When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn Finding the best VPN for China can get complicated, as numerous providers are unable to bypass the Great Firewall or don’t offer servers in the country. However, China is well known for its internet censorship, so living in or even visiting the country requires action to protect personal information.
A VPN will encrypt your browsing data and online footprints, making it virtually impossible for anyone to take advantage of your data. Moreover, in China, many popular Western applications aren’t available. However, a VPN can help you unblock your favorite apps and websites, even when in China.
Considering the difficulty of finding a secure VPN, we have hand-picked and reviewed the best 7 VPNs for China that still work in 2024.
The Best VPNs for China Tested By Our Experts
PureVPN – Functional VPN With Cheap Add-Ons
NordVPN – Feature-rich VPN for Security and Privacy
Surfshark – Superb VPN with Unlimited Connections
ExpressVPN – Fast VPN With a Free Password Manager
ProtonVPN - Secure VPN With an Unlimited Free Plan
Mullvad VPN – A User-Friendly VPN With No Renewal Increases
CyberGhostVPN – Secure VPN With Various Dedicated Servers
- Show Full Guide
PureVPN – Best China VPN with Always-On Audit
| Server Fleet | 6,000+ servers in 65+ countries |
|---|---|
| Servers in China | Yes, virtual |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Starting Price | $2.14/month |
Pros
- Has servers in China and other Asian countries
- Perfect for privacy-conscious users
- Includes the obfuscation feature
- User-friendly applications
Cons
- Some features don’t work with the WireGuard tunnel
NordVPN – Best China VPN for Speedy Connections
| Server Fleet | 6,400+ in 111+ countries |
|---|---|
| Servers in China | No |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Starting Price | $3.39/month |
Pros
- Retains over 90% of the baseline speed
- Servers in numerous Asia Pacific countries
- Allows ten simultaneous connections
- 7-day free trial on Android devices
Cons
- No servers in China
- No free plan
Surfshark – Best VPN for China with Advanced Features
| Server Fleet | 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries |
|---|---|
| Servers in China | No |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Starting Price | $2.19/month |
Pros
- Has servers across Asia
- Allows unlimited simultaneous connections
- Advanced security features like GPS Spoofer
- Offers affordable pricing
Cons
- No servers in China
- No free plan
- Some features are only available in the Android app
ExpressVPN – Best China VPN for Unbreakable Security
| Server Fleet | 3,000+ servers in 105+ countries |
|---|---|
| Servers in China | No |
| Simultaneous Connections | 8 |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Starting Price | $6.67/month |
Pros
- Works in highly restrictive countries
- Has servers in almost all Asian countries
- Offers Stealth servers that obfuscate a VPN use
- 30-day risk-free trial
Cons
- Pricier than the majority of reputable VPNs on the market
- No servers in China
- Doesn’t have a free plan
Proton VPN – Best Free VPN for China
| Server Fleet | 5,200 + servers in 91 + countries |
|---|---|
| Servers in China | No |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Starting Price | $3.59/month |
Pros
- Has servers across Asian regions
- Offers a reliable free plan
- Free plan includes an obfuscation feature
Cons
- No servers in China
- Free servers are located far from Asia
- Mediocre connection speeds
Mullvad VPN – Best China VPN for Beginners
| Server Fleet | 784 + servers in 38 + countries |
|---|---|
| Servers in China | No |
| Simultaneous Connections | 5 |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Starting Price | $5.44/month |
Pros
- Servers in several countries near China
- Bypasses the Great Firewall of China
- Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Lacks additional features
- Connection can be inconsistent
- Small server fleet
CyberGhost VPN – Great Streaming VPN That Works in China
| Server Fleet | 11,700+ in 100+ countries |
|---|---|
| Servers in China | Yes |
| Simultaneous Connections | 7 |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Starting Price | $2.03/month |
Pros
- Very affordable prices
- Servers in China
- 11,700 servers in 100+ countries
Cons
- Speed could be better
- No free plan
- Only 7 simultaneous connections
Best VPN for China Travel Compared
We have compiled a table to showcase the key features of each VPN for China we have reviewed:
| PureVPN | NordVPN | Surfshark | ExpressVPN | ProtonVPN | Mullvad VPN | CyberGhost VPN | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Server Fleet | 6,000+ servers in 65+ countries | 6,400+ servers in 111+ countries | 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries | 3,000+ servers in 105+ countries | 5,200+ servers in 91+ countries | 784 + servers in 38 + countries | 11,500+ in 100+ countries |
| Servers in China | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Unblocking Capabilities | Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Videos, etc | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, HBO Max, Disney+ | YouTube | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more |
| No-log Policy | Yes, audited by Altius IT and KPM | Yes, audited by PwC | Yes, audited by Deloitte | Yes, audited by Cure53 | Yes, audited by Securitum | Yes, audited by Cure53 | Yes, audited by Deloitte |
| Simultaneous Connection | 10 | 10 | Unlimited | 8 | 10 | 5 | 7 |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | No | Yes, 7-day on Android | Yes, 7-day | Yes, 7-day on mobile devices | Yes, free plan | No | Yes, 1-day on a desktop, 3-day on Android, and 7-day on iOS |
| Starting Price | $2.14/month | $3.39/month | $2.19/month | $6.67/month | $3.59/month | $5.44/month | $2.03/month |
How We Review and Test VPN Services
20 VPNS TESTED
25 DATA POINTS MEASURED
300+ HOURS TESTING
500+ USER REVIEWS READ
To provide our readers with accurate and well informed recommendations, we tested 20 leading VPN services to find the best in the market. Our methodology consists of the following criteria:
- Security Features: We made sure that the provider uses standard security features and a secure tunneling protocol.
