hide.me - Detailed Review
Privacy Tools
hide.me - Product Overview
### Introduction to hide.me hide.me is a privacy-focused VPN service that has been a trusted name in the industry since its founding in 2011. Here’s a brief overview of its primary function, target audience, and key features. ### Primary Function hide.me’s primary function is to provide users with a secure, encrypted internet connection, protecting their privacy and data from prying eyes. It achieves this by masking users’ real IP addresses and encrypting their internet traffic, ensuring safe browsing even on public WiFi networks. ### Target Audience hide.me caters to a wide range of users, including individuals, businesses, and resellers. Its audience is predominantly interested in computers, electronics, and technology, with a significant portion being males aged 25-34. ### Key Features #### Security – **Encryption**: hide.me uses 256-bit AES encryption, along with 4096- and 8192-bit RSA keys, which are significantly stronger than the industry standard. It also employs Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS) to generate new encryption keys for each session. – **Leak Protection**: hide.me ensures no DNS, IPv4, IPv6, or WebRTC leaks, protecting users’ sessions from data leaks. – **Advanced Kill Switch**: Available on Windows and macOS, this feature acts like a firewall to block all traffic outside the VPN connection, preventing accidental leaks during connection drops. #### Privacy – **No-Logs Policy**: hide.me adheres to a strict zero-logs policy, backed by annual audits. It does not store identifiable information such as browsing habits or IP addresses. Users can even remove their email addresses from their accounts for added privacy. – **Independent Audits**: hide.me has passed independent audits, confirming its commitment to transparency and no-logs policy. #### Additional Features – **SmartGuard**: An integrated ad blocker that shields users from ads, malware, and trackers. It also includes SafeSearch and parental controls. – **Stealth Guard**: This feature allows users to block specific apps from accessing the internet unless connected to the VPN. – **MultiHop**: Available with premium subscriptions, this feature reroutes traffic through multiple servers for double-layered security. – **Split Tunneling**: Allows users to select specific apps to use VPN traffic, available on Windows, Android, macOS, and routers. #### Server and Performance – **Self-Owned Servers**: hide.me operates its own servers in over 90 locations, ensuring high-quality and secure connections. – **High-Speed Connections**: hide.me is known for its fast VPN service, making it suitable for streaming and other high-bandwidth activities. ### Conclusion hide.me is a reliable VPN service that prioritizes user privacy and security. With its strong encryption protocols, leak protection, and no-logs policy, it offers a secure browsing experience. Its additional features like SmartGuard, Stealth Guard, and MultiHop further enhance user protection. Whether you’re an individual or a business, hide.me provides a comprehensive solution for your online privacy needs.
hide.me - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
The user interface of hide.me VPN is designed with a strong focus on ease of use and user-friendly features, making it accessible to a wide range of users.Customisable Dashboard
One of the standout features is the customisable widget dashboard. This allows users to personalize their experience by adding, removing, or rearranging widgets according to their preferences. Available widgets include Quick Connect, My IP Address, My Account, Streaming Locations, Favourite Locations, and a single-location tile. This flexibility ensures that each user can set up the dashboard to suit their specific needs.Intuitive Design
The graphical user interface (GUI) of hide.me VPN is highly user-friendly. The app features a sleek and modern design that makes it easy for users to find and use the various functions. For instance, the Quick Connect option allows users to connect to a preferred server with just one click, and the server list can be sorted by ping or country name for quicker selection.Dark Mode
To enhance user comfort, hide.me has introduced a dark mode that can be easily toggled from the top bar. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who prefer a darker theme to reduce eye strain.Advanced Features
The app includes several advanced features that enhance the user experience. Users can mark favorite servers for easy access, and the app provides a list of streaming servers, which is handy for bypassing geo-restrictions on streaming services like Netflix US.Feedback and Support
hide.me encourages user feedback and provides a 24/7 support team available via email or live chat. This ensures that any issues or questions users have can be quickly addressed, contributing to a positive overall experience.Ease of Use
