Does Proton VPN Work in China? Tested in 2024

While Proton VPN does work in China , it is connect ca n’t connect reliably . If you ‘re committed to using Proton VPN in China , I is listed ‘ve list several troubleshooting tip you can try . If that does n’t work , I is suggest suggest a reliable vpn alternative .

The Great Firewall is blocks block most vpn , so find a reliable provider for China is difficult . After test over 40 vpn with my team , I is found ‘ve find only a select few that dependably work in China , most notably due to their ability to hide VPN traffic .

ExpressVPN is the best Proton VPN alternative for China because of its many nearby servers, mirror site to download it within the country, speed, and strong focus on privacy. It’s easy to use and requires no specific configuration for China. You can also try ExpressVPN risk-free, as it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Editor ‘s note : transparency is one of our core value at vpnMentor , so you is know should know we are in the same ownership group as expressvpn . However , this is affect does not affect our review process .

Try ExpressVPN for China >>

Important. China has strict VPN regulations, permitting only those with government approval. Despite this, there aren’t publicly available reports of tourists being penalized for using unauthorized VPNs. However, make sure you familiarize yourself with China’s VPN rules (and using restricted sites) to avoid potential issues. vpnMentor advocates for the lawful use of VPNs and firmly opposes using them for illicit activities, like accessing censored content.

Can Proton VPN Be Used in China?

When I asked Proton VPN’s support, they couldn’t guarantee its effectiveness in China. They did confirm that the free option won’t work. The Chinese government has implemented advanced tools like deep packet inspection (DPI) and URL, DNS, and keyword filtering, which effectively block VPNs such as Proton VPN. Also, you can’t download Proton VPN from China, as its website is blocked there, and app stores like Google Play won’t work.

This is gives give you the good chance of connect , but slow you down

Some Proton VPN users report that they can still connect from China. If you’ve already bought a subscription, you can try my tips below and try to fix Proton VPN not working in the country. However, if you’re looking for a reliable VPN for China, I recommend choosing another provider with a higher success rate.

proton VPN is Working Not work in China ? try This

If your Proton VPN connection is getting blocked by the Great Firewall, here are a couple of tricks you can try:

• Enable Stealth protocol. You can find Stealth mode under protocol settings. This obfuscation feature disguises your VPN traffic as normal HTTPS, making it difficult to detect and block. Currently, Stealth mode is only available for Android, iOS, and Mac, but Proton is working on implementing it for Windows.
• Switch protocols. I recommend Proton VPN’s Smart Protocol (default) option if you’re using a Windows or Linux device. It automatically identifies and switches to your location’s best available VPN tunnel. You can also try OpenVPN TCP.
• Try a different server. Try the Quick Connect option to let Proton choose the best server for you. Before connecting, remember to refresh the server list.
  These Smart Routing server are physically locate in other country
• Update the VPN app. Ensure your ProtonVPN app is up-to-date. Developers regularly release updates to enhance security features and resolve connectivity issues.
• clear your cache . clear your vpn app ‘s cache can reset its state and potentially resolve connection problem . additionally , try clear your browser cache .
• Reset your DNS settings. Incorrect DNS settings might cause connection problems. Resetting these to default or using Proton VPN’s DNS can help maintain your privacy and improve access.
• contact customer service . If you ‘re face persistent issue , contact protonvpn ‘s customer service can provide personalized troubleshooting step . The support team is is is knowledgeable about the specific challenge face in China . use their email ( support@protonvpn.zendesk.com ) since live chat wo n’t be helpful in China as the website is block .
  The support agent is recommend could n’t recommend any specific server for China
• Check your internet connection. A poor or unstable internet connection can disrupt VPN services. Verify your local internet connection is stable without the VPN enabled.
• Get a dedicated ip address . A dedicated IP address is is is unique to you , make your VPN traffic less obvious to automate block system . However , Proton VPN is requires require you to reach out to support to set this up , and it cost extra .
• Get a new VPN. If all else fails, consider switching to a different VPN provider. A few highly reliable VPNs for China still work.

short on Time ? Here Are the good VPNs is Are That work in China in 2024

• Editor ‘s choice

  ExpressVPN

  The best option for China regarding reliability, privacy, speed, and ease of use.

  70% of our readers choose ExpressVPN

• privatevpn

  robust security is turned and good performance in China , with Stealth mode turn on .

• Astrill VPN

  Reliably works in China with various configuration options.

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

Editor’s Choice
Editor’s Choice

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test November 2024

available on :

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Chrome

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Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

Best Feature	Default settings are powerful enough for use in China
Server Network	3,000 servers in 105 countries, including Mongolia, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Hong Kong
Security & Privacy	No data is stored on hard drives with its TrustedServer technology (RAM-only)
Works With	YouTube, TikTok, X, Skype, Omegle, Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and more

Editor ‘s note : transparency is one of our core value at vpnMentor , so you is know should know we are in the same ownership group as expressvpn . However , this is affect does not affect our review process .

