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5 Best VPNs for Hong Kong – Great for bypassing censorship and surveillance

Hong Kong citizens are rushing to get a VPN – before unprecedented levels of surveillance begin due to China's newly passed security law. The new law makes it illegal for pro-democracy protesters to engage in any acts that are considered separatist, subversive, or in collusion with foreign forces.

As a result, citizens of Hong Kong could face arrest, imprisonment, and even extradition to China if they are found guilty. The frightening new law is a massive blow for freedom of speech, making it dangerous for citizens to express dissenting opinions online.

With a VPN for Hong Kong, citizens can encrypt their internet data. This will prevent ISPs from monitoring your web visits on behalf of the government and enable you to bypass any censorship enforced by the Chinese Communist Party. 

With freedom of speech under threat and surveillance set to become more Draconian, Chinese influence in the region could make it much harder to get a VPN in Hong Kong. That is why it is a good idea to act now to get a subscription to a VPN while you still can. 

What are the best VPNs for Hong Kong

Below we have listed the best Hong Kong VPN services. Check out our detailed VPN reviews or scroll to the next section for information about these services.

  1. ExpressVPN - The best VPN for Hong Kong – lightning fast, with premium encryption and security features, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  2. TIP

    In our testing we checked that all ExpressVPN plans work for Netflix. The one year plan is the best value: three months free and a 30 day risk-free trial.

  3. NordVPN - A popular and secure Hong Kong service, with stealth servers and other advanced features. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  4. CyberGhost VPN - An easy-to-use VPN with sleek apps for Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows and a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
  5. Private Internet Access - The most private Hong Kong VPN – court-proven zero-logs policy, top-notch features, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  6. Surfshark - The best Hong Kong VPN for simultaneous connections on this list. You can use it on unlimited number of devices at the same time, it's very secure, and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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Transparent terms—contact the support team within 30 days for a hassle-free refund if you're not satisfied. Click here to start your ExpressVPN trial. 

Due to the massive political tensions within Hong Kong and the talk of pervasive online censorship, it is vital that you use a secure VPN service. For a Hong Kong VPN to be secure, we recommend that it has the following features:

  • Obfuscation technology Obfuscated servers are needed to bypass firewalls in countries that block websites.
  • DNS leak protection – Check out our DNS leak protection guide for more information about this.
  • Kill-switch – This drops your connection when your VPN fails so no one can access your data.
  • OpenVPN encryption- Military-grade encryption that will ensure your data is kept secure.

All the services we recommend in this guide offer these features and much more. If you'd like more detailed information about these services, scroll down below this list for the provider summaries or click through to the provider's website.

TEST WINNER ExpressVPN NordVPN CyberGhost VPN Private Internet Access Surfshark
Website ExpressVPN NordVPN CyberGhost VPN Private Internet Access Surfshark
Ranking for Hong Kong 1 2 3 4 5
Performance 10
9
7
8
9
Reliability 9
8
7
8
8
Free trial
Total servers 3000
6057
11625
3386
3200
Payment PayPal
Visa/MasterCard
Amex
Cryptocurrency
PayPal
Visa/MasterCard
Amex
Cryptocurrency
PayPal
Visa/MasterCard
Amex
Cryptocurrency
PayPal
Visa/MasterCard
Amex
Cryptocurrency
PayPal
Visa/MasterCard
Amex
Cryptocurrency
Unblocks: Netflix
iPlayer
Disney+
Amazon Prime
Hulu
Netflix
iPlayer
Disney+
Amazon Prime
Hulu
Netflix
iPlayer
Disney+
Amazon Prime
Hulu
Netflix
iPlayer
Disney+
Amazon Prime
Hulu
Netflix
iPlayer
Disney+
Amazon Prime
Hulu
Supported platforms Windows
macOS
iOS
Android
Windows
macOS
iOS
Android
Windows
macOS
iOS
Android
Windows
macOS
iOS
Android
Windows
macOS
iOS
Android

The best Hong Kong VPN services – In-depth analysis

Below we have provided detailed summaries for the best Hong Kong VPN services. If you would like more information about any particular service listed here, click through to the provider's website or check out our VPN reviews to find out more.

