- Stable connection anywhere
- 5490 NordVPN servers
- Protect all your devices
- Best VPN for streaming movies and other content
- fast connections
- 1080+ servers
- 210+ countries available
- All your devices with one subscription
Choose the Best VPN Between NordVPN vs HideMyAss
Customer’s Choice: the Best Rated VPN Service in This Comparison
5 users answered this survey. Please help us improve this review!
When it comes to choosing the right VPN service, there are many options to choose from. In this blog post, we will compare NordVPN and HideMyAss (HMA) to help you decide which one is the best fit for you. Both of these services have their pros and cons, but overall we believe that NordVPN is a better option. Let’s take a closer look at each service and see why!
Servers and Locations
The very first thing we need to compare is the server network of both providers. This is important because the more servers there are, the more likely you are to find one that’s fast and close to your location. This also increases the chances of getting around geo-restrictions.
In addition, the number of server locations is also important. This number affects two things. The first is again, the likelihood of finding a server close to you. The second is that it also affects the number of IP addresses available, which we’ll talk about later.
The best location for a VPN server is, of course, going to depend on where you’re located. If you’re in Europe, then you’ll want a server that’s close to you for the best speeds. If you’re in Asia or Africa, then it might be better to connect to a server in Europe or North America.
Moreover, the number of servers also affects the security of the VPN connection. If there are only a few servers and one of them is compromised, then your whole connection is at risk. But if there are thousands of servers, then it’s much harder for someone to compromise all of them.
So, let’s take a look at the server networks of NordVPN and HideMyAss.
- NordVPN also has an extensive server network with over 5000 servers in 59 countries. It is much more than what most people need, but it is always good to have more choices. The number of servers also means that you are less likely to encounter slow speeds or connection issues.
- HideMyAss, on the other hand, has a more modest server network of around 1100 servers in 210 locations. This is still a decent number of servers, but it is significantly less than what NordVPN offers. This number is constantly growing, so you can expect even more servers and locations in the future. [1]
If you want to access geo-restricted content from all over the world, then NordVPN is the better choice. But if you’re only interested in accessing content from a few specific countries, then HideMyAss will probably be good enough.
Speed
The next important thing to consider is speed. If you want to stream HD content or download large files, you need a VPN with fast speeds. It means that the VPN won’t slow down your internet connection too much. Moreover, a good VPN should have servers in different locations so you can always find a fast connection.
Speed is also important for gaming. If you want to play online games, you need a VPN with low latency and fast speeds. This will ensure that you don’t experience any lagging or connection issues.
In addition, a fast VPN can help you avoid data caps. Data caps are common in many countries and they limit the amount of data you can use per month. If you want to avoid data caps, you need a VPN with fast speeds. Some ISPs throttle your internet connection if you use too much data. But a VPN can help you bypass these restrictions.
To ensure that you’re getting a fast connection, we ran speed tests on NordVPN and HideMyAss. We tested each VPN on a 100 Mbps connection and measured the speeds with Ookla’s speed test tool. This one is handy because it gives you an accurate idea of the download and upload speeds.
NordVPN had the fastest speeds in our tests. It was able to maintain a speed of around 95 Mbps in most locations. Moreover, it had the lowest latency of all the VPNs we tested. This means that NordVPN is a great choice for gaming and streaming.
HideMyAss, on the other hand, was not as fast as NordVPN. It was only able to maintain speeds of around 60 Mbps in most locations. And while it didn’t have the lowest latency, it was still good enough for gaming and streaming.
So, if you’re looking for a fast VPN, NordVPN is the better choice. But if you’re willing to sacrifice some speed for a lower price, HideMyAss is a good option.
Connections
Another important factor to consider when choosing a VPN service is the number of simultaneous connections that are allowed. This is important because it will determine how many devices you can protect with a single account. Moreover, it can also come in handy if you want to share your account with family or friends. For example, if you have a family of four and each member has two devices, you will need a VPN service that allows eight simultaneous connections.
Usually, there are two types of VPN connections: simultaneous and per-device.
