedicated test machine with a baseline speed capped at 250 Mbps. The Windows device is in Manchester, UK, and runs a fresh instance of Windows for every VPN
• I ran all speed tests using the Speedtest by Ookla desktop app
• I tested during the morning, afternoon, and evening to account for server congestion
• I used three server locations: New York, London, and Singapore. I usually test a server in Hong Kong. However, I could not do this because HMA has no Hong Kong servers. Surprisingly, HMA (which has more server coverage in Asia than most competitors) has no server in Hong Kong. I double-checked, and, despite having servers in 47 countries across the Asia-Pacific region, Hong Kong was missing
• I tested using the WireGuard protocol because this is the fastest protocol available

Speed test results

I used my tests to arrive at local and global averages. This provides you with a clear picture of how the VPN performs on nearby and distant servers at different times of day.

As you can see, the speeds I got with HMA were inconsistent. Speeds were volatile and dropped extremely sharply when I tested in the evening in the UK. The servers in Asia (the most distant from our test server in Manchester) showed the biggest drop-off. This is to be expected due to the distances involved.

There were also some pretty serious anomalies in my test data. The UK London server was closest, and yet, it still suffered some pretty serious slowdowns during the evening test session. In fact, the New York server, which is located on the other side of the Atlantic, gave me better speeds than the UK server in every test.

This suggests a clear disparity in the quality and consistency of HMA’s global server infrastructure. Either that, or congestion disproportionately affects its British and Asian server locations.

One positive aspect of HMA’s service is its ability to set up encrypted connections to its servers quickly. The VPN disconnects and connects to new regions in mere seconds, which makes the VPN feel snappy compared to even some major competitors like NordVPN.

Although some users (and reviewers) have previously complained about ping issues, this wasn’t an issue in this latest round of testing. The VPN gave me a ping of 11 on the London server and a ping of 83 on the US server. These are normal ping rates, meaning that HMA must have fixed any previous ping issues it used to have.

Device Compatibility (VPN Apps)

HMA VPN has custom apps for all major platforms. However, the features vary wildly depending on which device you use. The Windows app has pretty decent functionality, but most of the others (and particularly Mac and iOS) are extremely stripped back. This makes HMA more of a Windows and Android VPN. (It also has an app for Android TV that is available directly in the modified Google Play Store for Android.)

HMA falls short when it comes to apps for other devices. There’s no native app for Fire TV, no Smart DNS feature to help you get location spoofing on consoles, set-top boxes, and non-Android smart TVs, and no direct way to set it up on gaming consoles or Apple TV.

HMA used to let you install the VPN on a compatible router. This allowed subscribers to connect non-VPN-friendly devices, such as game consoles, over Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, however, this functionality has now been removed. HMA is one of the few VPNs that have no router support.

Platform-specific details

Below, you can learn about each of the custom Hide My Ass VPN apps. I listed which features each app has and doesn’t have so that you can decide whether the VPN is suitable for your needs.

Windows

Android

Mac

iOS

Linux

HMA does not offer a native Linux app. I searched the member’s area for a Linux download but was unable to locate one. During my research, I did notice some mention of a Linux installer in the past, perhaps even a GUI, but unfortunately, it seems HMA removed this option.

In fact, I was no longer able to find any guides related to setting up OpenVPN manually on Linux, and the VPN has removed access to OpenVPN and WireGuard config files. There is no way to manually set up HMA on Linux using the CLI.

Hide My Ass clearly states on its website that it no longer officially supports users on Linux. Thus, you will not find any of the following features: Native Linux client, GUI for Linux, WireGuard support, Kill switch, Split tunneling, Multi-hop, any configuration tools, or update support.

Browser extensions

HMA used to offer browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. These acted as lightweight proxy tools rather than full VPN clients. These apps allowed you to spoof your location to a handful of countries (UK, US, Germany, France, Netherlands) and included an ad blocker in the Chrome version.

