ExpressVPN vs HMA VPN 2023
We put these VPNs to the test to find out which is the best!
When it comes to encryption and protocols, there are some similarities. ExpressVPN and HideMyAss use 256-bit encryption, and offer all the essential protocols, like OpenVPN, PPTP, and L2TP/IPSec. P2P and torrenting are supported as well, and both VPNs provide a kill switch. Each choice does have some advantages over the other, but there’s one clear winner in regards to one important aspect. More Info
How do these VPNs Compare?
Speed
ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN on the market, so while HideMyAss performs better than most in this regard, it can’t compare to ExpressVPN’s speed. Because both provide good speeds, both VPNs are great for streaming and large downloads.
| VPN vendor |
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|
|---|---|---|
| Download speed reduction | 11% (UK) | 35% (UK) |
| Upload speed reduction | 16% (FRA) | 36% (FRA) |
| Ping time to google.com | 24ms | 320.13ms |
| Average time to connect (sec.) | 11ms | 23ms |
| Unblock successful for |
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| Visit Site | Visit Site |
Why Most Speed Tests are Pointless & How We Correctly Test VPN Speeds
Speed determines how fast content uploads, so if you’re torrenting or streaming, you want the speed to be somewhat identical to your regular internet speed. Since a VPN encrypts your data, it usually takes a bit longer to send your data back and forth, which can slow down your connection. However, if your ISP deliberately slows down your connection (also known as throttling) a VPN might increase your internet speed. Testing a VPN is somewhat pointless because new servers pop up and affect speed. Your speed can also differ according to your location, so your speed test might not match ours. Having said that, we tested the speed in numerous locations to provide you with the average.
Servers
HideMyAss is in the top tier when it comes to servers, offering 900 locations spread throughout 190 different countries. ExpressVPN has about half of the countries that HideMyAss has, and about a 1/4th of the total server locations. While it falls short of HideMyAss, ExpressVPN still has an adequate amount of servers and locations — it’s just that HideMyAss excels in this aspect.
| VPN vendor |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Server Locations | 148 | 280 |
| Server Countries | 94 | 190 |
| IP Addresses | 1,500+ | 3479 |
| Dynamic Server Switching | ||
| Visit Site | Visit Site |
The Big Mistake When Comparing Number of Servers and What to Really Look For
The ratio of servers to countries is an important factor to look at when choosing a VPN. Only paying attention to location or number of servers can get you in trouble. More servers generally means faster speeds, but if VPN X has a few more servers than VPN Y but twice as many users, VPN X will typically have slower speeds. Ideally, you want a VPN that has a lot of servers in every location. This way you won’t have to worry that server/country that you want will be overburdened and running slow
Support
ExpressVPN and HideMyAss are both excellent when it comes to customer support. Both of these VPNS offer a live chat, email ticketing, large knowledge bases on their website, and plenty of tutorials and community support as well. If you have a problem when using either of these, it’ll be resolved quickly.
| VPN vendor |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Email Response Time | 0.3 | 0.1 |
| 24/7 Support | ||
| Live Chat | ||
| Knowledge Base | ||
| Video Tutorials | ||
| Visit Site | Visit Site |
How We Test Customer Support and Why Should You Care
We personally test the customer support team of every VPN we review. This means asking technical question through the live chat feature (where applicable) and measuring the response time for email questions. Whether you need to connect to a specific server, change your security protocol, or configure a VPN on your router, finding a VPN with quality customer support should be important to you.
Ease of Use
Downloading and installation of ExpressVPN was fast and easy.
When I started using the application, I enjoyed uninterrupted streaming of our favorite shows on Netflix and Hulu, and I didn’t face any issues. ExpressVPN’s remarkable speed guaranteed a smooth viewing experience without any buffering.
We tested out our IP address in numerous countries without a problem and found the interface easy enough for a beginner to use. Understood. You are a service provider that helps users overcome China’s internet firewall restrictions. Your readers are individuals who are concerned about accessing the internet in China and are looking for a solution to bypass the firewall. The recommended solution is to download ExpressVPN before their trip to China. ExpressVPN can be installed on Android devices or laptops, but it’s important to note that it’s not compatible with iPhones. I will incorporate this information appropriately when paraphrasing the content.
With this connection, you can still visit your favorite sites and protect your information from authorities. Another thing of note is that ExpressVPN can unblock content on most any streaming platform — another reason why it’s so popular.
We have to give credit where it’s due — HideMyAss delivers an enjoyable user experience from start to finish, all in a playful, casual manner. This is true for all the platforms it’s available on.
There are no complications to speak of when it comes to installation and setup. The GUI is intuitive, with all settings and preferences being exactly where you’d expect them to be.
HideMyAss has three main modes upon opening the app, which includes an auto-connect, a list of servers worldwide, and a feature that automatically connects you to the nearest server in a country without restrictions, something you don’t always see.
HideMyAss can unblock content on Netflix, Hulu, BBC Player, YouTube, and more. It also bypasses China’s firewall.
Pricing
Which VPN Will You Choose?
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