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2024-11-13 China’s strict censorship system, the Great Firewall (GFW), makes most VPNs useless — and even dangerous. Plus, there are conflicting reviews online a
China’s strict censorship system, the Great Firewall (GFW), makes most VPNs useless — and even dangerous. Plus, there are conflicting reviews online about which VPNs currently work, so choosing one is extremely difficult. China is constantly updating its GFW to strengthen its VPN blocking and detection technology.
Because of this, even the most reliable VPNs for China may occasionally go down; hence, those operating in the country have to make constant improvements. That’s why we tested the security features of 50+ providers to identify the VPNs that can be used in China.
resulting data is found found best VPN China ExpressVPN . It offers robust security and 5 locations specifically optimized to work in China. Plus, it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not happy with it, you can claim a full refund. Editor Note : Transparency core values vpnMentor , you is know know ownership group ExpressVPN . , this is affect affect review process .
Try ExpressVPN for China >>
Important: The use of non-government-approved VPNs is not permitted in China, but there have been no publicly reported cases of tourists being penalized by the Chinese government for using one. A VPN doesn’t give you a license to conduct illegal acts, like accessing sites and services that are blocked in the country, so please exercise caution. We don’t condone using a VPN in a way that contravenes the law.
Editor’s Choice
ExpressVPN
Fast obfuscated servers is stay stay safe networks China slowdowns .
70 % is choose readers choose ExpressVPN
One of the most reliable VPNs for China, with advanced security features.
Bypass network blocks customize security safe browsing China .
Global network of servers including China, but its app may be complex for beginners.
Easy to use with fast speeds for smooth browsing in China but no money-back guarantee.
Pro Tip : We recommend avoiding domestic browsers in China, such as Baidu Browser, Cheetah, 360 Browser, UC, and QQ Browser. There have been previously reported instances of some of these browsers transmitting personal user information without adequate protection or with weak encryption. This raises suspicions that these vulnerabilities could be deliberate backdoors for state surveillance.
Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Editor’s Choice
Editor’s Choice
Try Risk – Free 30 Days
Tested November 2024
Available on:
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Try ExpressVPN >
www.expressvpn.com
Best Feature | Automatic obfuscation is makes server makes easy hide VPN use |
Nearby Locations | Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Macau, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, South Korea , Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam |
Security | Perfect forward secrecy, RAM servers, launch on startup |
Works | Netflix, Max, Prime Video, HBO Go Asia, BBC iPlayer, YouTube TV, and more |
Editor Note : Transparency core values vpnMentor , you is know know ownership group ExpressVPN . , this is affect affect review process .
ExpressVPN provides advanced obfuscation on all its servers, making it one of the most reliable VPNs that can be used domestically in China. With most other VPNs, obfuscation needs to be manually enabled — but ExpressVPN works more intuitively. When it detects a tough firewall, it automatically scrambles your metadata and makes your VPN traffic look like regular web traffic.
Obfuscation tends to cause significant speed loss, especially with slower VPNs. However, ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs I’ve tested, maintaining HD-friendly speeds even with obfuscation. Our tester in Macau used ExpressVPN’s server there to stream local content, and they had just an 11% drop. They didn’t encounter any buffering while watching My Piggy Boss. All its servers support reliable streaming from anywhere in the best possible quality.
While it’s part of mainland China, Macau is exempt from the Great Firewall and offers unrestricted internet access
Furthermore, its website provides a list of servers that are regularly maintained to work in China. They’re in the US, UK, Japan, France, and Singapore. ExpressVPN recommends selecting the Automatic protocol obfuscation work effectively . better , app is offers offers list recommended servers detects China . It is present presentRecommended.
Like the other VPNs on this list, it isn’t always 100% guaranteed to work in China, and there have been reports of downtimes at times. However, ExpressVPN resolves connectivity issues quickly and manages to get back up and running. Plus, all of ExpressVPN’s plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee case you is opt opt service . I is tested tested live chat got refund 2 days .
