Quick answer: HMA does not currently advertise a permanent device-wide free VPN plan. Its current VPN offer is paid and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. A free web proxy, where available, protects only traffic in that browser tab and is not a substitute for an installed VPN.
The useful decision is not simply “free or paid”; it is which traffic the tool covers. Check the current HMA pricing page before paying, and treat older proxy or browser-extension references as limited browser tools rather than proof of full-device protection.
HMA Free Options Compared
| Option | Traffic covered | Best fit | Key limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMA web proxy | One browser tab or browser session | Occasional low-stakes browsing | Not device-wide VPN protection |
| Paid HMA VPN | Supported device traffic through the VPN app | Ongoing multi-app protection | Payment is required; refund terms are not a free plan |
| Another provider’s free VPN tier | Depends on that provider and platform | People who need an ongoing no-cost tunnel | Location, speed, feature or device limits can apply |
HMA’s pricing and product pages were checked on 13 October 2026. They advertise paid plans, supported devices and a 30-day money-back guarantee; a refund guarantee requires a purchase and should not be described as a permanent free VPN.
What HMA Offers for Free
HMA’s current commercial VPN is a paid service. Its public product and pricing pages list subscriptions rather than a permanent full VPN plan. HMA has also offered a browser-based web proxy; that tool changes the route for the browser session, not every app and connection on the device.
Free Proxy vs Paid HMA VPN
A web proxy can hide the browser’s destination IP from the website you open through it, but it does not create a device-wide VPN tunnel. Other browsers, email apps, games and background services can continue to use the normal connection.
The installed HMA VPN supports the provider’s current device apps and VPN features. HMA’s pricing page advertises servers in more than 100 locations, streaming and P2P servers, a kill switch and split tunnelling on supported platforms, with plans for five or ten devices. Platform features are not identical, so check the app you will actually use.
A Refund Guarantee Is Not a Free Plan
HMA currently advertises a 30-day money-back guarantee on its paid VPN. That means you pay first and request a refund under the applicable terms; it should not be described as an ongoing free VPN. App-store billing and any short promotional trial can have separate eligibility and cancellation rules.
When Another Free VPN Fits Better
If you need a persistent no-cost VPN tunnel rather than a browser proxy, compare a provider with a documented Free plan. Proton VPN is the clearest starting point because its free plan has no artificial data cap and supports one connection, including a router connection; free server choice and premium features remain limited. Windscribe is another option, but its data allowance and account conditions differ.
Final Recommendation
Use the HMA proxy only for a narrow browser task when it is available and appropriate. Choose the paid HMA VPN when you want HMA’s device-wide service and accept the subscription terms. Choose a documented free-plan VPN when the requirement is an ongoing no-cost tunnel.
Frequently Asked Questions
HMA has a free web proxy with pretty limited features. If you want the full VPN, though, you’ll need a paid subscription.
The free proxy comes with restrictions and some logging that’s worth keeping in mind.
Does HMA have a free VPN plan?
HMA’s current public VPN offer is paid. A free web proxy, where available, covers browser traffic and is not a permanent device-wide VPN plan.
Is the HMA web proxy the same as a VPN?
No. A browser proxy affects the browser session routed through it. An installed VPN app can tunnel supported device traffic from multiple apps.
Does HMA offer a money-back guarantee?
HMA currently advertises a 30-day money-back guarantee for its paid VPN. You must purchase first and meet the applicable terms, so this is not an ongoing free plan.
Which free VPN is a better alternative?
Proton VPN is a strong starting point because its Free plan has no artificial data cap and supports one connection. Free server choice and premium features remain limited.
Does a free proxy protect every app?
No. Apps outside the proxied browser session can continue to use the normal network route. Use a device VPN when whole-device traffic coverage is the requirement.
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Stuart Kerr Spindlow is Impulsec’s Publisher, Chief Editor and Lead Reviewer. He writes and maintains coverage of consumer cybersecurity and digital-safety software, with a focus on practical suitability, limitations and the evidence behind product claims. Read Stuart’s full profile.