Best VPNs for Hong Kong in 2025 for safe browsing

Not every VPN works in Hong Kong, and not all VPNs that do are made equal. This guide outlines the best and safest VPN services for Hong Kong.

Whether you’re a citizen fearful of Chinese state surveillance or live abroad but want to keep accessing local online services in the region, a VPN is an essential tool for Hong Kong. The best VPNs for Hong Kong combine state-of-the-art privacy and security features with fast connection speeds and seamless access to international streaming services. 

A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts internet traffic and routes it through an intermediary server rented or owned by the VPN provider. All of our recommended VPNs have servers in Hong Kong, together with a range of other features that we’ll explore later in the article. For now, here’s a quick summary of the top providers for Hong Kong. 

Best VPNs for Hong Kong in 2025:

1. NordVPN: Our top VPN for Hong Kong. Has 70+ RAM-only servers in Hong Kong, one-click access to the Tor network, and effective obfuscation that makes connections in mainland China possible. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for Hong Kong. Provides fast connection speeds and 50+ RAM-only servers in Hong Kong. Also offers effective obfuscation, MultiHop servers, and rotating IP addresses. Plans include unlimited device connections. 
3. ExpressVPN: Highly secure servers available in Hong Kong and 105+ countries. Has a dedicated site on the Tor network, a speedy proprietary connection protocol, and the ability to provide access to mainland China. 
4. Proton VPN: Has 42+ servers in Hong Kong as well as two Secure Core servers that route traffic through secure data centers in Iceland and Switzerland. Connection speeds are fast, with a tool for providing boosts to long-distance traffic.
5. Mullvad: Provides 9+ servers in Hong Kong and an admirable dedication to privacy and transparency. All apps come with a full GUI and enable traffic to be effectively obfuscated. Users can sign up anonymously.
6. CyberGhost VPN: Very fast connection speeds and 50+ RAM-only servers in Hong Kong. Has an audited no-logs policy. Dedicated IP addresses and high-security NoSpy servers available as paid add-ons.
7. IPVanish: Offers unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can connect all of your devices at once. Offers good speeds and is a suitable option for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. Strict no-logs policy.

Summary Table

The above list doesn’t contain every VPN with servers in Hong Kong – far from it. There’s a sometimes bewildering array of VPNs available, which can make it difficult to choose between them. To objectively compare providers, we use a list of criteria against which they’re tested. These are summarized below and expanded upon later in the article.

• Servers in Hong Kong
• Fast connection speeds
• Strong privacy and security features 
• Access to social media sites, news sites, and more 
• Ability to access streaming services
• Value for money
• User-friendly apps
• Helpful customer support 

To secure one of the top three spots in our recommended provider list, VPNs must also fulfill the following requirements:

• Operate a RAM-only server network that prevents user data from being stored.
• Adhere to a strict no-logs policy that’s been verified by a reputable third-party auditor, such as Deloitte, Ernst & Young, KPMG, or PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

Best VPNs for Hong Kong

Now let’s explore each of our recommended providers in a little more detail:

NordVPN has become one of the most well-respected and recognizable brands. It has 8,100+ RAM-only servers in its network of 126+ countries, 70+ of which are located in Hong Kong. 

As well as using standard servers, subscribers can choose to use those optimized for connecting to the Tor network, P2P sharing, traffic obfuscation, and double encryption (via its Double VPN feature).

In 2020, NordVPN donated more than 470 VPN licenses to support NGOs and activists during the protests against China’s criminalization of dissent. More recently, the provider has been praised for making its Meshnet tool free for anyone to use. It has also made its Linux client open-source.

NordVPN operates a strict no-logs policy and has twice had its infrastructure audited by PwC. It has also undergone penetration testing by the security research group VerSprite. The provider protects users’ internet data using 256-bit AES channel encryption, SHA384 for authentication, and a 3072-bit DHE-RSA key exchange.

NordVPN works with all the major streaming platforms, and its proprietary connection protocol provides speeds fast enough for watching 4K content without buffering. 

Pleasingly easy-to-use apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. These are all equipped with a kill switch, split tunneling, and a dark web monitor. In total, you can connect up to 10 devices at the same time.

