The sails of internet freedom in Hong Kong are shifting rapidly, but not in the right direction. With Beijing’s increasing influence, censorship and surveillance have tightened, making it harder for residents to enjoy the online freedom they once had. So much so that platforms like TikTok and ChatGPT have been forced to cease operations due to strict regulations, raising concerns about privacy and accessibility.
In this climate, VPNs have become essential tools for protecting personal information and bypassing government restrictions. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, using a reliable VPN for Hong Kong has become a necessity. But with so many options claiming to be the best, how do you choose the right one?
We’ve taken the guesswork out of the equation by testing and comparing the top VPNs for Hong Kong. Our focus was on their ability to bypass geo-blocks, maintain speed and performance, and, most importantly, protect your privacy at all costs.
The results are in, and we’re here to help you find the most trusted VPNs to keep you secure and connected in Hong Kong.
Table of Contents
How to Choose the Best VPN for Hong Kong
Selecting the ideal VPN for Hong Kong requires more than just picking a service with good reviews. Given the increasing government surveillance and censorship, your VPN must offer top-tier security, reliable performance, and the ability to bypass restrictions.
Strong Encryption and Security Features
In Hong Kong, robust encryption is a must to protect against surveillance. Look for VPNs that offer AES-256 encryption, a standard that’s nearly impossible to crack.
Additional security features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection ensure that your data remains secure, even if your connection drops. Advanced protocols like NordLynx or Lightway provide a good balance between speed and security.
Server Locations and Network Size
When selecting the best VPN for Hong Kong, the network’s size and server locations are key. Opt for a VPN that has servers in nearby regions like Taiwan, Japan, and Singapore. Having servers in Hong Kong is also important to access regional services securely. A top Hong Kong VPN with a diverse server network allows for better speeds and more options for accessing global content.
No-Logs Policy
A strict no-logs policy ensures that your online activities aren’t stored or monitored by the VPN provider. This safeguards your privacy even if requested by authorities. The best VPNs will have undergone independent audits to verify their no-logs claims, providing an extra layer of assurance that your data remains confidential and untraceable.
Speed and Performance
In a region where internet freedom is increasingly restricted, a VPN’s speed and performance are crucial. A reliable VPN for HK should offer fast and stable connections with minimal speed loss, especially when connected to distant servers. This is particularly important for streaming, downloading, or online gaming, where lag or buffering can ruin the experience. We recommend NordVPN here, one of the best VPNs for streaming and is known for maintaining high speeds across its network.
Ability to Bypass Censorship
Not all VPNs can effectively bypass government censorship, which is why you need one with obfuscated servers or stealth mode. These features are specifically designed to circumvent censorship and prevent your VPN usage from being detected. In Hong Kong, where online content is increasingly controlled, these capabilities are essential for accessing the open internet.
Ease of Use and Customer Support
A VPN should be user-friendly, with apps that are easy to navigate across all your devices, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. It should also offer 24/7 customer support, providing you with timely assistance whenever you encounter issues. Ease of use and reliable support can make a significant difference when choosing a popular VPN for Hong Kong (HK) in 2024.
Pricing and Value
While free VPNs might be tempting, they often have significant limitations and risks. A premium VPN is a better choice for reliable protection and performance.
Look for services that offer a balance between cost and features, with transparent pricing and a money-back guarantee. Services such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access let you test the VPN risk-free, so your investment is always secure.
Confused between choosing NordVPN and ExpressVPN? Check out our ExpressVPN vs NordVPN comparison.
Best VPN for Hong Kong in 2024: Our Top 3
In recent years, there’s been a tough crackdown on internet freedom, with the looming threat of the Great Firewall of China taking over HK. Picking a trustworthy VPN for Hong Kong is a necessity at this point, and we’re here to help you make that choice.
