Alternative VPN Review

Use Cases

Hide.me is a versatile VPN catering to users who prioritize privacy, speed, and usability. It’s an excellent choice for both casual users and tech-savvy individuals who require advanced security features. Its free plan appeals to light users, while premium options are ideal for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

Server Coverage

Hide.me offers over 2,100 servers in 75 locations worldwide. The servers are well-distributed across North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, with limited presence in South America and Africa. Many servers support P2P traffic, making it a strong option for torrenting.

Looking for comparisons of the most popular VPNs? Check out our Top 10 VPNs page for the ultimate guide to the industry’s leading players.

Hide.me Speed Test Results

Performance Metrics

• Speeds: Excellent speeds on premium servers, with averages ranging from 300-400 Mbps. Free servers are slower, typically delivering 50-100 Mbps due to server congestion.
• Streaming: Successfully unblocks Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer on premium servers.

Hide.me Pricing Tiers:

Pricing and Value

Hide.me offers both free and premium plans:

• Free Plan: 10 GB of data per month, access to 5 servers, and AES-256 encryption.
• Premium Plan: Starts at $3.84/month (2-year plan), includes unlimited data, access to all servers, and advanced features like Stealth Guard.

The free plan is generous with its data allowance and features, making it one of the better free VPN options.

Privacy and Security Features

Hide.me provides robust security and privacy options:

• Encryption: Uses AES-256 encryption, ensuring top-level security.
• Protocols: Supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, SoftEther, and SSTP, offering flexibility for different needs.
• No-Logs Policy: Independently audited to verify its strict no-logs policy.
• Kill Switch: Prevents data leaks in case the VPN connection drops.
• Split Tunneling: Allows users to route some traffic through the VPN while keeping other apps on their regular internet connection.
• Stealth Guard: Blocks apps or internet access until the VPN is active, an advanced feature for enhanced privacy.

Compatibility

Hide.me is compatible with a wide range of platforms:

• Windows, macOS, Linux
• Android, iOS
• Smart TVs, Fire TV Stick, and gaming consoles
• Browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox
• Router configurations

It supports up to 10 devices simultaneously on the premium plan, which is above average.

Known Limitations

Limited Free Servers: Only 5 servers are available on the free plan, which can lead to congestion.Price for Monthly Plan: The monthly plan is relatively expensive compared to competitors.Inconsistent Speeds: Speeds can vary depending on the server and time of day.

User Feedback and Real-World Tests

In testing, Hide.me excelled in most scenarios:

• Streaming: Premium servers consistently unblocked Netflix US, Disney+, and Hulu. Free servers worked for YouTube but struggled with major streaming platforms.
• Torrenting: P2P servers delivered fast and secure downloads, with no IP or DNS leaks detected.
• Gaming: Low latency made it a great option for gaming, especially on nearby servers.

Customer Support

Hide.me provides 24/7 live chat support, email assistance, and an extensive knowledge base. The support team is knowledgeable and quick to respond, making it a reliable choice for users who may need technical help.

Looking for comparisons of the most popular VPNs? Check out our Top 10 VPNs page for the ultimate guide to the industry’s leading players.

Hide.me is a well-rounded VPN offering excellent security, privacy, and speeds. Its free plan is competitive, while the premium plans provide advanced features that justify the cost. It’s an ideal choice for privacy-conscious users, streamers, and gamers alike.

Looking for comparisons of the most popular VPNs? Check out our Top 10 VPNs page for the ultimate guide to the industry’s leading players.