Since an attack on a third-party data center in Finland in 2018, NordVPN has upgraded its entire infrastructure to RAM-only servers, with the ultimate plan to make them all colocated. Colocation involves housing servers in purpose-built data centers that allow for their management by the VPN provider, rather than third parties. 

BEST VPN FOR HONG KONG: NordVPN is our top recommendation. It has 70+ servers in Hong Kong, impressively fast connection speeds, and plenty of security features. You can try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark has gone from strength to strength. In 2022, it announced a merger with Nord Security, the parent company of NordVPN. The provider nevertheless continues to operate autonomously, offering its own take on what a VPN service should offer. This includes unlimited device connections, a GPS-spoofing feature in Android, and a full GUI for Linux users.

As part of its Nexus technology – which links all of its VPN servers – Surfshark rotates users’ IP addresses without disconnecting from the VPN. It also enables subscribers to create MultiHop connections by manually choosing entry and exit servers. Both tools serve to increase overall security, which is invaluable for users in places like Hong Kong.

Surfshark VPN has 50+ servers in Hong Kong, all of which are RAM-only – as is its entire network of 3,000+ servers in 100+ countries. It has an audited no-logs policy and protects user traffic using a combination of 256-bit AES encryption, a SHA512 authentication hash, and 2048-bit DHE-RSA key exchange.

The provider works well with all major streaming services and has a smart DNS feature that enables otherwise VPN-incompatible devices like games consoles and smart TVs to access geo-restricted content. 

Apps are consistent across platforms and available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. Features include a CleanWeb tool that acts as a tracker, ad and malware blocker; automatic connection to P2P servers when an open torrent client is detected; and access to effective obfuscation. Its private search engine is hidden behind an additional paywall (Surfshark One), but it's not needed to bypass online censorship.

GREAT VALUE: Surfshark has 50+ RAM-only servers in Hong Kong and 100+ other countries. These provide fast, secure, and private connections. Subscriptions include unlimited device connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN is popular with those who don’t mind paying a little more for its additional attention to detail. For example, ExpressVPN has a dedicated Onion site on the Tor network, and its Trusted Server technology involves measures such as reinstalling the operating systems of all servers on a weekly basis.

Other features include a proprietary Lightway connection protocol; a Threat Manager, which prevents access to websites harboring malware; and a kill switch.

ExpressVPN provides seamless access to all major streaming services and is fast enough to stream 4K content without buffering. Its MediaStreamer tool enables devices like smart TVs and games consoles to get connected, too.

Intuitive apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, Nvidia Shield, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. ExpressVPN is unusual in that it also provides a dedicated app for routers. This makes it possible for those with little computing experience to protect every device on their home networks. All apps are free from DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks.

In 2021, ExpressVPN was acquired by cybersecurity firm Kape Technologies. Now the owner of several VPNs and other security companies, Kape previously operated as Crossrider, which achieved a level of notoriety for selling software that could inject ad-ware into users’ browsers.

Despite having new owners, ExpressVPN continues to operate autonomously. It has had its infrastructure and apps audited several times, brought in third-party penetration testers to probe its security, and offered a one-time $100,000 bug bounty for anyone able to compromise its systems.

TRUSTED SERVERS: ExpressVPN has a worldwide network of high-speed RAM-only servers, with several options available in Hong Kong. It works seamlessly with streaming providers and its subscription plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

Proton VPN is well-respected by journalists, whistleblowers, and grassroots activists. Its 42+ servers in Hong Kong provide fast and private connections, with usable long-distance connections more likely thanks to a speed acceleration tool.

In addition to its regular servers, Proton VPN gives subscribers access to what it calls Secure Core servers. These route traffic through Proton VPN’s own high security data centers located in countries with strong privacy laws. For example, the two Secure Core servers in Hong Kong route traffic through servers in Iceland and Switzerland.

The service works well with popular streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and Netflix. It also provides guidance on its website for accessing platforms such as Peacock, HBO Max, Hotstar, and F1 TV.

Proton VPN apps – which are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, and Linux – are all open-source and straightforward to use. Subscribers can use them with up to 10 devices simultaneously. 

Features include easy access to the Tor network; split tunneling; a tracker, ad and malware blocker; built-in leak protection; and a kill switch, which stops the flow of internet traffic if the VPN connection drops out. 

