HideMyAss VPN Review : What You Must Know About HideMyAss

Going through the somewhat too detailed policies and conditions pages of HideMyAss can be a daunting task; however, the detailed pages have some interesting facts. When a user opens a new account with this VPN service, the company takes the user’s IP address and keeps it up to two years even after closing an account. Such is not the case with most VPN services which only retain the user email only.   Moreover, HideMyAss keeps some payment details as well as user communication with support for the same period.  And although the company does not hold a log of the user’s online activities, it logs the user’s IP address when they start a VPN session as well as that of the server for about three months.  Such logs on sessions do not affect if a user is just doing normal browsing such as online shopping. However, for users who download torrents, their IP addresses might be investigated since the address can be traced back to them.

Performance

The signing up process for HideMyAss is pretty easy just like other VPN services. There is location list available for Windows client where users can select their preferred servers either by city or country. The interface has a search box to ease of access as well as favorites system for quick access. HideMyAss automatically uses a server that has the lowest load in any location by default; however, users can alter such.

Although the system is quite straight forward to use, the control or configurability does not offer much. Additionally, users have an opportunity to specify the protocol they want to use, be either OpenVPN, or the kill switch in protecting their identity when the virtual private network is interrupted. The kill switch feature is however not usual since it blocks network access from some certain systems, unlike other VPNs that block the whole system.

The chief server and its tools are easy to use since it can be controlled simply even when a user is in a hurry.  By simply right-clicking the app icon and choosing connect, a user easily gets connected to their last location and they receive an option for an IP address change before reconnecting to the present server. Consequently, a disconnect option is available to end the connection when the user is done.

The download speeds are also excellent though they slightly vary in different locations. Servers near the UK tend to have higher speeds in comparison to servers in long-distance locations such as Singapore and Japan. To keep the identity of the users concealed at all times, HideMyAss has a blocking DNS as well as WebRTC to prevent data leaking.

HideMyAss Compatible Devices

Before making a purchase, users should make a point of checking whether their devices are compatible with HideMyAss. In simple terms, any portable device that is compatible with OpenVPN, L2TP or PPTP protocols will operate with HideMyAss VPN service. Below are some of the fit devices;

• Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7
• Linux OS
• Mac OSX for Leopard, Snow Leopard, Tiger, and Lion, Mountain Lion
• Routers
• Chrome OS
• Selected routers such as Netgear and Asus

Connecting HideMyAss on the above devices vary from one gadget to the other; however, users can always find a detailed guide as well as well explained tutorials to help with the same.

HideMyAss Features

HideMyAss VPN continuously updates their mobile and desktop applications to take care of the increasing user needs. The latest version has a different interphase with extra features that make the service even more comfortable to use since you just select and connect to the VPN. The application is uniquely designed to take care of the needs of all users including one with little or no technical knowledge at all. The following are some of the outstanding features by HideMyAss;

Instant mode

The instant mode on HideMyAss version three is a security setting feature that allows users to securely connect to the server by just a button swipe. Moreover, the application conveniently tests the connection speeds available and the adjacent servers and then goes on to connect to the fastest one. Instant mode is particularly ideal for use at home or when on a public Wi-Fi.  As long as you only want to have secure browsing, tap the one button process and you are good to go.

Location mode

For users who want more than just safe browsing from home, location mode is the feature to invest in. Location mode is an ideal choice for people who wish to unblock geo-restrictions especially when travelling out of their home countries. And though most streaming services such as Netflix are closing in on VPN access from out of the state, many minor websites’ geo-restrictions can be easily evaded with a virtual private network service such as HideMyAss.

Freedom mode

Freedom mode is a progressive mode whose primary purpose is to take care of the needs of people, the likes of journalists working in censorship regions. The handy method gives such users an opportunity to connect to the fastest and most efficient available VPN server in a nearby safe and free -speech country as identified and commended by HideMyAss.

Safe OpenVPN encryption

OpenVPN is an open source software which implements different VPN techniques that are responsible for creating secure point-to-point networks for either bridged, routed or remotely accessed conveniences. OpenVPN employs a specific secure protocol which is a combination of TSL ad SSL in exchanging keys. As a result, the authentication is done adequately via a certificate, a secret key as well as a unique password and username. HideMyAss VPN uses OpenVPN for extreme forward online privacy.

Server strength and locations

Server strength is one of the major selling point of HideMyAss VPN that keeps the company at a competitive advantage.  Moreover, the VPN service provider has more than 890 servers that are well distributed across over three hundred locations in more than 190 countries around the world. As a result, HideMyAss has the ability to make as many as 121060 own IP addresses and more for their esteemed users. Most of the servers are located in the US, precisely more than three hundred. The second largest concentration of HideMyAss servers are found in European nations followed by server sums in the UK area and Canadian regions. Africa, Asia, and Central America have the least server counts. Moreover, all HideMyAss servers in all location have L2TO, PPTP and OpenVPN security protocols making the service even more secure for all users.

Five simultaneous connections

Unlike other VPN services that offer a limit of one or two devices to use at the same time when connected, HideMyAss offers five synchronous devices connections.

HideMyAss Speed and Reliability

While many VPN companies tend to display inaccurate speeds on their websites, HMA doesn’t make any particular speed claims.  The download speeds are just lesser megabits in comparison to the baseline speed in most locations. Uploads speeds are a bit improved though they are sometimes half slower.  The speeds are however consistent, which is a good thing.

What Makes HideMyAss Special?

HMA has the most substantial number of servers around the world, specifically more than 890 servers that are well distributed across over three hundred locations in more than 190 countries around the world. Server strength and place is one of the key selling points of HideMyAss VPN that preserves the company at a competitive advantage. Therefore, if you are looking for a VPN with the broadest reasonable range of topographical endpoints, HideMyAss is the unsurpassed VPN provider to choose. Also, HideMyAss is a client intensive VPN service.

Can I watch US Netflix with HideMyAss?

Yes, you can watch US Netflix since recently, HMA added a new server precisely meant for unblocking Netflix. Although the speeds are not as high, the unblocking feature works well both on the Netflix’s application on IOS and Android and the desktop browser. Since the settings on the device vary, users are advised to contact customer support to know which server to use for troubleshooting purposes. The same server that unblocks Netflix US also does the same for Hulu. Follow the following procedure whenever you want to watch Netflix Us with HideMyAss;

• If you are a new user, register and pay for a package from the HMA website, otherwise log in to the HMA client as an existing user
• Click on the country selection
• Choose the server USA LOC 1
• Go to the dashboard
• Click on the connect to VPN option
• Log in to your existing Netflix account and enjoy your favorite shows.

The above simple steps are the easiest way to unblock and watch Netflix US with HMA. The new version three of HideMyAss makes it much easier for the above process thanks to the smooth and intuitive client.

HideMyAss Pros and Cons

• Disconnection without notice which is annoying
• More expensive in caparison to close competitors
• Limited simultaneous connections
• Renown privacy concerns
• Server overload and low speeds on faraway servers

Since there are two sides to a coin, below are some of the numerous advantages of using HMA virtual private network;

• Numerous server counts in almost every country around the world
• Easy to use since the interface is straightforward
• Reasonable speed test outcomes
• Excellent customer service support
• Free web proxies for unidentified browsing
• Allows Bit Torrent downloads

HideMyAss is extraordinarily simple to utilize, has a fantastic interface, and is ideal for all gadgets. This Hide My Ass VPN survey found that it has a superior speed score when contrasted with some VPN suppliers. While it has its deficiencies, it ends up being an excellent alternative for all clients.