ExpressVPN vs. HMA VPN 2024: Who Wins the Privacy War?

Between ExpressVPN and HMA, ExpressVPN emerges as the stronger contender. It delivers superior connection speeds, extensive security features, and user-friendly interface. HMA's strength is its affordable pricing and worldwide server coverage.

In this comprehensive comparison, we'll delve into the critical aspects, from features and pricing to proprietary test results, to help you make the best choice for your VPN needs

ExpressVPN vs. HMA at a glance

Both of these popular VPNs offer a range of features to enhance user security and privacy. ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs around, known for its high-speed servers and low impact on your bandwidth, making it ideal for streaming enthusiasts and gamers.

HMA VPN boasts a significant number of server locations, which is necessary for users who wish to have global coverage.

• ExpressVPN: Best for streaming and speed
• HMA: Best server network

How do ExpressVPN vs. HMA compare?

Price	From $6.25/mo (billed annually)	From $2.99/mo
Max # of connected devices	8	10
24/7 customer support
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more
# of servers	Unlisted in 105 countries	1,100+ servers in 210+ countries
VPN protocol	Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2	WireGuard, OpenVPN, Mimic
No-logs policy	No logs	No logs
Unblocks Netflix?
Learn more	Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review	Get HMA Read HMA Review

ExpressVPN pros and cons

HMA pros and cons

Which VPN is the better value?

HMA is the better value because it offers plans for at least half of the price of ExpressVPN. It also has a free trial, not just a money-back guarantee. 

		Our Pick
Price range	$4.99–$12.95/mo	$2.99–$7.99/mo
Best value plan	1-year plan for $6.25/mo (billed annually)	36-month plan (5 connections) for $2.99/mo
Money-back guarantee	Yes — 30 days	Yes — 30 days
Learn more	Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review	Get HMA Read HMA Review

ExpressVPN's pricing starts at $6.25/mo (billed annually) for an annual plan. There's also a six-month plan for $9.99/mo (billed every six months) and a monthly plan for $12.95/mo. 

However, HMA offers great value pricing, ranging from $2.99–$7.99/mo. First, you can select whether you need five or 10 connections when selecting your plan, which is usually not an option for VPNs. Then you can select the term length (one year, two years, or three years). 

The 36-month subscription for five connections is a noteworthy value, as the cost per month drops to just $2.99/mo. 

ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it risk free before committing. HMA VPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee plus a seven-day free trial. We love to see a free trial and appreciate the extra month to truly test HMA’s limits.

ExpressVPN vs. HMA: payment options

ExpressVPN offers a good array of payment methods, including credit cards, online payment systems, and cryptocurrencies. 

HMA also supports a variety of payment options, including credit cards and PayPal. However, it does not accept cryptocurrencies, which might be a drawback for users seeking maximum privacy.

ExpressVPN payment options

• Credit card
• PayPal
  
• BitPay
• Paymentwall

HMA payment options

• Credit cards
• PayPal
• Wire transfer

Which VPN is faster?

A quality VPN should deliver robust security without significantly impacting your browsing speeds. That's why we test all the VPNs we review for their impact on speed. 

First, we record our internet speed without any VPN connection. Then, we connect to servers worldwide and take new speed tests to measure how much of a hit each VPN takes on our speed. 

Server location	Our Pick
US	4% faster	19% slower
CA	7% faster	54% slower
UK	10% faster	61% slower
AU	3% faster	57% slower
Learn more	Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review	Get HMA Read HMA Review

ExpressVPN actually increased our download speeds across all server locations. High download speeds ensure that users can stream video content without experiencing buffering. 

But HMA dramatically decreased our speeds with every server location we tested minus the U.S. Although we didn't notice much of a difference while browsing and streaming, this could be determental if your baseline internet speeds are already low.

Which VPN is more secure?

ExpressVPN is more secure than HMA due to its privacy-friendly headquarters in the British Virgin Islands and its positive third-party audit results.