- Privacy Policies: We looked for VPNs that come with a no-logs policy, and verify the extend to which user privacy is upheld.
- Speed: We run speed tests three times a day and draw an average of the result to see how much of the original broadband speed is retained.
- Compatibility: We ensure the VPN provider offers multiple simultaneous connections and is compatible with the most popular operating systems.
- Geo-unblocking: We test whether the VPN service can unlock different libraries (content available in different countries) on the most popular streaming platforms.
- Customer Experience: When researching products and services, we read real user experiences and test out their customer support channels ourselves.
- Price and Value for Money: We set out to recommend reasonably priced products that offer value for money.
Why Do I Need a VPN When Traveling to China?
Traveling to China can be an exciting experience, but it comes with unique challenges regarding internet access and online privacy.
Here’s why a VPN is essential for your trip:
- Enhanced online privacy. When you use public Wi-Fi networks in hotels, cafes, or airports worldwide, your data can be vulnerable to hackers. In China, the case is even more severe. Luckily, a VPN encrypts your online traffic, ensuring your sensitive information, such as passwords and banking details, remains secure.
- Unrestricted access to information. Accessing international news sites and services like Google Search can be challenging in China. A VPN helps you change your IP address and gives access to geo-restricted sites.
- Communication with family and friends. Many Western communication apps are restricted in China. A VPN ensures you can use services like WhatsApp, Skype, and other VoIP applications to stay in touch with loved ones and work contacts without interruption.
- Seamless streaming experience. If you want to enjoy your favorite shows or music, a VPN can help you access streaming services such as Netflix, Spotify, and others that might be restricted or have limited content availability in China.
- Unblocked popular applications and sites. China has strict internet censorship, often called the Great Firewall, blocking popular sites like Google, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. A VPN allows you to bypass these restrictions and stay connected to your favorite platforms.
- Secure business trips. A VPN is crucial for business travelers to access email services, cloud-based tools, and other resources essential for work operations without geographical restrictions or online tracking.
See our guide to the best VPNs for travel for more recommendations.
What is the Great Firewall in China?
The Great Firewall of China is a robust internet censorship mechanism that affects both residents and visitors. Understanding its scope and impact is essential for anyone planning to stay connected and maintain access to global information while in China.
Officially part of the “Golden Shield Project,” it is designed to regulate the internet domestically and control the information accessible to Chinese citizens. The mechanism works by continuously checking transmission control protocol (TCP) packets for keywords or sensitive words suggested by the government.
By regulating the internet, the government controls public discourse and suppresses dissent. State-approved content is promoted, while protesting voices and foreign news sources are suppressed, ensuring that the information online aligns with government policies and beliefs. This means that the Great Firewall of China mechanism isn’t dedicated to securing local people but is a political tool that may even initiate cyberwars.
How Does Chinese Censorship Work?
The Great Firewall of China consists of different functionalities, yet they all follow the same goal of regulating local citizens’ sources of information. That being said, people online are closely monitored – the government tracks and logs internet use, which can include browsing history, social media activity, and communications.
However, that’s not all. The government also blocks access to numerous foreign websites, including popular platforms such as Google, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. Plus, communication channels and VoIP apps, such as Skype or WhatsApp. To avoid additional inconveniences, they also filter the content, restricting any that goes against the government’s standards.
However, regular citizens aren’t the only ones affected. Businesses in China suffer from regulations as well as a lack of popular work tools, such as Google Workspace, Dropbox, and various CRM platforms.
Like people around the world, Chinese netizens also aim for Internet freedom. Therefore, many individuals and businesses use VPNs.
However, the Chinese government is actively working to detect and block VPN traffic. That’s why only the most reliable VPNs, like PureVPN or NordVPN, still work in China. These providers also feature in our guide to the best VPNs for Turkey, which has comparably strict government internet control.
Which Sites are Blocked in China?
Due to Chinese Internet censorship, numerous online platforms from outside countries are restricted in attempts to regulate the information that reaches the citizens.
However, people still need entertainment, communication, and some sources of information. Therefore, the local government has developed alternative apps. Below, you will see which sites and apps are blocked in China and their alternatives.
| Website/ application | Chinese alternative |
|---|---|
| Baidu | |
| YouTube | Youku Tudou |
| Xiaohongshu | |
It is important to note that not only are entertainment and communication platforms restricted, but you also won’t be able to access important news sites. These include The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Financial Times, and more. To access unbiased sources of information while traveling in China, you should consider using a reliable VPN to spoof your IP address.
Are VPNs Legal in China?