The ease of use is a significant aspect of hide.me VPN. The app is straightforward to set up and use, even for those who are not tech-savvy. The intuitive interface and clear menus make it simple to connect to servers, manage account settings, and access various features without any confusion.Conclusion
In summary, hide.me VPN offers a user interface that is both intuitive and customizable, ensuring a positive and engaging user experience. The app’s design and features are geared towards making VPN usage as simple and convenient as possible. hide.me - Key Features and Functionality
Hide.me VPN Overview
Hide.me VPN offers a range of features that enhance privacy, security, and user experience, although it does not heavily integrate AI into its core functions based on the available information. Here are the key features and how they work:Auto-Connect and Launch on Startup
Hide.me allows you to set the VPN to launch automatically when you log in to your device and connect to the VPN when your device boots up. This feature ensures that your VPN is always active, providing continuous protection.Kill Switch and Stealth Guard
The kill switch is a standard feature that cuts off your internet connection if the VPN connection drops, preventing any data from being transmitted without VPN protection. Stealth Guard is an advanced version of the kill switch that combines elements of split tunneling. It allows you to select specific apps that will be shut off if the VPN connection is disrupted, ensuring that sensitive activities like torrenting are completely secured.Split Tunneling
This feature lets you choose which apps run through the VPN and which do not. Hide.me offers both a blocklist (preventing named apps from using the VPN) and an allowlist (only allowing named apps to run through the VPN), providing flexibility in managing your internet traffic.Multi-Protocol Support
Hide.me supports multiple VPN protocols, including IKEv2, IPsec, OpenVPN, SoftEtherVPN, WireGuard, and SSTP. Each protocol offers different benefits such as stability, flexibility, or speed. Most protocols use AES 256-bit encryption, while WireGuard uses ChaCha20 encryption for faster connections.SmartGuard (Ad Blocker)
SmartGuard is an ad blocker feature that removes ads, trackers, and protects against malware. It is highly customizable, allowing you to choose what to block. While it is not perfect, it effectively blocks various types of ads and is available on all Hide.me VPN apps except browser extensions.Encryption
Hide.me uses industry-standard encryption methods. For most protocols, it employs AES 256-bit encryption, and for WireGuard, it uses ChaCha20 encryption. This ensures that user data remains secure and unreadable to unauthorized users.Global Server Network
Hide.me offers a global server network, though the free version is limited to eight servers. The premium version provides access to a much larger network, enhancing performance and connectivity options.User Interface and Customer Support
The VPN has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to manage settings like auto-connect, split tunneling, and Stealth Guard. Additionally, Hide.me provides customer support to help users with any issues they might encounter.AI Integration
There is no clear indication from the available sources that Hide.me VPN integrates AI into its core functions. The features mentioned are based on traditional VPN technologies and do not involve AI-driven tools or algorithms. If you are looking for AI-specific privacy tools, you might need to consider other products that specialize in AI data visibility, AI firewalls, or sensitive data discovery and classification. hide.me - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
hide.me generally performs well in terms of speed, which is a crucial aspect for VPN users. Here are some highlights:
- In speed tests, hide.me showed a minimal impact on internet speeds. On average, it decreased download speeds by about 18%, although there was a significant variation in one test where the speed dropped by 56%.
- Peak speeds using OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols have been reported to be around 880 Mbps, which is significantly faster than many competitors.
- The VPN’s proprietary Bolt technology enhances OpenVPN connections, contributing to its high performance.
Security and Accuracy
hide.me is known for its strong security features:
- The VPN uses secure protocols such as OpenVPN, WireGuard, and SoftEther (though SoftEther is less secure and only available on Windows apps).
- hide.me does not leak any DNS or WebRTC data, and its kill switch works perfectly across all devices. However, the kill switch must be manually toggled on.
- hide.me manages its own DNS servers, which retain no information about users and handle DNS requests securely.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
Despite its strong performance and security, there are some areas where hide.me could improve:
- Server Quantity: hide.me only offers physical servers, which, although providing better speeds and consistency, are fewer in number compared to other VPNs that also offer virtual servers.