- Simultaneous connections allow you to connect multiple devices to the VPN at the same time. It means that you can use one account to protect your laptop, desktop, smartphone, and tablet all at the same time.
- On the other hand, per-device connections only allow you to use one device per account. So, if you have four devices, you will need four different accounts. This can be expensive and inconvenient.
Most VPN services offer about 5 simultaneous connections. However, NordVPN and HideMyAss (HMA) offer more.
So, when choosing a VPN service, make sure to check the number of simultaneous connections that are allowed.
NordVPN offers up to six connections. This means that you can have this software on six devices and they will all be protected. For most users, this will be more than enough. Six devices are a lot.
HideMyAss, on the other hand, offers from 5 to 10 connections. It depends on your package. The cheapest one only allows five connections while the most expensive one offers ten. This is more than NordVPN offers.
So, if you need to protect more than six devices, HideMyAss would be a better choice. However, if you only need to protect six devices or less, NordVPN is a better option.
Security and Privacy
The biggest concern when it comes to VPNs is security and privacy. You need to make sure that your data is safe and secure, and that your privacy is protected. If a VPN can’t keep your data safe and private, then it’s not doing its job. Moreover, a VPN that doesn’t have strong security and privacy features is not worth your time or money.
In addition, there are different levels of security and privacy. Some VPNs offer more security than others. Actually, it depends on some factors such as the device you’re using, your operating system, and your location.
For example, if you’re using public Wi-Fi, it is more likely that your data will be intercepted. Or, if you’re using an unsecured connection, your data is also more vulnerable.
That’s why it is vital to find a VPN with the best privacy and security for your needs.
There are some security things to consider when choosing a VPN. These include:
- Encryption – It is the process of scrambling data so that it can’t be read by anyone who doesn’t have the key to decrypt it. The most common encryption algorithms are AES-256 and Blowfish. However, not all VPNs use the same encryption algorithm.
- Hash Authentication – It is a way to ensure that the data hasn’t been tampered with. Usually, it is used in conjunction with encryption. The most common hash authentication algorithms are MD-five and SHA-256.
- Jurisdiction – The jurisdiction of the VPN is also important. A VPN that is located in a country with strong privacy laws is the best option. However, some VPNs are located in countries with weak privacy laws. For example, such countries as the US and the UK have weak privacy laws.
- Logging policy – The logging policy of a VPN is also important for security. A VPN that doesn’t log user data is more secure than one that does. This is because a VPN that logs user data can be forced to hand over those logs to government agencies.
- Security Protocols – You should not forget about security protocols. The most common are OpenVPN, PPTP, LTP, and IPsec. There are also various other security protocols, but these are the most common. In addition, they are also the most secure.
Moreover, a “no-logs” policy is the only way to be sure that your data won’t be turned over to the government or other third parties. I usually don’t recommend using a VPN that keeps any logs, but if you’re going to use one, make sure it’s a traffic-logs-only VPN. This would be my second choice.
There are some other factors to consider when it comes to security and privacy, but these are the most important.
So, now let’s compare the security and privacy features of NordVPN and HideMyAss.
- Encryption: NordVPN uses the AES-256 algorithm for encryption. This is the strongest encryption algorithm available. It is used by the US government and is also used by the military. HideMyAss also uses the AES-256 algorithm for encryption.
- Hash Authentication: NordVPN uses the SHA-256 algorithm for hash authentication. This is a strong hash authentication algorithm. HideMyAss also uses the SHA-256 algorithm for hash authentication. [2]
- Jurisdiction: NordVPN is registered in Panama, which has strong privacy laws. This means that NordVPN is subject to Panama’s data retention laws, which do not require VPNs to keep logs of user data. HMA is registered in the UK, which has weak privacy laws. The UK is a part of the Five Eyes alliance. This means that the US government can request user data from these VPNs. So, if you’re looking for a more secure VPN, NordVPN is the better option.
