Hide.me Review
Our Research
This highly regarded VPN service offers a range of features that make it a standout choice for anyone in need of VPN services. Hide.me VPN employs the AES-256 encryption standard and supports various VPN protocols such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec, and PPTP, providing users with a range of security options. But that’s not all. With a global server network of over 70 server locations, Hide.me VPN allows users to bypass geographical restrictions and access content from anywhere in the world.
Hide.me Key Features
Data cap | 10 GB | Speed(in MBPS) | 72 |
Logging Policy | No | Data Leaks | No |
Jurisdicstion | Malaysia (Privacy Haven) | Servers | 2100 |
IP Addresses | 7600 | Countries | 46 |
US Nextflix | Yes | Torrenting | Partially |
Simul. Connection | 10 | Works In China | Yes |
Kill Switch | Yes | Cheapest Price | $9.95 |
Money Back Guarantee(in Days) | 30 | VPN Site | https://hide.me/en/ |
Hide.me: Quick Look
Hide.me Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent Security & Privacy Features
- Offers A Larger Server Network Across Globe
- High Speed Performance
- User Friendly Interface For Quick Connection
- Offers Multiple Platform Support
- Robust Ad-Blocking Features
- Offers Flexibility Through Split Tunneling
- 2/7 Customer Support Through Live Chat And Email
Cons
- Limited Data Limit For Free Plan
- Slightly Expensive Than Other VPN Services
- It Does Not Support Some Platforms
- Does Not Always Always Work For Netflix
- Not Accepts Anonymous Payment Option
- Excellent Security & Privacy Features
- Offers A Larger Server Network Across Globe
- High Speed Performance
- User Friendly Interface For Quick Connection
- Offers Multiple Platform Support
- Robust Ad-Blocking Features
- Offers Flexibility Through Split Tunneling
- 2/7 Customer Support Through Live Chat And Email
- Limited Data Limit For Free Plan
- Slightly Expensive Than Other VPN Services
- It Does Not Support Some Platforms
- Does Not Always Always Work For Netflix
- Not Accepts Anonymous Payment Option
Launched in 2012, Hide.me has an amazing customer base. It is a subsidiary of eVenture Limited, a Malaysia-based company and has over 2100 servers worldwide.
For the review, we have observed its performance in several categories and it has excelled in each category including, speed, security and streaming.
Who Should Get Hide.me
Get Hide.me if:
- If you frequently use public Wi-Fi networks, you should consider getting Hide.me VPN. Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured and vulnerable to hacking, so using a VPN can help protect your online activity and personal data.
- If you’re concerned about your online privacy and want to keep your browsing history and personal information private, Hide.me VPN’s strict no-logs policy makes it a good choice.
- If you want to access geo-restricted content from anywhere in the world, Hide.me VPN’s global server network allows you to bypass geographical restrictions and access content that may not be available in your region.
- If you’re a business owner or employee who frequently works remotely or uses cloud-based applications, Hide.me VPN can help secure your online activity and protect sensitive company data.
Avoid Hide.me if:
- Hide.me VPN does allow torrenting on its servers, but it may not be the best choice for users who frequently download large files. The service has a 2GB/month limit on torrenting, and users may experience slower download speeds.
- While Hide.me VPN is designed to help users bypass geographic restrictions and access blocked content, it may not be the best choice for users in countries with strict internet regulations.
- Hide.me VPN offers customer support via email, but they do not offer 24/7 live chat or phone support. If you require immediate assistance or prefer to speak to a customer support representative, you may consider another VPN service.
- While Hide.me VPN offers a free plan, it has limitations such as a lower data limit and access to fewer server locations. If you require a free VPN service with more features and higher data limits, you may want to consider other free VPN options.
- If you frequently use public Wi-Fi networks, you should consider getting Hide.me VPN. Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured and vulnerable to hacking, so using a VPN can help protect your online activity and personal data.
- If you’re concerned about your online privacy and want to keep your browsing history and personal information private, Hide.me VPN’s strict no-logs policy makes it a good choice.
- If you want to access geo-restricted content from anywhere in the world, Hide.me VPN’s global server network allows you to bypass geographical restrictions and access content that may not be available in your region.