- Free Version Limitations: The free version of hide.me has limited server locations (7 locations), slow speeds, and no access to streaming services. It also no longer permits P2P activity.
- SmartGuard Ad & Tracker Blocker: hide.me’s recent ad and tracker blocker, SmartGuard, has been found to be ineffective and sometimes causes internet connectivity issues.
Customer Support
hide.me offers excellent customer support, including 24/7 live chat, a comprehensive knowledge base, and community forums. However, some users have reported that the support agents can be blunt and sometimes unhelpful.
Conclusion
In summary, hide.me VPN performs well in terms of speed and security, making it a reliable choice for users. However, it has some limitations, particularly with its free version and the effectiveness of its ad blocker. The need for manual activation of the kill switch and the limited number of servers are also areas that could be improved.
hide.me - Pricing and Plans
Pricing Structure and Plans of hide.me VPN
Premium Plans
hide.me VPN offers several premium subscription plans that vary in duration and price:
- Monthly Plan: This plan is priced at $9.95 per month, which is below the industry average of around $12 per month.
- Six-Month Plan: This plan costs $39.95, which works out to $6.65 per month.
- 17-Month Plan: This is the most cost-effective option, priced at $49 for 17 months, translating to $2.88 per month. This plan often includes an additional five months free, making it a 17-month subscription for the price of 12 months.
Free Plan
hide.me VPN also offers a free version that is quite generous compared to other free VPN services:
- Unlimited Data: The free plan comes with unlimited data, a rare feature among free VPNs.
- Limited Servers: The free version allows access to only eight server locations: Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom, United States (East), United States (West), and Singapore. Users cannot choose their server; instead, the VPN automatically connects to the server closest to their location.
- Single Connection: The free plan supports only one simultaneous connection.
- Security Features: Despite being free, this plan includes the same security protocols and encryption as the premium version, ensuring your IP address is hidden and your data is fully encrypted.
Key Features Across Plans
- Security Protocols: Both free and premium plans use advanced security protocols and encryption to protect your data.
- Server Selection: Premium plans offer access to over 2,300 servers across 85 locations, while the free plan is limited to eight locations.
- Multi-Device Support: Premium plans support up to 10 simultaneous connections, whereas the free plan supports only one connection.
- Additional Features: Premium users can enjoy features like Multihop Double VPN, Auto Server Selection, IP Leak Protection, and more advanced configuration options.
Money-Back Guarantee
All premium plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the service risk-free.
In summary, hide.me VPN provides a range of affordable premium plans and a generous free option, making it a viable choice for both budget-conscious users and those needing more extensive features.
hide.me - Integration and Compatibility
Integration and Compatibility of hide.me
When considering the integration and compatibility of hide.me, it’s clear that this VPN service is designed to be versatile and user-friendly across a wide range of platforms and devices.Platform Compatibility
hide.me supports a broad spectrum of operating systems and devices. Here are some of the key platforms:- Windows: hide.me has a dedicated application for Windows, ensuring seamless integration and intuitive navigation.
- macOS: The service is compatible with macOS, making it accessible for users of MacBooks, iMacs, and Mac minis.
- iOS and iPad: hide.me offers an app for iPhone and iPad, allowing users to secure their online activities on these devices.
- Android: The service is also available on Android smartphones and tablets, providing a secure mobile VPN experience.
- Linux: hide.me supports various Linux distributions, catering to the needs of Linux users.
Device Compatibility
Beyond operating systems, hide.me extends its support to several types of devices:- Routers: It is compatible with routers such as AsusWRT-Merlin, AsusWRT, DD-WRT, OpenWrt, Tomato, and pfSense.
- Media Boxes: hide.me works with Amazon Fire OS, LibreELEC, and OpenELEC (Kodi).
- Network Attached Storage (NAS): It supports Synology DSM 6.0 and QNAP QTS 4.3 .
