Hide.me VPN Overview

Hide.me is a VPN service based in Malaysia, renowned for its impressive speed and strong security measures.

However, this quality comes at a relatively high cost.

Though it operates with a limited number of servers, the provider has successfully attracted over five million users in just six years, making it a noteworthy player in the market.

But does the quality of hide.me justifies its pricing? Let's explore further.

For users seeking a no-cost option, hide.me does provide a free version that is suitable for light users and is recognized among the top three free VPNs available.

Nevertheless, this free tier has restrictions: speeds max out at 3 Mbps, and data transfers are capped at 2 GB.

Consequently, it falls short for activities such as streaming through Kodi or torrenting.

Additionally, the free version can only be accessed on a single device and offers a limited selection of servers, specifically in Canada, the Netherlands, and Singapore.

Shifting focus to the Plus plan, users are limited to a single device yet benefit from a generous 75GB of data transfer along with access to all available servers. The cost is set at $4.99 per month (approximately £3.90) if you commit to a 12-month subscription. This pricing might come as a surprise considering that several competing services offer premium plans at more affordable rates.

Now, regarding the premium offerings, Hide.me's Premium package stands out as it allows connections from up to five devices at the same time. Users enjoy unlimited data transfer, which is a significant advantage. Additionally, this plan includes port forwarding—a feature that is not available in the lower-tier packages—making it particularly attractive for users engaged in torrenting activities.

When considering Hide.me, the pricing structure is important to note.

The monthly subscription costs $19.95 (approximately £15.58).

However, opting for a longer commitment can lead to significant savings.

For a six-month plan, the monthly rate drops to $13.32 (around £10.41), while a yearly subscription brings the cost down to $9.99 (about £7.80).

Payment methods are versatile, including credit cards, PayPal, SOFORT, and even Bitcoin.

In comparison to other VPN services, Hide.me’s pricing is on the higher side.

All paid plans come with a 14-day money-back guarantee, which, while shorter than the 30-day guarantee offered by competitors like ExpressVPN, still provides a reasonable safety net.

Hide.me offers applications for a variety of platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Windows Phone.

A standout feature of this VPN is its wide array of protocols, which is not commonly found with many other providers.

Hide.me is recognized for its commitment to privacy and security, boasting a no-logs policy that ensures user activity and IP addresses are not recorded.

Additional security features include IPv6 and DNS leak protection, along with a kill switch that serves as a safety mechanism should the VPN connection fail.

For users interested in torrenting, the service clearly labels which servers support P2P sharing, and you can check their current usage directly on the website.

With unlimited bandwidth and reliable speeds, Hide.me is particularly suitable for torrent enthusiasts.

Setting up Hide.me is a breeze once you’ve chosen your plan.

Simply navigate to the "Download VPN" section on their website to obtain and install the appropriate application.

In this review, we will focus on the Windows and iOS applications.

The desktop app features a clean and user-friendly interface displaying connection time, location, and your masked IP address.

To connect to a desired server, use the "Change" button located at the bottom right corner.

The server list indicates which ones are P2P-enabled, marked by a green symbol, while those not supporting P2P are shown in red.

Keep in mind, you'll need to disconnect from your current server before selecting a new one.

In the top right corner of the interface, there's a gear symbol that directs you to your settings.

Clicking on it reveals a comprehensive screen with seven different tabs, each offering a variety of choices.

The information tab displays the details of your current plan.

By navigating to the settings section, users have the ability to modify startup configurations, select their preferred language, and input a personalized server address.

In the advanced settings section, users can find various network configurations.

This includes the ability to choose specific primary and secondary DNS servers.

Additionally, there are options for OpenVPN configurations and SoftEther VPN settings, available for those utilizing that specific protocol.

Navigating to the protocols section allows users to switch between various connection options with ease. This feature is particularly beneficial for travelers who may encounter connectivity problems. Unlike some VPNs that necessitate a manual setup for different protocols, the ability to switch effortlessly enhances the user experience.

The logs section keeps track of your VPN usage, while the support section offers a straightforward way to submit a help request.

On mobile devices, the interface is streamlined, offering fewer features than its desktop counterpart. This simplicity is advantageous for users on the move, although seasoned users might find the lack of advanced options limiting.