- If you’re a business owner or employee who frequently works remotely or uses cloud-based applications, Hide.me VPN can help secure your online activity and protect sensitive company data.
- Hide.me VPN does allow torrenting on its servers, but it may not be the best choice for users who frequently download large files. The service has a 2GB/month limit on torrenting, and users may experience slower download speeds.
- While Hide.me VPN is designed to help users bypass geographic restrictions and access blocked content, it may not be the best choice for users in countries with strict internet regulations.
- Hide.me VPN offers customer support via email, but they do not offer 24/7 live chat or phone support. If you require immediate assistance or prefer to speak to a customer support representative, you may consider another VPN service.
- While Hide.me VPN offers a free plan, it has limitations such as a lower data limit and access to fewer server locations. If you require a free VPN service with more features and higher data limits, you may want to consider other free VPN options.
Hide.me VPN Works With All The Streaming Platforms
Hide.me is an excellent VPN to bypass the geo-location on most of the streaming websites. With the use of the VPN, we could access Netflix, Hulu, Youtube and many more. It is also one of the VPNs which requires you to upgrade to a paid subscription to access the servers in the USA.
Streaming service | Does it work |
---|---|
Netflix | Yes (Paid Version) |
HBO Max | Yes |
BBC iPlayer | Yes |
Hulu | Yes |
YouTube | Yes |
ESPN | Yes |
Amazon Prime Video | Yes |
Disney + | Yes (US. UK & Italy) |
Rai Italia | Yes |
DAZN | Yes (Germany & Italy) |
How Fast Does Hide.me VPN Operate?
Hide.me VPN is an excellent VPN option for people who want fast and reliable connections. The best part is that the users are reporting good performance ratings across different devices and platforms.
Server | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Ping |
---|---|---|---|
Base speed | 38.27 Mbps | 70.78 Mbps | 6 ms |
US | 18.34 Mbps (52% decrease) | 32.70 Mbps (53% decrease) | 265 ms |
UK | 23.57 Mbps (38% decrease) | 21.35 Mbps (69% decrease) | 273 ms |
Canada | 11.84 Mbps (69% decrease) | 29.39 Mbps (58% decrease) | 327 ms |
Germany | 19.66 Mbps (48% decrease) | 26.02 Mbps (63% decrease) | 279 ms |
Japan | 31.99 Mbps (16% decrease) | 29.64 Mbps (58% decrease) | 152 ms |
Singapore | 33.93 Mbps (11% decrease) | 33.34 Mbps (52% decrease) | 80 ms |
Australia | 21.74 Mbps (43% decrease) | 29.68 Mbps (58% decrease) | 185 ms |
India | 34.63 Mbps (9% decrease) | 31.25 Mbps (55% decrease) | 54 ms |
Brazil | 16.37 Mbps (57% decrease) | 30.79 Mbps (56% decrease) | 435 ms |
Privacy & Logging Policy
Hide.me VPN uses industry-standard encryption protocols to protect users’ online activities and has a no-logs policy, ensuring that user data is not stored on their servers. Additionally, Hide.me VPN has an automatic kill switch that disconnects users from the internet if their VPN connection is interrupted, ensuring that their online activities remain private.
Data Type | Logged By Hide.me |
---|---|
Browsing Activity | No |
Device Information | Yes |
DNS Queries | No |
Individual Bandwidth Usage | Yes |
Ind. Connection Timestamps | Yes |
ISP | Yes |
No. Of Sim. Connections | Yes |
Originating IP Address | No |
VPN Server IP | No |
VPN Server Location | No |
Date Of Last Connection | Yes |
It’s important to note that the Premium version of Hide.me is a no-logs VPN provider, meaning they do not log any identifiable information or activity that could compromise your privacy. They have a strict no-logging policy and do not keep any records of your online activities, including browsing history, DNS queries, or originating IP address. The Premium version offers enhanced security features such as split tunneling, automatic kill switch, and Stealth Guard, which prevents your internet connection from dropping while the VPN is re-connecting.
VPN Services | Logging Policy | Jurisdiction | Independent Audit |
---|---|---|---|
Hide.me | No logs | British Virgin Islands | Yes |
Express VPN | No Identifying Data | BVI | Yes |
NordVPN | No Logs | Panama | Yes |
SurfShark | No Identifying Data | BVI | No |
Cyber Ghost | No Identifying Data | Ramania | Yes |
Security & Technical Features
As we have experienced, Hide.me is an extremely safe VPN service, however, there is still a room for improvement.
Hide.me VPN uses the AES-256 encryption standard to secure user data and protect it from prying eyes. It also supports various VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec, and PPTP
Protocols | Available in Hide.me |
---|---|
IKEv2/IPSec | Yes |
OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) | Yes |
SoftEther | Yes |
SSTP | Yes |
TLS VPN | Yes |
WireGuard | Yes |
Encryption | Available in Hide.me |
---|---|
AES-128 | No |
AES-192 | No |
AES-256 | Yes |
Blowfish | No |
ChaCha20 | No |
Security | Available in Hide.me |
---|---|
DNS Leak Blocking | Yes |
First-party DNS | Yes |
IPv6 Leak Blocking | Yes |
Supports TCP Port 443 | Yes |
VPN Kill Switch | Yes |
WebRTC Leak Blocking | No |
Advanced Features | Available in Hide.me |
---|---|
Ad Blocker | No |
Dedicated IP | No |
Double VPN | No |
Smart DNS | No |
Static IP | No |
SOCKS | Yes |
Split Tunneling | Yes |
Tor over VPN Server | No |
Tracker Blocker | No |
Zero Tracker:
We ran Hide.me’s Android app through the εxodus tool, which generates a report on the trackers and permissions present in the application.
We can confirm that Hide.me’s Android app contains zero trackers and 11 permissions, including two that are considered ‘dangerous’ or ‘special’ according to Google’s protection levels.
While the VPN app isn’t as permission-free as Astrill VPN, which has no permissions at all, there’s nothing that threatening about the permissions we detected.
Technical Features That We’d Like To See In Hide.me
Hide.me already offers a wide range of technical features to enhance online privacy and security, such as strong encryption, automatic kill switch, and split tunneling. However, there are some additional features that would be beneficial for users.
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Multi-hop VPN
It provides an extra layer of security by routing the user’s traffic through multiple VPN servers. This would make it even more difficult for anyone to track the user’s online activities and enhance their privacy.
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Ad-blocking
Ad-blocking protects users from malicious ads and helps reduce data usage. With ad-blocking, users could avoid being tracked by advertisers and enjoy a cleaner, more streamlined browsing experience.
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WireGuard Protocol
Finally, support for WireGuard protocol would offer faster speeds and improved performance compared to traditional VPN protocols. This would be especially beneficial for users who engage in online activities that require fast and stable connections, such as gaming or streaming.
How Much Does Hide.me Cost?
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Free Plan:
The Free plan is a good option for users who want to try out the service before committing to a paid plan or for those who have light VPN needs. With the Free plan, users can access servers in five locations, including the US, Canada, and the Netherlands. The plan also offers 2GB of data transfer per month, which is suitable for light browsing and basic online activities. The Free plan does have some limitations compared to the paid plans, such as slower speeds, fewer server options, and no access to premium features like port forwarding.
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Plus Plan:
The Plus plan is the most popular plan offered by Hide.me VPN. It provides users with more features and options compared to the Free plan, such as access to servers in all 70+ locations, unlimited data transfer, and the ability to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. The Plus plan also offers faster speeds and better performance compared to the Free plan. The Plus plan costs $4.99 per month if billed annually or $9.99 per month if billed monthly.
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Premium Plan:
The Premium plan is the most advanced plan offered by Hide.me VPN. It includes all the features of the Plus plan, as well as some additional features like a static IP address and port forwarding. The Premium plan is ideal for users who need advanced security and customization options. The Premium plan costs $9.99 per month if billed annually or $19.99 per month if billed monthly.
Hide.me Free Trial:
Hide.me VPN offers a free trial of their service, which is a great way to test the features and performance of the VPN before committing to a paid subscription. The free trial does not require any credit card information, which means you can sign up without worrying about any automatic billing or charges.
However, the free trial does offer limited features compared to the paid plans. It offers only 5 server locations to choose from and a data transfer limit of 2 GB per month.
The trial period is valid for 30 days from the date of registration, after which you will need to upgrade to a paid plan to continue using the service.
