ExpressVPN vs. HMA VPN 2025: Who Wins the Privacy War?

Between ExpressVPN and HMA, ExpressVPN emerges as the stronger contender. Even though HMA delivers superior connection speeds, ExpressVPN boasts more affordable pricing, a larger worldwide server network, extensive security features, and a user-friendly interface. 

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.

ExpressVPN vs. HMA at a glance

• ExpressVPN: Best for multiple devices
• HMA: Best for streaming

How do ExpressVPN vs. HMA compare?

	Our Pick
Price	From $3.49/mo	From $2.99/mo
Max # of connected devices	14	10
24/7 customer support
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
# of servers	Unlisted in 105 countries	3,400+ servers in 65+ countries
VPN protocol	Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard	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?

ExpressVPN offers better pricing on long-term subscriptions and includes more simultaneous connections across plans.

	Our Pick
Price range	$3.49–$12.95/mo	$2.99–$7.99/mo
Best value plan	2-year plan for $3.49/mo	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 $3.49/mo for a 2-year plan. There's also $9.99/mo and $12.99/mo. 

However, HMA offers great value pricing, ranging from $2.99–$7.99/mo. First, you can choose between 5 and 10 connections when selecting your plan, which is usually not an option for VPNs. Then you can select the term length (one, two, or three years). 

The 36-month subscription for five connections is a noteworthy value, as the monthly cost drops to just $2.99/mo. The downside is that if you want up to 10 devices, the price jumps to $7.99/mo. Comparatively, you can get up to 10 devices with ExpressVPN's Basic plan without a price hike. 

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 7-day free trial. 

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
Average speed change	12% slower	33% faster
Learn more	Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review	Get HMA Read HMA Review

HMA actually increased our download speeds across all server locations. High download speeds ensure users can stream video without buffering. 

Although we didn't notice much of a difference while browsing and streaming with ExpressVPN, HMA demonstrated better performance this round.

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	3,400+ servers in 65+ 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, WireGuard	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 features, including 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) available instead of a native app.

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

ExpressVPN has servers in 105 countries, but it doesn't specify the exact number. Meanwhile, HMA has 3,400+ servers plus a broader geographical presence, covering around 290 locations across 65+ 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, a group of countries that share intelligence. Despite its no-logs policy, this may still pose a security concern for privacy-minded users.

Which VPN has the better compatibility and customer service?

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

Feature	Our Pick
Windows
macOS
Android
iOS
Linux
Router
Smart devices
Browser extensions	Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Vivaldi	Chrome, Firefox
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 wouldn't load (or it'd load in other languages), and the app would randomly turn off and show 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 online guides.

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

We tried to reach out to HMA via live chat, but it was listed as offline. Although the site mentions 24/7 support, it appears the information is outdated.

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:

FAQs

Is ExpressVPN or HMA better?

ExpressVPN clearly emerges as the overall better VPN provider between the two. It offers superior security, user experience, and customer support. Although it charges slightly higher prices than other VPN providers, its extensive security features and responsive customer service make it worth the cost.

HMA VPN offers a full suite of security features. However, it has a more cumbersome user experience, riddled with errors 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.