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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →There is no single best HMA VPN alternative for everyone. Proton VPN is the strongest fit if public privacy evidence and a free plan matter most; NordVPN has the strongest result in the documented 2026 performance comparison; and Surfshark is the clearest choice for households or users who want to connect many devices. Mullvad and ExpressVPN suit different priorities, but the available evidence does not establish either as an overall winner.
Which HMA VPN alternative should you choose?
Choose by the reason you are considering a switch, rather than by a provider’s server count or a single “best VPN” label. The providers below stand out for different reasons, and some of the evidence is not directly comparable: connection limits and prices come from Surfshark’s comparison data, while performance scores come from a separate test.
| Provider | Best fit | Evidence and limits |
|---|---|---|
| Proton VPN | Privacy transparency or a free plan | Proton’s comparison page, last updated April 2026, lists Swiss jurisdiction, open-source audited apps, a published no-logs audit, streaming and P2P support, obfuscation, 10 simultaneous connections, and a free plan. It gives a 30-day money-back guarantee. |
| NordVPN | Best documented result in the cited performance comparison | NordVPN scored 91 and received the only Platinum rating in Artifact Security’s 2026 test. That was one testing round, not a guarantee of the fastest connection for every user or a streaming-specific result. |
| Surfshark | Connecting many devices on one account | Surfshark’s comparison data, marked accurate as of May 1, 2026, lists unlimited simultaneous connections and a lowest monthly price of $2.49. The price is not established as a renewal price. |
| Mullvad | A privacy-focused, simpler alternative to consider | Artifact Security gave it a Silver rating and score of 70 in its 2026 test. Surfshark’s May 1, 2026 comparison lists five devices and a $5.86 monthly price; the available figures do not establish its renewal terms. |
| ExpressVPN | A premium mainstream option | It scored 84 (Gold) in Artifact Security’s 2026 test. Proton’s April 2026 comparison says its audits concerning compliance with its privacy policy are not publicly downloadable and require acceptance of a nondisclosure agreement; that is an audit-access limitation, not evidence that ExpressVPN has no audits. |
For the device and price comparisons below, Surfshark marks its data accurate as of May 1, 2026 and warns that prices and features can change; it also notes that some server counts come from third-party reviews. Treat listed monthly amounts as comparison-page figures, not confirmed renewal rates or permanent offers.
| Provider | Simultaneous connections | Lowest monthly price listed | Other listed detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surfshark | Unlimited | $2.49 | 100 countries; 4,500+ servers |
| NordVPN | 10 devices | $3.49 | Country and server counts not stated in the cited comparison. |
| Proton VPN | 10 paid-plan connections | $2.99 | Country and server counts not stated in the cited comparison. |
| ExpressVPN | 14 devices | $3.49 | Country and server counts not stated in the cited comparison. |
| Mullvad | 5 devices | $5.86 | 50 countries |
All figures in this table are from Surfshark’s comparison data, marked accurate as of May 1, 2026. Surfshark lists a 30-day money-back guarantee for itself and for Proton VPN, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN, and a 14-day guarantee for Mullvad. These are comparison-page terms and should be checked with the provider before purchase.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Five Gigabit Ports】1 Gigabit WAN Port plus 2 Gigabit WAN/LAN Ports plus 2 Gigabit LAN Port. Up to 3 WAN ports optimize bandwidth usage through one device.
- 【One USB WAN Port】Mobile broadband via 4G/3G modem is supported for WAN backup by connecting to the USB port. For complete list of compatible 4G/3G modems, please visit TP-Link website.
- 【Abundant Security Features】Advanced firewall policies, DoS defense, IP/MAC/URL filtering, speed test and more security functions protect your network and data.
- 【Highly Secure VPN】Supports up to 20× LAN-to-LAN IPsec, 16× OpenVPN, 16× L2TP, and 16× PPTP VPN connections.
- Security - SPI Firewall, VPN Pass through, FTP/H.323/PPTP/SIP/IPsec ALG, DoS Defence, Ping of Death and Local Management. Standards and Protocols IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab, IEEE 802.3x, IEEE 802.1q
How does HMA compare with these alternatives?
HMA’s US pricing page advertises 100+ locations, 3,400+ servers, streaming and P2P servers, Lightning Connect, split tunneling, and a kill switch. It also advertises a seven-day free trial. The page’s promotional offers include $4.99 per month on a 12-month plan billed at $59.88, and $2.99 per month on a 36-month plan billed at $107.64. Those are time-sensitive offers, not a promise of the price at renewal.
HMA says it provides IPv4, IPv6, and DNS leak protection, uses its own no-log DNS servers, and offers IP Shuffle, which can randomize addresses from its 290+ locations. These are relevant features, but they do not by themselves answer how much independently checkable evidence a provider makes public about its logging practices. On that question, Proton’s listed published no-logs audit and open-source audited apps are the clearest evidence in this comparison.
