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Hide.me VPN Review
Hide.me is a security-focused VPN service based in Malaysia, operating outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes alliance. It is best known for offering a feature-rich free plan and advanced privacy features for premium users. In this in-depth review, we examine Hide.me’s security architecture, performance, pricing, and overall usability. Is Hide.me a serious contender in a competitive VPN market? Let’s find out.
Hide.me is designed with privacy and transparency at its core. The service has undergone independent security audits and adheres to a strict no-logs policy. It supports a wide range of protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, SSTP, and even SoftEther. With over 2,100 servers in 80+ locations and support for advanced tools like Stealth Guard, Split Tunneling, and Multihop, Hide.me caters to both casual users and power users seeking fine-tuned privacy control.
Advantages of Hide.me
1. Security and Privacy
No-Logs Policy: Verified and independently audited; user data is never tracked or stored.
AES-256 Encryption: Military-grade encryption with strong protocol support.
Stealth Guard: Blocks internet or app traffic when VPN is not active; works like a powerful, customizable kill switch.
Split Tunneling: Route only specific apps or websites through the VPN.
Multihop: Route traffic through two servers for an extra layer of anonymity.
Bolt Technology: Windows-specific feature that boosts speed by bypassing OS bottlenecks.
2. Network and Performance
2,100+ Servers in 80+ Locations: Globally distributed network with 10 Gbps servers in major regions.
Consistent Speed: WireGuard ensures excellent speeds with minimal latency.
Streaming Support: Unblocks Netflix (US), BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video (varies by server).
Port Forwarding: Fully supported—ideal for torrenting, P2P, and self-hosted applications.
3. Cross-Platform Support
Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, routers, and Fire TV.
CLI support for advanced Linux usage.
Browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
Free plan available (10 GB/month, no ads, no account required).
4. Usability
Intuitive App Design: Functional but less polished than competitors.
Auto Connect and Smart Location features streamline user experience.
Live Chat Support and extensive online documentation.
Disadvantages of Hide.me
Streaming access can sometimes be inconsistent depending on the specific server selected. Users may need to try different locations to find one that works reliably with certain platforms. The desktop user interface, while feature-rich, is somewhat less intuitive compared to more polished competitors like NordVPN or Surfshark. Additionally, Hide.me does not include any extra services such as a password manager, antivirus protection, or encrypted cloud storage, which are often bundled with other premium VPN plans.
Performance Test Results
Local Server (Netherlands): 94% of base speed
US Server: 82% of base speed
Asia Server (Singapore): 68% of base speed
Netflix streamed smoothly in HD and 4K on supported servers. Torrenting via P2P servers with port forwarding enabled achieved high stability and throughput.
Pricing Plans
Hide.me offers competitive pricing with flexible options for both short- and long-term users. Whether you’re testing the waters with a monthly subscription or committing to a long-term plan for greater savings, all options come with full access to premium features and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
The monthly plan costs $10.79 and is billed each month. It’s ideal for users who want maximum flexibility without long-term commitment.
The 12-month plan is priced at $59.39 in total, which breaks down to approximately $4.95 per month. This option offers 54% savings compared to the monthly rate and is suitable for users who plan to use the service regularly.
The best value comes with the 28-month plan, which includes 4 extra months for free. It is billed at $75.59 total, averaging out to just $2.69 per month. This plan is perfect for long-term users looking to get the most out of their investment.
All prices are approximate and converted from EUR to USD using the exchange rate as of April 2025. Actual charges may vary slightly depending on currency fluctuations and payment method.
Hide.me
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All Premium Features, Billed Monthly
Final Verdict
Hide.me is a technically impressive VPN solution that demonstrates a strong commitment to privacy, security, and user control. Its headquarters in Malaysia place it well outside the jurisdiction of intelligence-sharing alliances like the 5, 9, and 14 Eyes, reinforcing its credibility as a truly independent privacy service. This foundational principle is backed by a strict no-logs policy, which has been independently verified, giving users confidence that their data and online activities are never recorded, stored, or shared.
One of Hide.me’s standout features is its free plan, which is among the most generous and transparent in the VPN industry. Unlike many competitors that offer time-limited or feature-restricted free trials, Hide.me’s free plan includes 10 GB of monthly data, access to multiple locations, and no ads—making it a legitimate long-term option for users with basic VPN needs or those just beginning to explore privacy tools. For advanced users, the Premium plan unlocks a powerful set of tools, including Multihop connections for layered anonymity, Stealth Guard to prevent traffic leaks when the VPN is disconnected, and Split Tunneling to customize which apps or services use the VPN tunnel.
From a technical standpoint, Hide.me supports a wide range of VPN protocols including WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, SSTP, and SoftEther, making it one of the most flexible VPNs on the market. This breadth of support is particularly valuable in restrictive environments, such as corporate firewalls or countries with internet censorship, where fallback options like SoftEther can ensure uninterrupted access. The inclusion of port forwarding and 10 Gbps server infrastructure also makes Hide.me a solid option for torrenting, self-hosted applications, and gaming with low latency.
While Hide.me doesn’t offer extras like a bundled password manager, antivirus protection, or encrypted cloud storage—which have become common in all-in-one VPN and cybersecurity suites—it makes a compelling case for users who prefer a leaner, more focused privacy tool. Its desktop apps may not be the most refined in terms of UI design, but they remain functional and efficient, offering features that more polished competitors sometimes hide behind higher pricing tiers.
Ultimately, Hide.me is a service for those who prioritize substance over flash. It caters well to power users, developers, and privacy-conscious individuals who want control, transparency, and strong performance without unnecessary clutter. Whether you’re looking for a dependable VPN for daily use, a secure option for P2P activity, or a privacy-first solution in a region with limited internet freedom, Hide.me delivers where it matters most.
For users who value privacy, configurability, and honest service over bundled gimmicks, Hide.me is a trustworthy and capable VPN that deserves serious consideration.
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