Hide.me vs Surfshark
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- Generous free plan
- No data logging
- Streaming and content unblocking
- Multiple simultaneous connections
- Diverse payment options
- Unlimited device connections
- Cross-platform functionality
- Independent audits
- Effective streaming performance
- No-logging policy
- 24/7 live chat support
- No dedicated IP address
- Inconsistent kill switch performance
- No phone support
- Features limited to certain platforms
- High subscription costs
- No free plans
- Based in the 14 Eyes Alliance
Hide.me VPN, established in 2012 and headquartered in Malaysia, has built a reputation as a reliable and privacy-focused VPN provider. Designed to meet the needs of both casual and advanced users, Hide.me VPN offers robust security features, including AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and support for advanced protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN. With over 2,600 servers across 91 locations, they provide global coverage, allowing users to bypass geo-restrictions, maintain online anonymity, and secure their internet connection. The company’s unique features, such as split tunneling, a kill switch, and obfuscated servers, cater to diverse user needs, including streaming, torrenting, and navigating restrictive internet environments. Customers appreciate the user-friendly interface and the availability of a free plan, though some have noted occasional connection issues. With positive feedback on platforms like Trustpilot and Capterra, Hide.me VPN has established itself as a competitive player in the VPN industry. Whether you’re seeking enhanced privacy or unrestricted access, Hide.me VPN offers a range of tools to explore further.
Surfshark, founded in 2018 and headquartered in the Netherlands, is a leading force in online privacy and cybersecurity. Offering a cutting-edge VPN with over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries, they provide fast, reliable access to geo-restricted content while keeping your data fully secure. Their standout features include camouflage mode, which hides VPN usage from ISPs, and multihop, which routes traffic through multiple servers for added security. With a strict no-logs policy and AES-256 encryption, Surfshark ensures user privacy and data protection. They also offer unlimited simultaneous connections, making them a great choice for users with multiple devices. Customers frequently praise Surfshark for their responsive customer support and seamless streaming performance, though some have noted occasional connection issues. Despite this, independent security audits and top industry awards like "VPN Solution of the Year" solidify Surfshark's reputation. Curious to know more? Read our in-depth review to explore all of Surfshark’s innovative features and discover why they are a top contender for anyone looking to take control of their online privacy and security.
- Price : Premium plan starts at $2.69 per month (26-month plan.)
- Free Trial : True
- Global Coverage : 91+ countries
- Customer Experience : Good
- Number of Servers : 2,600
- Price : Starting at $15.45 per month and billed monthly
- Free Trial : Available
- Global Coverage : 100 countries
- Customer Experience : Good
- Number of Servers : 3,200+
- Custom DNS & own DNS servers
- Fallback configuration for connection stability
- Bolt technology for faster speeds
- Unlimited data on the free plan
- StealthGuard for application-level security
- Camouflage mode and multihop features
- Ad-blocking
- Threat management features
- Obfuscated servers
- Allows Torrenting
- Antivirus / Antimalware
- Free Version
- Integrated SSOs
- Mobile App
- Onion Over VPN Support
- OpenVPN Support
- Password Manager
- Propriety Protocol—Undisclosed
- Streaming Support
- WireGuard Support
- Allows Torrenting
- Antivirus / Antimalware
- Free Version
- Integrated SSOs
- Mobile App
- Onion Over VPN Support
- OpenVPN Support
- Password Manager
- Propriety Protocol
- Streaming Support
- WireGuard Support
- 256-bit AES Encryption
- Dedicated IP Servers
- Kill-Switch
- RAM-Only Servers
- Split Tunneling
- Two-Factor Authentication
- Warrant Canary—Undisclosed
- Zero-Logging-Policy
- 256-bit AES Encryption
- Dedicated IP Servers
- Kill-Switch
- RAM-Only Servers
- Split Tunneling
- Two-Factor Authentication
- Warrant Canary
- Zero-Logging-Policy
- Actionable Password Strength Report
- Biometric Logins (Face ID, Touch ID)
- Dark Web Scanning
- Located Outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance
- Mobile App PIN Unlock
- Obfuscated Servers
- Secure Password Sharing—Undisclosed
- Actionable Password Strength Report
- Biometric Logins (Face ID, Touch ID)
- Dark Web Scanning
- Located Outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance
- Mobile App PIN Unlock
- Obfuscated Servers
- Secure Password Sharing
- Android
- Browser Plugins
- ChromeOS
- Fire OS—Undisclosed
- iOS
- Linux
- macOS
- Routers
- Streaming Devices
- Windows
- Android
- Browser Plugins
- ChromeOS
- Fire OS
- iOS
- Linux
- macOS
- Routers
- Streaming Devices
- Windows
- FAQs—Undisclosed
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Phone
- Social Media
- Ticket
- FAQs
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Phone
- Social Media
- Ticket
Hide.me vs. Surfshark
Among the variety of VPN options, Hide.me and Surfshark are notable contenders. This comparison examines their service range and customization options, ease of use and integration, security and compliance, and pricing to assist users in making an informed choice that suits their needs.
