Hey there, fellow VPN enthusiasts! You might be wondering, “Is Hide.Me a legit VPN?” or even, “Is there a better VPN than PIA?”
Well, you’re in the right place. In today’s post, we’re diving into the world of Private Internet Access (PIA) and Hide.Me.
These two popular VPN services have been the subject of many online debates, with users trying to figure out which one comes out on top.
So, we’ve decided to settle this once and for all by comparing PIA vs. Hide.ME in various aspects, such as pricing, privacy features, and performance.
By the end of this comprehensive comparison, you’ll have a clear winner in mind!
TL: DR, here’s the summary table of what is discussed in this article.
| S/no | Factors | Private Internet Access (PIA) | Hide.Me |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pricing | More affordable plans | Limited free plan available |
| 2 | Privacy and Security | Strong encryption, no-logs policy | Strong encryption, no-logs policy |
| 3 | Connection Speed and Performance | Good performance | Slightly faster speeds |
| 4 | Server Network | Extensive network (29,000+ servers) | Smaller network (2,000+ servers) |
| 5 | Customer Support | 24/7 live chat, email, knowledge base, community forum | 24/7 live chat, email, knowledge base, community forum |
| 6 | Platform Compatibility | Wide compatibility, easy-to-use apps | Wide compatibility, easy-to-use apps |
| 7 | Torrenting and Streaming | Supports torrenting, unblocks popular streaming platforms | Supports torrenting, unblocks popular streaming platforms (but may be inconsistent) |
Fun Fact #1: Did you know that the first VPN was created back in 1996 by a Microsoft employee? The Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) was developed to help employees securely access their office networks from home.
A Brief Overview of Private Internet Access (PIA) and Hide.ME
Before jumping into the nitty-gritty of this comparison, let’s get to know our contenders better.
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private Internet Access, or PIA for short, is a US-based VPN provider that has been around since 2010. With its strong commitment to privacy, PIA has earned a reputation for being a reliable choice for VPN users.
But, “Is PIA really anonymous?” – you might ask. We’ll explore that and more as we go through the comparison.
Fun Fact #2: PIA has proudly sponsored various open-source projects, such as the Free and Open Source Software Outreach Program for Women and the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
Hide.ME
On the other hand, Hide.ME is a VPN provider based in Malaysia, founded in 2012. They’ve gained traction for their focus on privacy, security, and user-friendly interface.
With a no-logs policy and strong encryption, Hide.ME has attracted users who value their online anonymity.
Now that we know our contenders, let’s dive into the detailed comparison and find out which VPN is the right fit for you!
Pricing and Subscription Plans
When it comes to choosing a VPN, pricing, and subscription plans are essential factors to consider. Let’s see how PIA and Hide.ME compare in this department.
Private Internet Access (PIA) – Pricing
PIA offers three different subscription plans to suit your needs and budget:
- Monthly plan: $9.95 per month
- Annual plan: $3.33 per month (billed $39.95 yearly)
- Two-year plan: $2.69 per month (billed $69.95 every two years)
Additionally, PIA provides a 30-day money-back guarantee to try it risk-free.
Hide.ME – Pricing
Hide.ME also has three subscription plans to choose from:
- Monthly plan: $12.95 per month
- One-year plan: $4.99 per month (billed $59.88 yearly)
- Two-year plan: $3.99 per month (billed $95.76 every two years)
Hide.ME also offers a limited free plan, which includes 10 GB of data per month and access to five server locations. Plus, they have a 30-day money-back guarantee for their paid plans.
In terms of pricing, PIA has a slight edge with more affordable plans across the board. However, Hide.ME’s free plan might be attractive to those looking for a no-cost option.
Privacy and Security Features
When using a VPN, privacy, and security are of utmost importance. Let’s find out how PIA and Hide.ME stack up in this area.
Private Internet Access (PIA) – Privacy and Security
PIA offers robust security features, including:
- Military-grade AES-256 encryption
- Multiple VPN protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard, L2TP/IPsec)
- No-logs policy
- Kill switch
- DNS leak protection
But, “Can PIA VPN be traced?” With its no-logs policy and strong encryption, PIA ensures that your online activities remain untraceable.
Hide.ME – Privacy and Security
Hide.ME also provides top-notch privacy and security features, such as:
- AES-256 encryption
- Multiple VPN protocols (WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN, SoftEther, SSTP)
- Strict no-logs policy
- Kill switch
- DNS and IPv6 leak protection
Both VPNs have a strong focus on privacy and security, offering similar features. The choice between PIA and Hide.Me in this category could come down to personal preferences or other factors like pricing and performance.
Connection Speed and Performance
Nobody likes slow internet, so let’s see how PIA and Hide.ME performs in terms of connection speed and overall performance.
Private Internet Access (PIA) – Speed and Performance
PIA is known for its consistent and reliable connection speeds. While it may not be the fastest VPN out there, it still offers a solid performance that should be more than enough for most users.
Streaming, gaming, and browsing are generally smooth experiences with PIA.
