How to Watch Criterion Channel in Hong Kong [2023 Updated]

Is Criterion available in Hong Kong? Unfortunately, no. Criterion is not available in Hong Kong but you can still watch the Criterion channel in Hong Kong by using a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN.

The Criterion Channel is an American video-on-demand streaming service operated by The Criterion Collection, Inc. It brings you an eclectic catalog of Hollywood classics, contemporary flicks, indie cinema, and much more.

A unique feature of The Criterion Channel is that it keeps shuffling the titles and there is something new to watch each day of the week. Some of the popular titles include Loving Highsmith, The Intruder, Forty Guns, and So Late So Soon, among tons of other options.

However, Criterion isn’t accessible in Hong Kong due to geo-blocking. Luckily, with a VPN, you can change your IP address to the US and unblock Criterion Channel from anywhere in the world. Now, without any further ado, let’s get started on how to watch Criterion channel in Hong Kong:

Why Do You Need a VPN to Watch Criterion Channel in Hong Kong

You need a VPN to watch Criterion Channel in Hong Kong as the platform serves only in the United States and Canada. If you are living somewhere else, the streaming service won’t be accessible to you for licensing reasons.

When you try to sign up or play any video on the Criterion Channel streaming in Hong Kong, the following error message appears:

“Sorry. This is currently unavailable in your region.”

You can’t access Critorion Channel in Hong Kong without a VPN.

Accessing the Criterion streaming service isn’t a problem for those living in the United States and having an American IP address. The firewall of this streaming service filters the access requests of users based on the location shown by their IP addresses. That’s where a VPN comes into play.

A VPN like ExpressVPN allows you to conceal your real location by masking your local IP address with a new one operating on its remote servers in the USA.

Once your device is given an American IP, the Criterion Channel will consider you residing within its coverage area, allowing you to watch whatever you want, regardless of your actual whereabouts.

Want to know how do I subscribe to Criterion Channel in Hong Kong? Navigate to the next heading to find the details.

How to Create a Criterion Channel Account?

Just like most subscription-based streaming services, you need a paid account to watch the content available on the Criterion Channel. Follow these steps to create a Criterion Channel account:

• Get a premium VPN subscription like ExpressVPN.
• Download the VPN app and connect to a US server (preferably New York).
• Visit the Criterion Channel website and click on the “START FREE TRIAL” option.

Click on the Start Free Trial option.

• Provide your email address and set a password.

Enter your credentials.

• Enter your payment details, and enter the promo code (if any).

Enter billing method and other information.

• Click on the “Start subscription” button.
• Viola! You have just created a Criterion Channel account.
• Log in to your account and start streaming!

Note: The Criterion Channel offers two different pricing plans and a 14-day free trial for new users. We will share the Criterion Channel’s cost shortly!

Want to know how much is Criterion channel? Head over to the next section for the Criterion channel subscription cost.

How much does the Criterion Channel cost?

The Criterion subscription is offered with two different pricing plans. The monthly subscription costs US$10.99 or you can opt for its yearly subscription which costs US$99.99.

The yearly package is comparatively more cost-effective if you are planning to keep the subscription for the long term.

New users also get a generous 14-day free trial unlike many popular streaming services nowadays. It’s a wonderful option to explore the content library of the Criterion Channel before you shell out your precious bucks on an extended subscription plan.

Does the Criterion channel work with a VPN? Well, yes. But only with the best ones. Navigate to the next heading for the best VPN services for Criterion.

What are the Best VPNs to get Criterion Channel in Hong Kong? [In-Depth Analysis]

Popular streaming platforms require a premium VPN app to unblock their geo-restrictions in Hong Kong. In a market full of competition, finding an ideal VPN is no less than an uphill task as most service providers fall short of what they claim.

Therefore, we tested over 50 VPN apps to find the best VPNs to get Criterion Channel in Hong Kong and shortlisted the following three VPNs:

ExpressVPN: Recommended VPN to Access Criterion Channel in Hong Kong

ExpressVPN is way ahead of its competitors when it comes to speed, unblocking features, and overall general performance. Hence, it’s our recommended VPN to access Criterion Channel in Hong Kong. If we talk about speed, this VPN means business and offers up to an impressive 92.26 Mbps downloading speed.

We have accessed The Criterion Channel in Hong Kong through ExpressVPN.