6300 servers
111 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
10 simultaneous connections
9.4 /10
Visit site
Our review
Monthly price
Our opinion: The best overall VPN for reliability and security
Speed
Security
Features
Ease of use
Customer support
Value for money
SEE MORE
1
3000 servers
105 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
8 simultaneous connections
9.1 /10
Visit site
Our review
Monthly price
6,67$
15 MONTHS
9,99$
6 MONTHS
12,95$
1 MONTH
Our opinion: The fast and easy to use quality VPN
Speed
Security
Features
Ease of use
Customer support
Value for money
SEE MORE
2
27000 servers
91 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
Unlimited connections
9 /10
Visit site
Our review
Monthly price
2,19$
24+2 MONTHS
7,50$
6 MONTHS
11,99$
1 MONTH
Our opinion: The best VPN at affordable rates
Speed
Security
Features
Ease of use
Customer support
Value for money
SEE MORE
3
1. NordVPN
NordVPN stands out as the best VPN for Hong Kong due to its robust security features and extensive server network. With over 6,400+ servers in 111 countries, including 70+ servers in Hong Kong, these servers include specialized options.
You get obfuscated servers for bypassing internet restrictions, P2P servers for fast torrenting, and multi-hop servers that double your encryption for maximum security. During our tests, we experienced impressive speeds and NordVPN allowed us to stream Netflix Hong Kong without buffering or lag.
One of the most noteworthy features is Double VPN, which routes your traffic through two servers. By doubling the encryption, you get an extra layer of security. Plus, with features like Camouflage Mode, NordVPN hides your IP address and also conceals the fact that you’re using a VPN.
Additionally, Onion Over VPN combines the anonymity of the Onion network with NordVPN’s robust security, offering an extra layer of privacy. This makes NordVPN an excellent choice for Hong Kong residents and visitors alike.
For privacy-conscious users, NordVPN’s no-logs policy is independently audited, and its RAM-only servers ensure that no data is stored permanently. Moreover, Threat Protection blocks ads, trackers, and malware, safeguarding your device from online threats. The best part is that you can use NordVPN across 10 devices simultaneously or even hook it to a router.
Pricing starts at around $3 per month for long-term plans, and with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try NordVPN risk-free. Hence, we recommend NordVPN as the go-to choice if you’re looking to get a VPN for Hong Kong in 2024.
Visit NordVPN
Pros
- 6,400+ servers in 111 countries
- Double VPN and Onion Over VPN
- Obfuscated servers to bypass censorship
- Strict no-logs policy
- Threat Protection and fast speeds
- 4K streaming with NordLynx protocol
Cons
- Slightly higher cost for short-term plans
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a top-tier choice for users in Hong Kong who prioritize security and speed. With 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, including multiple servers in Hong Kong, ExpressVPN is built to handle the toughest geo-restrictions and censorship measures. When put to the test, it consistently provided fast and stable connections, making it ideal for streaming platforms. It worked seamlessly with Netflix (it’s a top VPN for Netflix), ViuTV, and Prime Video.
What makes ExpressVPN particularly appealing and one of our favorite VPNs for HK is its obfuscation technology, which disguises your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic. This feature is crucial for bypassing the Great Firewall of China and other advanced censorship systems. Additionally, ExpressVPN uses military-grade AES-256 encryption and its proprietary Lightway protocol to achieve a balance of speed and security.
It operates on TrustedServer technology, meaning its RAM-only servers wipe all data with each reboot. Coupled with a strict no-logs policy that is audited by third-party and leak protection mechanisms, it keeps your online activities private. With its advanced features and high-speed performance, ExpressVPN is clearly one of the most preferred VPNs for Hong Kong.
With unlimited bandwidth and 24/7 live chat support, ExpressVPN is a reliable choice for Hong Kong residents or visitors. It offers plans starting at around $6 per month for long-term commitments, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about online privacy and unrestricted access.
Visit ExpressVPN
Pros
- Obfuscation technology bypasses firewalls
- TrustedServer technology for data privacy
- Smart Location for optimal speed
- Supports 8 devices simultaneously
- 24/7 live chat support
Cons
- Pricier compared to competitors
3. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private Internet Access (PIA) stands out as an affordable yet powerful and reliable VPN for Hong Kong. It offers one of the largest server networks globally, with over 29,000 servers in 91 countries, including 20 servers in HK. With PIA, you’ll always have a reliable and nearby connection to unblock restricted content.
