PureVPN vs HideMyAss Comparison: Use the Best One in New Zealand 2022!
Where PureVPN stands tall as a famous “premium” VPN in the New Zealand industry, HideMyAss is a popular choice among layman New Zealand users mostly because of its catchy name. Both providers also a part of our best VPN comparison research and analysis.
Which service is better though in New Zealand? To find out, read this in-depth HideMyAss Vs PureVPN comparison analysis in the New Zealand region, where I will be assessing both providers on multiple crucial aspects:
Unlike HideMyAss, the British Virgin Islands-based PureVPN experiences no issues in unblocking platforms like Netflix, working in China, or offering dedicated IPs. Most importantly, PureVPN is not based in a Five Eyes Jurisdiction like the U.K., contributing to its safety and reliability. Affordable option at Just: NZ$3.33/mo(USNZD 3.3 /mo (US$ 1.99 /mo ) 70% Discount) for 2-Years (82% OFF).For more information, you can visit our dedicated pages for PureVPN review and HMA VPN review!
PureVPN vs HideMyAss VPN in New Zealand: Quick Overview – 2022
| Factors | PureVPN | HMA VPN |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.7 | 2.7 |
| Servers | 6,500+ servers in 78 countries | 1,100+ servers in 290+ locations |
| Encryption | AES 256-bit | AES 256-bit |
| No-Logs Policy | Independent audit by AltiusIT | Independent audit by VerSprite |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| VPN Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, IKEv2/IPSec | OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec |
| Compatible Devices | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 | 5 |
| Pricing | NZ$3.33/mo(US$1.99/mo.) (2-year plan) | NZ$5.01/mo(US$2.99/mo.) (3-year plan) |
| Coupons | COUPONPEEPS (10% Off on 2-Year Plan) | SoftoCouponHMA20 (90% Off on 3-Year Plan) |
| Trial & Money-Back Guarantee | 7-Day Paid Trial & 31-Day Money-Back Guarantee | 7-Day Free Trial & 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
| Payment Mode | Credit/Debit Cards, PayPal, CoinGate, Payment Wall | Credit/Debit Cards, PayPal, Wire Transfer |
| Streaming Services | Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Fox Sports, BT Sport, and more |
| Support Services | Live Chat, Knowledge Base, Ticketing, Setup Guides | Knowledge Base, Live Chat, Ticketing |
| Winner | PureVPN | |
PureVPN vs HideMyAss VPN – Which One is Better in New Zealand 2022? 12 Key Factors!
- Jurisdiction
- Prices and Discounts
- Important Features Comparison
- Netflix & Unblocking Other Streaming Capabilities
- Setup and User Interface
- Servers
- Security
- Logging and Privacy
- Configuration
- Customer Service
- P2P and Torrenting
- Device Compatibility
1. PureVPN vs HideMyAss VPN – Jurisdiction
| PureVPN | HMA VPN |
| British Virgin Islands | The United Kingdom |
PureVPN is located in the safest jurisdiction, the British Virgin Islands which is privacy-friendly region with flexible data retention laws. It is not a member of the 5, 9, or 14 Eyes Alliance.
On the other hand, HideMyAss is registered in the UK which is a member of the 5 Eyes Alliance.
Winner in Jurisdiction
2. PureVPN vs HideMyAss VPN Prices and Discounts in New Zealand
Despite offering more in the way of features, technologies, and unblocking capabilities, PureVPN tends to be the cheaper option, after comparing it with HMA VPN.
| PureVPN | HMA VPN | |
| Special offer | 82% Off on a 2-Year Plan | 75% Off on a 3-Year Plan |
| Highest price per month | NZ$18.34(US$10.95) | NZ$8.36(US$4.99) |
| Lowest price per month | NZ$3.33(US$1.99) | NZ$5.01(US$2.99) |
| One-Year Price | NZ$62.25(US$38.95) | NZ$100.31(US$59.88) |
Mode of Payment
- PureVPN: Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Payment Wall, PayPal
- HMA VPN: Credit Cards, Debit Cards, PayPal, Wire Transfer
Money-Back Guarantee
As far as the money-back guarantee is concerned, PureVPN offers a 31-day refund guarantee. Meanwhile, HMA VPN offers a 30-day refund, which is a day lesser.
