What do we look at?
Content: Our Score:
Speed 8.0 / 10
Servers 5.0 / 10
User Experience 6.0 / 10
Support 7.0 / 10
Pricing 6.0 / 10
Visit HideMy.name Website!

HideMy.name Review 2024: Before You Buy, Is It Worth It?

HideMy.name Overview

HideMy.name’s main selling points include fast speed, privacy, and security, which indeed are top priorities for many VPN users. The company also boasts that it can access geo-restricted streaming services. So I extensively put HideMy.name to the test to see if it lives up to its promises.

Privacy and security are two areas in which this VPN shines. The server network, though limited, provides adequate speed for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. The service is complemented by an intuitive app and exceptional customer service. However, it doesn’t meet all its claims, as it is less efficient at streaming than the top VPNs on the market.

You can test the service risk-free by combining the one-day free trial with the 30-day money-back guarantee. HideMy.name promises to refund your payment if you are not satisfied with the service within 30 days of your subscription.

Don’t Have Time? Here’s a 1-Minute Summary

HideMy.name Unblocks Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney+ (But Can’t Access Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer)

HideMy.name is average at best when it comes to unblocking streaming services. I could unblock three of the six top streaming services I tested. This is likely due to the limited number of servers, which makes it easier for streaming providers to block them.

This provider can offer unlimited access to streaming websites like Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney+ in regions where they are not available. You only need to connect to a server located in a jurisdiction where the service is not restricted.

The service failed to meet expectations with Amazon Prime Video and Hulu, which it couldn’t access. My colleague encountered a similar problem when trying to access BBC iPlayer, which detected his VPN connection and denied him access.

Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney+: Unblocked

Whether you’re on vacation or relocating abroad, HideMyName.com has your back when it comes to accessing your streaming accounts. It offers complete anonymity, allowing you to stream your favorite media without any hiccups.

Screenshot of HideMyname unblocking Netflix

I could unblock Netflix instantly and watch my favorite shows using HideMy.name

I was able to get HBO Max to work on my first try without any issues. I tried streaming the film “2 Days in New York” from the New York server location, and it worked without a hitch.

Screenshot of HideMyname unblocking HBO Max

HideMy.name could access BBC iPlayer’s entire library

Also accessible through HideMy.name was the US version of Disney+, one of the most popular streaming platforms. I streamed the movie Home Alone 2, and its quality was satisfactory.

Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer: Blocked

HideMy.name could not get me on Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. Amazon Prime video closed its doors on me after identifying me as an anonymous user. The streaming giant does not permit access to its services via a VPN, and they actively block individuals who attempt to use them.

Hulu also blocked me from accessing its library when it detected I was using a VPN. Logging into my account worked just fine, but I was unable to stream anything afterward due to a proxy error. Even changing US servers did not resolve the issue.

You appear to be using an anonymous proxy tool. Disable it to play videos on Hulu.

Following Hulu, I tried again unblocking Disney+. Upon clicking on the login button, this time a black screen appeared and stayed on the screen. Not only was I unable to log in, but I also wasn’t able to stream any content.

Unblocking three of the six top streaming platforms tested is a moderate accomplishment, though there are VPNs that go even further. CyberGhost offers excellent streaming capabilities, as demonstrated by its impressive ability to stream live sports, foreign Netflix series, and YouTube videos. For optimal performance, it also features streaming-optimized servers in many countries.

Speed

- 8.0 / 10

Fast and Consistent Speeds With All Servers Tested

HideMy.name ranks high when it comes to speed. This VPN provider has an average connection speed of 20Mbps on most of its servers, outperforming some VPN providers when it comes to distant servers.

I ran speed tests on both servers close to where I live and long-distance servers to determine what HideMy.name could deliver. The company offers a cool feature where you can run speed tests within the client to find the fastest connection. It would have been nice to see an automatic server selection feature. This is something offered by many top VPNs.

Please note that the outcomes of these tests may not necessarily reflect the actual performance you will experience while using the service. Due to the unpredictable nature of the internet, it is important to consider that these findings cannot be considered conclusive or definitive. You may see smaller or larger discrepancies depending on your internet connection speed.

Speed Test Results

My tests showed that HideMy.name does not significantly slow down your connection. As usual, my upload speeds suffered more than my download speeds. The service, nevertheless, remained completely reliable, even for bandwidth-intensive tasks such as streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

Before connecting to the VPN, I had an average download speed of 32.47 Mbps, an average upload speed of 19.61 Mbps, and a ping time of 2 ms. Following that, I compared my base speed result with those obtained from servers located in the US, UK, France, Germany, Hong Kong, and Australia.

My download speeds dropped by 33.7%, 24.6%, 34.7%, 34.6%, 46.4% and 39.6% respectively. On the other hand, my upload speeds dropped by 60.9%, 46.9%, 56.3%, 51%, 26.4%, and 33.3% respectively.

