HMA VPN Review – Solid Performance in 2025?

HMA VPN, short for Hide My Ass, isn’t just a fun name—it’s one of the most established VPNs out there, with roots going back to the UK in 2005. Over the years, it’s grown to serve millions of users worldwide, making it a big deal in the privacy space. With servers in over locations, HMA boasts one of the widest global server spreads in the VPN industry.

Why am I reviewing HMA VPN? Well, with the increasing need for online privacy and security, it's crucial to know which VPNs truly deliver on their promises. HMA VPN claims to offer robust protection, fast speeds, and easy-to-use apps. But does it live up to the excitement? That's what we're here to find out.

Here's what you'll learn in this HMA VPN review:

• How HMA VPN performs in terms of speed and security
• Its effectiveness in bypassing geo-restrictions and censorship
• The ease of installation and use across different devices
• Whether it's a good choice for streaming, gaming, and torrenting
• If HMA VPN is as trustworthy as it claims to be

Let's examine what HMA VPN has to offer!

In a Hurry? Here's a Quick Summary

If you're short on time, here's a quick overview of what I discovered for this HMA VPN review:

What You'll Like:

• Wide server coverage
• Strong encryption and security features
• User-friendly apps for various platforms
• Effective for streaming and torrenting
• IP Shuffle feature for enhanced privacy

What You May Not Like:

• Speeds could be faster
• Limited advanced customization options
• No free trial (but offers a 30-day money-back guarantee)
• Relatively high prices for short-term plans

What Makes This HMA VPN Review Different?

Many VPN reviews out there seem to just repeat information from the provider's website. That's not my style. For this HMA VPN review, I took a hands-on approach. I purchased a subscription, installed the software on multiple devices, and thoroughly tested every feature.

I used HMA VPN on my Dell XPS laptop running Windows 11, as well as on my Android smartphone. I spent over two weeks testing various aspects of the service, from its speed and security features to its ability to unblock streaming services and support P2P activities.

Throughout this review, you'll find numerous screenshots I took during my testing. These provide a clear, visual representation of my experience with HMA VPN. My goal is to give you an honest, objective look at what it's really like to use this VPN service.

So, whether you're a privacy enthusiast, a streamer, or just someone looking for a reliable VPN, I hope this review will help you decide if HMA VPN is the right choice for you. Let's get into the details!

Buying HMA VPN

When it comes to purchasing HMA VPN, you've got several options to choose from. The service offers multiple subscription lengths, each with its own pricing structure. I found this flexibility quite appealing, as it allows users to choose a plan that best fits their needs and budget.

Here's a breakdown of the available plans:

• 1 month
• 6 months
• 12 months
• 24 months
• 36 months

One thing I noticed is that the longer the subscription, the more money you save. This is pretty standard in the VPN industry, but it's worth noting if you're planning to use a VPN long-term.

Now, you might be wondering about a free trial. Unfortunately, HMA doesn't offer one. However, they do provide a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can essentially try the service risk-free for a month. If you're not satisfied, you can request a refund.

In my opinion, the 12-month plan offers a great balance between commitment and savings. It comes with a significant discount compared to the monthly option. However, if you're really sold on HMA and plan to use it for the long haul, the 36-month plan offers the biggest discount.

The buying process is uncomplicated. Here's how it went for me:

1. I chose my preferred subscription length on the HMA website.
2. This took me to a checkout page where I selected my payment method (credit/debit card or PayPal).
3. After entering my personal information, I was asked to create an account using my email address.
4. I confirmed my email address via a link they sent, and that was it!

One thing to note is that HMA doesn't offer any anonymous payment options like cryptocurrency. This might be a downside for users who prioritize complete anonymity in their transactions.

After completing my purchase, I received several emails:

• A confirmation of my checkout process
• An email to verify my address
• An activation code for the desktop app
• Installation instructions

Interestingly, I didn't receive an invoice in any of these emails. This might be something HMA could improve on for better record-keeping on the customer's end.

Overall, the buying process was effortless and user-friendly. While the lack of a free trial is a bit disappointing, the 30-day money-back guarantee provides a good safety net for those who want to test the service before committing.

Installation

Installing HMA VPN was a breeze. I downloaded the installer directly from the website's download page after creating my account during the checkout process. The whole installation took about a minute, which is pretty quick in my experience.

HMA VPN installation screen

During the installation, the only choice I had to make was selecting the language. This simplicity is great for users who might not be tech-savvy. The installer guides you through each step, making the process virtually error-proof.

