Hideman VPN offers a modest but strategically distributed network of servers across 22 countries. It employs robust 256-bit encryption and supports PPTP, LTP, and OpenVPN protocols. The VPN features an intuitive, cross-platform client, a free trial with no registration required, competitively priced paid plans, and even includes a Warrant Canary page for transparency.
Features
Hideman VPN, a UK-based provider, has been operational since 2012. Over the years, it has expanded its network to cover 22 countries, supporting platforms like Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. It also offers browser extensions for Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Opera.
Initially, I tried the Chrome extension, but it did not function as expected. I then switched to the desktop application, which is a balance of minimalist design and functionality. While not the most feature-rich VPN client, it allows customization of proxy settings and port forwarding. Additionally, it includes a helpful tab that displays connection details.
The interface is user-friendly, with a built-in Help tab to address basic queries. Support is provided through a ticket-based system, though users can also reach out via Skype and Jabber during office hours. The FAQ section, though not extensive, covers the most important topics.
Notable features include the ability to toggle between TCP/UDP, enable a kill switch, activate anti-DPI mode, and disable DNS filtering.
The free trial is limited to a small number of servers, which may not meet the needs of users seeking unrestricted access to US or UK servers.
Pricing
Hideman offers a 7-hour free trial, after which users can access 4 hours of VPN service weekly without registration. However, once the timer starts, it continues even if the app is force-closed.
The free version restricts access to US and UK servers, limits speeds to 512kb/s, and excludes several other desirable server locations. These limitations significantly reduce the value of the free trial, particularly for users wanting to unblock services like Netflix US or BBC iPlayer.
Hideman offers three paid plans:
- Mobile Plan: $2.90 per month or $24.90 annually.
- Ultimate Plan: Supports up to four simultaneous connections on Mac, Windows, Linux, and mobile, including browser extensions. Priced at $9 per month or $69 per year.
- Private Plan: Covers all platforms and allows users to choose server locations at $9 per month.
Payment options include credit cards, PayPal, Mint, WebMoney, Bitcoin, and more. All paid plans come with a 30-day refund policy.
Performance
I tested Hideman’s performance by connecting to Canadian servers for proximity and various EU-based locations. The Canadian servers showed a reasonable drop in speed, but the EU servers were notably slow, rendering them nearly unusable.
- Pre-VPN Speeds:
- Canadian Server Speeds:
- European Server Speeds:
Unfortunately, the app failed the DNS leak test but passed the WebRTC and IPv6 leak tests when anti-DPI mode was enabled and DNS filtering disabled.
These results indicate that while the free version understandably limits speeds, it does not explain the poor performance of EU servers. Although the provider claims that its paid service is suitable for torrenting and streaming, the free trial does little to inspire confidence.
One aspect I appreciated was the desktop app’s feature that marks locations where torrenting is illegal, blocking P2P traffic in countries like the UK, USA, Canada, France, and Germany.
Hideman’s website lists 19 streaming services, including Netflix and BBC iPlayer, that can be unblocked with the paid version. Users in countries such as France or Germany might find it useful to bypass YouTube restrictions. However, the free version did not allow me to test access to US and UK servers, which limited my ability to fully evaluate its streaming capabilities.
Hideman VPN offers a user-friendly interface, solid encryption, and flexible payment plans. However, the limitations of its free version and inconsistent server performance may deter users seeking reliable access to global streaming services or high-speed connections. While the paid plans offer more features, the free trial does not adequately showcase the VPN’s full potential.
Privacy
Hideman’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service are concise and clear. For paid users, no logs are kept, ensuring enhanced privacy. However, for users of the free VPN service, transfer logs are stored for 14 days. In cases where the provider receives a substantiated claim of illegal activity—such as theft, hacking, distribution of spam, explicit content involving minors, or any material that poses a threat to human life or health—Hideman reserves the right to use these logs and retain them beyond the 14-day period.
Security
Hideman permits P2P activity and provides a list of P2P-friendly locations in the FAQs for user convenience. The service utilizes OpenVPN, with support for PPTP and L2TP/IPSec protocols, alongside robust 256-bit AES encryption, secured by RSA-2048 or DH-2048 (IPSEC). This ensures a high level of data protection. Additionally, Hideman’s apps are equipped with essential security features, including a kill switch, Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) protection, and the option to disable DNS filtering.
The company also maintains a Warrant Canary page, which is a notable transparency effort. However, considering its UK jurisdiction, known for strict data retention laws and extensive surveillance, users must decide if this measure sufficiently offsets potential privacy concerns
0 Reviews
Write a Review