Hide.ME – Speed and Performance
Hide.ME has invested in high-speed servers, and it shows in their performance.
Users can expect fast and stable connections, even when connected to more distant servers, like PIA, Hide.ME provides a satisfying experience for streaming, gaming, and general browsing.
Both VPNs offer good performance with Hide.ME having a slight edge in terms of speed. However, the difference may not be significant enough to make a decision based on this factor alone.
Server Network and Global Coverage
A wide server network can offer more options for bypassing geo-restrictions and maintaining fast connections. Let’s compare the server networks of PIA and Hide.ME.
Private Internet Access (PIA) – Server Network
PIA boasts an extensive server network, with over 29,000 servers across 77 countries. This vast network provides users with plenty of options for connecting to different locations and accessing region-specific content.
Hide.ME – Server Network
Hide.ME has a smaller server network, with 2,000+ servers in 75 locations across 45 countries. While not as extensive as PIA’s network, it still offers a decent selection of servers for users to choose from.
In this category, PIA clearly has the advantage of a much larger server network. A more extensive server network can provide better options for bypassing geo-restrictions and finding faster connections.
Customer Support
Having reliable customer support can make a big difference when encountering issues or having questions about your VPN service. Let’s see how PIA and Hide.ME handles customer support.
Private Internet Access (PIA) – Customer Support
PIA offers various support options, including:
- 24/7 live chat support
- Email support
- A comprehensive knowledge base with articles and guides
- An active community forum
Hide.ME – Customer Support
Hide.ME provides the following customer support options:
- 24/7 live chat support
- Email support
- A detailed knowledge base with FAQs, guides, and troubleshooting tips
- A community forum
Both PIA and Hide.ME provides similar customer support options, with 24/7 live chat being the standout feature. Users can expect prompt and helpful assistance from both providers, making this category a tie.
Platform Compatibility and Ease of Use
A user-friendly VPN that works across different platforms is essential for many people. Let’s see how PIA and Hide.Me fare in terms of platform compatibility and ease of use.
Private Internet Access (PIA) Platform Compatibility
PIA offers native apps for the following platforms:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- Android
- iOS
Additionally, PIA supports Chrome, Firefox, and Opera browser extensions and manual configuration for routers and other devices.
Hide.ME Platform Compatibility
Hide.ME also provides native apps for:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- Android
- iOS
Hide.ME has browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox and offers manual configuration options for routers and other devices.
Both VPNs offer easy-to-use apps and broad platform compatibility. They also provide browser extensions and manual setup options. In this category, PIA and Hide.ME are pretty evenly matched.
Torrenting and Streaming Support
For many users, torrenting and streaming are crucial factors when choosing a VPN. Let’s see how PIA and Hide.Me perform in this area.
Private Internet Access (PIA) – Torrenting and Streaming
PIA supports torrenting on all its servers and features a SOCKS5 proxy for added security. It’s a popular choice among torrenters due to its robust security and privacy features.
When it comes to streaming, PIA can unblock popular platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. However, it may struggle with some other streaming services due to its US-based location.
Hide.ME – Torrenting and Streaming
Hide.ME also supports torrenting on its network, with designated high-speed P2P servers. It offers a SOCKS5 proxy for secure torrenting as well.
As for streaming, Hide.ME can unblock various streaming platforms, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. However, its ability to unblock streaming services can be somewhat inconsistent.
Both PIA and Hide.ME offers torrenting support and can unblock popular streaming platforms. While neither VPN is perfect for streaming, they both provide decent options for users who want to torrent and stream content.
The Final Verdict: Which VPN Should You Choose?
After going through all the important factors, it’s time to decide which VPN comes out on top.
- Pricing: PIA wins with more affordable plans, but Hide.ME offers a limited free plan.
- Privacy and Security: It’s a tie, with both VPNs offering similar features and strong encryption.
- Connection Speed and Performance: Hide.ME has a slight edge in speed, but both VPNs perform well.
- Server Network: PIA is the clear winner with a much larger server network.
- Customer Support: Both PIA and Hide.ME offer great customer support, making it a tie.
- Platform Compatibility: PIA and Hide.ME both provide extensive platform compatibility and easy-to-use apps.
- Torrenting and Streaming: Both VPNs support torrenting and can unblock popular streaming platforms, although neither is perfect for streaming.
In conclusion, Private Internet Access and Hide.ME are both solid VPN choices, with each having its advantages. PIA shines in terms of pricing and server network, while Hide.ME offers slightly faster speeds. Privacy and security features, customer support, and platform compatibility are evenly matched between the two.
Your choice will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and priorities. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with a vast server network, PIA might be the way to go. On the other hand, if you want slightly faster speeds and a free plan, Hide.ME could be the right choice for you.
Conclusion
We hope this comprehensive comparison of Private Internet Access and Hide.ME has helped you make an informed decision.
Remember, choosing a VPN that meets your specific needs and preferences is the most important thing. Happy browsing!
