HMA VPN Review: 190-Country Coverage, Slow Speeds
HMA VPN is a commercial virtual private network service that emphasizes broad geographic reach and standard security features. The provider lists 1,100+ servers across roughly 190 countries, uses AES-256-GCM encryption, cites Perfect Forward Secrecy, and references an independent audit of its no-logs policy; the company is headquartered in the United Kingdom.
It can suit users who need extensive country-level IP options and audited privacy controls, and those who value P2P-optimized servers. Performance for streaming, gaming, and general speeds varies with region, server choice, protocol, and device, and operational details such as support response times and protocol behavior depend on the provider’s current implementation.
At a Glance
HMA combines very wide geographic coverage with strong encryption and an independently audited no-logs claim, while performance for streaming, gaming, and some long-distance connections can be inconsistent. It emphasizes security and server reach but has mixed results on speeds, streaming reliability, and customer support responsiveness.
| Logging | No — records date of connection and a rounded amount of data transferred; does not record location or online activity; service data retained for 2 years (anonymized) |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | United Kingdom |
| Audits | Independent audit by VerSprite (no year specified) |
| Protocols | OpenVPN (TCP/UDP), WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec |
| Encryption | AES-256-GCM; Perfect Forward Secrecy |
| Kill switch | Yes — system-wide and app-level kill switches; available on Windows and Android (system-wide also on macOS); not available on iOS; disabled by default |
| Leak protection | Built-in DNS, IPv4, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection; manages its own DNS servers |
| Server network | 1,100+ servers in 190 countries |
| Connections | 10 simultaneous devices (standard); Business plans available up to 30 devices |
| Refund policy | 30-day money-back guarantee (refunds via email; processing can be slow and may require a cancellation reason); 7-day free trial available |
Our Ratings
The ratings for HMA VPN are derived from a structured review approach that evaluates publicly available privacy disclosures, documented technical features, and overall usability across supported platforms.
The category ratings are presented in the table below. Detailed scores for each area are shown there, and an extended review of each category appears later in the post.
Security & Privacy
HMA’s public materials emphasize privacy features and an updated no-logs approach; according to the provider, it does not record users’ locations or online activity. The company states it retains connection dates and a rounded amount of data transferred, and that service data is anonymized and kept for two years.
Logging and jurisdiction details are explicit in provider disclosures: HMA states it does not log activity but retains limited connection metadata for operational purposes. The service is based in the United Kingdom, which may have implications for legal requests.
Independent verification is referenced in the provider’s documentation; an audit by VerSprite is cited though a date is not specified in the public summary. Technical safeguards listed include AES-256-GCM encryption, Perfect Forward Secrecy, and support for OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec.
| Logging policy | No-logs claim; records date of connection and rounded data transferred; service data anonymized and retained for 2 years |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | United Kingdom |
| Independent audits | Independent audit by VerSprite (no year specified) |
| Protocols and encryption | OpenVPN (TCP/UDP), WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec; AES-256-GCM; Perfect Forward Secrecy |
| Kill switch | Yes — system-wide and app-level kill switches; availability varies by OS; not enabled by default |
| Leak protection | Built-in DNS and protection against IPv4, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks; manages its own DNS servers |
💡 Security tip
Enable the system-wide kill switch and disable analytics sharing in app settings to reduce accidental exposure and limit telemetry.
Transparency & Ownership
HMA is based in the United Kingdom and is owned by Avast. According to the provider, its privacy disclosures state a no-logs approach for user activity while retaining connection dates and a rounded amount of data transferred; service data is anonymized and retained for two years. The provider’s public materials reference an independent audit and note that some past incidents occurred prior to current ownership.
According to publicly available information, HMA underwent an independent audit by VerSprite (no year specified). Documented controversies include cases in 2011 and 2017 in which HMA complied with authorities and provided information that identified users; these incidents predate the current ownership. Open-source apps – Not available.
| Jurisdiction | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Parent company / ownership | Avast |
| Public audits or reports | Independent audit by VerSprite (no year specified) |
| Open-source apps | Not available |
| Notable disclosures or limitations | Retains connection dates and rounded data transferred (anonymized; kept for 2 years); web proxy/browser extensions are not covered by the audit and may log IPs and domain requests |
Server Network & Infrastructure
HMA reports a network of 1,100+ servers spanning 190 countries, with extensive country-level coverage and a large number of city-level entries (including servers in more than 50 US cities and several multi-city listings in other countries). Provider materials state both physical and virtual servers are used to reach many locations worldwide.
