HideMyAss Alternatives that won’t compromise your privacy

Maintaining your privacy online has to rank as one of the most compelling factors when choosing to purchase a VPN, so when services violate that trust they’re better left alone.

UK-based HideMyAss has previously admitted to handing traffic logs over to the FBI. The fact that these logs belonged to a member of hacking collective LulzSec is irrelevant; no VPN that keeps these logs can be counted on to provide any real privacy. HideMyAss now claims to keep no logs, but as the saying goes, once bitten, twice shy.

Our recommendation is to avoid using HideMyAss. That’s a shame because the company has been around since 1995, offers server locations in over 190 countries and is one of the few services that works reliably with Netflix.

We get into detail on each of the VPNs in this post, but if you only have time for a summary, here is a quick overview of each.

Best VPN alternatives to HideMyAss:

1. NordVPN: Our top alternative to HMA. Has a vast server network, extremely high speeds, and an ever-improving security toolkit. Also offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: The best HMA alternative for those on a budget. Impressive streaming abilities. a great set of privacy features, and no connection limit.
3. ExpressVPN: Superfast servers located in over 90 countries. Great for streaming. Comes with plenty of security and privacy features.
4. CyberGhost: A quick, secure, and newcomer-friendly VPN with 7,700 servers around the world. A solid choice for almost any task. 24/7 live chat.
5. IPVanish: Impressive speeds and top-tier privacy features. Allows any number of connections and works with most streaming services.
6. PrivateVPN: A privacy-first provider boasting high-speed servers and exceptional streaming abilities. This no-logs VPN even works in China.

Choosing the right VPN is rarely as simple as it should be. To ensure that we only recommend the best alternatives to HideMyAss, we looked for providers offering all of the following features:

• Reliable high-speed connections
• No-logs policies
• Strong security toolkits
• A high degree of versatility
• Live chat-based customer support
• Apps for all major operating systems

The best alternatives to HideMyAss

Without further ado, let’s take a look at our top HideMyAss alternatives:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024

NordVPN is our first choice. It’s been around for over a decade, making it a veteran in the industry. There’s a strict policy of not storing any user logs (including traffic and session data) and this has twice been verified by independent auditors. With around 5,000 servers spread across 60 countries, NordVPN is a particularly robust choice for the discerning user.

It’s strong on security too, with its own WireGuard-based protocol named NordLynx, 256-bit encryption, protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks, and a customizable kill switch. Users can even connect to obfuscated servers in order to browse safely in countries with strict online censorship. NordVPN also accepts three types of cryptocurrency, thereby adding an additional layer of privacy and security.

NordVPN has its own iOS, Android, Linux, MacOS, and Windows apps. Alternatively, you can manually install it on a wide range of routers.

BEST VPN ALTERNATIVE FOR HIDEMYASS:NordVPN is our #1 choice value. A real contender in all categories, has strong security features and fantastic speeds. Includes a 30-day money back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.

Read our full review of NordVPN review here.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is the best budget alternative to HideMyAss. It offers access to around 3,200 servers in 65 countries and works with just about every service we’ve tested including Netflix, Disney Plus, and HBO Max. This VPN is extremely fast and allows you to connect as many devices as you like, making it perfect for busy households.

There’s no need to worry about your privacy since Surfshark follows a true no-logs policy. Further, it has 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, anti-tracking tools, and a NoBorders mode that can help you browse freely wherever you are. This VPN recently introduced an IP rotator tool that makes you even harder to track, so it’s clearly commited to keeping your browsing habits secure. Live chat can be reached at any time, day or night.

Surfshark apps are available for Linux, Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. If you’d prefer, you can manually install it on select home routers.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is a great low-cost alternative to HMA. It’s fast, security-conscious, and capable of securing every device you own simultaneously. Better still, it includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our full Surfshark review.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has around 3,000 servers in an unparalleled 94 countries. These aren’t just reliable, they’re also some of the fastest we’ve seen, averaging over 130 Mbps on a gigabit connection. This VPN works with most major streaming services and allows users to torrent as much as they like. Five devices can be connected at any one time.

This provider has a few tricks up its sleeve. There’s Lightway, for instance, it’s own protocol that works in China and keeps you safe even when switching networks. Additionally, ExpressVPN apps include 256-bit encryption, leak protection, a kill switch, and a Threat Manager that blocks your other apps from sending data to known trackers. This VPN doesn’t keep any logs that could identify you and accepts Bitcoin payments for added anonymity. Live chat is available 24/7.

