by Stephan Kubrik
digitalwelt Lead Columnist for IT Security
Updated: July 2024
HideMyAss VPN Software is a product of AVG Technologies, one of the largest antivirus vendors in the world. Therefore, HideMyAss benefits from AVG Technologies’ 25+ years of experience specializing in security software.
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Benefits of HideMyAss (HMA)
- 760+ Servers in 190+ Countries
- Secure OpenVPN Encryption
- Allows BitTorrent
- No IP Leaks
- No Logging Browsing History, Websites Visited, DNS Queries
- 7 Days a Week Customer Support
- Cancel Anytime
- 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
- Fast, Reliable Connection
- Two Connections Per User
- Bitcoin Payment Accepted
- Easy to Use
- Unlimited Uploads and Downloads
AVG Technologies is one of the few software manufacturers that does not run its own VPN software under its name such as “AVG VPN”, but markets the brand name “HideMyAss” separately. However, HideMyAss is well known in the VPN industry and widely used. Incidentally, HideMyAss is also known in the hacker scene under the abbreviation HMA.
HideMyAss VPN Installation & Operation
4.5 out of 5
The installation of HideMyAss couldn’t be easier. With just one click, HideMyAss installs on any computer, both on Mac and on PC, and starts immediately. In the past users complained that after installing some VPN tools their entire Internet connection shut down. This is due to the fact that VPN programs would immediately, and without notice, change the DNS and IP settings of the computer. Especially serious VPN providers distance themselves from such unwanted system adjustments (called “tweaks” in technical jargon).
Top VPN Tools | Updated: July 2024
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The use of HideMyAss is optimized for both experts and beginners. The interface is very simple. Right after opening the VPN software with just one click on the icon, you enter your username and password you received from HideMyAss after purchasing it. It is not immediately obvious that with Windows 10 you have to start the tool as an administrator with the right mouse button. From a list of countries, look for the flag you want to browse under and click “Connect to VPN”. A few seconds later, you are already anonymous.
HideMyAss VPN Speed Review
5 out of 5
As a user, you can choose from a list of about 200 countries and 730 servers. This is how the HideMyAss VPN server works: After you log into one of these servers, any data transfer no longer runs via the in-house connection, but via this server. Since all these servers do not store data, the complete history and data exchange takes place on these servers in these countries. The speed of the servers depends heavily on how far the respective countries are away from you. Therefore, it is important to first find a favorite server where the speed is sufficient for your needs. However, searching for the right server has been made extremely easy HideMyAss: A very positive feature is the so-called Speed Guide. This shows which servers offer which speed, which saves you the constant logging in and logging out. Due to the unusually high selection of servers, there are of course some “not so great” servers. After reviewing server speed, however, we came to the conclusion that there are fast servers of up to 3 Mbit/s, and they can be found without any problems. Incidentally, we tested HideMyAss from the 5 Gigabit/s port of Digitalwelt where we host our servers ourselves.
Is HMA VPN Safe?
5 out of 5
HideMyAss security is without question one of the best in the industry. All servers used by HideMyAss have already been widely discussed in the hacker community. If you visit relevant forums, you can take a closer look at the server reviews. The conclusion is that the servers are already known in the scene and are used only for the purpose of anonymous surfing. That is, no data is stored on any of these servers. Histories are deleted while browsing—especially since the connection between local computer and server is completely anonymous and encrypted. Even if the servers in the respective countries are cut, there are no connection logs, logbooks or other information that can enable any trace back. This is the exact meaning of an anonymous connection. AVG Technologies undoubtedly takes its work very seriously with its flagship product HideMyAss. We gave HMA VPN an overall rating of 4.8 primarily because of how safe it was. The servers are very reliable with no IP leaks, and no logging browser history, among other reasons. Also, it has a Secure OpenVPN Encryption, which makes HMA safer than most VPN providers.
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HideMyAss VPN Value for Your Money
5 out of 5
As far as the price goes, there are certainly cheaper alternatives in the VPN world. Of course you can also access the free VPN server through HideMyAss, but they are criticized in many ways. On one hand, speed is a big problem. On the other hand, the security of the many free VPN servers is still left untested. Long story short: Anyone who relies on free VPN tools, basically should not expect 100% anonymous surfing. HideMyAss justifies its price of $2.99 per month with many different factors. On one hand, they guarantee anonymity when utilizing their respective servers. On the other hand, they have an immense selection of servers. Managing over 170 servers with high quality policies is not an easy task. However, HideMyAss’ large selection of servers guarantees a fast connection. Their unique feature, the Speed Guide, allows users to immediately connect to the fastest server. This convenience, the guarantee, and the quality of the product is no coincidence and ultimately is reflected in the price. Thus one can say that the price performance in this case is absolutely appropriate with HideMyAss. If you want something a little cheaper, you can read NordVPN (Review | Visit NordVPN Website) or AviraPhantom VPN (Avira VPN Review | Visit Avira Website). However, these VPN providers have fewer features, lower speeds, and don’t include a Speed Guide feature like HideMyAss.
HideMyAss VPN Technical Support
4.5 out of 5
HideMyAss support is somewhat limited with two online channels including the existing Knowledge Base and the Online Forum. The online forum includes insider tips for users who occasionally encounter technical challenges, either installing, updating or otherwise. Users are not dependent on other members of the forum since employees of HideMyAss answer the questions. In almost all cases, a case number is generated and you will be contacted by email. There is also a chat support service where you can chat with an employee in real time.
Does HMA work with Netflix?
The short answer is, if you’re lucky. There have been many users over the years that have tried workarounds since it really depends if HMA works with Netflix. You may have some difficulties with this, but don’t let it deter you from considering HMA. This VPN provider is reliable and has many benefits. Finding workarounds for Netflix is pretty common for most VPNs.
How Good Is HideMyAss VPN? – Conclusion
The benefits, safety and reliability are unmatched among other VPN competitors. HMA is a force to be reckoned with due to it’s fast reliability, allowing BitTorrenting, and unwavering customer support. However, it’s been mentioned throughout the web that HMA sometimes works with Netflix and sometimes doesn’t. Keep this in mind when considering HideMyAss, but other than that this VPN is a great price for what you get.
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by Stephan Kubrik
Stephan Kubrik is a Computer Scientist and expert on VPNs and computer viruses. Stephan has been researching for the Fraunhofer Society and has been developing software for the autonomous discovery of computer viruses and trojans using artificial intelligence.
He was previously a Research Associate at the Technical University of Cologne, studied Computer Engineering, and regularly publishes in IT magazines and journals, including the PC Magazine and digitalwelt.
digitalwelt Lead Columnist for IT Security
Top VPN Tools | Updated: July 2024
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