Hide.me VPN: Privacy-Focused with a Generous Free Plan

Hide.me VPN at a Glance

Hide.me VPN was founded in 2012 with the mission of delivering secure and private online access for users around the world. Based in Malaysia, they are owned by the IT security company "eVenture Ltd," serving privacy-conscious individuals, frequent travelers, and businesses seeking enhanced security. With a global network spanning 75 locations, including virtual servers, Hide.me VPN caters to a diverse client base by providing tools to bypass censorship, protect DNS requests, and safeguard sensitive data.

Known for their strong focus on privacy and security, Hide.me VPN employs AES-256 encryption and supports protocols like WireGuard protocol, SoftEther protocol, and OpenVPN. Their services include native apps for all major platforms like Windows, macOS, and iOS, and support for smart TVs and streaming devices. With no connection logs stored and an independently verified no-logs policy, Hide.me VPN prioritizes user privacy at every level. Additionally, they provide a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to explore their features with minimal risk. These offerings highlight their commitment to delivering reliable and secure online experiences.

Hide.me’s features include a speed test tool to optimize server performance, live chat support, and browser extensions for convenience. The free servers offer unlimited data—a standout feature—but limited server locations and functionalities compared to the paid version. However, the paid version allows up to 10 simultaneous device connections, includes streaming servers for popular streaming sites such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, and provides fast servers for better upload speeds and downloads.

In the competitive VPN industry, Hide.me VPN has built a solid reputation, receiving high rating from trusted sources such as user-friendly interface and robust security measures. While it does not have a BBB profile, the company has earned positive reviews from cybersecurity experts and established themselves as a dependable provider for users seeking privacy, security, and unrestricted internet access.

Features & Perks

Hide.me VPN offers a comprehensive range of features designed to enhance online privacy, security, and accessibility. Below is an overview of these features, organized from general to detailed:

• Global server network: Access over 2,600 servers across 91+ locations worldwide. This broad network provides reliable, high-speed connections for bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing websites and streaming services globally with minimal latency
• Multi-platform support: Hide.me VPN is compatible with major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and routers, ensuring secure connections across all devices for seamless online protection
• Simultaneous connections: Protect up to 10 devices simultaneously under one account. This feature is ideal for families or individuals with multiple devices, allowing comprehensive security across personal and shared devices
• No-logs policy: Hide.me VPN strictly adheres to a no-logs policy, ensuring that no user activity, IP address, or connection history is recorded or stored, guaranteeing complete anonymity online
• Kill switch: Automatically blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, ensuring that no data leaks occur while you’re browsing, streaming, or using sensitive applications
• IP leak protection: Protects against IPv4 and IPv6 leaks, ensuring that your real IP address is never exposed, safeguarding your privacy and maintaining anonymity
• Split tunneling: Route specific apps or websites through the VPN while allowing others to connect directly to the internet, enabling better speeds for high-bandwidth activities like streaming platforms and gaming
• Custom DNS servers: Enhance performance and security by routing your traffic through Hide.me’s own DNS servers to avoid DNS leaks

Advanced features:

• Stealth guard: Prevent accidental exposure of data by restricting apps or your entire internet connection exclusively to the VPN
• Multihop (double VPN): Adds an extra layer of security by routing your connection through multiple VPN servers, enhancing anonymity and making tracking your online activity significantly harder
• Smartguard: Blocks malicious websites, ads, and trackers in real-time, providing an additional layer of security against malware and intrusive ads while browsing the internet
• Port forwarding: Improves performance for activities like gaming, torrenting, and hosting servers. This feature allows for better connection speeds and more efficient data transfer
• Bolt – fast proxy: Offers enhanced internet speeds with a proprietary fast proxy technology, ideal for Windows users looking for faster browsing and streaming experiences

Additional services: 

• DNS leak test: The DNS Leak Test checks whether your DNS queries are being leaked outside the VPN tunnel. DNS leaks can reveal your browsing activity to your internet service provider (ISP) or third parties, compromising your anonymity. By running this test, users can ensure their DNS queries are routed through the VPN servers and not exposed to unauthorized parties
• Random password generator: Hide.me’s Random Password Generator creates strong, unique passwords to improve online security. Users can customize the length and complexity of their passwords, incorporating numbers, symbols, and upper- and lowercase letters
• What is my IP address?: This tool allows users to view their public IP address and associated location details. It is especially useful for verifying whether a VPN is masking their real IP address effectively
• WebRTC leak test: This test identifies whether your WebRTC-enabled browser is leaking your real IP address, even when connected to a VPN. WebRTC leaks can occur due to browser settings, exposing your true IP to websites and trackers

Protocols and speeds

Hide.me VPN offers a variety of VPN protocols to cater to different user needs, balancing security and performance. The choice of protocol can significantly impact connection speeds and service accessibility, and users can set up a fallback configuration if the VPN can’t connect with the first choice of protocols. WireGuard® is a modern protocol known for its simplicity and speed, utilizing state-of-the-art cryptography to provide swift and secure connections, making it ideal for activities like streaming and gaming. 

