Comparing Surfshark and HMA VPNs: Which Service Offers Better Value?
In today's digital landscape, choosing the right VPN can significantly impact your online security and browsing experience. Two popular contenders in the VPN market are Surfshark and Hide My Ass (HMA). Let's explore how these services compare across various essential factors.
Price Point Comparison
Monthly subscriptions for both services are relatively close, with Surfshark charging $10.99 and HMA slightly higher at $11.99. However, the real savings appear in long-term plans. Surfshark's two-year plan drops to an impressive $1.99 per month, while HMA's three-year commitment costs $2.99 monthly.
A significant distinction is device allowance. Surfshark permits unlimited simultaneous connections, whereas HMA limits users to five devices by default, with an option to upgrade to ten for an additional fee.
Server Network and Coverage
While Surfshark maintains 3,200+ servers across 100+ countries, HMA boasts servers in an astonishing 210+ locations, though with a smaller total count of approximately 1,080 servers. Both providers utilize virtual servers in politically sensitive regions.
Performance metrics favor Surfshark, with average download speeds reaching 324 Mbps compared to HMA's 109 Mbps. Though both speeds support high-definition streaming, the difference is notable for bandwidth-intensive activities.
Streaming Capabilities
Both VPNs perform admirably for streaming purposes. HMA offers dedicated streaming-optimized servers that can access Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and HBO Max. Surfshark goes further, successfully connecting to Netflix libraries in numerous countries including the US, UK, France, India, Japan, and the Netherlands.
Security Features and Privacy
Both services employ industry-standard AES-256 encryption. HMA uses stronger 4096-bit RSA keys compared to Surfshark's 2048-bit keys. However, Surfshark supports more protocols, including the newer WireGuard protocol, which HMA doesn't offer yet.
Surfshark's jurisdiction in the British Virgin Islands provides significant privacy advantages over HMA's UK-based operation, as the UK participates in the Fourteen Eyes intelligence alliance. Both providers maintain no-logs policies, though Surfshark's has been independently verified through an audit.
Unique features include Surfshark's NoBorders mode for restrictive regions and Multi-hop servers for double encryption. HMA offers IP Shuffle, which periodically changes your IP address for enhanced anonymity.
China Compatibility
For users in regions with heavy internet restrictions, Surfshark clearly outperforms HMA. Surfshark's NoBorders feature effectively bypasses China's Great Firewall, while HMA currently cannot establish connections within China.
User Experience
Both providers offer intuitive interfaces across desktop and mobile platforms. HMA features categorized servers including streaming-optimized options, while Surfshark provides quick-connect functionality and recently used server lists.
Final Assessment
While HMA excels in geographical coverage and offers a seven-day free trial, Surfshark delivers superior overall value with unlimited device connections, faster speeds, better streaming capabilities, and stronger privacy protections. For most users, particularly those concerned with performance and privacy, Surfshark represents the more comprehensive VPN solution.Neither Surfshark nor HMA retains any of your activity logs, providing a level of privacy. In the rare event that data is accidentally logged, shared addresses can be useful for addressing the issue.
While neither service provides a dedicated IP address, Surfshark does offer static IP addresses in several countries, including Germany, Japan, Singapore, the Netherlands, the UK, and the US.
In an ideal world, you would never need to reach out to customer support. However, given the technical nature of VPNs, issues can sometimes arise. Surfshark offers 24/7 live chat support, with responses typically arriving within seconds. For regions where live chat is not accessible, such as China, users can still contact Surfshark via email.
On the other hand, HMA lacks a live chat feature, which is a significant drawback. Although their website mentions the availability of live chat, it seems this option has been removed. HMA users can get in touch with support through email, and they also have access to a searchable knowledge base and a community forum for additional assistance.
Surfshark's 24/7 live chat support gives it a clear edge, providing quick and responsive help when you need it. Aug 2025
Surfshark generally outperforms in this vpn matchup
offering lower long-term subscription costs
and delivering noticeably faster connection speeds
Its extensive server network eclipses HMA's infrastructure
providing wider access to geo-restricted platforms
and unique capabilities against strict censorship like China's firewall
Based in the British Virgin Islands enhances privacy protections
supplemented by reliable 24/7 live chat assistance
HMA maintains strengths for specific uses however
supplying diverse global IP addresses effectively
and including a useful seven-day trial period
It remains competent for streaming service unblocking
while employing high-grade 4096-bit encryption keys
Both services have legitimate applications
yet Surfshark emerges as the recommended choice overall
for its comprehensive advantages in performance and features
What is a Netflix VPN and How to Get One
A Netflix VPN is a sophisticated digital tool that enables subscribers to bypass geographical restrictions imposed by the streaming giant, allowing access to content libraries from different countries. By masking your actual location and routing your internet connection through servers in various regions worldwide, a Netflix VPN effectively tricks the platform into displaying shows and movies that might otherwise be unavailable in your location. This technology has become increasingly popular among streaming enthusiasts who wish to explore the full range of Netflix's international content offerings without physically traveling abroad.
Why Choose SafeShell as Your Netflix VPN?
If you're looking to access region-restricted content by Netflix VPN, you may want to consider the SafeShell VPN for its exceptional capabilities in bypassing geo-blocks. SafeShell VPN offers numerous advantages that make it the perfect solution for Netflix unblocked access worldwide.
- High-speed dedicated servers specifically optimized for streaming ensure you'll enjoy buffer-free Netflix viewing in crisp high-definition quality, even during peak hours
- Multi-device compatibility allows you to connect up to five devices simultaneously across Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and various smart TV platforms
- The innovative App Mode feature lets you access multiple regional Netflix libraries at once, expanding your content options significantly
- Lightning-fast connection speeds with no bandwidth limitations eliminate the frustration of buffering or quality drops that plague other VPN services
- Proprietary "ShellGuard" protocol provides military-grade encryption to keep your streaming activities private and secure from ISPs and other monitoring
- Flexible free trial plan gives you the opportunity to test SafeShell VPN's Netflix unblocking capabilities without any initial financial commitment
A Step-by-Step Guide to Watch Netflix with SafeShell VPN
To start using SafeShell Netflix VPN, the first step is to subscribe to the service. Visit the official SafeShell VPN website and select a plan that suits your needs and budget. Once you have chosen your plan, click on the "Subscribe Now" button to complete the subscription process.
After subscribing, you need to download and install the SafeShell VPN app. Go to the SafeShell VPN website and choose the version of the app that is compatible with your device, whether it's Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android. Download the app and follow the installation instructions to set it up on your device.
Once the app is installed, launch it and log in to your account. SafeShell offers two modes, and for the best experience while accessing Netflix, it is recommended to use the APP mode. Next, browse the list of available servers and select one located in the region whose Netflix content you wish to access, such as the US, UK, or Canada. Click on "Connect" to establish the connection. Finally, open the Netflix app or visit the Netflix website, log in with your Netflix account, and enjoy streaming the content from the selected region.
