Best FREE VPN For Hong Kong in 2024 [Reliable And Secure]

Government surveillance and censorship in Hong Kong are rising, threatening internet freedom. Popular services like TikTok, ChatGPT, and Clubhouse have been shut down due to regulatory pressures. As a result, residents and visitors are turning to the best free VPN for Hong Kong to connect to the wider world at no cost safely.

However, while free VPNs encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address, they often have limitations like data caps, slower speeds, and fewer server choices, which can impact your online experience. After thorough testing, I’ve shortlisted the Best free VPN services that help you maintain privacy and enjoy unrestricted internet access in Hong Kong.

I, still recommend a premium VPN service for a more reliable and secure experience. Premium HK VPNs like ExpressVPN provide extensive server networks and enhanced security features for an optimal online experience.

Should I Use a Free VPN in Hong Kong?

Using a VPN in Hong Kong enhances online privacy and security, but the effectiveness varies greatly between free and premium services. Free VPNs have limitations in speed and server options. Additionally, they share data with third parties or government entities. Research by CSIRO found that over 75% of free VPNs have at least one third-party tracker.

Given the surveillance risks in Hong Kong, a free VPN does not provide adequate protection. For stronger security, I recommend a premium VPN. Services like ExpressVPN offer advanced encryption and extensive server networks. They adhere to no-logging policies to ensure superior privacy for online activities in Hong Kong.

The Best Free VPN for Hong Kong [In-Depth Analysis]

Go through the top free VPNs for Hong Kong through my detailed analysis. I’ve evaluated the best options based on performance, security, and ease of use to help you maintain privacy and access the internet without restrictions.

1. ExpressVPN – Best Free Trial VPN for Hong Kong

ExpressVPN is the best free trial VPN in Hong Kong, offering unmatched speed, security, and a user-friendly experience. Its 30-day money-back guarantee service is ideal for those seeking temporary yet full access to a VPN’s capabilities without immediate commitment.

Server Network

ExpressVPN boasts a vast server network in 105 countries, including 2 options specifically in Hong Kong. This extensive ExpressVPN servers list for Hong Kong users ensures reliable and fast connections for regional users, facilitating excellent access to local and international content.

Streaming Experience

Using ExpressVPN in Hong Kong has significantly enhanced my online freedom and privacy. The local servers are reliably fast, making streaming content from platforms like TVB, Viu TV, and Netflix HK seamless and buffer-free.

I could enjoy local HK TV shows on ViuTV in HD with ExpressVPN.

Bandwidth and Speed

ExpressVPN offers unlimited bandwidth and Lightway protocol. This makes it perfect for streaming, gaming, and downloading without experiencing lag or interruptions, even during peak times.

During my ExpressVPN speed test in Hong Kong, it delivered a download speed of 89.42 Mbps and an upload speed of 84.64 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.

These speeds were enough to stream video in 4K quality.

Security and Privacy Features

Its best-in-class encryption standards, a no-logs policy, and TrustedServer technology make ExpressVPN safe to use in Hong Kong and ensure that all data is wiped with every reboot of their servers. Additional features like split tunneling and ExpressVPN kill switch in Hong Kong protect DNS leaks, enhancing user security and privacy.

Ease of Use and Device Compatibility

ExpressVPN is renowned for its simple, intuitive interface for beginners and advanced users. It is compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. The ExpressVPN MediaStreamer in Hong Kong extends compatibility to devices not typically supporting VPNs, such as smart TVs and gaming consoles.

Simultaneous Connections

Users can benefit from up to 8 simultaneous connections under a single subscription, allowing multiple devices to be secured simultaneously. This is particularly useful for families or individuals with various gadgets.

Free Trial and Pricing

While on the higher end, the pricing HKD 52.22/mo (US$ 6.67/mo) - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free reflects the premium service quality and features provided. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee as an ExpressVPN free trial in Hong Kong on all platforms, providing ample time to test its features thoroughly before committing to a subscription.

Discover all ExpressVPN offers by reading the detailed ExpressVPN review in Hong Kong.

