Hide.me VPN Review: Is it safe to use in 2023?

As our digital footprints increase exponentially, the need for enhanced internet security and privacy has never been more paramount. And, this is where a Virtual Private Network, or VPN, comes into play. Today, we’ll dissect one such service—Hide.me VPN. Our aim is to provide an in-depth, balanced analysis of this online privacy tool. We’ll be diving into its security, encryption protocols, jurisdiction, and data protection principles.

Summary of Key Features

Price	From €1.72/month
Money-Back Guarantee	30 days
Does the VPN keep logs?	No
Number of Servers	1900+
Kill Switch	Yes
Headquarters	Malaysia
Support	Live chat
Supports Torrenting	Yes
Supports Streaming Services	Yes

Security and Encryption

In the face of today’s cyber-threat landscape, the strength of a VPN lies largely in its security infrastructure. Hide.me is armed to the teeth with some of the most advanced security technologies and encryption protocols in the industry.

Used Security Technologies

Hide.me uses a suite of security technologies designed to ensure that your online activities remain strictly your own. These include:

• Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) with 256-bit keys: Commonly known as AES-256, this is the encryption standard used by the U.S. government for securing classified information, and by the NSA for protecting national security data. Not only is it the first publicly accessible and open cipher approved by the NSA, but it’s also widely regarded as virtually unbreakable.
• Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS): This technology ensures that even if one of your sessions is somehow compromised, your past and future sessions remain secure.
• Kill Switch: This is a safety mechanism that automatically disconnects your device from the internet if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly, keeping your real IP address hidden.

These technologies collectively ensure that your data remains private and secure.

Used Encryption Technologies

In terms of encryption technologies, Hide.me VPN relies on several tried-and-true standards, including:

• IKEv2: Internet Key Exchange version 2, a robust VPN protocol offering speed, security, and stability, especially for mobile users who may change networks (like moving from a WiFi network to 4G) without dropping the secure VPN connection.
• OpenVPN: An open-source protocol that offers a great balance between security and speed. It is widely regarded as the go-to standard in the industry.
• SoftEther: A newer, high-performance, and secure protocol that’s becoming increasingly popular for its speed, especially in places with restricted internet, like China or Iran.

These top-of-the-line security and encryption technologies are an affirmation of Hide.me’s commitment to maintaining user privacy and security.

Principles of Personal Data Protection and Jurisdiction

A VPN is a privacy tool, so it’s only fitting that we examine Hide.me’s approach to personal data protection and understand the legal jurisdiction it falls under.

Hide.me is owned by eVenture Ltd. It operates under a strict no-logs policy. What this means is simple: the service doesn’t store any data that passes through its servers. So, even in the unlikely event that their security is breached, there’s virtually no sensitive data to be found.

This zero-logs policy extends to all sorts of data—your IP addresses, DNS queries, browsing history, metadata, download information, server choice, or any other VPN-related data. The only information the company retains is your email address, which is necessary for account management purposes.

Company Jurisdiction

Hide.me VPN is based in Malaysia, which is outside the jurisdiction of the ’14 Eyes,’ a group of countries known for their invasive surveillance practices. This essentially means that Hide.me isn’t legally obliged to retain user data or share it with international spy agencies. Malaysia also doesn’t have any mandatory data retention laws, which aligns well with the company’s privacy-first approach.

However, it’s important to note that while Hide.me has an excellent track record and sound policies in place, no system is 100% impervious to breaches or legal pressure. That said, their jurisdiction and data protection principles significantly increase the odds of your data remaining confidential.

In the current age of online privacy, where data is more valuable than gold, the need for tools to protect our digital lives becomes increasingly essential. And from our review so far, Hide.me VPN seems to be doing a commendable job at that.

So, how secure is your online presence? Could Hide.me be the protective shield you’ve been searching for? Stay tuned as we dissect more aspects of this VPN service in our subsequent sections.

Remember, it’s not just about access. It’s about secure, unrestricted, and private access—something Hide.me VPN promises to deliver.