ExpressVPN has apps for MacOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android. There’s also custom firmware for routers that makes protecting your whole network as easy as possible.

GREAT EVERYDAY VPN:ExpressVPN can handle any task from streaming to video calling without breaking a sweat. It’s very fast and offers access to a huge number of locations, plus there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has far more servers than most other VPNs on the market. There are around 7,700 to choose from in 90+ countries, and these provide top-tier speeds. You can even pick a server that’s specifically designed for one task, like streaming, torrenting, or maximizing your privacy. Users can secure up to seven devices at a time and there are no bandwidth limits to speak of.

This VPN keeps you safe using its 256-bit AES encryption, kill switch, leak protection, and anti-malware features. Recently, it’s introduced support for the WireGuard protocol too, which is easer to audit than OpenVPN. CyberGhost doesn’t log any personally identifiable data and regularly posts transparency reports to show how many data requests it has received and replied to. Customer support is available 24/7 over email and live chat.

CyberGhost has apps for MacOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS. You’ll have to follow manual setup instructions to get it running on routers, though.

MULTI-PURPOSE VPN:CyberGhost is an easy to use VPN with a huge network, exemplary speeds, and a great set of security tools. Not only that, but it works with most major streaming services and offers a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Take a look at our complete CyberGhost review.

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5. IPVanish

IPVanish is rated as a premium VPN service as it physically operates and manages its own servers as opposed to other companies who rent or use a combination of the two. There are around 1,900 servers in 60+ locations, making this a strong choice for securely accessing your favorite services while traveling abroad. Best of all, there’s no connection limit so you can protect every device you own simultaneously.

This VPN’s security toolkit includes 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and WireGuard support. There’s also a zero-logs policy in place that helps prevent your activities from being revealed under any circumstances. Support staff are available 24/7 via email and live chat.

IPVanish has its own Android, Windows, MacOS, and iOS apps. You can manually configure this service to work on Linux systems and supported routers too.

LARGE NETWORK:IPVanish is user-friendly and extremely versatile. Offers strong privacy and security with a huge number of servers plus additional protection against DNS leaks. Extremely high speeds and a 30-day money back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish review.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN has roughly 200 servers in 63 countries. This might not sound like a lot but it owns these outright and has configured them to provide exceptionally high speeds. What’s more, they work with almost every streaming service we’ve tested, so watching your favorite shows abroad couldn’t be simpler. Thanks to the recently-increased connection limit, you can now secure up to 10 devices at a time.

This provider is actually its own server host and ISP, which effectively eliminates any chance of outsiders gaining access to your data. Moreover, its apps include 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, a stealth mode that works in China, and leak protection. There’s also a zero-logs policy so that your activities remain private at all times. Live chat is available most of the day, so you’re never too far away from help.

PrivateVPN apps are available for iOS, Android, MacOS, and Windows. Manual installation is required for Linux systems and supported routers.

SPEEDY AND SECURE:PrivateVPN can help you safely browse, wherever you are in the world. With top-tier speeds, streaming ability, and privacy tools, it’s perfect for security-conscious travelers. Provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

Methodology: Finding the best alternatives to HideMyAss

Deciding which VPN to use is never easy, but there were presumably some features that drew you to HideMyAss in the first place. That’s why we’ve tried to find VPNs that offer similar functionality, while improving on privacy (and a few other areas). Here are the key features we looked for when finding the best HideMyAss alternatives:

• Server choice: HideMyAss claims to offer servers in 190+ locations but most of these are virtual, meaning they aren’t really there. Instead, we’ve prioritized VPNs with more physical servers (since this makes it clear which country’s privacy laws apply) and clusters in high-demand locations like the US
• Performance: Slow speeds lead to frustration. That’s why we decided to only recommend VPNs that performed well in our latest speed tests. Note that we look at consistency here too, since a high top speed doesn’t mean much if your connection is significantly slower most of the time.
• Versatility: You need a VPN that can handle anything you throw at it, whether it’s video calling, torrenting, or playing online games. We also check to see which services are the most reliable for using platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
• Security and privacy: HideMyAss fails spectacularly on privacy, so a no-logs policy is mandatory. We also require 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection, although any additional security tools are always welcome.
• Price: HideMyAss is known for its free plan, and while we generally shy away from recommending free VPNs, we love to highlight fairly-priced alternatives, especially if they include a money-back guarantee.

Naturally, this isn’t the only testing we perform. We actually have a detailed post explaining how we test VPNs if you’d like to learn more.

Replacing HideMyAss: Frequently Asked Questions