- Logging Policy: NordVPN is very transparent about its logging policy. NordVPN has a clear and concise logging policy which is available to read on their website. In short, they do not keep any logs that could be used to identify you or your device. This is the best type of logging policy as it gives you complete anonymity online. It’s also worth noting that NordVPN is one of the few VPNs to have been audited by a third party. HideMyAss also has a no-logs policy. However, their logging policy is not as clear as NordVPN. Moreover, they had some issues with their logging policy in the past.
- Security Protocols: Both HMA and NordVPN use the OpenVPN protocol. This is good news for security, as it means that your data is well-protected. NordVPN also offers an additional protocol called WireGuard. It is a new protocol that is considered to be more secure and faster than OpenVPN. It’s not yet as widely supported as OpenVPN, but it’s growing in popularity. In addition, NordVPN offers IKEv2/IPsec. This protocol is known for being fast and stable. HMA offers also IKEv2/IPSec and L2TP/IPSec. [1]
UI and UX
The next important thing to consider is the UI and UX.
UI is the “user interface” and refers to how easy the VPN is to use. The better the UI, the easier it is to find what you’re looking for and get connected.
UX is the “user experience” and refers to how intuitive and enjoyable the VPN is to use. A good UX can make a big difference in whether or not you’ll use a VPN regularly.
Here are some things to consider when comparing the UI and UX of NordVPN vs HideMyAss:
- Ease of use – You will use your VPN more often if it is easy to use. Consider how easy it is to find what you’re looking for and connect to servers with each VPN. Moreover, think about how each VPN looks and feels.
- Customization – Some people like to have a lot of control over their VPN experience, while others just want it to “work.” Consider how much customization each VPN allows. Such options might include choosing protocols, server locations, and more.
- Intuitive design – A good design is one that is easy to understand and use. It should be self-explanatory and require little thought to use. Consider how each VPN’s design affects your overall experience. For example, a well-designed VPN will be easy to navigate and have a logical layout.
- Useful features – A VPN is more than just a way to encrypt your traffic. Some VPNs have extra features that can be useful, such as a kill switch or DNS leak protection. Consider which features are important to you and make sure the VPN you choose has them.
- Connection speed – A fast connection is important for a good VPN experience. Nobody likes to wait around for a slow connection. Consider how each VPN affects your connection speed and choose the one that gives you the best results.
- Color scheme – This might seem like a minor thing, but some people really care about the color scheme of their VPN. In addition, it affects the overall look and feel of the app. Some colors are just more pleasing to the eye than others. Consider which color scheme you prefer and choose the VPN with the best one.
- Overall aesthetic – In addition to the color scheme, consider the overall aesthetic of each VPN. This includes things like fonts, icons, and general layouts. Aesthetics are important because they affect how much you enjoy using the VPN.
- Language support – If you don’t speak English, you’ll want a VPN that supports your language. This way, you can easily navigate the app and find what you’re looking for. Consider whether or not each VPN supports your language before making a decision.
- Design – A good design should be sleek, modern, and easy on the eyes. This is important because you will be spending a lot of time looking at the VPN interface. For example, if you are using a VPN to stream movies, you will want an interface that does not have a lot of clutter. Clingy designs can be very off-putting and make it difficult to use the VPN.
So, now we have to compare the UI and UX of NordVPN against HideMyAss.
- NordVPN is of the most user-friendly VPNs on the market. It has a sleek and modern design that is easy to use and navigate. You can also customize the interface to suit your needs. I really like that NordVPN’s UI is available in multiple languages. Additionally, you do not have to spend a lot of time configuring NordVPN as it is very easy to set up. Moreover, the connection speeds are very fast, which is great for streaming movies or TV shows. The color scheme is also very pleasing to the eye. It is available in many languages, which is great for people who do not speak English. The overall aesthetic is modern and sleek, which I really like.
- HideMyAss, on the other hand, has a very cluttered and busy interface. It is difficult to find what you are looking for and the overall design is not very intuitive. Additionally, the color scheme is very drab and unappealing. But I really like that HideMyAss offers a lot of customization options. You can choose from many different server locations and protocols. This is great for people who want more control over their VPN experience.
