HideMyAss is a VPN service that assures its users of online privacy. It helps to encrypt your connection to the internet, keeping your data (whether sensitive or not) from I.S.P.s, spies, hackers, government bodies, and organizations. It also helps to unblock streaming services from restricted locations and to access worldwide content from all over the world.
With over 1,100 servers in 290 locations, HideMyAss VPN has a server with a high speed, making it optimal for P2P torrenting and gaming and online streaming (Netflix, Hulu, HBO max, Disney+, and more). In addition, HideMyAss is compatible with several operating systems, including Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, and browser extensions.
Although it has a history of leaking information to law enforcement, it has reviewed its privacy policy and passed through several security audits. Nevertheless, some people still frown at this occurrence, and they still see H.M.A. as untrustworthy.
HideMyAss Company Information
| Official Website: | https://www.hidemyass.com/ |
| Launched: | 2005 |
| Owner: | Avast Software S.R.O. |
| Home Location: | United Kingdom |
| Customer Service Contact: | https://support.hidemyass.com/hc/en-us/ |
| Social Media: | Facebook, Twitter, YouTube |
What Is HideMyAss?
HideMyAss is a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that helps you access the internet anonymously, with optimal privacy and security, from anywhere in the world. A VPN establishes a safe, encrypted tunnel that is visible to you and you alone. Therefore, your I.S.P., advertisers, big tech companies, organizations, and government bodies cannot spy on you or have access to your information.
This is achieved by changing your unique internet identifier (I.P. address) with another one from a different location.
A trustworthy VPN service will encrypt your data, making it impossible for anyone to access your files over the internet. Hence, your sensitive information remains private, and you aren’t at the risk of data breaches over the internet.
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Is HideMyAss Safe and Legit Or A Scam?
The use of HideMyAss is legal. It is Tenlegally established in the U.K., and the service is available worldwide; however, VPN services are not allowed in some countries.
Following a famous scandal in 2011 about leaking the information of a hacker to the F.B.I., H.M.A. has become quite an unpopular choice in the anonymity industry. HideMyAss allegedly leaked the original I.P. address (which they logged) to the F.B.I., making it easy to locate the criminal.
Although it has reviewed its privacy policy since then, HideMyAss still collects a lot of personal data. So if you are big on privacy, H.M.A. shouldn’t be top of your list.
HideMyAss collects email addresses, usernames, emails, live chats, browser, and device type. In some cases, they collect your original I.P. address, Domain names, and timestamps of requests. Then, according to them, they delete all these data at different intervals. However, given that this data is collected in the first place, you should consider other options if you really care about your privacy.
HideMyAss collects dozens of cookies, which aren’t all deleted immediately; this keeps details of your original geolocation and may expose you to State authorities. However, that’s not all; it is also clearly stated on their privacy policy that they share your data with their home company, the Avast group, as well as state authorities if need be. Therefore, it is not entirely safe, and there are more privacy-first VPNs available.
HideMyAss uses military-grade AES-256 bit encryption to protect your information from getting leaked over the internet. In truth, HideMyAss protects you from data leaks on the internet. Still, they aren’t trusted enough not to share this data with State authorities or third parties.
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How To Use HideMyAss
Setting up HideMyAss is very straightforward. All you need to do is:
- Visit the HideMyAss website.
- Click on “Get HMA VPN,” you will be redirected to the next page, where you will be given a list of offers
- Choose a preferred plan
- Proceed to the payment page and select your preferred payment option
- And download the app.
Who Should Choose HideMyAss?
HideMyAss isn’t suitable for users who prioritize privacy. It is excellent for unblocking streaming services like (B.B.C. iPlayer, Hulu, HBO Max, Netflix, and many more). Suppose you would love to torrent (especially if illegal). In that case, you shouldn’t use HideMyAss because they keep some logs, and you could land yourself in some trouble.
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The Bandwidth and Server Speed of HideMyAss
HideMyAss has a very decent coverage with 1100+ servers in 290 locations. In addition, HideMyAss is one of the fastest VPN services available. With up to 20Gsps, you can stream, game, and do anything you want on the internet without lags or buffers.
Does HideMyAss Have A Browser Extension?
Yes, a Chrome plug-in is also suitable for other web browsers like Mozilla Firefox and Microsoft Edge.
