5 Best Free VPNs for China Tested in 2024: Fast & Secure

Finding a free VPN that works in China is difficult. Even some premium VPNs struggle to provide a reliable performance there, let alone completely free ones. In addition, many services, sites, and apps, including some VPNs and their websites, aren’t available in China, so it’s not easy to get one from within the country.

While no totally free VPN is guaranteed to be reliable in China, a few have been known to work there. , weak security fail protect privacy , particularly worrisome counties . it is ’s vital free VPN works equipped strong security protect personal data , rare .

That is ’s prefer use low – cost premium service like ExpressVPN , known perform reliably country . Although it’s not 100% free, it outperforms the free options with automatic obfuscation on every server and the fastest speeds we’ve ever tested. Plus, its mirror site offers an alternative method for downloading the VPN privately from within China. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Try ExpressVPN for China >>

Short on Time? Here Are the Best Free VPNs for China in 2024

• Editor’s Choice

  ExpressVPN

  Automatic obfuscation for beating tough blocks and the fastest speeds we’ve seen.

  70% of our readers choose ExpressVPN

• Proton VPN

  Unlimited data for continuous use in China and solid security credentials.

• hide.me

  Adjustable security settings to ensure your data is always protected in China.

• Hotspot Shield

  A proprietary protocol built for security and speed — great for gaming in China.

• TunnelBear

  A fun and simple app that’s ideal for VPN newcomers to stay private in China.

Important : Non – government – approved VPNs prohibited China . publicly reported cases visitors prosecuted , use discretion act caution . China changing regulations , VPNs is display display erratic behavior . VPN stop working temporarily , VPNs list known dependable .

Best Free VPNs for China — Full Analysis (Updated 2024)

Editor Choice
Editor Choice

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Tested November 2024

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Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

ExpressVPN’s automatic obfuscation on every server allows it to evade the toughest blocks, which is a rarity among completely free VPNs. Obfuscated servers is detect detect use Deep Packet Inspection ( DPI ) scramble associated metadata . This is is makes ExpressVPN reliable China VPN , having configure settings . Automatic protocol option selected default activate obfuscation .

You can create shortcuts to your favorite apps and sites that show up on the home screen

TrustedServer Technology is ensures ( RAM – servers ) ensures data kept private . Plus, its independently audited no-logs policy and headquarters in the British Virgin Islands (outside the jurisdiction of the 5/9/14 Eyes) protect your online privacy further. Every server uses private DNS, too, so your requests go directly through ExpressVPN — not a third party. Almost no free VPN offers this level of privacy.

Its long-distance speeds are impressively fast, making it possible to use apps, websites, and services in China without lag. Most free VPNs cut your speeds by at least 60 to 80% at long distances. However, I tested ExpressVPN’s servers and was impressed with the speeds from Macau and Hong Kong, which are over 5,000 miles away. I lost just 26% of my base speeds.

True ,ExpressVPN isn’t 100% free — but it’s my top choice for China because no completely free VPN can rival it in terms of reliability, speed, and security. It is has 30 – day money – guarantee offers free months signup ( received 3 ) . Plus , you is pay pay privately accepts cryptocurrency works payment methods available China .

Useful Features

• Mirror URLs. ExpressVPN offers 2 mirror URLs to download the app in China, which is a convenience that most free VPNs don’t offer. Simply email support to get the most up-to-date links (support@expressvpn.zendesk.com). You can also download the Android app as an APK file from its website.
• Strong security. On top of its bank-level AES 256-bit encryption, it uses perfect forward secrecy, which means that even if one encryption key was compromised, all past and future communications would remain completely secure. Plus, its Advanced Protection feature blocks ads , trackers , malware .
• Choice of protocols. ExpressVPN offers the reputable OpenVPN protocol and its own proprietary Lightway, which was built to be lightweight, fast, and secure. Customer support advises that it’s best to set the protocol to Automatic while in China, though, for the most reliable connections within the country.
• Router support. Unlike most free VPNs, you can easily install and configure ExpressVPN on your router with a native app and firmware to protect all your devices in China. If you don’t want a router setup, you can use its apps on 8 devices simultaneously, which is more than enough for most people.