However, HMA VPN offers a free 7-day free trial. There is no PureVPN free trial but the provider offers a 7-day paid trial costing NZ$1.66(US$0.99).
Winner in Prices and Discounts
3. PureVPN vs HideMyAss VPN – Important Features Comparison for New Zealand Users
| PureVPN | HMA VPN | |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 | 5 |
| Operating System Apps | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and Fire TV | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and Routers |
| Manual Install Devices | Linux, Routers, Set-Top Boxes | Routers, TVs, and more |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Smart DNS | Yes | No |
| Specialty Servers | Yes | No |
| Free Extras | Official Kodi addon, ad-blocker, malware-scanner, browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox | IP Shuffle, Leak Protection, DDoS Protection |
Both (PureVPN Vs HideMyAss) offers a good list of advanced features. This gives New Zealand users the ability to leverage better anonymity/security when exploring the internet.
With either provider, New Zealand users have dedicated apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Fire TV, Android/Apple TVs.
Albeit, PureVPN gains an edge over HMA VPN by offering a native add-on for Kodi in New Zealand. Not to mention, the provider even offers manual setup guides and preconfigured routers.
In terms of simultaneous connections, PureVPN surpasses HMA with its 10 simultaneous connections. HMA offers 5 simultaneous connections, but if you upgrade your plan, you can get 10 simultaneous connections. Just keep in mind that it’ll cost a little more.
As far as extra features are concerned, PureVPN offers NAT Firewall, Split Tunneling, Ad/Tracker blocking, IPv6 Leak Protection, Port Forwarding, DDoS Protection, and dedicated IPs.
HMA VPN, on the other hand, gives users access to features like Smart Kill Switch, IP Shuffle, Leak Protection, DDoS Protection, and Split Tunneling.
Winner in Features Comparison
4. PureVPN vs HideMyAss VPN – Netflix & Unblocking Other Streaming Capabilities in New Zealand
| PureVPN | HMA VPN | |
| Netflix | Yes | Yes |
| Hulu | Yes | Yes |
| Sky Go | Yes | Yes |
| Amazon Prime | Yes | Yes |
| BBC iPlayer | Yes | Yes |
| ABS | Yes | No |
| CBS | Yes | Yes |
| NBC | Yes | Yes |
| ITV | Yes | Yes |
| Channel 4 | Yes | Yes |
Lots of review websites and the provider itself claims that HMA works for unblocking streaming platforms and bypassing geographical restrictions or VPN bans in New Zealand.
While it’s true that the VPN works on most of the platforms, even with HideMyAss Netflix, but it is a “hit and miss” case. Sometimes you’ll unblock a platform by connecting to the first server but at other times, you keep on getting errors on VoDs until you find the right server.
On the other hand, does PureVPN work with Netflix in New Zealand? You bet! The provider was way more successful in bypassing geo-restrictions on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Voot, Hotstar, and even Disney Plus in the New Zealand region.
All of its apps come equipped with a “popular websites” menu that lists all famous streaming platforms like the ones above. Simply click on the icon of the service you want to unblock. You can also stream your best-pick movies on BBC iPlayer using PureVPN.
The best part of all: this menu is also available on Chrome and Mozilla and allows users to unblock even Netflix directly from within the browser!
China & Internet Restricted Countries
China does not take blocking VPNs lightly and “The Great Firewall” employs numerous technologies and algorithms for stopping residents/expats from using one.
Sadly, HMA VPN fails at offering any benefits to New Zealand audience. The UK-based provider does not provide access to a mirror website, and nor does it have Chinese servers.
PureVPN, on the other hand, offers obfuscated servers that work in heavily restricted regions, and this is why it is the best fit for New Zealand people who need a working VPN in China.
Winner in Working for China & Internet Restricted Countries
5. PureVPN vs HideMyAss VPN – Setup and User Interface
| PureVPN | HMA VPN | |
| Automatic Setup Wizard | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS |
| Main Location Selection | List-based | List-based |
| Extra Settings Pages | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Friendly | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Friendly | Yes | Yes |
PureVPN is among the few providers in the New Zealand marketplace that supports almost all platforms/devices, including Xbox One, PS4, Nvidia Shield, and even Nintendo Switch.
