Hide.me VPN Review

Overview

Hide.me is a Malaysia-based VPN service that offers a compelling combination of security, privacy, and user-friendly features. With its strong focus on transparency and a generous free tier, Hide.me has established itself as a noteworthy contender in the VPN market. The service provides a good balance of performance and affordability, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users seeking robust online protection.

Our Score: 9.0/10
Ranked 10th out of 198 VPNs

Our Evaluation

Our team conducted extensive testing of Hide.me’s services, examining its security protocols, connection speeds, streaming capabilities, and overall user experience. We also analyzed its privacy policy and customer support responsiveness to provide a comprehensive assessment.

Hide.me delivers impressive performance with strong encryption, reliable connections, and the ability to unblock most streaming platforms. Its server network, while not the largest in the industry, provides good coverage with strategically placed servers in key locations worldwide. The service offers a genuine 30-day money-back guarantee on premium plans, allowing users to test all features risk-free, and also provides a generous free version with unlimited data.

Hide.me Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements

Pros:

  • Free version with unlimited data
  • Strong security features and no-logs policy
  • 10 simultaneous device connections
  • User-friendly and customizable interface
  • Good streaming capabilities
  • Independently audited privacy practices
  • Based in Malaysia (privacy-friendly jurisdiction)
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

  • Smaller server network than major competitors (2,600 servers across 91 locations)
  • Free version has limited server locations
  • Premium plans are slightly more expensive than some competitors
  • Desktop app interface looks somewhat dated
  • No dedicated browser extensions

Hide.me Features — 2025 Update

Price

Starting at $2.69/month with the 26-month plan. Also offers monthly ($9.95) and annual ($4.57/month) options.

Key Features

  • Score: 9.0/10
  • AES-256 encryption with 4096-bit RSA key
  • Multiple protocol options (OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, SSTP, SoftEther)
  • Strict no-logs policy (independently audited)
  • Built-in kill switch
  • DNS leak protection
  • Split tunneling
  • StealthGuard (configurable app-specific kill switch)
  • Smart Guard (ad, tracker, and malicious website blocker)
  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections
  • Free version available with unlimited data

Streaming

  • Score: 9.2/10
  • Successfully unblocks Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and more
  • Works with BBC iPlayer consistently
  • Good performance for HD and 4K streaming
  • Some occasional buffering on very distant servers
  • Free version has more limited streaming capabilities

Speed

  • Score: 8.8/10
  • Impressive speeds on local connections
  • Good performance on international servers
  • Minimal speed loss with nearby servers
  • Fast enough for HD streaming and online gaming
  • Consistent connections with minimal drops
  • Free version offers slower speeds

Gaming

  • Score: 8.4/10
  • Low enough latency for most online games
  • Stable connections for uninterrupted gameplay
  • Protection against DDoS attacks
  • Access to region-restricted games
  • Split tunneling for optimized gaming experience

Security and Privacy

Hide.me offers robust security features including:

  • AES-256 encryption with 4096-bit RSA key
  • Multiple secure protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, SSTP, SoftEther)
  • Strict no-logs policy (verified by independent audit in 2024)
  • Based in Malaysia (outside 14 Eyes alliance, with strong privacy laws)
  • Perfect forward secrecy
  • Built-in leak protection
  • Transparency reports published regularly
  • Stealth VPN technology to bypass censorship

Device Compatibility

Hide.me works on most popular devices:

  • Windows, Mac, Linux
  • iOS, Android
  • Amazon Fire TV
  • Routers
  • Kodi
  • No browser extensions

Customer Support

Email and live chat support (not 24/7). Also offers:

  • Detailed setup guides
  • Troubleshooting articles
  • Comprehensive knowledge base
  • Remote installation assistance

Conclusion

Hide.me offers an excellent balance of security, privacy, and performance. Its standout feature is the generous free version with unlimited data, making it an excellent choice for users on a budget. While its server network is smaller than some competitors and its premium plans are slightly more expensive, Hide.me compensates with strong security features, good streaming capabilities, and a user-friendly experience. The service’s commitment to transparency, evidenced by regular independent audits and transparency reports, further enhances its credibility. With its 30-day money-back guarantee and free tier option, Hide.me is definitely worth considering in 2025, especially for privacy-conscious users who value customization options.