Sadly, due to changes in its product lineup, HMA no longer offers browser extensions for Chrome or Firefox. Google removed the HMA VPN Proxy Unblocker extension from the Chrome Web Store on May 24, 2022, and there is no active extension listed on the Firefox Add-ons site either.

That said, its removal isn’t a huge loss. The extensions had many limitations and often received complaints. They didn’t offer VPN encryption, were never covered by the no-logs policy, and had a very limited selection of server locations. The Firefox version didn’t even include the ad blocker, which was one of the main benefits of its Chrome counterpart.

For anybody wondering: Since removing the Chrome extension, HMA no longer blocks ads at all. There’s no ad blocker built into the VPN apps, so this feature is now missing entirely from Hide My Ass. If you want a VPN with native DNS-based ad blocking, then shop elsewhere.

Ease of use

Hide My Ass VPN is easy to install and use, even if you’re not particularly tech-savvy. I tested the VPN on a Windows laptop, a Samsung Android tablet, and an iPad. Installation was quick and painless across all three platforms: either directly from its website or the usual app stores (Google Play and Apple App Store).

One thing that might catch you off guard during installation is that the HMA installer is labeled ‘Privax VPN’. The executable file looks like this: privax_vpn_online_setup.exe, and when you launch the installer, you get the following message:

This is the correct installer for Hide My Ass VPN, so there’s nothing to worry about. (Privax Limited, a UK-based company, is the parent of HMA and still operates the service, even after its acquisition by Avast.)

Installing the desktop app took under two minutes. All drivers installed automatically, so I didn’t need to mess with anything technical (such as manually installing TAP drivers). HMA is beginner-friendly.

To log in to the apps, enter your username, password, and activation code received by email. The first time you launch the app, HMA kicks things off with a quick tutorial that walks you through some of the basics, such as where to start:

The tutorial is basic, but it highlights newer features like IP Shuffle, which is helpful if you’re new to VPNs.

I found the interface simple and consistent across platforms. It’s easy to switch from one device to the next. The use of the animated donkey mascot in its apps, website, and marketing also helps to give it a friendly vibe.

HMA avoids bundling in extras, which keeps the apps focused and clutter-free. This might appeal to users who are sick of being asked if they want to purchase add-ons and upgrades.

Hide My Ass VPN for Windows

I tested Hide My Ass VPN on an ASUS Zenbook laptop running Windows. The app downloaded quickly, installed on the first try, and launched without a hitch. I didn’t need to tweak any system settings.

The main screen is simple and clutter-free, which makes it easy to get started. All you get is the connection toggle and the current server location, which comes set to Lightning Connect (the fastest server available for your location) by default.

If you want to access more of the VPN’s features quickly, click More in the top right. This opens a quick menu that contains a speed test tool, information about your current VPN session (amount of data uploaded and downloaded through the VPN), and access to the kill switch and auto-connect features (which you are more likely to use more regularly).

To use the location picker, click on the server location button. This will open the server’s menu (which is set to Lightning Connect when you install it).

You can filter servers by continent or server type (streaming or P2P), which makes it easy to find the server you need. Any of the server locations that have an arrow have additional city-level options. When you find a server you like, you can favorite it by clicking the heart. These servers will be saved in the Favorites tab.

You can also use the search bar to locate a server in any available country or city.

Servers that are optimized for streaming or torrenting are highlighted with symbols for P2P (torrenting) and a play button (for streaming).

HMA Windows Settings

The Windows version is by far HMA’s most feature-rich app. It supports OpenVPN (TCP/UDP), WireGuard, and Mimic (which is HMA’s proprietary obfuscation protocol). You can find these protocols by opening the settings menu and then clicking Advanced.

If you have any problems connecting using OpenVPN UDP (which is how the VPN comes set by default), you can switch to TCP only.

Each of the protocols connected without issues, and usually stayed connected without problems. However, I did notice that the VPN disconnected now and then when using OpenVPN, so I would recommend using the kill switch if privacy is important.