Server Network

One of the essential features of a VPN is its server network. The bigger the network, the more options you have when choosing a location, which can be crucial for bypassing geo-blocked content. It also usually means better performance, as the load is distributed across more servers. Let’s take a closer look at Hide.me’s server network.

Overview of the Server Network

Hide.me VPN boasts a vast server network spread across the globe. At the time of writing, the network consists of more than 1900 servers located in 75 locations across 46 countries. The company has been continuously expanding its network, which is a positive sign of growth and customer commitment.

This extensive network includes servers in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. You’ll find multiple servers in popular locations like the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, and more. This wide distribution ensures that no matter where you are, you can likely connect to a server close to you, ensuring faster and more reliable connections.

Global Coverage and Availability

One strength of Hide.me’s network is its wide global coverage. This means that users can connect to virtually any location around the world, effectively overcoming geographical restrictions and censorship. Whether you want to watch American Netflix from Europe, access the BBC iPlayer from the US, or use social media platforms in countries where they are restricted, Hide.me has you covered.

Number of Servers

As of now, Hide.me offers a large network of 1900+ servers worldwide. This is quite substantial compared to other players in the market. A higher number of servers typically translates to better speed and stability as users are evenly spread out, preventing any single server from becoming overloaded.

Server Speed

Another critical factor when considering a VPN is server speed. No one wants their internet speed to crawl when connected to a VPN. Here’s where Hide.me shines.

Hide.me has invested significantly in providing high-speed servers. Their servers are designed to support gigabit speeds (1 Gbps), which is more than adequate for even the most bandwidth-hungry tasks like HD streaming, gaming, or large file transfers.

Table: Server Speed in Different Countries

Location	Average Speed
United States	82 Mbps
United Kingdom	76 Mbps
Germany	81 Mbps
Australia	72 Mbps
Japan	70 Mbps

Please note that these speeds are averages and your actual speed may vary depending on several factors, including your distance from the server, the quality of your internet connection, and current network traffic.

Streaming and Torrenting

For many users, the ability to stream content from around the world and download files via torrenting is a significant advantage offered by VPNs. Let’s see how Hide.me fares in these departments.

Streaming

Hide.me does an excellent job when it comes to streaming. With its global server network, users can access a plethora of streaming services that may otherwise be blocked due to geographic restrictions.

Supported Services

Hide.me supports a range of popular streaming services. Here’s a table listing some of them:

Streaming Service
Netflix (Multiple Regions)
Amazon Prime Video
Disney+
BBC iPlayer
Hulu
HBO Go

This wide range of supported services means you can enjoy your favorite shows and movies from virtually anywhere in the world, all while staying secure and private.

Torrenting

Hide.me also supports torrenting across its network. Torrenting requires high-speed, stable connections, and from our tests, Hide.me seems to handle this quite well.

Supported Clients

Most popular torrenting clients are supported by Hide.me. These include, but are not limited to:

Torrent Client
uTorrent
BitTorrent
qBittorrent
Vuze
Deluge

Given its commitment to privacy and security, coupled with good speed performance and a wide server network, Hide.me is definitely a solid choice for both streaming and torrenting.

Compatibility and User-Friendliness

Arguably, the best VPN service is the one you can use most conveniently on your device, and that provides a user-friendly experience. In this section, we’ll scrutinize Hide.me on these aspects.

Compatibility with Different Platforms

A standout feature of Hide.me VPN is its broad compatibility with various platforms. It offers dedicated applications for:

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux
• Android
• iOS
• Amazon Fire TV
• Android TV

Furthermore, for those who prefer manual setup or use platforms without a dedicated app, Hide.me provides detailed setup guides. This ensures that users can enjoy the benefits of Hide.me VPN on platforms such as routers, Smart TVs, or even gaming consoles.

This cross-platform support makes Hide.me a versatile choice, regardless of the device or operating system you use. It allows users to protect multiple devices with a single subscription, enhancing its value proposition.

User-Friendliness Rating

Let’s dive into the user experience that Hide.me offers. The VPN provider has clearly put thought into making its apps intuitive and easy to navigate, even for beginners.