1. ExpressVPN
Editor's Choice | March 2024

ExpressVPN is the best Hong Kong VPN. It is consistently fast, has stealth servers to circumvent the great firewall, and it comes with servers in Hong Kong and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Pricing

    • 12 months + 3 months FREE + Backblaze backup: $6.67/mth
      49% OFF
    • 6 months: $9.99/mth
    • 1 month: $12.95/mth
  • Pros

    • Servers in 94 countries worldwide, including Hong Kong
    • Lightning-fast speeds, ideal for gaming and streaming
    • Compatible with OS, consoles and routers
    • Lots of customizable security features
    • Over 10 years in business
  • Cons

    • The most expensive VPN on this list, but it works each time
    • Only 5 simultaneous connections
    • No port-forwarding, not ideal for torrenters
  • Available on

    • Windows
    • macOS
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Linux
  • Unblocks

    • Netflix
    • iPlayer
    • Amazon Prime
    • Hulu
  • Website

ExpressVPN Demo

ExpressVPN Demo ExpressVPN Demo


ExpressVPN is a well-known and highly respected provider that has been around for many years. It is an exceptional service with a zero-logs policy and apps for all platforms that are extremely easy to use. 


With ExpressVPN you get advanced VPN features such as a kill-switch, DNS leak protection, obfuscation, port forwarding, and split tunneling. You also get Smart DNS thrown in for free, which is great news for anyone who loves streaming content. On top of that, ExpressVPN offers world-class 24/7 live chat support. Its servers are located in 104 countries worldwide, and they will allow you to bypass any censorship enforced by the Chinese government. Plus, with ExpressVPN you can access Netflix US, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO Go, and any other international services that interest you.


There really is nothing that this VPN can't do, which is why consumers often come back to it time and time again. We admit that this VPN is a bit more expensive, but you get what you pay for – which is the most established and well-run VPN on the market. It's definitely worth testing using its 100% risk-free money-back guarantee.

NordVPN is a secure service for Hong Kong with advanced features like double hop VPN that encrypts your data twice and stealth servers. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Pricing

    • 24 months + 3 months FREE: $3.69/mth
      70% OFF
    • 12 months: $4.99/mth
      59% OFF
    • 1 month: $11.99/mth
  • Pros

    • Obfuscated servers for use on mainland China
    • Great value for money VPN that unblocks plenty
    • Super fast, suitable for data-intensive tasks like streaming
    • Ad and malware blocking tools are free of charge
  • Cons

    • Only 6 simultaneous connections
    • Fewer servers locations than Express
    • IKEv2 Mac Client isn't as feature-rich
  • Available on

    • Windows
    • macOS
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Linux
  • Unblocks

    • Netflix
    • iPlayer
    • Amazon Prime
    • Hulu
  • Website

Nord Demo

Nord Demo Nord Demo


NordVPN is a superb choice for people living in Hong Kong. Not only does it have well-implemented, military-grade encryption, but it has all the important high-end VPN features you need to keep your data secure. A zero logs policy means that the VPN keeps no details about what you use it for. A kill switch, DNS leak protection, VPN into Tor, and double-hop encryption mean that the highest levels of privacy are available. And, this VPN has servers in Hong Kong – so that you can get an IP address there and still concealing your traffic from your ISP.


Nord VPN has obfuscation technology - perfect for anybody visiting mainland China and needing to bypass the Great Firewall. Speeds are lightning-fast, which makes this VPN ideal for streaming in HD, gaming, torrenting, and doing any other data-intensive tasks. And it has servers in a total of 61 countries – which makes it perfect for all your unblocking needs. Finally, this easy-to-use VPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee to allow you to test the service thoroughly without risk. A secure VPN that is an excellent all-rounder and provides excellent value for money.

CyberGhost is a great value for money VPN. It is an easy-to-use service, with all the features you need to unblock content in Hong Kong, and a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Pricing

    • 24 months + 3 months FREE: $2.11/mth
      83% OFF
    • 6 months: $6.99/mth
      42% OFF
    • 1 month: $11.99/mth
  • Pros

    • Easy-to-use apps for all popular platforms
    • An impressive 45-day money-back guarantee
    • Affordable, with servers in over 90 countries
  • Cons

    • Minimal connection logs (but not a risk to privacy)
    • Not the fastest VPN on our list
    • Less features than Express and Nord
  • Available on

    • Windows
    • macOS
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Linux
  • Unblocks

    • Netflix
    • iPlayer
    • Amazon Prime
    • Hulu
  • Website

CyberGhost Demo

CyberGhost Demo CyberGhost Demo


CyberGhost VPN is a service that is perfect for people based in Hong Kong. It is ideal for streaming and unblocking content from all around the world, and for using the internet without fear of being monitored by the Hong Kong or Chinese government. 


CyberGhost VPN has servers in over 100 countries around the world, and all those servers provide lightning-fast speeds for streaming in HD. It also has over 80 servers in Hong Kong, to ensure you can always get an IP address inside the country (without fear of network congestion and slow speeds).