It offers 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, including several servers in 25+ server locations in the US that help you bypass the geo-restrictions of the Criterion Channel.

As its name suggests, ExpressVPN is about express streaming speeds. On our speed test benchmarks, this VPN has proved to be the fastest with an impressive downloading speed of 92.26 Mbps and an uploading speed of 89.45 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.

ExpressVPN gave fast speed on a base connection of 100 Mbps.

ExpressVPN has a proven track record of unblocking popular streaming services. You can use it to unblock YouTube TV, watch WAPA America, or stream HBO Max in Hong Kong. Avoid the Miami server because of its low connectivity.

This VPN is a treasure trove of amazing features, such as the MediaStreamer. This Smart DNS tool is helpful in unblocking geo-restricted content on those devices that don’t support VPN configuration.

You can use one ExpressVPN subscription on 5 devices at a time. Speaking about compatibility, it’s supported by Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. The provider also rolls out dedicated apps for Firestick, Apple TV, Roku, Game Consoles, and other streaming devices.

ExpressVPN features next-generation security, with AES-256-Bit Encryption, a No-logging policy, and an Automated Kill Switch, among a bunch of other features.

You can get a subscription to ExpressVPN for just HK$52.22/mo (US$6.67/mo) - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free, inclusive of a 30-day money-back warranty.

Surfshark: Budget-Friendly VPN to get Criterion Channel in Hong Kong

Surfshark is the most budget-friendly VPN to get Criterion Channel in Hong Kong. It offers the best value for money with highly affordable plans and unlimited simultaneous connections.

You can get this VPN for as low as HK$19.49/mo (US$2.49/mo) - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee, including a one-month money-back guarantee.

Surfshark easily lets us access The Criterion channel anywhere in Hong Kong.

This VPN comes with 3200+ servers in 100+ countries, including 600+ servers in the United States. Connect any of its US servers and you can unblock the Criterion Channel and other streaming services.

Surfshark is not just about affordability, rather it’s super-quick as well. On a 100 Mbps connection, it offered a commanding downloading speed of 88.48 Mbps and an uploading speed of 79.42 Mbps.

Surfshark offers the best streaming speed at affordable rates

With an extensive US network, Surfshark also lets you watch Peacock, Pandora, and Hallmark Channel in Hong Kong. You should not use the Atlanta server because of its slow speed that keeps buffering.

Surfshark is compatible with Windows, Android, macOS, Linux, and iOS. On top of that, dedicated smart apps are also offered for Apple TV, Chromecast, Smart TV, Fire TV, Game Consoles, and other streaming services.

In terms of security, it offers some of the most useful features and secures your online presence with AES 256-bit encryption, No-logging, RAM-only servers, and an Automated Kill Switch.

NordVPN: Largest Server network VPN to Watch Criterion Channel in Hong Kong

NordVPN is a mix and match of affordability, security, and speed. It’s also the largest server network VPN to watch Criterion Channel in Hong Kong, with 6000+ ultra-fast servers in 61 countries.

Such a huge network means maximum bandwidth and that results in super-charged speeds.

It offers 1970+ dedicated servers in the US to help you bypass the geoblocking of the Criterion Channel and all major, American streaming services from anywhere.

Watch your preferred content on The Criterion Channel anywhere through NordVPN.

NordVPN is super speedy, offers unlimited bandwidth, and provides stable connections. On a 100 Mbps connection, it cranked up a brisk downloading speed of 86.49 Mbps and an uploading speed of 79.42 Mbps.

With NordVPN, we could binge-watch our favorite streaming services without any buffering.

Its huge network in the US allows you to watch Discovery Family Channel and access Disney Plus in Hong Kong. Avoid using the Boston server because it has some connectivity problems.

NordVPN allows six simultaneous connections per account and can be configured on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Moreover, dedicated apps are also offered for various streaming devices like Firestick, Roku, Game Consoles, Apple TV, and Smart TVs.

This VPN also excels in providing top-notch security features, including AES 256-bit Encryption, NordLynx Protocol, Obfuscated Servers, Kill Switch, and Double VPN,

Get a NordVPN subscription now for only HK$31.24/mo (US$3.99/mo) - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend and also enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee.

