HMA VPN Review: Is This Classic VPN Service Still Relevant
HMA VPN, short for “Hide My Ass!” has been a mainstay in the world of virtual private networks (VPNs) since 2005.
HMA VPN, short for “Hide My Ass!” has been a mainstay in the world of virtual private networks (VPNs) since 2005. Originally developed by a tech-savvy high school student who wanted to bypass school restrictions for gaming, HMA has since grown into one of the most widely recognized VPN services. Over the years, HMA VPN has transformed from a basic, single-URL VPN tool into a more robust service offering over 1,100 servers across 297 countries. But with so many new VPN options on the market today, the question arises: Can HMA VPN keep up with the competition? Let’s take a closer look.
User Experience: Simple, Yet Effective
When you first launch HMA VPN, it’s clear that simplicity is a key focus. The interface is minimalistic, making it accessible even to VPN newcomers. There’s a large, central on/off button and a simple dropdown menu to select your server location. Adding a touch of whimsy, an animated donkey icon at the top represents the “ass” in “Hide My Ass!” — a quirky and memorable feature. The app’s ease of use is refreshing, especially when compared to other VPNs that can sometimes feel overly complicated with too much data and too many options.
A “More” button on the main screen opens up a side menu, displaying real-time data usage and connection settings, including options for kill switches and auto-connect features. The settings menu, accessible via the gear icon, offers further customization but remains limited, especially for a premium VPN service. While basic settings are easily accessible, advanced users may find the options lacking.
Advanced Features: A Mixed Bag
One area where HMA VPN shows promise is in its security features. The app provides comprehensive kill-switch functionality, which can either cut off all traffic if your VPN connection drops or restrict traffic only for specific apps. This level of customization is helpful in maintaining privacy, but it does fall short of offering features like multi-hop VPN or ad- and tracker-blocking, which many competitors include.
One of the standout features of HMA VPN is its IP shuffler. This function periodically changes your IP address to add an extra layer of security, preventing third parties from tracking your online activity. The feature can be customized to shuffle your IP anywhere from every minute to daily, providing flexible options depending on your needs.
However, there is a sense that HMA VPN lacks some essential features expected from a top-tier VPN. For instance, while Android users enjoy the benefits of split tunneling (a feature that allows users to designate specific apps for VPN use while others bypass the VPN), PC users are left out. The absence of split tunneling on multiple platforms is a missed opportunity for a service that positions itself as premium.
Server Network: Good, But Not Great
HMA VPN offers a respectable network of more than 1,100 servers, but what sets it apart is its impressive global reach. With servers in 297 countries, including places like Gibraltar and the Vatican, HMA ensures that users from almost any location can find a server close to home. This wide distribution is a definite strength for anyone looking for geographic flexibility.
That said, the number of servers alone doesn’t necessarily guarantee the best performance. The server network is a bit unremarkable compared to rivals like NordVPN and ExpressVPN, which offer faster speeds and better overall reliability.
Pricing: Flexible, But Not the Cheapest
HMA VPN offers several subscription options: a monthly plan for $11.99, an annual plan for $59.88 ($4.99 per month), and a three-year plan for $107.64 ($2.99 per month). The monthly plan is priced similarly to other premium VPN services, such as ExpressVPN and NordVPN, though these competitors tend to offer more features for the price. However, the annual and three-year plans provide better value, making HMA VPN a more competitive option for long-term users.
Additionally, HMA VPN allows for up to five simultaneous device connections with all subscription plans, which is fairly standard in the industry. Users can opt to increase this limit to 10 devices for a slightly higher price.
Speed and Performance: Decent, But Not Exceptional
When it comes to speed, HMA VPN delivers solid performance, though it may not be the fastest VPN on the market. In my speed tests, HMA VPN maintained around 55% of the base download speed and 54% of the upload speed, placing it in the middle of the pack. It was clear that the closer the server was to my location, the faster the connection. For instance, servers in my own country maintained speeds well above 80% of my baseline, while servers in distant locations like South Africa and Australia were noticeably slower, dropping below 20%.
While this is typical of most VPN services, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning to use HMA VPN for high-bandwidth activities like gaming or streaming.
Streaming: A Letdown for Geo-Restricted Content
If you’re looking to use HMA VPN for streaming, you might be disappointed. I struggled to access popular services like U.S. Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max, despite trying multiple U.S.-based servers. I had a bit more luck with Amazon Prime and Disney Plus, but even these services were hit or miss, requiring a bit of trial and error to find a working server.
HMA VPN doesn’t seem to be particularly well-suited for unblocking geo-restricted content, especially compared to VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN, which are consistently reliable for streaming.
Encryption and Privacy: Improved, But Still Room for Growth
HMA VPN uses AES-256 encryption, which is the industry standard and provides robust security. The app also offers several protocol options, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and HMA’s proprietary Mimic protocol. While Mimic is designed to bypass VPN restrictions, I couldn’t fully assess its effectiveness due to my location in a country with few internet restrictions. For most users, WireGuard remains the best option, thanks to its balance of speed and security.
HMA VPN has made significant strides in improving its privacy practices in recent years. After switching to a no-logs policy in 2019, the company underwent an independent audit that confirmed its commitment to user privacy. However, it’s been several years since the last audit, and I would like to see more regular checks to ensure the continued reliability of its no-logs claims.
Conclusion: A Solid, But Unremarkable VPN
While HMA VPN is easy to use and offers a wide range of server locations, it ultimately falls short in several key areas. Its features are basic, with advanced options like split tunneling and multi-hop limited to certain platforms, and the service doesn’t excel in streaming or speed compared to top competitors. Still, if you’re looking for a simple VPN that can handle general browsing and security needs without overwhelming complexity, HMA VPN could be a solid choice.
With its parent company, Avast, behind it, HMA VPN is likely to continue evolving, but for now, it struggles to compete with more feature-rich and faster VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN. If you’re looking for a VPN with a little more muscle, it may be worth exploring other options.