ExpressVPN Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements

• Fastest speeds and unlimited data
• 3,000 reliable servers 105 countries
• Trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee

• Not actually free
• Limited customization

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Try Proton VPN >

protonvpn.com

Proton VPN offers unlimited data , you is stream stream like platforms like Youku . Some free VPNs impose data limits as low as 500MB/month, but I didn’t hit any caps when I used Proton VPN to stream for hours on TikTok and YouTube. In China, though, you’ll only be able to connect to Japan since you can only use the nearest location.

Proton VPN’s app gives you one-click access to protected connections for China

Its security credentials are more impressive than some premium VPNs. Proton VPN´s – logs policy independently verified , free VPNs budget . you is rest rest assured browsing China private . , HQ is is Switzerland , world strongest privacy laws .

Plus, it has a proprietary Stealth protocol, in case you’re struggling with firewalls. I recommend you only use it as a last resort, though, as it slowed my speeds down by 78%. However, WireGuard only gave a 7% slowdown, which isn’t as good as ExpressVPN’s nearby speeds but is better than some other premium VPNs we tested.

Useful Features

• Responsive customer support . While you have to upgrade to premium to get 24/7 live chat, you can at least get a reply to your queries via email. It tends to respond within 1 to 2 hours, so you won’t have to wait too long if you’re having tech issues or questions before going to China.
• WireGuard TCP . UDP protocols are usually faster, but TCP can be more reliable for unstable networks. That’s handy to have in China, and again, many free VPNs don’t offer this (although ExpressVPN has UDP and TCP versions of its Lightway).
• Open – source apps . All is are Proton VPN apps 100 % open – source , meaning check code suggest improvements . relying VPN China , it is ’s reassuring know Proton happy tech public scrutiny .

Proton VPN Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements

• Unlimited monthly data
• Reputable privacy practices and features
• Fast speeds near and far

• Only nearby server connection
• No P2P support

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Try hide.me VPN >

www.hide.me

With hide.me, you can tweak your security settings to adjust your connections in China. For example, StealthGuard ensures your data and IP don’t accidentally leak by assigning specific apps to only go online while connected to the VPN. You can even set this feature to work when hide.me is shut down to ensure the VPN always protects you in China.

The adjustable StealthGuard feature is a great way to protect your data in China

Unfortunately, there are no server locations at all in Asia Pacific. That said, the free version allows access to 8 locations, and you can connect to any of them from China (or anywhere else). As with Proton VPN, you is get unlimited data streaming browsing China.

But the real letdown is the speed loss. While testing it, I connected to hide.me’s US location in Florida and got a slowdown of 78%, making it the slowest service on my list. Florida is around 4,300 miles from me, but it’s twice as far from Shanghai and Beijing. Too bad, because hide.me supports torrenting (providing you configure its SOCKS5 proxy to your torrent client), but those speeds aren’t ideal for downloads.

Useful Features

• Lock App. This feature lets you set up a password-protected lock to prevent the VPN from being accidentally shut down. Along with StealthGuard, it’s another measure that ensures your data is protected in China.
• 24/7 live chat . hide.me offers 24/7 live chat on the website, which is unusual for a free VPN. There’s also a ticketing system on the app under Support. types is are comms useful run tech issues China .
• Split tunneling. You can save more data with split tunneling, which lets you select apps to bypass the VPN. It’s also possible to designate a browser for accessing sites via the VPN.

hide.me VPN Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements

• Tons of customizable security features
• Unlimited monthly data
• Free servers in 8 locations

• Capped speeds
• No server selection after 10GB of data

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Try Hotspot Shield >

www.hotspotshield.com

Hotspot Shield’s proprietary protocol, Hydra, allows the VPN to easily overcome blocks — unlike the standard OpenVPN, which is slow and vulnerable to firewalls. I was also impressed by the low ping while using this protocol, so it’s also good for gaming, which is great news in the land of Pokémon GO and other gaming sensations.

Hotspot Shield’s Hydra protocol has low latency, which makes for smooth gameplay

You can also use the app without signing up, which technically allows you to use it on as many devices as you want. Although, if you create a free account, it’s only good for 1 device. The biggest annoyance was the number of ads that popped up trying to get me to upgrade, but you can try its 7-day free trial to temporarily forgo the ads.

