There are a large number of web sites that place restrictions on who can access them by filtering IP addresses. If you have an IP address from a particular country, you will not be able to view many foreign web sites, particularly those related to streaming media, videos and other such content. On your computer it is fairly easy to set up a VPN to get around these restrictions, and Hideman VPN is a free app that brings this option to Android.

The app works by routing your web traffic through one of its servers located in twelve countries around the world. In this way it is possible to trick web sites into believing that you are located somewhere different and thereby access content that would not otherwise be available to you. There is no complicated configuration – all you need to do is click the flag of the country you would like to pretend you are in.

The app can also be used as a security tool thanks to the fact that it will hide your real IP address. This makes it much harder for your online activities to be traced and any traffic you generate is protected using 256-bit AERS encryption. It is a simple system but it works very well and you can be up and running in a matter of moments, regardless of whether you have worked with VPNs in the past or not.

The app itself is available free of charge, but this only includes 5 hours of free usage. If you think you are going to need to hide your IP address on a more permanent basis, you’re going to have to consider upgrading to one of the premium packages. Prices range from $3 for 1 week, through $15 for two months to $69 for a full year. You may well find that the free package is enough for you but there are options available.