According to the provider, many servers are virtual and the service manages both physical and virtual infrastructure; the provider also manages its own DNS servers. Virtual servers can affect performance when the actual host is farther away than the displayed location. HMA does not offer dedicated/static IPs.
- Number of servers: 1,100+
- Countries/regions covered: 190 countries
- Virtual locations: Many virtual servers; provider lists virtual servers on its website and notifies users when connected
- RAM-only servers: Not specified
- Dedicated/static IP availability: No dedicated/static IPs offered
- Notable server specializations: Streaming-optimized (189 servers in 6 locations), P2P-optimized servers (8 locations), extensive city-level servers
Speed & Performance
VPN speed depends on factors such as distance to the server, server load, and the chosen protocol.
| Nearby servers | During our testing, nearby servers produced moderate slowdowns; our testing revealed average reductions of about 28% on nearby servers, with WireGuard consistently faster and OpenVPN often much slower. |
|---|---|
| Distant servers | While reviewing, we found distant servers frequently had substantial drops in throughput — roughly a 51% average reduction on far-away servers, and some locations (for example Brazil) experienced drops over 70%. |
| Connection stability | During our testing, connections were generally usable with WireGuard but showed instability on OpenVPN and occasional reconnection issues; the in-app speed test results did not always match independent measurements. |
| Gaming and latency | Our testing revealed high ping rates that impeded online play; the closest server still produced around 145 ms and no tests returned consistently sub-100 ms latency. Overall, observed slowdowns averaged about 28% on nearby servers and about 51% on distant servers, with some locations exceeding 70%. |
Gaming performance was explicitly tested using demanding multiplayer scenarios typical of competitive shooters and other fast-paced online genres on PC. Our testing recorded high latency (commonly above 100 ms, with closest tests near 145 ms), which prevented stable matchmaking and smooth play. Not suitable for fast-paced competitive multiplayer gaming due to consistently high ping on tested servers. Nearby server play still showed elevated latency that will likely affect responsiveness for timing-sensitive games.
Streaming & Unblocking
Streaming performance and unblocking are inconsistent across services and servers. During testing, Netflix Originals, Max (HBO), and Disney+ were accessible on some optimized servers, while Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Peacock and Amazon Prime Video were blocked. Unblocking success varied by server location and device.
Supported Streaming Services
❗ Regional variations
Unblocking success depends on server location and device. During testing, Netflix Originals worked in US, UK, and Germany tests; Disney+ and Max worked on some US optimized servers; several platforms (Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Peacock, Prime Video) were confirmed blocked in tests.
Torrenting & P2P Use
HMA permits torrenting and provides P2P-optimized servers in a limited set of locations; according to the provider, there are eight P2P-optimized server locations designed to improve torrenting performance. Port forwarding is not offered.
The provider offers browser proxy extensions (separate from the VPN) but the extensions log connection data and are not the same as the VPN tunnel. The VPN includes system-wide and app-level kill switches; when enabled, these can help prevent IP leaks during P2P activity.
| P2P Support | Dedicated servers |
|---|---|
| Port forwarding | Not specified |
| SOCKS5/Proxy support | Not specified |
| Kill Switch | Yes, prevents IP leaks if VPN drops; system-wide and app-level options (varies by OS) |
Apps & Compatibility
HMA offers native apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS and an Android TV app, and it provides browser extensions (which operate as proxies). Linux support is limited and router setup is manual, and several streaming devices require router configuration rather than native apps.
Customer Support
The provider offers email support via a ticketing system and website help tools; there is no 24/7 live chat or phone support listed. According to documentation, a Help pop-up is available but it operates by submitting email tickets rather than a live chat.
Documentation states a Knowledge Base and multilingual help articles are available on the site. Feedback indicates slow email response times; one reported reply took five days.