ProtonVPN uses its own private DNS servers as standard, and protects subscribers’ internet data using 256-bit AES encryption with a SHA384 hash and 4096-bit RSA keys for the OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols. For WireGuard, it uses ChaCha20 for symmetric encryption, which is authenticated with Poly1305.

STRONG ON PRIVACY: Proton VPN has multiple server options in Hong Kong, with high-security options available. Connection speeds are decent, as is the access to major streaming platforms. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

Mullvad strives for complete transparency and has a dedication to privacy that will no doubt be valued by anyone in Hong Kong. It has 9+ servers in the region and provides decent connection speeds – though it’s not the best option for streaming. 

The subscription fee remains the same regardless of whether you sign up for one month or one year. Moreover, it hasn't increased in price since 2009. Mullvad VPN is the only VPN that we’re aware of that allows cash payments for subscriptions and doesn’t require an email address to sign up.

Features include automatic WireGuard key rotation, split tunneling, obfuscation, and a kill switch. Mullvad VPN also provides access to MultiHop servers and the Shadowsocks proxy – though the latter isn’t recommended for use in Hong Kong, as it doesn’t provide encryption.

All Mullvad VPN apps have a full GUI and are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. Anyone who cannot use the Mullvad VPN app can download configuration files to use with the official WireGuard or OpenVPN clients.

The company has a detailed privacy policy and has had both its security infrastructure and software independently audited. 

PRIVATE AND SECURE: Mullvad VPN enables anonymous signup and has plenty of options for connections in Hong Kong. Its no-logs policy has been independently audited and its fixed-fee subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of Mullvad.

CyberGhost VPN is an understandably popular provider, with 11,500+ RAM-only servers in 100+ countries around the world, and some of the fastest connection speeds available.

It has 50+ servers in Hong Kong, as well as options to connect to high-security NoSpy servers. Housed in CyberGhost VPN’s own Romanian data center, its NoSpy servers – which are an add-on to normal subscriptions – provide faster speeds, extra bandwidth, and a dedicated uplink.

CyberGhost VPN apps are easy for anyone to use and available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. Features include leak protection, 24/7 customer support via live chat, and excellent access to the major streaming platforms. It allows you to connect up to seven devices simultaneously

Split tunneling is available, though only fully on Android. Windows users can do something similar by setting up a URL bypass using the Smart Rules tool, which is designed to allow specific apps to connect to specific servers.  

Like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost VPN has been bought by Kape Technologies. Now part of a portfolio which includes Private Internet Access, Zenmate VPN, and the aforementioned ExpressVPN. CyberGhost VPN continues to prove its commitment to privacy and security by adhering to a strict no-logs policy that’s been independently audited by Deloitte. It also continues to issue quarterly transparency reports, where it details requests made for data from third parties. 

FAST CONNECTIONS: CyberGhost VPN has 50+ RAM-only servers in Hong Kong, and a presence in 100+ countries overall. It provides extremely fast connection speeds and excellent access to streaming services. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost VPN.

IPVanish owns and operates all of its 2,400+ servers in 140+ locations, including Hong Kong. Thanks to its fast speeds and excellent unblocking ability, it's a reliable option for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. Plus, it's very popular with the Kodi community. Unlimited simultaneous connections allow you to connect as many devices as you like at once.

For those worried about it being based in the US, fear not, as it offers a strict no-logs policy to keep your information private. Other security features include 256-bit encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default, SHA512 authentication, and a DHE-RSA 2,048-bit key exchange with perfect forward secrecy. It also recently added a tool that blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites, protecting users against online threats.

IPVanish offers a decent Advanced plan for a small extra fee, which includes a sandboxed secure browser and 1TB of cloud storage. In our opinion, both the Basic and Advanced plans offer excellent value for money.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, and it supports routers and Linux systems (they will need to be manually configured). Should you encounter any issues, you can contact the customer support team 24/7 via live chat.