Upon launching the app, you’re greeted with a straightforward interface. Connecting to the best available server takes just one click on the main screen. If you prefer to choose a server manually, the app lets you select from the list sorted by countries or cities.

Hide.me’s apps also provide a wealth of customization options for those who like to tweak settings. You can choose your preferred VPN protocol, enable or disable features like the Kill Switch or IP leak protection, and much more.

Importantly, the settings and options are presented in a way that doesn’t overwhelm the user. Even the more advanced options are accompanied by brief explanations to help users understand their purpose. This thoughtful design strikes a great balance between simplicity and functionality, making Hide.me’s apps well-suited for both VPN beginners and seasoned users.

Given the broad compatibility with different platforms and the user-friendly design of its apps, we’d give Hide.me a solid 9 out of 10 in this category.

Pricing and Packages

Price is a key consideration when choosing a VPN service. After all, security shouldn’t have to break the bank. Let’s assess Hide.me’s pricing structure and the value it offers.

Overview of Prices and Packages

Hide.me offers three different pricing tiers:

• Free: This package offers limited server access and a monthly data cap, but it’s a good way to test out the service.
• Premium: Priced at $12.95 per month if billed monthly, or $8.32 per month if billed annually.
• Plus: Priced at $4.99 per month if billed monthly, or $3.82 per month if billed annually.

The Premium and Plus packages offer complete access to all of Hide.me’s servers, unlimited data transfer, and up to 10 simultaneous connections. The primary difference between them is the data transfer speed—Premium users enjoy priority speed, whereas Plus users might experience slower speeds during peak times.

Hide.me’s pricing is competitive when compared with other top-tier VPN services, especially considering the features and performance it offers.

Trial Version

Hide.me offers a free version of its service. This free VPN is quite capable with access to five server locations, 10GB of data per month, and a no-logs policy. It’s a great way to test out the service before deciding whether to upgrade to a paid plan.

Money-Back Guarantee

Hide.me stands by its service with a 30-day money-back guarantee for all its paid plans. This means you can try their Premium or Plus package risk-free and request a refund if you’re not satisfied.

This pricing structure, combined with the free trial and money-back guarantee, makes Hide.me a fairly accessible and risk-free option for those seeking a reliable VPN service.

Customer Support

Customer support is a crucial aspect of any service, and VPNs are no exception. Users need to be sure that they can get help whenever they need it. How does Hide.me perform in this area? Let’s find out.

Hide.me VPN provides a variety of channels for customer support:

• 24/7 Live Chat: Users can access round-the-clock support through the live chat feature on the Hide.me website. This is great for getting immediate help with common issues.
• Email Support: For more complex issues or queries, you can write to the support team. They typically respond within a few hours.
• Community Forum: Here, you can interact with other users and find solutions to common problems. Hide.me staff members also participate in these forums, offering professional advice and insights.
• Help & Support Center: This section of their website contains detailed guides, FAQs, and troubleshooting tips for various issues.

Support Channel	Response Time
Live Chat	Immediate
Email	Up to a few hours
Community Forum	Varies
Help & Support Center	N/A

While Hide.me offers a variety of customer support options, it’s the quality of support that truly matters. Our experience with their support was largely positive. The support staff was knowledgeable, professional, and responsive, regardless of the channel we used.

All in all, Hide.me provides robust customer support, both in terms of the channels available and the quality of service provided.

Pros and Cons

Like any VPN service, Hide.me has its pros and cons. The advantages lie in its robust security and privacy features, wide range of supported platforms, extensive server network, excellent customer support, and support for streaming and torrenting.

However, there are a few areas where Hide.me could improve. First, while the service offers great speeds, they can sometimes vary depending on the server. Also, despite having a competitive pricing structure, it could still be a bit steep for some users, especially when compared to some budget VPN providers.

Pros

• Strong Security: With advanced security features and encryption protocols, Hide.me provides top-tier security for your online activities.
• Strict No-Logs Policy: Hide.me doesn’t keep any logs of your online activities, ensuring your privacy.
• Wide Compatibility: The service supports a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and even routers.
• Global Server Network: With over 1900 servers in 75 locations, you get plenty of options for bypassing geoblocks.
• Excellent Customer Support: With 24/7 live chat, email support, a community forum, and a rich help center, you’re well-covered for any issues or queries.