Screenshot of speed test results while connected to HideMyname

HideMy.name offered consistently fast speeds on its global servers

According to my speed test, HideMy.name is a good choice if you want sheer speed. You shouldn’t experience any difficulty playing online games, downloading content and streaming in high definition. But remember to pay attention to my upload speed caveat.

Why Most Speed Tests are Pointless & How We Correctly Test VPN Speeds

Speed determines how fast content uploads, so if you're torrenting or streaming, you want the speed to be somewhat identical to your regular internet speed. Since a VPN encrypts your data, it usually takes a bit longer to send your data back and forth, which can slow down your connection. However, if your ISP deliberately slows down your connection (also known as throttling) a VPN might increase your internet speed. Testing a VPN is somewhat pointless because new servers pop up and affect speed. Your speed can also differ according to your location, so your speed test might not match ours. Having said that, we tested the speed in numerous locations to provide you with the average.

Servers

- 5.0 / 10

Server Network — Limited Server Network

HideMy.name has 100+ servers in more than 40 countries. In terms of geographical coverage, most of the company’s servers can be found in North America and Europe, but there are some servers in Asia, South America, and Africa as well. Especially impressive is that it offers servers in Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, North Macedonia, and even Israel.

The client does not present separate lists of P2P or streaming servers. Also, switching between servers requires you to disconnect from the previous one before choosing and connecting to the new one.

Screenshot of some HideMynames server options

I found HideMy.name’s servers to be limited but reliable

The only server filtering feature available in the client is “Favorite Servers.” This feature enables you to filter the servers manually based on your experience of which servers are best for you. If you wish, you can choose to display only your favorite servers as opposed to the entire list. You can easily choose your favorite servers by checking the pings for each server in the speed test tab. Note which servers have the lowest ping, then add them to your favorite server list.

Considering that HideMy.name offers a limited number of servers to choose from, it’s no surprise that it could not unblock most streaming services. Adding more servers reduces the possibility of server overload while maintaining stable download and upload speeds. In this regard, a VPN service with a large number of servers, such as ExpressVPN, is the best choice any day. ExpressVPN provides 3,000+ servers in 105+ locations, so you will never need to worry about overcrowding.

Security — Industry-Standard Encryption

HideMy.name utilizes well-chosen protocols and high-grade encryption to safeguard your privacy. Among the protocols used by the provider to protect your privacy are OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPSec. The absence of WireGuard alongside these protocols is disappointing, as it is the most secure VPN protocol available. It also employs multiple encryption methods, including AES-256-CBC (the most secure option), AES-128-CBC (the fastest option), and BF-CBC (outdated).

As an added benefit, its Chameleon technology allows you to bypass active VPN blocking in countries with stricter regulations. This is especially relevant in countries that do not allow the use of VPNs, such as China.

In terms of security features, HideMy.name offers a few, including a kill switch (called Connection Protection). The kill switch is not activated by default upon download, so you will have to activate it to block your internet access if your VPN connection fails. This security feature is available in the apps for Windows, iOS, and Android, but not for Mac.

Along with military-grade encryption and strong security protocols, HideMy.name offers additional tools to prevent data leaks. Its IP and DNS leak protection will ensure that you won’t have to worry about your IP address and DNS information getting leaked out.

Screenshot of leak test results while using HideMyname

HideMy.name has in-built leak protection that always masks your real IP address

I connected to several server locations and ran multiple IP and DNS leak tests to determine whether HideMy.name was susceptible to leaks. HideMy.name passed all my tests with flying colors.

There are some improvements that could be made to HideMy.name and its security features. For example, it could integrate an ad-blocking feature to keep users safe from malware, trackers, and phishing. The use of this security feature is becoming increasingly popular among VPN providers, because it provides additional protection online.

Privacy — No-Logs Policy but Yet to Be Audited

HideMy.name is an excellent choice if privacy is your primary concern when purchasing a VPN. The VPN provider adheres to a strict no-log policy, and this is clearly outlined on its Privacy Policy page. It further asserts that its technical backend is such that no information can be gathered regarding your browsing habits.

Screenshot of the excerpt of HideMyname privacy policy

The HideMy.name privacy policy clarifies that no data is logged

HideMy.name assigns its users a non-public IP address and a randomly generated username. This way, you can maintain your anonymity and your internet browsing activity cannot be traced to your real IP address.

The provider retains a temporary log of connection data with the randomly-generated username as part of its troubleshooting procedures. The company purges this log every couple of hours. To keep track of how much internet traffic its users generate, the company tracks aggregate traffic. However, this poses no privacy concern for anyone using the service.

