Hide.me VPN Review—Speed, Security, and Service Examined
With cybercrime projected to cost businesses and consumers up to $10 trillion by 2025, the need for strong online protection is more evident than ever. For this reason, more people are turning to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to boost their online security, and Hide.me VPN is one option to consider.
This detailed Hide.me VPN review will analyze the service's key features and performance stats to help you decide whether it meets all your needs. It'll also introduce an additional method of protecting your sensitive details beyond what a VPN provides.
Disclaimer: The information in this review is accurate as of June 2024. Keep in mind that the features and performance of Hide.me VPN may change over time due to updates and changes made by the provider.
Hide.me VPN's Features
Hide.me VPN can be reviewed across six specific categories:
- Privacy and security
- Speed and performance
- Global server network
- Device compatibility
- UI and customer support
- Pricing
Privacy and Security
Hide.me VPN offers multiple protocols, such as IKEv2, IPsec, OpenVPN, SoftEtherVPN, WireGuard, and SSTP[1]. The best choice depends on whether users need a more stable network, flexibility, simplicity, or speed.
All of the protocols except WireGuard include the industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption, ensuring robust security for user data across all protocols. WireGuard uses ChaCha20 encryption, which is just as secure but more suitable for activities that require faster connections.
Here are some other privacy and security features and measures offered by Hide.me VPN:
Speed and Performance
Hide.me VPN allows its Premium plan customers to use the Bolt-Fast Proxy[10], its proprietary technology for boosting internet speeds for Windows users. It does so by avoiding the use of User Datagram Protocol (UDP), which is more susceptible to slowdowns on Windows.
Hide.me VPN's speed has been tested independently[11], with results showing speed of up to 690 Mbps with WireGuard and up to 210 Mbps with OpenVPN.
For those who need faster connections, Surfshark VPN, NordVPN, and Hotspot Shield VPN may be more suitable alternatives.
Global Server Network
With over 2,600 servers in 90+ locations worldwide[12], users should have no trouble accessing local news when abroad or finding a server close to them. Hide.me VPN also allows users to check whether their IP is properly masked when using the service[12].
Those who require more servers should look into CyberGhost VPN, which has 8,000+ servers, or Turbo VPN, which allows users to connect to 21,000+ servers.
Device Compatibility
Hide.me VPN allows Premium plan users to protect up to 10 devices simultaneously. It also supports multiple operating systems, devices, and browsers[13]—learn more about them in the following table:
Users who want to connect more devices to a VPN should consider Malwarebytes VPN, which allows up to 20 simultaneous connections, or Windscribe VPN, which allows unlimited device connections.
UI and Customer Support
The user interface is simple and intuitive, ensuring that all important features are easily accessible. Users can effortlessly navigate through the dashboard and customize their VPN settings.
Hide.me also offers a wide range of support options[14], including:
- 24/7 live chat support
- Knowledge base with FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and setup tutorials
- Community forum
- Sophisticated ticketing system with quick response times
Pricing
Hide.me VPN offers a free version with unlimited data, eight servers, slower speeds, and no simultaneous connections[15]. The premium version costs $45 per year (it includes three months for free) or $34.95 per six months. A monthly plan is also available for $9.95. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Other VPN services with a free plan include iTop VPN, Urban VPN, and Hola VPN.
Security Concerns Hide.me VPN Users Should Consider
While VPNs like Hide.me VPN can enhance online security, they might not cover all risks. A VPN can't protect your information if you accidentally download malware or share your sensitive data with a fraudulent website. Data breaches can also happen—even with security measures in place, no merchant can guarantee complete protection of users’ financial information as hackers keep improving their techniques.
To protect your financial details when shopping online, consider using virtual cards. While these cards are connected to a real funding source, they shield your actual card and bank account numbers during checkout. If a hacker manages to access the merchant's server, they'll only see the virtual card numbers, while your real payment information will remain safe.
Some banks offer this service, but independent providers like Privacy provide more security features and spending controls.
Privacy Virtual Cards Protect Your Financial Information
Privacy complies with security standards equivalent to those of your bank, including two-factor authentication (2FA), transaction alerts, and regular third-party audits. By linking your real debit card or bank account to Privacy, you can start generating your virtual cards with their own unique 16-digit numbers, expiration dates, and CVV. These cards work at most online platforms that accept Visa® or Mastercard®.
Privacy offers three card types:
- Single-Use Cards—These cards can only be used for a single transaction, and they become invalid shortly afterward. Even if hackers obtain the card number from a merchant's server, they won't be able to use it.
- Merchant-Locked Cards—These cards "lock" to the first merchant you use them with. If a potential hacker steals the card number from that merchant's server, they won't be able to use it elsewhere. You can use these cards for recurring payments, like subscriptions and bills, and for shopping at your favorite e-stores.
- Category-Locked Cards—Instead of a single merchant, these cards can "lock" to a merchant category, like technology, groceries, or education. Any charge attempt that doesn't fit that category will be blocked. These cards are ideal for budgeting and allowances.
With Privacy, you have the ability to set spending limits on your virtual cards. If a charge exceeds the preset limit, Privacy will automatically reject the transaction. This feature provides protection against potentially sneaky merchants and allows you better control over your spending. You can also pause or close your Privacy Card at any time, and Privacy will prevent any further transactions.
Additional Convenience Features
With the Privacy App on iOS or Android, you can create and manage virtual cards from anywhere. You'll get notifications when your card is used or declined, which can help you react timely to any unusual activity.
Privacy also has a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, Safari (including iOS), and Edge. When shopping online, the extension fills in your virtual card details automatically, so you don't have to reach for your wallet or memorize your card details.
Privacy integrates with 1Password, allowing you to create and manage your Privacy Cards from 1Password's browser extension.
How To Get a Privacy Virtual Card
To get a Privacy Card, you need to:
- Create an account
- Enter the necessary details for identity verification
- Link a funding source (like your bank account or debit card)
- Request and create your virtual card
Privacy offers four monthly plans, each with specific features:
