hide.me vs Private Internet Access
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
hide.me is a VPN service offering both a free plan and paid subscription tiers, positioned around a no-logs policy and features like split tunneling, multihop (routing traffic across multiple servers), and dedicated IP options. Its free plan allows one connection and access to a smaller set of locations with unlimited data, while paid plans unlock roughly 91 server locations and up to 10 simultaneous connections. Paid pricing runs from about $9.95/month on a 1-month plan down to roughly $2.69/month on a 26-month plan, backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee and a stated no-price-hike policy after the first term. Apps are available for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS, plus browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox and support for some smart TVs and consoles.
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a VPN service with servers in 90 countries, including all 50 US states, built around a no-logs policy that has been independently audited by Deloitte. It supports unlimited simultaneous device connections per subscription, fully open-source apps, and features like multi-hop connections, split tunneling, and a MACE ad/tracker/malware blocker, with strong support for torrenting and P2P traffic.
- Genuine free tier with unlimited data, unusual among VPN providers
- Long-term plans bring the price down to roughly $2.69/month
- Supports split tunneling and multihop, features not all budget VPNs offer
- Broad platform coverage including desktop, mobile, browser extensions, and some smart TVs/consoles
- Independently audited no-logs policy (Deloitte)
- Fully open-source apps for transparency
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections per account
- Strong, explicit torrenting/P2P support
- Free tier is limited to one connection and seven locations
- Longer commitment plans (12-26 months) are required to reach the lowest per-month price
- Fewer server locations than the largest VPN providers
- Based in the US, a Five Eyes intelligence-sharing country, which concerns some privacy purists
- Best pricing requires a long-term 3-year commitment
- Speeds on some distant servers can lag top-tier competitors per independent reviews
More alternatives & similar tools
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Alternatives to Private Internet Access
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing datahide.me offers a genuine free tier and low‑cost long‑term plans but fewer servers, while Private Internet Access provides unlimited devices, open‑source apps, and audited no‑logs at a higher price and US jurisdiction.
Key differences
- •Free tier: hide.me includes unlimited data (one connection, 7 locations); PIA has no free option.
- •Open‑source client: PIA apps are open source, hide.me apps are not.
- •Device limits: hide.me caps simultaneous connections (up to 10 on paid plans); PIA allows unlimited devices.
- •Jurisdiction: hide.me’s base not disclosed (not US); PIA is US‑based (Five Eyes).
- •Server coverage: hide.me ~91 locations; PIA spans 90 countries and all 50 US states.
Pricing & value
hide.me has a free tier and long‑term plans as low as $2.69/mo; PIA requires paid subscription.
Ease of use / learning curve
Both provide desktop apps and mobile apps; no data indicates a clear usability advantage.
Features & depth
PIA offers unlimited devices, open‑source apps, audited no‑logs, MACE ad‑blocking, and explicit torrent support.
Integrations & ecosystem
PIA lists browser extensions and live‑chat support; hide.me only mentions basic platform coverage.
Security & privacy
PIA’s no‑logs policy audited by Deloitte and open‑source clients; hide.me’s policy not independently verified.
Support
PIA offers email, live chat, 24/7 support; hide.me provides no support details.
Scalability
PIA allows unlimited simultaneous device connections; hide.me limits to 10 on paid plans.
Choose hide.me if…
Budget‑focused users who need a free VPN or low‑cost plan and can accept limited devices and server locations.
Choose Private Internet Access if…
Privacy‑savvy power users, torrenters, or teams needing unlimited devices, open‑source clients, and audited no‑logs.
Common questions
Can I use the VPN for free?
Yes, hide.me offers a free tier with unlimited data (one connection, 7 locations); PIA has no free tier.
Which service has stronger privacy guarantees?
PIA’s no‑logs policy is independently audited by Deloitte and its apps are open source; hide.me’s policy is not audited.
How many devices can I connect simultaneously?
hide.me allows up to 10 simultaneous connections on paid plans; PIA allows unlimited devices on a single subscription.