ExpressVPN vs. HMA VPN — 2024 Comparison & Test Results

The VPN market is so crowded it’s hard to pick one that you can rely on. Two of the most well-known services are ExpressVPN and HMA VPN. To find out which is better, I rigorously tested them across categories such as pricing, streaming, servers, speed, security, and more.

HMA is a great-value VPN, but I found that ExpressVPN is superfast for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. Furthermore, it always kept my connections secure while its strict privacy policy assured me that my browsing history is only known to me. Unlike HMA, ExpressVPN is one of the few VPNs that work in China.

You can get ExpressVPN and try it risk-free. If you’re not happy with how it works, your purchase is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. My refund request was processed with no questions asked and I got my money back after just 3 days. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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No Time? Here’s a 1-Minute Summary

Pricing	$$4.994.99 per month on its 2-year + 4 months free plan – price increases on renewal	$2.99 per month on its 3-year plan – price increases on renewal
Streaming	10+ Netflix libraries, Max, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more	5+ Netflix libraries, and selected Kodi add-ons
Servers	3,000+ servers in 105 countries	1,090+ servers in 210 countries
Speed	Speeds dropped by 11% from baseline on nearby servers and 25% on distant ones	Speeds dropped by 15% from baseline on nearby servers and 70% on distant ones
Security	Multiple security protocols, including the proprietary Lightway protocol A kill switch DNS and IP leak protection Split tunneling (Windows, Mac, Android, and routers) RAM-based servers backed by TrustedServer technology	Multiple security protocols, including the Mimic protocol A kill switch DNS and IP leak protection Split tunneling (Android only)
Torrenting	Supports torrenting on all 3,000+ servers in 105 countries 1.86GB file took 3 minutes and 2 seconds to download	Supports torrenting on 6 servers in 8 countries 1.86GB file took 7 minutes and 36 seconds to download
China	#1 pick for China with reliable high-speed connections*	Doesn’t work in China
Gaming	Ping of 37ms playing CS:GO on local servers	Ping of 41ms playing CS:GO on local servers
Device Compatibility	Works with Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, smart TVs, routers, and more	Works with Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS
Company Jurisdiction	Headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, outside the 5, 9, and 14 Eyes alliances No warrant canary	Headquartered in the UK, part of the 9 Eyes alliance Has a warrant canary
Privacy Policy	No-logs policy, independently audited by PwC, Cure53, and KPMG	No-logs policy, independently audited by VerSprite
Payment and Refunds	Accepts payments through most major credit cards, prepaid cards, PayPal, Qiwi Wallet, cryptocurrencies, and more 30-day money-back guarantee	Accepts payments through most major credit cards, PayPal 30-day money-back guarantee
Customer Support	Fast support through live chat, email support, and an extensive online knowledge base	Slow support through email but an extensive online knowledge base

*Even the best VPNs can run into blocks due to the ever-changing nature of China’s firewall

13 Categories of Comparison for ExpressVPN vs. HMA VPN

1. Pricing — Compared subscription plans, best deals, and the refund policies of both service providers.
2. Streaming — Tested how many Netflix libraries and which popular streaming sites both providers worked with.
3. Servers — Checked the number and location of servers while evaluating whether each VPN used virtual servers, RAM-based servers, and other specialty servers.
4. Speed — Performed speed tests on multiple global servers and compared the effects of both VPNs’ protocols on speed.
5. Security — Checked security features like leak protection, kill switches, obfuscation; and compared the audit status of both VPNs.
6. Torrenting — Evaluated download speeds and the availability of P2P-optimized servers.
7. China — Checked whether both VPNs worked in China and, if so, whether additional configuration was required.
8. Gaming — Played CS:GO, Warzone, and other online games to see if each VPN could provide a good gaming experience.
9. Device Compatibility — Confirmed which devices and routers the VPNs were compatible with, plus how many connections they supported.
10. Company Jurisdiction — Researched the location of each company’s headquarters to see if they’re governed by the 5, 9, or 14 Eyes alliance. Also checked if each VPN had a warrant canary.
11. Privacy Policy — Read through each VPN’s privacy policy and examined the history of their dealings with the authorities.
12. Payment and Refunds — Checked the available payment options, refund policies, and free trials of both VPNs.
13. Customer Support — Tested the response speed and knowledge level of each VPN’s customer service team over various channels like live chat and email.