IKEv2 is another efficient protocol, offering rapid reconnections and stable performance, especially beneficial for users on mobile devices who frequently switch networks. 

OpenVPN, while highly secure, may exhibit slightly slower speeds due to its complex encryption processes. SoftEther is recognized for its fast speeds and robust security features, making it a strong choice for users prioritizing both speed and security. 

By providing these protocol options, Hide.me VPN enables users to select the most suitable configuration for their specific activities, ensuring an optimal balance between speed and security.

Security & Privacy

Hide.me VPN prioritizes user security and privacy through a combination of advanced technologies and transparent practices. They use AES-256 encryption, a gold standard in data protection, to ensure all information transmitted through their VPN remains secure and inaccessible to unauthorized parties. The company strictly adheres to a no-logs policy, meaning no records of user activity, connection times, or IP addresses are stored, guaranteeing complete anonymity. 

To reinforce trust, Hide.me VPN subjects their services to independent security audits, which verify the accuracy of their privacy claims and the reliability of their systems. Their servers operate on RAM-only technology, ensuring that all data is wiped after every reboot and eliminating the risk of long-term data retention.

Additionally, for users facing internet censorship, Hide.me VPN provides obfuscated servers that disguise VPN traffic as regular web traffic, allowing seamless access to restricted content. These comprehensive measures highlight Hide.me's dedication to delivering a secure and private online experience.

Plans & Prices

Hide.me VPN offers two main plans—Free and Premium—each tailored to different user needs, with flexible pricing options for their Premium plan based on subscription length.

• Free plan: The Free plan provides essential VPN features, including secure access to servers in eight locations, strong encryption, and one simultaneous connection. This plan is ideal for users seeking basic privacy without financial commitment. It includes unlimited data, making it one of the most generous free VPN offerings available
• Premium plan: The Premium plan unlocks the full range of features, including access to over 2,600 servers in 91+ locations, unlimited data, and support for up to 10 simultaneous device connections. It also includes advanced features like a kill switch, dynamic port forwarding, and streaming support for bypassing geo-restrictions. Pricing varies by subscription length: the monthly plan is $9.95, while the 12-month plan reduces the cost to $4.57 per month, billed at $54.95 annually. The best value comes with the 26-month plan, priced at $2.69 per month, billed as $69.95 for 26 months (including 2 free months)

All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to try the service risk-free. Hide.me’s straightforward pricing and robust feature set ensure users can find a plan that fits their needs and budget.

Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages

• Comprehensive free plan with unlimited data: Unlike many VPN providers that impose data caps on free plans, Hide.me VPN offers unlimited data on their free tier. This allows users to browse and download without worrying about hitting a data limit, making it ideal for those seeking robust privacy protection without a financial commitment
• Transparent and independently audited: Hide.me VPN has undergone independent security audits to verify their no-logs policy and overall security posture. This transparency builds trust with users, assuring them that the service adheres to their privacy commitments and maintains a high standard of security
• Effective streaming and torrenting capabilities: Hide.me VPN successfully unblocks various streaming services, including Netflix and BBC iPlayer, providing access to geo-restricted content. Additionally, they support torrenting with good download speeds, making them a versatile choice for diverse online activities
• Obfuscated servers for bypassing restrictions: Hide.me VPN offers obfuscated servers that disguise VPN traffic as regular internet activity. This feature is particularly valuable for users in countries with strict internet censorship, allowing them to access restricted content without detection
• Split tunneling for custom connections: Users can choose which apps or websites use the VPN and which bypass it, optimizing connection speeds and enabling unrestricted access to local services while staying secure
• High compatibility across devices: With dedicated apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers, and even Amazon Fire TV, Hide.me VPN ensures seamless use across a variety of devices and operating systems
• Wide range of VPN protocols: Hide.me VPN supports multiple protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and SoftEther, allowing users to choose the best option for their needs, whether prioritizing speed, security, or compatibility