Feature	Our Pick
Number of servers	Unlisted in 105 countries	1,100+ servers in 210+ countries
No-logs policy	No logs	No logs
VPN headquarters	British Virgin Islands	United Kingdom
Encryption	AES-256	AES-256
VPN protocol	Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2	OpenVPN
Kill switch
Split tunneling
DNS leak protection
Ad blocker
Learn more	Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review	Get HMA Read HMA Review

When you compare ExpressVPN and HMA VPN you will find an almost identical list of features, though the devil lies in the details. Both VPNs offer robust security protocols and measures like AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and split tunneling. 

However, HMA VPN’s features work only on specific platforms, not all. For instance, its Linux version is particularly weak, with only a script version (not a full application) of the app available instead of a native app.

ExpressVPN's proprietary protocol, Lightway, enhances connection speed and reliability. HMA's proprietary protocol is called Mimic, and its used to bypass VPN blocks. 

ExpressVPN has servers in 105 countries, but it doesn't specify its server count. Meanwhile, HMA has 1,100+ servers plus a broader geographical presence, covering around 290 locations across 210+ countries.

Both companies also claim to have a no-logs policy. ExpressVPN, headquartered in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands, was audited by KPMG.

HMA, on the other hand, is based in London, U.K., and was audited by independent cyber-risk consultant firm VerSprite. The U.K. is part of the Eyes alliance, which is a group of countries that share intelligence with each other. Despite having a no-logs policy, this might still be a security concern for privacy-minded users.

Which VPN has the better compatibility and customer service?

ExpressVPN wins for providing user-friendly apps for lots of devices, smart TVs, and even browsers. It also has guaranteed 24/7 support.

Feature	Our Pick
Windows
macOS
Android
iOS
Linux
Router
Smart devices
Browser extensions	Yes — Chrome, FireFox, Edge	Yes — Chrome
24/7 support
Customer support options	Live chat, email, online guides	Live chat, email, online guides
Learn more	Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review	Get HMA Read HMA Review

Compatibility is a crucial aspect when selecting a VPN, and fortunately, both ExpressVPN and HMA excel in this regard. Both are compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. They can also both be configured on routers, allowing all devices on your home network to benefit from the VPN. 

ExpressVPN offers an intuitive, user-friendly interface that's easy to navigate. The settings are clearly laid out, and connecting to a server is as simple as a click. 

The ExpressVPN app also offers a Smart Location feature that automatically selects the best server location based on your current location and network conditions.

On the other hand, HMA VPN has a slightly more complex interface that might require some familiarization. Plus, the website just wouldn't load (or it'd load in other languages) and the app would randomly turn off and give us error messages.

As far as customer service  ExpressVPN and HMA VPN offer a comprehensive set of support channels, including 24/7 live chat, email support, and detailed onlne guides.

During our review, ExpressVPN's customer service proved to be quite responsive, with its live chat operators providing accurate and timely assistance. Its vast array of online guides are also helpful for addressing common queries and issues.

We tried to reach out to HMA live chat, but they were listed as being offline. Although the site mentions 24/7 support, it appears to be outdated information.

FAQs

Is ExpressVPN or HMA better?

ExpressVPN boasts high-speed connections and reliable apps. Although it has slightly higher prices than other VPN providers, its abundance of features and responsive customer service make it worth the price.

HMA VPN offers a full suite of security features. However, it has a more cumbersome user experience that was riddled with erros for us. Also, HMA is based in the U.K., which is a member of the Five Eyes alliance. This could raise privacy concerns for users.

ExpressVPN clearly emerges as the overall better VPN provider between the two. It offers superior speeds, security, user experience, and customer support. It may be more expensive than HMA, but you get what you pay for here.

ExpressVPN vs. HMA alternatives

ExpressVPN and HMA are two vastly different VPNs, but there's a world of products in between them. Here are some other recommendations to review if you're not sold on either option: