Best HideMyAss (HMA) Alternatives [Free + Paid]

HideMyAss (HMA) was established in 2005, positioning itself as a VPN with a cheeky, lighthearted brand. However, HMA has faced its share of criticism over the years, leading some users to seek alternatives. Here are a few of the main concerns:

Slow Speeds: HMA has been around for almost two decades, but concerns about slow speeds have dogged the service constantly. Many users and review sites complain about an inability to stream or download content.
Limited Server Options: While HMA has global server coverage, some users find the network throttled, especially compared to VPNs with more extensive networks.
Security Incident: HMA faced scrutiny after a security incident years ago involving data logging. Although they’ve since revamped their privacy policies, this incident still lingers for some users concerned about data privacy.

For users who want more peace of mind, there are several VPN alternatives to HMA that address these issues. Below are the top free and paid options, each with unique features and benefits.

Best Free Alternatives to HMA

Windscribe

Windscribe’s free plan is one of the most robust out there, offering features and flexibility that many other free VPNs don’t. Here’s why it’s worth considering as a free alternative to HMA:

Generous Data Allowance: Windscribe’s free plan includes 10GB of data each month, and you can earn additional data through activities like tweeting about the service or referring friends. This is ideal for users who need more than the limited browsing often offered by free VPNs.
R.O.B.E.R.T: Windscribe’s unique R.O.B.E.R.T feature provides ad and malware blocking, plus customizable filters for categories like social media trackers, gambling sites, and more. This feature isn’t usually found in free plans and gives you more control over what’s blocked.
Simultaneous Connections: Unlike most free VPNs, which limit you to one device, Windscribe’s free plan allows unlimited connections.
Multiple Server Options: Windscribe’s free plan offers several server locations, including major regions in North America and Europe, giving users flexibility in their virtual location choices.

Windscribe’s free plan offers a fantastic balance of features and user-friendliness, making it a great option for users looking to move away from HMA without spending on a premium plan.

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ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is another strong choice for those seeking a free alternative, especially if privacy is a priority.

Unlimited Data: ProtonVPN’s free plan doesn’t have any data limits, which is rare for free VPNs.
Three Server Locations: Free users can connect to servers in three countries: the United States, Netherlands, and Japan. While limited, it’s enough for basic browsing needs.
One Device: ProtonVPN’s free plan allows only one device per account, which can be a drawback if you want multi-device protection.
Privacy-Focused: Based in Switzerland, ProtonVPN benefits from Switzerland’s strict privacy laws and has a no-logs policy, making it an appealing choice for users concerned about data privacy.

ProtonVPN’s combination of unlimited data and strong privacy standards makes it a solid, reliable choice for free users seeking a VPN without data caps.

Hide.me

Hide.me offers a well-rounded free plan that’s user-friendly and suitable for those who want a simple VPN experience.

Eight Server Locations: Free users have access to 8 server locations, including the US, Canada, Netherlands, Germany, Singapore, and more. This provides some flexibility for users who want location options.
Ad-Free: Hide.me’s free plan doesn’t include ads, offering a cleaner browsing experience compared to other free VPNs.
Decent Speeds: Speeds are generally reliable for a free VPN, as Hide.me doesn’t throttle the free user bandwidth.
One Device: The free plan only allows one connection per account, which may be restrictive for some users.

Hide.me’s no-logs policy, decent speeds, and straightforward design make it a good option for casual users looking to move away from HMA without investing in a premium VPN.

TunnelBear

TunnelBear is a beginner-friendly VPN with a fun, approachable design and a useful free plan.

Data Limit: The free plan provides 2GB of data per month, which is low but can be enough for light browsing.
Access to All Servers: Unlike many VPNs, TunnelBear allows free users to access its entire server network, which includes over 20 countries. This adds a lot of flexibility in terms of location.
Simple, Engaging Design: TunnelBear’s playful design, complete with bear animations, makes it enjoyable to use, especially for users who find other VPNs intimidating.
Transparency and Privacy: TunnelBear is one of the few VPNs that undergoes independent security audits, giving users peace of mind about its privacy practices.