Kill switch

HMA provides two different types of kill switches in its Windows app. The first is a system-wide kill switch that cuts all traffic if the VPN disconnects. The second is an app-based kill switch that cuts your internet only for selected apps. It can cut the internet to a torrent client, for example, to prevent file-sharing data from leaking to your ISP.

Both kill switches are disabled by default, so you have to click more on the main screen to enable them. I tested the system-wide switch by attaching a page refresh extension to an IP checking tool. The extension was set to refresh every 0.4 seconds.

I then crashed the app using Windows Task Manager and reconnected to the VPN – all while carefully monitoring which IP address was detected by the tool. I was happy to find that at no point did HMA leak my home IP.

IP Shuffle

Another interesting feature available with Hide My Ass for Windows is IP Shuffle. You can set it to change your IP address every 30 minutes, hour, 12 hours, day, or a custom value of your choosing.

I tested IP Shuffle by setting it to switch every 5 minutes. It worked smoothly in the background without disrupting my activities. Best of all? Each time I checked my IP address, HMA had successfully updated, giving me an extra layer of tracking protection.

The app also includes a Speed Test tool, which lets you check how fast the VPN is performing. This can help you to search for a faster server in a particular country. However, I found it to be both buggy and unreliable. Often it served me an error message when I tried to use it:

When it did work, the results were less than trustworthy. In one test, HMA claimed that a server was fast. However, I retested the same server using Ookla speed test and found it to be much slower.

Use a third-party speed test tool to measure your connection speed and avoid getting biased results.

Another drawback with HMA is that you do not get server statistics before connecting. Many competitors nowadays offer information like ping and server load. These statistics help you to pick the best server and avoid congestion.

Auto connect

I was happy to find an auto-connect feature in Settings > Connection. When enabled, the VPN connects automatically when you join public wifi networks. This ensures that your privacy is protected when using public wifi on a laptop. It also secures your data against hackers and Evil Twin attacks on public wifi.

Hide My Ass VPN for Android

Next, I tested the HMA app on Android. I downloaded it directly from the Play Store, and it took only a few seconds to install.

The Android HMA app looks the same as its Windows counterpart, meaning once you’ve used either app, migrating to the other device is seamless. I felt at home right away, which isn’t always the case with the competitors I have reviewed.

I started testing in the evening and noticed that there is no dark mode. A dark navy or black option would be great for those late-night streaming sessions. That said, the sky blue color scheme isn’t too hard on the eyes as long as you dim your screen a touch.

Some reviewers say the HMA mobile apps feel more like a desktop app. This is utter twaddle in my opinion. The app exists in three tabs that are permanently accessible at the bottom of the screen. You can easily tap between server selection, settings, and advanced options. It’s perfectly tailored for a mobile experience.

Decent feature-set

The number of features available is also pretty dang impressive.

The settings menu displays on a single page. You get auto-connect for wifi, IP Shuffle for added privacy, split tunneling for added control, a kill switch to prevent leaks, and a unique feature called Wi-Fi Threat Shield, which scans the wifi network you are using for signs of unwanted data capture (threats such as man-in-the-middle attacks).

Again, the fact that all these features are clearly visible on a single page, without having to dig through sub-menus, makes it incredibly mobile-friendly.

Server selection

Connecting to HMA for Android is extremely straightforward.  Ensure you are on the Connection tab at the bottom, and then tap the slider that says OFF to launch the VPN. The app comes set to Lightning Connect by default (which is the fastest HMA server based on your current location).

According to HMA, Lightning Connect automatically takes into account not just distance to the server, but also ping and server load. This is good to know, but the app does not show any ping or server load data for its servers, so you can’t use this information to make decisions when choosing a server manually.

The location picker is easy to navigate. To start, click on Location. Here you can change the VPN from Lightning Connect to whichever location you need. You can scroll through the list or use the search bar.

Recent and favorite servers are saved in their own tabs, making them easy to find. P2P and streaming servers are labeled with a symbol, but virtual servers are rarely displayed.

