When comparing Mullvad vs Hide Me, the Slant community recommends Mullvad for most people. In the question“What is the best VPN provider? ” Mullvad is ranked 1st while Hide Me is ranked 8th. The most important reason people chose Mullvad is:
According to Mullvad, they retain no traffic information or metadata. Here is their statement in 2014 when inquired by TorrentFreak if they store _any_ logs that would enable linking an IP address and a timestamp to a user: > No. This would make both us and our users more vulnerable so we certainly don’t. To make it harder to watch the activities of an IP address from the outside we also have many users share each address, both for IPv4 and our upcoming IPv6 support.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro No logs are kept
According to Mullvad, they retain no traffic information or metadata. Here is their statement in 2014 when inquired by TorrentFreak if they store any logs that would enable linking an IP address and a timestamp to a user:
No. This would make both us and our users more vulnerable so we
certainly don’t. To make it harder to watch the activities of an IP address from the outside we also have many users share each address, both for IPv4 and our upcoming IPv6 support.
Pro Token-based account system
When signing up, a sufficiently long random number is assigned and given to you which serves as both username and password, without any need to provide a name or e-mail address or any other identifying information.
Pro No traffic or protocol restrictions
Mullvad allows using any and all protocols that the user wishes, no traffic is restricted.
Pro Multiple payment methods
Bitcoin, cash, bank transfers, PayPal, credit cards are accepted.
Pro DNS leak protection
In the event of a DNS leak, not all traffic is routed through a secure network. Mullvad helps solve this issue by offering DNS leak protection.
Pro Supports WireGuard
WireGuard is an extremely simple yet fast and modern open-source VPN program built using the latest cryptography. It's faster, simpler, leaner, and more useful than both IPSec and OpenVPN.
Pro Includes a kill switch
It's possible to set up the software to disconnect from Internet in case the connection to the VPN service is lost to not expose traffic in case of service failures.
Pro Based outside of the Five Eyes
Mullvad operates out of Sweden, and so is not exposed to the same privacy-corresive laws as it would be if it were in the US or another “Five Eyes” country.
Pro Multi-hop
Allows hopping from one location to another for additional security. This is great because everything "hops" through multiple locations effectively providing an additional mask and making it harder to trace the route back to the source.
Pro Has native applications for all popular platforms
The platforms that Mullvad can run on include: Windows, OSX, Linux, Android, and iOS. Additionally, Mullvad offers a source code that allows the program to be run on virtually any system.
Pro Offers a free trial
One of the things that makes Mullvad's free trial attractive is the lack of personal information asked to sign up. Once downloaded, the free trial lasts three hours.
Pro Not expensive
Only 5 € by month with a 3 hours trial period.
Pro No personal information required to register
Autogenerated account number, no email accepted.
Pro Easy to set up
Easy to set up Windows client.
Pro Great customer service
Mullvad customer service is helpful and responds quickly.
Pro Short-term contract
You pay when you need it, at least for one month. No pushy salesmen model, you decide when you need it.
Pro VPN Client is both Open Source and Free Software
The VPN Client is both Open Source and Free Software (GPLv3), code can be reviewed at https://github.com/mullvad/mullvadvpn-app - issues can be reported at https://github.com/mullvad/mullvadvpn-app/issues
Pro Firefox
Pro No logs are kept, it's completely anonymous
Because Hide.me is based in Malaysia, where there are no laws that would require a company to retain their data, the VPN service has chosen to avoid logging any personal data. Actually, no logs of any kind are kept. This saves them from liability and ensures your privacy.
Additionally, if the Malaysian government would change laws requiring retention of logs or customer data, Hide.me promises to change countries to be able to protect your privacy.
Pro Free plan
The free plan allows for 1 connection that's limited to 3 servers (Canada, Netherlands & Singapore), 2GB of data, 3Mbit/s of bandwidth speed and it doesn't support OpenVPN. There's also the "plus" package that uncaps bandwidth speed, increases data limit to 75GB and adds OpenVPN support. Finally, there's the "premium" package, that uncaps data, allows for 5 simultaneous connections and port forwarding.
Pro Softether support
Accepts tor network, encryption upon itself using another protocol, no server throttling.
Pro Supports multiple devices (premium)
With the Hide.me Premium Plan (9.99 $/mo) you can connect up to 5 devices simultaneously including mobile devices and routers, meaning you can safely browse even on devices without VPN support.
Pro Pass-through of any kind of encrypted or tor traffic
Accepts passthrough of even self re-encrypted traffic of any protocol, any provider and tor traffic, this is proof of transparency.
Pro Fast
Hide.me is among the fastest VPN services available. It does not impose any limits on their services and the speed is mostly determined by your own internet connection speed and chosen exit country.
Pro IPsec over IKEv2
IPsec over IKEv2 is one of the fastest, most reliable VPN protocols and as secure as OpenVPN, but you can choose other options if you prefer. Hide.me supports OpenVPN, Softhether, IPSec (IKEv1 & IKEv2), L2TP/IPSec and PPTP protocols.
Pro Quick setup
Setting up requires downloading and installing software that asks once for your e-mail.
Pro No traffic or protocol restricitions except for US
You can use any and all protocols at your disposal, no traffic is restricted, except for US where P2P and BitTorrent traffic is restricted with a firewall. Additionally, users are encouraged to avoid US/UK locations for their filesharing activities.
Pro Watch IPTV
With Hide.me you can watch popular streaming services such as Netflix, HBO and Hulu even in countries where they are blocked. Hide.me also guarantees that speeds stay fast so you aren't waiting at an endless buffering screen.
Pro Cross-platform
Hide.me software works on OS X, Windows, Android, Windows phone, Windows RT, Ubuntu, and iOS. Not only this but it also works on devices like Xbox, Roku, Routers, etc.
Pro Over 80 international payment methods
Including Paypal, credit cards, bank transfer, PaySafeCard, and UKash.
Pro Supports popular devices
Hide Me specifies that their services are compatible with PC, Mac, and Android gadgets. However, no additional operating systems are mentioned.
Pro Anonymous signup
You don't need to enter your street or phone number, etc. You just need a valid email address.
Pro It supports every device, not just Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS
Hide.me VPN supports all devices and platforms available out there, including Linux and routers. They also have a well-maintained blog which has a how-to section, which gives you a step by step guide to set up Hide.me VPN even on devices like PlayStation, Roku, X-box, etc..
Cons
Con No longer supports port forwarding.
As of 2023-07-01, Mullvad VPN no longer supports port forwarding due to abuse.
Con Seemingly permanent kill-switch
Client, if shut down, often seemed to keep the kill-switch enabled, with no way to reset besides a rest of the hardware.
Con French Mullvad Windows Client
Sometimes for a reason of French language, the Windows client does not connect to the chosen server. It can be bypassed by installing their beta client.
Con Guides for DDWRT, OpenWRT, and Pfsense missing details and not working
No stealth VPN to defeat DPI.
Con Mac OS software is leaking IP address
Con Wireguard is only allowed within the app. No Config generater that allows use on routers for Example
There should be config Generator like any other VPN provider to allow use outside the app like openWRT router or pfsense firewall
Con Incompatible with Windows RT
While Hide Me clearly puts forth effort to maintain compatibility across devices, Windows RT is incompatible with this service.