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Does HideMyAss Have An App?
HideMyAss has the best coverage in the VPN industry, as you can use it on virtually every internet-enabled device. It is compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Routers, Apple T.V., Android T.V., Browser extension, and even gaming devices like the Xbox and the Playstation. So, you can do anything in the world with almost any device, with some level of privacy.
HideMyAss Pricing, Costs, and hidden fees
HideMyAss is charged at $11.99 monthly for users who want five simultaneous connections. In comparison, it is set at $12.99 monthly for users who wish to access ten concurrent connections. However, there are several discounts on their payment page.
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Does HideMyAss Have A Return Policy Or A Money-Back Guarantee
Yes, HideMyAss provides users with a 30-day return window for unsatisfied customers. However, this doesn’t apply to users who bought the service from resellers, third parties, or physical stores. Also, you must ensure that you do not violate the Avast Acceptable Use Policy and the End User License Agreement (EULA). To know more about their return policy, kindly click here.
Are There Any Discount Codes Or Coupons Available?
There are a ton of discounts available on the HideMyAss payment page. These discounts typically apply when you want to make a longer-term purchase.
Here is a short table that shows their discount rates in 2021.
| 12-month Plan | 24-month Plan | 36-month Plan | |
| Five connections | 58% off | – | 75% off |
| Ten connections | 38% off | 36% off | 54% off |
Kindly note that the 36-month offers are Limited-Time offers and are subject to frequent changes.
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Does HideMyAss Work With Netflix, Firestick, Apple T.V., And Similar Services?
HideMyAss works well with the majority of streaming services. It unblocks U.S. Netflix, and it can access many of the popular streaming services. However, to access firestick and Apple T.V., you need to configure HideMyAss on your router first (this would be a problem if your router doesn’t support VPN services).
Does HideMyAss Have Good Customer Service?
HideMyAss has one of the best customer support systems among VPN service providers. They have a 24/7 live chat, a ticker system, F.A.Q.s, a few tutorials, as well as a working forum. Furthermore, requests are handled professionally and politely. So, customer service is one to brag about.
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Supported Countries
HideMyAss is legally bound under British rules. However, they are legally available in nearly all world countries, except restricted locations like China, Russia, Belarus, Turkey, Iraq, U.A.E., Oman, Iran, Egypt, Turkmenistan, North Korea, and Uganda.
The Pros and Cons Of HideMyAss
Pros
- Excellent customer service
- Very good streaming options
- You can use HideMyAss on a wide range of devices, including routers
Cons
- Privacy isn’t assured
- History of leaking private information
- Torrenting isn’t secure
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How To Cancel A HideMyAss Account/Subscription
To cancel your subscription from renewing automatically, please follow these steps.
- log in to your H.M.A. account
- Locate the HMA VPN control panel
- Scroll down, and select CANCEL SUBSCRIPTION
If you have purchased the service from a third party like google play or the Apple app store, you need to cancel your subscription from that store.
To delete your account totally and get out of their user database, you should contact support, who will delete the account for you.
HideMyAss Careers
There are many cybersecurity career positions available at the Avast Group. Some of these include Development Engineering, Internet and e-Commerce, Information Technology, Data Management, Marketing, Data Science, and other administrative roles. These positions are open for remote work and other physical locations in the U.S., the U.K., Czech Republic, and other European countries. Check out Avast Careers
Best HideMyAss Alternatives
HideMyAss is a VPN service that has many good qualities. Without the privacy concerns, it should be among the very best. However, if you want to access the internet without the fear of compromise, you should consider using Nord VPN, Surfshark, Express VPN, and CyberGTenFivehost
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FAQ
Does HideMyAss have a free/trial version?
Yes, you can try out the 5-connections version for seven days; however, you need to input your card details first. Remember to cancel your subscription on the 7th day to avoid being billed for a year.
Does HideMyAss support torrenting?
Yes and no. HideMyAss supports P2P torrenting; however, this is only available for downloading legally. If you download illegally, you are at risk because H.M.A. keeps some logs
Is there a monthly subscription available on HideMyAss?
Unfortunately, no. The lowest you can do is a yearly subscription, which comes with a considerable discount. However, if you don’t like the service, you can request a refund after 30 days.