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 trail running shoes in 2026 for men and women
By Nick Harris-Fry last updated
We put the best trail running shoes to the test to help you find a comfortable, durable, supportive pair for your next off-road run.

The best carbon plate running shoes 2026
By Nick Harris-Fry last updated
I've tested the best carbon plate running shoes to help you find a fast, comfortable pair for your next race, including options from Nike, Adidas, Brooks, and Asics.

We've spent years testing the best massage guns — these are the 3 to buy
By Sam Hopes last updated
Review We've tested the best massage guns to boost recovery and reduce muscle soreness and picked our top three choices, plus recovery alternatives if you want to try something else.

Best cross training shoes 2026: tried, tested and reviewed by personal trainers
By Sam Hopes last updated
The best cross training shoes for weightlifting, CrossFit, and Hyrox, including models from Nike, Reebok, R.A.D, and NOBULL.

The best Canada VPN
By Olivia Powell last updated
We've used our in-depth testing to determine the best Canada VPNs for streaming, security, speed and more

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

PrivadoVPN review
By Shaun Rockwood last updated
PrivadoVPN is now faster and great at unblocking, with the bonus of a decent free version to try before you buy.

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.

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 gaming desks in 2026
By Adam Schram last updated
The best gaming desks offer plenty of benefits. Here are our top picks.

Best budget office chairs of 2026: Impressive chairs at a much lower price
By Anthony Spadafora last updated
The best budget office chairs provide you with plenty of comfort and support along with a few premium features, all without breaking the bank.

Best budget electric bikes in 2026
By Mike Prospero last updated
We tested a number of electric bikes under $1,500 to find those that delivered the best value for the price.

Best cloud storage in 2026
By Richard Sutherland last updated
These are the best cloud storage providers for when you want to store an extra copy of your files in the cloud for safekeeping.

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?

We put the best identity theft protection to the test to protect your entire digital life — these are the services I recommend
By Anthony Spadafora last updated
The best identity theft protection protects your personal information from hackers and scammers but also helps you quickly recover from identity theft.

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 password managers in 2026: The foolproof way to secure, store and autofill your passwords
By Anthony Spadafora last updated
The best password managers take the guesswork out of remembering your passwords while helping you generate strong and complex ones for each of your accounts.

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.

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, NordVPN and Surfshark

What is World Quantum Day?
By Aleksandar Stevanović last updated
Everything you need to know about World Quantum Day, from how it started to the impact quantum technology could have on you and your privacy

Best free iPhone VPN app in 2026
By Olivia Powell 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.

What is NordVPN's Meshnet?
By Aleksandar Stevanović last updated
vpn Secure your workload by building your own mesh network. You can link up 60 devices at once with this new NordVPN feature.

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.
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