Hide My Name Review

What Hide My Name Is

Hide My Name is a Czech VPN with servers in 70+ countries. They offer a no-frills service that's priced lower than most.

The service provides reliable IP rotation. It does not offer extras like identity tools or threat protection, nor does it conduct security audits.

For investigators on a budget who need basic IP separation and location flexibility, Hide My Name works.

What It Does Well

Server coverage. Hide My Name has servers in 70+ countries. They cover spots that bigger providers often skip. NordVPN and Surfshark might have gaps there.

It supports WireGuard, a modern protocol with better speed and security. OpenVPN and IKEv2 are also options.

The price is ~$2.20/month on the 2-year plan, the lowest among VPNs I'd recommend. Surfshark Starter is a close call at ~$2.29/month. Either works if you're just cutting costs.

It offers unlimited bandwidth, no connection caps. Ten devices can connect at once. This is solid for investigators juggling multiple ops.

What It Lacks

An independent audit would give me more confidence for professional use. NordVPN and Surfshark have both had Deloitte verify their no-logs claims. Hide My Name has not. That's a concern.

Hide My Name only handles the tunnel; it offers no extras like Threat Protection Pro, which is offered by NordVPN. Threat Protection Pro blocks bad domains at the DNS level, no VPN needed.

The Czech Republic follows GDPR, which is good for user data on paper. However, if you're worried about government access, Panama or Sweden might be better.

Hide My Name doesn't publish much about its setup. It does not issue transparency reports, warrant canaries, or audit results like bigger VPN players do.

However here is the real response

An independent audit would give me more confidence for professional use. NordVPN and Surfshark have both had Deloitte verify their no-logs claims. Hide My Name has not. That's a concern.

Hide My Name only handles the tunnel. It offers no extras like Threat Protection Pro. Threat Protection Pro blocks bad domains at the DNS level, no VPN needed.

The Czech Republic follows GDPR. That's good for user data on paper. But if you're worried about government access, Panama or Sweden might be better.

Hide My Name doesn't publish much about its setup. No transparency reports, warrant canaries, or audit results are available, like with bigger VPN players.

Pricing

You're welcome to try it out for a week at no cost. If you commit to a longer plan, annual or 2-year options can help you save some money.

Who It's For

Hide My Name works for budget investigators needing IP rotation and geo-flexibility. It also serves to supplement a primary VPN with coverage in specific regions, and for low-sensitivity work where audit trails aren't critical. It falls short on high-sensitivity cases where logging practices matter, or you need threat protection and identity tools.

Alternatives

Surfshark Starter costs $0.09/month more than Hide My Name on the 2-year plan. That's a $1/year difference. For most investigators, that extra dollar buys peace of mind with an independent audit.

Surfshark also includes CleanWeb, which provides ad-blocking, tracker-blocking, and malware-blocking.

Hide My Name is still a play if you need servers in places Surfshark or NordVPN don't cover, or if you're spreading risk with a secondary VPN.

Verdict

Hide My Name works for basic VPN needs. It's affordable, and its server network covers enough ground.

The issue for professionals is no independent audit. If your threat model is casual, it's budget-friendly.

Surfshark Starter costs about the same, it has an audit, CleanWeb. That makes it a better deal for most.

See Also

Choosing the Right Tools for OSINT and Investigation Work

When diving into Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) or investigative work, selecting the appropriate tools is crucial. A key component of any OSINT toolkit is a reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN helps protect your identity and maintain operational security (OPSEC) by masking your IP address and encrypting your internet traffic.

Understanding VPNs in OSINT

A VPN indexes internet infrastructure, including servers, cameras, routers, industrial systems. Anything listening on an open port gets catalogued. Banners tell you what's running, version numbers, sometimes config details. That's the OSINT value: you know what a target has exposed before you ever send a packet their way. Operators miss things. Dev servers get forgotten.

Evaluating VPNs for OSINT

Not all VPNs are created equal. Some prioritize speed over security, while others offer robust encryption but at the cost of performance. For OSINT work, security and anonymity are paramount. Look for VPNs that offer strong encryption protocols, a strict no-logs policy, and a wide range of server locations.

Top VPNs for OSINT

Some VPNs stand out for their commitment to privacy and performance: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, ProtonVPN.

Complementing Your VPN with Privacy Tools

While a VPN is essential, it's just one part of maintaining OPSEC. Investigators should also consider other privacy tools. The Tor Browser is useful for anonymous browsing and accessing hidden services. Encrypted communication tools, such as Signal or Wire, provide secure messaging. Privacy-focused browsers, including Brave or Firefox, offer enhanced tracking protection.

Conclusion

The right tools can make all the difference in OSINT and investigative work. By choosing a VPN that prioritizes security and anonymity, and complementing it with other privacy tools, investigators can significantly enhance their operational security and effectiveness.

Best VPNs for OSINT, Best Privacy Tools for Investigators