The software is easy to use and can be installed on 7 devices simultaneously. Plus, CyberGhost lets you test the service for 45 days using its money-back guarantee. CyberGhost is available for all popular platforms, meaning it will protect your privacy on any device – both at home and on public Wi-Fi. And it will allow you to bypass government censorship without issues. Because of its ease-of-use, we strongly recommend this VPN to beginners and techy users alike.


Finally, we love this service because encryption is strong, and the company keeps zero logs to ensure your web browsing habits are always kept private. Plus, this VPN has a kill-switch, split tunneling, DNS leak protection, and the option to set OpenVPN TCP over port 443. An excellent all-rounder that is exceptionally cheap considering the level of service it provides. 

Private Internet Access lives up to its name with top-notch privacy features. It keeps no logs, a claim it has proven in court and implements OpenVPN, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Pricing

    • 24 months + 2 months FREE: $2.19/mth
      82% OFF
    • 6 months: $7.5/mth
      38% OFF
    • 1 month: $11.95/mth
  • Pros

    • Tens of thousands of servers across the globe
    • Jam-packed with privacy features
    • Court-proven zero-logs policy (twice)
  • Cons

    • Slower than Express and Nord
    • Advanced options may feel a bit intimidating for complete beginners
    • Based in the US (the home country of many snooping agencies)
  • Available on

    • Windows
    • macOS
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Linux
  • Unblocks

    • Netflix
    • iPlayer
    • Amazon Prime
    • Hulu
  • Website

PIA Demo

PIA Demo PIA Demo


Private Internet Access (PIA) is a service with a superb reputation. It is a US-based no-logs service that has apps for all platforms. Those apps are known to allow high levels of customization, making it great for advanced users who want granular control over the encryption.


The VPN implements robust OpenVPN encryption, meaning that your ISP, the government, and local network admins can never track what you do online. And the VPN is fully-featured with a kill-switch, DNS leak protection, and obfuscation to ensure you leak no data outside of the VPN tunnel - and can you conceal VPN use from your ISP.


Admittedly, PIA has a relatively smaller network of servers when compared to other providers, with servers in just 84 countries around the world. However, the servers are extremely well located - including a number of servers in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, live chat support is also only available during US business hours, but email support is available too. A secure service that works with Netflix US. You can compare it to our other recommendations using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Surfshark is one of the cheapest Hong Kong VPN on our list. Nonetheless, it has fast, secure servers based in Hong Kong with strong encryption for great privacy. Surfshark also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test it risk-free.

  • Pricing

    • 24 months + 2 months FREE: $2.3/mth
      83% OFF
    • 12 months: $3.99/mth
      70% OFF
    • 1 month: $12.95/mth
  • Pros

    • WireGuard encryption for seamless streaming and gaming
    • Excellent value for money
    • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Cons

    • One-month plan is quite pricey
    • No dedicated IPs
    • macOS client not fully-featured
  • Available on

    • Windows
    • macOS
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Linux
  • Unblocks

    • Netflix
    • iPlayer
    • Amazon Prime
    • Hulu
  • Website

Surfshark Demo

Surfshark Demo Surfshark Demo


Surfshark is a VPN that has quickly risen to be one of the world’s most desirable services; with consumers flocking to it for its awesome features and tight security. Surfshark has a no-logs policy that is completely watertight, and its apps provide strong OpenVPN encryption to ensure your web browsing activities are always private.


With Surfshark, you get apps for all platforms, and you can run the VPN on an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. This is mind-blowing considering the low cost of this VPN, ideal for families or people who own many devices. But don’t let those budget prices fool you: Surfshark has a kill-switch, DNS leak protection, and obfuscation to conceal VPN use. That means it is fully featured and has everything you would want in a quality VPN service. It also has servers in over 100 countries that are lightning-fast for streaming in HD, VoIP calling, gaming, and doing other data-intensive tasks. If you want a VPN that is secure but also great for unblocking Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, torrent sites, and other international services, Surfshark is an outstanding service.


Surfshark is a superb service that will allow you to bypass censorship and avoid surveillance. Plus, you can test it yourself thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.

What is a Hong Kong VPN?

A Virtual Private Network is an online service that allows people to protect all the data coming and going from their devices. VPN encryption stops ISPs, the government, hackers – and anybody else trying to snoop on their web traffic – from being able to track them.

