At a Glance
Whether you’re a Hong Kong resident taking a vacation, on a business trip, or an expat longing for a taste of home, you’re likely locked out of the online content that you enjoyed back home.
However, you’ll be glad to know that getting a Hong Kong IP address is easy with a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
How Does a VPN Open Up Access to Hong Kong Content from Abroad?
An IP address is what identifies your device on the internet, letting the world know where a request came from and where to send a response to. It also identifies your geographical location.
A VPN can “spoof” your IP address, giving you a new, temporary one that originates from Hong Kong. That way, even if you’re all the way in Timbuktu (literally), the internet will think you’re really in Hong Kong.
After thoroughly testing the top VPN providers out there, I’ve discovered the six best VPNs for getting a Hong Kong IP address.
How to Get an IP Address in Hong Kong
If you want an IP address in Hong Kong, all you have to do is follow these steps:
- Buy a subscription to a VPN service (I recommend NordVPN).
- Install the provider’s app(s) on your device(s).
- Find a server in Hong Kong and connect to it.
- Open up a Hong Kong-based site or service that is normally geo-blocked from where you are.
- Enjoy your favorite Hong Kong-based content!
GET A HONG KONG IP ADDRESS FOR FREE
You may only be leaving Hong Kong for a short time, for a vacation or a business trip. In that case, you can get a VPN service for free. All you have to do is sign up for a 30-day subscription and cancel it once you get back to Hong Kong, made possible by the VPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee.
Best VPNs for Getting a Hong Kong IP Address
Based on all the testing and research I’ve done, I’ve found that the following six VPNs are the best when it comes to getting a Hong Kong IP address. Here’s a short rundown if you’re short on time.
The best VPNs for getting a Hong Kong IP address:
- NordVPN: Top VPN for Hong Kong IP addresses. If you want the best of the best, look no further than NordVPN. This provider offers wide global server coverage, including servers in Hong Kong, alongside speedy connections, great security, and optimal app support. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Best budget VPN for Hong Kong IPs. This provider is the best for your wallet, offering a high level of service for a low cost. Its content-unblocking power is satisfying, and its customer support and multi-platform support are top-notch.
- ExpressVPN: Premium access to Hong Kong IP addresses. This provider is an excellent choice all-around, scoring well in multiple categories, such as global server coverage, multi-platform support, and connection speeds.
- CyberGhost: Best VPN option for rookie users. If you’ve never used a VPN before, CyberGhost is a good introduction. Its VPN apps are easy to use and offer one-click protection. It offers fast & reliable connections to your favorite Hong Kong content.
- Private Internet Access (PIA): Reliable access to Hong Kong content. PIA provides reliable access to IP addresses and content from inside Hong Kong borders, while also keeping its customers’ online activities incognito.
- PrivateVPN: Tiny but powerful. This provider’s global server network is small, but it does cover Hong Kong, and it offers fast download speeds and comprehensive privacy and security protections, which may make up for the limited server number.
How to Choose the Right VPN to Get an IP Address in Hong Kong
When it came time to assess the VPNs, I did so by examining these considerations:
- Offers servers in Hong Kong
- Provides fast download speeds
- Offers security and privacy protections that are top-notch
- Provides extensive multi-platform support
- Provides good customer support options
Best VPNs for a Hong Kong IP address – Summary table
We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for an IP address in Hong Kong.
No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | Private Internet Access | PrivateVPN |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | ExpressVPN.com | CyberGhost.com | Private Internet Access.com | PrivateVPN.com | Ranking for Hong Kong | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Streaming services | Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu | Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu | Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu | Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer | Netflix, Amazon Prime | Disney+, Hulu | Avg Speed (Mbps) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 73 Mbps | 39 Mbps | Total number of servers | 5,595 | 3,200 | 3,000 | 9,073 | 146 | 200+ | Simultaneous Connections | 6 | Unlimited | 5 | 7 | Unlimited | 10 |
Best deal (per month) | $3.39 Up to 76% off 2 year plans + free eSIM data | $2.19 86% off a 2yr Starter plan + 3 FREE mo | $4.99 61% off plus 4 months Free! | $2.19 SAVE up to 83% off 2 year plan + 2 months free | $2.19 Save 82% on a 2 year plan + Get 2 months free | $2.00 Save 85% on a 12 month plan + 24-mo/free |
Below you’ll find the best six VPNs for getting a Hong Kong IP address.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is the top VPN for getting a Hong Kong IP address to access HK content and services thanks to its super-fast connection speeds, comprehensive privacy protections, and government-grade encryption.