PIA’s security features are solid despite being based in the U.S., a Five Eyes country. It employs AES-256 encryption and offers multi-hop connections for added security. Additionally, PIA has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that your browsing history, IP addresses, and timestamps are never stored. This is crucial for privacy in regions with heavy surveillance, like Hong Kong.
During our tests, gaming performance was adequate but not exceptional, with latency issues on distant servers (check our best VPNs for gaming). However, the WireGuard protocol significantly improved the experience when streaming, delivering smooth 4K playback with minimal buffering. This makes PIA a solid choice for streaming content in Hong Kong, even if its gaming performance was a bit underwhelming.
One of PIA’s most useful features is its advanced split tunneling and customization options. These allow you to choose which apps use the VPN and which don’t. We found this particularly useful for optimizing speed while keeping sensitive activities private. Moreover, PIA’s MACE ad blocker helps prevent ads and trackers from disrupting your browsing experience.
With unlimited device connections, you can protect all your devices under a single subscription. Given its robust security features, affordability, and extensive server network, it’s clear why we recommend PIA as one of the best VPNs for Hong Kong in 2024. The long-term plans start at around $2 per month, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious users.
Visit Private Internet Access
Pros
- Extensive server network (29000+)
- MACE ad blocker for privacy
- Advanced split tunneling customization
- Multihop connections for extra security
- Affordable long-term pricing
Cons
- Based in the U.S., subject to Five Eyes surveillance
- Some servers may experience slower speeds
Should You Get a Free VPN for Hong Kong?
When considering whether to use a free VPN in Hong Kong, it’s essential to understand the significant trade-offs involved. Free VPNs might save you money, but they often come with hidden costs in the form of weaker security and service quality.
Relying on a free VPN can be risky in a place like Hong Kong, where digital privacy is increasingly under threat. Free VPNs typically lack the advanced security features found in premium services like NordVPN, which offers strong encryption and a strict no-logs policy.
Using a free VPN also means dealing with intrusive ads, data caps, and even the risk of your data being sold to third parties. These limitations can make it nearly impossible to enjoy a secure and seamless online experience.
On the other hand, investing in a premium VPN like NordVPN provides robust security, along with a fast and reliable connection. With features like a kill switch, obfuscated servers, and 24/7 customer support, NordVPN offers a comprehensive package that free VPNs simply can’t match.
Conclusion
Anyone looking to enjoy complete internet freedom in Hong Kong will need more than just any regular VPN. After thoroughly comparing several options, NordVPN emerges as the top choice to unlock online geo-restrictions in Hong Kong, offering a robust combination of privacy features, speed, and versatility.
ExpressVPN follows closely with its advanced security protocols and seamless streaming capabilities. Finally, PIA makes its mark with its affordable price and extensive server network. Each of these top VPNs for Hong Kong in 2024 is well-suited to keep you secure and connected in.
Try NordVPN Now
FAQs
We’ve tried to clear up a few common doubts about using a VPN in Hong Kong. Find out everything you need to down below.
Is using a VPN legal in Hong Kong?
Yes, using a VPN in Hong Kong is legal. However, using it to engage in illegal activities is against the law.
Can I access TikTok in Hong Kong with a VPN?
Yes, a VPN can help you bypass geo-restrictions and access websites and services that may be censored or blocked in Hong Kong. This includes TikTok and other social media platforms.
How do I download VPN software in Hong Kong?
Although VPNs aren’t banned, the most popular ones are usually missing from the app stores. For mobile users, you will need to manually download and install the VPN apps or install them before you travel to Hong Kong.
Can I use a free VPN in Hong Kong?
While free VPNs are available, they often have limitations in speed, security, and server availability. For reliable protection, we recommend a premium VPN like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Private Internet Access VPN.
