A strength is something at most 3 of the 11 providers we follow offer; a weakness is something at most 3 of them lack. From the facts below, with sources.
Strengths
Strength: Free plan also at Proton VPN and Windscribe
Weaknesses
Weakness: Linux app with graphical interface: not offered also missing at CyberGhost VPN
Only at hide.me VPN
Bolt: A speed mode in the Windows app that carries TCP traffic without UDP to avoid slowdowns and ISP throttling on Windows.
Pricing Guarantee: The provider states that a plan always renews at the same price and for the same duration.
Self-managed network: hide.me says it controls and runs its VPN network itself, without outside parties, and keeps cryptographic keys in temporary storage on each server.
Alternative mobile operating systems: Listed support for VollaOS, Freifon, LineageOS, Ubuntu Touch and GrapheneOS.
Free Proxy: A free web proxy in the browser, separate from the VPN.
Price and refund
Term
Charged up front
Per month
Renewal, as stated by the provider
1 month
€11.99
€11.99
—
12 months
€54.99
€4.23
Billed €54.99 every 13 months
24 months
€69.99
€2.69
Billed €69.99 every 26 months
Advertised prices · Belgium
These amounts exclude VAT: the provider's pricing page says VAT may apply.
Price per month by termPrice per month by termSame amounts as in the tables on this page; per month is the amount divided by the months it covers. The price stays the same at renewal.
hide.me VPN
1 month€11.99 per month
12 months€4.23 per month
24 months€2.69 per month
Price history hide.me VPN
Price history hide.me VPNOur own readings of the provider's pricing page: 26 days between October 8, 2026 and November 2, 2026. Solid line: first term; dotted line: after renewal. A break is a day without a reading; a shaded area means the provider showed different amounts on the same day.
1 month: now €11.99 per month
12 months: now €4.23 per month
24 months: now €2.69 per month
Dates and amounts (26 days with a reading)
Term
Period
first term
after renewal
1 month
8 Oct – 2 Nov · 26 days
€11.99
–
12 months
8 Oct – 2 Nov · 16 days
€4.23
–
12 months
23 Oct – 1 Nov · 10 days
€3.93
–
24 months
8 Oct – 2 Nov · 16 days
€2.69
–
24 months
23 Oct – 1 Nov · 10 days
€2.50
–
Only 26 days of tracking so far: too short to say anything about the lowest price.
About these prices
Advertised prices for the standard VPN plan; they vary by country, currency and tax, so confirm at checkout. Amounts in EUR for Belgium; in all 10 countries we could read (15-19 October 2026) hide.me shows the same amounts, in EUR, GBP or USD depending on your location; VAT may apply (as stated on the page).
Plan: Premium. The 12-month offer is billed for 13 months (1 extra) and the 24-month offer for 26 months (2 extra).
Prices in the iPhone app
Money back and trial
Refund period
30 days Written request within the first 30 days; first order only (not renewals); no previous refund claimed; no terms-of-service violation; purchases via Google Play or the App Store follow the store's refund policy
€2.69 / month (24 months): this price since November 2, 2026; before that €2.50 (last seen on November 1, 2026). Lowest we saw: €2.50 on October 23, 2026. Offers and price history
Company and trust
Operating company
eVenture Limited
Jurisdiction
Malaysia — registered seat per its own terms or privacy policy
Governing law of the terms
Malaysia
Parent company
none stated by the provider
Open-source apps
Yes
Anonymous payment
crypto: Yes · cash: Not mentioned
Runs an affiliate programme
Yes
Independent audits
2024 · Securitum — no-logs policy
An audit describes a scope at a point in time. Read the linked report for what was and was not examined.
Features
Yes or no: per the provider, not tested. Unknown: the provider says nothing about it (not the same as missing).
Devices at once
10
Protocols
WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, SoftEther, SSTP
Official apps
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Android TV, Fire TV, Apple TV, browser extensions
Countries: not published· Servers: 2600 · RAM-only servers: Not mentionedNo statement from the providerNetwork figures are the provider's own claims.
ConnectionYes 19No 1Unknown 13
VPNEncrypted tunnel that routes your internet traffic through the provider's servers.
Yes
WireGuard protocolThe apps can connect with WireGuard or a protocol the provider says is built on it.
YesVPN Protocols
OpenVPN protocolThe apps can connect with OpenVPN.
YesVPN Protocols
IKEv2/IPsec protocolThe apps can connect with IKEv2 or IPsec.
YesVPN Protocols
Other or own protocolA protocol besides WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2, often developed by the provider itself.
YesVPN Protocols
Kill switchBlocks internet traffic when the VPN connection drops, so nothing leaves outside the tunnel.
YesKill Switch — Desktop: firewall-based and on by default; mobile: works through the system's always-on VPN setting.
Always-on kill switchAn optional setting that also blocks the internet when you disconnect yourself or the app is not running; you only get online through the VPN.