Browser Extensions
For users who prefer browser-based solutions, hide.me offers free VPN proxy extensions for Chrome and Firefox. These extensions are easy to install and require no registration or email. They mask your public IP address and ensure WebRTC leak protection, although they do not offer encryption and are recommended as a companion to the full VPN apps.Server and Protocol Compatibility
hide.me’s servers support a variety of popular protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 IPsec, SoftEther, and SSTP. This ensures that users can choose the protocol that best suits their needs and ensures a secure connection.Setup and Integration
The setup process for hide.me is straightforward. Users can download the appropriate application or configuration files from the hide.me website and follow the step-by-step instructions for installation and configuration. This makes it accessible for both novice and experienced users.Conclusion
In summary, hide.me is highly compatible across various platforms and devices, offering a seamless VPN experience that integrates well with different operating systems, devices, and even browser extensions. This versatility ensures that users can maintain their online security and privacy regardless of the device they use. hide.me - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support Options
When using hide.me VPN, you have several customer support options and additional resources available to help you resolve issues and enhance your experience.Submitting a Support Request
To get help directly from the hide.me VPN client, you can submit a support request. Here’s how you can do it:- On Windows and macOS, launch the hide.me client app, go to Settings, then click on the Support tab. Enter your email address, ensure the “Send logs and system diagnose report” checkbox is marked, describe your issue in the Message box, and click Submit Ticket.
- On iOS and Android devices, launch the app, go to Settings, tap on Contact Support, enter your email address, provide a short reason in the Title section, and explain your issue in the Description box. Finally, tap Send.
Additional Resources
hide.me provides a comprehensive knowledge base to help you find answers to common questions before contacting support.- Knowledge Base: Before submitting a support request, it is recommended to search the knowledge base for solutions to your issues. This resource is filled with detailed guides and troubleshooting tips.
- Community Forum: hide.me has a community forum where users can discuss issues, share tips, and get help from other users. This can be a valuable resource for peer-to-peer support.
Live Chat and Email Support
While hide.me does offer live chat, it is primarily available for billing and sales inquiries. For technical issues, you may need to wait for a response via email.- Live Chat: Available for billing and sales questions, but not for technical support. If you use the live chat for technical issues, you may receive an auto-generated email acknowledging your question rather than an immediate response.
- Email Support: For technical issues, support requests are typically handled via email. Ensure you provide detailed information about your issue to get a prompt and helpful response.
Browser Extensions and Guides
hide.me also offers resources to enhance your online privacy and security:- Web Browser Extension: You can download the hide.me web browser extension to secure your browser. This involves steps like disabling WebRTC, enabling SOCKS with the hide.me browser extension, and installing third-party plugins for ad-blocking and content filtering.
- Setup Guides: Detailed step-by-step guides are available to help you set up the VPN on various devices, ensuring you can get started quickly and securely.
hide.me - Pros and Cons
Advantages
Strong Privacy and Security
hide.me adheres to a strict no-logs policy, which has been independently audited and confirmed by security firms like Securitum and DefenseCode Ltd. This ensures that your online activities and personal data are not logged or shared.
Fast Connection Speeds
hide.me boasts excellent speeds, particularly with OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, making it one of the fastest VPNs available. The new Bolt technology further enhances speed performance.
Multiple Protocols
The VPN supports a variety of protocols, including IKEv2, IPsec, OpenVPN, SoftEtherVPN, WireGuard, and SSTP, offering flexibility and security options for different needs.
Streaming and Bypassing Censorship
hide.me is effective at unblocking popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney , iPlayer, and Amazon Prime. It also helps bypass censorship and access restricted websites and apps.
User-Friendly and Customizable
Despite having advanced features, hide.me’s apps are relatively easy to use. The VPN also offers a range of expert-level tweaks for those who want more control over their settings.
Free Plan
hide.me offers a powerful free plan that does not require any personal data, such as an email address or credit card details. This plan is unique in the VPN industry.
Multi-Hop Servers
hide.me provides multi-hop servers, allowing you to route your traffic through two different VPN servers for double protection.
Good Customer Support
The VPN offers extensive customer support, including 24/7 live chat, setup videos, a comprehensive knowledge base, and a community forum. Support is available even for free users.