One thing I appreciated was that I didn't need to create a separate account for the app. The account I made during the purchase process was all I needed to get started. This streamlined approach saves time and reduces the trouble of managing multiple login credentials.

After the installation was complete, I was prompted to enter my activation code, which I had received via email. Once I did that, I was up and running with HMA VPN.

Overall, the installation process was super easy and uncomplicated. It's clear that HMA has put effort into making their service accessible to users of all technical levels. Whether you're a VPN veteran or a complete newbie, you shouldn't have any trouble getting HMA VPN up and running on your device.

Interface

When I first launched HMA VPN, I was greeted by a clean and intuitive interface. The main screen is dominated by a large on/off button, making it immediately clear how to connect to the VPN. This simplicity is great for users who just want to get protected quickly without worrying about settings.

The main interface includes a connection button, IPs, and current location.

The interface includes several sections:

• Connection button and status: This shows whether you're connected to the VPN and which server you're using.
• Server selection: You can easily choose your preferred server location from a list or map view.
• Settings button: Here you can access various configuration options and features.

HMA offers support for 28 languages, which you can change in the general preferences. This is great for non-English speakers and shows HMA's commitment to serving a global user base.

However, I did notice a few limitations. There are no alternative themes available - you're stuck with the default blue interface. Also, the window isn't resizable, which might be inconvenient for some users, especially on smaller screens.

Overall, I found HMA's interface to be user-friendly and functional. While it might lack some advanced customization options, it provides a smooth and intuitive experience that should satisfy most users.

VPN Servers

HMA VPN boasts an impressive network of over 1100 servers spread across more than 290 locations worldwide. This extensive coverage is one of HMA's strongest selling points, providing users with a wide range of options for connecting to different parts of the globe. However, if you're looking for more servers, I recommend CyberGhost and ExpressVPN, both having thousands of servers worldwide.

The server selection interface is well-designed and easy to navigate. You can browse servers by category, search for specific locations, or use the map view to select your preferred server visually. I particularly liked how HMA organizes its servers, making it easy to find exactly what you need.

HMA VPN server selection screenThe server selection screen includes lists of servers based on continent, favorites, streaming, and P2P.

HMA offers several types of servers:

• Generic servers for general use
• P2P optimized servers for file sharing
• Streaming servers for accessing geo-restricted content

One interesting feature is the use of virtual servers. These are servers that appear to be in one country but are physically located in another. While this can help improve performance in some cases, HMA is transparent about which servers are virtual, which I appreciate.

Connecting to a server is quick and easy. The "Lightning Connect" feature automatically selects the fastest server based on your location, which is great when you just want to get online quickly.

It's worth noting that HMA is based in the Czech Republic, which is not part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. This could be seen as a positive for privacy-conscious users.

During my HMA VPN review tests, I found the server connections to be stable and reliable. I didn't experience any unexpected disconnects, and switching between servers was smooth and quick.

Overall, HMA's server network is robust and well-implemented. The wide geographic spread and variety of server types should cater to most users' needs, whether you're looking for privacy, streaming, or P2P activities.

Gaming

Using a VPN for gaming can have several advantages, such as protecting you from DDoS attacks, potentially reducing ping in some cases, and allowing you to access geo-restricted game servers. So, how does HMA VPN perform in this area?

While HMA doesn't offer specific gaming servers, I found its performance to be satisfactory for most gaming needs. I tested HMA while playing World of Warcraft and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, connecting to a server in Germany while physically located in Romania.

The experience was generally smooth. My ping values were decent, hovering around 50 ms, which is acceptable for most gaming scenarios. The connection remained stable throughout my gaming sessions, with no unexpected disconnects.

It's worth noting that while a 50 ms ping isn't ideal for highly competitive play, it's more than adequate for casual gaming. I didn't notice any significant lag or latency issues that impacted my gameplay experience.

However, if you're a professional gamer or someone who requires the absolute lowest possible ping, you might want to consider a VPN that specializes in gaming performance.

Overall, while HMA VPN might not have specific features that set it apart for gaming, it performs well enough to satisfy most casual gamers. Its stable connections and decent speeds make it a viable option for protecting your privacy while gaming online.

Torrenting

When it comes to torrenting, using a VPN can provide several benefits, including masking your IP address from peers and potentially avoiding throttling from your ISP. HMA VPN offers good support for P2P activities, making it a solid choice for torrent users.

One of HMA's standout features for torrenting is its dedicated P2P servers. These are available in multiple locations, including:

• Czechia
• France
• Germany
• Netherlands
• UK
• USA

Having specific servers optimized for P2P traffic can potentially provide better performance for torrenting activities.