For example, the UK virtual servers show you where your data is routed:

For other locations, such as Albania (and many other countries categorized as virtual on its website), the app tells you nothing. (See Server Network section for more info about the virtual servers).

This forces you to use the list on its website if you want to avoid virtual servers. While this is inconvenient, the VPN does, at least, provide virtual server info on its website (many VPNs don’t).

Server network

Hide My Ass VPN has one of the largest server networks I have ever reviewed. The VPN offers servers on every continent (and close to every country), which goes beyond what most competing consumer VPNs provide. This makes it a superb option for users seeking to access a regional server, or who want to engage in location spoofing for SEO research, for example.

The catch? Many of its locations are virtual rather than physical. HMA uses virtual servers to assign you an IP address from one country, even though its physical server is hosted elsewhere. This boosts coverage, but it comes at the cost of jurisdictional transparency (more on this below).

Server metrics

• Server count: 1,080+ servers
• Country coverage: 190+ countries and 23 territories
• City-level coverage: 65+ US cities, 3 in Canada, Australia, and the UK; 2 in France, Germany, Spain, Russia, and Ukraine
• Streaming servers: 6 optimized locations (4 US, 1 UK [Donkey Town], 1 Germany [Frankfurt]). However, they frequently fail to unblock content.
• P2P servers: 8 optimized locations (3 US, 1 UK [London], 4 Europe [Paris, Frankfurt, Netherlands, Czech Republic])
• Server type: Mix of physical and virtual. Poor virtual server labelling.
• Diskless RAM servers: Not available
• Port forwarding / Multi-hop / Dedicated IP: Not supported

Comparison with competitors

In terms of raw geographic reach, HMA blows most VPNs out of the water. Providers like NordVPN and Surfshark might offer more servers overall, but none match HMA when it comes to location options.

It’s particularly good for users who want to spoof their location to rare or politically restricted regions. For example, if you live in a country with high levels of censorship and want to use the VPN even when using local services that require an IP address in your own country, HMA may well be the best option for you.

That said, HMA’s total server count is on the lower side. It has just over 1,000 servers, compared to rivals that host several thousand.

HMA offers optimized servers for streaming and P2P. However, you won’t get specialty servers like Double VPN, Tor over VPN, or RAM-only infrastructure. If you want these types of servers, I’d recommend opting for a competing service like NordVPN, Surfshark, PureVPN, or ProtonVPN.

Below, I have included a comparison table that shows how HMA stacks up against its main competitors:

Unique or rare locations

HMA’s standout advantage lies in its global footprint. It offers IP addresses in regions that many VPNs ignore. These include underrepresented countries like:

• North Korea
• Somalia
• Syria
• Turkmenistan
• Chad
• Gabon
• Burundi
• Lesotho
• Swaziland
• Vanuatu
• Papua New Guinea
• Palestinian Territories
• Falkland Islands
• Bhutan
• Comoros

You’d be hard-pressed to find these locations in other VPNs, including popular providers like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark. So, if you specifically need access to more locations, HMA is well worth considering.

However, bear in mind that many of these are virtual servers:

You can filter the list using a slider to spot which servers are virtual. You can then avoid these if you prefer to stick to physical servers.

Again, my major criticism is that the app doesn’t always reveal where your data is being physically processed. For example, in the screenshot above, you can see that the UK London server is hosted in Portugal. However, all the other HMA virtual servers (Andorra, Albania, Bosnia, Donkey Town, etc) fail to explain where your data is routed.

This makes it feel like HMA’s apps are half-finished, which is frustrating. If anybody at HMA is reading this review, please get this fixed!

Does HMA VPN work in China?

Unfortunately, despite its obfuscation, the answer is no. HMA includes a proprietary obfuscation protocol called Mimic, which, in theory, should allow the VPN to connect in censorship-heavy countries like China, Egypt, Iran, and the UAE.

Obfuscation protocols like Mimic are designed to bypass firewalls that block standard VPN protocols. However, while Mimic can come in handy on networks that block ports associated with VPNs (such as work networks), it doesn’t seem to work reliably in China.

