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Behind all the techno-speak of IKEv2, L2TP, IPsec, OpenVPN, SOCKS and SSTP, it’s hard to believe, but VPNs can be fun too! While most of us don’t feel the need to hide our internet activity from government spies, it’s kind of nice to know we could if we wanted to. A solid VPN can make others believe you’re somewhere you are not, which is fun in itself, and even more fun when it grants you access to geographically restricted content, like Netflix. HMA is one of the market leaders when it comes to fun – from name to design to execution – it’s play all the way! The three modes offer the user different layers of anonymity and geographical disparity, even enabling you to choose a server in the nearest country supporting freedom of speech. Buffered is pretty toned as well – young and flexible; this VPN server has managed to fold itself through the cracks and crevices in various blockages, giving users a strong service and impressive streaming.
Features
8.6
Pricing
6.0
Ease of Use
8.8
Reliability & Support
8.4
Features
8.0
Pricing
7.6
Ease of Use
8.4
Reliability & Support
8.4
Features
9.4
Pricing
8.8
Ease of Use
9.4
Reliability & Support
8.0
Rating
Features
8.6
8.0
9.4
Pricing
6.0
7.6
8.8
Ease of Use
8.8
8.4
9.4
Reliability & Support
8.4
8.4
8.0
Reviews
Review by our expert
Katie Kasunic
Technology Researcher
8.2
Update: Buffered VPN merged with Encrypt.me. We have thoroughly tested Encrypt.me, and you can find everything you need to know in our review.
Buffered VPN has a lot to offer due to its user-friendly interface, fast connection speeds, and reliable security. One thing it can't do is unblock Netflix, you'll need a premium vendor like ExpressVPN for that.
In addition to dedicated apps available f...
I considered a number of VPN's before going with Buffered which I find excellent.No issues in any aspect, On the rare occasions that I required assistance (in the initial set up stage), the Help Desk was outstanding. Would highly recommend Buffered to anyone considering using a VPN
Latest negative user review
Trev
2.0
They are no moreAfter being a customer for more than 2 years and paying a premium price for a good service. THEY DON'T EXIST ANYMORE.. No warning, just logged in one day and my app doesn't work and they have changed their website name. STAY AWAY, sounds dodgy.
Hide.me is a well-rounded VPN offering top-notch privacy, high speeds, and bullet-proof security features. It exceeded my expectations in most areas, and offers a user-friendly interface on all its apps.
I lined up a series of tests for the VPN to see how it fares on speeds, security, privacy, streaming, and more. There’s a free Hide.me plan available, but with limited features. I’ll be te...
Best VPN for freeIt works perfectly fine, the speeds are good, and there are a lot of different locations.
I have had no problems with this VPN, and I like that it has a 10GB data limit monthly (more than most competitors). I tried every other free VPN, but all of them are slow and aren't as fast as this one.
In my opinion, download this VPN and you will be happy.
Latest negative user review
Penki
2.0
Not working with my Asus RT-AX88UWill not work with Asus routers - Hide.me Service has no Interest in compatibility with Routers.
I had to change the Provider from Hide.me to NordVPN and its all OK now.
I had a Bad Time and now the sun shines on the VPN Sky - thanks NordVPN.
HMA is a popular VPN provider with a large network of 1,070+ servers in 210+ countries.
Some of this VPN’s biggest strengths are its user-friendly interface, impressive speeds, and ability to bypass geoblocks (even Netflix's!)
It's newest update, HMA Version 5, includes new design features and an auto-generated diagnostics mode. Arguably the most impressive update is its Lightning-mode feat...
Working perfectI like this excellent service a lot. It is working absolutely perfect. I have been using it for a couple of weeks, in my PC, in my mobile and also in an Asus router.
It is easy to order and setup, no matter which device.
Latest negative user review
Jorge
2.0
HMA won't keep you anonymous. LolThe most important aspect of a VPN is to keep you anonymous and secure, but that is something HMA will not do for you.
Cero logs policy, that's more like cero privacy protection. Check the LulzSec case where HMA ran to present the customers to the FBI.
Here the link:
theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2011/09/lulzsec-hacker-exposed-service-he-thought-would-hide-him/337545/
Update: Buffered VPN merged with Encrypt.me. We have thoroughly tested Encrypt.me, and you can find everything you need to know in our review.
Buffered VPN has a lot to offer due to its user-friendly interface, fast connection speeds, and reliable security. One thing it can't do is unblock Netflix, you'll need a premium vendor like ExpressVPN for that.
In addition to dedicated apps available f...
Hide.me is a well-rounded VPN offering top-notch privacy, high speeds, and bullet-proof security features. It exceeded my expectations in most areas, and offers a user-friendly interface on all its apps.
