Windscribe vs HideMyAss(HMA): Which VPN Wins?
The main difference between Windscribe and HideMyAss(HMA) are the features and privacy tools offered by each VPN. Windscribe has a more comprehensive offering, including ad-blocking and malware protection, alongside multiple modern VPN protocols, and a free to use subscription tier.
HMA has a much simpler privacy features suite, and only supports two VPN protocols. We're going to look at all of the relevant factors when it comes to choosing between these two VPNs, including: Pricing, Privacy Tools,Features, User Experience, Reviews.
Windscribe vs HideMyAss: Feature Comparison Table
Windscribe vs HideMyAss: Pricing
Windscribe is known for its flexible and affordable pricing options. A major draw is the free tier, which offers 10GB of data per month—ideal for light browsing and occasional use. Windscribe also features a unique “Build A Plan” option, where users can select specific server locations and features for $1 per location. For more extensive use, Windscribe offers a monthly plan at $9 or an annual plan for $69.
HideMyAss takes a more traditional approach to pricing, with three main subscription plans. The monthly plan is $11.99, making it slightly more expensive than Windscribe for short-term users.
Its 12-month plan costs $59.88* (equating to $4.99 per month), and the 36-month plan is $119.76* ($3.99 per month), however it's worth mentioning that these are introductory offers only. You will pay a higher rate when your first billing cycle is complete. HMA is not the only VPN company to pull this bait and switch either, it's actually quite common in the industry.
Features & Privacy Tools
Windscribe is a well established as a serious privacy-first VPN. It offers a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that no user activity or connection logs are stored. Its firewall feature works as a kill switch, ensuring that no data leaks occur when the VPN connection drops.
Windscribe also provides the R.O.B.E.R.T. system, a versatile tool that blocks ads, trackers, malware, and more. With support for strong encryption protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard, Windscribe offers a well-rounded suite of privacy features. Additionally, it allows users to double-hop between servers for added anonymity.
HideMyAss has a slightly more complex history regarding privacy. While it now boasts a no-logs policy, it has faced scrutiny in the past due to compliance with law enforcement requests, raising concerns about user anonymity.
That said, HMA now claims it does not log IP addresses, DNS queries, or browsing activities. It offers a kill switch to prevent data leaks if the connection drops, and users can only choose between OpenVPN and IKEv2, depending on what platform you're using.
User Experience
Windscribe delivers an excellent user experience with its straightforward, well-designed apps across multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Routers, and even AppleTV. The interface is simple yet feature-packed, offering easy access to servers, security settings, and advanced tools like split tunneling and Network Whitelisting.
Its browser extensions are similarly well-designed, providing quick access to VPN features and additional privacy tools. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, Windscribe strikes the right balance between ease of use and depth of features.
HideMyAss provides a clean and easy-to-navigate interface across its platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It emphasizes simplicity, making it accessible for beginners, with easy server selection and quick access to essential features like the kill switch and IP shuffle, which periodically changes your IP address to enhance anonymity. HMA also offers a “Lightning Connect” feature, automatically connecting users to the fastest available server, similar to the Autopilot feature on Windscribe's browser extensions.
Speed
Windscribe generally offers solid speeds, especially when using servers in close proximity. Using the WireGuard protocol further enhances performance with low-latency connections. While speeds can vary based on server load and distance, Windscribe generally provides smooth streaming, minimal buffering, and solid overall performance.
For most users, especially those connecting to nearby servers, Windscribe offers fast and reliable connections. The pro plan also supports unlimited bandwidth, so users don’t need to worry about speed throttling over time.
HideMyAss places a strong emphasis on speed with its “Lightning Connect” feature, which aims to connect users to the fastest available server automatically. With over 1,000 servers in more than 190 countries, although many of these are virtual servers and not actually physically in country. Some users have reported inconsistent speeds across certain servers, with occasional drops in performance depending on server location.
Reviews
Windscribe generally receives high praise for its feature-rich offering, ease of use, and affordability. The R.O.B.E.R.T. ad-blocking system is often highlighted as a major differentiator, along with its commitment to privacy and no-logs policy. Users appreciate its free tier, which is more generous than most competitors, as well as the ability to customize plans.
HideMyAss has a more mixed reception. While its global server coverage and user-friendly interface are often praised, the service has faced criticism in the past for its privacy practices. Expert reviews have pointed out that while HMA has improved its no-logs policy, its U.K. headquarters may still concern privacy-focused users.
Conclusion
Windscribe excels in offering advanced privacy tools, a flexible pricing structure, and a more feature-rich experience. For privacy-conscious users looking for flexibility and customization, Windscribe is the better option.