Index
HideMyAss, the service with the largest network on the market, has a great interface and a decent price. A few years ago Avast bought this VPN so it now belongs to their service network. Here are some of the alternatives to HideMyAss that you can find on the market.
HideMyAss has been making incremental improvements for a long time, slowly climbing its way up to the best VPN rankings. The current version of the client has a clean look and an impressive array of features.
The VPN uses the gold standard OpenVPN protocol with AES-256, the strongest encryption on the market. HideMyAss’s no-logs privacy policy is impressive too, but the VPN provider’s UK jurisdiction and prior cooperation with law enforcement means your data is not as secure as it would be with more private VPN providers.
What is HideMyAss?
HideMyAss (HMA) offers access to a huge network of more than 1,100 servers in more than 290 locations around the world. This covers almost every country on the planet, making it a great option for accessing geo-blocked or censored content.
With dedicated servers for streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer, fast speeds, and unlimited bandwidth, HideMyAss is also a great VPN for streamers who want to unblock content from around the world.
HideMyAss is now a true log-free VPN provider, finally eliminating the logging policy that was once its main drawback.
This means that HMA does not collect or “log” any data that can be used to identify you in your online activities. Your activity will remain private to you and hidden from HideMyAss.
This VPN encrypts all user data using AES-256, which is the standard we’ve come to inspect for VPNs. HideMyAss is an excellent VPN for unblocking streaming content. Constantly unblock geo-restrictions on services including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video.
Why look for an Alternative to HideMyAss?
Although this is a very comprehensive VPN, there are some features of HideMyAss that might not be ideal for all users. For example the fact that it is in the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom.
It is already known that on previous occasions this VPN delivered user information to the government thanks to the alliance of 5.9 and 14 Eyes, so if you are looking for maximum security and total anonymity you should look for other options. In addition to this, it offers encryption and limited security on Apple products.
Here are some of the best options in case you want HideMyAss alternatives as well as some important facts about HMA in general.
1. CyberGhost
The first of the HideMyAss Alternatives that we want to show you is a VPN that has been recognized for its security efficiency. CyberGhost is a commercial virtual private network (VPN) currently owned by Kape Technologies, a technology company listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Allows you to route your entire Internet traffic through the network so that you can mask your destinations, locations and other characteristics that appear with your Internet connection.
It is one of the fastest growing VPNs in the industry, with a strong focus on server selection, value pricing, and usability.
It offers a network of more than 5,800 servers in more than 89 countries, across a variety of devices including Android, iPhone, Mac, and desktop. They allow up to 7 device connections with a limited anonymous logging policy.
CyberGhost features 256- bit AES encryption, with a 2048-bit RSA key and MD5 for HMAC authentication. Use perfect forward secrecy as an additional security measure. The tool randomly generates a new private key each time you log in to further protect your online history if your connection is compromised in any way.
CyberGhost Advantages
Unique security features. For a VPN service provider, this company offers an impressive number of “extras” when it comes to security.
- Strong choice of protocols and encryption: It supports almost all major protocols and offers different levels of encryption up to 256 bits.
- Multiplatform support: CyberGhost supports up to 7 devices per account.
- Good for Streaming: ExpressVPN even allows access to Netflix blocks
Disadvantages of CyberGhost
- Price: Expensive for month-to-month users.
- Limited payment options: CyberGhost only accepts credit cards, PayPal or BitPay
- Transparency problems: This VPN makes use of scripts like Hotjar (which is a session recording script)
2. TorGuard
TorGuard is a Nevis, West Indies based VPN service provider with over 3,000 servers in 68 locations in 55 countries, OpenVPN / OpenConnect / WireGuard protocol support with multiple stealth options to bypass VPN blocking, apps customized for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, and setup instructions for Linux, routers, and more.
One of TorGuard’s strengths is flexibility, which comes at a cost of accessibility. Essential elements are taken into account, including a kill switch, options to automatically start at startup, and to automatically connect when started.
In addition to the essentials, you are also given multiple customisation options, including the ability to change your encryption, add custom scripts, and set up a stealth proxy. This is why it is one of the good alternatives to HideMyAss.
TorGuard has some useful additions, including removing apps. In the settings, you can specify certain applications that will comply with the kill switch, which means that they will be cancelled if the connection to the remote server is lost.
