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

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 cheap VPN in 2026
By Mo Harber-Lamond last updated
We've tested dozens of cheap VPNs, to find out which ones offer the most bang for buck – including Surfshark, NordVPN, and Private Internet Access

The cheapest monthly VPN plans in 2026
By Mo Harber-Lamond last updated
A cheap monthly VPN is great for trialing a new provider, avoiding commitment, or accessing apps on vacation. Here are the very best monthly VPNs from our testing.

What is ExpressVPN's Identity Defender?
By Aleksandar Stevanović last updated
How ExpressVPN's cybersecurity feature can help protect your identity online

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.

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

The best Australia VPN
By Krishi Chowdhary last updated
VPNs down under Whether you live Down Under or you're just visiting, an Australia VPN is the easiest way to access more streaming content and stay safe online.

What is AgeGO, and is it safe to use?
By Olivia Powell last updated
With new age verification laws in the UK, US, and Australia, many people are using AgeGO to verify their age. But is it safe to use?

Surfshark partners with Calm to provide "ultimate digital peace of mind"
By Krishi Chowdhary published
Surfshark’s new partnership with Calm combines online privacy tools with mindfulness benefits, giving users stronger digital security alongside guided meditation, sleep support, and stress relief.

IPVanish review
By Kristin Hassel last updated
Updated Our VPN experts put IPVanish to the test in this latest review, comparing speed, unblocking, value for money, security, and features. See how IPVanish compares.

Proton VPN announces UX updates for apps – here's what you need to know
By Zoran Danilovic published
Proton VPN will upgrade its iOS, Mac, and Linux apps to match Windows and Android, starting with smarter server search and load sorting on iOS.

Windscribe fights back against censorship with new apps for users in Iran and Russia
By Krishi Chowdhary published
Windscribe’s new beta VPN apps introduce AmneziaWG to help users bypass censorship in restrictive countries like Russia and Iran.

NordVPN announces mobile app redesign – here's what you need to know
By Aleksandar Stevanović published
NordVPN has unveiled a redesigned mobile app with a cleaner interface, refined connection tools, and improved search and map features.

CyberGhost VPN review
By Kristin Hassel last updated
vpn CyberGhost has tons of features, is useful for streaming and offers excellent value. If you can live with slightly inconsistent apps, it's a good choice.

ExpressVPN brings its protection to VR via a partnership with Meta Quest
By Krishi Chowdhary published
ExpressVPN brings device-wide protection to VR alongside a smarter browser experience built for flexible, seamless online security.

Mullvad VPN review
By Stuart Burns last updated
VPN My in-depth Mullvad review explores whether the Swedish stalwart's security features, unblocking power, and apps live up to its privacy-focused reputation.

Proton VPN has removed OpenVPN support for Android – here's what you need to know
By Krishi Chowdhary published
ProtonVPN has removed OpenVPN support from its Android app, citing faster performance and a 36% reduction in app size.

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 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.

VyprVPN review
By Michael Simon last updated
VyprVPN is a mid-tier VPN that offers a good range of apps and reasonable connection speeds, but it could do with a lot of work to bring it up to date.

NordVPN announces partnership with CrowdStrike – here's what you need to know
By Olivia Powell published
CrowdStrike's Threat Intelligence will bring key threat intelligence to NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro feature, better protecting users from emerging cybersecurity threats

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.
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!