The provider offers 5,700+ servers in 60+ countries across the globe, with 70+ servers located in Hong Kong.
NordVPN’s connection speeds are among the fastest in the VPN industry, certainly offering enough oomph to handle most online activities.
In order to keep your connection safe from prying eyes, you need strong security features. NordVPN delivers, offering military-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, IPv6 and DNS leak protection, and ad and malware blocking. The provider also offers obfuscated servers and Double VPN, which makes your internet travels appear to be normal browser traffic.
NordVPN abides by a strict no-logs policy and accepts Bitcoin as a secure subscription payment method.
NordVPN also has owned-and-operated servers, keeping third-party contractors away from your personal information. Plus, all NordVPN servers are run 100% from RAM, so no data is ever written to a physical hard drive. This ensures that all data is wiped from the servers when they’re rebooted or powered down.
Multi-platform support is available in the form of native VPN apps for macOS (with native Apple silicon support), iOS, Android, Linux, Windows, Amazon Fire, and Android TV devices. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions make the scene, and support is available for multiple makes and models of routers.
Six devices can connect simultaneously to the service on a single account.
NordVPN provides excellent customer support with its always-available live chat, email support, and searchable support library.
Pros:
- Many servers in Hong Kong
- Comprehensive online security and privacy
- Bargain-basement pricing
- Incredibly fast speeds
- Wide app support
Cons:
- Apps aren’t exactly user friendly
BEST VPN FOR A HONG KONG IP ADDRESS:NordVPN is my #1 provider for getting a Hong Kong IP address to gain reliable access to HK content and services. Top-notch encryption and privacy keep your connection safe from the bad guys, and fast speeds mean no-buffer streaming sessions. A no-risk, 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
Surfshark may be your best option if you’re counting pennies and want a provider that will give you reliable access to Hong Kong content for a steal.
3,200+ servers in 100+ countries make up this provider’s network, and some of those servers are located in Hong Kong.
Want to watch HK streaming content in HD? Surfshark delivers excellent connection speeds for enjoying streaming services, gaming, and sharing files. There are also no data caps or bandwidth limitations to spoil the fun.
Military-level encryption, and kill switch and DNS leak protection, keep your internet travels safe from the prying eyes of your ISP or other interested parties. Surfshark also offers ad and tracking blocking, alongside malware scanning and phishing protection.
On top of all of that, Surfshark provides what’s called “MultiHop” protection, which routes your VPN connection through two VPN tunnels instead of one, increasing your security and anonymity.
Surfshark doesn’t save any usage logs, and it’s Bitcoin-friendly, offering a cryptocurrency subscription payment method. Plus, the provider has joined other providers in running all of its servers from RAM.
Surfshark offers native app support for the most popular platforms, including iOS, Android, macOS (with M1/M2 Mac support), Linux, Windows, and Amazon Fire TV devices. Edge, Firefox, and Chrome browsers are also available, as well as comprehensive router support.
You can connect an unlimited number of devices to Surfshark’s servers simultaneously thanks to its unlimited concurrent connections policy.
If you ever have a question about Surfshark’s services, customer support is available all the time. 24/7 live support chat, an email support option, and a searchable knowledge base all make the scene.
Pros:
- IP addresses in Hong Kong
- Unlimited concurrent connections
- Budget pricing
- MultiHop offers double encryption and anonymity
Cons:
- Apps lack some advanced features
BEST FOR BUDGET:Users who aren’t looking to spend too much on a VPN service provider will appreciate Surfshark’s bargain pricing for their satisfying service. Its privacy and security protections are top-notch, and it offers a rare unlimited simultaneous connections allowance. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of Surfshark.
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a solid provider that offers speedy, reliable, and well-protected connections to Hong Kong.
ExpressVPN offers a wide global server network totaling over 3,000 servers in 94+ countries around the world. One of those covered countries is Hong Kong.
When it comes to connection speeds, ExpressVPN is high up on the food chain. You can game, share files, and stream (in HD or 4K) with no problems and unlimited bandwidth.
Your connection is always highly protected thanks to government-grade encryption, kill switch protection, and IPv6 leak and DNS leak protection.
Your privacy is likewise protected thanks to a no-server-logs policy and a Bitcoin subscription payment option.
