Hide.Me, a leading VPN provider, is under “scrutiny” in this 2023 review to determine if it’s truly free, trustworthy, and safe.
With an extensive server network spanning 81 countries and a no-logging policy verified through an independent audit, Hide.Me seems to prioritize user privacy and security.
However, this article will check its features, pricing plans, compatibility, and alternative VPN options to provide an objective assessment of whether Hide.Me is the right choice for those of you seeking a reliable and secure VPN service.
Hide.Me VPN Review
Summary
A great VPN that is worth checking out. It accepts Monero and other crypto for payments, it has an extensive server network, it allows, streaming and torrenting and has many required security features a VPN should have. If you are a gamer, there are better options. If not, you should definetely try it out.
Table of Contents
About Hide.Me VPN
Hide.me VPN was founded in 2012. The company is a subsidiary of eVenture Limited, which is a Malaysia-based company. The headquarters of Hide.me VPN are located in Labuan, Malaysia4
hide.me is a VPN service that offers a variety of features, including streaming and speed optimization, gaming and server network, security and privacy features, and easy installation and compatibility.
When it comes to streaming, hide.me is a great option, especially with a premium account. While the free version can unblock some platforms, there are data limits. However, there are no issues with unblocking popular platforms like Netflix, Disney Plus, Max, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
hide.me also offers streaming-optimized servers that provide fast and smooth playback. In terms of speed, hide.me’s premium servers offer fast speeds, except for very distant ones. It’s important to note that the free servers are generally slow, regardless of distance.
Overall, hide.me is a reliable option for streaming and speed optimization.
Hide.Me Pros & Cons
😁 Things I Like
- Monero: Accepts Monero making completely anonymizing you with your purchase.
- Streaming: hide.me’s premium servers provide optimized streaming, allowing for fast and smooth playback. Users can unblock popular platforms like Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer without any issues. The premium locations also offer better access to streaming platforms.
- Server Network: hide.me boasts a network of 2,100 servers in 81 countries, ensuring well-distributed coverage worldwide. Most servers are located in Europe, with some rare locations like Bulgaria and Croatia. Additionally, 8 countries have city-level servers for more accurate location selection.
- Security and Privacy: hide.me prioritizes user security and privacy with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, Perfect Forward Secrecy, and leak protection. It also offers dedicated IPs, a kill switch, own DNS servers, and options for custom DNS. The VPN’s privacy features include StealthGuard, SmartGuard, Split Tunneling, and various protocols for connection.
🤔 Things To Consider
- Gaming: While hide.me may not be suitable for intense gaming sessions, slower-paced card games like Hearthstone can still be enjoyed. For example, pressing a button results in a delay before the character reacts, impacting the gaming experience. Users may encounter glitches and freezing up, leading to frustrating interruptions during gameplay.
Although hide.me may not be the most suitable VPN for intense gaming sessions, you can still play less intense games like card games without any glitches. Plus, taking into consideration, the streaming, torrenting, extensive server network and the security features it offers, Hide.Me VPN is worth its money.
Hide.Me Features
hide.me offers a range of features that cater to different user needs. From streaming capabilities, with the ability to unblock various platforms, to excellent network features and top-notch security measures, hide.me provides a comprehensive package.
Does it allow Streaming? What streaming services can it unblock
hide.me’s premium account is great for streaming, providing fast and smooth playback on streaming-optimized servers.
With hide.me, users can unblock various platforms and enjoy a seamless streaming experience.
The service has no issues with unblocking popular streaming services such as Netflix, Disney Plus, Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more.
Streaming-optimized servers ensure fast and smooth playback, while premium locations offer better access to streaming platforms.
However, it’s worth noting that speeds on hide.me’s free servers are generally slow, regardless of distance. For optimal streaming performance, it’s recommended to use the premium account and connect to servers that are closer in proximity.