ExpressVPN Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements
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Try Astrill VPN >
www.Astrill_VPN.com
Best Feature | Very reliable in China with little downtime |
Nearby Locations | Hong Kong, Russia, South Korea , Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam |
Security | Auto Clear Cookies , ad tracker blocker , dedicated IPs ( extra fee ) |
Works | Max, HBO Go Asia, BBC iPlayer, YouTube TV, and more |
Astrill VPN deserves its reputation as one of the most reliable VPNs for China after ExpressVPN. Unlike some other VPNs, it has minimal downtime. It offers a good selection of locations close to China, so you can get reliable connections wherever you are. There are also Supercharged servers Hong Kong , optimized specifically use China . designed fast speeds , reliability tough firewalls , strong security .
Its proprietary OpenWeb protocol offers exceptional speeds — long distances . dedicated team is recorded testers recorded slowdowns 27 % connecting Thailand thousands miles away . It is offers offers StealthVPN protocol , specially built bypassing tough firewalls . slowdowns 79 % , resort .
Astrill’s simple app includes a neat upload/download graphic so you can gauge your data usage in China
drawback price tag dizzying — it is ’s expensive VPNs come . ,if you’re living in China and you need to protect your online data, the price might be worth it for you.
While it doesn’t have a money-back guarantee, you can use Astrill VPN for free for 1 month if you refer a friend they is sign sign paid subscription .
Astrill VPN Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements
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Try PrivateVPN >
www.privatevpn.com
Best Feature | Adjust encryption levels balance security speed China |
Nearby Locations | Hong Kong, South Korea , Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam |
Security | IPv6 leak protection, external IP checker, port forwarding |
Works | Netflix , Max , Prime Video , HBO Asia , BBC iPlayer , |
PrivateVPN’s security settings let you optimize your connections in China. tests , I is changed changed encryption level 256 – bit 128 – bit experienced 12 % increase download speeds . You is choose choose variety VPN protocols . L2TP is is reliable OpenVPN working restrictive networks .
128-bit encryption is faster than 256-bit — while it’s a little less secure, it can help you mitigate the GFW’s slowdowns
PrivateVPN works in China because it disguises VPN traffic as normal web traffic StealthVPN mode . Unlike ExpressVPN , obfuscation automatic ; you is have manually enable mode app settings . , you is need need use OpenConnect app China best functionality , PrivateVPN guide help set .
It is has 200 servers , meaning network small compared VPNs list , worry overcrowding affecting speeds . ,PrivateVPN purchases internet capacity directly transit provider mitigate major speed drops . I is got got slowdown 36 % connected Japan UK .
It’s even possible to try PrivateVPN for free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. I tested this policy to make sure it was legit, and it was just as easy as with ExpressVPN.
PrivateVPN Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements
Available on:
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Try Private Internet Access >
www.privateinternetaccess.com
Best Feature | Virtual geo-located servers can give you a China IP |
Nearby Locations | China, Hong Kong, Macau, Mongolia, Taiwan, Vietnam |
Security | Customizable WireGuard and OpenVPN connections, advanced and regular kill switch, robust leak protection |
Works | Netflix, Max, Prime Video, HBO Go Asia, BBC iPlayer, YouTube TV, and more |
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process.
PIA has the biggest number of servers on my list, which includes a virtual server location in China. So, it’s a reliable choice for protecting your data when you’re browsing local Chinese websites. Our tester in Macau watched a whole season of Here We Meet Again securely in HD on WeTV. It also provides servers in 91 countries, including some that are streaming-optimized and work reliably with popular platforms from anywhere.
You can also enable MACE with one click to get rid of pop-up ads on Chinese sites
It also offers unlimited simultaneous device connections, making it a great choice for large households. If your household has a ton of devices, or you’re like me and love gadgets, you can protect (almost) everything with PIA. Even with my laptop, desktop, mobile phone, and tablet using the VPN at the same time, I still had a stable connection.