Additionally, when a VPN user connects to a VPN server, their true location is concealed and they appear to be somewhere else. This allows VPN users to pretend to be anywhere in the world. The combination of privacy and the ability to go digital globetrotting is a match made in heaven because VPN users can access any online content they wish while maintaining their digital privacy and without any fear of being found out.

A VPN for Hong Kong is simply a service that is well suited to users living in that part of the world. It is important to understand that not every VPN is created equal, however. In fact, bluntly speaking, the vast majority of services are awful. In this article, we will explain in detail exactly what you need from a Hong Kong VPN. All the VPNs in this article meet our strict requirements, meaning you get a service that is guaranteed to get the job done and is well worth the money!

Why Download a VPN in Hong Kong?

The recent announcement that China has secretly passed a new security law is evidence that things are getting dicey in Hong Kong. The Chinese government intends to remove the city's autonomy and doing so will vastly increase state surveillance in the region.

This is hugely concerning for Hong Kong citizens who are accustomed to high levels of privacy when compared to China.

Even before these recent announcements, China was known to employ an army of cyber-cops and paid social media snitches. And, despite retaining its independence for another 30 years yet, it is generally believed that the Chinese government is already performing secretive surveillance on the citizens of Hong Kong.

Now that the new security law makes it illegal for citizens to engage in protests against China that are in support of secession or subversion of the state – citizens will need to be extremely careful if they do not want to get in trouble with the law.

A VPN can help by encrypting your online data so that it cannot be accessed by your ISP or the government. 

Do I need to get a Hong Kong VPN now?

It is essential for citizens who care about their privacy to get a VPN before it is too late. In China, VPNs are highly restricted. This makes it incredibly difficult to subscribe to a service and to download VPN privacy apps. See our China VPN guide for more information about using one in the country.

If China begins enforcing similar blocks in Hong Kong, citizens will suddenly find themselves unable to get a VPN subscription. For this reason, it is important to act now – or you could be left high and dry when a new security law is passed.

If China gets its way, Hong Kong could enter a phase of widespread surveillance and website censorship. A VPN is the best solution, and for now, they are still available. We encourage you to get a service while you can and to warn friends and family to ensure they protect themselves too.

A VPN subscription doesn't have to break the bank and having one guarantees your data's privacy. It really is an essential piece of technology for Hong Kong residents and one that is also affordable and easy to use. In addition, a VPN is the best way to access online content from all over the globe. Hong Kong has fantastic internet speeds, and with a VPN anybody in the country can unblock restricted content from around the world.

Choosing the best VPN for Hong Kong?

Deciding which VPN to get can be a real headache. There are hundreds to choose from and the vast majority are a total rip off. Many provide slow speeds, inferior servers, and badly implemented or outdated encryption. Some even lie about the level of service that they provide.

Are you new to VPNs? If so, take a look at our beginner's guide to find out everything you need to know!

Here at ProPrivacy.com, we constantly review and communicate with VPN providers, which means that we understand their features and know which services are worth spending money on. So, let’s take a detailed look at how we selected these 5 Hong Kong VPNs:

A Hong Kong VPN for Public WiFi Safety

One advantage of having massively high internet penetration rates is that most places in Hong Kong provide public WiFi hotspots. However, one of the dangers of using public WiFi on a regular basis is that you may fall victim to hackers.

While connecting to public WiFi, cybercriminals may try to steal your passwords, login credentials, and credit card details. VPN encryption protects you from those hackers. How? By stopping them from being able to "sniff” your traffic as it leaves your device. The result is that the VPN protects you from crimes like credit card fraud and data theft.

Accessing Chinese TV using a VPN

Chinese expats who live in Hong Kong and want to access TV from the mainland (or, indeed, anyone wanting to learn Cantonese) can access online Cantonese TV streams on the TVB network.

Available channels include:

What else can I do with a Hong Kong VPN?

One of the main reasons for using a VPN in Hong Kong is to access regionally blocked web services and streams.

A VPN will allow you to pretend to be anywhere, so virtually any streaming service will become available to you! Just be sure to check which VPN has the server locations that you want by clicking through using the relevant link.

VPN use in China

Mainland China is now subjecting citizens to a complete VPN ban. VPNs are blocked on the Google Play store and on iTunes. As such, if you intend to travel to China from Hong Kong, you should subscribe and download your VPN before you enter China. Doing so will mean that you are already prepared with the software on your device.

