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 Roku VPN in 2026
By Mo Harber-Lamond last updated
VPN A Roku VPN can take time to set up, but once it's up and running you'll have access to tons of extra content. Here's our complete guide.

The best VPN for ChatGPT in 2026
By Tom Bailey last updated
VPN Want access to ChatGPT from anywhere – even if it's banned in your country, school, or office? I've got you. Here are my top five ChatGPT VPNs.

The best UAE VPN for Dubai in 2026
By Mo Harber-Lamond last updated
vpn A UAE VPN for Dubai is the only way of accessing WhatsApp and censored sites in the Emirates. Here are the very best on the market.

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.

Best Windows VPN for PC in 2026
By Krishi Chowdhary last updated
VPN We've tested dozens of VPNs and evaluated their ease of use, speed, streaming support and privacy and security to determine the top 5 best Windows VPNs.

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 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

Best free iPhone VPN app in 2026
By Mo Harber-Lamond last updated
VPN There are tons of free iPhone VPNs on the App Store – but only a handful are safe to use. Here are the very best free VPNs for iPhone that I've tested.

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.

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

Proton VPN wrapped – what were its highlights of 2025?
By Krishi Chowdhary published
Explore Proton VPN’s biggest developments of 2025, from a no-logs audit and new feature rollouts to a major UI redesign plus privacy and usability upgrades.

From misinformation to AI-powered cyberattacks – the top cybersecurity risks for 2026
By Aleksandar Stevanović published
Cyber threats are evolving fast. From AI attacks to quantum risks, here are the top cybersecurity dangers everyday users should watch out for in 2026.

The best hidden Netflix gems you can only watch with a VPN
By Alice Marshall published
Your subscription just got even better. Connect to a VPN and discover some of the best hidden gems on Netflix from libraries around the world.

How to protect your home network from your relatives’ bad tech habits
By Aleksandar Stevanović published
Don't let holiday visitors put your network at risk. Learn how to use guest Wi-Fi and a router VPN to keep your digital life safe.

NordVPN's biggest updates of 2025
By Krishi Chowdhary published
Explore NordVPN’s biggest developments of 2025, from privacy and security audits to new features, apps, and platform upgrades.

What is the VPN Trust Initiative, and why is it important?
By Tyler Geis published
Everything you need to know about the VPN Trust Initiative, the industry-led consortium, from its goals to its members

5G vs. public Wi-Fi – is it safer to just use your data in 2026?
By Zoran Danilovic published
We explore whether it's safer to use 5G or public Wi-Fi, when you should use either, and how to keep safe when using them

Use this tool on parents' devices so you can quit being tech support
By Kristin Hassel published
Get NordVPN Plus and help protect your parents’ devices with Threat Protection Pro, an all-in-one software suite of easy-to-use cybersecurity tools.

We asked 3 VPN experts for their 2026 predictions – here's what they said
By George Phillips published
We asked 3 VPN experts for their 2026 VPN predictions. From increased censorship to innovative products, here's what they said.

Abroad for the holidays? Make sure you don't miss out on your favorite shows by using a VPN
By Krishi Chowdhary published
Traveling abroad for the holidays? Use a VPN to bypass geo-blocks, stay secure on public Wi-Fi, and stream your favorite shows anywhere.

Many VPNs offer dedicated IP – but is it really worth your money?
By Hailey Hudson published
Everything you need to know about dedicated IP, from what it is to whether or not you should be using it
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