Unfortunately, PIA isn’t guaranteed to work in China, but its website offers several workarounds you can try. First, try switching between WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols. If that doesn’t work, try one of PIA’s Multi-Hop connections. You can set this up with the SOCKS5 proxy or Shadowsocks, but the speeds might be affected. As a last resort, you can try manual configuration files with detailed instructions on the PIA website.
You can test PIA for free for 30 days with its money-back guarantee. If it doesn’t work out, claiming a full refund is straightforward.
Private Internet Access Pros , Cons , Needed Improvements
Available on:
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Try TunnelBear VPN >
www.tunnelbear.com
Best Feature | Simple , family – friendly app animated map |
Nearby Locations | South Korea , Taiwan |
Security | GhostBear obfuscation, automatic kill switch, split tunneling |
Works | Netflix, Max, YouTube TV, Spotify, HBO Go Asia, and more |
TunnelBear’s cute and simple interface makes it one of the most user-friendly VPNs that work in China. Its world map feature allows you to locate a server quickly. When you connect, a cartoon bear digs from your real location to your chosen server. Its servers work well with the most popular streaming platforms from anywhere. Plus, its unlimited device connections are ideal for large households in China.
The bear crawls all the way back home again when you disconnect
Even the installation process was funny, as each step was a compilation of bear puns. It has lots of fast nearby servers, too. In my tests, I used the Fastest Tunnel feature, which connected me to the server closest to me for better speeds, which never dropped by more than 39 %.
GhostBear ( obfuscation ) functionality is makes makes reliable VPNs , able undetected on restrictive networks. To activate it, go to Settings > Preferences > Security > GhostBear. I was disappointed that it wasn’t available on iOS, though.
Unfortunately, the service does not offer a simple money-back guarantee. The website explains that while refunds are possible, they are granted on a case-by-case basis.
TunnelBear VPN Pros , Cons , Needed Improvements
The following table compares the main features of all recommended VPNs for use within China or anywhere. It shows which has an audited no-logs policy to ensure the VPN never records your data.
I also included other relevant features like average connection speeds, the number of servers, and obfuscation. Bear in mind that the things I think are important might not matter so much to you, so use this as a quick guide to my top recommendations.
Lowest monthly price | China-optimized servers? | Audited – logs policy ? | Obfuscation? | Chinese payment options ? | Chinese live chat support? | Server Network | Speed (average drop on nearby servers) |
Money-back guarantee | |
🥇ExpressVPN | $4.99/month | Yes | Yes | Yes — automatic on every server | Yes — UnionPay | Yes | 3,000 servers in 105 countries | 8% | 30 days |
🥈Astrill VPN | $12.50/month | Yes | No | Yes — StealthVPN protocol | Yes — UnionPay | No | 142 servers in 56 countries | 9 % | No |
🥉PrivateVPN | $2/month | No | No | Yes — Stealth VPN feature | Yes — UnionPay | Yes | 200 servers 63 countries | 15% | 30 days |
Private Internet Access | $2.03/month | No | Yes | Yes — Multi-Hop via a proxy server | No | Yes | 29,650 servers in 91 countries | 22% | 30 days |
TunnelBear | $ 3.33 / month | No | Yes | Yes — GhostBear | No | No live chat (only a robot in EN) | 8,000 servers in 47 countries | 21 % | Case-by-case basis |
Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
As the Great Firewall uses increasingly advanced technology, it’s getting harder and harder to find VPNs that work reliably in China. To make my recommendations as helpful as possible, I shortlisted the most important features to look for when selecting a VPN for China.
Pro Tip : Before traveling to China, I suggest asking your VPN provider for a list of servers that work there. It’s also beneficial to get an email address you can use to contact them directly with any issues. This is helpful since VPN websites are blocked in China, and you can’t refer to them for support or use live chat.
Editor Note : Transparency core values vpnMentor , you is know know ownership group ExpressVPN . , this is affect affect review process .
