ExpressVPN vs HideMyAss in 2024

The VPN realm has different possibilities for everyone’s needs. You can find free and freemium VPNs, or you can go straight for a premium plan. From them, there are low-ranked, middle-ranked, and leading providers. One VPN that causes a lot of fuss is ExpressVPN.

This exceptional provider has a vast server fleet, incredible streaming and torrenting capabilities, works with various devices, and bypasses multiple restrictions. Due to this, many providers like HideMyAss try to overtake its position in the market.

That’s why we decided to establish our thorough ExpressVPN vs HideMyAss comparison and see which one will cater to your needs better. So, let’s get down to business!

ExpressVPN vs HideMyAss: specifications

ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for wherever you are because of its huge server range. Even though it doesn’t advertise the exact number of servers, we know it’s a few thousand. By using robust VPN protocols, including its unique Lightway protocol, ExpressVPN manages to provide incredible speeds. Because of that, you can stream and torrent without any interruptions.

On the other hand, HideMyAss is more budget-friendly, so better suited for those counting every cent. Unfortunately, it has a smaller server fleet and slower speeds. However, it still unblocks popular streaming services, but it may not be suitable for bypassing online censorship as it’s less secure.

Overall, ExpressVPN emerges as a clear winner in our HideMyAss vs ExpressVPN comparison. Let’s find out in which aspects it surpasses HMA.

ExpressVPN vs HideMyAss: pricing

The price of the VPN provider is the first thing people look at when choosing one. In this round of the HMA vs ExpressVPN comparison, HideMyAss takes the win, as it’s more affordable. So, let’s get into more detail.

ExpressVPN pricing

ExpressVPN lacks a free VPN version, but it includes a 30-day money-back guarantee in all of its plans. However, it’s a bit expensive. Here are its prices:

• $12.99/month for one month
• $9.99/month for six months
• $4.99/month for 12 months

But what makes this VPN amazing is that it provides many payment methods, such as credit and debit cards, PayPal, online transfers, Paymentwall, and Bitcoin. Therefore, you can enjoy total anonymity.

HideMyAss pricing

Compared to ExpressVPN, HMA offers more affordable plans and a 7-day free trial, together with a 30-day money-back guarantee. On top of that, it has plans for 5 and 10 simultaneous connections to choose from.

5 simultaneous connections:

• $4.99/month for 12 months
• $2.99/month for 36 months

10 simultaneous connections:

• $7.99/month for 12 months
• $6.99/month for 24 months
• $5.99/month for 36 months

Regarding payment methods, HMA’s range is similar toExpressVPN’s, although it lacks cryptocurrency payment options. Therefore, you can’t pay for the subscription anonymously.

Speed comparison

In terms of speeds, both VPN providers have decent ones. However, ExpressVPN excels in this round of the comparison. But let’s not waste time, we’ll explain why.

ExpressVPN has consistent and reliable performance. It’s also faster than HideMyAss because it employs a unique Lightway protocol. Additionally, ExpressVPN relies on more servers that provide connections without interruptions.

On the other hand, HideMyAss has a smaller server network and not-so-powerful VPN protocols. It lacks fast and consistent speeds over longer distances, which is a result of the fewer servers.

ExpressVPN vs HideMyAss: which is more secure?

ExpressVPN indeed prioritizes your security, so it surpasses HideMyAss in another round of our ExpressVPN vs HMA comparison. It offers a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, has independently audited no-logs policy, which was proven in court, and runs its servers on RAM-only technology.

But before we find out the main reason, here are the features they both share:

• AES-256 encryption
• Kill switch
• DNS, IPv6, WebRTC leak protection

Privacy

Thanks to ExpressVPN’s location, you will have one risk-free journey. More precisely, ExpressVPN operates from the British Virgin Islands, which isn’t part of the 5, 9, or 14 Eyes Alliance. As a result, your online activities will avoid government surveillance and personal data storage.

Unfortunately, HideMyAss is a bit of a risky provider. It’s located in the UK, meaning it belongs to a 5-Eyes Alliance country. In other words, the VPN may share your confidential information with the government and expose your online activities. Also, HMA doesn’t have RAM servers, which is a big drawback compared to ExpressVPN.

Logging

Regarding logging, both VPNs come with independently-audited no-logs. In addition, ExpressVPN’s no-logs policy was verified in court. Because of its zero-knowledge policy, the provider isn’t aware of and doesn’t store any information on your activity.

Servers location

The most evident difference between ExpressVPN and HideMyAss is the server fleet. Although we don’t know the exact number of ExpressVPN servers, it’s clear that they have plenty. Therefore, the point in this round goes to ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN comes with thousands of servers across 105+ countries. On top of that, all servers are virtual, and they all rely on RAM-only technology, meaning your activity remains private at all times.

In comparison, HMA has 1100+ servers in 210+ countries. While this is excellent global coverage, it doesn’t have a sufficient server number for a tip-top experience. Also, it lacks RAM-only servers, and we don’t know who owns the data centers the servers are hosted on.

Features comparison

ExpressVPN is better than HMA so far, but what about additional features? Once again, ExpressVPN emerges as a clear winner.

SmartDNS

SmartDNS is an essential feature for those devices that don’t support VPNs. With a SmartDNS feature, you’ll access your favorite content from your favorite device, even while traveling. However, HMA doesn’t offer SmartDNS.

ExpressVPN has a unique MediaStreamer that modifies the DNS metrics in order to provide you with access to geo-restricted sites or services.

Unfortunatelly, HideMyAss lacks this feature, leaving you with a more limited experience.

