HideMyAss, known also as HMA, is one of the most popular providers in the VPN industry.
HMS offerd a free solution that allows internet users to change their IP address. Not only that, but they have a paid OpenVPN Plus PPTP service with more features and options than the free version. With HideMyAss Pro VPN, you get access to all their servers online and you can switch between over 4000 IPs. That gives you more flexibility and more protection for your identity since you can change your IP address every time you connect to internet.
HideMyAss has an easy to use interface with a wide selection of servers, specially in Europe and North America. They also guarantee that if you are not entirely satisfied with the service, or feel that it does not suit your needs, you can get your money back within 30 days.
Features
HideMyAss supports OpenVPN and PPTP protocols, both of which are secure and convenient. OpenVPN provides superb security and is ideal for desktops, while PPTP is generally more practical for mobile devices. HideMyAss gets top marks for their ease of use. It’s very simple to install and set up the VPN client and users get automated regular updates.
Some of the best aspects of HideMyAss is that it is easy to switch between servers and to change your IP address while you’re online. The settings even allow you to choose the time when you wish to change your IP address.
Location and performance
HideMyAss has an extensive network of over 900 servers located in over 190 countries. The list includes: Netherlands, United States, Ireland, Canada, Czech Republic, Mexico, Finland, Japan and the United Kingdom. The large amount of servers to choose from gives users more possibilities to protect their identity and to achieve true anonymity. The fact that they support so many different locations around the world also means that users from any part of the planet will find a server that they can connect without long ping times.
Overall, the service is fast and reliable, which confirms why they are often found in the list of the top VPN providers available in the market.
You can use HideMyAss with Linux, Mac and of course, Windows. There’s also the option of using it with mobile devices such as iPad, iPhone, as well as Android tablets and phones.
Every time you get online you can get a different IP address, which is great when it comes to protecting your identity and anonymity. However, if your IP address is changed whenever you connect to internet, you may experience issues with some online banking systems and payment providers. This is mostly because they block your account for security reasons if they detect you are connecting from different IPs located in distant points of the world. That’s why, it’s better to have the option of a fixed IP to be used for online banking and online shopping.
Still, HideMyAss remains as a leading VPN provider that will suit anyone that wants to keep their identity safe.
Customer support
If you have any questions or need assistance you can contact their support team through email and live chat. The response time by email is even faster than expected and you may get the reply to your queries in just a matter of hours. We found them quite helpful and skilled, you can tell they know what they are talking about.
They also have a Discussion forum where you may find useful information shared by other users. So really, you may not even need to email them.
Conclusion
HideMyAss offers affordable prices and a solid service that is supported by a knowledgeable team, providing fast and helpful answers to your questions. Additionally, their interface is easy to use and they offer a very handy free service that can be used by anyone. However, those who are concerned about Privacy will find issues with their policies in this regard. For instance, they state that the email address, original IP address, username and VPN IP addresses are recorded. The fact that they are based in the United States also means that they are more likely to give user data to third parties if required by law.
If you are not overly concerned about their logging policies or the way your personal data may be used, they are still a good option. That being said, if the reason you’re seeking to use a VPN is total anonymity, you may be better off with a different provider.