HideMy.name only collects your email address when you buy its service. The email address you provide will be encrypted for your own safety. This service does not collect any other personal information like your name or address. Instead, it provides you with a digital code that you can use to connect to its servers.

HideMy.name also explicitly states that it does not share or sell the personal information it collects. You can request that HideMy.name delete any data you have provided to them after you discontinue using its service. The company states that it processes personal data in compliance with applicable laws.

The no-logging policy of HideMy.name appears to be sound, but no third-party audit has been conducted and no transparency report has been released. Most of HideMy.name’s competitors take this step to reassure clients that their information is secure.

Considering HideMy.name is based in Belize, a country with a reputation for the lack of undue government intervention, the company is unlikely to share data with third parties. Belize is not part of the Eyes alliance, which is a pact between the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to share specific information regarding the internet.

Torrenting — Supports P2P Sharing but on Limited Servers

HideMy.name welcomes and supports P2P file sharing on a limited number of servers. According to the provider’s customer support team, you can only torrent via the Moscow servers. The combination of HideMy.name’s fast speeds, safe privacy policies, and functioning kill switch make it an excellent torrenting choice for those within this server’s range.

Screenshot of my interaction with HideMynames support about torrenting

HideMy.name performed well with a number of torrent clients, BitTorrent and qBittorrent included. It took me less than ten minutes to download a 1GB torrent file in each case. While the Moscow server performed well in my torrenting tests, the service may not be suitable if you live far from its location.

I found ExpressVPN to be one of the best VPN services for torrenting, and despite having a lot of features, it is still relatively simple to use. In addition to supporting full torrenting on all servers, the program features WebRTC leak prevention, private DNS servers, and Perfect Forward Secrecy, which generates a new key each time the client connects and every hour thereafter. However, my team and I don’t condone illegal torrenting so be sure to consider your local laws before downloading copyrighted files without permission.

Does HideMy.name Work in China? Maybe!

The Chameleon protocol offered by HideMy.name gives it an edge if you need a VPN for China or any other restricted network. This feature runs on an OpenVPN protocol which employs 256-bit encryption to avoid blocks and censorship.

Screenshot of my interaction with HideMyname's support concerning its services in China

Support suggested experimenting with different settings and servers

Since I was unable to personally test HideMy.name myself, I contacted the HideMy.name support team to inquire whether the service was available in China. I was told that there is no guarantee, and that I will have to experiment until I find the right server.

If a VPN in China is what you’re mainly looking for, there are other premium providers that have full functionality. The protection of a VPN doesn’t give you a license to commit illegal acts, so please exercise a basic level of caution when using a VPN in China. The common practice is that China fights VPNs by technologically blocking them, and not by chasing after the people who use them.

Server Locations

Australia
Austria
Belgium
Sweden
Switzerland
Thailand
Turkey
United Kingdom
United States

User Experience

- 6.0 / 10

Simultaneous Device Connections — Up to 5 Devices

HideMy.name can be installed on as many devices as you want, but only 5 can be active simultaneously. This is a decent offering, similar to what is offered by many VPN providers.

You can use HideMyName with a router, since it extends VPN protection to all connected devices, whether on a wireless network at home or at work. The VPN features include those for Nintendo Wii, Apple TV, Xbox, PlayStation 4, Roku, and more.

Device Compatibility — All Major Platforms & Routers Are Supported

HideMy.name works on the four most widespread platforms – Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Additionally, the service supports Linux, Android TV and DD-WRT router. It currently offers three router configurations for users to choose from, namely OpenVPN, OpenWRT, and PPTP. For advanced users, HideMyName also offers the ability to manually configure the VPN connection.

The fact that HideMy.name supports such a wide range of platforms impressed me greatly. The compatibility of the service places it in a very competitive position when compared to other VPN providers. However, it could be better, as there are no browser extension options for popular browsers such as Chrome and Firefox.

There are easy-to-follow guides on HideMy.name’s website to assist you in setting up the service on all supported devices. The setup guides are generally basic but cover all the essentials and should get you connected without too much trouble.

Ease of Setup & Installation — Simple Setup

HideMy.name installation process can be completed in no time. This software offers a very user-friendly interface that makes it easy for the common internet user to navigate and work with it.

While the Mac application offers no customization options, the Windows version has a few surprises in store. The first of these is the ability to choose which encryption method to use. The product incorporates Chameleon technology that is recommended for countries like China where internet traffic is filtered.

Screenshot showing the Windows user interface of HideMyname

What the Windows client interfaces look like

The windows application also allows you to enable proxy settings, enable DNS leak protection, choose your favorite servers, customize OpenVPN routing options, and run a speed test to determine the best server for you.