No matter which device you use, ExpressVPN likely has an app for that. There are native apps available for Android, iOS, macOS (with native M1/M2 Mac support), Windows, Linux, Chromebook, and Amazon Fire devices. Brave, Chrome, Edge, Vivaldi, and Firefox browser extensions are also available to protect your browsing sessions. Router compatibility is available, too.
Up to five devices can connect concurrently on a single monthly subscription or up to eight connections on long-term subscriptions.
Customer support is available around the clock, with support options ranging from always-available live support chat, email, a trouble ticket tracking system, and a searchable knowledge base.
Pros:
- Servers in Hong Kong
- Always-available customer support
- Excellent security and privacy protections
- Comprehensive multi-platform support
Cons:
- Higher priced than other providers
- Only allows five concurrent connections on monthly subscriptions
ALL-PURPOSE VPN:Because ExpressVPN performs well in multiple categories, you might want to choose it if you plan to perform a lot of different online activities. Fast connection speeds, great multi-platform support, and responsive customer support are all available from this provider. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of ExpressVPN.
4. CyberGhost
Readers who are new to the VPN world will want to check out CyberGhost, which offers easy-to-use apps for multiple devices.
This provider offers a whopping 9,000+ servers in 90+ countries, with over 70 of them located in Hong Kong.
CyberGhost’s download speeds are impressive, ensuring an excellent experience when you share files, play games, or stream TV shows and movies. There are no bandwidth limitations or data caps to worry about.
CyberGhost’s encryption is military-grade. It also offers kill switch protection, IPv6 and DNS leak protections, the ability to force websites to serve up HTTPS versions of their pages, and ad, malicious website and online tracker blocking. Those are a lot of features to keep your connection safe from prying eyes.
Your privacy is assured as well because of the provider’s no-logging policy and acceptance of Bitcoin as a payment option.
CyberGhost is also a leader when it comes to app support, offering easy-to-use apps with one-click protection for macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux, Android TV, and Amazon Fire devices. Your browsing sessions are secured thanks to Firefox and Chrome browser extensions, and the service is compatible with multiple makes and models of routers.
If you’re ever in need, CyberGhost’s customer support agents are there. 24/7 live chat, a support ticket system, and a searchable support library all combine to make a great customer support system.
Pros:
- Reliable servers in Hong Kong
- Fast, protected connections for popular devices
- Top-notch multi-platform app support
Cons:
- Advanced users might miss some options
- Doesn’t work in China
BEST FOR NEWBIE VPN USERS:With apps this simple, CyberGhost should be the top choice for any beginner VPN user. CyberGhost’s fast connection speeds and excellent privacy and security protections increase your return on investment. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of CyberGhost.
5. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) has 3,300+ servers stationed in 84+ countries (including Hong Kong), providing reliable access to IP addresses in Hong Kong and most other countries around the globe.
All PIA customers’ connections are protected by banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. The provider also offers blocking of ads, trackers, malware, and malicious websites.
PIA servers do not save any user logs, meaning there are no records kept of your online activities. Meanwhile, the provider’s Bitcoin subscription payment option keeps your payment information incognito, particularly when you use a disposable email address. PIA has also joined servers run from RAM club, saving no data to a physical hard drive or SSD.
PIA’s native app support options include offerings for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux devices. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are also available. The provider also works with a number of select router makes and models.
The provider puts no limit on the number of connections that PIA customers can make to the company’s servers, allowing users to protect all of their devices at once.
PIA’s connection speeds are the second slowest on this list. That said, they are still up to easily handling popular online activities. The provider never imposes data caps and never throttles users’ connections.
PIA’s support options include live chat, a trouble ticket system, and a support library.
Pros:
- Large global server network
- Comprehensive connection protection
- Comprehensive app support
Cons:
- Issues working in China and other restrictive countries
- Info in support library could stand an update
RELIABLE ACCESS TO HONG KONG IP ADDRESSES:Private Internet Access has a large global server network, providing well-protected connections to Hong Kong and several other countries. Customers can connect as many devices as they’d like to PIA’s servers. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of Private Internet Access.
6. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN hasn’t been around for very long, but even so, it’s made a name for itself when it comes to reliable VPN protection.
Unfortunately, PrivateVPN’s global server coverage is not very impressive. It’s true that its server network covers 63+ countries, but it only offers 200+ servers. Still, there’s at least one server in Hong Kong to fit your needs.