YesStealthGuard
Split tunnelingLets you choose which apps or sites use the VPN and which use your normal connection.
YesSplit Tunneling
Multi-hop (two VPN servers in a row)Routes traffic through two VPN servers instead of one.
YesMultihop
Obfuscation (hides that you use a VPN)Makes VPN traffic look like ordinary traffic, for networks that block VPNs.
Not mentionedNo statement from the provider
Port forwardingOpens a port on the VPN address so others can reach a service on your device.
YesDynamic Port Forwarding — Premium only; fully supported in the desktop apps.
Dedicated IP addressA fixed IP address that only you use, instead of one shared with other customers.
No
Dedicated VPN serverA whole VPN server reserved for you alone, usually as a paid option; more than a dedicated IP address.
Not mentionedNo statement from the provider
P2P / torrenting allowedThe provider allows peer-to-peer traffic, on all servers or on designated ones.
YesP2P and torrents on standard servers — Not on the streaming servers.
Tor over VPNServers that pass your traffic on into the Tor network without a separate Tor browser.
Not mentioned
Private network between your own devicesConnects your own devices directly to each other through encrypted tunnels, wherever they are.
Not mentioned
IPv6 inside the tunnelIPv6 traffic goes through the VPN rather than being blocked or left outside it.
YesIPv6 Support
Post-quantum encryptionThe key exchange uses an algorithm designed to resist future quantum computers.
Not mentioned
Own DNS serversDNS lookups are answered by the provider's own servers inside the tunnel.
YesUncensored DNS
Smart DNSA DNS service for devices that cannot run a VPN app, such as some TVs and consoles; it does not encrypt traffic.
Not mentioned
Auto-connectThe app connects by itself at start-up or when you join an unknown or unsecured network.
YesAuto Connect on Startup — Stated for the Windows app
Automatic server choiceThe app picks the fastest or best server for you with one click, so you do not have to choose a location yourself.
Not mentionedNo statement from the provider
Leak protection (DNS, IPv6, WebRTC)The provider names protection against DNS, IPv6 or WebRTC leaks, so these do not reveal your own IP address outside the tunnel.
YesIP Leak Protection
Custom DNS serverYou can set another DNS server in the app instead of the provider's DNS.
Not mentionedNo statement from the provider
Local network accessA setting that keeps devices on your own network, such as a printer or NAS, reachable while the VPN is connected.
YesAllow local network connections — The help article describes the Windows app; by default only your router's local address is allowed.
Pause VPNSwitches the VPN off for a set time; it reconnects by itself afterwards.
Not mentioned
Automatic WireGuard key rotationThe app replaces the WireGuard key by itself at regular intervals.
Not mentioned
Perfect forward secrecyThe encryption keys change regularly, so one cracked key does not unlock earlier or later traffic.
Not mentioned
Static IP addressYou get the same IP address at every connection; unlike a dedicated IP, the address may be shared with other customers.
YesFixed IP Address — Premium only. The pages we read do not say whether the fixed address is yours alone, so we do not count it as a dedicated IP.
IP rotationYou get a new IP address without disconnecting from the VPN, automatically every few minutes or with one click.
Not mentioned
GPS location spoofingThe GPS location that apps or the browser see is set to the location of the VPN server.
Not mentioned
SOCKS5 proxyA proxy you set up in a single app (for example a browser or torrent client) to send only that app's traffic via the provider.
YesSOCKS proxy
Streaming (as stated by the provider)The provider says the plan works with streaming services or labels servers for streaming; we have not tested which services work.
YesStreaming Support
BlockingYes 4Unknown 1
Ad blockingBlocks advertisements while the VPN is on.
YesSmartGuard
Tracker blockingBlocks known tracking domains.
YesSmartGuard
Blocking of malicious websitesBlocks access to websites known for malware or phishing.
YesSmartGuard
Parental controlsFilters that block adult or other unsuitable categories of websites, which you switch on yourself.
YesSmartGuard
Cookie pop-up blockingHides cookie consent pop-ups on websites.
Not mentioned
Privacy and trustYes 5Unknown 4
RAM-only serversServers run without hard disks, so nothing is kept after a reboot.
Not mentionedNo statement from the provider
Independent auditA named outside firm audited the no-logs policy, the infrastructure or the apps, and the provider published the result.
Yes
Open-source appsThe source code of the apps is public.
YesOpen-source Linux CLI — Stated for the Linux command-line app only; the other apps are not named as open source.
Payment with cryptocurrencyYou can pay with at least one cryptocurrency.
YesCryptocurrency payments
Payment in cashYou can pay with cash, by post or through a voucher bought in a shop.
Not mentioned
Account without an email addressYou can sign up without giving an email address or other personal details.
YesFree plan without sign-up — Free plan only
Bug bounty programmeThe provider pays outside researchers who report security flaws.
Not mentioned
Vulnerability disclosure programmeA published way for outside researchers to report security flaws, with rules for how the provider handles them; with or without a reward.
