ExpressVPN vs. HMA VPN 2024: Who Wins the Privacy War?
See whether ExpressVPN's high-performance service or HMA VPN's extensive server coverage provides the most value for your online privacy needs.
Last updated Aug 24, 2023
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Best for High-Speed Streaming Connections
4.6
Learn More
On ExpressVPN's website
ExpressVPN
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Premium VPN offering strong security and ultra-fast speeds
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Strict no-logs policy with independent audit
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In-house Lightway protocol for more speed and security
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More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost
Best for a Wide Range of Servers
4.3
Learn More
On Hide My Ass's website
Hide My Ass
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No logs
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1,080+ servers
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May be buggy on your device
You may have narrowed your search for the best VPN down to two stellar choices, ExpressVPN and HMA (HideMyAss), but which is better?
ExpressVPN emerges as the stronger contender. It delivers superior connection speeds, reliable Netflix access, top-tier encryption, and an expansive server network across the globe. But HMA VPN isn’t far behind with its own set of strengths, such as user-friendly apps and robust server coverage.
In this comprehensive comparison, we'll delve into the critical aspects, from features and pricing to proprietary test results, to help you make the best choice for your VPN needs
In this article
ExpressVPN vs. HMA VPN at a glanceExpressVPN vs. HMA VPN: prices
ExpressVPN vs. HMA VPN: features
ExpressVPN vs. HMA VPN: internet speeds
ExpressVPN vs. HMA VPN: compatibility and ease of use
ExpressVPN vs. HMA VPN: customer service
ExpressVPN vs. HMA VPN FAQs
ExpressVPN vs. HMA VPN: which is better?
ExpressVPN vs. HMA VPN at a glance
Both of these popular VPNs offer a range of features to enhance user security and privacy. ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs around, known for its high-speed servers and low impact on your bandwidth, making it ideal for streaming enthusiasts and gamers.
HMA VPN boasts a significant number of server locations, which is necessary for users who wish to have global coverage.
ExpressVPN: Best for streaming content and ensuring high-speed connections.
HMA VPN: Best for users needing a wide range of server locations.
ExpressVPN vs. HMA VPN compare?
 ExpressVPN |
 HMA VPN |
|
| Price | From $6.67/mo | From $2.99/mo |
| Max # of connected devices | 5 | 5 or 10 |
| 24/7 customer support | ||
| Compatibility | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, smart devices, routers | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS |
| # of servers | 3,000+ servers in 94 countries | 1,100+ servers in 290+ locations (210+ countries) |
| VPN protocol | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, L2TP/IPsec, PPTP | OpenVPN |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs |
| Unblocks Netflix? | ||
| Learn more | Get ExpressVPN
Read ExpressVPN Review |
Get HMA
Read HMA Review |
Prices as of 06/30/2023.
HMA VPN's pricing is more inexpensive than ExpressVPN, especially if you opt for a longer subscription plan. For instance, HMA VPN's 36-month plan costs $2.99/mo, billed once at $107.64. ExpressVPN, on the other hand, starts at $6.67/mo.
Additionally, HMA VPN offers about 1,100 servers in 290 locations across 210 countries worldwide while ExpressVPN provides around 3,000 servers in 94 countries. This suggests that ExpressVPN may offer a denser server coverage within its available countries, whereas HMA VPN has a wider global spread.
Both VPNs claim to have a no-logs policy, which means they won't track or store your online activities.
ExpressVPN seems to be more reliable at unblocking streaming services, including Netflix. Although HMA VPN can work with some regional versions of Netflix, it may not be as consistent or extensive as ExpressVPN.
ExpressVPN vs. HMA VPN: prices
ExpressVPN |
HMA VPN |
|
| Price range | $6.67–$12.95/mo | $2.99–$7.99/mo |
| Best value plan | 1-year plan for $6.67/mo | 36-month plan for $2.99/mo |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes – 30 days | Yes – 30 days |
| Learn more | See Full Pricing Details | See Full Pricing Details |
Prices as of 06/30/2023.
ExpressVPN has options starting at $6.67/mo for a year, $9.99/mo for 6 months, and $12.95/mo monthly. For this price, you do get an industry-leading product, and the $6.67/mo price is right around other premium products like NordVPN. Furthermore, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it risk free before committing.
HMA VPN offers some of the best value on the market for a VPNs. The price point may be slightly higher than other providers in the industry. However, the 36-month subscription is particularly noteworthy when it comes to getting good value, as the cost per month drops to just $2.99/mo. HMA offers a wide range of pricing plans and options, much more than most competitors. This means you can find an option that fits your budget and usage needs precisely.
HMA VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial. We love to see a free trial and appreciate the extra month to truly test HMA’s limits.