How to choose the best VPN for Criterion Channel in Hong Kong

There are several factors that combine together to give you an impeccable streaming experience. When choosing the best VPN for Criterion Channel, you must consider the following points:

• Ample Servers in the US: To watch Criterion Channel in Hong Kong, you will need servers in the United States. Make sure your VPN provider offers ample American servers so that you can easily switch between them in case there’s a problem with a particular server.
• Fast streaming speeds: Fast downloading speed is an essential ingredient of a perfect streaming experience. Make sure your VPN provider offers unlimited bandwidth and super-charged speeds.
• Top-notch security features: Sturdy security and advanced privacy features are also vital in maintaining the secrecy of your online activity. Select a VPN with advanced encryption protocols like 256-bit AES encryption and OpenVPN, along with other features, such as No-logging, Split-tunneling, and Automated Kill Switch.
• 24-hour live customer support: Get a VPN that’s always there for you when you need any technical assistance. Only premium VPN apps offer 24-hour live customer support.

How to watch Criterion Channel in Hong Kong on your device?

Criterion Channel is compatible with many devices as the channel offers its app in many app stores of different devices. So you must have, if not many then a couple of devices at one that you can stream Criterion Channel in Hong Kong.

See the list of supported devices by Criterion Channel below:

• Apple TV
• iPhone and iPad
• Android TV
• Android phone and tablet
• Amazon Fire Stick, Fire TV
• Samsung Smart TV
• Chromecast
• Smart TVs
• Roku
• Xbox
• Mac Browsers (Safari, Firefox, Chrome)
• Windows Browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)

Now, you know which devices to use if you want to watch Criterion Channel, let’s see how you can stream Criterion Channel on some of these devices.

Want to know how to watch Criterion Channel on TV? Navigate to the next heading for the easy steps.

Is the Criterion channel worth it? Absolutely. The Criterion Channel is a great option if you’re looking for the titles and extras it offers. Navigate to the next heading to know what you should watch on Criterion.

What to Watch on Criterion Channel in Hong Kong in 2023

The Criterion Channel offers its audience an eclectic catalog of Hollywood classics, contemporary flicks, indie cinema, and many more options that you can pick and choose from.

You can watch content categorized by filmmakers, movie stars, and genres or suggestions by renowned directors.

Some of the popular titles on the Criterion Channel include The Seventh Seal, Seven Samurai, My Own Private Idaho, Ludwig, and The Breaking Point, among tons of other options.

Head to the next section for the best movies on the Criterion channel in Hong Kong.

What Movies are on Criterion Channel in 2023

Unlike TV shows, you can watch as many indie movies as you want on Criterion Channel. The Criterion Channel movies offer some of the best classic titles in its library. Here is a list of a few movie titles that are available to stream on Criterion Channel:

• Loving Highsmith
• So Late So Soon
• Mother, I Am Suffocating. This Is My Last Film About You
• Forty Guns
• The Intruder
• Made in Hong Kong
• Women Filmmakers
• Spring Blossom
• The Last Days of Chez Nous
• Buster’s Beginnings
• Orthodontics
• The Couple Next Door

What are the Best Shows on Criterion Channel in 2023

Here are the best shows on the Criterion channel in 2023:

• The Last of Us
• Poker Face
• Daisy Jones & The Six
• World on a Wire
• Berlin Alexanderplatz
• Tanner ‘88
• Fishing with John

What Other Streaming Services You Can Watch in Hong Kong?

Besides enjoying Bravo TV streaming, you can also get access to the following geo-restricted services in Hong Kong:

FAQs: Criterion Channel in Hong Kong

Wrapping Up!

If you are tired of watching films on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or any other streaming service and are looking to change your cinema perspective, then the Criterion Channel can perfectly fit your bill.

It’s meant for those cinema buffs who love watching classic cinema and indie films, without missing out on contemporary titles.

From Noir, Horror, Comedy, and Romance to Classic Hollywood, American Indies, and 21st Century Cinema, you will find a unique library of content on the Criterion Channel that you probably won’t find on any other streaming service.

The only downside is that the Criterion Channel is exclusively available in the United States and Canada and can’t be accessed anywhere else. In this guide, we have explained in detail how to watch the Criterion Channel in Hong Kong using a VPN app.

Without any second thought, we recommend ExpressVPN as the best VPN for the Criterion Channel and other geo-restricted streaming platforms.