Thankfully, VPN (Virtual Private Network) technology can let you protect your personal data and access global sites and apps from almost anywhere in the world, including from inside Hong Kong. Since not all VPNs are reliable or safe, I decided to test the top VPNs to find the best ones to use in Hong Kong. I found that ExpressVPN is the best choice for Hong Kong because it has top-quality encryption and security features, and great speeds. What’s best, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Quick Guide: Best VPNs for Hong Kong in 2023
The Best VPNs for Hong Kong (Tested in January 2023)
1. ExpressVPN — Advanced Security Features Keep Your Data Private in Hong Kong
I recommend you try ExpressVPN to keep your data secure in Hong Kong as it’s got the most advanced security you can find in a VPN. Military-grade AES-256 encryption keeps your information protected, and Perfect Forward Secrecy replaces your encryption key hourly for an extra layer of protection. It also features IPv6 leak protection which prevents your personal information from being exposed. The technology behind ExpressVPN’s servers is the best on the market, with a wide range of encryption protocols available: OpenVPN, IKEv2, and the VPN’s own revolutionary Lightway protocol. It’s easy to change the connection protocol and ExpressVPN even tells you what the difference is between them. Not only is its security top-of-the-line, but ExpressVPN also has a strict no-logs policy which has been independently audited and verified by a third party. Better yet, Express VPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, where privacy is strictly protected. But you don’t have to take anyone’s word for it because ExpressVPN’s servers are RAM-based. This means that everything is deleted automatically each time the server reboots. I found ExpressVPN particularly convenient to use as it’s got a ton of bonus features. You can add shortcuts to apps and websites, and it’s got browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Safari so you don’t even have to open the app when you’re browsing. It also has split tunneling so you can choose which apps you want to be protected. Although ExpressVPN does cost more than the other VPNs tested here (at $6.67 per month for a 1-year subscription), its excellent security features and super-fast speeds make it worth the cost. ExpressVPN also has a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try ExpressVPN risk-free. I tested this and was able to get a refund (which arrived within a week) no questions asked!
2. CyberGhost — Secure and Reliable Connections for Hong Kong
If you try CyberGhost, you’ll see that It comes with the standard military-grade AES-256 encryption and features an impressive 9740+ servers in 91 countries including Hong Kong. Its RAM-based NoSpy servers are designed specifically for privacy, and the speeds are highly impressive. CyberGhost also offers a kill switch and split tunneling features, both of which worked well in my tests. CyberGhost stands out with its servers optimized for streaming and downloading which maintain excellent security and privacy while improving your online experience. In my testing, I found that CyberGhost’s streaming-optimized servers are able to unblock Netflix and most other popular streaming sites. I was able to stream Stranger Things on Netflix without any buffering or lag. When it comes to the user interface, CyberGhost’s is one of the most intuitive of any VPN I have tried. It was easy to find and connect to the server I was looking for, and the user load is clearly displayed so I could choose a server that was less crowded. I also appreciated that all of the settings come with an explanation of what they’re used for. CyberGhost is based in privacy-friendly Romania and has a strict no-logs policy, although this no-logs policy has not yet been independently audited. But the good news is that CyberGhost regularly publishes transparency reports that show any requests for user data and the response. CyberGhost never complies with authorities’ requests for data, which is reassuring for people in Hong Kong, where ISPs are required to provide this data. CyberGhost is a great deal at just $2.03 per month for a 2-year + 4 months plan. You can try out CyberGhost for 45 days before making a decision. When I tested its no-questions-asked money-back guarantee, I had my money back in less than a week.
3. PIA — Huge Server Selection for Fast Speeds in Hong Kong
You can choose from a huge selection of servers with PIA (Private Internet Access). PIA has 35000+ servers in 83 countries (including 54 virtual servers in Hong Kong), with the largest number being in the US. This large number of options makes sure that no server is overcrowded and keeps your connection speeds super fast — I experienced only a little slowdown when streaming. PIA uses military-grade AES-256 encryption, but my favorite feature is its built-in ad blocker called MACE, which is one of the better ad blockers I’ve tried. Even on ad-heavy sites, it was able to block all of the ads which cut down on loading times. I also love that it stops the annoying ad videos that autoplay on some sites. PIA also has a split tunneling feature which is useful for accessing different sites with different IP addresses, and a kill switch so you’re always protected, even with an unstable internet connection. Although it’s based in the US, which is a member of the 5 Eyes Alliance, PIA has an independently audited and verified no-logs policy. This means that you can trust that your information will never be shared with authorities in Hong Kong, China, or anywhere else in the world. One advantage of PIA is its highly competitive price. You can get a 2-year + 4 months subscription to PIA for just $2.03 per month. If you’re not satisfied, use its 30-day money-back guarantee and get a full refund. I tested the refund policy, and had my money back in 4 days.