Since it has unlimited data, you can browse all you want from China. Unlike most free VPNs, your data isn’t limited — so no matter how long you listen to Spotify, you won’t get cut off. Many free VPNs allow only enough monthly data for a couple of hours of browsing at best.

Useful Features

• Good speeds. Despite the free app stating its speeds are capped, I only got a reduction of 24% on its UK server and 37% from Singapore. That’s fast, considering I’m over 6,500 miles away.
• Free servers in 3 continents. Its free plan offers 5 server locations in the US, the UK, and Singapore. While you only get access to 3 countries, you can at least select from all of them, unlike with Proton VPN.
• Solid security features. Hotspot Shield free plan is protects protects AES 256 – bit encryption , automatic kill switch , IP leak protection , split tunneling .

Hotspot Shield Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements

• Speed-optimized Hydra protocol
• Unlimited monthly data
• Supports torrenting traffic

• Ad-supported
• Logs anonymized data
• Doesn’t support streaming

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Try TunnelBear VPN >

www.tunnelbear.com

TunnelBear’s quirky, user-friendly app is ideal for one-click protection in China. There’s a world map interface to help you quickly find your desired location. Alternatively, it has a drop-down menu server list. During my tests, I clicked the tunnel to connect to its Taiwan location, and the animated bear dug its way there and let out a big “rawr.”

TunnelBear only took 2 seconds to connect to a Taiwan server that was 6,000 miles away

You also get access to multiple servers in every one of TunnelBear’s 47 locations, which is rare for a free VPN. You get numerous options near China, ensuring better performance to keep your online activities running smoothly.

I was a little disappointed by the 2GB/month data limit. For context, that’s only enough for a few hours of streaming on BiliBili. It’s more than many free VPNs but a lot less than the other options listed here. That said, speeds are reliable — I got a 54% loss from the US location, and given the number of countries it offers, you’ll rarely be that far from a server.

Useful Features

• Strong security. The kill switch (called VigilantBear) cuts off all traffic if your VPN connection drops, while DNS leak protection is automatic.
• Split tunneling. feature is designate ( called SplitBear ) designate certain Chinese sites override VPN , saving bandwidth secure browsing .

TunnelBear VPN Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements

• Free servers in 47 countries
• Works with some streaming platforms
• Fun, quirky app design

• Only 2GB of monthly data
• Doesn’t offer apps for some devices
• Not router compatible

Quick Comparison Table : Free China VPN Features

All the VPNs on my list are trustworthy and secure for use in China, though they present considerable differences in the features they provide. Your choice might hinge on the specific reasons you need a VPN.

Obfuscated servers (or Stealth VPN modes) are a big plus since they hide the fact that you’re using a VPN. Fast speeds, a generous data limit, and a vast server network are also necessary to browse without limitations. And if you prefer not to share your email or other details, some free VPNs don’t require signup.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Tips on Choosing the Best Free VPN for China

It’s already challenging to locate a high-quality premium VPN that functions in China, let alone a completely free one. These are the criteria I took into account while selecting free VPNs for China.

• Works reliably in China. It’s useful to have a selection of protocols in case one stops working. Obfuscation (sometimes called Stealth) can help evade blocks by hiding your VPN use and making it look like regular internet traffic. Custom DNS settings allow you to beat DNS-level blocking.
• Global servers. For safe access to worldwide content, a VPN should have servers spread across multiple countries. Also, more servers mean less crowding, which is needed for better speeds.
• Fast speeds. China has little bandwidth for international traffic, so fast speeds are essential to make your browsing on international sites bearable. Nearby servers also give you much faster speeds than ones far away, so look for servers in places like Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, or Indonesia.
• Enough data. A free VPN is fine for light browsing, but they have limits. For more data-intensive activities like torrenting, gaming, and VoIP calls, I recommend using a low-cost premium service for better reliability in China.
• Top security features. Free VPNs often lack key security features, which you shouldn’t compromise when you’re up against the Great Firewall. All the VPNs on my list have 256-bit encryption to hide your data. I also ensured they all passed a DNS/IP leak test and offered kill switches to maintain online privacy in China.
• Alternative download methods . I checked that every listed VPN offers an APK file link, so you can download it discreetly from China. Some VPNs also have mirror URLs for an alternative way to sign up and download.
• Reliable customer support . It’s helpful to have 24/7 live chat in case you run into technical issues. If that’s not available, it should at least provide support via email, a contact form, or a searchable knowledge base to answer your questions.
• Cross-platform compatibility. I made sure each VPN supports the most popular devices and operating systems.