I tested Mimic to connect to servers in the US, Australia, Canada, and the UK. The VPN connected without issues. I tested this to ensure that the protocol worked smoothly, because some reports on Reddit claimed that the protocol wouldn’t connect for them. Whether this used to be a problem with the protocol, I couldn’t confidently say. It wasn’t an issue for me in September 2025.

The main caveat with Mimic is that it is only available on Windows. You do not get obfuscation on Android, iOS, or macOS. This makes it less valuable to users in countries where mobile internet access is more common. Mimic is closed-source, so details are scarce.

HMA is a UK-based VPN operated by Privax Ltd, which is owned by Avast – a Czech company now part of NortonLifeLock in the US. This UK/US umbrella makes it likely that Chinese ISPs block HMA’s website to prevent users from subscribing.

Streaming and unblocking

HMA VPN claims to offer dedicated servers for streaming, but in our tests, its performance was mixed at best. It worked with a few platforms, but consistently failed with most major streaming services.

For this reason, we don’t recommend HMA if streaming is your top priority. It might work occasionally, but you’ll need to do a lot of server hopping to find something that works, and even then, the experience can be unreliable.

Streaming overview

HMA has streaming servers in three countries: four in the US, one in the UK, and one in Germany. Unfortunately, my tests showed that the streaming servers are underwhelming. They often failed to unblock content, and sometimes performed worse than regular servers.

In my tests, the VPN failed to access popular UK streaming services. While some users have had luck with BBC iPlayer and Disney+, I couldn’t get them to work, even on the streaming-optimized servers.

It did not work to unlock services like Hulu, Peacock, and freeview US TV streams like ABC. And it failed to unblock HBO Max and Amazon Prime Video.

Another streaming drawback: HMA has no Fire TV app or Smart DNS, which makes it worse than popular services like NordVPN and Surfshark for streaming. Users who want to use it with these kinds of devices will need to set up a VPN-protected wifi hotspot on Windows or Mac because HMA is not compatible with routers.

In terms of access to popular streams, I was disappointed with the results:

Streaming service compatibility

Netflix

I tested HMA to access a number of popular Netflix catalogs. The good news? HMA works with the US Netflix catalog, which is still the most in-demand library. I was able to watch the US-exclusive show Kevin Can F Himself while connected to the Miami streaming server. Great start.

Next, I tested the UK server to watch the UK-exclusive show It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. I connected to the Donkey Town server, which is supposed to be the streaming server for the UK. Instead, Netflix served me the Dutch catalog. This suggests the Donkey Town server is poorly routed, making it unreliable for accessing UK content.

That was not the only server that had this issue, so there are definitely some questions surrounding HMA’s virtual servers, which is concerning.

Below, you can see the results of the rest of my tests:

• Australia: No
• Japan: No
• Canada: No
• USA: Worked while connected to the Miami server
• UK: No
• Germany: Yes. Worked to watch Der Schatten.
• France: Yes. I could watch the France Netflix exclusive Sous les Jupes des Filles while connected to the France Paris server.
• Italy: Yes. I could watch the Italian language show Chiamatemi Francesco while connected to the Italy server.

Does HMA VPN work with international streaming platforms?

I tested HMA with other international platforms; here are the results:

• Germany: The VPN worked to watch ARD Mediathek while connected to the Frankfurt, Germany server.
• France: I watched France 2 on France.tv using the France server, which actually runs as a virtual server in the US, but it still worked.
• Brazil: I was able to watch freeview channels on Globo Play Brazil while connected to the Brazil Sao Paulo server.
• Canada: I tested CBC Gem using both the Toronto and Montreal servers, but the VPN couldn’t access the stream.
• Australia: I tried to watch Ten Play while connected to the Sydney and Melbourne servers, but both failed.

Does Hide My Ass VPN allow torrenting?

Yes, Hide My Ass VPN allows torrenting and comes with eight P2P-optimized server locations, including three in the US (Miami, New York, Seattle), one in the UK (London), and four across Europe (Netherlands, Czech Republic, Paris, and Frankfurt). These servers are clearly labeled in the apps and have a dedicated tab for quick access.