4. PrivateVPN — Clear Interface Makes Choosing a Server Fast and Simple
If you’re looking for a VPN that is simple to set up and use, you can try PrivateVPN. The interface is incredibly intuitive and straightforward. I love that you can go for the “simple view” if you just want to connect without having to worry about changing any settings. More advanced users can choose “advanced view” and customize their connection preferences. Although PrivateVPN’s choice of servers (200+) is more limited than that of other VPNs, you can choose from servers in 63 countries, including Hong Kong. Connection speeds are good, and I managed to stream US Netflix without any trouble, and only very minor and infrequent buffering. PrivateVPN uses AES-256 encryption and offers obfuscation technology. The Stealth VPN mode disguises your VPN traffic as regular, non-VPN traffic which helps unblock geo-restricted sites in Hong Kong. PrivateVPN also has an automatic kill switch. Unfortunately, PrivateVPN is based in Sweden, which is a member of the 14 Eyes Alliance. PrivateVPN does have a strict no-logs policy, although it has not been audited by an independent third party. PrivateVPN is a great budget-friendly option — the 3-year subscription plan only costs $2.00 per month. Test out PrivateVPN to find out if it suits your needs, and if you’re unhappy for any reason, use its 30-day money-back guarantee to get a full refund – I had my money back within 5 business days when I tested this.
5. IPVanish — Unlimited Device Connections for Browsing the Web in Hong Kong
IPVanish comes with the standard AES-256 encryption, kill switch, and split tunneling. But I was surprised to see that you can have unlimited simultaneous device connections with IPVanish. I love that it offers so many because that means that I don’t have to keep logging in and out whenever I switch devices. I connected on 6 devices at the same time and didn’t see any slowdowns. IPVanish has over 2000 servers in 75 countries, and connection speeds were impressive. I barely noticed any buffering or lagging while streaming or gaming. However, there are no servers in Hong Kong, so you will have to use overseas servers. Unfortunately, IPVanish is based in the US, which is part of the 14 Eyes Alliance, and previously shared logs with US Homeland Security in 2016. The good news is thatIPVanishis now owned by a different company, and its no-logs policy has been internally audited. The only minor con is that IPVanish doesn’t have as many extra features as other premium VPNs. If you’re looking for a more customizable VPN to use in Hong Kong, I recommend you check some of the other top VPNs in 2023. Despite its lack of bonuses, IPVanish is competitively-priced. You can get a 66% discount on IPVanish when you sign up for a 1 year plan and pay just $3.99/month. If you change your mind, IPVanish offers an instant 30-day money-back guarantee. When I tested the refund policy, I had my money back within an hour!
Comparison Table: 2023’s Best VPNs for Hong Kong
How I Tested and Ranked the Best VPNs for Hong Kong
Each VPN I tested had to meet certain criteria:
Strong encryption: High-quality VPNs use at least AES 256-bit encryption to protect your data as it travels. All VPNs tested here offer this level of encryption. No-logs policy: If user data is logged, it could potentially be leaked or shared to authorities or other third parties. I ruled out any VPNs without a no-logs policy. Ability to get around blocks and firewalls: Firewalls and geoblocks are becoming increasingly good at detecting traffic from VPN servers and blocking it. I only ranked VPNs that are effective at bypassing these blocks and firewalls. High speeds: When you use a VPN, your connection speeds are usually slower as your data is traveling via an extra server. The best VPNs are advanced enough for this slowdown to be minimal and for your browsing sessions to be smooth and fast. Large server network: If you want to access the widest possible variety of content and bypass geoblocks, you want a large server network. All VPNs tested here offer a wide selection of servers around the world. Unlimited bandwidth allowances: Some VPNs place caps on how much data you can use. I only tested VPNs with unlimited bandwidth allowances so you can browse, stream, and download as much as you like.
3 Easy Steps to Get a VPN in Hong Kong
Can I Use a Free VPN in Hong Kong?