While PrivateVPN’s connection speeds are the slowest on this list, they can still handle streaming of HD content, gaming, and sharing files.
Security is a strong point for PrivateVPN. The provider offers military-grade encryption, IPv6 and DNS leak protection, as well as a “Stealth VPN” feature, which disguises your VPN traffic as normal browser traffic.
PrivateVPN lives up to its name by providing excellent privacy protections. The service follows a no-logs policy and accepts Bitcoin as a subscription payment option.
Multi-platform support is sparse, with native apps available only for iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows devices. Linux devices can be manually configured to work with PrivateVPN. There are no browser extensions to speak of.
However, PrivateVPN does offer router support, which will protect all of your devices through a single point of access. You can connect up to six devices simultaneously under a single set of login credentials.
There have been many times when live chat support was not available, even though the provider claims to offer 24/7 support. Still, there’s always the “contact us” form to fill out, or an FAQ section to search.
Pros:
- Available server(s) in Hong Kong
- Up to six simultaneous connections
- Comprehensive privacy and security protections
Cons:
- Global server coverage is a bit thin
- Lacks 24/7 customer support chat
ADVANCED OPTIONS FOR EXPERIENCED USERS:PrivateVPN offers advanced options for advanced users. The provider offers sound privacy and security protections for those who are especially privacy-conscious. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of PrivateVPN.
Methodology for Assessing VPNs to Get a Hong Kong IP Address
There are several features to consider when deciding on a VPN to grab an IP address from inside Hong Kong.
The list below includes just some of the features I considered when deciding on which VPN providers to recommend in this article.
- Connection speeds: A fast internet connection is your best friend. The VPNs on my list all provide connections that are up to easily handling most popular online activities.
- Global server network: The larger a VPN’s global server network, the better access you’ll have to IP addresses and geo-fenced content in other countries. Also, look for VPNs with more than a single server in each country, as that helps to prevent a single server from being overloaded by too many users at once.
- Value: A VPN provider’s true value can be determined by comparing its asking price against the features it offers. Every VPN on my list offers excellent value.
- Ease of use: Many of us own more than one connected device, meaning a provider’s native app support is quite important. The VPNs on this list offer easy-to-use apps for most popular device platforms.
- Security and privacy: VPN providers should offer banking-level encryption, kill switch protection, and DNS/IP leak prevention. A strict no-logs policy is also a must-have.
- Streaming: Streaming is one of the most popular online activities today, meaning that it’s important for a VPN to provide reliable access to streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and others.
The features I’ve listed above include just some of what I always research as part of my VPN testing methodology. This data-driven approach provides a better understanding of each VPN provider, allowing me to recommend only the VPNs that best fit my readers’ needs.
Why Are International Users Banned From Some Hong Kong Websites and Services?
If you’re outside of Hong Kong for any reason, you may be wondering why you can’t access Hong Kong-specific content from abroad.
The reason is that content providers, such as TV and movie producers, sign contracts with streaming platforms for the ability to use their content. There’s nearly always the caveat that the streaming provider can only show the content in certain regions, and not in others.
That way, TV and movie producers can make more money from their content by selling it to streaming providers in multiple regions.
You may have noticed from your international travels that the content you can access on, say, Netflix is different in another country than it is in Hong Kong. That’s an example of how content producers selectively sell their content.
Unfortunately, this is the new norm, and it can be frustrating for Hong Kong natives who are abroad and miss their home’s content.
Streaming content is not the only online content that’s affected. Gaming services, websites, and other kinds of streaming content (like music) may also be geo-blocked from access from outside of Hong Kong.
And let’s not forget about banks. Often, you have to be located in your home country to access your bank account. While this does offer enhanced security, it can be a major roadblock when you’re abroad.
How Is Content Geographically Blocked?
Every time a device connects to the internet, it’s assigned an IP address.
An IP address lets other devices on the internet know where a request came from and where a response should be sent to. It’s a lot like how your home address works for snail mail.
But also like a snail mail home address, your IP address reveals your physical location.
Because of this, when Hong Kong sites and services see your local IP address, they can decide whether or not to give you access to their content. If they see an IP address originating from outside the Hong Kong area, they can easily block you from accessing their content.
How Can I Access Blocked Hong Kong Content From Overseas?
In order to get access to Hong Kong content from overseas, you need to get an IP address located in Hong Kong.
A Virtual Private Network with servers in Hong Kong will enable you to get that IP address.
Since an IP address reveals your physical location, you need to be assigned a new, temporary IP address to make your device appear to be in Hong Kong.
Connecting to a VPN server in Hong Kong will do just that. That way, whether you’re really in Chicago, Sydney, Tokyo, or Los Angeles, it doesn’t matter, because your IP address will say that you’re in Hong Kong.
By “spoofing” your IP address in this way, you can gain access to Hong Kong-only content.
What Else Can a VPN Do?
A VPN can do more than just access content overseas. There are many other features that make a VPN a good investment.
A VPN also encrypts your connection, making it invisible to all the prying eyes, such as those of your Internet Service Provider (ISP), who would love to get a look at your data.
In addition, this encryption prevents your ISP from throttling your connection speeds just because you’re engaging in “unapproved of” activities, such as file sharing or streaming content from certain services.
If your ISP can’t see what activities you’re engaging in, it can’t throttle your connection speeds.
Can I Use a Free VPN Provider to Gain Access to Hong Kong Content?
Using a free VPN provider is always a bad idea.
First of all, many free Virtual Private Networks make you wait in a queue before allowing you to connect to their servers. Once you are allowed to connect, you may find that you have a limited server selection, if you’re allowed to pick a server at all. What if a server in Hong Kong isn’t an option?
In addition, in order for freebie VPNs to keep the lights on and servers humming, they have to make money somehow. Many of them do this by monitoring your internet travels and selling that information to advertisers and other nosy parties.
And that’s not even mentioning the unwanted ads and tracking cookies that some free VPN providers insert into your browsing sessions.
Not only that, but free VPNs will often throttle connection speeds and impose daily or monthly data caps on your connections. None of this makes for a good VPN experience.
Stick with a paid VPN provider – you’ll be glad you did.
VPN in Hong Kong FAQs
What About Internet Censorship in Hong Kong?
In July 2020, a new national security law in Hong Kong widened the powers of the government to censor online speech and shut down platforms. However, the government has yet to censor much, and the censorship in Hong Kong certainly pales in comparison to the censorship in China.
Although your connection is safe from monitoring when using a VPN to connect to the internet in Hong Kong, be aware that some sites and services may be unavailable and that some parts of the internet may be censored.
If you want total access to anything that Hong Kong may block, connect to a VPN server in a country with internet that’s more free, like the United States.
Is YouTube Banned in Hong Kong?
YouTube is still available in Hong Kong. Other social media sites, like Facebook, and search engines like Google, are still available as well. However, the social media platform TikTok is no longer available in Hong Kong.
Does Hong Kong Have the Great Firewall?
Sadly, in July 2020, a new national security law went into force, increasing internet censorship and police powers to monitor internet activities and block online platforms. Said Charles Mok, a pro-democracy lawmaker in the technology sector, “We are already behind the de facto firewall.”
That said, the VPN providers on this list still have servers that work reliably in Hong Kong, encrypting your internet connection so that no monitoring can take place.
Conclusion
Fans of Hong Kong content, expats and vacationers alike will find that NordVPN is the optimal option for reliable access to Hong Kong sites and services.
NordVPN not only supplies access to geo-restricted content in Hong Kong and many other places in the world, but it also protects your connections with bank-grade encryption and other security features. Its VPN connection speeds are super fast and its customer support and multi-platform support are the cream of the crop.
For more information or to subscribe to NordVPN, visit their website.
Contents [hide]
- At a Glance
- How Does a VPN Open Up Access to Hong Kong Content from Abroad?
- How to Get an IP Address in Hong Kong
- Best VPNs for Getting a Hong Kong IP Address
- How to Choose the Right VPN to Get an IP Address in Hong Kong
- Best VPNs for a Hong Kong IP address – Summary table
- 1. NordVPN
- 2. Surfshark
- 3. ExpressVPN
- 4. CyberGhost
- 5. Private Internet Access
- 6. PrivateVPN
- Methodology for Assessing VPNs to Get a Hong Kong IP Address
- Why Are International Users Banned From Some Hong Kong Websites and Services?
- How Is Content Geographically Blocked?
- How Can I Access Blocked Hong Kong Content From Overseas?
- What Else Can a VPN Do?
- Can I Use a Free VPN Provider to Gain Access to Hong Kong Content?
- VPN in Hong Kong FAQs
- What About Internet Censorship in Hong Kong?
- Is YouTube Banned in Hong Kong?
- Does Hong Kong Have the Great Firewall?
- Conclusion