How to install and Set Up HideMy.name:

  1. Choose a subscription. Your choice of package should primarily depend on your needs. 
    Screenshot of HideMynames website showing subscription plans
  2. Get an access code. You’ll receive one in your email after making the payment.
  3. Download the app. In the downloads section on the top page of HideMy.name website, select the VPN app compatible with your device. 
    Screenshot of HideMynames download page for compatible devices
  4. Install the app. You must open the .exe file that has been downloaded. Follow all the steps that are indicated in the installation wizard.
  5. Launch HideMy.name. Then login with your access code, and you should now be able to see the HideMy.name app dashboard. 
    Screenshot showing HideMynames before and after connection interface
  6. Connect to a server. Select your country of choice and click connect to establish a connection.

Support

- 7.0 / 10

HideMy.name’s support begins on its website, where a knowledge base includes setup instructions, troubleshooting ideas, and how-to guides for various device configurations. The knowledge base appears impressive at first glance, providing guides on how to use the service across multiple platforms. Unfortunately, the articles are quite short and lack much content.

The setup guides are mostly stripped down to the essentials, providing only a few screenshots to help illustrate their points. FAQs are also pretty basic, containing only a few lines of text. Despite that, the site contains some worthwhile content, and an effective search function that returned relevant results based on my search terms.

Screenshot of my live chat conversation with HideMyname support representative

Support provided me with helpful answers to questions about torrenting, protocols, and China services

Should you not be able to find the information you need in the knowledge base, instant assistance is available via live chat. The support agent quickly responded to my few questions, and provided information that was useful and informative. There is also the option of sending an email. I sent a question regarding the protocol used by the Mac client and I was provided with a detailed response within eight hours.

How We Test Customer Support and Why Should You Care

We personally test the customer support team of every VPN we review. This means asking technical question through the live chat feature (where applicable) and measuring the response time for email questions. Whether you need to connect to a specific server, change your security protocol, or configure a VPN on your router, finding a VPN with quality customer support should be important to you.

Pricing

- 6.0 / 10

HideMy.name provides plans that are competitively priced and suitable for any budget. Subscriptions are offered on a monthly, three-monthly or annual basis. You are not eligible for any discounts if you purchase a monthly plan, but you will be able to save 38% if you purchase a 6-month plan or a staggering 50% if you purchase a yearly subscription.

Regardless of which package you decide to purchase, each comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to cancel your subscription within that time frame and receive a full refund if you are not satisfied with the quality of service.

In addition to that, HideMy.name offers a free trial that lasts 24 hours. Simply enter your email address and you will be emailed an activation code for access to the VPN during the trial period. HideMy.name’s high-speed servers will not be available during the free trial, but you will be able to use all the other features.

In terms of payment options, HideMy.name provides a variety of convenient options. Payments can be made via PayPal, Credit cards, and WebMoney. As an alternative, you can choose to pay using cryptocurrencies in order to remain anonymous.

HideMy.name offers the following plans

1 Month
 
$8.00
per month
 
View Plan
1 Year
$8.00
$4.00
per month
Save 50%
View Plan
View Plan
Save 50%
6 Months
$8.00
$5.00
per month
Save 38%
View Plan
View Plan
Save 38%

Final Verdict

Overall, HideMy.name puts up an average VPN solution. While safety and privacy are its primary point of focus, it also excels in speed and usability. It implements a no-logs policy that is reliable, offers an ultraportable configuration compatible with all major devices, allows a free 24-hour trial, and guarantees a 30-day refund.

Unfortunately, HideMy.name could not unblock most of the geo-restricted streaming services I tested. The company relies on third-party DNS servers, which poses a potential security threat that can only be eradicated by implementing its own DNS servers. There is no split tunneling option that would allow you to access multiple locations for different apps – a handy feature for anyone who wants to browse the web locally but stream videos from a different location.

The ExpressVPN service is a better choice if you want tighter security, more features, and access to Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer. ExpressVPN is the best overall VPN on the market, with an easy-to-use interface, decent pricing, and a large selection of servers.

FAQs About HideMy.name

Is HideMy.name good?

Yes, HideMy.name is a decent VPN service. it has decent speeds despite the small number of servers, offers excellent privacy and security, and supports torrenting. However, the VPN does not provide reliable streaming since it does not have a dedicated server.

Can I use HideMy.name for free?

Yes, HideMy.name offers a free trial. However, the trial is extremely limited in that it lasts only 24 hours, offers 500 MB of bandwidth, and you’re not allowed to access the VPN’s fastest servers.

If you find that too restrictive, there are decent free VPNs you might want to check out. You should be aware that free VPNs may sell your information to third parties, slow down your connection and are not capable of unblocking streaming platforms.

Is HideMy.name really safe?

Yes, HideMy.name is safe thanks to its strong data encryption. It’s quite secure and claims to keep no logs of user data. Moreover, it features a kill switch that offers protection in case of a network failure.
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