2. Windscribe – Best Free VPN for Hong Kong with Generous 10 GB/Data

Windscribe is acclaimed as the best free VPN Hong Kong service for its generous 10 GB monthly data allowance. It combines robust security features with respectable speeds, making it an excellent choice for users who need reliable, albeit limited, VPN access without any cost.

Free Servers with Hong Kong

As for servers, Windscribe offers servers in 11 locations on its free version. These include the USA, the UK, Canada, France, Netherlands, Switzerland, Romania, Hong Kong, Germany, Turkey, and Norway.

The free server in Hong Kong is a rarity among free VPN services. This local presence significantly boosts connection speeds and reliability, allowing users to access local content and international websites easily.

Streaming Experience

Using Windscribe with TVB has been a predominantly positive experience. The local servers of Windscribe work with Netflix in Hong Kong well and offer stable connections for streaming local shows and accessing geo-restricted content without noticeable lag.

I enjoyed catching up on Korean shows of TVB with the Windscribe HK server.

Bandwidth and Speed

Despite being a free service, Windscribe provides impressive speeds and up to 10 GB of monthly data. This bandwidth is sufficient for moderate streaming and web browsing, making it a practical option for casual VPN users in Hong Kong.

When I tested Windscribe speed in Hong Kong on a 100 Mbps connection, I got a download speed of 65.21 Mbps and an upload speed of 34.75 Mbps.

With these speeds, I faced no buffering throughout streaming.

Security and Privacy Features

Windscribe does not skimp on security; it offers strong encryption, a robust firewall (kill switch), and a strict no-logging policy. The platform also includes features like ad-blocking and an anti-tracker that enhance browsing privacy.

Ease of Use and Device Compatibility

The VPN client from Windscribe is simple to navigate and suitable for beginners. It supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, with Chrome, Firefox, and Opera browser extensions. Windscribe allows unlimited devices on a single account, which is exceptionally generous, especially for a free service.

Free Trial and Pricing

While the Windscribe free trial in Hong Kong is exceptionally competitive for those needing more than 10 GB, its paid plans offer unlimited data and server access in over 63 countries. The $5.75/month pricing for these plans is reasonable.

In case you face any difficulties, you can always talk to Windscribe’s live chatbot ‘Garry‘ or submit a request. For more information, check out the Windscribe review in Hong Kong.

3. Proton VPN – Best Free VPN for Hong Kong with Unlimited Bandwidth

ProtonVPN is the top free VPN for Hong Kong, especially notable for its unlimited bandwidth offer. This makes it an ideal choice for users in Hong Kong seeking a robust VPN solution without worrying about data limits.

Servers Network

ProtonVPN provides 5 free servers – USA, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and Japan. These servers are optimized to deliver good speeds and reliability to access global content securely.

For a server in Hong Kong, ProtonVPN offers this option in its paid plans. This local server is perfect for accessing Hong Kong-specific content at higher speeds and with greater stability.

Streaming Experience

My experience with the ProtonVPN in Hong Kong has been highly satisfactory. I got a Hong Kong VPN free server through a money-back guarantee and enjoyed uninterrupted streaming on Netflix. Enhancing my streaming experience, it is the best free VPN for Netflix in Hong Kong.

ProtonVPN is connected to the HK server and provides easy access to Netflix.

Bandwidth and Speed

ProtonVPN stands out with its unlimited bandwidth, which is rare in the VPN market. This feature is handy for continuous streaming, extensive browsing, and downloading without the stress of hitting a data cap.

My ProtonVPN speed test in Hong Kong was quite remarkable. On a connection of 100 Mbps, the VPN delivered a download speed of 65.12 Mbps and an upload speed of 59.32 Mbps.

These speeds allowed us to browse and stream without buffering.

Security and Privacy Features

Security is a major strength of ProtonVPN, featuring military-grade 256-bit encryption, a no-logs policy, and secure core servers that route traffic through multiple servers before exiting the internet. This multi-layered approach greatly enhances user privacy and data security.

