VPN review
hide.me review
hide.me Premium covers 10 simultaneous connections, desktop and mobile apps, a Linux CLI and compatible routers. Fixed IP is shared rather than dedicated.
By VPNTrends · Updated 2026-10-21
Our assessment
hide.me at a glance
hide.me Premium covers 10 simultaneous connections, desktop and mobile apps, a Linux CLI and compatible routers. Fixed IP is shared rather than dedicated.
Key capabilities
hide.me Premium covers 10 simultaneous connections, desktop and mobile apps, a Linux CLI and compatible routers. Fixed IP is shared rather than dedicated.
Limitations to check
Prices verified in GBP. No USD conversion is assumed. The displayed 13- and 26-month periods include bonus months and recur for the same duration under the published pricing guarantee.
See platform support ↓
hide.me privacy controls and their limits
hide.me is worth assessing as a configurable VPN rather than simply a low headline price. Its desktop kill switch limits connectivity when a tunnel fails, while StealthGuard can restrict selected applications to the VPN. These controls address different situations: a reconnecting tunnel and an application attempting to use the ordinary connection are not the same problem.
The mobile implementation uses always-on behaviour, and the Linux command-line client has its own controls. Do not assume that the settings or operating-system behaviour match across devices. Before relying on a workflow, check it on the actual machine and connection you intend to use. This review describes documented capabilities rather than measured leak-test results.
Desktop apps, mobile support and a Linux CLI
Premium permits 10 simultaneous connections. Count devices that stay connected in the background, including phones, laptops and compatible router installations, rather than only the machine you use most often. A fixed allowance can be sufficient for an individual setup while still requiring planning in a household with several active users.
Windows, macOS, Android and iOS have dedicated apps. Linux uses an official WireGuard-based command-line client, with manual OpenVPN instructions available separately. That is a useful distinction for someone expecting a graphical desktop application. Compatible routers need the appropriate firmware and configuration; the existence of router support does not make every internet-provider router compatible.
Split tunneling and the meaning of Fixed IP
hide.me supports selective routing on several platforms, but the controls differ. Desktop and Android users can work with app exclusions, whereas the Linux CLI documents networks that should bypass the tunnel. The iOS app does not provide the same split-tunneling option. Choose the required platform in the comparison before treating this feature as a reason to subscribe.
The Fixed IP feature must not be mistaken for an exclusive dedicated address. It reserves an address from a shared server pool, and the provider warns that assignment can change under load. If your task depends on a guaranteed individual address for an allowlist, this feature does not establish that requirement. Dynamic port-forwarding constraints also need separate consideration.
Compare the full billing period, including bonus months
The reviewed pricing page uses GBP. Its longer options cover 13 and 26 months, including the stated bonus months, and the provider publishes a same-price, same-duration renewal guarantee. Both the charge and the duration matter: dividing a total by 12 when the actual period is 13 months would misstate the monthly equivalent.
A longer commitment reduces the monthly equivalent but requires a larger payment at the start. The monthly plan may be more suitable for a short project or trip. Keep the currency shown in the offer and check applicable VAT at checkout; a matching numerical price in another currency is not evidence of an exchange rate or a transferable regional offer.
Who should shortlist hide.me Premium?
hide.me Premium can suit users who want detailed routing controls, a documented Linux CLI and an allowance of 10 concurrent connections. Its billing guarantee is particularly relevant when comparing the ongoing cost of a subscription, because many attractive first terms elsewhere renew for a different amount or duration.
Consider alternatives if you need an exclusive dedicated IP, native iOS app split tunneling or a graphical Linux experience. The separate Free plan has different device and location limits, so it should not be treated as the same product at no cost. Assess nearby server choice and your own network requirements before making a long-term commitment.
Plans, first payment and renewal
Introductory offers and renewals are different billing periods. Compare the actual charge and included months, not only an advertised monthly equivalent.
| Plan | First payment | Monthly equivalent | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium — monthly | GBP 11.99First 1 months | GBP 11.99Introductory equivalent | GBP 11.99Every 1 months |
| Premium — 12 months + 1 extra | GBP 54.99First 13 months | GBP 4.23Introductory equivalent | GBP 54.99Every 13 months |
| Premium — 24 months + 2 extra | GBP 69.99First 26 months | GBP 2.69Introductory equivalent | GBP 69.99Every 26 months |
Prices verified in GBP. No USD conversion is assumed. The displayed 13- and 26-month periods include bonus months and recur for the same duration under the published pricing guarantee.
Features and platform support
Support can differ between apps and operating systems. Platform coverage and limitations are shown below.
- Windows
Official client and setup support is documented for windows.
- macOS
Official client and setup support is documented for macos.
- Linux
Official Linux command-line client is WireGuard-based; manual OpenVPN setup is also documented.
- iOS
Official client and setup support is documented for ios.
- Android
Official client and setup support is documented for android.
- WireGuard / WireGuard-based protocol
WireGuard is documented for desktop and mobile apps; Linux uses a WireGuard CLI.
Verified platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.- OpenVPN
OpenVPN is supported; Linux uses manual configuration rather than the WireGuard CLI.
Verified platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.- Kill switch
Desktop firewall and mobile always-on behaviour differ. Linux CLI also documents a kill switch.
Verified platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.- Router support
Compatible routers and firmware require a supported VPN configuration; stock routers are not universally supported.
- Split tunneling
Windows/macOS/Android support app exclusions; Linux CLI supports excluded networks. iOS is not supported.
Verified platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android.- Dedicated IP available
Fixed IP is a shared reservation, not an exclusive dedicated IP; assignment is not guaranteed under load.
Questions about hide.me
How many devices can connect simultaneously?
10 simultaneous VPN connections on Premium; the separate Free plan allows 1.
Is the introductory monthly equivalent the renewal price?
No. It divides the exact first payment by its initial service period. Renewal is shown separately with its own charge and period; an unknown renewal is never inferred from the introductory offer.
Does a supported platform include every feature?
No. Protocols, split tunneling and kill switches can have different platform support. Use the feature descriptions above to check the app you intend to use.
Is hide.me Fixed IP a dedicated IP?
No. It reserves an address from a shared pool and assignment is not guaranteed under load. It is not an exclusive dedicated IP.
Does hide.me renew for the same duration?
The reviewed pricing page guarantees the same price and duration: the listed longer plans cover 13 or 26 months, including the extra months. Check the exact offer and tax at checkout.
Before you choose
Regional offers, taxes and purchase channels can change the amount billed. Paid add-ons are identified separately, and unavailable pricing remains marked as not verified.
We have not conducted hands-on speed, streaming or app tests for this review. No numerical ratings or test badges are assigned.