While limited in data, TunnelBear’s accessibility and transparency make it an ideal choice for VPN newcomers or light users looking to try a free VPN.

Best Paid Alternatives to HMA

Windscribe

For users willing to invest in a paid plan, Windscribe offers excellent value as an alternative to HMA.

Transparent Ownership: Unlike HMA, Windscribe operates with a clear ownership structure and an emphasis on transparency, which appeals to users concerned about VPN ownership and data handling.
Solid Speed and Encryption: Windscribe offers solid speeds combined with world-class VPN protocols such as Wireguard. There's minimal buffering, latency, and a smooth streaming experience.
Reliable Customer Support: Windscribe’s customer support is known for being helpful and responsive without aggressive upselling, providing users with practical solutions.
Privacy and Ethics: Windscribe is committed to ethical practices and transparency, providing users with clear privacy policies and reliable data protection.

Windscribe’s paid plan offers strong security, reliable customer support, and transparent policies, making it an appealing alternative for those concerned about HMA’s ownership and past security incident.

Read more in our comparison of Windscribe vs HMA

Mullvad

Mullvad is a privacy-first VPN that’s well-known for its no-nonsense approach to user privacy.

No Personal Information Required: Mullvad doesn’t ask for personal details when you sign up. Instead, users get a randomly generated account number, and you can pay anonymously if desired.
Flat Pricing: Mullvad’s pricing is straightforward, with a flat monthly rate and no long-term contracts or surprises, making it one of the most transparent VPNs available.
Privacy-First Approach: Mullvad’s strong privacy stance and refusal to track users make it popular among privacy enthusiasts, though the app’s minimalistic design may feel sparse to some users.

Mullvad’s dedication to privacy, straightforward billing, and focus on user anonymity make it a great alternative for anyone who values a VPN that keeps things simple and transparent.

Surfshark

Surfshark has become a popular choice thanks to its budget-friendly pricing and feature-packed plans.

Unlimited Device Connections: Surfshark allows users to connect an unlimited number of devices, which is a positive for families or users with many gadgets.
CleanWeb Ad Blocker: This feature blocks ads and malware, helping users stay secure while browsing—a bit like Windscribe’s R.O.B.E.R.T but less customizable.
Affordable Long-Term Plans: Surfshark’s multi-year plans are some of the most affordable on the market, though some users find its short-term plans less appealing.
Potential Downsides: Surfshark’s performance can be a bit inconsistent, and its interface, while packed with options, can feel crowded to beginners.
Murky Ownership Structure: Surfshark is also owned by NordVPN, raising questions over ethics and operating procedures.

Surfshark’s affordability and unlimited device connections make it an appealing alternative for users needing a versatile VPN at a reasonable price.

AirVPN

AirVPN is a transparent, highly customizable VPN that’s popular among privacy-conscious users and tech enthusiasts.

Detailed Transparency: AirVPN provides real-time information on server performance and prioritizes ethical practices, making it a favorite among users who value transparency.
Eddie Client: AirVPN’s open-source app, Eddie, offers advanced options like VPN over Tor, catering to users who want more customization and control over their VPN.
Smaller Server Network: AirVPN’s network is relatively small, which may limit options for users needing a wide range of server locations, though it’s often enough for regular usage.

AirVPN’s commitment to transparency and its customizable app make it an excellent choice for privacy-focused users who want control over their VPN settings.

Conclusion

Choosing the right VPN depends on your needs, whether that’s transparency, better customer support, or more flexible pricing. From Windscribe’s feature-rich free plan to Mullvad’s strict privacy focus, there’s a VPN here to fit every user.

Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a privacy-first approach, these alternatives offer excellent options to replace HMA and better meet your needs.

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Osman H