- Live chat availability: No
- Email/ticket support: Yes — email ticketing system
- Knowledge base/guides: Yes — Knowledge Base and help articles (multilingual)
- Other: Help pop-up (submits email tickets); community forum discontinued; no phone support
- Languages: Multiple languages (English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, others)
Pricing & Plans
HMA combines wide geographic coverage with a set of security and obfuscation features. According to provider materials it uses AES-256-GCM encryption, offers system and app kill switches, IP Shuffle, and an obfuscation protocol called Mimic, though connection issues with Mimic have been reported; support is provided via email/ticketing rather than live chat.
Cheapest plan: $2.99/month (5 Connection, 36 Months). Other documented plans include $4.99/month (5 Connection, 12 Months) and $5.99/month (10 Connection, 36 Months). A 7-day free trial is available (users must cancel to avoid being charged for a full year) and a 30-day money-back guarantee applies.
❗ Pricing considerations
Pricing and promotions may vary over time. This website is updated regularly, but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Users should verify current plans directly on the provider’s website before purchasing.
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5 Connection 36 Months Plan
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5 Connection 12 Months Plan
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10 Connection 36 Months Plan
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|---|---|---|---|
| Price |
$2.99/month
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$4.99/month
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$5.99/month
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| Details | Long-term plan with five device connections, full feature access, and a 7-day free trial; suitable for multi-device households. | One-year plan offering five device connections and full app access; includes the same core security features and trial availability. | Long-term plan with ten device connections; includes audited privacy features, P2P servers, and standard app protections. |
| Get started | Get started | Get started |
Final Verdict
HMA is suitable for users who prioritize broad geographic coverage and standard security features across many countries. Its audited no-logs claim, AES-256-GCM encryption, and multiple kill-switch options support basic privacy and make it a fit for users needing verified privacy controls. The network lists 1,100+ servers across 190 countries with numerous city-level entries, and there are dedicated P2P-optimized servers for torrenting. A 7-day trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee provide options for short-term testing.
Users who prioritize high-speed performance, consistent streaming access, or low-latency gaming should consider alternatives. Documented tests reported notable speed reductions (around 28% on nearby servers and ~51% on distant servers, with some locations exceeding 70%) and unreliable unblocking of several major streaming platforms. Customer support is limited to email ticketing with slow response times documented, and some features are restricted on certain platforms (for example, limited functionality on iOS and a nonfunctional Mimic protocol in tests). These limitations may affect media streaming, gaming, and users who require rapid support or platform parity.
Prospective users should match their priorities—coverage and audited privacy versus speed, streaming reliability, and support—when comparing HMA with other providers.
FAQ about HMA VPN
Does HMA VPN reliably work with Netflix across tested servers?
During testing, HMA VPN allowed access to Netflix Originals but blocked many region-specific catalogs. Access varied by server location and optimized server type in documented tests.
Can HMA VPN unblock Amazon Prime Video reliably in tests?
During testing, HMA VPN could not access Amazon Prime Video on US streaming-optimized servers. Prime Video was documented as blocked in the provided tests.
Does HMA VPN unblock Hulu and other US streaming platforms?
During testing, HMA VPN failed to unblock Hulu and several other platforms such as Peacock and BBC iPlayer. Results were service- and server-dependent, with several US platforms reported as inaccessible.
Does HMA VPN work in China according to documented testing?
According to documentation and tests, HMA VPN does not consistently work in China. The Mimic obfuscation protocol, which could assist in restricted regions, failed to connect during testing.
Will HMA VPN noticeably slow my internet speeds in practice?
Our testing revealed average nearby speed reductions of about 28% and distant-server reductions around 51%, with some locations exceeding 70%. Performance depended on protocol, with WireGuard typically faster and OpenVPN often much slower.
Does HMA VPN keep logs or collect user connection metadata?
HMA VPN states it does not record users’ locations or online activity but retains connection dates and a rounded amount of data transferred. The provider notes that service data is anonymized and retained for two years.
Can I try HMA VPN free and what is the refund policy?
HMA VPN offers a 7-day free trial on compatible devices and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Refunds are processed via email and documented response times can be slow; cancellation may require providing a reason.
How responsive is HMA VPN customer support via email tickets?
The provider offers email ticket support and a Help pop-up that submits tickets; there is no 24/7 live chat. Documentation and user feedback indicate slow email response times, with at least one documented reply taking several days.
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