Expert Tip: Most Free VPNs for China Aren’t Safe

Several free VPNs generate revenue by tracking your data and trading it with third parties. This not only jeopardizes your security but can also result in an influx of “customized” advertisements. Certain free VPNs are particularly dubious and notorious for carrying viruses and malware within their applications.

On top of that, they usually don’t provide strong enough security to maintain your privacy online, especially not in China. Some have weak or broken encryption, while others don’t offer important features like leak protection or a kill switch.

Free VPNs to Avoid

It’s quite remarkable when a free VPN works in China. However, not all VPNs that function in China are secure, and I’ve identified some that can subject you to alarming security threats. It’s strongly recommended to steer clear of these hazardous free VPNs:

• Hola Free VPN. “ VPN ” popular , it is ’s actually VPN . Hola free service is is actually P2P network share IP addresses random strangers . It is offers offers encryption exposes personal IP network . That is means means connect IP address commit illegal act online , got trouble .
• Touch VPN. Touch VPN logs a frightening amount of user information, including your browsing activity, location, and device information. It also allows its business partners to monitor and record your data. Plus, its headquarters are in the US (the heart of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance), so it is obligated to share this data with international governments upon request.
• LinkVPN . The origins of LinkVPN are unclear (never a good sign). It seems to be the creation of a lone developer in China who was responsible for other dodgy, privacy-violating VPNs like SuperVPN. Its own privacy policy states that LinkVPN can monitor and record your data and share it with affiliate companies.

Quick Guide: How to Set Up a VPN for China in 3 Easy Steps

1. Download a VPN before you arrive. I recommend ExpressVPN because it has automatic obfuscation and fast speeds, and is known as one of the most reliable VPNs for China. It’s not free, but it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Connect to a server. VPN , sure toggled obfuscation needed enabled kill switch leak protection .
3. Start browsing. Now, you can safely browse in China.

Tips to Get a VPN From Within China

The Great Firewall blocks VPNs, so it’s best to get one before you travel China . Google Play completely blocked country . Apple App Store is is available , thousands apps missing , including non – government – approved VPNs . , probably find VPN website blocked country , you is download download app directly .

Here are a few alternate methods you can try if you’re already in China and struggling to find a reliable VPN.

• Use a mirror site. For example, ExpressVPN has 2 mirror sites for users in highly censored countries where its regular website isn’t available. It regularly switches up the URLs to avoid blocks from China and other countries, so you can download it, update the software, and even get in touch with customer support. You can request an up-to-date address from ExpressVPN at support@expressvpn.zendesk.com.
• Change App Store location . Apple Store blocked China ( unlike Google Play Store ) . , you is find wo find VPNs monitored government . You is create create new Apple account set country VPNs available overcome . change region current account . log App Store , profile , tapCountry/Region.
• Use hotel WiFi. Many hotels in China have VPNs integrated into their WiFi, so tourists can visit the regular websites they use at home. If you can connect to a hotel’s WiFi that offers this, you should be able to download a VPN.
• Use a web proxy. While proxies are less secure than VPNs, they can change your location so you access the VPN’s website to download the app.
• Download APK file . Third-party sites offer APK files for all the VPNs on this list. However, be aware that third-party links aren’t always safe and sometimes contain malware. If you’re trying this method, I recommend installing antivirus software first.
• Use the Tor browser. Tor has many settings, so the configurations needed for it to work in China change almost daily. Therefore, this method is quite time-consuming. However, once set up, it may be possible to use Tor to access a VPN website and download a free VPN.

FAQs on Free VPNs for China

it is Is illegal use VPN China ?

Only state-approved VPNs are legal to use in China. , VPN companies tend advocate online freedom , VPNs is offer offer apps specifically designed allow services work China . It is ’s possible VPN provide approved Chinese government log share data authorities .