In terms of the user interface, their apps are quite easy-to-use and intuitive, catering to both: rookie and tech-y VPN users, boasting a neat and clean design.
As an added incentive, PureVPN’s app even has a port-changing option, which assists in bypassing geo-restrictions and VPN bans in countries with tough laws like New Zealand.
The mobile apps also have the same set of features but tend to be different in appearance. They boast a darker design and UI, but one that is incredibly user-friendly.
As compared to PureVPN, HMA VPN too has a user-friendly interface with many options in front of users’ eyes on one screen.
There is not much visible difference between the desktop/laptop and smartphone applications, as their color theme, accessibility, and navigations are pretty much identical.
Just the size of the VPN clients varies device-to-device and platform to platform. For instance, browser extensions boast a more minimalistic appearance.
Winner in Setup and User Interface
6. PureVPN vs HideMyAss VPN – Servers
| PureVPN | HMA VPN | |
| Server Countries | 78+ | 290+ |
| Total Number of Servers | 6,500+ | 1,100+ |
As compared to PureVPN, the UK-based HMA VPN offers more in “server countries”. In fact, their network infrastructure is among the largest.
You have access to 1100+ servers in over 290 countries worldwide. This high server count results in the even distribution of users on different servers.
PureVPN, on the other hand, boasts more in the way of “server count”. It has a massive 6,500+ servers in 78+ countries worldwide, which is quite an achievement.
Speed Comparison
| PureVPN | HMA VPN | |
| Speed Loss | 8.7% | 29.28% |
To get a better idea of the performance of both providers, I conducted a speed analysis. This process required the testing of different servers from both providers on a myriad of aspects.
In bare speed tests on a 100 Mbps connection, PureVPN managed to deliver an average of 91.03 Mbps in downloads, indicating a speed loss of 8.7%.
HMA VPN, on the other hand, delivered mediocre speed averaging at 70.72 Mbps. This indicates a speed loss of over 29.28%, which is a big margin between the two providers.
Winner in Servers and Speed
7. HideMyAss vs PureVPN – Security for New Zealand Users
| PureVPN | HMA VPN | |
| VPN Protocols | L2TP/IPSec, IPSec, IKEv2/IPSec, OpenVPN, WireGuard | OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec |
| OpenVPN Data Encryption | AES-256-CBC | AES-256-GCM |
| OpenVPN Control Channel Encryption | RSA-4096 | RSA-4096 |
| Cloaking Technology | None | None |
| App Security | Kill Switch and Leak Protection | Kill Switch and Leak Protection |
| DNS Status | Private DNS | Private DNS |
PureVPN supports a great variety of protocols in the New Zealand region. These include L2TP/IPSec, IKEv2/IPSec, OpenVPN (TCP and UDP), and WireGuard to give users of all kinds of freedom of choice.
As default though, PureVPN deploys the OpenVPN protocol on all devices, with the exception of iOS devices that use the IKEv2 protocol for faster speeds and security.
For encryption, the provider utilizes AES-256-CBC cipher with HMAC SHA1 hash authentication for the data channel, which is quite impressive and highly secure.
Meanwhile, it deploys the AES-256-CBC cipher with HMAC SHA384 hash authentication and RSA-4096 handshake encryption for the control channel.
HMA VPN, on the other hand, only supports the L2TP/IPSec and OpenVPN protocol on all of its devices. As a default, all of its apps use OpenVPN.
For encryption on Windows and Android, it uses AES-256-GCM coupled with SHA-256 authentication and the strongest 4096-bit RSA key for handshaking.
Moreover, to get a better idea of the app security, I conducted a leak test on PureVPN and HMA VPN in New Zealand region. The process involved the usage of 6 different tools to check for;
WebRTC and HTTP Request Leaks
DNS Leaks
IPv4/IPv6 and Torrent IP Leaks
Both HMA VPN and PureVPN managed to clear the tests from the 6 different tools above and did not reveal our original IP, DNS, or WebRTC information.