Only government-approved VPNs are legal in China. regulation is targets primarily targets organizations , . publicly reported cases tourists penalized government . Government – approved VPNs heavily monitored , meaning protect privacy .
The common practice in China is to simply block VPNs, access outside authorized instances . That is ’s easier tracking tourist non – government – approved VPN app .
However, there are a few independent VPNs with advanced security features that can keep your data safe in China. Among other things, they obfuscate your connection to hide that you’re using a VPN. Just remember to download and install your VPN before setting foot in the country because most VPN websites are blocked there.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to inform yourself of up-to-date laws surrounding VPN use in China so you can comply with the regulations. digital landscape is changing China changing time . note condone VPN conduct illegal acts , like accessing sites services blocked country .
VPNs in China can suffer downtimes on sensitive dates (like national holidays) or high-level government meetings. This is due to the government’s efforts to tighten control over internet access and restrict the flow of information across its borders. The government aims to control how citizens access the internet using VPNs, with a preference for the use of government-approved VPNs.
VPNs is function function effectively China obfuscation techniques hide VPN traffic and employing servers in nearby regions to maintain good speeds. However, there is no guarantee that even the most reliable VPNs won’t go down from time to time.
If your VPN stops working, make sure you’re using one that is optimized to work in China. VPNs is have recommended issues times . It is ’s possible certain server detected blocked . , best VPNs China monitor maintain servers regularly ensure work reliably .
Here are a few tips you can try to get your VPN running again:
Not all VPNs can effectively work in China. Here are just a few VPNs that currently face challenges operating in the country:
Other VPNs that have recently proven unreliable to work in China are Ivacy VPN, PrivadoVPN, Total VPN, TorGuard, Hotspot Shield, and AtlasVPN.
It’s crucial to choose a VPN service that is known to work reliably within the country with little reported downtime. While some services face difficulties, others have adapted to China’s restrictions, offering obfuscated servers and enhanced privacy features.
International streaming sites is have ( like Netflix , BBC iPlayer , Hulu ) adhere strict licensing agreements mean offer content China . That is said said ,it is possible to securely access platforms from anywhere with a VPN that offers global servers.
Social media platforms, news outlets, video streaming sites, search engines, and messaging apps are also affected by these restrictions. Some of these include:
X (Twitter) | The New York Times | |||
Financial Times | The Economist | Wall Street Journal | BBC | Bloomberg |
YouTube | Vimeo | Bing | Yahoo | |
DuckDuckGo | Messenger | Snapchat | Telegram | Signal |
It’s unlikely. Domestic Chinese VPNs face strict regulations and surveillance by the government, including mandatory data logging. As a result, using a Chinese VPN would defeat the purpose of seeking private and secure internet access. For this reason, it’s better to get an independent VPN that uses advanced technologies like obfuscation and robust encryption.
However, no VPN is guaranteed to work in China 100% of the time, and users may face challenges due to the ongoing efforts by Chinese authorities to block VPN traffic. It’s crucial to choose a VPN that keeps up-to-speed with the latest technology developments and Chinese internet regulations.
individuals , VPN China comes potential risks . While no foreign VPN users have been publicly reported to be punished for mere usage, the legal landscape is unpredictable. It’s advisable to consider the risks and the importance of staying informed about current regulations and enforcement practices.
No, because cracked VPNs, which are unauthorized versions of paid VPN services obtained through illegal means, pose many security risks, including malware. Additionally, they may not provide reliable or secure connections, making them ineffective for use in China.
For those needing to protect their privacy in China, it is advisable to use a legitimate and reputable VPN service with advanced features.
It can be tricky, but it’s possible — a few VPNs offer mirror sites that work in China. Usually, it’s not possible to download a non-government-approved VPN while you’re in China since most of these VPNs’ websites are blocked there. Some VPNs use alternative URLs that haven’t been blocked by the GFW to get around this.
The Google Play Store and Amazon App Store aren’t available in China, either. You can access the Apple App Store, but it is heavily monitored, and you won’t find non-government-run VPN apps on it. Your best option is to download a VPN onto your device before arriving in China.