The main dashboard clearly displays your connection status and current IP address. A recent update has improved usability by allowing users to change their location without delving into the settings. By simply tapping on the "enable VPN" button, the automatic server selection feature will pick the fastest server available based on your geographical location.

When you access the settings menu, you'll find it quite straightforward.

Users have the option to change their server location or select from 17 different languages, which is impressive compared to the typical one or two options found in many VPN applications. This feature may be particularly appealing to a diverse range of users.

Additionally, there’s a dedicated FAQ section for mobile users along with links to support and privacy resources.

As per the official website, hide.me boasts over 100 servers distributed across more than 30 countries. While this network is relatively modest compared to industry giants like ExpressVPN, which offers over 1,500 servers, it still serves a significant number of users.

An advantageous aspect of the server selection is the guidance provided on which servers to utilize based on specific needs.

Moreover, it indicates which servers support P2P connections, mirroring the information available in the desktop version of the app.

Hide.me VPN Performance Review

Despite having a limited number of servers, our overall experience with Hide.me was quite satisfactory.

We were able to stream 1080p videos smoothly without any buffering issues while connecting to servers located in New York, Los Angeles, and London.

Additionally, we enjoyed playing online games without encountering any problems on those same servers.

In previous assessments of Hide.me, we faced challenges when trying to establish an initial connection. Fortunately, this time, we noticed a significant improvement in that area.

Historically, Hide.me has shown commendable speed performance, but our latest tests suggest it now ranks somewhere in the middle compared to other providers.

To ensure our speed tests are as accurate as possible, we utilize a test server based in Canada and connect to various servers in the UK, US, Hong Kong, Germany, and Australia.

For each test, we download a 50MB file from a US server at six-hour intervals, conducting these tests four times daily.

We then calculate the average download speeds for each test and present the cumulative data in the chart below.In the initial comparison tab, users can observe hide.me's performance against other VPN services based on median download speeds. It ranks in the mid-range, showcasing respectable speeds that are not particularly remarkable.

For a more in-depth analysis, the detailed tab offers further insights. The results for hide.me display a narrow range with no significant outliers, indicating a reliability in speed consistency.

Keep in mind that these performance tests are indicative at best and should not be seen as absolute. The unpredictable nature of the internet can greatly influence these results, and individual experiences may vary based on specific connection conditions.

Unfortunately, hide.me was unable to access Netflix on any of the tested servers, including those in the US and the UK. This issue is common among various VPNs as streaming platforms like Netflix enhance their efforts to block VPN IP addresses, leading to error messages for users. If streaming Netflix is essential for you, consider alternative VPN options.

Additionally, attempts to access BBC iPlayer via a UK server and Amazon Prime Video were unsuccessful. It appears that facilitating access to major streaming services is not a primary focus for hide.me.

According to a recent blog update, hide.me can still be used in China, despite the site being blocked by the country's internet restrictions. Their team claims to understand the tactics used by the Chinese government to obstruct VPNs and assures users that they are continuously adapting their strategies.

If you plan on using hide.me while traveling to China, ensure all necessary applications are downloaded beforehand due to the website's inaccessibility.Hide.me operates out of Malaysia, which places it outside the reach of many Western data retention regulations.

This VPN service is committed to user privacy, as it maintains a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that your online activities remain untracked. Independent security experts have verified this approach, emphasizing their transparency. To create an account, users only need to submit an email address along with a password.

In terms of security, Hide.me employs robust 256-bit encryption, paired with 8,192-bit RSA keys for added protection. While some may view this as overkill (as 2,048-bit encryption is commonly regarded as effective), it certainly enhances security measures.

The service offers perfect forward secrecy, safeguarding session keys from potential breaches. Users can select from various encryption protocols, including PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, which can be easily switched in the desktop client’s protocol settings.

A kill switch is present in the desktop application, but remember that it must be activated manually. Once turned on, it serves as a privacy safeguard, blocking internet traffic if the VPN connection drops. Hide.me also offers protection against IP, IPv6, and DNS leaks, utilizing its own non-logging DNS servers to prevent tracking by third parties.