Winner in Security
8. HideMyAss vs PureVPN – Logging and Privacy in the New Zealand Region
| PureVPN | HMA VPN | |
| Headquarters | British Virgin Islands | United Kingdom |
| Connection Logs | None | None |
| Activity Logs | None | None |
| Sign Up Information | Email Address | Email Address |
| Anonymous Payment Methods | Various Cryptocurrencies | None |
In terms of privacy, deciding the winner is actually an easy task. PureVPN has its headquarters in the safe, British Virgin Islands, whereas HMA VPN is based in the UK.
As you probably know, UK is a founding member of the Five Eyes Alliance, which indulges in intelligence sharing by imposing mandatory mass surveillance and data retention laws.
Therefore, it may not be a good option exactly to sign up with HMA, despite them claiming to be a “zero logs” provider. They will have to comply with their country’s laws!
This has been verified in two circumstances; one involving a case of harassment, leading to the arrest of the perpetrator after HMA handed over logs.
In another case, HMA revealed the personal details of one of its customers, Cody Kretsinger, a member accused of hacking Sony Pictures.
Winner in Logging and Privacy
9. HideMyAss vs PureVPN – Configuration
| PureVPN | HMA VPN | |
| Address Allocation | Shared/Static | Shared |
| Static IPs | 8 Countries | None |
| DDoS Protection | Yes | No |
| NAT Firewall | Yes | Yes |
Where PureVPN supports a shared/static network infrastructure, HMA VPN sticks to the traditional shared only system of IP addresses.
This is quite problematic, as static IPs serve an important purpose in the VPN industry. They allow users to access sensitive banking information and access their LAN networks.
Luckily for you, PureVPN has static IPs in 8 countries. These include the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, Malta, and Singapore.
Winner in Configuration
10. PureVPN vs HideMyAss VPN – Customer Service for the New Zealand Customers
| PureVPN | HMA VPN | |
| Video Guides | Yes | Yes |
| Searchable Knowledge Base | Yes | Yes |
| Phone Support | No | No |
| Email Support | Yes | Yes |
| Average Email Response Time | 39 Minutes | 30 Minutes |
| Ticket Support | Yes | Yes |
| Live Chat Support | Yes | Yes |
PureVPN and HMA VPN both offer good support through multiple channels in New Zealand. These include ticketing, email, live chat, FAQs, knowledgebase, and video guides.
Since email support is still the go-to option for many, I conducted a small test for their response times. This was just to see how proactive their customer representatives are. In case you want to cancel PureVPN subscription for any reason their customer support team is available to assist you for that.
Below you can see the stats of both providers on the basis of four different questions. Typically, PureVPN has an average response time of 39 minutes and HMA 30 minutes!
PureVPN Customer Service
| Question | Initial Response Time | Number of Emails | Question Answered |
| Is PureVPN good for Torrenting? | 25 Minutes | 1 | Yes |
| Does PureVPN work with Netflix? | 39 Minutes | 1 | Yes |
| Can I Install PureVPN on LibreELEC | 50 Minutes | 1 | Yes |
| How to setup PureVPN on Firestick? | 44 Minutes | 1 | Yes |
HideMyAss Customer Service
| Question | Initial Response Time | Number of Emails | Question Answered |
| How strong is HMA VPN? | 35 Minutes | 1 | Yes |
| How much does HideMyAss cost? | 27 Minutes | 1 | Yes |
| Does HMA work with Netflix? | 22 Minutes | 1 | Yes |
| How do I buy HMA VPN? | 33 Minutes | 1 | Yes |
Winner in Customer Service
11. PureVPN vs HideMyAss VPN – P2P and Torrenting in New Zealand
| PureVPN | HMA VPN | |
| P2P servers | 35+ location servers | 5 location servers |
| Avg. speed while torrenting | 87.23 Mbps | 54.87 Mbps |
PureVPN and HideMyAss both support torrenting in New Zealand- however, PureVPN offers better speed while torrenting. Not all servers support torrenting but you can navigate to the “P2P” section in the app and connect to any one of the 35+ locations for P2P-optimized servers.
HMA VPN, on the other hand, doesn’t offer a P2P section but they’ve mentioned the location servers, which are P2P-optimized. Those servers are Prague, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, London, and New York.