Disadvantages

• Limited features on the free plan: While the free plan offers unlimited data, it restricts speeds, limits access to only eight server locations, and supports just one simultaneous connection. This limitation may frustrate users looking for more server options or those needing protection across multiple devices without upgrading to a premium plan
• No dedicated IP address: Hide.me VPN does not currently offer a dedicated IP address feature, which might be inconvenient for users who require a static IP for secure access to specific platforms or services
• Possible kill switch malfunctions: In rare cases, the kill switch, designed to disconnect the internet if the VPN connection drops, might not activate, risking the exposure of the user's actual IP address
• No smart DNS support: Hide.me VPN does not offer Smart DNS functionality, which could be a drawback for users looking to access geo-restricted content on devices that don’t natively support VPNs, such as some smart TVs and gaming consoles

User Experience

Hide.me’s customer ratings vary across different platforms. On Trustpilot, they hold a commendable 4.5 out of 5, reflecting strong user satisfaction. Capterra users have given them a 4.7 out of 5, indicating high approval. On Google Play, the app garnered 1M+ downloads and rated 4.2 out of 5 from 31,000 reviews. Meanwhile, on the Apple App Store, Hide.me’s has garnered a 4.4 out of 5 rating based on approximately 1,100 reviews. However, some reviews note limitations in the free version, such as slower speeds and a limited network. Overall, Hide.me VPN receives favorable feedback, with particular praise for their performance and customer support.

Positive reviews

Many customers praise Hide.me VPN for their robust free plan, which stands out for offering unlimited data without trial expirations—something rare among VPN providers. This feature is especially valued by budget-conscious users who want reliable privacy without financial commitment. Another frequent highlight is the VPN’s user-friendly interface, noted for their intuitive design that simplifies navigation for both novice and experienced users.

Hide.me’s strong security measures, including AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy, are also widely appreciated. Customers express confidence in the service's ability to protect their online privacy. Additionally, users find Hide.me’s performance suitable for streaming and browsing, with several mentioning minimal buffering when accessing geo-restricted content. Those using Apple TV appreciate the dedicated app, which allows seamless integration on the platform.

Customer service is another area where Hide.me VPN has earned praise, with some reviews noting the responsiveness and willingness of support staff to escalate issues to management when needed. Long-term subscription plans also receive positive feedback, as users consider them a great value for the premium features provided. Lastly, the quick connection setup and reliable speeds on supported servers enhance the overall user experience, making Hide.me VPN a strong option for many.

Negative reviews

Despite their many advantages, Hide.me VPN is not without their drawbacks. Connection stability appears to be a recurring issue, with some users reporting occasional server drops or difficulties maintaining stable connections. This can be frustrating for those relying on uninterrupted VPN access for tasks like streaming or gaming. Similarly, while the free plan is generous, their limited server options and locations restrict flexibility, particularly for users needing more global coverage.

Pricing is another point of contention, as some reviewers feel the monthly subscription cost is higher than competitors, especially for users who don’t want to commit to a longer-term plan. Speed inconsistencies on certain servers also arise in reviews, with some users noting that this variability impacts their experience when engaging in bandwidth-heavy activities.

A few customers have expressed dissatisfaction with customer support, particularly the live chat function, which often redirects users to email-based support. The 24-hour response time for email inquiries is considered slow by some, especially when immediate assistance is needed.

Customer Support

Hide.me VPN provides several ways for users to reach their customer support team. You can contact them through the live chat feature available 24/7 on their Support Center, submit a support ticket directly from the website or VPN app, or send an email for press inquiries to [email protected].

In addition to direct support, Hide.me VPN offers a range of resources to help users navigate and troubleshoot their services. The VPN Setup Guide provides step-by-step instructions for configuring the VPN on various devices.

Their Knowledge Base contains FAQs and detailed troubleshooting articles, while the Community Forum allows users to share experiences and seek advice. These resources ensure that users have the tools they need to make the most of Hide.me’s services.

Conclusion

Hide.me VPN, established in 2012 and headquartered in Malaysia, is a well-respected name in the VPN industry, known for their strong focus on privacy and security. They offer a wide range of features, including AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and support for advanced protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN. With over 2,600 servers in 91+ locations, Hide.me VPN ensures global coverage, enabling users to bypass geo-restrictions and maintain anonymity online. Their user-friendly interface, split tunneling, kill switch, and obfuscated servers cater to a diverse audience, from casual users to those navigating highly restrictive internet environments.

While many users praise Hide.me VPN for their robust free plan and reliable performance, some have noted occasional connection drops and limited server options in the free version. However, with their comprehensive security features, cross-platform compatibility, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, Hide.me VPN is an excellent choice for users seeking secure and versatile online protection. Whether exploring their generous free plan or committing to a premium subscription, Hide.me VPN offers tools to meet a wide range of privacy and security needs.

If Hide.me's VPN services do not meet your needs, consider reading our reviews of other top providers. You can also use our comparison tool to see how each company stacks up, and explore our blog page for more industry information and tips.