Here’s a comprehensive 2026-style review of HideMyAss! (HMA VPN), tailored for your site (e.g., VPNClient.pro). You can adapt and use it as needed.
Overview
HideMyAss! (HMA) VPN is one of the long-running names in the VPN industry, now owned by Avast, and boasts a huge network presence. Tom’s Guide+2TechRadar+2
In 2026, HMA continues to serve users who prioritise global server coverage, brand recognition and ease of use—but it remains behind the top contenders in areas such as streaming unblocking, advanced privacy features and value for heavy users.
Key Features & Technical Specifications
Jurisdiction & Logging
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HMA is headquartered in the UK (which is part of the Five Eyes / broadly surveillance-friendly alliance) which poses a privacy concern for some users. Monkey Privacy : get safe online now !+1
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HMA has publicly claimed a no-logs policy, and underwent a third-party audit (by VerSprite) which confirmed it was no longer logging IP addresses, DNS queries or browsing activity. Hidemyass Blog
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However: Independent reviewers note that while activity logs may be absent, connection metadata remains collected—such as which server an account connects to, amount of data transferred, timestamps (rounded) etc. Monkey Privacy : get safe online now !
→ Verdict: The baseline privacy is decent and improved vs older versions of HMA, but for users demanding maximum audited privacy, stronger options exist.
Server network & device limits
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HMA boasts one of the widest global footprints: e.g., over 1,040 servers in 210+ countries (in ~290+ locations) according to Tom’s Guide. Tom’s Guide
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Simultaneous connections: Standard plans support 5 devices (or up to 10 on “Family”/premium plans) per several reviews. Comparitech
→ The global reach is a significant strength; device limits are fairly typical but not industry-leading.
Protocols, encryption & extras
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Encryption: AES-256-GCM (top-tier standard) with RSA-4096 handshake in many cases. T3+1
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Protocols: Primarily OpenVPN (and derivatives); reviews note absence of WireGuard in many apps (or limited deployment) resulting in slower performance vs VPNs using WireGuard. TechRadar+1
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Additional features:
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Kill switch(s) present (including dual kill switch in some versions) Tom’s Guide
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“IP Shuffle” / randomized IP feature (on Android) for switching IPs automatically. PrivacySavvy
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Missing: multi-hop, dedicated IPs, router-level support or advanced streaming DNS features in some reviews. WizCase
→ Verdict: Feature set is solid but lacks some of the premium “extras” that newer/leading-edge VPNs provide.
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Streaming, torrenting & access
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Streaming: Several reviews found HMA didn’t reliably unblock major services (e.g., US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ etc) in testing. PrivacySavvy+1
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Torrenting / P2P: Some P2P servers exist, but support is limited in number of locations and performance is mixed. Comparitech
→ Verdict: If your primary goal is “unblock everything streaming from everywhere + torrent heavy usage”, HMA may disappoint compared to best-in-class.
Performance & Real-World Use
Speed
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In favourable conditions (nearby servers, good infrastructure) HMA delivers good speeds: e.g., Tom’s Guide recorded ~220-225 Mbps UK, ~380-400 Mbps US on OpenVPN in one test. Tom’s Guide
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But: Many reviews highlight that because WireGuard isn’t used (or is limited), and because remote servers/regions can show larger drops or higher latency, performance is less consistent than some top VPNs. TechRadar
→ Real-world: Fine for everyday browsing and moderate usage; may fall short for high throughput or global heavy use.
Stability & reliability
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On app/user experience: The apps are generally user-friendly and easy to install across major platforms. 99Firms.com
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On the flip side: Streaming/unblocking failures, slower support responses, some platform-feature limitations (especially iOS/mac) are recurring user complaints. Top10VPN
→ Verdict: Good for “works most of the time” usage; not the most robust for edge cases or specialised demands.
Pricing & Plans
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Pricing examples: e.g., HMA quoted ~$11.99/month for monthly option; ~$4.99/month on 12-month; ~$2.99/month for 36-month plan (when heavily discounted). Top10VPN+1
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Money-back / trial: Many sources indicate 30-day money-back guarantee; some free trial periods offered though limited. Comparitech
→ Value: The long-term deal looks competitive; however because feature-set & streaming performance are weaker in some areas, the “bang for buck” might be less than top alternatives.
Pros & Cons (2026 Summary)
✅ Pros
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One of the largest server networks globally by country/locations. Comparitech
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Strong encryption and audited no-logs policy (improved substantially). Hidemyass Blog+1
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Easy-to-use apps and brand recognition (Avast/HMA) which could appeal to everyday users.
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Reliable support in many cases with live chat & 24/7 according to some reviews. Tom’s Guide
❌ Cons
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Streaming unblocking performance weak: many major platforms not reliably accessible. PrivacySavvy+1
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Doesn’t always provide cutting-edge protocols (WireGuard) or advanced features (multi-hop, router apps) compared to top VPNs. VPNGuru
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Jurisdiction (UK) and historical logging incidents raise privacy-concerns for some users. PrivacyJournal.net
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Some platform apps (iOS/macOS) have limited features, and device/connectivity support is moderate (5-10 devices) compared to others offering unlimited. Comparitech
Who is HMA VPN Good For?
If you are a user who:
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Values global server coverage (especially many countries/locations) rather than just “lots of servers in few countries”.
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Needs a VPN that is relatively easy to install/use, maybe tied into an existing Avast ecosystem.
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Uses the VPN mainly for general browsing, occasional travel, simple privacy over WiFi, basic streaming / geo-browsing (not necessarily hardcore streaming/torrenting).
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Has moderate usage (5-10 devices) and doesn’t require the absolute top speeds or unblock for every service.
Who Should Consider Alternatives?
If you are a user who:
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Needs top-tier streaming access (Netflix/US/UK/Disney+/BBC iPlayer) reliably.
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Does heavy torrenting/P2P, gaming, global usage across many devices/locations.
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Demands maximum privacy with RAM-only servers, multi-hop, obfuscation, independent audits beyond just logging.
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Seeks best value for maximum features (e.g., unlimited devices, router support, advanced protocols) rather than just being “good enough”.
Final Verdict
In 2026, HideMyAss! (HMA VPN) remains a solid mid-tier choice: it offers excellent geographic coverage, improved privacy practices and brand trust. For many everyday users it will meet the needs.
However — it is not among the elite when stacked against specialist VPNs that excel in streaming, advanced features, maximum device coverage, fastest speeds or ultra-privacy.
For VPNClient.pro: you can position HMA as “good for users wanting global reach and simplicity” — but you should clearly note trade-offs around streaming, features and value so your readers are well informed.