Ease of Use and Device Compatibility

ProtonVPN offers easy-to-use Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android applications. It also supports connections on multiple devices simultaneously, although the free plan is limited to one device at a time.

Free Trial and Pricing

While ProtonVPN’s free version is robust, offering unlimited bandwidth, the premium versions provide additional benefits such as access to Secure Core servers and P2P support. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee on ProtonVPN pricing plans in Hong Kong to test these premium features.

You can learn more about this service in a comprehensive ProtonVPN review in Hong Kong.

4. PrivadoVPN – Fastest Free VPN for Hong Kong

PrivadoVPN is recognized as the fastest free VPN for Hong Kong, offering a balanced blend of speed, security, and user-friendly features. It’s particularly commended for its strong privacy policies and robust WireGuard protocol for speed.

Free Servers

PrivadoVPN free version allows 13 server locations – Argentina, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Japan and the United States.

Although servers in Hong Kong are reserved for paid subscribers, this setup ensures optimal performance and access to local content for those opting for the premium service.

Streaming Experince

Although PrivadoVPN’s free service doesn’t include a Hong Kong server, the free server’s performance is robust. Its free US server provides stable and fast connections for streaming HD content on various platforms, including Netflix, Disney+, and Peacock TV, without buffering issues.

I was able to unblock the Disney+ US library in Hong Kong with PrivadoVPN

Bandwidth and Speed

The free version of PrivadoVPN offers respectable speeds with a generous 10 GB of data per month. During the PrivadoVPN speed test, we got a decent download speed of 86.50 Mbps and an upload speed of 57.87 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.

PrivadoVPN servers provided faster speeds than distant servers.

Security and Privacy Features

PrivadoVPN prioritizes privacy and security, offering AES-256 encryption, OpenVPN, and WireGuard protocols. These measures ensure that your online activities are secure and your privacy is maintained while using their service.

Ease of Use and Device Compatibility

PrivadoVPN is known for its intuitive app, making navigating easy for users of all tech levels. It supports many devices, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, and even supports routers and firesticks. The free plan allows one device connection at a time, while the paid version supports up to 10 simultaneous connections.

Free Trial and Pricing

PrivadoVPN offers a free plan with 10 GB of monthly data, which is quite competitive. For unlimited access and additional features like the Hong Kong servers, their paid plans are reasonably priced and provide excellent value.

You can learn more about this service in our PrivadoVPN review in Hong Kong.

5. Hide.Me – Secure Free VPN for Hong Kong

Hide.Me is one of the best free VPNs for Hong Kong due to its strong emphasis on security and privacy. This service offers a robust free plan that provides reliable protection without costing a penny.

Free Servers

Hide.Me offers 7 free servers in the USA, UK, France, Germany, Finland, Netherlands, and Switzerland. Access to servers in Hong Kong is available through its paid plan. This setup allows users to experience high-quality connections and access to local content when opting for the premium service.

Personal Experience

Using free servers improved my access to streaming platforms like Amazon Prime in Hong Kong. The connection is consistently fast and reliable, enabling me to stream high-definition content smoothly without interruptions.

Hide.me free VPN server in USA help me bypass Amazon Prime geo-restrictions

Bandwidth and Speed

The free version of Hide.Me provides users with 10 GB of monthly data, suitable for moderate use, ensuring a smooth online experience. When tested for speeds on a connection of 100 Mbps, Hide.Me free VPN HK delivered a download speed of 57.16 Mbps and an upload speed of 48.91 Mbps.

Using these speeds, I could enjoy accessing our favorite sites easily.

Security and Privacy Features

Security is a cornerstone of Hide.Me’s offerings feature strong AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and IP leak protection. Moreover, it offers advanced protocols such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, SoftEther, and SSTP. These features guarantee that your online activities remain anonymous from prying eyes.

Ease of Use and Device Compatibility

Hide.Me apps have a user-friendly interface. The VPN is compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android and supports routers and smart TVs. It supports connections on 10 devices simultaneously, although the free plan is limited to one device at a time.