Yes, but I don’t recommend it. Plenty of the best free VPNs work well in Hong Kong. However, a lot of free VPNs lack the effective security and privacy features (e.g., kill switches, obfuscated servers, and RAM-only servers) of paid options. More primitive encryption standards are also often used by free VPNs, so you won’t have peace of mind that your information is secure. Server choices are usually more limited with free VPNs, connection speeds slower, and data limits imposed. Many free VPNs also display ads in your browser. In fact, some free VPNs are even dangerous to use, as they log your data to share with third parties such as advertisers or potentially government agencies. To use the internet securely, privately, and safely in Hong Kong, I recommend getting a reputable paid VPN. The VPNs on this list are all highly regarded and tested for quality, and you can get a refund if you feel that your purchase did not meet your expectations. For example, CyberGhost offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, with no questions asked.
Are VPNs legal in Hong Kong?
While some places ban VPNs, VPNs are entirely legal in Hong Kong—as long as your online activity while using a VPN is also legal. If you are unsure whether or not accessing a particular site or engaging in a particular activity is legal, consult your local laws. My team and I do not condone breaking any laws.
How did the new Hong Kong privacy laws affect VPNs?
Although Hong Kong’s recent national security laws require ISPs to share user data with authorities upon request, VPNs remain legal and accessible in Hong Kong. Despite many VPN providers decommissioning their servers in Hong Kong due to the passing of this law, some VPNs still operate there. For example, ExpressVPN expressed confidence in the security of its RAM-based servers, which are specifically designed not to store personal customer data. Even if your preferred VPN doesn’t have servers in Hong Kong, you can still legally and easily access servers in other parts of the world.
Can I access TikTok in Hong Kong with a VPN?
Yes, you can only access TikTok in Hong Kong with both a VPN and a foreign SIM card. Otherwise, TikTok is restricted in Hong Kong, and this is based on both location and SIM card. You can still access TikTok’s Chinese sister app Douyin in Hong Kong if you are visiting from China. However, I still recommend a VPN for optimum security and privacy.
What’s the best VPN for Hong Kong and China?
If you want to use a VPN when you travel to China, there are only a few to choose from that really work. My tests showed that ExpressVPN is the best VPN for accessing the internet in Hong Kong as well as China, as it’s the fastest, most secure, and most reliable VPN on the market.
Which Chrome VPN extension works in Hong Kong?
Any VPN extension for Chrome should work in Hong Kong now. Google is not blocked in Hong Kong, although it is possible that it may be blocked there one day. Chrome extensions can make using a VPN more convenient and intuitive, so it’s still best to choose a VPN with a Chrome extension to stay as safe as possible now and in the future.
Why do I need a VPN for Hong Kong?
You should always use a VPN to keep your data private and secure. It is especially important if you live or are traveling somewhere where many prying eyes are attempting to access private information. If you’re just traveling to Hong Kong, you don’t have to subscribe to a yearly plan — many VPNs have great deals on monthly plans too.
Which VPNs for Hong Kong should I avoid?
Although using a VPN is highly recommended in Hong Kong, not all VPNs are good enough to keep your data secure, safe, and private. Reviews on app stores can also be unreliable, and often tell you very little about the VPN providers’ privacy policies — many users are unwittingly using VPNs that share their data with third parties! Here are a few popular options that I would particularly steer clear from:
Opera: The Opera browser has a built-in free VPN, which may seem convenient and tempting. However, it is slow, only offers three server locations, and logs data. VPN Gate: VPN Gate is another free VPN that works in Hong Kong and even China. However, it is seriously lacking in privacy — very specific data (including browsing activity) is logged, and IP leaks have been common. VPN Book: Another free option, VPN Book also logs user data and is prone to IP leaks. In addition to this, the server choice is seriously limited and connections are too slow for streaming. Hidester: Hidester is a VPN provider based in Hong Kong itself, which has a reasonably acceptable privacy policy (although it is not entirely no-logs). However, the performance of this VPN just isn’t as good as other options. Betternet: This free VPN offers only one server location, throttles speeds so much that streaming is mostly impossible, and logs a large amount of your identifiable information.
Access Global Content Safely From Hong Kong With a VPN in 2023
Unauthorized third parties often attempt to track or restrict the online activity of internet users. Using a VPN with advanced security features and good connection speeds can prevent snooping on your data, and let you access whatever content you want to. The overall best VPN that I tested was ExpressVPN. Its security and privacy features performed excellently in my tests, the company is dedicated to privacy, and I found the general experience of using the VPN to be smooth, fast, and straightforward. ExpressVPN also includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, so there is no risk in trying it out.
