HMA VPN vs ExpressVPN in 2026
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ExpressVPN and HMA VPN – previously known as HideMyAss – have been in the VPN market since the 2000s. While each provider delivers solid security and privacy features that have earned them loyal user bases, our testing reveals a clear performance gap between them.
To determine which VPN offers better value, I conducted extensive hands-on testing across multiple criteria: server infrastructure, regional speeds, streaming, security protocols, privacy policies, ease of use, customer support, and pricing. Each category was evaluated through real-world use cases rather than solely on provider claims.
Whether you're prioritizing blazing-fast speeds for streaming, maximum privacy for sensitive browsing, or simply the best bang for your buck, this detailed comparison will help you choose the right VPN for your specific needs. Read on to discover how these two industry veterans stack up head-to-head.
HMA vs ExpressVPN: overview
ExpressVPN stands out as a premium, feature-rich service with superior speeds and streaming capabilities, while HMA VPN offers comparable pricing with solid fundamentals. ExpressVPN excels in speed, server network size, and streaming reliability, whereas HMA provides decent protection with competitive features but doesn't quite ranks among the best VPNs.
| ExpressVPN | HMA VPN | |
| ⭐ Rating: | ||
| 🥇 Overall rank: | #4 out of #41 | #32 out of #41 |
| 🖥️ Servers: | 3,000+ servers in 105 countries | 3,400+ servers in 67 countries |
| 📖 No logs policy: | No logs | No logs |
| 💵 Price: | From $2.49/month | From $2.99/month |
| 🔥 Coupons: | ExpressVPN coupon 80% OFF | - |
| 🔒 VPN protocols: | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | OpenVPN and IPsec |
| 🍿 Streaming services: | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | Youtube |
| 🖥️ Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS |
| 📥 Simultaneous connections: | 14 | 5 |
| 💁🏻 Support: | Knowledge base, FAQs, email, 24/7 live chat | Knowledge base, tickets, live chat |
We spare no effort to test the products & their features. All information is gathered by our in-house research team & fact-checked by our team of experts. Discover the ins and outs of our testing procedures.
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Key differences between ExpressVPN and HMA VPN
ExpressVPN clearly leads in performance, streaming, and overall feature quality, while HMA VPN offers decent basics at a similar price point but falls short in key areas like speed and reliability.
Choose ExpressVPN if:
- You want the best speeds and performance. ExpressVPN significantly outperforms HMA VPN in both download and upload speeds, making it a better choice for streaming, gaming, and everyday browsing.
- Streaming is a priority. It reliably unblocks major platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, while HMA VPN struggles with most of them and only consistently works with YouTube.
- You care about stronger privacy and security. ExpressVPN uses RAM-only servers, offers more advanced protocols like Lightway, and is based in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction outside surveillance alliances.
- You want more features and flexibility. From Smart DNS to better split tunneling and broader device support, ExpressVPN offers a more polished and versatile experience.
Get the complete picture by reading our thorough ExpressVPN review.
Choose HMA VPN if:
- You want a simple VPN with basic functionality. HMA VPN covers the essentials like encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy, making it suitable for casual users.
- You like built-in convenience features. Tools like IP Shuffle and Lightning Connect can appeal to users who want a hands-off experience.
- You don’t need advanced streaming or top-tier speeds. If your needs are limited to light browsing or occasional use, HMA VPN can still get the job done.
Take a closer look with our detailed HMA VPN review.
Speed, performance, and streaming
For this HMA vs ExpressVPN comparison, I joined experienced researchers to test the speeds of the two providers. ExpressVPN showed significantly faster download and upload speeds, while HMA VPN clearly struggled.
ExpressVPN offers multiple protocol options: Lightway, OpenVPN (UDP and TCP), and IKEv2. Among them, its proprietary Lightway provides the best speed results, which I used to compare against HMA VPN.
Meanwhile, HMA VPN offers only OpenVPN (UDP and TCP) and IPsec. The latter is only available on the provider’s macOS and iOS applications, and OpenVPN TCP is much slower. So, we used its default OpenVPN (UDP) for this comparison.
| ExpressVPN (Lightway) | HMA (OpenVPN UDP) | |
| Average download speed | 648Mbps | 422Mbps |
| Average upload speed | 332Mbps | 214Mbps |
You can see that there wasn’t much competition between the two VPNs. ExpressVPN is clearly superior when it comes to both download and upload speed results. HMA VPN, on the other hand, slightly improved its results with the upload speeds.
However, neither provider is the fastest I’ve ever seen. If you’re looking for the fastest VPN, check out NordVPN or Surfshark.