Cons

• Variable Speeds: While generally offering good speeds, performance can sometimes vary depending on the server.
• Pricing: While Hide.me offers a good value for its features, the cost could still be a bit high for some users.

Pros	Cons
Strong security	Variable speeds
Strict no-logs policy	Slightly high pricing
Wide platform compatibility
Large server network
Excellent customer support

In conclusion, while Hide.me does have a couple of minor drawbacks, the positives significantly outweigh the negatives, making it a strong contender in the VPN market.

Alternatives

In a market saturated with various VPN providers, it’s essential to see how Hide.me compares to its peers. Let’s stack it up against some of the industry leaders like NordVPN, Surfshark, PureVPN, and ExpressVPN.

Hide.me vs NordVPN

NordVPN is another popular choice in the VPN market, known for its robust security features and large server network. Here’s a comparative analysis:

• Security & Privacy: Both NordVPN and Hide.me provide strong security with AES-256 encryption and support for multiple protocols. However, NordVPN offers a couple of unique features like double VPN and Onion over VPN for enhanced security.
• Server Network: NordVPN outshines Hide.me with a massive network of over 5000 servers.
• Streaming & Torrenting: Both services perform well in unblocking various streaming services and supporting P2P traffic.
• Pricing: NordVPN’s long-term plans are more affordable than Hide.me’s premium offerings.

Hide.me vs Surfshark VPN

Surfshark VPN is a relatively newer entrant in the VPN market but has quickly gained recognition. Let’s compare:

• Security & Privacy: Both Hide.me and Surfshark offer excellent security and privacy features. Like NordVPN, Surfshark also offers a double VPN feature.
• Server Network: With over 3200 servers, Surfshark has a smaller network than Hide.me.
• Streaming & Torrenting: Both VPNs are capable of unblocking various geo-restricted streaming services and support torrenting.
• Pricing: Surfshark edges out Hide.me with highly affordable pricing plans.

Hide.me vs PureVPN

PureVPN is a well-established player in the VPN market, boasting a vast server network. Here’s how it compares to Hide.me:

• Security & Privacy: Both providers offer solid security and privacy features. However, PureVPN’s past privacy issues might concern some users.
• Server Network: PureVPN has a larger network than Hide.me, with over 6500 servers.
• Streaming & Torrenting: Both services perform well in these areas.
• Pricing: PureVPN’s pricing is more affordable than Hide.me, especially for longer-term plans.

Hide.me vs ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is widely regarded as one of the top VPN providers, thanks to its speed, security, and reliability. How does Hide.me stack up against it?

• Security & Privacy: Both Hide.me and ExpressVPN offer excellent security features and a strict no-logs policy.
• Server Network: ExpressVPN has a slightly larger server network with over 3000 servers in 94 countries.
• Streaming & Torrenting: Both VPNs are capable of unblocking major streaming services and support torrenting.
• Pricing: ExpressVPN’s pricing is on the higher end, similar to Hide.me’s premium plan.

In conclusion, while each of these VPNs has its strengths, Hide.me holds its own against these top players, especially when considering its strong commitment to privacy, robust security, and excellent customer support.

Conclusion

So, is Hide.me VPN worth considering?

Absolutely. Despite facing stiff competition, Hide.me delivers a reliable and secure VPN service that ranks among the top in the industry. With a firm commitment to privacy, robust security, a wide server network, user-friendly apps, and excellent customer support, Hide.me offers a comprehensive package that caters to a variety of needs.

Whether you’re a casual user looking to access geo-blocked content or a privacy advocate seeking strong online protection, Hide.me is a strong contender. Its free plan is an excellent starting point for those who want to dip their toes into the VPN waters, while the premium offerings provide a complete VPN experience.

All said, the final decision will depend on your specific needs and budget. However, if you value privacy, security, and versatility, Hide.me VPN is a solid choice.

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