Hide.Me VPN Speed Performance for video streaming and downloading
The VPN’s speed performance is crucial for streaming video content and downloading files, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience for users.
hide.me is great for streaming, especially with a premium account. The free version can unblock some platforms, but with data limits. There are no issues with unblocking popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
hide.me’s streaming-optimized servers provide fast and smooth playback, while premium locations offer better access to streaming platforms. The premium servers generally have fast speeds, except for very distant ones. However, the free servers are generally slow, regardless of distance.
Download speeds are important for streaming, torrenting, and browsing, while upload speeds are crucial for sending data. hide.me could improve its long-distance speeds compared to top VPNs.
How big is Hide.Me’s Server Network
With 2,100 servers in 81 countries, hide.me offers a well-distributed server network for its users. This extensive server network ensures that users can connect to a server in their desired location with ease.
hide.me has most of its servers located in Europe, but it also offers rare locations like Bulgaria and Croatia. Additionally, eight countries have city-level servers for more accurate location selection.
The server network is designed to provide users with better access to streaming platforms, ensuring fast and smooth playback. However, hide.me needs improvement in long-distance speeds compared to top VPNs.
Overall, the server network of hide.me offers a wide range of options and locations for users to choose from, providing a reliable and versatile VPN service.
Is it suitable for Gaming?
Gaming enthusiasts may find hide.me’s noticeable delay and glitches during gameplay make it unsuitable for satisfying gaming sessions.
The VPN service experiences a delay between pressing a button and character reaction, as well as occasional glitches and freezing up.
While slower-paced card games like Hearthstone can still be enjoyed with hide.me, the noticeable delay and glitches can significantly impact the gaming experience for more fast-paced and action-oriented games.
It’s important for gamers to have low ping rates, ideally below 80ms, for lag-free gaming, and hide.me may not meet this requirement.
However, hide.me does have a well-distributed server network, with 2,100 servers in 81 countries, offering players a wide range of location options for their gaming needs.
What Security & Privacy features does it have?
hide.me offers a range of security and privacy features to ensure a safe and protected online experience.
With military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, and dedicated IPs included with every subscription, users can trust that their data is securely encrypted and their identities are protected.
Additional features such as leak protection, a kill switch, and the option for custom DNS further enhance privacy and security.
What is its Logging Policy?
hide.me’s logging policy ensures that no IP addresses or browsing activities are logged, providing users with a high level of privacy and security. They’ve a clear no-logging policy and don’t store any information that could be used to identify users.
This commitment to privacy means that hide.me doesn’t keep any records of your online activities, ensuring that your data remains confidential and protected.
Users can trust hide.me to safeguard their online privacy and maintain a secure browsing experience.
Does it have a Kill Switch Feature?
hide.me VPN includes a Kill Switch feature, which adds an extra layer of security to your online activities.
In the event of a sudden VPN disconnection, the Kill Switch automatically cuts off your internet connection, preventing any data from being transmitted outside the secure VPN tunnel.
This ensures that your sensitive information remains protected, even if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
Split Tunneling?
Yes, Hide.me has that as well.
Split tunneling allows users to select which traffic goes through the VPN tunnel and which traffic bypasses it, providing greater flexibility and control over their internet connection.
With this feature, users can prioritize certain applications or websites to use the VPN for added security and privacy, while allowing other traffic to directly access the internet.
This can be especially useful for tasks that require high bandwidth or local network access, while still enjoying the protection of a VPN for sensitive activities.
Does it allow Torrenting?
Torrenting is supported by hide.me, providing fast speeds and enhanced security for P2P file sharing.
With hide.me, users can enjoy a seamless torrenting experience with optimized servers and advanced security features. hide.me ensures that users have access to fast download and upload speeds, crucial for efficient torrenting and sharing large files.
The service protects against unknown peers and mislabeled files, reducing the risk of downloading malicious content. hide.me is compatible with various torrenting applications and offers port forwarding for enhanced protection.
With its military-grade encryption, no-logging policy, and dedicated IPs, hide.me prioritizes user privacy and security while engaging in torrenting activities.