Payment Methods:
Here is a complete list of the payment methods that Hide.me accepts:
PayPal, GooglePay, Apple Pay, Master Card, Amex, Diners Club, SEPA, Visa, SOFORT and Bank Transfers.
Torrenting: Is It A Great Choice?
Hide.me VPN allows P2P traffic on certain servers, making it an excellent choice for torrenting. The service uses strong encryption and has a strict no-logs policy, which means your online activities are kept private and secure. Additionally, Hide.me VPN offers unlimited data transfer, which means you can download as many torrents as you want without worrying about bandwidth limitations.
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Fast P2P File Transfer
Hide.me VPN allows P2P file sharing on their servers, which means you can use the service to transfer files quickly and securely between devices. Here are some details about fast P2P file transfer with Hide.me VPN:
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Unlimited Bandwidth:
Hide.me VPN offers unlimited bandwidth for all their plans, which means you can transfer as many files as you want without worrying about hitting any bandwidth limits.
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High-Speed Servers:
Hide.me VPN uses high-speed servers that are optimized for P2P file sharing. This ensures that you can transfer files quickly and without any interruptions.
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No Logs:
Hide.me VPN has a strict no-logs policy, which means they don’t store any information about your online activity. This ensures your privacy and security while you’re transferring files.
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Kill Switch:
Hide.me VPN has a kill switch feature that automatically blocks all internet traffic if your VPN connection drops. This ensures that your IP address and online activity are not exposed during the file transfer.
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Multiple Protocols:
Hide.me VPN supports multiple protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec, and PPTP. You can choose the protocol that works best for your file transfer needs.
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Dedicated P2P Servers:
Hide.me VPN has dedicated servers that are optimized for P2P file sharing. These servers are located in countries where P2P file sharing is legal, which ensures that you can transfer files without any legal issues.
Overall, Hide.me VPN is a great choice for fast and secure P2P file sharing. The service offers high-speed servers, unlimited bandwidth, and a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that you can transfer files quickly and without any privacy or security concerns.
Server Locations: Where Does Hide.me VPN Has Its Servers?
Countries – 78 Countries
Cities – 290+ Cities
IP Address – Not Disclosed
Servers – 2100+ Servers
Continent | Number Of Countries |
---|---|
Europe | 36 |
Asia | 16 |
South America | 1 |
North America | 2 |
Africa | 1 |
Australia | 1 |
As you can see, Hide.me VPN has plenty of servers across the globe. With servers located in around 78 locations across the world, Hide.me VPN allows users to bypass geo-restrictions and access content that may be blocked in their region.
Bypassing Web Censorship: Does Hide.me VPN Work In China?
Hide.me VPN works in China, but it may not be the best VPN to use in the country due to the government’s strict internet censorship laws and regulations. China has one of the most sophisticated online censorship systems in the world, known as the Great Firewall of China, which can block access to many popular websites and services.
Hide.me VPN offers servers in Hong Kong and Singapore, which are located near China and can be used to bypass the Great Firewall. However, it’s important to note that Hide.me VPN is not specifically designed for use in China, and some users have reported difficulties accessing certain websites and services while using the service in the country.
If you are planning to use a VPN in China, it’s recommended that you do your research and choose a VPN service that is specifically designed for use in the country and has a proven track record of bypassing the Great Firewall. Additionally, it’s important to use a VPN that uses strong encryption and has a no-logs policy to ensure your online activities are kept private and secure.
Device & OS Compatibility
Hide.me VPN is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, making it accessible to users on various devices. Also, it only allows ten simultaneous connections. Besides standard desktop and mobile apps, it offers manual setup guides for routers. Here is a list of the different operating systems that Hide.me VPN is compatible with:
Apps:
Hide.me has application for the following devices:
- Windows (versions 7, 8, 8.1, and 10)
- macOS (versions 10.12 and above)
- iOS (versions 9 and above)
- Android (versions 4.4 and above)
- Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, CentOS, and Mint)
- Routers (DD-WRT, ASUSWRT, and Tomato)
Platform | Protection Summary | Split Tunneling | Threat Manager |
---|---|---|---|
Windows | Yes | Yes | No |
Mac | Yes | Yes | Yes |
iOS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Android | Yes | No | Yes |
Linux | Yes | Yes | No |
Hide.me works well across every platform, but some of the features aren’t available for every platform. Here is a quick summary for your assistance:
Game Consoles & Streaming Devices:
Hide.me is compatible with the following game consoles and streaming devices with some assistance through router or Smart DNS feature:
- Apple TV
- Amazon Fire TV
- Android TV
- Kodi
Browser Extensions:
Hide.me VPN is compatible with most major operating systems, allowing users to protect their online privacy and security on a wide range of devices.