I lined up a series of tests for the VPN to see how it fares on speeds, security, privacy, streaming, and more. There’s a free Hide.me plan available, but with limited features. I’ll be te...
HMA is a popular VPN provider with a large network of 1,070+ servers in 210+ countries.
Some of this VPN’s biggest strengths are its user-friendly interface, impressive speeds, and ability to bypass geoblocks (even Netflix's!)
It's newest update, HMA Version 5, includes new design features and an auto-generated diagnostics mode. Arguably the most impressive update is its Lightning-mode feat...
I considered a number of VPN's before going with Buffered which I find excellent.No issues in any aspect, On the rare occasions that I required assistance (in the initial set up stage), the Help Desk was outstanding. Would highly recommend Buffered to anyone considering using a VPN
Anonymous Reviewer
10.0
Best VPN for freeIt works perfectly fine, the speeds are good, and there are a lot of different locations.
I have had no problems with this VPN, and I like that it has a 10GB data limit monthly (more than most competitors). I tried every other free VPN, but all of them are slow and aren't as fast as this one.
In my opinion, download this VPN and you will be happy.
Hans Bladby
10.0
Working perfectI like this excellent service a lot. It is working absolutely perfect. I have been using it for a couple of weeks, in my PC, in my mobile and also in an Asus router.
It is easy to order and setup, no matter which device.
Latest negative user review
Trev
2.0
They are no moreAfter being a customer for more than 2 years and paying a premium price for a good service. THEY DON'T EXIST ANYMORE.. No warning, just logged in one day and my app doesn't work and they have changed their website name. STAY AWAY, sounds dodgy.
Penki
2.0
Not working with my Asus RT-AX88UWill not work with Asus routers - Hide.me Service has no Interest in compatibility with Routers.
I had to change the Provider from Hide.me to NordVPN and its all OK now.
I had a Bad Time and now the sun shines on the VPN Sky - thanks NordVPN.
Jorge
2.0
HMA won't keep you anonymous. LolThe most important aspect of a VPN is to keep you anonymous and secure, but that is something HMA will not do for you.
Cero logs policy, that's more like cero privacy protection. Check the LulzSec case where HMA ran to present the customers to the FBI.
Here the link:
theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2011/09/lulzsec-hacker-exposed-service-he-thought-would-hide-him/337545/
While hide.me offers cheaper prices and a free VPN plan, HMA is more popular among users and offers better plans and more options. For what it offers, Buffered VPN is more expensive than both of the others.
While hide.me offers cheaper prices and a free VPN plan, HMA is more popular among users and offers better plans and more options. For what it offers, Buffered VPN is more expensive than both of the others.
HMA and hide.me offer very user-friendly client apps for Windows, while Buffered VPN’s Windows client is less appealing and very basic. However, all three VPNs feature a kill switch within their Windows clients.
HMA and hide.me offer very user-friendly client apps for Windows, while Buffered VPN’s Windows client is less appealing and very basic. However, all three VPNs feature a kill switch within their Windows clients.
HMA, hide.me, and Buffered VPN don’t require any manual configuration on Mac. All three VPNs provide custom clients for Mac with standard features and a kill switch included.
HMA, hide.me, and Buffered VPN don’t require any manual configuration on Mac. All three VPNs provide custom clients for Mac with standard features and a kill switch included.
Much like their Android apps, the three VPNs have native apps for iOS users with basic features and without a kill switch. However, all apps are easy to install and use without a hassle.
Much like their Android apps, the three VPNs have native apps for iOS users with basic features and without a kill switch. However, all apps are easy to install and use without a hassle.
Buffered VPN has 30+ servers in a total of 40+ countries including USA, whereas hide.me has 150+ servers in 30+ countries including USA. On the other hand, HMA has a larger network of 190+ servers in the US alone. In addition, unlike its two rivals, HMA gives you better chances at unblocking geo-restricted services in the US including Netflix and Hulu.
Buffered VPN has 30+ servers in a total of 40+ countries including USA, whereas hide.me has 150+ servers in 30+ countries including USA. On the other hand, HMA has a larger network of 190+ servers in the US alone. In addition, unlike its two rivals, HMA gives you better chances at unblocking geo-restricted services in the US including Netflix and Hulu.
Overall, Hide.me is a solid, dependable client with some add-ons that Buffered VPN lacks, like a kill switch and a ‘Limit Connectivity’ feature. Malaysian-based Hide.me also has a strong no-logging policy, and its location away from 14-Eyes jurisdiction makes it even safer.
Interestingly, if you compare HMA VPN with ExpressVPN, which is our top ranked vpn, you'll see that HMA VPN can learn a lot from ExpressVPN. Compare HMA VPN with ExpressVPN
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