Olivia joined Tom's Guide in October 2023 as part of the core Future Tech Software team, and is the Commissioning Editor at Tom's Guide. With a background in cybersecurity, Olivia is interested in how VPNs protect users' privacy, and how they improve online safety. She also regularly uses VPNs to make sure they deliver what they promise, and specializes in testing VPNs with streaming sites.
After graduating with a degree in English Literature from the University of Exeter, Olivia got her official start in journalism writing magazines for the events industry, writing for Exhibition News, Conference News, All Access, Exhibition World and Conference and Meeting World both in print and online. After this, she delved into the world of customer experience at CX Network, then the cybersecurity sector when she became Editor in Chief for Cyber Security Hub. This saw her create content from webinars to blogs to research reports on all things cybersecurity before finally ending up at Tom's Guide.
Olivia was also shortlisted for Security Serious' Unsung Heroes award in the Cyber Writer category in 2023.
When not writing about the latest in tech software, Olivia can be found reading mystery novels, watching the X-Files or doing valuable research in her quest to find the best Italian restaurant in London.
Latest articles by Olivia Powell

The best streaming VPN in 2026
By Olivia Powell last updated
VPN We've tested dozens of VPNs with streaming sites like Netflix and BBC iPlayer to bring you a definitive ranking of the top 5 best streaming VPNs, including NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN

The US TikTok ban – a full timeline
By Olivia Powell last updated
Every time TikTok has clashed with the US government, from COPPA violations to the potential ban

Best VPN free trial in 2026
By Olivia Powell last updated
VPN free trials can help you get an idea for what a VPN service is like without committing. Here we've ranked the top five we've tested.

The best mobile VPN apps in 2026
By Olivia Powell last updated
We've tested dozens of apps to determine the top 5 best mobile VPNs, including ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Surfshark

Best travel VPN in 2026
By Olivia Powell last updated
A travel VPN is an essential part of your digital luggage for accessing sites and streaming apps from home. We've ranked and reviewed the top five.

Proton VPN review
By Olivia Powell last updated
Editor's ChoiceVPN Proton VPN is a very capable VPN, and will appeal to those looking for a more techy experience. However, it can't quite match the best of the best.

Best iPhone VPN for iOS in 2026
By Olivia Powell last updated
VPN We've tested dozens of VPNs on iPhone to bring you a definitive ranking of the top 5 best iOS VPNs, including ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Surfshark

The best US VPN in 2026
By Olivia Powell last updated
VPN We've tested dozens of VPNs to determine which are the best VPNs for the United States in terms of speed, security and streaming support

The best iPad VPN in 2026
By Olivia Powell last updated
We've tested dozens of VPNs on iPad to bring you a definitive ranking of the top 5 best iPad VPNs, including ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Surfshark

Best Fire Stick VPN in 2026
By Olivia Powell last updated
I've tested dozens of VPN for Fire Stick. Here I'll run down the very best Fire Stick VPNs, including NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and more.

The best BBC iPlayer VPN in 2026
By Olivia Powell last updated
VPN From catching up on sporting events, to Doctor Who and Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC has it all. A BBC iPlayer VPN is your ticket to entry

The best Netflix VPN in 2026
By Olivia Powell last updated
VPN We've tested dozens of VPNs for Netflix, and here we round up the likes of NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN to find the very best Netflix VPN.

The best UK VPN in 2026
By Olivia Powell last updated
VPN Discover the best UK VPNs for privacy, streaming and speed – I've tested the best services out there and these are my 5 favorites right now.

The best Android VPN in 2026
By Olivia Powell last updated
VPN Protect your Android device and make the most of your streaming subscriptions with the best Android VPNs in 2026.

The fastest VPN services in 2026
By Olivia Powell last updated
We've tested dozens of VPNs to determine the top 5 fastest VPNs, including Proton VPN, Norton VPN and Surfshark

Today is the last day you can save 78% on all NordVPN plans
By Olivia Powell published
NordVPN's exclusive Tom's Guide deal drops two-year plans to start at $2.88 a month – including four months free

ExpressVPN supercharges connection speeds with Fastest Connections
By Olivia Powell published
ExpressVPN has introduced two new updates that aim to make connections faster and more streamlined than before

Online age verification in the USA – a complete timeline
By Olivia Powell last updated
A full timeline of all the age verification laws in the United States, and what they mean for their citizens

Are lifetime VPN subscriptions worth it? Cyber Monday insights
By Olivia Powell last updated
We look at the benefits and drawbacks of getting a lifetime VPN this Cyber Monday

Bag 4 months extra free with Private Internet Access' Black Friday VPN deal
By Olivia Powell last updated
Grab a 28-month PIA subscription this Black Friday for less than $50 – that works out to just over $2 per month

IPVanish slashes its prices in this epic Black Friday VPN deal
By Olivia Powell last updated
IPVanish is offering 83% off its 2-year plans, dropping its price to $2.19 per month

CyberGhost's Black Friday VPN deal drops it to just over $2 per month – it's a huge 84% off
By Olivia Powell published
CyberGhost is offering four monhs extra free on its 2-year plans, dropping its price to $2.03 per month

Save 90% with PureVPN's Black Friday VPN deal – and you could even win $1,000 in the process
By Olivia Powell published
PureVPN is not only offering an extra 3 months free on its 5-year plans, but it's also giving subscribers the chance to win $1,000
Here at Tom’s Guide our expert editors are committed to bringing you the best news, reviews and guides to help you stay informed and ahead of the curve!