Overall, hide.me offers a reliable and secure platform for users who desire efficient and safe torrenting experiences.
Can it bypass the great China firewall?
hide.me can be used in China, making it a viable option for users in the country. China has strict internet censorship measures in place, known as the Great Firewall, which can limit access to certain websites and services.
However, hide.me’s advanced network features and robust security protocols allow users to bypass these restrictions and access the internet freely. The VPN’s servers are strategically located around the world, including in countries neighboring China, which ensures reliable and fast connections.
Additionally, hide.me’s no-logging policy and strong encryption guarantee user privacy and security while browsing or streaming.
Overall, hide.me is a suitable VPN choice for individuals in China who want to protect their online privacy and overcome internet censorship.
How many simultaneous Device Connections can occur?
With hide.me, users can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, allowing for convenient and versatile usage across multiple devices.
This feature is particularly useful for individuals who’ve multiple devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs.
Whether it’s browsing the internet, streaming content, or conducting online transactions, hide.me ensures that all devices are protected with its top-notch security features.
Users can rest assured that their data is encrypted and their online activities remain private.
With the ability to connect multiple devices, hide.me offers flexibility and convenience for users who require simultaneous VPN connections.
This feature sets hide.me apart and makes it a reliable choice for individuals seeking a secure and seamless online experience across various devices.
Is the Installation process easy? Are it’s apps easy to use? Is it user friendly
The installation process of hide.me is straightforward, and its user-friendly apps make it easy for users to navigate and set up the VPN on their preferred devices.
The hide.me apps have a modern UI and are easy to set up, even on Linux. Native apps are available for various devices, ensuring compatibility.
The setup and installation process is simple and hassle-free. Users can follow a quick guide that outlines the installation steps in just three easy steps.
This ease of use and user-friendly interface make hide.me a convenient choice for those looking to protect their online privacy and security.
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, hide.me’s installation process and apps cater to your needs, providing a seamless experience.
Which devices is compatible with?
hide.me VPN is compatible with a wide range of devices, making it convenient for users to secure their internet connections across multiple platforms.
It offers native apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, ensuring seamless integration with these popular operating systems.
Additionally, hide.me supports Linux, allowing tech-savvy users to configure the VPN manually on their preferred distributions.
Moreover, hide.me provides browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, enabling users to protect their browsing activities with just a few clicks.
This compatibility extends to routers as well, with hide.me offering setup guides for various router models, allowing users to secure their entire network.
Here’s a table with all the devices Hide.me VPN is compatible with:
| Device | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Windows | ✅ |
| macOS | ✅ |
| Linux | ✅ |
| Android | ✅ |
| Apple iOS | ✅ |
| Chrome | ✅ |
| Firefox | ✅ |
| Opera | ❌ |
| Consoles | ✅ |
| Routers | ✅ |
| Smart TV | ✅ |
What about its customer support?
Users can rely on hide.me’s fast, responsive, and friendly customer support for any assistance they may need. hide.me offers 24/7 live chat support, ensuring that users can quickly get in touch with a knowledgeable representative to address their queries or concerns.
The support team is known for their prompt response times and professionalism, providing thorough and technical assistance to ensure a smooth user experience. Whether users require help with installation, troubleshooting, or general inquiries, hide.me’s customer support team is dedicated to providing reliable and helpful guidance.
With their friendly and knowledgeable staff, hide.me ensures that users feel supported and informed throughout their VPN journey.
Hide.Me Pricing Plans
The pricing plans of hide.me include three subscription options with the same features. The longest plan, priced at $2.59 per month, offers the best value. This plan also includes an additional three months for free.
For those who want to test the service, hide.me offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. This allows users to try out the VPN and see if it meets their needs.
The pricing structure is designed to provide flexibility to users, allowing them to choose the plan that best fits their budget and requirements. With the same features available across all plans, users can enjoy the benefits of hide.me’s network, security, and privacy features regardless of the subscription option they choose.