To test HMA's torrenting capabilities, I downloaded several open-source software installers for Linux and other applications. I'm happy to report that the download speeds were fast, and I encountered no issues. My torrent client worked without any problems, and I was able to download from multiple sources without any blocks or restrictions.

It's important to note that while HMA supports P2P activities, they emphasize the importance of only downloading legal content. Always make sure you're using torrents responsibly and in compliance with copyright laws.

HMA's strong encryption and no-logs policy also provide an extra layer of privacy for torrent users. The kill switch feature (which HMA calls "Network Lock") is particularly useful for torrenting, as it ensures your real IP address won't be exposed if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.

Overall, I found HMA VPN to be quite capable when it comes to torrenting. The dedicated P2P servers, good speeds, and strong privacy features make it a reliable choice for users who frequently engage in P2P file sharing.

Streaming

One of the most popular uses for VPNs is accessing geo-restricted streaming content, and HMA VPN doesn't disappoint in this area. The service offers dedicated streaming servers in multiple locations, including Germany, UK, and USA.

These specialized servers are optimized to provide smooth streaming experiences and are often better at bypassing the VPN blocks that some streaming services employ. During my tests for this HMA VPN review, I focused on Netflix, as it's one of the most popular streaming platforms and also one of the trickiest when it comes to VPN usage.

Here's what I found when testing HMA's streaming capabilities:

• Netflix US: Worked perfectly. I was able to access the US library without any issues.
• Netflix UK: Also worked well. I could stream content from the UK library smoothly.
• Netflix Germany: Unfortunately, I wasn't able to access the German library. This was a bit disappointing, especially since HMA advertises having a streaming server in Germany.

While the failure to access Netflix Germany was a letdown, the success with US and UK libraries is still impressive. Many VPNs struggle to consistently unblock Netflix, so HMA's performance here is praiseworthy.

It's worth noting that streaming performance can vary over time, as streaming services are constantly updating their VPN detection methods. However, based on my experience, HMA seems to be putting effort into maintaining access to popular streaming platforms.

The speeds I experienced while streaming were generally good. I was able to stream in HD without buffering issues, which is crucial for a satisfying viewing experience.

Overall, while not perfect, HMA VPN performs well for streaming. Its ability to unblock major Netflix libraries makes it a solid choice for users looking to access geo-restricted content. Just keep in mind that results may vary, especially with smaller or regional streaming services.

HMA VPN Speed and Performance

When it comes to VPNs, speed is a crucial factor. A VPN that significantly slows down your internet connection can be frustrating to use, no matter how secure it is. So, how does HMA VPN perform in this area?

For my HMA VPN review tests, I used a Dell XPS laptop with an Intel i7-1065G7 CPU @ 1.30GHz and 16 GB of RAM running on Windows 11. My network configuration is Wi-Fi 5 protocol with a theoretical speed of 866 MBps.

My general remarks on speed and performance across different servers and during different times of day is that the VPN is stable and pretty consistent regarding speed.

To test the speed of the VPN servers, I used Ookla's Speedtest. Here are the results:

• No VPN (Romania): 455 Mbps download, 489 Mbps upload, and 15 ms latency
• New York: 252 download, 292 Mbps upload, and 123 ms latency
• Dallas, TX: 232 Mbps download, 3 Mbps upload, and 165 ms latency
• Seattle, WA: 274 Mbps download, 331 Mbps upload, and 192 ms latency
• Germany: 189 Mbps download, 200 Mbps upload, and 70 ms latency
• France: 107 Mbps download, 22 Mbps upload, and 42 ms latency
• Spain: 338 Mbps download, 331 Mbps upload, and 78 ms latency
• Italy: 211 Mbps download, 81 Mbps upload, and 56 ms latency
• UK: 327 Mbps download, 139 Mbps upload, and 62 ms latency
• Brazil: 70 Mbps download, 69 Mbps upload, and 258 ms latency
• India: 204 Mbps download, 189 Mbps upload, and 255 ms latency

Speed test results for the Dallas server.

Overall, these results are decent, though not outstanding. The speeds are generally good enough for most online activities, including streaming and downloading. However, there's a noticeable drop in speed compared to the baseline, especially for more distant servers.

It's worth noting that HMA VPN also offers an integrated speed test feature. This tool allows you to check the speed and delay of different servers directly within the app.

The integrated speed test feature lets you see the ping and download speed of servers.