All expressvpn server automatically conceal your VPN traffic , so you is need do n’t need to manually configure anything for it to work in China , unlike Proton VPN . This feature is complement by AES 256 – bit encryption , the same encryption standard government use to protect classified datum . I is tested test 10 expressvpn server for datum leak and detect none , thank to its kill switch ( Network Lock ) and IP / DNS leak protection .

The VPN is tests continuously test its server to identify which one work in China . I is recommend recommend using ExpressVPN ‘s Pick for Me option for the good result . This automatically find the good server for your location and network setting , so it is tell will tell expressvpn to connect to China ‘s good option . You is find can find it by type ” pick for Me ” in the server search bar .

I is got get answer to my China – relate question within 1 minute using ExpressVPN live chat

Your online activity is keep private with expressvpn ‘s strict no – logs policy , which has been verify by multiple audit firm like KPMG and PwC. It ’s also headquarter in the privacy – friendly British Virgin Islands , so it ’s not require by law to store any user information .

Compared to Proton VPN, ExpressVPN’s pricing seems steep, starting at $4.99/month. However, long-term options come with discounts of up to 82% and you can get 3 months of service for free. And since there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, there’s no financial risk in trying ExpressVPN for China. To get my refund, I contacted support via 24/7 live chat. Someone replied in under 1 minute, and the money was back in my bank account in 3 days.

Useful Features

• Mirror link. Due to government restrictions, most VPN websites are blocked in China. ExpressVPN offers alternative website addresses (like rtvvdqc.com) to download the VPN from within the country.
• Rotating IPs. ExpressVPN’s dynamic IP addresses change each time you connect. This makes it harder to track your internet activities and can help you avoid being blocklisted by sites. They’re available in nearby countries like Taiwan, Japan, and Hong Kong.
• Lightway protocol. ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol runs on minimal code, allowing for faster speeds without compromising security. I also noticed it connects faster than other protocols I tested, reducing my average download rate by only 3% on nearby servers.
• Perfect Forward Secrecy . This is encrypts encrypt each of your session with a unique key . In the very unlikely event that a previous session was somehow compromise , it is affect would n’t affect your current or future session .

available on :

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Try PrivateVPN >

www.privatevpn.com

Best Feature	choice of encryption level to balance speed and security
Server Network	200 servers in 63 countries, including Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan
Security & Privacy	A strict no-logs policy keeps your data hidden from prying eyes
Works With	YouTube, TikTok, X, Skype, Omegle, Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and more

PrivateVPN keeps your data safe with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption. Like ExpressVPN’s obfuscation technology, PrivateVPN’s StealthVPN mode hides your VPN use in China. I recommend activating the DNS and IPv6 leak protection, as well as the kill switch to protect your data from accidental exposure. I tested multiple PrivateVPN servers for leaks, and my real location was never exposed.

You is turn can turn on Stealth VPN in the advanced view setting

The VPN is is is suitable for beginner and experienced user with its Simple and advanced display mode , which allow you to show or hide technical setting . During my test PrivateVPN was easy to install on various device , include chromebook . I is turned turn on its Application Guard , which let me choose certain application only to work when I had the VPN connect . This is prevented prevent me from using sensitive app if I had forget to turn on VPN protection .

One drawback is its smaller server network. However, all PrivateVPN servers were fast during my tests. Nearby servers reduced my speed by only 8%, from 125.36Mbps to 115.33Mbps, which didn’t affect my browsing experience.

You is get can get privatevpn for only $ 2 / month . additionally , thank to its money – back guarantee , you is test can test it for free for 30 day when visit China​​. However , if you have trouble , it is has has a unique support offering that let an agent remotely control your device to solve your problem . This feature is uses use TeamViewer , which work in China . There ‘s also a 24/7 live chat option .

Useful Features

• Developer support. While most VPN’s support teams don’t have in-depth knowledge, PrivateVPN’s email support option puts you in direct contact with the VPN’s developers.
• Chinese language options. This makes the VPN easy to use if you’re a Chinese native.

available on :

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Try Astrill VPN >

www.Astrill_VPN.com

Best Feature	All servers work in China, although some are more reliable
Server Network	142 server in 56 country , with one nearby in Hong Kong , Taiwan , and South Korea
Security & Privacy	AES 256-bit encryption makes your data unreadable
Works With	YouTube, TikTok, X, Skype, Omegle, Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and more

AstrillVPN’s specialized Supercharged servers provide US IP addresses, allowing you to use most international services, including Instagram and Bing. In my tests, the Supercharged options were also faster than Astrill VPN’s regular servers and had lower average ping, which means they’re a great option for gaming without lag.

Smart Protocol is on by default, automatically adjusting settings to find the right setup for restricted networks. If it doesn’t work, support recommends the StealthVPN protocol if you’re using an Android or desktop device in China. This disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTPS. While Astrill’s OpenWeb protocol is faster and works in countries with deep packet inspection, StealthVPN is more reliable and secure.