1. Pricing — HMA VPN Is Cheaper in the Long Run and Offers a Longer Money-Back Guarantee

HMA VPN is the winner with its more budget-friendly options, particularly the 3-year plan priced at $2.99 per month.

HMA VPN offers short- and long-term subscription plans, with varying device allowances. The monthly plan allows 5 simultaneous connections, and the longer subscriptions (24-month and 3-year) offer 10 device connections. The best option is the 3-year plan, which offers a 75% discount.

ExpressVPN, while slightly more expensive, has a 2-year + 4 months free plan that allows you to save up to 61% and connect 8 devices. This is also its most budget-friendly subscription plan. But with its monthly plan, you can only connect up to 5 devices at a time.

However, ExpressVPN accepts a wide range of payment methods, including cryptocurrencies, to protect your identity, if you’re privacy-conscious. Both providers offer free trials with different terms. HMA VPN provides a 7-day free trial across all platforms, while ExpressVPN offers a 7-day free trial only on iOS and Android.

HMA is a cheaper alternative to ExpressVPN, if you’re looking for a decent VPN with basic features to keep you safe online.

2. Streaming — ExpressVPN Works With More Streaming Platforms Than HMA

ExpressVPN is far better than HMA VPN for streaming — it worked with every major platform I tested.

While ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs for Netflix US, both VPNs can support high-quality streams on the following regional Netflix libraries:

• ExpressVPN: Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Singapore, the UK, and the US.
• HMA: Canada, Germany, Italy, the UK, and the US.

Unlike HMA, ExpressVPN works with most popular streaming platforms:

ExpressVPN also has a Smart DNS service called MediaStreamer. This allows you to stream on devices that don’t support VPN apps, like Samsung TV, Apple TVs, and gaming consoles. By routing your requests through a DNS server in the US or the UK, ExpressVPN lets you enjoy lag-free streams of your favorite content.

Unfortunately, HMA doesn’t offer a Smart DNS service. This means you’ll only be able to use the VPN on devices that have dedicated apps and can’t use it to stream from your smart TV, media player, or gaming console.

I recommend ExpressVPN if you travel often and have an account with multiple streaming platforms.

3. Servers — ExpressVPN Has a Vast Network of RAM-Based, Privacy-Friendly Servers

ExpressVPN’s servers are RAM-based and backed by TrustedServer technology. Since there are no hard drives, the servers can’t store your data, making ExpressVPN better than HMA VPN for privacy.

HMA VPN has servers in more countries than ExpressVPN, which means it can provide access to more global content. However, ExpressVPN has more servers in each of its locations, which provides its own advantage. With more options in different regions, you’re less likely to connect to a crowded server. This will give you more stable connections and better speeds.

I also found out that HMA has specialized P2P servers. ExpressVPN doesn’t have a dedicated network for file sharing, but all its servers support torrenting. I preferred this because I could download files from a server I’m already connected to without switching.

Both ExpressVPN and HMA VPN have virtual servers in countries like Bangladesh, India, and Argentina. Virtual servers aren’t physically located in the country, but they can make your traffic seem like it originated from there. This allows the VPNs to operate without violating their no-logs policies, as some countries require data collection and monitoring of all online activities.

ExpressVPN is the winner of this category because of its large network of RAM-based servers. Your data is safe because these servers are incapable of logging your data and are rebooted frequently to permanently purge all information.

4. Speed — ExpressVPN’s Download Speeds Are Over Twice as Fast as HMA’s

ExpressVPN’s speeds are blazing-fast compared to HMA, whether you use a local or distant server.

I ran multiple speed tests with ExpressVPN and HMA VPN’s servers in the UK, Germany, France, the US, Canada, Singapore, and Australia. I wanted to know how both VPNs would perform at different ranges, since some VPNs become significantly slower the further you are from the server location.

HMA VPN didn’t perform as well as ExpressVPN in any location. ExpressVPN was superfast in all of my tests, especially when I used its proprietary Lightway protocol. This protocol is lightweight, fast, and uses minimal battery power. As a result, I connected to a server within 1.5 seconds every time. Plus, my iPhone lasted all day, even when I used it heavily for navigation.

HMA’s local servers (within 3,200 km) allowed me to stream without buffering in UHD. However, its speed started suffering on more distant servers. This is because HMA’s OpenVPN and IPsec protocols aren’t as fast as ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol.

Since the Lightway protocol provides blazing-fast speeds, ExpressVPN is a superior choice if you often engage in high-bandwidth activities like streaming or gaming.