Rank #2
- 【AC1200 Dual-band Wireless Router】Simultaneous dual-band with wireless speed up to 300 Mbps (2.4GHz) + 867 Mbps (5GHz). 2.4GHz band can handles some simple tasks like emails or web browsing while bandwidth intensive tasks such as gaming or 4K video streaming can be handled by the 5GHz band.*Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【Easy Setup】Please refer to the User Manual and the Unboxing & Setup video guide on Amazon for detailed setup instructions and methods for connecting to the Internet.
- 【Pocket-friendly】Lightweight design(145g) which designed for your next trip or adventure. Alongside its portable, compact design makes it easy to take with you on the go.
- 【Full Gigabit Ports】Gigabit Wireless Internet Router with 2 Gigabit LAN ports and 1 Gigabit WAN ports, ideal for lots of internet plan and allow you to connect your wired devices directly.
- 【Keep your Internet Safe】IPv6 supported. OpenVPN & WireGuard pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers. Cloudflare encryption supported to protect the privacy.
Which alternative is best for privacy transparency?
Proton VPN: public evidence and a free plan
Proton VPN is the clearest choice here when the deciding factors are jurisdiction, public audit access, and app transparency. Its comparison page, last updated April 2026, lists Switzerland as its jurisdiction, open-source audited apps, and a published no-logs audit. It also lists a free plan, 10 simultaneous connections, streaming and P2P support, obfuscation, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
These points are a useful starting place, not a substitute for deciding what kind of privacy you need. Proton recommends weighing trust, jurisdiction, open-source status, and independent audits before treating secondary features as decisive.
The Tool Desk
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- New-Gen WiFi Standard – WiFi 6(802.11ax) standard supporting MU-MIMO and OFDMA technology for better efficiency and throughput.Antenna : External antenna x 4. Processor : Dual-core (4 VPE). Power Supply : AC Input : 110V~240V(50~60Hz), DC Output : 12 V with max. 1.5A current.
- Ultra-fast WiFi Speed – RT-AX1800S supports 1024-QAM for dramatically faster wireless connections
- Increase Capacity and Efficiency – Supporting not only MU-MIMO but also OFDMA technique to efficiently allocate channels, communicate with multiple devices simultaneously
- 5 Gigabit ports – One Gigabit WAN port and four Gigabit LAN ports, 10X faster than 100–Base T Ethernet.
- Commercial-grade Security Anywhere – Protect your home network with AiProtection Classic, powered by Trend Micro. And when away from home, ASUS Instant Guard gives you a one-click secure VPN.
Mullvad: consider it for a privacy-focused alternative
Mullvad is another option to evaluate if a privacy-focused service is your priority. The available comparison data establishes its device limit, price, and country count, while Artifact Security’s test provides a performance score; it does not provide comparable details here about Mullvad’s jurisdiction, audit publication, or specific privacy features. Check those items directly if they determine your choice.
ExpressVPN: distinguish audits from access to audit reports
ExpressVPN’s 84-point Gold result in Artifact Security’s 2026 test is separate from its audit transparency. Proton’s April 2026 comparison says that audits concerning compliance with ExpressVPN’s privacy policy are not publicly downloadable and require accepting a nondisclosure agreement. That makes the audit material less accessible for independent public review; it does not mean audits do not exist.
Rank #4
- 【DUAL BAND WIFI 7 TRAVEL ROUTER】Products with US, UK, EU, AU Plug; Dual band network with wireless speed 688Mbps (2.4G)+2882Mbps (5G); Dual 2.5G Ethernet Ports (1x WAN and 1x LAN Port); USB 3.0 port.
- 【NETWORK CONTROL WITH TOUCHSCREEN SIMPLICITY】Slate 7’s touchscreen interface lets you scan QR codes for quick Wi-Fi, monitor speed in real time, toggle VPN on/off, and switch providers directly on the display. Color-coded indicators provide instant network status updates for Ethernet, Tethering, Repeater, and Cellular modes, offering a seamless, user-friendly experience.
- 【OpenWrt 23.05 FIRMWARE】The Slate 7 (GL-BE3600) is a high-performance Wi-Fi 7 travel router, built with OpenWrt 23.05 (Kernel 5.4.213) for maximum customization and advanced networking capabilities. With 512MB storage, total customization with open-source freedom and flexible installation of OpenWrt plugins.
- 【VPN CLIENT & SERVER】OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers (active subscription required). Simply log in to your existing VPN account with our portable wifi device, and Slate 7 automatically encrypts all network traffic within the connected network. Max. VPN speed of 100 Mbps (OpenVPN); 540 Mbps (WireGuard). *Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【PERFECT PORTABLE WIFI ROUTER FOR TRAVEL】The Slate 7 is an ideal portable internet device perfect for international travel. With its mini size and travel-friendly features, the pocket Wi-Fi router is the perfect companion for travelers in need of a secure internet connectivity on the go in which includes hotels or cruise ships.