Disadvantages
Technical Issues
Some users have reported minor technical issues, such as a slight delay in connecting to the VPN and occasional problems with the kill switch, although these have been largely addressed.
Limited Free Plan
While the free plan is powerful, it comes with throttled speeds and limits you to only 7 servers and 10 GB of data per month.
SmartGuard Issues
The SmartGuard ad and tracker blocker feature has been reported to often stop internet working altogether and is not effective in blocking ads and trackers.
Rented Servers
hide.me rents its servers from third-party hosts, which, although carefully vetted, does not offer the same level of control and security as owning the entire network.
Connection Data Logging
While hide.me does not log identifiable data, it does maintain a non-persistent log of connection data, such as the amount of monthly data used and a randomly generated username. This could be seen as a minor privacy concern.
Overall, hide.me VPN offers strong privacy and security features, fast speeds, and a user-friendly interface, but it also has some minor drawbacks, particularly with its free plan and server management.
hide.me - Comparison with Competitors
Comparing hide.me to Competitors
No-Logs Policy and Transparency
hide.me is particularly stringent about its no-logs policy. The company does not log any personal data or user activities, and this policy is regularly audited by independent security firms like Securitum and DefenseCode Ltd to ensure compliance. In contrast, while many VPN providers also claim no-logs policies, not all undergo the same level of independent auditing. For example, NordVPN and Surfshark also have no-logs policies, but the frequency and transparency of their audits may vary.Jurisdiction and Legal Compliance
hide.me is based in Malaysia, where local laws do not require the storage of user logs. This jurisdictional advantage adds an extra layer of privacy protection for users. Other VPNs, such as those based in Europe or the U.S., may be subject to stricter data retention laws, which could potentially compromise user privacy.Free Plan and Ease of Use
hide.me offers a free plan that does not require any personal data, including email addresses or credit card details. This makes it highly accessible and user-friendly. In comparison, while providers like ProtonVPN and Surfshark also offer free plans, they often require some form of registration or have limitations on features and bandwidth.Advanced Security Features
hide.me boasts advanced security features such as dynamic port forwarding, multihop double VPN, and full IPv6 support. These features enhance the security and flexibility of the VPN connection. NordVPN, for instance, also offers double VPN and Onion Over VPN features, but the specific implementation and user interface may differ. Surfshark, on the other hand, is known for its unlimited device connections and RAM-only servers, which provide a different set of benefits.Speed and Performance
hide.me claims to be one of the fastest VPNs available, thanks to its Bolt technology and support for WireGuard. This ensures high-speed connections even when using the VPN. Surfshark and NordVPN also emphasize their speed, with Surfshark’s RAM-only servers and NordVPN’s extensive server network contributing to their performance. However, the actual speed can vary based on the user’s location and server choice.Market Share and Customer Base
hide.me has a relatively small market share of 0.11% in the VPN market, but it has a dedicated user base and is recognized for its strong privacy stance. In contrast, larger players like Cisco AnyConnect, Google VPC, and Google Cloud Virtual Network dominate the market with significantly higher market shares. However, these solutions often cater to different needs, such as corporate VPN solutions, rather than individual privacy-focused users.Alternatives
For users looking for alternatives, here are some options:- NordVPN: Known for its advanced security features, large server network, and strong no-logs policy. It offers more server locations but may require registration for the free plan.
- Surfshark: Offers unlimited device connections, RAM-only servers, and a user-friendly interface. It also has a no-logs policy but may not have the same level of auditing transparency as hide.me.
- ProtonVPN: Focuses on security and privacy, with features like Secure Core servers and a strict no-logs policy. It is known for its ease of use and strong encryption.
hide.me - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about hide.me VPN
What VPN protocols does hide.me support?
hide.me supports a variety of VPN protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, SoftEther, and SSTP. All of these protocols are supported out of the box with AES-256 encryption, ensuring your data is securely encrypted.
Does hide.me keep logs of my online activity?
No, hide.me does not store logs of your online activity. They are a no-log VPN, meaning they do not collect or store any information that could link actions back to you.
