Hide Me

Hide.me VPN is an independent, privacy-first VPN provider based in Malaysia, outside major surveillance alliances. With over a decade in the industry, it offers a robust, no-logs service and a generous free plan. hide.me is known for its advanced security, fast speeds—especially with its Bolt and WireGuard technologies—and a feature set that rivals top competitors, making it a strong choice for privacy-conscious users, streamers, and those seeking to bypass censorship.

Features & Specs

• Server Network: 2,600+ servers in 91+ locations (physical servers, 10Gbps)
• Supported Devices: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, browser extensions
• Simultaneous Connections: Up to 10 devices (Premium); 1 device (Free)
• Protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, SoftEther, SSTP
• Security: AES-256 encryption, kill switch (StealthGuard), DNS/IPv6/WebRTC leak protection, no-logs, RAM-only servers, independently audited
• Extra Tools: Split tunneling, Multihop (Double VPN), dynamic port forwarding, SmartGuard ad/tracker blocker, StealthGuard, IPv6 support, SOCKS5 proxy
• Streaming Support: Optimized servers for Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more
• Trial/Guarantee: Always-free plan, 30-day money-back guarantee

Performance

hide.me VPN is highly rated for speed, with its Bolt technology and WireGuard protocol delivering some of the fastest VPN connections, especially on Windows. Users report over 90% of their normal internet speeds for browsing and streaming. Streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+ work reliably on optimized servers, and torrenting/P2P is supported with dynamic port forwarding. Gaming performance is strong on local servers, though latency may increase on distant connections.

Privacy & Security

hide.me employs AES-256 encryption, supports modern protocols, and enforces a strict no-logs policy independently audited for transparency. Its StealthGuard kill switch and leak protection prevent accidental IP/DNS exposure. The provider is headquartered in Malaysia, outside the Fourteen Eyes, and does not store user logs or payment data. Transparency reports are published annually, and the company has a clean record with no known data breaches.

Usability

hide.me offers intuitive, easy-to-use apps for all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, plus browser extensions and support for routers and smart TVs. Setup is straightforward, and features like SmartGuard, split tunneling, and StealthGuard are accessible even for beginners. Up to 10 devices can be connected simultaneously on paid plans, and support is available 24/7 via live chat, email, and a comprehensive knowledge base.

Pricing & Plans

• Free Plan — Unlimited duration, $0 total cost, $0 monthly, includes 10GB/month, 1 device, limited locations
• 1 Month — 1 month duration, $9.95 total cost and monthly, includes 10 devices, all features
• 6 Months — 6 months duration, $34.95 total cost, $5.82 monthly, includes 10 devices, all features
• 15 Months (12+3 Free) — 15 months duration, $45.00 total cost, $3.00 monthly, includes 10 devices, all features
• Guarantee: 30 days money-back guarantee on all paid plans

Payment options: Credit cards, PayPal, cryptocurrency.

Pricing guarantee: Renewals at the same price and duration.

VAT: May apply based on location.

Free Version and Trials

Free Plan: Always available, no sign-up or payment required. Includes 10GB/month, 1 device, limited server locations, and the same security as paid users.

Money-Back Guarantee: 30 days on all paid plans, no questions asked.

Permanent Free Version: Yes, with limitations on data and server access.

• Free Plan — Free, available on all platforms, 10GB/month, 1 device, limited servers
• Paid Plans (after trial) — Varying costs, available on all platforms, annual or multi-year subscriptions

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Always-free plan with no registration required
• Independently audited no-logs policy and strong encryption
• Advanced features: split tunneling, Multihop, SmartGuard, dynamic port forwarding
• Fast speeds with WireGuard and Bolt technology
• 10 simultaneous device connections on paid plans
• Optimized streaming servers for major platforms
• Transparent privacy practices and annual reports

Cons:

• Free plan limited to 10GB/month and fewer server locations
• Multihop setup can be clunky and may require manual configuration
• Server network is smaller than some top-tier competitors
• Some advanced features (like Multihop) are less user-friendly than rivals
• No dedicated IP option

Comparison

hide.me VPN stands out for its generous free plan, privacy transparency, and advanced features. While it may not match NordVPN or ExpressVPN in server count or streaming reliability on the free tier, it offers more privacy customization and a truly no-logs, independently audited service. Its pricing is competitive, especially with the 15-month deal, and the free plan is one of the best in the industry for casual users.

Conclusion

hide.me VPN is a secure, privacy-focused VPN with a rare always-free plan, robust encryption, and a strong no-logs commitment. Its fast speeds, advanced features, and user-friendly apps make it a great choice for privacy enthusiasts, streamers, and anyone seeking to bypass censorship. The 30-day money-back guarantee and no-registration free plan provide risk-free ways to try the service.