The Chinese government has strict regulations regarding VPN use. That said, only VPNs approved by the government are legal. These services typically comply with state policies and allow government monitoring. Unauthorized VPNs, which most individuals and businesses use, such as ExpressVPN, to bypass the Great Firewall, are technically illegal.
In addition to not authorizing VPNs that don’t compromise users’ data, the Chinese government has intensified its crackdown on using these services. This includes blocking VPN websites or removing VPN apps from Chinese app stores.
While individual users rarely face severe consequences, there have been cases where people have been fined for using government-unapproved VPNs. Naturally, businesses caught using or providing unauthorized VPN services may face more significant consequences, including fines and operational restrictions.
Overall, VPNs are not completely illegal in China, but their usage is heavily controlled and limited to government-approved services. This leaves you with two choices:
- You can use a government-authorized VPN app, but this may involve the collection and potential sale of your data.
- Alternatively, you can opt for a privacy-focused VPN that the government has not approved, which comes with its own risks. However, reputable VPN services make every effort to conceal your online activity and the fact that you are using a VPN, so the risk is highly minimized.
How to Stay Safe in China Using a VPN
Having a VPN while traveling in China isn’t enough. To really stay safe, there are several things you must do before and during your stay in China:
- Have a backup VPN. No matter how good your first VPN option is, it’s possible for the Great Wall to block its servers, making your data accessible to the government. To prevent this, we recommend you get a backup VPN before the trip to China.
- Enable the obfuscation feature. Market-leading VPNs that work in highly-censored countries provide users with many advanced security features. One of them is the obfuscation feature, which masks the VPN traffic, allowing you to stay secure without a trace.
- Enable the kill switch feature. VPN connection can fail at any time, anywhere in the world. During that period, your online data isn’t encrypted, making you an easy target for online snoopers. To avoid this, enable the kill switch feature, which automatically disconnects you from the network if the VPN connection drops.
- Use servers close to China. We suggest you connect to VPN servers in nearby countries such as Hong Kong, Japan, or Singapore. These servers provide faster and more reliable connections than those far from your geographical location.
- Avoid sensitive activities. No VPN can guarantee 100% anonymity. Therefore, even with it, you must avoid sensitive online activities, such as participating in compromising activities or sharing sensitive documents without additional security layers.
How to Choose the Best VPN for China
With numerous VPNs available on the market, only a few meet all the necessary security and performance standards. Even fewer are well-suited for use in China.
Here’s how to determine if your chosen VPN is the best fit:
- Extensive server fleet. A good VPN should have servers in China to ensure the best connection speeds while you’re in the country. However, it should also have a wide array of international servers to access geo-restricted content.
- Advanced security features. The ideal China VPN will employ advanced encryption, feature a kill switch, and offer top-notch tunneling protocols, including WireGuard and its proprietary versions.
- Strict privacy policy. Opt for a VPN provider that adheres to a strict no-logs policy. It’s even better if an independent audit verifies this policy. Support for anonymous payments is another plus for privacy-conscious users.
- Additional security features. Aside from essential protection features, the best China VPN must provide an obfuscation tool. With it, you’ll be able to continue using the VPN service without revealing it to the Chinese or other governments in highly censored regions.
- Intuitive application. As important as the security suite is, it won’t be effective unless you know how to use the VPN app. That’s why the top VPN app for China must offer an intuitive user interface suitable for beginners.
- Helpful customer support. When traveling in such countries as China, help from a VPN provider must be available and fast at all times to help you regain the VPN connection or solve other issues.
How Do I Install and Use a VPN in China?
Installing and using a VPN in China is easy if you choose the right service and enable the necessary features. Before moving on to the step-by-step guide, we suggest setting up a VPN before your flight to China to prevent the local government from blocking the app.
Follow the steps below and learn how to install and use a VPN in China:
- Choose a reliable VPN that works in China. We recommend PureVPN, which follows strict privacy measures.
- Subscribe to a selected plan and download the app for your device.
- Install the application by following the given instructions.
- Launch the VPN app on your device and connect to a server in China or nearby countries.
- Head to the menu and enable the kill switch feature.
- Find an obfuscation feature and enable it to mask the VPN use (in some VPN apps, there are obfuscated servers, and separately enabling the feature is unnecessary).
- Start browsing risk-free!
Best Free VPN in China – Free vs. Paid?
When using a VPN in China, choosing between free and paid options can greatly affect your online experience. Free VPNs are popular due to their money-saving potential. However, free VPNs may have inconsistent performance in bypassing the Great Firewall of China and may get blocked often, leaving you without reliable access. Even if they consistently work in China, it could mean that they comply with local government regulations that involve collecting and sharing user data.
Meanwhile, paid VPNs come with market-leading encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and additional features like obfuscation to help bypass the Great Firewall without complying with government regulations. Additionally, they offer larger server fleets and unlimited data, allowing you an uninterrupted connection throughout your travel.
If you’re having trouble affording a premium VPN, you can use Proton VPN, which has a free version that works in China while still providing top-notch data security. Another option is to choose one of the other recommended VPNs from the list, such as NordVPN, and take advantage of their 30-day money-back guarantee!