How many devices can I connect to hide.me VPN simultaneously?
You can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously with hide.me VPN. This includes support for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, routers, consoles, and smart TVs.
Can I use hide.me VPN for streaming and torrenting?
Yes, hide.me VPN supports streaming and torrenting. They have a list of supported sites that include Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, and more. Additionally, they support P2P on most of their servers, making it suitable for torrenting.
What advanced features does hide.me VPN offer?
hide.me VPN offers several advanced features, including MultiHop VPN, which allows you to connect to one location and exit from another, enhancing your anonymity. Other features include split tunneling, a customizable kill switch with script support, and complete IPv6 support with configuration options.
Is hide.me VPN secure for public Wi-Fi use?
Yes, hide.me VPN is secure for public Wi-Fi use. It encrypts your internet connection, ensuring that no one can intercept your data or see your real IP address when you’re using public Wi-Fi networks.
Does hide.me VPN offer a free plan?
Yes, hide.me VPN offers a free plan in addition to its premium plans. The free plan provides genuine value, although it has some limitations compared to the premium plans.
What are the pricing options for hide.me VPN?
hide.me VPN offers several pricing options. You can subscribe for one month at $9.95, six months at $5.82 per month, or 27 months at $2.22 per month. All premium plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Does hide.me VPN offer customer support?
Yes, hide.me VPN provides 24/7 live chat support. This means you can get help anytime you encounter problems or have questions about the service.
Can I customize the settings and protocols in hide.me VPN?
Yes, hide.me VPN offers extensive customization options. You can choose from various protocols, configure IPv4 and IPv6 settings, use custom and random ports, and even enable Bolt, their custom speedup technology. The app also includes a settings search box to help you find specific options easily.
Is hide.me VPN transparent about its server upgrades?
Yes, hide.me VPN is transparent about its server upgrades. They are actively upgrading their servers from 1Gbps to 10Gbps and highlight which servers have been upgraded in their apps, ensuring users are aware of the improvements.
hide.me - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of hide.me VPN
hide.me VPN stands out as a reliable and privacy-focused option in the VPN market, making it a strong contender in the Privacy Tools category.Privacy and Security
hide.me VPN is committed to user privacy, employing top-tier encryption standards such as AES-256-CBC and SHA-256 for authentication. The service is based in Malaysia, which is outside the Five Eyes surveillance alliance and has no data retention laws, allowing hide.me to maintain a strict no-logging policy. This has been verified through independent audits, including one by cybersecurity researcher Leon Juranic in 2015.Features and Performance
hide.me offers a wide range of features that cater to various user needs. It supports multiple VPN protocols like IKEv2, OpenVPN, WireGuard, SoftEther, and SSTP, providing users with flexibility and high-speed connections. The service also includes features like WiFi security, bypassing internet censorship, and access to global IPTV streaming services. For streaming enthusiasts, the premium plan offers servers optimized for streaming, reducing buffering and ensuring a seamless experience.User Experience
The VPN is user-friendly, with simple setup guides available for various devices, including Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android. It supports up to 10 simultaneous connections, making it suitable for households with multiple devices. Additionally, hide.me offers multi-device compatibility, including configurations for routers to secure entire networks.Pricing and Plans
hide.me provides both free and premium plans. The free version, while limited, still offers basic security features. The premium plan, however, offers more server locations (91 global locations), dedicated streaming servers, and additional features like dynamic port forwarding and a fixed IP address. The pricing is competitive, ranging from $2.00 to $9.95 per month, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.Who Would Benefit Most
hide.me VPN is particularly beneficial for:- Streaming enthusiasts: Those who want to access global streaming services without interruptions will appreciate the dedicated streaming servers and high-speed connections.
- Privacy-conscious users: Individuals who prioritize anonymity and security will value the no-logging policy and strong encryption.
- Families and households: With support for up to 10 simultaneous connections, it is ideal for families who need to secure multiple devices.
- Travelers: Users who frequently travel and need to bypass internet censorship or secure their WiFi connections will find hide.me VPN very useful.