TorGuard does not have a split tunnel feature but it has many security options, but that does not make it inherently more secure. That said, it is in line with the rest of the market. Out of the box, it uses OpenVPN, with TCP as the transport protocol and AES-256-GCM as the default encryption.
Advantages of TorGuard
TorGuard has what it calls “stealth mode” (the actual function in the Windows client is called “sTunnel”)
- Availability and security: The company offers security through OpenVPN, which in turn supports many types of encryption.
- Deployable on all major platforms: TorGuard offers applications for mobile and desktop platforms, deplorable on Microsoft, Apple and Linux devices.
- Decent speeds: The streaming and download speeds are pretty decent.
- Decent prices: TorGuard is relatively inexpensive in terms of performance and range of features
Disadvantages of TorGuard
- Outdated looking interface: This may not be very important but the appearance can certainly complicate those who are not experts.
- It may require some technical knowledge: If you’re new to VPNs and basic networking and security, TorGuard may seem a bit overwhelming at first.
3. SurfEasy
SurfEasy is very popular with the VPN community. It is popular all over the world as it offers some unique features, strong encryption, and a brilliant interface that enables a safe browsing experience.
Despite all these great aspects, SurfEasy is based in Canada, a country of the 9, 5 and 14 Eyes Alliance, which means that government agencies can access whatever records they maintain.
SurfEasy has tackled this major drawback very well by implementing a strict no-logs policy. Only the information they retain is related to bandwidth, allowing the Internet environment to be almost completely private.
It implements impressive bank-grade encryption and relies on OpenVPN as the default protocol for funneling Internet traffic, although PPTP is also supported.
The standout feature of this VPN is the private browsing USB key, allowing you to connect via a simple USB drive instead of downloading the application on your system.
SurEasy Advantages
- Protection against torrents. SurfEasy allows you to download torrents on its Ultra plan. The “Starter” and “Total” plans have a feature that checks if torrent applications are active.
- No IP leaks. SurfEasy’s security tests showed that this VPN reliably protects the personal information of its users.
- No records. Due to Symantec’s reputation, we can trust SurfEasy because they do not keep logs of user activity on VPN servers.
- Renowned company. The fact that SurfEasy VPN is supported by such a large and reputable company as Symantec says that at least this VPN is safe to use.
Disadvantages of SurfEasy
- Lack of options. It does not have any technical configuration on any of its platforms. The only thing you can do is choose a country and turn the VPN on and off.
- No Kill Switch. There can never be a 100% guarantee that your connection to a VPN will not be interrupted. And if it does, the actual IP being leaked can cause problems.
- Choice of locations. SurfEasy offers around 500 servers in 28 countries. However, only 16 of them are available in the free plan and the “Total” plan.
4. – Windscribe
Windscribe doesn’t just work as a VPN; this is a desktop app as well as a browser extension. Both functions work together to maintain your privacy online, in addition to unblocking websites.
This VPN started working in July 2015, however, in the last two years Windscribe has positioned itself as one of the most acclaimed VPNs on the market. This is why it is one of the best alternatives to HideMyAss.
Windscribe has many versions that allow you to work on different platforms. It can be downloaded for your PC, Mac or Linux computer and works in Chrome, Opera and Firefox browsers. It also works on the router and can be used on iPhone or Android phones.
The protocols it offers are OpenVPN, IKEv2 and SOCKS with AES-256 encryption. Windscribe does a good job of protecting privacy, as well as providing other security tools. They do not store any permanent access logs or use anything to monitor their users making it a very secure VPN.
Windscribe Advantages
- Strong security and encryption standards. This VPN is very secure because it does not store any type of information.
- Compatible with many devices. Windscribe can be used on many devices so it is a good option in general.
- Reasonable price. Compared to other VPNs, Windscribe’s prices are quite good.
- It has an excellent free version. If you want to test their system without paying, this VPN offers a free version better than many competitors
Disadvantages of Windscribe
Speed problems. Depending on what you want to do using this VPN, you may have problems with low download and upload speeds.
- Number of servers. Compared to other VPNs the number of Windscribe servers can be somewhere in between
- Customer Support. It does not offer live chat or telephone support to its customers.
5.- TunnelBear
TunnelBear is a simple VPN (virtual private network) that gives you secure access to the Internet. Protect online activities from your ISP, hackers and anyone who may be spying on your movements.