5. Security — ExpressVPN Has More Advanced Features and Multiple Audits

Unlike HMA, ExpressVPN does not have an ad blocker. Neverthless, its Threat Manager makes it more secure than HMA VPN. The Threat Manager feature makes it difficult for companies to target ads towards you, as they cannot access your personal information.

Encryption Standard

ExpressVPN and HMA use military-grade AES-256 encryption. It’s the same standard of encryption used by the US military. Your data is encased in a secure tunnel, ensuring no prying eyes can intercept or decipher your online communications.

Both VPNs also use Perfect Forward Secrecy to change the encryption key with every session. So, if a hacker somehow manages to get your key for a past session, it’ll be useless in compromising your information.

Encryption Protocol

There are a variety of VPN protocols available for both ExpressVPN and HMA VPN, each with its own pros and cons. It’s better if a VPN has more protocols available, since it allows the user to pick the best protocol for themselves based on their needs.

ExpressVPN has the following protocols available on the following platforms:

HMA VPN’s available protocols are as follows:

Leak Protection

Both ExpressVPN and HMA VPN offer leak protection to ensure your activities remain hidden. DNS, IPv4, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks are all potential cracks through which your data could escape.

I used ipleak.net to run the tests to check all four types of leaks. Without a VPN, the test was able to find out my ISP, my DNS servers, and my IPs. After testing both ExpressVPN and HMA VPN, I found that the test was unable to get any information when either of the VPNs was connected.

Ad & Malware Blocker

ExpressVPN has a Threat Manager to ensure websites and apps can’t collect your data to show targeted ads. This means that you will still be shown ads. However, since the apps and websites won’t have your personal information, the ads will be random.

Although there is a basic ad blocker that comes with HMA’s Chrome extension, this feature isn’t available with its VPN. I don’t recommend using the Chrome extension as a standalone, as it is only a proxy. This means that your IP information is still visible, exposing you to risk.

Security Audits

ExpressVPN has undergone several independent security audits by renowned cybersecurity and audit firms like Cure53, KPMG, and PwC to verify its privacy practices and ensure transparency.

ExpressVPN’s no-logs policy is also enforced by its TrustedServer technology, which makes sure that each time a server loads up, the entire software stack is reinstalled and all previous data is wiped.

HMA VPN has also gone through a no-logs security audit by cybersecurity firm, VerSprite. However, the detailed findings of this audit aren’t available on its website.

ExpressVPN’s advanced security features make it one of the best VPNs in 2024. With comprehensive encryption, advanced protocols, and ongoing security audits, ExpressVPN provides users with a reliable and trustworthy security solution for their online activities.

6. Torrenting — ExpressVPN Supports P2P File Sharing on All Its Servers

ExpressVPN surpassed my expectations when torrenting — all its servers support P2P file sharing, eliminating the need for “special” servers. Furthermore, ExpressVPN supports torrenting on all 3,000+ servers in 105 countries while HMA only supports torrenting on 6 servers in 8 countries.

During testing, I downloaded the public-domain movie, Citizen Kane, and the 1.86GB file took 7 minutes and 36 seconds on a HMA server. In comparison, the same file took just over 3 minutes on an ExpressVPN server in the same location.

Both ExpressVPN and HMA VPN have features like a kill switch, leak protection, and a no-logs policy. These measures ensured that my connection always remained safe and hidden from prying eyes.

Another significant advantage of ExpressVPN is its location in the British Virgin Islands, so no governmental authority can legally ask it to hand over user data. HMA VPN’s headquarters location requires it to share data with the government, if asked. However, it has a warrant canary system to let its users know when it has been asked to share data.

ExpressVPN is the superior choice for secure and unrestricted P2P file-sharing. It also has excellent speeds due to its RAM-based servers, ensuring that you never face any hassles while torrenting.

7. China — ExpressVPN Works in China, While HMA VPN Doesn’t

ExpressVPN is one of the few VPNs that consistently work in China, while HMA VPN doesn’t. Although HMA VPN has Mimic protocol to bypass internet restrictions, it’s no match for the Great Firewall of China.

Based on the results from extensive tests, ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs for China. All the servers tested in Japan, the US, and Germany consistently bypassed the Great Firewall of China and provided access to blocked websites and services.

This is because all of ExpressVPN’s servers are obfuscated. This helps disguise VPN connections as regular internet traffic, making it much more challenging for the firewall to detect and block.