Which alternative has the strongest performance evidence?
NordVPN led one comparative test, not every use case
In its August 10, 2026 report, NordVPN says Artifact Security tested NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Mullvad, ProtonVPN, and Surfshark using an AMTSO-aligned methodology. The evaluation covered throughput, stability, latency, connection time, leak protection, website accessibility, and feature reliability. NordVPN scored 91 and was the only provider to receive Platinum; ExpressVPN scored 84, ProtonVPN 83, Surfshark 81, and Mullvad 70.
The report says NordVPN passed every leak and feature-verification test in that round, and cautions that the results reflect one testing round. This makes NordVPN the strongest documented performance result in the available comparison, not proof that it will be fastest from your location, on your connection, or for a particular streaming service. The cited methodology covers website accessibility, but the figures are not presented as a dedicated streaming-speed ranking.
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- Next-Gen Gigabit Wi-Fi 6 Speeds: 2402 Mbps on 5 GHz and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz bands ensure smoother streaming and faster downloads; support VPN server and VPN client¹
- A More Responsive Experience: Enjoy smooth gaming, video streaming, and live feeds simultaneously. OFDMA makes your Wi-Fi stronger by allowing multiple clients to share one band at the same time, cutting latency and jitter.²
- Expanded Wi-Fi Coverage: 4 high-gain external antennas and Beamforming technology combine to extend strong, reliable, Wi-Fi throughout your home.
- Improved Battery Life: Target Wake Time helps your devices to communicate efficiently while consuming less power.
- Improved Cooling Design: No heat ups, no throttles. A larger heat sink and redefined case design cools the WiFi 6 system and enables your network to stay at top speeds in more versatile environments.
Do not choose a streaming VPN by speed scores alone
If your main reason for switching is streaming, check that the service supports your desired use and works with the services and locations you care about. Proton’s page lists streaming support, and HMA advertises streaming servers. The performance scores above do not establish which provider will unblock a particular service or deliver the best streaming experience at your location.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which option makes sense for multiple devices or a lower listed price?
Surfshark is the clearest multi-device choice in the cited comparison because its May 1, 2026 data lists unlimited simultaneous connections. It also lists a lowest monthly price of $2.49. By comparison, the same table lists limits of 10 for NordVPN, 10 paid-plan connections for Proton VPN, 14 for ExpressVPN, and five for Mullvad. These limits and monthly prices describe the comparison page’s figures, not a guarantee that a specific plan has the same terms today.
Do not compare a promotional long-term monthly equivalent with a recurring monthly rate as if they were the same. Check the total charged up front, the plan length, what it renews at, the refund window, and whether the listed connection allowance applies to the plan you intend to buy. For HMA, the advertised 12- and 36-month totals above make the initial commitment explicit; the available pricing details do not establish renewal rates.
What should you compare before leaving HMA?
- No-logs evidence: Look for what was audited, who conducted the audit, whether the report is public, and how recently it was published. An audit claim that cannot be publicly inspected offers less transparency to an outside reader.
- Jurisdiction and app transparency: Check the provider’s stated jurisdiction and whether its apps are open source and independently audited. Proton’s April 2026 comparison specifically highlights these factors alongside trust and audits.
- Performance evidence: Separate comparative tests from provider marketing claims. A test score is useful only with its scope, date, and limitations; the Artifact Security scores reported by NordVPN represent one testing round.
- Streaming and P2P: Confirm support for your intended activity and do not assume that a general performance score guarantees access to a specific streaming platform.
- Connections and price: Match the connection limit to the people and devices on your account. Compare the billed total and renewal terms, not only a low monthly equivalent.
- Trial and refund terms: A trial and a money-back guarantee are not interchangeable. HMA advertises a seven-day free trial, while the comparison data lists refund guarantees with different periods; review the provider’s current conditions.
- Included features: Compare only features you will use, such as ad blocking, obfuscation, split tunneling, or multi-hop, and verify whether they are in the plan you are considering. HMA advertises split tunneling; Proton lists obfuscation. The available comparison details do not establish a complete base-plan feature matrix across all providers.
What does changing VPN providers protect you from?
A VPN encrypts and routes internet traffic through a tunnel to a server run by the VPN provider. HMA says a VPN can prevent an internet service provider from seeing which websites a user connects to, and a VPN also masks the user’s IP address from websites that see the VPN server’s address instead. This shifts trust from the internet connection to the VPN provider; it does not make a user anonymous in every context.
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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallA VPN does not by itself stop browser fingerprinting. HMA recommends using a privacy-oriented browser or Tor for additional privacy, while noting that Tor reduces speed. Choose those tools for the tracking risks they address rather than expecting a VPN subscription alone to solve them.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