Netflix and streaming performance
ExpressVPN dominates the ExpressVPN vs HMA VPN streaming capabilities comparison. It easily bypasses geo-restrictions and unblocks a long list of streaming sites like multiple Netflix libraries, HBO Max, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. That’s quite a feat, as many VPNs struggle with that – especially Netflix with its advanced geo-blocks.
Unfortunately, HMA VPN doesn’t work on numerous streaming sites, including Netflix and BBC iPlayer. But you can still try your luck. In rare instances, it works on selected sites if you can get the right server.
However, the only sure success I saw with HMA VPN was YouTube. The VPN smoothly unblocks geo-restricted videos on the platform, but that’s a low bar. After all, most VPNs can do at least that.
| Platform | ExpressVPN | HMA VPN |
| Netflix | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| HBO Max | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| BBC iPlayer | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| YouTube | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Hulu | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Amazon Prime Video | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Disney+ | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Additionally, ExpressVPN has another advantage thanks to its MediaStreamer feature – a SmartDNS service that helps to unblock geo-restricted content on devices that don’t support VPN apps natively, such as some smart TVs and game consoles. Also, it works with a manual connect on routers and offers an app for Aircove routers.
Torrenting
ExpressVPN and HMA VPN both support P2P downloads, which makes them viable torrenting VPN options. ExpressVPN lets you torrent on all its servers, and during in-house tests a 5.7GB Ubuntu download was downloaded with an average speed of 62Mbps.
On the other hand, HMA VPN restricts torrenting to servers in just 8 locations across 6 countries. Its download speeds also took some time to ramp up, then settled at around 2.3MBps
Plans and pricing
ExpressVPN and HMA VPN keep pricing simple. Longer subscriptions have lower prices, while short-term subscriptions bear hefty price tags. Also, simultaneous connections are capped: Express VPN allows up to 14, while HMA VPN offers 5 at the lower-tier pricing, and up to 10 at higher tiers.
| Plan | ExpressVPN | HMA VPN |
| Monthly | $12.99 | $11.99/month |
| 6-month plan | - | $8.99/month |
| 1-year plan | $3.99/month | $4.99/month |
| 2-year plan | $2.49/month | $4.99/month |
| 3-year plan | - | $2.99/month |
| Check latest discounts | Check latest discounts |
HMA VPN’s prices are on the higher side, and you’ll get the best deal by signing up for its 3-year plan. For instance, the plan that costs $11.99 when billed monthly only costs $2.99/month with the 3-year plan.
Meanwhile, ExpressVPN is cheaper, but only if you commit long-term. Otherwise, the difference between ExpressVPN and HMA VPN’s price isn’t that significant. For example, the difference between ExpressVPN and HMA VPN’s monthly plan is very minimal.
Both providers are also very flexible with their payment methods. Credit and debit cards, PayPal, and bank transfers are all accepted. ExpressVPN even allows Bitcoin. And, just in case, both VPNs provide 30-day money-back guarantees.
If you want to save even more, be sure to check out our ExpressVPN coupon page for special deals.
Server locations
| ExpressVPN | HMA VPN | |
| Servers | Undisclosed | 3,400+ |
| Countries | 105 | 67 |
| Virtual locations | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Specialty servers | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
While ExpressVPN doesn’t disclose the number of servers it operates, it has servers available in 105 countries. In contrast, HMA VPN’s network covers 3,400+ servers in 67 countries.
Features overview
ExpressVPN comes out on top in the HMA VPN vs ExpressVPN feature comparison. While both VPNs offer various security features, ExpressVPN is the more generous of the two. Its features are also more well-rounded, functional, and intuitive than HMA VPN’s versions.
| ExpressVPN features | HMA features | |
| Split tunneling | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Kill switch | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Smart DNS | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Split tunneling
Split tunneling is an incredibly helpful feature that lets you choose the internet traffic that goes through the VPN and the traffic that doesn’t. Although both VPNs provide the feature, ExpressVPN’s split tunneling outshines HMA VPN’s version easily.
With ExpressVPN, all your traffic goes through the VPN server by default. However, you can also use the split tunneling feature to either exclude specific apps from the VPN or only allow selected apps to use it. Either way, you’re in control, which is what I personally appreciate about ExpressVPN.
The feature is available on Windows, Android, Linux, and macOS. This is a perk since very few VPNs offer split tunneling for Mac.
In contrast, HMA VPN’s split tunneling feature is unfortunately only available on Android. But, on the bright side, I found it very easy to use. You just need to mark the boxes of the apps that you want to use an encrypted connection.