Customer support is available through a few channels. The primary options are submitting a support ticket or using a live chat feature, which is meant for billing and sales inquiries. However, both options redirect to the same email form, which can be misleading. When a support ticket was submitted at approximately 10 AM ET, the response came in about three hours later, a reasonable turnaround for a ticket but not reflective of a live chat experience.

Despite using Zendesk for support—which is known for providing reliable around-the-clock assistance—the experience lacks the personal touch that comes with in-house support. Thus, users may not get the best of both worlds.

Additionally, the support page features a community section where users can access help forums in English and German, addressing a wide range of questions. Within this community, a dedicated VPN tutorials section offers guidance for various operating system and protocol configurations.

Lastly, while there is a limited FAQ section, exploring the forums or waiting for the "live chat" to respond may yield better results for troubleshooting.Hide.me presents itself as a premium VPN option, but its pricing may raise eyebrows.

While it touts impressive speed, the performance is solid rather than extraordinary.

Security is a strong suit for this provider, as it emphasizes user privacy and is ready to back its claims with evidence.

For those who prioritize anonymity, this feature might tip the scales in its favor.

Torrent enthusiasts are likely to appreciate hide.me, as it offers several features tailored specifically for them.

These include unlimited data transfers, port forwarding, satisfactory speed, and dedicated P2P server lists.

However, one significant drawback is its struggle to access mainstream streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

Additionally, the customer support is not as responsive as one might hope, especially considering the service’s steep cost.

For potential subscribers, it’s wise to thoroughly assess the service during the 14-day money-back guarantee period before committing to a paid plan.

Explore what hide.me VPN has to offer.

What is a Netflix VPN and How to Get One

A Netflix VPN is a virtual private network utilized for accessing region-restricted content on Netflix by connecting to servers in various countries. By selecting a reliable VPN provider that supports streaming, users can create an account, install the VPN application, and connect to a server in their desired region, enabling them to log in to Netflix and enjoy content from that specific area.

Why Choose SafeShell as Your Netflix VPN?

If you're looking to access region-restricted content by using a Netflix VPN, you may want to consider the SafeShell VPN . SafeShell VPN stands out for its ability to effectively bypass Netflix's detection mechanisms, thanks to its cutting-edge technology and high-speed servers. These servers ensure seamless streaming of your favorite shows and movies without interruptions, providing lightning-fast connection speeds for buffer-free playback and high-definition viewing. Moreover, with the unique App Mode feature, SafeShell VPN allows you to unlock and enjoy content from multiple regions simultaneously, offering unparalleled access to a diverse range of streaming services and libraries.

In addition to its streaming capabilities, SafeShell VPN offers several other benefits that enhance its appeal. You can connect up to five devices at once, making it easy to enjoy Netflix on various platforms such as Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Android TV, and Apple Vision Pro. This versatility ensures that you can access your favorite content on any device you choose. Furthermore, SafeShell VPN prioritizes your online privacy with its proprietary "ShellGuard" VPN protocol, providing top-level security with advanced encryption to protect your data. With these features, SafeShell VPN is an excellent choice for anyone experiencing the netflix vpn not working issue, delivering both speed and security for an enhanced streaming experience.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Watch Netflix with SafeShell VPN

To start using SafeShell Netflix VPN , first, you'll need to subscribe to SafeShell VPN by visiting their official website at https://www.safeshellvpn.com /. Here, you can select a subscription plan that suits your needs and budget. Once you've chosen a plan, proceed by clicking the "Subscribe Now" button. After subscribing, the next step is to download and install the SafeShell VPN application. Go back to the SafeShell VPN website and choose the correct version of the app for your device, whether it's Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android. Follow the installation instructions to set up the app on your device.

Once the SafeShell VPN app is installed, launch it and log in to your account. You will be presented with two modes. For the best Netflix streaming experience, select the APP mode. After choosing your mode, you can now browse the list of available VPN servers. Pick a server located in the country whose Netflix content you wish to access, such as the US, UK, or Canada, and click "Connect" to establish a connection. Finally, open the Netflix app or visit the Netflix website, log in to your Netflix account, and enjoy streaming the content available in the region you've connected to using SafeShell Netflix VPN.