Overview

HideMy.Name VPN is a lesser-known VPN service that promises strong privacy features and fast speeds for global users. It has been around for quite some time and markets itself as a reliable option for users who seek anonymity, security, and unrestricted access to the internet. In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into HideMy.Name’s features, pricing, performance, and more to help you decide if it’s the right VPN for your needs.

Key Features of HideMy.Name VPN:

• Servers: 116 servers in 43 countries
• Security: AES-256 encryption, OpenVPN, L2TP, IKEv2, PPTP
• Simultaneous connections: 5 devices
• No-Logs Policy: Yes
• Trial period: 24-hour free trial
• Money-back guarantee: 30 days
• Platforms supported: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Routers

Pricing HideMy.Name VPN

HideMy.Name offers several pricing plans that cater to different user needs:

As you can see, the longer the commitment, the lower the monthly cost. The lifetime plan is particularly appealing for long-term users who wish to avoid recurring payments.

Server Network

HideMy.Name operates servers in 43 countries across multiple continents, providing good global coverage. However, compared to industry leaders like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, their server network is relatively small. Here’s a breakdown of the number of servers available in each region:

Despite the smaller server count, HideMy.Name delivers decent speeds across the board, though some regions like South America and Africa are less well-served.

Security and Privacy

When it comes to security, HideMy.Name VPN implements the industry-standard AES-256 encryption, which is highly secure and trusted by governments and security experts around the world.

Additionally, HideMy.Name supports a variety of VPN protocols, including:

• OpenVPN: Widely regarded as the most secure and reliable protocol
• L2TP: Less secure but still effective in certain scenarios
• IKEv2: Ideal for mobile devices, offering a balance of speed and security
• PPTP: A faster but outdated protocol with known vulnerabilities (use with caution)

The service claims to operate under a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not collect or store user data. This is a crucial feature for anyone looking to maintain complete privacy while browsing. However, HideMy.Name is based in Russia, which may raise concerns for some users given the country’s history of surveillance.

Speed Test Results

Speed is a crucial factor in VPNs, as they can often slow down your connection due to encryption and server distance. Here are the results from speed tests conducted using HideMy.Name VPN across different server locations:

On average, HideMy.Name VPN delivers decent speeds for most tasks, including streaming in HD and gaming. However, users may experience higher latency when connecting to distant servers such as those in Australia or Japan.

”Privacy is one of the biggest problems in this new electronic age.” 

– Andy Grove.

Streaming and Torrenting

One of the primary reasons users choose a VPN is to access geo-restricted content or engage in torrenting activities. HideMy.Name performs reasonably well in both areas.

• Netflix: Successfully unblocks US Netflix and other regional libraries (e.g., UK, Canada).
• Other streaming services: Works with Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video.
• Torrenting: P2P traffic is supported on all servers, making it a good choice for torrenting, with no bandwidth throttling.

However, streaming performance can vary depending on the server, and users may need to try different locations to find one that works consistently for their desired content.

Privacy Concerns: Russian Jurisdiction HideMy.Name VPN

While HideMy.Name has a clear no-logs policy, one potential drawback is its location. The company is based in Russia, which is not part of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, or Fourteen Eyes alliances. However, Russia does have its own data retention laws, which could pose a risk depending on your level of trust in the company’s claims of privacy.

User Experience and Support

HideMy.Name provides a simple and user-friendly interface across all platforms. The setup process is straightforward, and users can easily switch between servers, adjust protocol settings, and configure the VPN to their liking.

Customer support is available through:

• Live chat: Available 24/7, but response times can vary
• Email: Responses usually come within 24 hours
• Help Center: A well-organized FAQ section for basic troubleshooting

There is no phone support, which might be a drawback for users who prefer speaking to a representative directly.

Device Compatibility HideMy.Name VPN

HideMy.Name supports a wide variety of platforms, including:

• Windows: Full client with all features
• macOS: Full client with all features
• Android: Mobile app with slightly limited features
• iOS: Mobile app with slightly limited features
• Linux: Manual setup required
• Routers: Supports OpenVPN configuration

You can connect up to 5 devices simultaneously, which is standard for most VPN services.

Pros and Cons

Pros HideMy.Name VPN

• Strong encryption: AES-256 is the gold standard in VPN security.
• Variety of protocols: OpenVPN, L2TP, IKEv2, and more.
• No-logs policy: Clear stance on not collecting user data.
• Affordable pricing: Especially the lifetime plan.
• Good streaming capabilities: Works with Netflix, Hulu, and other platforms.
• Torrent-friendly: P2P allowed on all servers.

Cons HideMy.Name VPN

• Small server network: Only 116 servers globally.
• Based in Russia: Potential privacy concerns due to jurisdiction.
• Inconsistent speeds: Performance varies depending on the server location.
• No phone support: Limited customer service options.

Conclusion

HideMy.Name VPN offers a solid service at a competitive price, especially if you opt for the lifetime plan. It excels in providing secure encryption and a no-logs policy, ensuring that your online activities remain private. However, the fact that it is based in Russia may be a deterrent for users with heightened privacy concerns.

The server network, while adequate, is smaller than some competitors, and speeds can be inconsistent, particularly for long-distance connections. If you’re primarily looking for a VPN that supports torrenting and streaming at an affordable price, HideMy.Name is worth considering. However, if you’re a privacy purist or require blazing-fast speeds for gaming or heavy streaming, you may want to explore other options.

Final Verdict:

In summary, HideMy.Name VPN is a reliable service for users seeking security, privacy, and affordable pricing. Despite some limitations in server coverage and jurisdiction concerns, it holds up well in most other areas.

Legend:

• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ : Excellent
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ : Very Good
• ⭐⭐⭐☆ : Good
• ⭐⭐☆ : Average
• ⭐☆ : Poor