Free Trial and Pricing

Hide.Me’s free plan is competitive, providing 10 GB of monthly data. For those who need more from their VPN, such as unlimited data and access to Hong Kong servers, Hide.Me offers paid plans for $2.22 per month.

You can learn more about this service in my Hide.Me review in Hong Kong.

Side-by-Side Comparison of the Best Free VPN for Hong Kong in 2024

When choosing the best free VPN Hong Kong, it’s important to compare the features of each service. Here’s a detailed comparison of the top free VPN HK services and a premium option:

VPNs
Ranking	1	2	3	4	5
Rating	8.1/10	7.3/10	7/10	6.8/10	5.7/10
Jurisdiction	British Virgin Island	Canada	Switzerland	Switzerland	Malaysia
Data Usage Limit	Unlimited	10GB/month	Unlimited	10GB/month	10GB/month
Servers Locations	105 countries	11 countries	5 countries	13 countries	7 countries
Servers in Hong Kong	2 paid servers	1 free server	34 paid server	1 paid server for Hong Kong, SAR China	1 paid server for Hong Kong
Local Download Speed on 100 Mbps	89.42 Mbps	65.12 Mbps	65.21 Mbps	86.5 Mbps	57.16 Mbps
Services Unblocked	Netflix, Viu, Tubi, TVB, Disney+ and all social media services	Netflix, Viu, TVB, Disney+ and all social media services	Netflix, Facebook, YouTube, Disney+, Tiktok	Netflix, Facebook, YouTube, Disney+, Tiktok, and more	Netflix, Facebook, YouTube, and more
P2P support	Yes	Yes	No (Paid Plan)	Yes	Yes
Verified no log policy	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Split Tunneling	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Compatibility	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, FireStick, Roku, and more	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS.	Windows, Mac, iOS, Android	Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
Simaltenous Connections	8	Unlimited	1 on the free plan	1 on the free plan	1 on the free plan

Testing Methodology: How I Tested the Best Free VPN for Hong Kong

I developed a comprehensive testing methodology covering several critical aspects to determine the best free VPNs for Hong Kong. Here’s how each category was evaluated:

1. Hong Kong Server Locations (30%)

Each VPN on the list requires at least one server in Hong Kong to qualify for obtaining a Hong Kong IP address. I scrutinized the VPNs’ server lists to ensure they included multiple servers in Hong Kong and nearby locations like Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, enhancing network reliability and speed.

2. Hong Kong Streaming (30%)

I tested each VPN’s ability to bypass these restrictions and stream Hong Kong-specific content, including local and international services that offer Cantonese programming. This included extensive testing with Hong Kong Netflix and Disney+ to ensure users enjoy a wide range of streaming content.

3. Speed (20%)

I conducted manual tests to measure download and upload speeds and ping times before and after connecting to Hong Kong servers from the US. High-speed performance is crucial for streaming, downloading, and browsing with minimal lag.

4. Data Cap Considerations

While free VPNs may suffice for casual use, it’s important to note that data limitations can restrict streaming, downloading, and extended browsing activities. This impacts the overall utility of a VPN service, especially for users with higher data needs.

5. Security & Technical Features (10%)

I assessed how effectively each VPN protects online traffic using Wireshark and leak test tools. A high score in this category required advanced security features such as robust encryption protocols, leak protection, and a functional kill switch to safeguard your data consistently.

6. Privacy & Logging Policy (10%)

I thoroughly reviewed each VPN’s privacy policy to determine how much user data is collected and stored. The best VPN Hong Kong free plan maintains no logs of identifiable user data and employs diskless servers to prevent the retention of sensitive information, enhancing user privacy.

Why Do I Need a VPN in Hong Kong?

Using a free VPN in Hong Kong offers several advantages, from accessing local content to enhancing online privacy. Here’s why you might need a VPN in this region:

Internet Censorship in Hong Kong

Internet freedom in Hong Kong has declined since the National Security Law was enacted in 2020. This legislation grants the government extensive authority to monitor and censor digital activities by demanding user data from ISPs and blocking illegal online content.