Ad & malware blocker

Hackers usually enter your devices by injecting malware in various links and ads. Luckily, an ad & malware blocker will block suspicious ads or malicious links, keeping you safe from data breaches.

Fortunately, ExpressVPN has a built-in blocker. However, it offers Threat Manager that only blocks user trackers to avoid personalized ads, but doesn’t block ads or malicious websites. Although it still is better compared to HideMyAss, because HMA doesn’t have any form of ad & malware blockers.

Split tunneling

Split tunneling reduces the pressure on your VPN as it allows you to choose which apps will use the VPN connection.

ExpressVPN offers split tunneling for Windows, MacOS, and Android devices, as well as for routers. Even better, you can choose whether you want to route all apps through the VPN, or select only particular apps to use with VPN, and choose apps that don’t need VPN.

On the other hand, HideMyAss also comes with split tunneling, but only in Android OS.

Specialized servers

Both VPN providers have specialized torrenting servers that allow faster P2P file sharing, but it would be nice to see a larger server selection in the future.

ExpressVPN automatically employs its Stealth VPN technology on all of its servers, but you won’t get obfuscation on all of them. They show your VPN traffic as regular HTTPS encrypted data, helping you circumvent government or ISP monitoring. Also, Stealth servers bypass Deep Packet Inspection (DPI).

Unfortunately, HideMyAss doesn’t include obfuscated servers or any Stealth VPN technology.

Other features

Additionally, HideMyAss offers:

• IP Shuffle
• IP Refresh
• Lightning Connect

And ExpressVPN offers:

• Port forwarding
• Parallel connections
• Built-in password manager

Netflix and streaming comparison

You will mostly need a VPN for streaming, as even the most popular streaming services are unavailable in some countries because they are geo-restricted. Luckily, ExpressVPN is the right provider for this online activity.

ExpressVPN effectively unblocks all Netflix libraries, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and HBO Max.

Compared to it, HideMyAss doesn’t work with all streaming platforms and it doesn’t unblock all Netflix libraries – only Netflix US. Furthermore, when we tried streaming Netflix shows, due to slower speed it buffered at times, which led to a slightly frustrating experience.

Device compatibility

Device compatibility is another critical aspect when choosing a VPN. The main difference between the two VPN providers is that ExpressVPN is compatible with more devices and has more browser extensions, compared to HMA. Therefore, we recommend using ExpressVPN.

Desktop applications

ExpressVPN comes with dedicated apps for Windows, MacOS, and Linux operating systems. On top of that, it has browser extensions for almost all browsers – Firefox, Chrome, and Opera. The home screen of each app isn’t crammed, is very clear and easy to use.

On the contrary, HideMyAss has native apps for the same OS, but it has only a Chrome extension. Even though it is also pleasant to the eye and simple to use, the app could have more features.

Mobile applications

If you want to utilize VPN on your mobile and access online content freely, then you can go for both providers. HMA and ExpressVPN both have apps for Android and iOS devices.

ExpressVPN mobile apps are similar to the desktop ones, but the Android app also comes with split tunneling, making it slightly better than the iOS one.

Again, HideMyAss mobile applications aren’t much different from the desktop counterparts, and, same as ExpressVPN, it offers split tunneling on Android devices.

Torrenting

Torrenting is illegal in most countries worldwide, which is why you need a reliable VPN that will encrypt your P2P files and make them undetectable to ISPs. While both HMA and ExpressVPN allow torrenting, ExpressVPN has an edge advantage.

During our tests, ExpressVPN had better download speeds, plus exceptional performance was shown on P2P optimized servers.

In comparison, HMA has slower download and upload rates, putting it far behind ExpressVPN. It also offers split tunneling only on Android devices, which is not a first choice for torrenters.

China

The next aspect of our HideMyAss vs ExpressVPN comparison is bypassing online censorship. The clear winner in this round is ExpressVPN.

As The Great Firewall of China is tough for VPN providers to get around, you need the best bypassing capabilities on the market. Thankfully, ExpressVPN has them.

ExpressVPN’s Stealth VPN protocol bypasses geo-restrictions quickly, and it puts an encryption layer to the traffic you’re accessing.

Unfortunately, HideMyAss isn’t suitable for China’s restrictions.

Customer support

The last round also goes in ExpressVPN’s favor. This is because this provider has better customer support options. So, let’s see what’s different.

ExpressVPN has 24/7 live chat and email support. It also provides how-to guides, such as knowledgebase and FAQs. As a result, you can overcome any issue that arises around the clock, as its team has a high level of expertise.

HideMyAss also provides live chat, email, and knowledgebase support, but its services aren’t available 24/7.

ExpressVPN vs HideMyAss VPN – which is better?

When we first started with our HMA vs ExpressVPN comparison, we thought that the outcome would be pretty close. However, ExpressVPN is the obvious winner of our thorough comparison, as it excels in almost all aspects.

More precisely, it has breakneck speeds, impressive streaming and torrenting capabilities, bypasses geo-restrictions and online censorship, and provides 24/7 customer support. Did we miss anything? You can check our full review on ExpressVPN.

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You may also like to read:
ExpressVPN vs NordVPN
ExpressVPN vs Surfshark
NordVPN vs HideMyAss
NordVPN vs Surfshark vs ExpressVPN

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FAQ

Is ExpressVPN better than HideMyAss?

Yes, ExpressVPN is better than HMA. More precisely, ExpressVPN has mind-blowing features that enhance your experience: faster speeds, more reliable connections, high-end security, access to popular streaming sites, and customer support all around the clock.

Which is faster – ExpressVPN or HideMyAss?

ExpressVPN is faster than HideMyAss. With its unique Lightway protocol, ExpressVPN has fast and reliable speeds even over longer distances.