So, overall, I prefer NordVPN over HideMyAss because it is more user-friendly and has a better design. HideMyAss does have some redeeming qualities, such as its customization options. However, these are not enough to make up for its poorer design. I would recommend NordVPN to anyone looking for a good VPN experience.
However, it all comes down to personal preference. So, try out both NordVPN and HideMyAss and see which one you prefer. You might be surprised at which one you like better. Whichever VPN you choose, make sure it has the features that are important to you.
Netflix & Streaming
Another important thing to consider is whether or not a VPN service can unblock Netflix. It is popular for its great speeds, reliability, security, and ability to unblock geo-locked content. This streaming service is famous for its tough geo-restrictions, which have made it difficult for VPN users to access. The reason for these restrictions is that Netflix licenses its content differently in different regions.
For example, a show that’s available in the US might not be available in the UK. Or, a movie that’s available in the UK might not be available in the US. This is why it’s important to choose a VPN service that can unblock Netflix.
In addition, it’s also important to choose a VPN service that offers fast speeds. This is because Netflix requires a lot of bandwidth to stream content in HD. If your VPN service is too slow, you won’t be able to watch Netflix in HD.
Finally, it’s also important to choose a VPN service that has servers in multiple countries. This is because Netflix sometimes blocks VPN users who are using IP addresses from known VPN providers. By using a VPN service with servers in multiple countries, you can get around this issue.
So, which VPN service is best for Netflix? NordVPN is one and the best VPN service that we recommend for Netflix. NordVPN is a great choice for Netflix because it offers fast speeds and reliable connections, and it can unblock geo-locked content.
- In addition, NordVPN has servers in about 60 countries, which means you can always find a server that’s not blocked by Netflix. It is great because now we can watch our favorite shows and movies without worry. And, if you do run into any problems, NordVPN’s customer support is excellent and they’ll be happy to help you troubleshoot. But we will discuss more customer support a little later.
- HMA is a bad choice for streaming services like Netflix because it can not unblock geo-blocked content. This is a big problem because it means that you won’t be able to watch your favorite shows and movies when you travel abroad. You can not even use HMA to watch Netflix in your own country because it is known to be one of the worst-performing VPNs for this streaming service. We tried multiple servers and were never successful. This was a huge disappointment because we had such high hopes for the service. [2]
With other streaming services the situation was the same. NordVPN can unblock Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more. While HMA could not unblock any of them.
Even though some free VPNs like Windscribe or ProtonVPN can unblock Netflix, we do not recommend using them. This is because free VPNs are usually very slow and they have a limited number of servers. This means that you’re likely to experience buffering and other issues when trying to stream Netflix.
In conclusion, NordVPN is the best VPN service for Netflix. It worked great in our tests and it’s able to unblock a wide range of streaming services.
Torrenting
One more vital aspect while picking a VPN is torrenting support. Bear in mind that not all providers permit PTP file sharing on their servers due to copyright infringement issues. It means that if you want to download torrents, you have to connect to a server where this activity is allowed.
Torrenting is considered to be one of the main reasons why people use VPNs. The thing is that when you download torrents, your IP address becomes visible to everyone, which can lead to privacy issues. That’s why a lot of people choose to use a VPN while torrenting.
For torrenting there are a few things to consider:
- The VPN service should allow torrenting on their servers – if they don’t, move on to the next provider
- It should have robust security features to protect your identity – this is of utmost importance when torrenting
- The speed of the VPN connection is important because it can affect how quickly you can download and upload files.
Both NordVPN and HideMyAss allow torrenting on their servers.
- However, NordVPN provides special servers for PTP file sharing which are called “PTP-friendly servers”. You can find the list of NordVPN PPTP servers in their knowledge base. They also have great leak protection for torrenting, which ensures that your IP address will never be exposed. The speed is also awesome for downloading torrents. In addition, their speeds are some of the best we’ve seen, so you won’t have to worry about your connection being too slow. We tested it out and were able to download and upload files quickly.
- HMA also allows torrenting on their servers. However, we found their speeds to be a bit slower than NordVPN. This is likely because they have fewer servers overall. Moreover, they are located in the UK, which means your identity might not be as safe with them. In addition, we are not sure about leak protection for torrenting.[2]
You should always take steps to protect yourself, even when using a VPN.