Using Cryptocurrencies in China with a VPN

For people who regularly travel to China and want to get around the Chinese blockade of international cryptocurrency exchanges, a VPN is also the perfect solution. However, again, it is better to purchase your subscription in Hong Kong before you go to China: where accessing commercial VPNs is extremely tough. Cryptocurrency exchange blocks do not apply in Hong Kong, so you will only need a VPN for mainland China. It's important to note that if you're using a free service here, China is consistently cracking down on them and so, we recommend you opt for a recommended VPN for China

Hong Kong VPN for Residents and Expats

The VPNs in this guide have all been selected for use in Hong Kong because they also have a Hong Kong VPN server. This means that if you have to travel outside of the country – to China, or even further afield on vacation – you will be able to use your service to get a Hong Kong VPN IP address. This means that no matter where you are you can pretend to be in Hong Kong to use geo-restricted services that are only available in Hong Kong.

Check out our ex-pat VPN guide for more information about using a VPN as an expatriate.

Hong Kong VPN for Gambling

Bookies are illegal in Hong Kong, which is why it is impossible to access bookie websites from other parts of the world. Anybody wanting to access US bookies, UK bookies, Australian bookmakers, or bookies from any other country will need to use a VPN to unblock the website.

Please bear in mind that the Hong Kong Jockey Club holds a government-granted monopoly on horse races, football matches, and lotteries – and you can get in trouble for accessing bookie websites while in Hong Kong. For this reason, you should always stick to a secure VPN (like the ones we have recommended) and remember to use advanced security features such as a kill-switch and stealth mode/cloaking.

Conclusion

In this article, we have explained absolutely everything you need to know about using a VPN in Hong Kong. It's imperative that Hong Kong residents download and subscribe to one before it's too late.

The VPNs in this article have been selected because they have all the advanced features you need to enjoy your VPN experience. These VPNs are secure and they have watertight privacy policies. In addition, they have large networks of fast servers located all over the globe. Rest assured that these are the fastest VPNs in Hong Kong! This means you can use your VPN to do anything you want – including gaming – or watching HD video content.

We are sure there is a perfect VPN for everybody in this guide, so please be sure to read the summaries carefully to ensure you get the most suitable service for your needs. Remember, we are here to help! So if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to leave us a message below.

  1. ExpressVPN - The best VPN for Hong Kong – lightning fast, with premium encryption and security features, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  2. TIP

    In our testing we checked that all ExpressVPN plans work for Netflix. The one year plan is the best value: three months free and a 30 day risk-free trial.

  3. NordVPN - A popular and secure Hong Kong service, with stealth servers and other advanced features. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  4. CyberGhost VPN - An easy-to-use VPN with sleek apps for Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows and a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
  5. Private Internet Access - The most private Hong Kong VPN – court-proven zero-logs policy, top-notch features, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  6. Surfshark - The best Hong Kong VPN for simultaneous connections on this list. You can use it on unlimited number of devices at the same time, it's very secure, and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Written by: Ray Walsh

Digital privacy expert with 5 years experience testing and reviewing VPNs. He's been quoted in The Express, The Times, The Washington Post, The Register, CNET & many more. 

4 Comments

Greg
on July 1, 2020
I honestly don't understand how you can recommend a VPN that is based in Hong Kong as your #1, especially with what is going on in the country at the moment. What do you think will happen when a difficult situation comes up? In the current Hong Kong case the only secure VPNs are those that are in no way related to Hong Kong or China and the ones that can definitely bypass the Great Firewall, for example NordVPN and VyprVPN
https://cdn.proprivacy.com/storage/images/2024/01/ray-walshpng-avatar_image-small_webp.webp
Ray Walsh replied to Greg
on July 9, 2020
ExpressVPN is based in British Virgin Islands.
Paul Scott
on February 15, 2018
Hi Ray, I am an English expat in HK and have lived in mainland China. I hadn't thought about getting a VPN here - I always had one in the mainland - until my online bookmaker blocked me because of my location, so now I am. Anyway, my point is, even though HK is quite free in access terms, you might want to note the fact that you can't access many UK bookies' sites here. (I won't say any, as there are some.) So a VPN is a plus on that score. I've not decided which one to go with yet, but many thanks for the info on your site.
https://cdn.proprivacy.com/storage/images/2024/01/ray-walshpng-avatar_image-small_webp.webp
Ray Walsh replied to Paul Scott
on February 15, 2018
That is correct, gambling involving a bookmaker is illegal in Hong Kong. Betting with a bookmaker and betting in a place other than a permitted gambling establishment is against the law. The Hong Kong Jockey Club holds a government-granted monopoly on horse races, football matches, and lotteries. I think there should be a specific section about this in the article, so I will add it now. Thanks for the feedback.

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