TunnelBear protects you even when using a public Wi-Fi network, as it also protects public and unsecured networks. You can enjoy your online activities with peace of mind and confidence, since TunnelBear does not keep any record of your movements to give you complete privacy.
This VPN ensures that employers, government agencies, ISPs, hackers, and other third parties are not snooping on your network or computer. The best part is that the software is always on with no downtime, so your online privacy is protected 24/7/365.
TunnelBear Advantages
- Zero registration: TunnelBear doesn’t save your online activities, which other VPNs do as a mandatory feature.
- Multiple devices: The VPN works with Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android. It also has add-ons for Chrome and Opera.
- Wide network: TunnelBear uses around 900 servers in more than 20 countries
- Easy to use: It just shows you what you need to see: where you are, the tunnel you are using, and where you appear to be navigating from.
TunnelBear Disadvantages
- Speed: Download speeds are not stable and can vary significantly between users and regions.
- Without Netflix: Unfortunately TunnelBear can’t handle Netflix’s locks.
- Router installation: TunnelBear does not support installing your VPN software directly on your router.
6.- VPNBook
VPNBook is one of the most demanded in the tech market for free VPNs in multiple languages. It is an extremely simple program to download and easy to understand. This VPN, being free, is quite attractive for those looking for a good service without spending money.
This VPN handles high speed and a good number of available countries. This guarantees a good browsing experience and content unlocking. Although it is a completely free service, it does offer some great additional features for a small price.
VPNBook offers a free contract type and a paid contract type with more services. It contains a 128-bit AES encryption with which you can connect through OpenVPN where a totally secure connection to the servers is established.
It also offers PPTP, thus providing its own proxy services without bandwidth limitations. VPNBook has an open donation option to support the team as an incentive.
Advantages of VPNBook
- It’s free: VPNBook offers an excellent free VPN service although it also has paid plans.
- It is compatible with OpenVPN: This VPN works with the OpenVPN protocol, standard for other VPNs.
- It has AES 256-bit encryption: This is the most secure encryption out there at the moment.
- Easy to install: Unlike other HideMyAss alternatives, VPNBook is very easy to install and use.
Disadvantages of VPNBook
- Slightly lower speed than a paid VPN: When working with the free version the speeds can be a bit slow.
- Display advertisements during service: This is another disadvantage of the free service, the presence of advertising.
How to uninstall HideMyAss?
If you decide to uninstall HideMyAss from your device, what you should do is the following:
- Uninstall from Windows
- Go to Settings -> Applications.
- Select Apps & Features from the menu on the left.
- Select HideMyAss and click on it.
- Click Uninstall and confirm by clicking a pop-up window.
After uninstalling the app, you can also remove the VPN connection:
- Go to Settings -> Network and Internet.
- Click Change adapter options.
- Right click on your VPN connection.
- Select Delete.
We also recommend removing old TAP drivers. These are used by VPN services to connect to servers and can remain on your computer even after uninstalling a VPN application.
- Go to Control Panel -> Device Manager.
- Expand the Network Adapters section.
- Right click on the above controller.
- Select Uninstall and then confirm it.
Remove HideMyAss on Mac
- Exit HideMyAss VPN 3.2b and its related processes if they are still running.
- Launch Finder on your Mac and click Applications in the Finder sidebar.
- Find HideMyAss VPN 3.2b in the / Applications folder, then drag its icon to the
- Apeller located at the end of the Dock and drop it there. Also, you can right click / click on the HideMyAss VPN 3.2b icon and then choose Move to Trash option from the submenu.
- If prompted, enter the administrator password and press OK to allow the change.
- Choose Finder> Empty Trash from the menu bar. Or right-click the Trash icon, choose Empty Trash and Empty Trash again in the pop-up dialog.
- Furthermore, you can also remove the application from the Launchpad interface. During the process, you may be asked to enter an administrator password for the removal to take effect.
- Keep in mind that the moment you empty the Trash, the application will be permanently removed from your Mac. This act is irrevocable so you must do it with caution.
Conclusion
HideMyAss has become one of the most recognized VPNs of the moment because it offers very good security options; however, it may not be the ideal VPN for you so it would be a good option for you to review some of the other alternatives to HideMyAss that we have presented.
TunnelBear has more than 20 servers located around the world. This ensures that you have unrestricted access to your favorite content anywhere. Definitely a good option among the alternatives to HideMyAss.