In our testing, the P2P servers delivered fast and stable performance. Using the WireGuard protocol with my qBittorrent client kept my internet running at close to 80% of its usual capacity, which meant downloads still came in at around 10 Mb/s.

HMA is a decent VPN for torrenting. That said, server performance can yo-yo a lot throughout the day, so consistency isn’t HMA’s strong suit. This can cause frustration if you’re downloading large files or seeding to stay in good standing with your torrent community.

Privacy and network security for torrenting

HMA uses strong AES-256 encryption and follows a strict no-logs policy, independently audited by VerSprite. Your IP address and browsing activity aren’t stored, which makes it safe to torrent without leaving a paper trail.

However, HMA may not be the best choice for torrenting power users. It doesn’t support port forwarding, which can affect those who need to seed or maximize peer connections. Split tunneling is only available on Android and Android TV, and is missing entirely from Windows, macOS, and iOS.

You don’t get multi-hop, dedicated IPs, or a SOCKS5 proxy, which some users rely on for privacy and performance. For these reasons, advanced torrenters may prefer a VPN like PureVPN or ProtonVPN, which offer more control.

Is Hide My Ass VPN safe?

Hide My Ass VPN includes most of the core privacy and security features that home internet users need. However, feature support across platforms is inconsistent. HMA is safest on Windows and Android, with the macOS and iOS apps missing a few important features.

In terms of security features, HMA supports AES-256-GCM encryption, a choice of secure VPN protocols, DNS leak protection, and a reliable kill switch. That said, iOS has no kill switch.

The VPN follows a strict no-logs policy and has undergone an independent audit to back that up. However, the full report isn’t public, so we can’t verify every detail. This limits how useful the audit results are.

HMA is based in the UK, a member of the 5 Eyes surveillance alliance. While the no-logs policy limits the risk, this jurisdiction may still be a concern for users with elevated threat models.

HMA is owned by Avast (now Gen Digital), a company previously criticized for harvesting user data through its antivirus software. While HMA’s VPN apps are governed by a stricter privacy policy, the past reputation of the parent company could make some users hesitant.

Leak test results

I tested HMA for IPv4, IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks using servers in Germany. As you can see below, the VPN did not suffer from any IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks.

That said, some virtual servers (like the UK “Donkey Town” location) didn’t behave as expected. These servers didn’t expose our real IP address but did leak the physical server location, making them unreliable for unblocking content. This is a pretty major flaw and is likely to cause frustration during daily VPN use.

Logging policy

HMA overhauled its privacy policy in 2019 to improve user safety. The updated policy makes it clear that the VPN does not store:

• Browsing activity
• IP addresses
• DNS queries
• Transferred data

Your activity can’t be tied back to you. However, HMA still collects limited metadata:

• Connection time: Only whether the session occurred in AM or PM – no timestamps.
• Data transfer: Rounded to the nearest 100 MB.
• Connection events: Includes attempts, disconnects, and errors not linked to individual users.

This metadata is stored for 35 days and used for performance monitoring. HMA stores standard account info like your email, activation code, and subscription details.

Encryption protocols

HMA supports several secure VPN protocols, but not all are available on every app:

• Windows: WireGuard, OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), Mimic
• Mac: IKEv2 and OpenVPN
• Android: OpenVPN only (no WireGuard support yet)
• iOS: IKEv2 only

OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols both use AES-256-GCM with Perfect Forward Secrecy. This is military-grade and effectively prevents eavesdropping. WireGuard uses the secure Chacha20 protocol.

The proprietary Mimic protocol obfuscates your connection to make it look like normal HTTPS traffic, but because it’s closed source, only the company knows exactly how the feature works.

Past controversies

HMA has faced a few controversies in the past:

• 2011: HMA handed over user data to law enforcement in a case involving a hack on Sony.
  2017: Helped identify another user by using connection logs.