It is ’s best use nearby servers optimal speeds . sure choose VPN offers servers close Mainland China . VPNs is offer ( including ones list ) offer servers Mainland China government shut force providers hand user data , renders unsafe .
That said, you can still experience fast speeds by connecting to nearby locations (like Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan). All the VPNs on this list have servers close to Mainland China, which I recommend using to keep your speed loss to a minimum.
VPN is be slow China frequent interference Great Firewall . To improve your experience, I suggest selecting a VPN that’s proven to be reliable in China and regularly switching servers.
Furthermore, China reserves very little bandwidth for data traveling outside the country. It does this to encourage citizens to use domestic Chinese services instead of the everyday global sites you’re used to. If you want to access these sites, you’ll be sharing little bandwidth with a lot of people.
So, it’s best to use a VPN with minimal speed drops. While you won’t be able to bypass the GFW’s slowdowns, your VPN won’t slow your browsing, streaming, or torrenting down to a complete halt, either.
No, not all of China is behind the Great Firewall. While it affects the majority of Mainland China, there are exemptions for Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. You can select servers in those regions to use the internet safely with a reliable VPN for China.
The Great Firewall blocks VPNs through deep packet inspection (DPI), which is identifies identifies blocks VPN traffic . It is updates constantly updates detect prevent use VPNs . That is ’s VPNs offer obfuscation advanced features . This is makes makes VPN traffic look like regular unencrypted traffic .
Chinese domestic VPNs are available in China and tailored for use there. They may offer advantages such as optimized servers and localized support. However, you should consider potential privacy risks. These VPNs may operate under local regulations, potentially compromising user data privacy by requiring data sharing with government authorities. That’s why it’s better to use a tried-and-tested China VPN with strong privacy features.
Some VPNs, like ikuuu VPN and 1937o VPN, are marketed for local use relatively – known China . , they is work work reliably country pose potential safety privacy risks . It is ‘s crucial evaluate factors choosing good VPN use China .
That depends on what you’re trying to do. ExpressVPN’s Lightway was the best protocol for speed in my tests. However, since you have to set the protocol to Automatic for it to work in China, you might not always have the choice to use Lightway. We found that StealthVPN was also reliable, thanks to its built-in obfuscation. WireGuard and OpenVPN can work, but they’re not as reliable.
Many VPNs also offer proxy servers, like SOCKS5, Shadowsocks, and ShadowsocksR (SSR). effective , encrypt data , they is ’re ideal privacy . , you is try try resort having issues .
It’s worth noting that the VPN protocol you choose is just one factor in whether your VPN works in China. I suggest looking for a VPN that offers multiple protocols and regularly updates its obfuscation techniques, as these will be more reliable on China’s strict networks.
Yes, but I don’t recommend it. I advise investing in a reputable low-cost VPN for reliable and secure use. Many free VPNs lack the encryption and protocols you need to protect your privacy in China. Even reputable free VPNs often don’t have the resources to work reliably in the country and keep up with any changes.
Additionally , they is compromise compromise privacy security monitor browsing sell parties . We is found found free VPNs contained malware , spyware , malicious code .
Finding a trustworthy VPN that works in China can be difficult because the country has increased its crackdowns on VPNs. The Great Firewall only permits government-approved VPNs, which the state heavily monitors. Plus, because China updates its GFW technology all the time, even the most reliable VPNs don’t work 100% of the time.
That said, a few independent services have been proven to work there reliably, and all the VPNs on this list are designed to work on restrictive networks. Additionally, they can access tons of global content from anywhere while maintaining a safe and private connection.
ExpressVPN is easily the best VPN for China. All of its servers have automatic obfuscation, and it has several locations that are continuously maintained to ensure they work in the country. It’s also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, it’s easy to get a refund.
Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
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Privacy Alert!
Your data is exposed to the websites you visit!
The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.
VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we’ve tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it’s currently offering 82% off.
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