PureVPN offers better speed and many more servers than HMA VPN so it should not be difficult to declare the winner in this category.
Winner in P2P and Torrenting
12. PureVPN vs HideMyAss VPN – Device Compatibility
| PureVPN | HMA VPN | |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Mac | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Firestick | Yes | No |
| Kodi | Yes | No |
| Chromecast | Yes | Yes |
| Roku | Yes | Yes |
| Blackberry | Yes | No |
| Windows Phone | Yes | Yes |
| Chrome | Yes | Yes |
| Firefox | Yes | Yes |
| Opera | Yes | Yes |
| Xbox One | Yes | Yes |
| PlayStation 4 | Yes | Yes |
| Android Smart TV | Yes | Yes |
| Samsung Smart TV | Yes | Yes |
| LG Smart TV | Yes | Yes |
| Routers | Yes | Yes |
| Raspberry Pi | Yes | Yes |
Both devices have a wide range of supported devices. However, PureVPN surpasses HMA as the VPN supports all 21 out of 21 devices while HMA VPN supports 18.
Winner in Device Compatibility
PureVPN vs HideMyAss VPN – Comparison for New Zealand Users – FAQs
Is HideMyAss a good VPN in New Zealand?
HMA has a great user experience, a handsome amount of server locations, and a unique set of features. However, the privacy factor is lacking as the VPN is registered in the United Kingdom, which is a member of the 14 Eyes.
Nonetheless, it has gone through an independent audit which assures users that their private information is always safe in the New Zealand region.
Is PureVPN trusted in New Zealand?
Yes, PureVPN is a safe VPN service in New Zealand. It uses the 256-bit encryption mechanism to keep user data safe and offers reliable protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN for maximized security.
What is PureVPN used for?
PureVPN is a commercial VPN service that is owned by GZ Systems Ltd., founded in 2007. Previously registered in Hong Kong, PureVPN decided to relocate to the British Virgin Islands in 2021 for its flexible data retention laws. The VPN allows New Zealand users to enjoy these four categories: Streaming, File Sharing, Internet Freedom, and Security/Privacy.
Is HideMyAss proxy safe in New Zealand?
Having heard a lot about this VPN service in the bad sections previously, the universal question “is HideMyAss safe in New Zealand?” must’ve popped into your brain at least once.
Yes, HMA VPN is a safe VPN in the New Zealand region. It underwent an independent audit in the year 2020, becoming an official no-logs policy. However, the VPN is registered in the UK, which is a part of the 5 Eyes Alliance.
Does PureVPN work with Netflix in New Zealand?
Yes, PureVPN works with Netflix in the New Zealand region. With its unlimited servers across 78+ countries, you can stream any Netflix library without worrying about your location or internet connection.
Which one is better, PureVPN or HMA VPN for the New Zealand users?
While both VPNs are good. PureVPN, according to our comparison test, is the better choice to go for in New Zealand. It offers better speed, more stable connections, and a rich network of servers. The VPN also offers features that tailor your needs and preference.
How should I choose between PureVPN and HMA VPN in New Zealand?
While choosing between any two VPNs in New Zealand, compare the major factors such as speed, security, privacy, streaming support, customer service, torrenting, server network, and ease of use.
According to our comparison test, PureVPN stands out as the better contender between the two considering all the factors mentioned above.
Among PureVPN and HMA VPN in New Zealand, which one is faster?
According to the speed tests performed in this guide, PureVPN is faster than HMA VPN in the New Zealand region. The service provides a blazing-fast connection with a low percentage of speed loss.
Are there any deals offered by PureVPN or HMA VPN for the New Zealand users?
Both VPNs offer deals on occasion. As of right now, PureVPN offers an 82% discount on its 2-year plan and HMA VPN offers 75% off on its 3-year plan.
PureVPN vs HideMyAss VPN – Conclusion
In this PureVPN vs HideMyAss VPN comparison guide, after comparing both providers, it is safe to say that PureVPN is the winner in the New Zealand region. The VPN, despite being incredibly budget-friendly, stands as an all-rounder.
It faces no trouble unblocking platforms like Netflix, boasts a good server count, works in China, and even offers dedicated IPs. In short, it is a great service to buy in the New Zealand region!