Winner: In terms of pricing, HMA VPN is the clear winner. Its plans are significantly more affordable than ExpressVPN, and it offers a 7-day free trial.
ExpressVPN vs. HMA VPN: features
| Feature | ExpressVPN |
HMA VPN |
| Number of servers | 3,000+ in 94 countries | 1,100+ in 290+ locations (210+ countries) |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs |
| VPN headquarters | British Virgin Islands | London, U.K. |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| VPN protocol | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, L2TP/IPsec, PPTP | OpenVPN |
| Kill switch | ||
| Split tunneling | ||
| Netflix support | ||
| Torrenting support | ||
| Learn more | Get ExpressVPN
Read ExpressVPN Review |
Get HMA
Read HMA Review |
Data as of 06/30/2023.
When you compare ExpressVPN and HMA VPN you will find an almost identical list of features, though the devil lies in the details. Both VPNs offer robust security protocols and measures like AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, protection against webRTC leaks, and split tunneling. However, HMA VPN’s features work only on specific platforms, not all. For instance, its Linux version is particularly weak, with only a script version (not a full application) of the app available instead of a native app.
ExpressVPN's proprietary protocol, Lightway, enhances connection speed and reliability — something HMA lacks, as it relies solely on OpenVPN. ExpressVPN has an edge with its expansive network of over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, offering users a broader choice of virtual locations. Meanwhile, HMA's server count is lower, but it has a broader geographical presence, covering around 290 locations across 210 countries.
Both companies also claim to have a no-logs policy. ExpressVPN, headquartered in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands, was audited by Cure53, a globally recognized auditing firm. It had positive results with only five low-severity issues and four information issues. HMA, on the other hand, is based in London, U.K., and was audited by independent cyber-risk consultant firm VerSprite. This resulted in HMA being awarded a “low-risk user privacy impact rating.”
ExpressVPN vs. HMA VPN: streaming support
| Platform | ExpressVPN |
HMA VPN |
| Netflix | ||
| Amazon Prime Video | ||
| Hulu | ||
| BBC iPlayer | ||
| Disney+ | ||
| HBO Max | ||
| Learn more | Get ExpressVPN | Get HMA |
ExpressVPN and HMA both claim to unblock popular streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and HBO Max. However, ExpressVPN has a stronger track record when it comes to consistency in bypassing geo-restrictions. Though it offers support for the same services, HMA is inconsistent. It failed our Netflix tests and has reported issues with Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max.
ExpressVPN offers MediaStreamer, a feature designed to optimize streaming. It allows streaming on devices that don’t support VPNs directly. This includes smart TVs and gaming consoles.
Winner: With its larger server count, proprietary Lightway protocol, and superior streaming performance, ExpressVPN provides a more comprehensive and reliable VPN service.
ExpressVPN vs. HMA VPN: internet speeds
A quality VPN should deliver robust security and privacy features without significantly impacting your browsing and streaming experience. To evaluate the impact of these two VPNs on internet speeds, we conducted a series of tests using a high-speed internet connection on a Windows PC.
ExpressVPN vs. HMA VPN speed test results
| Server location | ExpressVPN (Download / Upload) | HMA VPN (Download / Upload) |
| U.S. | 177.7 Mbps / 4.9 Mbps | 4.78 Mbps / 4.43 Mbps |
| Canada | 179.1 Mbps / 5.4 Mbps | 4.77 Mbps / 4.42 Mbps |
| U.K. | 139.1 Mbps / 4.8 Mbps | 4.97 Mbps / 3.27 Mbps |
| Australia | 115.6 Mbps / 4.3 Mbps | 4.83 Mbps / 3.61 Mbps |
| Learn more | Get ExpressVPN
Read ExpressVPN Review |
Get HMA
Read HMA Review |
Our speed tests revealed a considerable difference between ExpressVPN and HMA VPN. ExpressVPN showed dramatically higher download and upload speeds across all server locations. High download speeds ensure that users can stream video content without experiencing buffering. Meanwhile, high upload speeds are essential for sending large files.
We would typically expect to see increased latency while using a VPN, as data must travel longer distances to and from the VPN server. In our tests, HMA showed significantly lower latency than ExpressVPN across all server locations.
ExpressVPN vs. HMA VPN latency comparison
| Server location | ExpressVPN | HMA VPN |
| U.S. | 156 ms | 8 ms |
| Canada | 228 ms | 69 ms |
| U.K. | 343 ms | 284 ms |
| Australia | 517 ms | 287 ms |
Winner: If speed is your top priority, ExpressVPN is the clear winner, delivering vastly superior download and upload speeds across all tested locations. However, if latency is more critical for your activities, such as gaming or live video chats, HMA VPN provided a better service in our tests.