Kill switch
To protect your IP address and other sensitive information from leaks, a kill switch automatically shuts down your internet connection if the VPN connection is lost, interrupted, or compromised.
ExpressVPN named its kill switch Network Lock, which operates on the system level. This means that it will stop all network traffic instead of only affecting specific apps. Network Lock is enabled by default, but you can turn it off.
Meanwhile, you’ll need to activate HMA VPN’s kill switch yourself. Here, you have the freedom to decide if the feature should work on the system or the app level.
ExpressVPN’s features
In addition to the above, ExpressVPN offers many other features. Here are some noteworthy ones:
- Stealth servers. A protocol that masks the fact that you’re using a VPN to help bypass censorship and VPN blocks. According to ExpressVPN, your connection automatically switches to stealth servers when the VPN detects Deep Packet Inspection (DPI).
- MediaStreamer. A SmartDNS feature that unblocks geo-restricted content on devices that don’t support VPNs natively.
- Threat Manager. Blocks all tracking and potentially-malicious activities when you’re browsing the web or using apps. Currently available on macOS, iOS, and Linux.
HMA features
HMA VPN isn’t as liberal with its features. A few notable HMA VPN features:
- Lightning Connect. Previously called Instant Mode, it automatically finds the fastest server for you.
- IP Shuffle. Periodically changes your IP address to prevent tracking. You can configure the feature to shuffle at predetermined intervals or set up custom intervals.
HMA vs ExpressVPN: which is more secure?
| ExpressVPN | HMA VPN | |
| Encryption | AES-256-GCM or ChaCha20/Poly1305 | AES-256-GCM |
| Hash | SHA-512 | SHA-256 |
| RAM-only servers | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Outside of the Fourteen Eyes Alliance | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| No-logs policy | Audited | Audited |
| Kill switch | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Ad blocker | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| DNS leak protection | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
ExpressVPN and HMA VPN default to AES-256-GCM for encryption, which is one of the most secure and widely-used ciphers. Their no-logs policies have been independently audited by security firms, too. They are also armed with nifty security features like kill switches and DNS leak protection.
However, ExpressVPN has a few significant advantages in this HMA vs ExpressVPN comparison. For starters, ExpressVPN uses RAM-only servers for added security and privacy. Besides that, it isn’t based in a Five Eyes alliance country but in the British Virgin Islands – a privacy-friendly jurisdiction. In contrast, HMA VPN is based in the UK, which is in the alliance and far from privacy-friendly.
Infrastructure
ExpressVPN was one of the first VPNs to switch to RAM-only technology back in 2019. Called TrustedServer, the feature upgrade comes with considerable advantages. To start, there’s no hard drive to store data like usage logs. Plus, the servers are wiped upon each reboot to prevent tampering and minimize the risk of a breach.
In contrast, HMA VPN hasn’t moved over to RAM-only servers.
Privacy
Both ExpressVPN and HMA VPN use AES-256 for encryption, which is considered the industry standard. However, that’s where their similarities end and their differences come to light.
ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction free from the Five Eyes alliance’s surveillance and intelligence-sharing. Meanwhile, HMA VPN is based in the UK, right under the eye of the alliance.
The differences are even more apparent if we compare HMA vs ExpressVPN in terms of tunneling protocols. ExpressVPN offers Lightway (its proprietary protocol), OpenVPN, and IKEv2. All three protocols are known for their speed, security, and reliability. In contrast, HMA VPN only has two options: OpenVPN or IPsec. However, OpenVPN UDP is used by default, and IPsec is only available on its macOS and iOS applications.
Logging
ExpressVPN and HMA VPN promise that your data is safe from logging and actually give substance to their no-logs claims with independent audits.
ExpressVPN has undergone multiple audits by various third-party security firms. For its no-logs policy alone, it was independently audited by KPMG in 2025 and 2023, and by PwC in 2019.
Similarly, HMA VPN’s no-logs policy, instituted in April 2020 after long-term criticism of its previous logging policy, was independently audited by the cyber risk consultant firm VerSprite. The firm awarded the service provider the highest possible rating of “low-risk user privacy impact". That said, there have been no more independent audtis since.
Platforms, interface, and ease of use
In terms of compatibility, ExpressVPN has the edge in the HMA vs ExpressVPN rivalry.
| ExpressVPN | HMA VPN | |
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS |
| Other software and devices | Android TV, Fire devices, routers | Android TV, Apple TV |
| Browser etensions | Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Edge, Vivaldi, Opera | Chrome and Firefox |
| Simultaneous connections | 14 | 5 (10 with the HMA Family plan) |
ExpressVPN allows for 14 simultaneous connections, while HMA VPN – 5 with regular plans (10 when you share).