The integrated speed test is a handy feature that can help you quickly find the fastest server for your location. However, I found that the speeds reported by this tool were slightly lower than what I got with Speedtest.net. This difference isn't unusual, as different testing methods can yield varying results.

In conclusion, while HMA VPN's speeds aren't the fastest I've seen, they're reliable and consistent. The performance should be more than adequate for most users' needs, whether you're browsing, streaming, or downloading.

VPN Privacy Features

Now, we’ll concentrate on the VPN’s privacy credentials. Let’s examine how well it encrypts data, the safety of its connection protocols, and the authenticity of its no-logs promise. 

VPN Protocols and Encryption

HMA VPN offers a variety of VPN protocols to balance security and speed.

In the protocol selection screen, you can choose your preferred protocol or choose the automatic option.

Each protocol has its advantages and disadvantages:

• OpenVPN: This is generally considered the gold standard for VPN protocols. It offers a great balance of security and speed.
• IKEv2: This protocol is known for its ability to quickly re-establish a connection if it's temporarily lost, making it ideal for mobile devices.
• L2TP/IPsec: While not as secure as OpenVPN, it can be a good choice when OpenVPN isn't available.
• PPTP: This is an older protocol that's fast but not very secure. It's only recommended if security isn't a concern and you need the fastest possible speeds.
• Mimic: This is HMA's proprietary protocol, designed to bypass VPN restrictions. It's a standout feature that sets HMA apart from many competitors.

HMA uses AES-256 encryption, which is the industry standard and considered virtually unbreakable with current technology.

I appreciate that HMA gives users the flexibility to choose their preferred protocol. The inclusion of the Mimic protocol is particularly interesting, as it could be useful in countries where VPN use is restricted.

No-Logs Policy and Transparency

HMA VPN has made significant strides in improving its privacy policy over the years. In 2020, they introduced a no-log policy for their VPN service. Under this policy, HMA doesn't log:

• Your original IP address
• DNS queries
• Online activity
• Amount of data transferred
• VPN connection timestamps

To back up their claims, HMA had their no-logging policy independently audited by cybersecurity firm VerSprite. The audit resulted in a low risk user privacy impact rating, which is a positive sign for privacy-conscious users.

This commitment to transparency sets HMA apart from many VPN providers. The fact that they've undergone an independent audit adds credibility to their privacy claims.

However, it's worth noting that the audit was conducted in 2020. In the fast-moving world of online privacy, a more recent audit would provide even greater confidence.

Kill Switch

HMA VPN includes a kill switch feature. This is an essential privacy feature that blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops, preventing your real IP address from being exposed.

You can add applications in the Kill Switch feature. 

HMA's implementation of the kill switch is particularly robust, offering both system-level and application-level protection:

• System-Level Kill Switch: This shuts down the entire internet connection on your device if the VPN connection drops.
• Application-Level Kill Switch: This allows you to specify which apps should have their internet access blocked if the VPN disconnects. You can also set certain apps to only run when the VPN is connected.

You can configure these settings in the app under Preferences > Privacy. During my HMA VPN review tests, both types of kill switch worked as expected, providing an extra layer of security.

The flexibility to choose between system-wide and app-specific protection is a nice touch, allowing users to tailor the kill switch to their specific needs.

DNS and IP Leak Protection

DNS and IP leaks can undermine the privacy protection provided by a VPN, so it's crucial that a VPN service includes robust leak protection. HMA VPN includes built-in protection against IPv4, IPv6, and DNS leaks.

HMA uses its own no-log DNS servers to handle all your DNS requests. This not only keeps your browsing private and encrypted but also protects you from malware and phishing sites. I also recommend using a more sophisticated antimalware program like Norton and Bitdefender. These solutions can keep complex web threats at bay.

One unique feature that sets HMA apart is the IP Shuffle feature. This periodically randomizes your IP address, making it harder for others to track your location. You can enable this feature from Preferences > Privacy > IP Shuffle, and set the frequency to suit your needs.

The IP Shuffle will periodically randomize IP address and you can choose the frequency.

To verify HMA's leak protection, I conducted several tests:

• IP Leak Tests: HMA passed tests on ipleak.net and perfect-privacy.com
• DNS Leak Test: HMA also passed the test on dnsleaktest.com

These results suggest that HMA's leak protection is effective, providing users with a good level of privacy protection.

Wi-Fi Protection

Public Wi-Fi networks are infamous for their security risks, making VPN protection particularly important when using them. HMA VPN offers several features to enhance your security on Wi-Fi networks.