So, if you’re looking for a VPN for torrenting, we would recommend NordVPN over HideMyAss. In my opinion, they are the best VPN for torrenting.
Customer Support
Now it is time to take a look at the customer support of NordVPN and HideMyAss. It is important for a few reasons:
- First, if you have a problem with the VPN service, you want to be able to get help as soon as possible. For example, if the VPN connection is not working, you want to be able to contact customer support and get help troubleshooting the problem.
- Second, you want to make sure that the customer support is knowledgeable and helpful. You don’t want to be stuck on the phone with someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing.
- Finally, you want to make sure that customer support is available when you need it. Some VPN providers only offer customer support during business hours, while others offer 24/7 support.
Usually, there are several ways to contact customer support, such as by email, live chat, or phone. Some VPN providers also have a knowledge base or FAQ that you can search through to find answers to your questions.
- NordVPN has excellent customer support. They have a live chat feature that is available on 24/07. They do have a very comprehensive FAQ section on their website, though. Moreover, there is a knowledge base where you can find video guides and setup tutorials. In addition, you can contact them via email. We used it several times and always received a quick and helpful response. The only downside is that they do not have a phone number that you can call.
- HideMyAss is a bit worse. First, they do not have a 24/7 live chat feature, which is a big downside. They are only available during working hours. You can only contact them via email, which can sometimes take a while to get a response. They do have a knowledge base, which is not bad, but it is not as comprehensive as NordVPN. Finally, they are also helpful and quick to respond. However, we would prefer if they had a live chat feature that was available on 24/07.
In conclusion, NordVPN has better customer support than HideMyAss. If you need help with anything, you will be able to get it more quickly and easily with NordVPN.
FAQ
Does NordVPN slow the internet?
NordVPN does not slow internet speeds. The main reason for this is that NordVPN encrypts your traffic and passes it through their secure tunnel. This process can add some overhead but it is typically negligible. In most cases, users will not notice any difference in speed when using NordVPN.
Do you have to pay monthly for a mobile hotspot?
You do not have to pay monthly for a mobile hotspot. However, you will need to purchase a mobile hotspot device and data plan from your carrier. Once you have done this, you can use your mobile hotspot just like you would any other Wi-Fi connection.
How long does a 50GB hotspot last?
A 50GB hotspot will last for approximately 500 hours if used continuously. However, most people do not use their hotspots continuously and can get much more use out of them by turning them off when they are not in use.
Useful Video: NordVPN vs HideMyAss – VPN Comparison / Which VPN is the best?
Final Thoughts
VPN is a great tool that can help protect your privacy and keep you safe online. When it comes to choosing a VPN provider, there are a lot of options out there. NordVPN and HideMyAss are two of the most popular choices. But which one is better?
NordVPN and HideMyAss both have their pros and cons. NordVPN is more expensive, but it offers more features and security. HideMyAss is less expensive, but it doesn’t have as many features.
In the end, both NordVPN and HideMyAss are great VPN services. However, NordVPN is the better choice for most people. It’s better in most categories, including security, speed, and customer support.
NordVPN is a great choice for anyone looking for a secure VPN service. It’s also a good choice for people who want a fast VPN service. And, if you ever need help, NordVPN has excellent customer support.
HideMyAss is a good VPN service, but it’s not as good as NordVPN. If you’re looking for the best VPN service, we recommend NordVPN.
In the end, it’s up to you to decide which VPN provider is best for you. You can try both NordVPN and HideMyAss to see which one you like better. Or, you can read our full NordVPN review or HideMyAss review to learn more about each VPN service.
I hope this comparison of NordVPN vs HideMyAss was helpful. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below. Thanks for reading!
If you are interested in a more in-depth NordVPN vs HideMyAss comparison, check out the video below.
References:
- https://vpnpro.com/vpn-comparison/nordvpn-vs-hidemyass/#customer-support
- https://restoreprivacy.com/vpn/comparison/nordvpn-vs-hidemyass-hma/
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