What’s particularly convenient is that ExpressVPN doesn’t require additional configuration in China. You don’t have to worry about tweaking settings or installing additional software to ensure its functionality.

Unlike HMA, ExpressVPN has mirror sites that can be accessed from China, with the URL constantly changing to stay ahead of censorship efforts. You can easily get the current mirror site URL from ExpressVPN’s customer support.

8. Gaming — ExpressVPN and HMA VPN Both Provide a Great Gaming Experience

When it comes to gaming, both ExpressVPN and HMA VPN provide low latency, ensuring an excellent gameplay experience.

While using ExpressVPN’s local server, I had a ping rate of 37ms, and the gameplay was smooth. I barely noticed I was using a VPN, which makes it one of the best Call of Duty: Warzone VPNs. Even during a trip abroad, ExpressVPN helped me maintain my gaming speeds and avoid lags when I connected to the server in my home country.

Similarly, my gaming experience was very good with a local HMA VPN server. When I played CS:GO in an online lobby, the gameplay was lag-free and loaded quickly. I could get a steady 41ms ping and there were no interruptions. The only problem I had is with its distant servers. The ping rate was upwards of 200ms when connected to servers in Australia, which resulted in disruptive lags.

Both ExpressVPN and HMA VPN offer impressive speeds and low latency for gaming on local servers. But ExpressVPN maintains its excellent speeds on long-distance connections as well, making it the winner in this category.

9. Device Compatibility — ExpressVPN Has Dedicated Apps for a Wide Range of Devices

ExpressVPN wins this category as it offers support for more devices than HMA.

The following devices are supported by both ExpressVPN and HMA VPN:

• Windows computers
• Mac computers
• Linux
• Android devices
• iOS devices (iPhones and iPads)

However, ExpressVPN supports additional devices like:

• Media Players and smart TVs: Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Nvidia Shield, Xiaomi Mi Box, Roku, Chromecast, Samsung TVs, LG TVs, and Android/Google TVs
• Gaming Consoles: PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch
• Routers: Selected Asus, Linksys, and Netgear routers are compatible with ExpressVPN’s firmware

ExpressVPN has firmware for selected routers, making it much easier to set up on your router compared to HMA VPN, which requires manual installation and technical expertise. Plus, ExpressVPN has in-depth installation guides on its website, which helped me set it up on my Asus router in 25 minutes and use the VPN on my Samsung Smart TV.

During my tests, I found ExpressVPN’s apps were user-friendly and consistent across different operating systems, making it easy to switch between devices. The Android app, in particular, has a very easy-to-use and intuitive UI. However, the iOS app lacks some important features like split tunneling.

HMA’s apps are user-friendly and offer a consistent experience across compatible platforms. However, its iOS and macOS apps lack basic security features like split tunneling and a functional kill switch, which may raise concerns for security conscious Apple users.

The installation process is straightforward for both VPNs. It took me just 3 minutes to download each app and connect to a server. With a long-term ExpressVPN subscription, you can connect up to 8 devices simultaneously (the monthly plan only allows 5 devices). HMA VPN allows you to connect 5 devices at once.

10. Company Jurisdiction — ExpressVPN is Headquartered in a Privacy-Friendly Country

ExpressVPN is the best option if you’re privacy-conscious due to its strategic headquarters location in the British Virgin Islands.

This is significant because the British Virgin Islands is known for having strong privacy laws and it’s not part of any major intelligence-sharing alliances like the 5, 9, or 14 Eyes.

On the other hand, HMA VPN’s headquarters in the UK might raise privacy concerns. The UK is part of the 5, 9, and 14 Eyes alliances, which means that the VPN is subject to government surveillance and data-sharing agreements.

While ExpressVPN lacks a warrant canary, HMA VPN has one on its website. A warrant canary provides public notice if HMA has been asked to submit user logs by the authorities.

ExpressVPN wins as it is headquartered outside the 14 Eyes alliance and does not share data with the authorities, but HMA does have a warrant canary that provides you with some level of security and safety.

11. Privacy Policy — ExpressVPN Takes the Lead With Unwavering Commitment to User Privacy

ExpressVPN’s privacy policy and flawless track record is reassuring, while HMA has a troubled history.

Both VPNs offer several key features, including a strict no-logs policy and independent audits. However, ExpressVPN has TrustedServer technology to wipe all data with every reboot. As well as making sure none of your data is logged, it also reinstalls the entire software stack at every server startup for extra security.