Both incidents happened under its older privacy policy and different ownership. The VPN has since updated its policies and completed an audit to prove that it is no longer storing any connection or usage logs that could create a risk for users.

Overall, HMA made real improvements in terms of privacy and security. However, it lacks diskless servers, and it is still based in the UK, which is part of the 5 Eyes Alliance. Authorities could conceivably compel the company to share user data under a gag order. This may put some privacy advocates off HMA.

Customer support

HMA’s customer support is not the best. It used to have live chat, but the company has now completely removed it. You only get support via email. You can launch a support request by filling in the contact form on its website:

I found the email support to be pretty slow. I usually had to wait at least a day, and up to three days for a response. It’s far behind competitors like NordVPN and Surfshark, which both offer 24/7 live chat you can use any time of day.

Most answers were accurate, but some required follow-up questions. This creates delays with email support, since users have to wait even longer to receive those follow-up replies.

HMA provides a searchable knowledge base on its website, including installation guides, FAQs, advanced FAQs, and troubleshooting articles. These resources offer helpful information, though the quality of the articles varies. I also came across a few guides that appeared outdated.

That said, the VPN has tidied away older guides related to its router support, so it is making efforts to ensure that the info in the knowledge base applies to its current apps and policies, which is good.

Compared to NordVPN and Surfshark, HMA’s support content feels thin, especially considering the bloated price of its 10-device plan.

Overall, I found HMA’s customer support to be disappointing for the price point. In my opinion, it falls short of its chief competitors. If you are a beginner or suspect that you will want to communicate with support regularly, then you’ll probably prefer an alternative with more responsive support channels.

Conclusion: Should you use Hide My Ass VPN?

Hide My Ass VPN is a simple service that stands out for its massive selection of server locations. With IPs in over 190 countries, it’s a great option for users who need global access, especially for SEO, scraping, or online data testing.

That said, StrongVPN offers fewer servers than NordVPN, Surfshark, PIA, and CyberGhost, which increases the risk of congestion and slowdowns during peak hours.

HMA delivers decent speeds on WireGuard and has servers in rare and underrepresented regions. But the app features vary wildly between platforms, so you’ll want to double-check what’s available on your devices before subscribing.

The biggest issue is value for money. Streaming support has worsened in the past year, making it less useful for everyday activities like unblocking content at work or while traveling. It lacks core features like multi-hop, Smart DNS, and RAM-only servers, but doesn’t seem to reflect these omissions in its pricing. And the pricing structure is quite confusing.

On the privacy front, HMA has improved. It passed all leak tests and its no-logs policy has been audited. But the UK jurisdiction remains a concern for privacy-focused users. Ultimately, while HMA may suit niche users who need global IP coverage, most home users will get better performance, features, and value from one of the alternatives below.

What are the best HMA alternatives?

My review of HMA found it to be lacking compared to the very best VPNs. If you want better value for money, more consistent features across devices, and better streaming access, I recommend checking out these alternatives:

• NordVPN: is the best VPN for home users. It’s faster, cheaper, and far more reliable for streaming than HMA. The VPN has RAM-only servers, audited no-logs policies, obfuscation, Smart DNS, and extras like Threat Protection and Double VPN. NordVPN works with all the streaming services we tested it with (including Netflix, Hulu, iPlayer, and more), and its apps are consistent across devices. It also offers 24/7 live chat support, which HMA doesn’t.
• Surfshark: is a beginner-friendly VPN that offers incredible value for money. Despite its low price, it comes with unlimited device connections, fast WireGuard speeds, and advanced tools like CleanWeb, GPS spoofing (Android), and MultiHop. It unblocks nearly every streaming platform and generally beats HMA for privacy and security.
• ProtonVPN: is a great option for privacy purists and torrenters. It’s open-source, independently audited, and offers features like Secure Core (multi-hop), port forwarding, and Tor over VPN. Unlike HMA, ProtonVPN doesn’t cut corners when it comes to security, and it has many advanced features, including port forwarding for torrenting.