- Mozilla Firefox
- Google Chrome
- Microsoft Edge
Ease Of Use
Despite its simplicity, Hide.me’s usability falls short. While the apps are adequate, they do not measure up to the user-friendliness and sleek design of other VPNs in the market. During our testing, we encountered several bugs, crashes, and errors that prevent us from fully endorsing it. However, it must be acknowledged that Hide.me is straightforward to use.
Desktop & Laptop (Windows & Mac)
Hide.me is relatively easy to use on both desktop and laptop devices running on Windows and Mac operating systems. The user interface is straightforward and intuitive, making it simple for even those who are not tech-savvy to navigate the app. The installation process is also straightforward and easy to follow, allowing users to get started with the VPN quickly.
Once installed, the app provides a user-friendly dashboard that displays important information such as the user’s current IP address and location, the chosen server location, and the current VPN protocol in use. Users can quickly and easily connect to a server location of their choice and change their VPN protocol preferences within the app.
Overall Customer Support
Hide.me VPN offers 24/7 customer support through live chat and email. This ensures that users can get help with any issues they may encounter, such as setup, configuration, or troubleshooting, at any time of the day or night.
Customer Support | Available In Hide.me |
---|---|
24/7 Live Chat Support | Yes |
24/7 Email Support | Yes |
Chatbot | Yes |
Email Support via Online Form | Yes |
Tutorial Videos | Yes |
Online Resources | Yes |
Overall, there are several options available to you for getting help with basic queries about Hide.me, so you should be able to find the support you need regardless of your preferred method of communication.
Is It Worth To Invest In Hide.me VPN?
As an expert on VPNs, it is safe to say that investing in a high-quality VPN like Hide.me can definitely be worth it, depending on your specific needs and priorities.
Hide.me is a well-respected VPN provider that offers a variety of features designed to enhance your online privacy and security. They offer strong encryption protocols, a no-logs policy, and support for a wide range of devices and platforms.
One of the biggest advantages of using Hide.me is their commitment to user privacy. They are based in Malaysia, which is outside of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes intelligence alliances, meaning they are not subject to mandatory data retention laws. Additionally, they have a strict no-logs policy, which means that they do not store any user data that could be used to identify you.
Overall, if you are looking for a reliable and trustworthy VPN provider that can help protect your online privacy and security, Hide.me is definitely worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does Hide.me VPN Has Browser Extensions For Chrome and Firefox? -
Yes, Hide.me VPN has browser extensions for both Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. These extensions provide secure and private browsing while using these browsers. In addition to the VPN extensions, Hide.me VPN also offers a free proxy extension for Chrome and Firefox that allows users to access blocked websites and content without having to install a full VPN client -
Does Hide.me Free VPN Work On Netflix? +
Hide.me VPN's free plan may not work reliably with Netflix as Netflix has measures in place to prevent VPN services from accessing its content in different regions. Hide.me VPN's paid plans, specifically the Plus and Premium plans, offer access to dedicated servers that can bypass Netflix's geo-restrictions. Upgrading to a paid plan is recommended if you want to access Netflix content from different regions using a VPN. -
Which VPN Protocol Does Hide Me Use By Default? +
Hide.me uses several VPN protocols for its service, but the protocol used by default varies depending on the device and platform being used. -
How Much Does Hide.me VPN Cost? +
Hide.me VPN offers different pricing plans depending on the length of the subscription, the number of devices, and the features required. Hide.me VPN offers a Free Plan with limited features, a Plus Plan with unlimited data transfer and support for up to 10 devices, and a Premium Plan with support for up to 20 devices and additional features like a dedicated IP address and router support. The pricing for these plans varies depending on the length of the subscription and ranges from $4.99 to $19.99 per month. Hide.me VPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all paid plans and a free trial for the Plus and Premium plans