One interesting feature is the ability to exclude private networks from automatic VPN connection. You can set this up in Preferences > Connection. This means the VPN won't automatically turn on when you connect to networks you trust, like your home network.

In the connection settings, you can choose the private networks to exclude.

HMA also allows you to set networks as private or public:

• Private: For networks that only you or people you trust can access. Your PC can be discovered by printers and other devices on these networks.
• Public: For networks anyone can access, like airport or cafe Wi-Fi. Your PC will be hidden from other devices on these networks, and HMA VPN will turn on automatically.

This level of control over how the VPN behaves on different networks is a nice touch, allowing you to balance convenience and security according to your needs.

Device Compatibility

HMA VPN offers broad device compatibility, covering most major platforms and devices. You can use HMA to protect:

• PCs (Windows)
• Macs
• Android devices
• iOS devices
• Android TV

HMA offers apps for all these platforms, making it easy to set up and use the VPN on your preferred devices.

One thing to note is that HMA offers two types of subscriptions based on the number of simultaneous connections:

• 5 simultaneous connections
• 10 simultaneous connections

The 10-connection plan costs more but could be worth it for households with many devices or for small businesses.

While HMA's device coverage is good, there are a few limitations to be aware of:

• No browser extensions: Unlike some competitors, HMA doesn't offer browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, or other browsers.
• Limited router support: While you can set up HMA on some routers, the process isn't as straightforward as with some other VPN services.

Despite these minor drawbacks, HMA's device compatibility should be sufficient for most users' needs.

HMA VPN Review: Conclusion and Recommendations

After thoroughly testing HMA VPN, I can say it's a solid VPN service with some standout features, though it's not without its limitations.

Here are my key takeaways for this HMA VPN review:

• Server Network: With over 1100 servers in 290+ locations, HMA offers excellent global coverage.
• Streaming and P2P: Dedicated streaming and P2P servers work well, successfully unblocking popular services like Netflix US and UK.
• Speed: While not the fastest VPN I've tested, HMA offers decent speeds averaging about 250 Mbps for US servers.
• Security: Strong encryption and a variety of protocols, including their proprietary Mimic protocol, provide robust security.
• Privacy: A no-logs policy audited in 2020 and effective leak protection inspire confidence.
• User-Friendly: The app is intuitive and easy to use across various platforms.

However, there are some areas where HMA could improve:

• Speed: While adequate, speeds could be faster to compete with top-tier VPNs.
• Advanced Features: Split tunneling is only available on Android.
• Browser Extensions: The lack of browser extensions might be a drawback for some users.
• Recent Audit: A more recent independent audit would provide greater assurance of their privacy practices.

Based on my experience, here are some recommendations for using HMA VPN:

1. Take advantage of the dedicated servers: Use the streaming and P2P optimized servers for these specific activities.
2. Experiment with protocols: Try different protocols to find the best balance of speed and security for your needs.
3. Use the IP Shuffle feature: This can provide an extra layer of privacy, especially for more sensitive online activities.
4. Configure the kill switch: Set up both system-level and app-level kill switches for maximum protection against accidental data exposure.

Overall, HMA VPN is a reliable choice for most VPN users. It's particularly well-suited for those who prioritize ease of use and global server coverage. While it may not be the fastest or most feature-rich VPN on the market, it offers a good balance of security, privacy, and performance that should satisfy most users' needs.

Thinking about other solutions besides this antivirus? PIA and NordVPN are top VPN choices. Check out our recommended VPNs for 2025.

FAQs

1. Is HMA VPN safe to use? Yes, HMA VPN is safe to use. It employs strong AES-256 encryption, offers various secure protocols including their proprietary Mimic protocol, and has a no-logs policy that has been independently audited.
2. Can HMA VPN unblock Netflix? Yes, HMA VPN can unblock Netflix. In my tests, it successfully unblocked Netflix US and UK libraries, though it had difficulty with some other regions.
3. Does HMA VPN allow torrenting? Yes, HMA VPN allows torrenting and even offers dedicated P2P servers in several locations for optimal performance.
4. How many devices can I use with HMA VPN? It offers plans for either 5 or 10 simultaneous connections, depending on which subscription you choose.
5. Is there a free trial for HMA VPN? HMA VPN doesn't offer a free trial, but they do provide a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try the service risk-free for a month.

Octav Fedor (Cybersecurity Editor)

Octav is a cybersecurity researcher and writer at AntivirusGuide. When he’s not publishing his honest opinions about security software online, he likes to learn about programming, watch astronomy documentaries, and participate in general knowledge competitions.