Furthermore, ExpressVPN also supports many other software and devices like smart TVs, which is a limited option with HMA VPN. Additionally, ExpressVPN also has a broader selection of browser extensions.
Desktop apps
ExpressVPN offers desktop apps for Windows, Mac, and Linux devices. Its Windows and Mac apps look very similar to each other and also have the same features. Intuitive, streamlined, and well-organized – you won’t have any trouble finding all the features.
Also, ExpressVPN has launched a GUI for Linux, making the app easier to use, compared to the command line interface that was available previously.
Similarly, HMA VPN’s Windows and Mac apps also look alike and are easy enough to use. They share similar functionalities as well.
Meanwhile, HMA VPN only offers a command line version for Linux. After testing it, I find it to be fiddly and unintuitive. More often than not, it couldn’t even connect to a server.
Mobile apps
ExpressVPN and HMA VPN’s mobile apps are responsive and easy to navigate. However, as is typical, the Android versions have more features than the iOS apps. For instance, both VPNs’ iOS apps are missing a kill switch.
Additionally, I had some connection problems with HMA VPN’s Android app. The app would disconnect me from a server when my phone was locked, which quickly became annoying.
Customer support
| ExpressVPN | HMA VPN | |
| 24/7 live chat | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | |
| Phone line | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Ticket | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Guides or articles | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| FAQ | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
When testing, I found that ExpressVPN’s customer support agents were helpful and friendly via live chat. I asked a few questions about the router installations, and got an answer right away.
Meanwhile, HMA VPN doesn’t offer live chat at all. I found this to be a huge drawback, since email responses do take a while.
HMA VPN vs ExpressVPN: which one wins?
ExpressVPN dominates this comparison with faster speeds, stronger privacy protections, better streaming support, and a more feature-rich experience. It also offers better long-term value despite similar pricing structures.
HMA VPN holds its ground with solid basics and simple usability, making it suitable for casual users. However, it falls short in performance, streaming, and advanced features.
| Feature | ExpressVPN | HMA VPN | Verdict |
| Pricing | ExpressVPN offers better long-term value with lower pricing, while HMA VPN’s plans are slightly more limited despite similar structures. | ||
| Speed | ExpressVPN delivers significantly faster and more consistent speeds, while HMA VPN struggles to keep up in both downloads and uploads. | ||
| Privacy | Both have audited no-logs policies, but ExpressVPN goes further with RAM-only servers and a privacy-friendly jurisdiction. | ||
| Features | ExpressVPN provides a more comprehensive and flexible feature set, while HMA VPN offers only the basics with fewer advanced options. | ||
| Streaming | ExpressVPN easily unblocks major streaming platforms, while HMA VPN has very limited success beyond YouTube. | ||
| Torrenting | Both support P2P, but ExpressVPN allows torrenting on all servers, while HMA VPN restricts it and delivers slower speeds. | ||
| Support | ExpressVPN offers 24/7 live chat and faster responses, while HMA VPN lacks live chat and relies on slower support channels. |
FAQ
HMA vs ExpressVPN for torrenting – which is better?
ExpressVPN is better for torrenting. It allows torrenting on all its servers in 105 countries. In contrast, HMA VPN only allows torrenting on servers in eight locations.
Do HMA vs ExpressVPN have a free trial?
Yes, both ExpressVPN and HMA VPN offer a free trial option. HMA VPN has a free 7-day trial, while ExpressVPN has a 3-day free trial only for mobile. Both require you to provide your payment information
Is HMA better than ExpressVPN?
No, HMA isn’t better than ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN has better streaming capabilities, more servers worldwide, more robust security, faster speeds, and fuller features. Additionally, ExpressVPN also has better customer support.
Who owns HMA VPN?
Czech cybersecurity firm Avast currently owns HMA VPN. The VPN has been a subsidiary of the cybersecurity firm since 2016, when Avast acquired its former parent company AVG Technologies.
Can I use HMA VPN for free?
Yes, you can use HMA VPN for free, but not indefinitely. HMA VPN has a free 7-day trial that you can use after plugging in your payment details. Just note that failure to cancel after those 7 days means you’ll be charged for a 12-month subscription.
What is the best alternative to HMA VPN and ExpressVPN?
NordVPN is a solid alternative to both HMA VPN and ExpressVPN. For HMA users, NordVPN is faster and more private, especially since HMA has had some past logging issues. Furthermore, NordVPN's speedy NordLynx protocol is perfect for streaming or downloading. Plus, NordVPN often offers more value for your money. You get more connections, more servers, and cool features like Double VPN. It's a great all-around choice.