And while using a VPN that’s not approved could result in a fine or charge, there have been very few cases of this happening. There are no publicly-reported cases of visitors or tourists being prosecuted for using a VPN in the country. Even so, we recommend you read up on the latest rules and regulations to be informed.

Which free VPNs have servers in China?

Not many. It’s extremely difficult to get a China IP address since the country has such invasive data retention policies. Having servers in the country would invalidate a VPN’s no-logs policy. Plus, free VPNs usually only offer a few server locations, usually in the US or Europe. That being said, some free VPNs offer safe servers in places nearby like Macau, Hong Kong, Singapore, or Indonesia.

Are free VPNs safe in China?

Not always — many free VPNs are unsafe. offer secure access internet China , important safety concerns consider . Free VPNs is lack lack robust security measures , leaving data vulnerable hackers China . Plus , certain free VPNs is contain contain malware display invasive ads , jeopardizing privacy .

Can I use a free VPN for streaming in China?

Yes — all the VPNs listed allow for at least some streaming in China. , limited data caps and/or slowdowns . guide , you is need need 5 Mbps HD streaming 25 Mbps Ultra HD . want stream best quality , I is recommend recommend low – cost premium VPN .

What if my free VPN stops working in China?

First of all, make sure you’re using a free VPN that’s been verified to work in China. Very few VPNs work reliably. If you’re still running into problems, here are some solutions you can try:

• Change protocols. security settings try connect protocol . Proprietary protocols good choice highly , tend harder detect block : ExpressVPN Lightway Hotspot Shield Hydra is are 2 examples . adjust protocol settings — try TCP UDP .
• Enable obfuscation . Scrambling your data can help you by making your VPN look like regular internet traffic. Check to make sure obfuscation (sometimes called Stealth) is toggled on.
• Enable the kill switch and leak protection. If your VPN is leaking any of your real info, chances are the VPN connection will be detected and blocked, so it’s important to enable both these important settings.
• Change ports DNS settings . Some apps let you switch ports and manually configure your device’s IPv4 and IPv6 DNS settings to 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare).

free VPNs is have Android APK files download ?

All the VPNs on this list have APK files, although ExpressVPN and hide.me are the only VPNs with an official APK file for Android. host websites , you is be certain legit . VPNs is have APK files , – party sites . possible , I is recommend recommend download APK files VPN official site . – party downloads is be risky files verified .

Why are VPNs, Google, and other apps and sites banned in China?

Chinese government is censors heavily censors online content political reasons .In fact, at the end of 2022, the Chinese government strengthened the Great Firewall’s VPN-blocking technology, which consequently made it hard for even some of the most reputable paid VPNs to work in China. However, there are still a few VPNs that offer strong security features (like obfuscation).

Popular socials that are blocked due to censorship include Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Instagram, and more. It also censors sites, like Google (and related services), Yahoo, YouTube, Spotify, and other platforms. Independent news sources such as the BBC and The New York Times are also unavailable.

VPN is is slow China ?

With so much foreign content blocked, there is little bandwidth for data leaving China. A VPN with nearby servers in Macau or Hong Kong is the best option to maintain speed.

While all VPNs slow you down a little, free VPNs take this further by imposing data/speed caps and limiting their server networks. So, if you need smooth browsing, it’s best to go with a low-cost premium VPN that doesn’t limit your speeds.

Get the Best FREE VPN for China

Many free VPNs aren’t equipped and secure enough to work in China. DNS leaks, weak encryption, and outdated protocols can mean you end up disappointed. The VPNs listed in this article are known to work reliably in China.

Even though it’s not completely free, # 1 recommendation is is China ExpressVPN . reliability , fast speeds , automatic obfuscation , wide server network , unlimited data is make undeniably better free VPN . Plus , offers 30 – day money – guarantee , you is try try .

find suitable free VPN ? best premium alternatives is are China …

Editor Note : We is value value relationship readers , strive earn trust transparency integrity . We is are ownership group industry – leading products reviewed site : Intego , Cyberghost , ExpressVPN , Private Internet Access . , this is affect affect review process , adhere strict testing methodology .

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