UNLIMITED SIMULTANEOUS DEVICES: IPVanish lets you connect all of your devices at the same time, which is an excellent perk for large families and users with a lot of gadgets. Popular with the Kodi community, it is a reliable choice for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. Solid security features and a strict no-logs policy. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

Testing methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for Hong Kong

VPNs are useful for anyone who spends time online – whether that’s organizing meet-ups or streaming reruns of A Kindred Spirit. Because VPN software is required to fulfill several tasks at once, it can sometimes be difficult to choose between providers. This is why we use a specific list of criteria to objectively compare them. This includes the following:

• Servers in Hong Kong: The best VPNs to use in Hong Kong are those with servers within the city. These provide the fastest and most consistent connections for residents, while also enabling those from abroad to connect to online services that would otherwise be off-limits to those outside Hong Kong. 
• Fast connection speeds: Hong Kong has some of the world’s fastest fixed broadband speeds. The last thing you want, then, is to pay for a VPN service that markedly slows it down. We regularly test all of the top VPN providers to ensure that we only recommend those that are fast enough for day-to-day tasks like streaming, gaming, and VoIP calls.  
• Strong privacy and security features: With the China-imposed crackdown on civil liberties showing no signs of diminishing, it’s important for anyone in Hong Kong to use a VPN that can provide robust privacy and security. At the very minimum, this should include 256-AES encryption, leak protection, a strict no-logs policy, and a kill switch. We also value those providers that can provide access to MultiHop servers, as well as obfuscation and split tunneling. Ideally, there will be a selection of VPN protocols to choose from. 
• Access to streaming services: While most paid-for VPNs have little trouble accessing local Hong Kong TV channels like ViuTV and TVB, it’s a different story when it comes to international streaming platforms. Very few providers work with the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime, thanks to their ever-improving ability to detect and then block VPNs.
• Value for money: Access to a decent VPN service means, unfortunately, paying for a subscription. However, it is usually possible to find a good quality provider without spending vast amounts. We try to find those providers that represent good value for money at a range of price points. 
• User-friendly apps: Not everyone is proficient or competent with computers. The better VPNs cater to all types of users by making apps with intuitive graphical user interfaces (GUIs) that are consistent across a wide range of platforms. These should also provide easy access to more advanced features that enable those with experience to configure the service to their liking.
• Helpful customer support: An easily accessible and responsive customer support team can make all the difference in whether subscribers use a VPN service long-term. The best providers offer 24/7 live chat in addition to a searchable knowledge base stocked with up-to-date information.

Bonus points

In addition to the above, we also require our top three providers to have the following:

• Access to China: The flow of internet traffic in and out of China is monitored and filtered by the Chinese state. The blocks enacted as part of the so-called Great Firewall are sophisticated and able to prevent all but the best VPNs from gaining access to the country. 
• Diskless servers: Servers that cannot store permanent records of user information pose a security risk. In light of this, the better VPN providers have transitioned to RAM-only servers that are effectively wiped clean at every reboot. RAM-only servers are also preferable in terms of efficiency, as they can all run from identical copies of the most recent software. 
• Incorporation outside the scope of intelligence alliances: Rather than spy on their own citizens and risk breaking national laws, several governments rely instead on intelligence gathered – and then shared – by foreign intelligence agencies working within their own borders. The 5/9/14 Eyes alliances gather data from mass surveillance and share it with other countries in the alliance. To avoid being co-opted by such alliances, some VPNs choose to register themselves in countries that have no known affiliation. Examples include Panama and the British Virgin Islands.
• Audited software and infrastructure: As several court cases have demonstrated, some VPNs with ostensible no-logs policies have managed to produce identifiable data when required to do so by the state. To restore consumer faith and protect their own systems, the better providers have their software and infrastructure audited by third parties. These audits confirm that user data cannot be inadvertently retained, while also identifying any vulnerabilities or potential exploits. Strict no-logging policies will always be preferred. 

How to use a VPN in Hong Kong or abroad

If you wish to access geo-restricted content in Hong Kong or when you're traveling overseas, you will need a VPN. Fortunately, getting set up with a VPN is simple if you follow these steps.

How to set up a VPN for Hong Kong:

1. Choose a suitable VPN from this list. Our number-one choice is NordVPN, thanks to its extensive server network in Hong Kong and internationally, fast speeds, and excellent unblocking ability. Plus, it offers strong security features and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Download the VPN's app onto your device(s). Some providers, such as Surfshark and IPVanish, offer unlimited simultaneous connections.
3. Open up the app and log in.
4. Select a server in Hong Kong or another location around the world. This will give you an IP address in that country.
5. Once a connection has been established, you can access geo-restricted content without any issues.

