Best HideMyAss (HMA) Alternatives [Free + Paid]

HideMyAss (HMA) strutted onto the VPN scene in 2005 with a playful, cheeky brand. But over the years, the jokes have worn thin for some users, and the service hasn’t kept pace with newer, faster, and more privacy-focused competitors. Here’s what’s got folks raising their eyebrows:

• Slow Speeds: For a VPN that’s been around this long, you’d think speed wouldn’t still be an issue. Yet, users and reviews regularly complain about laggy connections that make streaming feel like a test of patience and downloading anything a distant dream.
• Throttled Server Options: HMA boasts global server coverage, but bigger doesn’t always mean better. Many users find the network throttled and underwhelming compared to VPNs that do more with fewer servers.
• Past Privacy Fumbles: HMA’s history includes a data logging incident that left users questioning its commitment to privacy. While they’ve updated their policies, the shadow of that incident still hangs over their reputation for some privacy-conscious folks.

For users who’ve outgrown HMA’s playful branding and want more speed, transparency, and privacy, there are plenty of alternatives that deliver where HMA falls short.

Best Alternatives to HMA

1. Windscribe: The VPN That Actually Delivers

Did you expect modesty here? Sorry, not happening!

Generous Data Without the Catch
Windscribe gives you 10GB of free data per month—no shady upsells, no credit card required. Need more? Tweet about us or refer a friend and watch your bandwidth grow. Compare that to most free VPNs that barely let you browse memes before hitting their limits.

R.O.B.E.R.T: Block the Garbage
Ads, trackers, malware—R.O.B.E.R.T takes care of them all, even on the free plan. But why stop there? Customize your filters to block categories like social media trackers, gambling sites, or even fake news. It’s your internet; make it behave.

Unlimited Connections, Because Sharing is Caring
Unlike HMA (or most free VPNs) that lock you into a single device, Windscribe says, “Bring them all!” Protect your laptop, phone, tablet, smart fridge, and whatever else you’ve got connected to Wi-Fi—all under one account.

Real Server Options for Real Browsing
We won’t stick you with a single overcrowded server and call it a day. Windscribe’s free plan offers several server locations in major regions like North America and Europe, giving you flexibility and better performance than HMA’s throttled network.

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:

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.

Why Windscribe Pro is the Ultimate Upgrade

If you’re ready to step up your VPN game, our paid plans are here to deliver:

• Clear, Honest Pricing: Plans start at $1/month for custom server locations, or go all-in for just $5.75/month on an annual plan. And here’s the kicker: we don’t hike your renewal prices. No fine print. No surprises. Just straight-up transparency.
• Lightning-Fast Speeds: With world-class protocols like WireGuard, you get solid speeds and smooth streaming—no buffering, no headaches.
• Cross-Platform Awesomeness: From Windows and Mac to FireTV and browser extensions, we’ve got you covered. And with split tunneling, you can route specific apps through the VPN while the rest cruise on regular Wi-Fi.
• No Gimmicks, Just Privacy: Unlike HMA, Windscribe has never had a logging scandal. We don’t log, period. Our no-logs policy and ethical data practices make us a VPN you can trust.

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.

Still Not Sold? Here’s What Else is Out There

2. ProtonVPN

If unlimited data is your thing, ProtonVPN’s free plan is worth a look.

• Unlimited Data: No caps, but don’t expect blazing speeds.
• 3 Server Locations: US, Netherlands, and Japan—not much variety, but it works for casual browsing.
• Single Device Limit: Good for a solo user but not ideal for multi-device households.
• 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.

3. Mullvad

For privacy enthusiasts who want simplicity without compromise.

• Anonymous Sign-Up: No email required; you get a random account number.
• Flat Pricing: €5 per month—no contracts, no nonsense.
• Privacy First: Strong focus on anonymity, though its minimalistic app might feel barebones to some.

4. AirVPN

The tinkerer’s VPN, designed for users who want full control.

• Open-Source Client: Eddie offers advanced options like VPN over Tor for serious privacy nerds.
• Transparent Practices: Real-time server stats and ethical policies build trust.
• Smaller Network: Fewer servers, but solid performance for privacy-focused users.

5. IVPN

If you’re over HMA’s quirky branding and just want a VPN that works without the fluff, IVPN might be your jam. It’s all about privacy, transparency, and keeping things simple—no jokes about donkeys required.

• Stay Anonymous, Like a Ninja: No email? No problem. IVPN lets you sign up without handing over personal info, and if you’re feeling extra covert, you can even pay with cash.
• No Shadowy Bosses: IVPN’s ownership is crystal clear, based in privacy-friendly Gibraltar. No shady corporate overlords here.
• Serious Privacy Tools: Multi-hop routing? Check. DNS leak protection? Double check. IVPN packs all the good stuff HMA doesn’t, making your internet habits untraceable.
• Simple, Not Boring: IVPN keeps its app clean, functional, and easy to use—like your favorite hoodie, but for the internet.

If you’re all about privacy without the gimmicks, IVPN is a solid choice to leave the donkey jokes behind and get back to serious online security. 🕶️

HideMyAss (HMA): The Cheeky VPN That’s Showing Its Age

Whether you’re ditching HMA for privacy concerns, sluggish speeds, or just want a VPN that doesn’t feel stuck in 2005, there’s a better option waiting. From Windscribe’s feature-packed free plan to Mullvad’s no-nonsense privacy-first approach, the alternatives are clear.