Not mentioned
Transparency reportThe provider publishes how many requests for user data it received from authorities and what it handed over.
YesTransparency Report
Identity and deviceUnknown 8
Antivirus (scans files on the device)Software that scans files and downloads on the device itself for malware.
Not mentioned
Password managerStores and fills in your passwords across devices.
Not mentioned
Email aliases (masked email)Generated addresses that forward to your real mailbox, so you do not have to give out your own address.
Not mentioned
Data breach alertsWarns you when your email address or other details turn up in a known data breach.
Not mentioned
Encrypted cloud storageOnline file storage that is encrypted before upload.
Not mentioned
Data removal from data brokersThe provider sends removal requests to data brokers on your behalf.
Not mentioned
Identity theft insuranceInsurance cover for costs after identity theft or online fraud; often limited to certain countries.
Not mentioned
Travel eSIM includedA travel eSIM with a limited amount of mobile data comes with the plan; amount and validity differ per provider.
Not mentioned
Apps and devicesYes 13No 1
Windows appThe provider has its own app for Windows.
Yes
macOS appThe provider has its own app for macOS.
Yes
Linux appThe provider has its own client for Linux (graphical or command line).
Yes
Linux app with graphical interfaceThe Linux client has a graphical interface, not only a command line.
No
Linux command-line clientThe Linux client can be controlled from the command line.
Yes
Manual configuration files (WireGuard/OpenVPN)You can download configuration files and connect with a standard WireGuard or OpenVPN client instead of the provider's app.
Android appThe provider has its own app for Android phones and tablets.
Yes
iPhone and iPad appThe provider has its own app for iOS and iPadOS.
Yes
Android TV appThe provider has its own app for Android TV / Google TV.
YesTV apps
Fire TV appThe provider has its own app for Amazon Fire TV.
YesTV apps
Apple TV appThe provider has its own app for Apple TV (tvOS).
YesTV apps
Browser extensionAn extension for at least one browser; it usually protects only the traffic of that browser.
YesBrowser extensions
Router supportThe provider has a router app or documents how to set the VPN up on a router.
YesRouter and NAS setup
Simultaneous devicesHow many devices may be connected at the same time on one subscription.
1010 simultaneous connections
NetworkYes 2Unknown 3
Countries with serversThe number of countries the provider says it offers server locations in.
not published
ServersThe number of servers the provider states.
2600
10 Gbit/s serversThe provider states that servers have 10 Gbit/s connections.
Yes10 Gbps servers
Servers owned by the providerThe provider owns at least part of its server hardware instead of renting everything.
Not mentionedNo statement from the provider
Virtual locations disclosedThe provider says which locations are virtual, meaning the server physically stands in another country.
Not mentionedNo statement from the provider
Subscription and serviceYes 5Unknown 3
Free planA plan you can keep using without paying, with limits.
YesFree Plan — No fixed IP address, streaming support or port forwarding.
Free trialA trial of the paid plan for a limited time; we note whether payment details are required.
Not mentioned
Sold as a code or gift card in shopsThe provider says its subscription is sold through retailers (physical or online shops such as Amazon) as an activation code, voucher or gift card.
Not mentionedNo statement from the provider
Student discountThe provider offers students (sometimes also other groups such as teachers) a discount on top of or instead of its usual price, usually after verifying your status.
Not mentioned
Money-back guarantee (days)The number of days within which you can ask for a refund, with the conditions from the terms.
30
Live chat supportYou can reach support through live chat; we note the hours when the provider states them.
Yes24/7 support — The page does not say through which channel (chat or email).Live Chat
Unlimited dataThe provider states there is no data cap on the plan.
YesUnlimited data transfer
Business or team planThe provider sells a separate offer for teams or businesses with central management; it is not part of the consumer plans.
Yeshide.me Business VPN
Only at hide.me VPN 5
Bolt — A speed mode in the Windows app that carries TCP traffic without UDP to avoid slowdowns and ISP throttling on Windows.
Pricing Guarantee — The provider states that a plan always renews at the same price and for the same duration.
Self-managed network — hide.me says it controls and runs its VPN network itself, without outside parties, and keeps cryptographic keys in temporary storage on each server. Self-managed is not the same as owning the hardware; the page does not say the servers are owned or RAM-only.
Alternative mobile operating systems — Listed support for VollaOS, Freifon, LineageOS, Ubuntu Touch and GrapheneOS.
Free Proxy — A free web proxy in the browser, separate from the VPN.
Free version: our own measurement
Free version, our own measurement: median 1.0 Mbit/s over 81 valid runs on 14 days (October 19, 2026 to November 1, 2026); slowest run 0.9, fastest 1.0 Mbit/s. Same setup as for the paid servers; the speed of a free version can differ from moment to moment.
Free servers only; this says nothing about the paid plans of hide.me VPN, which we have not measured.