If this doesn't work, try clearing your cache and cookies and reloading the page. Still experiencing issues? Get in touch with your VPN provider's customer support team.

Is it illegal to use a VPN in Hong Kong?

No, VPNs are legal in Hong Kong. That said, they should not be used to do anything illegal. For example, under the region’s Copyright Ordinance, copyright owners can take legal action against anyone infringing copyright without their permission. It’s also illegal to send unsolicited ”indecent” or “obscene” messages. The enactment of the National Security Law – see below – has made a host of other online activities potentially illegal, too.   

Can I use a free VPN in Hong Kong?

We wouldn’t recommend it. Most free VPNs that rely on advertising for income have some form of logging policy. Should the authorities come knocking, they will be able to provide information about you. Most free VPNs employ trackers, and some sell user data to third parties. Free VPNs also tend to be slow. With too many users for their oftentimes tiny server networks, speed issues are commonplace. Some operate a queuing system to deal with excessive load, while others will just refuse connections altogether.

You'll be missing out on many robust security features, while slower speeds and fewer server locations are to be expected. Accessing streaming content will be tough, as many popular platforms are blocked when using a free VPN service. 

Best VPNs for Hong Kong: FAQs

What is the National Security Law?

Imposed by Beijing in 2020, the National Security Law (NSL) punishes – with up to life imprisonment – what the Chinese authorities loosely define as subversion, secession, collusion with foreign forces, and terrorism.

This has led to the forced closure of several independent media outlets, the arrest of journalists, and a chilling effect throughout the region. 

According to a report by the OPTF, the NSL allows a “designated police officer” to order the takedown of messages or content on any electronic platform deemed “likely to constitute an offense endangering national security or is likely to cause the occurrence of an offense endangering national security”. 

The NSL also gives Hong Kong’s chief executive the authority to authorize the police to intercept communications and conduct surveillance to “prevent and detect offenses endangering national security”.

Concerned citizens are increasingly turning to VPNs to hide their online activity.

Is the internet censored in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong has a long history of internet freedom, which appears to be coming to an end with China’s renewed attempts to assert control in the region. Since the NSL was enacted, eight websites have been blocked inside Hong Kong, including HKChronicles, June 4th Online Museum, and Hong Kong Watch.

Apple has also been accused of censoring content by making use of a blacklist of websites produced in China. 

Before 2022, it had used the Google Safe Browsing list to prevent users in Hong Kong from unintentionally connecting to an unsafe site. However, in late 2022, Apple's Safari privacy notice was updated to say that the Chinese-produced Tencent list would be used for devices in Hong Kong, rather than just those in China. 

What TV can I watch in Hong Kong using a VPN?

Although Cantonese is the primary language in Hong Kong, over half the population also speak English. The result of this is that there’s plenty of local English-language TV. Using a VPN, you can access a range of free-to-view channels, including ViuTV, and TVB.

Can I access British services with a VPN in Hong Kong?

Yes. If you want to watch BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, Channel 5, Sky Go, TNT Sports, Now TV, or any other British streaming service, you can do so with a VPN. By connecting to a VPN server in the UK, you get a valid IP address there. This means that you appear to be back in Britain and can use any local services that are usually region-locked. Tosi is useful to watch British TV and streaming platforms, access UK internet banking or financial services, use British bookies, and access British shopping websites.

Do I need a VPN for public WiFi in Hong Kong?

We recommend using a VPN on public WiFi in Hong Kong for several reasons. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic to prevent eavesdroppers from monitoring your web visits for profiling purposes. This keeps your data secure and private. This is vital when using public WiFi networks, as users are vulnerable to being tracked by the WiFi provider and its ISP. The encryption provided by a VPN also prevents your data from falling victim to insecure or badly set up public WiFi hotspots, or evil twins set up by hackers in locations where you would expect to find public WiFi.

Using a VPN allows you to bypass censorship or restrictions imposed by the government or network administrators in Hong Kong. This is especially important in Hong Kong, where there have often been concerns about internet freedom and privacy.

By using a VPN on public WiFi in Hong Kong, you can ensure a higher level of security, privacy, and freedom while accessing the internet. However, it's important to choose a reputable and trustworthy VPN service that values user privacy and provides robust encryption for your data.