ExpressVPN vs. HMA VPN: compatibility and ease of use
ExpressVPN |
HMA VPN |
|
| Windows | ||
| macOS | ||
| Android | ||
| iOS | ||
| Linux | ||
| Router | ||
| Smart devices |
Compatibility is a crucial aspect when selecting a VPN, and fortunately, both ExpressVPN and HMA VPN excel in this regard. Both are compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. They can also both be configured on routers, allowing all devices on your home network to benefit from the VPN. Furthermore, they support a range of smart devices, making them a comprehensive choice for users with diverse device ecosystems.
ExpressVPN offers an intuitive, user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. The settings are clearly laid out, and connecting to a server is as simple as a click. The ExpressVPN app also offers a Smart Location feature that automatically selects the best server location based on your current location and network conditions.
On the other hand, HMA VPN has a slightly more complex interface that might require some familiarization. The app provides an extensive list of servers to choose from, but the settings menu can be a bit overwhelming with several advanced options.
Winner: While both VPNs offer wide-ranging compatibility, ExpressVPN’s user interface edges out HMA’s. Its clean, intuitive design makes it simple for users to set up and start using the VPN, making it an excellent choice for beginners and seasoned users alike.
ExpressVPN vs. HMA VPN: customer service
ExpressVPN |
HMA VPN |
|
| 24/7 live chat | ||
| Phone | ||
| Support forums | ||
| Online guides |
Good customer service can be the deciding factor for many users. Both ExpressVPN and HMA VPN offer a comprehensive set of support channels, including 24/7 live chat, email support, support forums, and detailed online guides.
During our review, ExpressVPN's customer service proved to be quite responsive, with its live chat operators providing accurate and timely assistance. Its vast array of online guides are also helpful for addressing common queries and issues.
HMA VPN also offers similar support channels, and its live chat and email support provided satisfactory responses. The online guides and forum discussions on the HMA website proved to be useful resources for troubleshooting common issues.
ExpressVPN vs. HMA VPN: payment options
ExpressVPN offers a good array of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and cryptocurrencies. HMA VPN also supports a variety of payment options, including credit cards and PayPal. However, it does not accept cryptocurrencies, which might be a drawback for users seeking maximum privacy.
ExpressVPN payment options
- Credit card
- Prepaid debit card
- PayPal
- Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies
- Online transfer payments via giropay, iDEAL, Interac, and Klarna (or SOFORT)
HMA VPN payment options
- Visa
- MasterCard
- American Express
- PayPal
- Discover
- ACH/EDI
- PayNearMe
Winner: While both VPNs offer robust customer service, ExpressVPN takes a slight lead with its fast and accurate live chat support. In terms of payment options, ExpressVPN clearly outperforms HMA VPN by accepting a wider variety of methods, including cryptocurrencies for increased privacy.
ExpressVPN vs. HMA VPN FAQs
+
Is HMA VPN better than ExpressVPN?
While HMA VPN is a solid choice with extensive server coverage and lower latency in our tests, ExpressVPN outperforms it in key areas such as download and upload speeds, ease of use, and payment options. ExpressVPN also has a slight edge in customer support.
While your choice depends on your specific needs, ExpressVPN comes out on top in a general comparison.
+
Are HMA and ExpressVPN compatible with iOS and Android?
Yes. Both HMA VPN and ExpressVPN offer dedicated apps that can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play Store. This allows users to secure their internet connection on all iOS and Android devices.
+
Do ExpressVPN or HMA offer any deals?
Yes. Both of these VPNs offer deals for securing longer subscriptions. In addition to this, they may offer deals on specific holidays, like their anniversary or Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
ExpressVPN vs. HMA VPN: which is better?
ExpressVPN boasts high-speed connections and extensive server distribution. By offering robust security features and accepting cryptocurrency as a payment method, you can see why it’s a popular VPN. Although it has slightly higher prices than other VPN providers, its abundance of features makes it a reliable and suitable choice.
HMA VPN offers a broad range of server locations and a full suite of security features if you are looking to save money on a VPN. However, it lacks versatile payment methods and has a slightly more cumbersome user interface. In addition to this, HMA is based in the U.K., which is a member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. This could raise privacy concerns for users.
ExpressVPN clearly emerges as the overall better VPN provider between the two. It offers superior speeds, security, user experience, and customer support. It may be more expensive than HMA VPN, but you get what you pay for here.
4.6
Save 49% on 12 months + 3 months free
ExpressVPN
-
Premium VPN offering strong security and ultra-fast speeds
-
Strict no-logs policy with independent audit
-
In-house Lightway protocol for more speed and security
-
More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost
Author Details
Ryan Clancy is a freelance writer and blogger. With 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience, he's passionate about all things engineering and tech. He loves bringing engineering (especially mechanical) down to a level that everyone can understand.
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