Following the law’s implementation, the government requested major online platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Google to remove content related to pro-democracy movements. Due to these actions, Freedom House now categorizes Hong Kong’s internet freedom status as “partly free.”

Given this challenging environment, Hongkongers increasingly turn to VPNs to safeguard their privacy online. Using a free Hong Kong VPN helps them access restricted content and evade governmental surveillance, maintaining a semblance of internet freedom.

What Content and Services are Banned in Hong Kong?

Under the National Security Law, the Hong Kong government actively blocks pro-democracy websites, certain social media pages, and controversial news outlets. Additionally, the law extends to banning or restricting sites involved in pornography, gambling, and illegal file sharing.

The restrictive environment has led major services like TikTok to halt operations in Hong Kong due to concerns over stringent government oversight. Similarly, other social media giants such as Facebook and Twitter are reassessing their presence and compliance with the law in the region.

Are Free VPNs legal in Hong Kong?

Yes, using free VPNs in Hong Kong is legal as no specific laws prohibit their use, allowing individuals to circumvent government surveillance and enhance their online privacy and access platforms like TikTok and Netflix US without legal concerns.

Residents and travelers can freely purchase and utilize VPNs both domestically and internationally. However, with the implementation of the National Security Law, which allows the government to ban services considered a national security threat, the legality of VPNs could change if they are deemed problematic.

What Streaming Services Can I Watch with Hong Kong Free VPN?

Accessing new Cantonese drama series and movies from outside Hong Kong can be difficult due to restrictions on local streaming services and content availability only in Mandarin dubs.

I have reviewed free and paid popular streaming services for original Cantonese content availability; you can watch using Hong Kong free VPN. Here’s a summarized table of findings:

What Are the Risks of Using a Free VPN in Hong Kong?

Using a free VPN in Hong Kong comes with several risks that can impact your online security and privacy:

1. Limited Data Security: Free VPNs often lack robust encryption standards, leaving your data vulnerable to cyber threats. Without strong security measures, your sensitive information, such as passwords and banking details, might be exposed to hackers.
2. Privacy Concerns: Many free VPN providers may log and sell your browsing data to third parties for marketing purposes. This practice compromises your privacy and contradicts the fundamental purpose of using a VPN—to protect your online activities.
3. Restricted Features: Free VPNs typically have limitations on bandwidth, speed, server availability, and overall performance. These restrictions can severely impact your internet experience, particularly if you’re streaming or downloading large files.
4. Ad Intrusions: To generate revenue, some free VPNs might inject ads into your browsing or use tracking cookies to collect your data for advertisers. This annoys you and can slow your browsing speed, leading to a less secure internet environment.
5. Potential Malware Risks: There’s an increased risk of inadvertently downloading malware with some free VPN services. Malware can harm your device, steal your personal information, and even lead to identity theft.

Free VPN to Avoid for Hong Kong

When searching for a free VPN for Hong Kong, avoid VPNs with a reputation for compromising user privacy or a history of insecure practices. Some free VPNs may engage in unethical activities such as logging user data, displaying intrusive ads, or distributing malware.

Here are some free VPNs you should avoid using in Hong Kong:

Redditors About Using Free VPN for Accessing ChatGPT in Hong Kong?

Redditors suggest using a VPN to connect to a server in a different country to access ChatGPT in Hong Kong, as OpenAI restricts access to users in Hong Kong. They mentioned ProtonVPN to be very good with an excellent track record.

While some people have had trouble with ExpressVPN, my experience was smooth. I easily access restricted sites like Tiktok and Facebook along with ChatGPT using ExpressVPN.

FAQs – Best Free VPN for Hong Kong

Wrapping Up!

A VPN is essential in Hong Kong, where internet freedom is increasingly threatened. I have compiled the best free VPN for Hong Kong options, which offer basic security, speed, and reliability without any cost.

However, I recommend a comprehensive paid plan with a free trial from a reputable provider like ExpressVPN for enhanced functionality and uninterrupted service. This approach will ensure access to a wider range of features and more robust protection.