Service range and customization options
Both Hide.me and Surfshark offer extensive server networks, enabling users to access content globally and maintain secure connections. Hide.me provides servers across 91 locations and supports multiple VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, SoftEther, and SSTP. Users can select protocols that best suit their needs.
Surfshark, on the other hand, boasts over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries, offering features like MultiHop, which routes traffic through multiple servers for enhanced security, and CleanWeb, an ad-blocking tool that provides an ad-free browsing experience. Additionally, Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous device connections under a single subscription, making it highly advantageous for users with multiple devices.
Ease of use and integration
Both VPNs prioritize user experience with intuitive interfaces and support for multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux, facilitating seamless integration across various devices. The installation processes are straightforward, enabling users to connect to preferred servers with minimal effort.
Surfshark's allowance of unlimited device connections provides a more flexible solution for users with numerous devices or large households. Additionally, Surfshark's browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox enhance its integration capabilities, offering users the convenience of securing their browsing activities directly through their web browsers. Hide.me offers split tunneling, allowing users to choose which apps use the VPN while others maintain direct internet access. Additionally, advanced features like port forwarding and custom DNS settings provide greater control for users with specific needs.
Security and compliance
Both Hide.me and Surfshark implement robust measures to protect user data. They utilize AES-256 encryption, the industry standard for secure data transmission, and adhere to strict no-logs policies, ensuring that user activities are not recorded or stored. Both VPNs also offer a kill switch feature, which automatically disconnects the internet connection if the VPN connection drops, preventing data leaks.
A notable distinction lies in their jurisdictional locations. Hide.me is based in Malaysia, a country known for its privacy-friendly laws, while Surfshark operates under the jurisdiction of the Netherlands, an EU member. Users concerned about data retention laws may prefer Hide.me's location. Additionally, Surfshark offers advanced security features such as the MultiHop double VPN and CleanWeb ad-blocking, providing an extra layer of protection against online threats.
Pricing
Affordability is a significant factor when choosing a VPN service. Surfshark is recognized for its competitive pricing, offering plans as low as $1.99 per month annually, making it one of the more budget-friendly options in the market. Hide.me's pricing starts at $2.39 per month for a 27-month plan, which is relatively higher compared to some competitors. Both services offer 30-day money-back guarantees—allowing users to test the services risk-free.
While Hide.me offers a free tier with limited features, including access to select server locations and a 10GB monthly data cap, Surfshark does not provide a free version but compensates with its affordable long-term plans and unlimited device connections. Users seeking a free VPN with basic functionalities might find Hide.me's free plan appealing, whereas those looking for comprehensive features at a lower cost per month may prefer Surfshark's paid plans.
Conclusion
Both Hide.me and Surfshark deliver reliable VPN services with robust security features, user-friendly interfaces, and extensive server networks. Surfshark stands out with its unlimited device connections, advanced security options like MultiHop and CleanWeb, and more competitive pricing for long-term commitments. Hide.me, on the other hand, offers a privacy-friendly jurisdiction and a free tier suitable for users with minimal VPN needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences, specific security requirements, and budget considerations.