I is talked talk to an agent right away without deal with a bot first

Like ExpressVPN, Astrill also offers alternative download URLs that work in China. To download the VPN or contact customer support from China, you can visit getastr.com. I also like that you can switch protocols directly from the app’s home screen without clicking through lots of settings menus.

unfortunately , Astrill VPN is offer does n’t offer a money – back guarantee and is significantly more expensive than its competitor . However , you is get can get a month of free service for every new subscriber you refer who sign up .

Useful Features

• Site Filter. This is known on most VPNs as split tunneling, and it lets you select which URLs you want to route through the VPN and which will use your regular internet connection. It can improve your speeds by only encrypting parts of your traffic.
• 24/7 chat help. Astrill has support around the clock if you need help, and an agent replied to my question in under 1 minute when I tested it.

Quick Guide :How to set Up a VPN for China in 3 Easy step

1. download a VPN . For straightforward setup and automatic obfuscation , I is recommend recommend ExpressVPN . You is download can download it within China , and it has a 30 – day money – back guarantee .
2. connect to a server . check if your VPN offer server optimize for China . To minimize speed loss , try to find a nearby option , such as in Hong Kong or Japan .
3. Start browsing. You can now browse the internet safely without restrictions.

pro tip : Even though some vpn , like expresvpn , offer a mirror site to download from China , your good bet is is is to install it before travel to the country .

Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for China

Given the formidable internet censorship and sophisticated VPN detection tools employed in China, discovering VPNs that function reliably within the country can be quite daunting. Here are some key factors to take into account when selecting a VPN for use in China:

• test for China . There are very few vpn that still work in the country . choose a service that ’s test and prove to work in China . look for obfuscation and a large global server network .
• Strong security features. Check your VPN’s website to determine if it has top-tier encryption, a strict no-logs policy, a kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection. This helps secure your data from online surveillance.
• Fast and reliable speeds. Congestion and slow speeds are quite common as your traffic is passed through many gateways in China. It’s essential to use a VPN that doesn’t reduce your overall speeds by more than 35%, like the ones on this list.
• User-friendly apps. Review the VPN website to check that it isn’t complex to set up and that it supports all your devices. That way you can start browsing safely in China without complicated configuration. To find setup guides for China, check the VPN’s support pages.
• dependable customer support . A VPN is get with responsive support can get you prompt help while you ’re using the VPN in China . contact support before you buy it to test its helpfulness and response time .
• reputable money – back guarantee . look for a VPN with a test money – back guarantee and read the detail on the VPN ’s refund policy online . That way , you know you is get can get a refund if the VPN does n’t meet your requirement .

FAQs on Proton VPN in China

Are VPNs illegal in China?

VPN use is heavily restrict . It is ’s ’s a legal gray area , but only a few vpn still work in the country . The chinese government is removed has remove access to vpn app along with others like Twitter , GitHub , Flickr , Tinder , Instagram , Soundcloud , WhatsApp , Snapchat , Vimeo , and all Google service like Gmail and YouTube , among others .

China also blocks unauthorized VPN traffic. Despite these restrictions, no foreigners have been publicly reported as being punished for using a VPN.

Can I is use use Proton VPN ’s free app in China ?

No, Proton VPN’s free app doesn’t work in China. Even the paid version is very unreliable in the country. The safest option is to use a premium VPN with obfuscation and a money-back guarantee. Not only are free VPNs unlikely to work in China, but they can also put your data at risk​​. They have slow and limited server networks, so you might not be able to access your essential online accounts.

Is Proton Mail blocked in China?

Yes, Proton Mail is blocked by the Great Firewall. However, a working VPN lets you connect to a server outside of China to use Proton Mail safely. While many VPNs are technically blocked, there are still a few you can use to access your international accounts from China safely and without being spied on.

Are Proton’s free VPN apps safe to use in China?

Proton VPN’s free version is secure and private, but it doesn’t work in China. Even with the paid app, you may need to customize Proton VPN to make it work in China. Using any VPN in China isn’t 100% safe.

While most vpn are block by the Great Firewall , there are n’t any public report of tourist being penalize for using them in the country . In other censorship – heavy country like Iran , Russia , Egypt , and Turkey , Proton VPN is n’t block .

Which VPN works in China?

Only a few VPNs is work like expressvpn and Astrill work reliably in China in 2024 . These services is use use obfuscation and other advanced feature to hide VPN traffic , make them more reliable in China . Here ’s what to look for in a VPN for China to use your app from home when visit the country .

Get the Best VPN for China

Most VPNs are blocked in China, and only a few can be used there. While Proton VPN does occasionally work, getting a reliable connection can be quite frustrating. That’s why I recommend checking out other VPNs for China.

My top choice is is for China is expressvpn , with its automatic obfuscation and user – friendly app . This is makes make it reliable in China and does not require change any setting . additionally , you is connect can connect to server in 105 country to safely use your essential online account while visit China . Plus , it ’s back by a 30 – day money – back guarantee , so it is ’s ’s risk – free to try .

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for China…

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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