ExpressVPN’s no-logs policy was proven when Turkish authorities seized one of its servers to aid a high-profile criminal investigation. The investigators found no information stored on the server, reaffirming that your data is safe with ExpressVPN. Furthermore, it accepts cryptocurrency payments, adding an extra layer of anonymity.

In contrast, HMA VPN’s history of handing over data to the FBI raises concerns, despite its current no-logs policy. Being located in the UK also means that HMA VPN is subject to data sharing practices that could compromise your privacy.

Another problem with HMA VPN is that it uses the Hotjar script, which is an invasive script that records your sessions and stores the information. ExpressVPN uses no such scripts.

Considering these aspects, ExpressVPN is the safest option if you prioritize privacy and security. Its jurisdiction in the British Virgin Islands is free from the influence of intelligence alliances. Plus, its proven track record during the Turkish authorities’ investigation strengthens its position as a reliable VPN service for safeguarding user data and online activities.

12. Payments and Refunds — ExpressVPN Supports an Impressive Range of Payment Options

ExpressVPN accepts a wider range of payment types compared to HMA. It also offers a cryptocurrency payment option to avoid collecting details like your credit card number.

Both ExpressVPN and HMA VPN offer a range of common payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. However, ExpressVPN stands out by providing a more extensive list of payment methods, including cryptocurrencies.

Both ExpressVPN and HMA VPN offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. With ExpressVPN, you can ask for a refund from the 24/7 live chat or cancel the subscription from the website. I canceled my subscription via live chat, and the process was completed within minutes. It took just 3 days for me to get my money back.

HMA VPN also has a 7-day free trial, so I recommend you try that before purchasing the VPN. If you decide to get a refund after subscribing, you can submit an online ticket on HMA’s website. However, HMA’s customer support is slow and it took 4 days for someone to respond to my request.

ExpressVPN has an extensive list of payment methods, including various cryptocurrencies to provide you with a way to subscribe privately and securely. Moreover, its efficient refund process through 24/7 live chat is hassle-free.

13. Customer Support — ExpressVPN’s Customer Support Is Quick and Efficient With 24/7 Live Chat

Unlike HMA, ExpressVPN’s 24/7 live chat support was quick and easy to access. The wait times for a customer support agent averaged around 1 minute.

On the other hand, HMA VPN’s support for customers was frustrating. The live chat feature was temporarily disabled, leaving email as my only option. Unfortunately, the email support team took nearly a week to respond to a basic query. What’s worse, the response was not related to my question about its privacy policy.

When I reached out to ExpressVPN’s support team via email, I received a response within just 30 minutes. The agent didn’t even ask if I was an existing customer. The replies were friendly and addressed my queries about the best servers for Netflix and availability of ad blocker.

ExpressVPN’s website even has a comprehensive knowledge base with detailed troubleshooting guides, FAQs, and setup instructions in 16 languages. You can also find video tutorials, making it easier to follow complex configurations. HMA VPN’s website also has a good knowledge base, however, it is not as comprehensive.

Overall, ExpressVPN’s customer support options and responsiveness outperformed HMA VPN, making it the preferred choice for seeking prompt and helpful assistance.

And the Winner Is… ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is better than HMA VPN, winning 12 out of 13 categories.

• Pricing: HMA
• Streaming: ExpressVPN
• Servers: ExpressVPN
• Speed: ExpressVPN
• Security: ExpressVPN
• Torrenting: ExpressVPN
• China: ExpressVPN
• Gaming: ExpressVPN
• Device Compatibility: ExpressVPN
• Company Jurisdiction: ExpressVPN
• Privacy Policy: ExpressVPN
• Payment and Refunds: ExpressVPN
• Customer Support: ExpressVPN

HMA is a good option if you’re looking for a cost-effective VPN with decent service. It has all the basic security features to keep you safe online — military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. HMA’s speeds are also stable on local servers.

However, ExpressVPN beats HMA VPN in almost every category. It has consistently fast speeds, works with 100+ popular streaming platforms (Max, Sky TV, and more), and works in China.

If you’re ready to get ExpressVPN for all your online activities, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee to ensure your purchase is risk-free. If you’re not satisfied with it, it’s easy to get a refund via ExpressVPN’s 24/7 live chat. An agent processed my request immediately and I had my money within a week.

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Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.