Is it based on a Five, Nine, and Fourteen Eyes Countries?
hide.me isn’t based in a Five, Nine, or Fourteen Eyes country. It’s headquartered in Malaysia, which is located outside of these international surveillance alliances. This is an important factor to consider for individuals seeking a VPN service that prioritizes privacy and data protection.
The Five Eyes alliance includes countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, which have been known to collaborate and share intelligence information. Similarly, the Nine Eyes and Fourteen Eyes alliances extend this cooperation to additional countries.
What are some Alternative VPNs You Should Check?
If you are not totally convinced that Hide.me VPN is the suitable for your needs, may comparing it with these popular Hide.me alternatives will give you more insights.
| Features | Hide.Me | SurfShark | Private Internet Access | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open-source software | x | x | ✓ | x |
| Headquarters | Malaysia | Netherlands | US | Panama |
| 24/7 live support | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Advanced split-tunneling | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | x |
| Ad & malware blocking | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| WireGuard® protocol | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dedicated IP | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Advanced encryption | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | x |
| Price/month | $2.49 | $2.69 | $3.71 | |
| CHECK PRICING | CHECK PRICING | CHECK PRICING | CHECK PRICING |
Hide Me VPN Reviews
Here’s how Hide.Me is being rated in various review platforms.
| PLATFORM | RATING | REVIEWS |
|---|---|---|
| TRUSTPILOT | 4.9 | 620 |
| PC Magazine | 3.5 | 1 |
| FORBES | 4.1 | 1 |
Final Vedict: Should You Buy?
Overall, users may find hide.me to be a reliable and feature-rich VPN option, making it a worthwhile purchase for those seeking enhanced privacy, streaming capabilities, and fast torrenting speeds.
With its great network features, including well-distributed servers and privacy tools, hide.me offers excellent streaming capabilities and can unblock various platforms such as Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. The premium servers provide fast and smooth playback, while the free version can unblock some platforms with data limits.
In terms of security, hide.me uses military-grade AES 256-bit encryption and offers leak protection, a kill switch, and dedicated IPs. It also has a proven privacy policy verified through an independent audit.
With its 2,100+ servers in 81 countries, hide.me provides a solid server network, although long-distance speeds could use improvement.
Overall, hide.me offers a strong combination of privacy features, streaming capabilities, and fast torrenting speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Hide.Me Compare to Other VPNs in Terms of Server Locations and Distribution?
Hide.me offers 2,100 servers in 81 countries, with well-distributed locations around the world. Most servers are in Europe, but there are also rare locations like Bulgaria and Croatia. City-level servers are available in 8 countries for precise location selection.
Can Hide.Me Be Used for Gaming, or Is It More Suitable for Streaming and Browsing?
Hide.me is more suitable for streaming and browsing than gaming. It may cause noticeable delay and glitches during gameplay. However, slower-paced card games like Hearthstone can still be enjoyed.
Does Hide.Me Offer Any Additional Security Features Beyond Encryption and a Kill Switch?
Yes, hide.me offers additional security features beyond encryption and a kill switch. These include Perfect Forward Secrecy, leak protection, own DNS servers, virus and malware-free app, StealthGuard, SmartGuard, Split Tunneling, and various protocols for connection.
How Does Hide.Me Handle User Privacy and Logging of IP Addresses and Browsing Activities?
Hide.me has a clear no-logging policy and does not log IP addresses or browsing activities. It prioritizes user privacy with features like military-grade encryption, perfect forward secrecy, and dedicated IPs.
Is Hide.Me Compatible With Torrenting Applications and Does It Offer Any Specific Features for P2P File Sharing?
Yes, hide.me is compatible with torrenting applications and offers specific features for P2P file sharing. It provides increased torrenting speeds, protection against unknown peers and mislabeled files, and supports various torrenting applications.
Does Hide.Me Accept Crypto?
Yes, Hide.me accept cryptocurrency for payment. Among other cryptos, it is among the few VPN providers that accept Monero.
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