6 Best VPNs for China: Safe & Working in 2024

China’s stringent internet regulations can make staying connected a challenge. The government’s Great Firewall (GFW) restricts a wide range of online content and constantly works to detect and block VPNs. Because of this, even the most reputable VPNs can sometimes be inaccessible and require ongoing updates to keep working in China. This makes finding a reliable China VPN a tricky task.

After extensive research, we identified the top VPNs that offer obfuscation features and can be used in China. These VPNs are known to meet security standards, deliver fast speeds, and maintain steady uptime for a smooth and private browsing experience.

Our research data found that the best VPN for China is ExpressVPN. It offers advanced obfuscation, 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 satisfied with the service, you can easily get a full refund. 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.

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

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.

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

1. ExpressVPN — Overall Best VPN for China With Automatic Obfuscation

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Tested November 2024

Available on:

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www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN is the most reliable VPN for China, thanks to its advanced obfuscation. This scrambles your metadata and makes your VPN traffic look like regular web traffic. Unlike most VPNs that require you to manually turn on obfuscation, ExpressVPN takes care of it by activating it automatically whenever it detects restrictions. This means you can browse safely in China without needing extra configurations or settings adjustments.

I also like that it offers fast speeds, even with obfuscation active. When we connected to ExpressVPN’s nearby server on a restrictive network, there was a minor speed reduction of 11% (229.36Mbps). This is impressive since obfuscation can cause significant slowdowns. There was no buffering as we streamed The Rise of Ning and Fangs of Fortune in HD on iQIYI.

The speeds were consistently fast even on long-distance connections

ExpressVPN’s website features a regularly updated list of servers specifically optimized to work in China. These include locations in the US, UK, Japan, France, and Singapore, so you have multiple options to choose from. ExpressVPN suggests selecting the Automatic protocol for obfuscation to work effectively. Plus, the app conveniently highlights servers that are likely to work well in China, which you can find in the Recommended tab.

No VPN can promise 100% reliability in China, but ExpressVPN is one of the most dependable options available. There have been occasional reports of downtime, but the service quickly resolves any connectivity issues. Plus, all ExpressVPN plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can test it without financial risk and get a refund if you’re not satisfied with the service.

Useful Features

• Chinese mirror site. Although its official website is blocked by the Great Firewall, ExpressVPN has a mirror website that’s accessible from within China. The URL changes constantly to avoid blocks, but you can always email its customer support to ask for an up-to-date mirror address or contact them through the 24/7 live chat.
• Chinese payment options. ExpressVPN supports UnionPay for domestic Chinese cards. Plus, it accepts Bitcoin payments, so you can subscribe without leaving a trace. It’s a good alternative if you would otherwise need to use a Chinese bank account to pay.
• Privacy-focused. ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), a privacy-friendly jurisdiction with no data retention laws. Plus, it has a strict no-logs policy to keep your activity private. It doesn’t operate servers in mainland China, which means it doesn’t have to comply with government requests for user data.
• Highly secure. Your data is protected by military-grade 256-bit encryption. Plus, you’ll get robust IPv4, IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leak protection and a Network Lock kill switch to prevent anyone from seeing your real location.
• Advanced Protection. This is ExpressVPN’s customizable blocker. You can choose to prevent ads, malware, and trackers (or a combination) for a safer, more private way to browse in China.

2. Astrill VPN — StealthVPN for Enhanced Connectivity in China

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www.Astrill_VPN.com

Astrill VPN is well-regarded as one of the most dependable VPNs for China, offering secure access to the internet with minimal downtime. Its reliability comes from StealthVPN, an advanced protocol designed to work on restrictive networks. Astrill VPN offers plenty of servers located close to China for speedy connections, along with Supercharged servers in the US and Hong Kong optimized for use in this country.

It’s not as fast as ExpressVPN, but Astrill VPN delivers solid speeds for most online activities. Since obfuscation adds extra processing steps, some slowdown is expected. However, with its proprietary OpenWeb protocol, we experienced only a 27% drop on its Thailand server. That said, you may experience more noticeable speed reductions with its StealthVPN protocol especially over longer distances.

Astrill’s simple app includes a neat upload/download graphic so you can gauge your data usage in China

One drawback of Astrill VPN is its price — it’s one of the most expensive VPNs available. That said, if you need a dependable VPN with strong obfuscation, the cost can be seen as an investment in secure access to the internet.
While it doesn’t have a money-back guarantee, you can use Astrill VPN for free for 1 month if you refer a friend and they sign up for a paid subscription.

Useful Features

• Choice of 5 proxies. On the rare occasions that Astrill VPN isn’t working in China, you’ll have other options since it offers a selection of 5 proxies. Keep in mind that these won’t encrypt your traffic, though — I only recommend using them as a backup if you have no other option.
• Protect browsers only or all apps. Using the OpenWeb protocol, you can configure Astrill VPN to protect all apps or just web browsers. That’s useful if you want your non-browser apps to run faster in China.
• Customizable connections. Using OpenVPN, you can choose between 256-, 192-, and 128-bit encryption, and you can even turn off encryption completely. Turning your encryption level down could help to boost your speeds without sacrificing security. I don’t recommend turning it off in China, though.

3. PrivateVPN — Customizable Security to Optimize Your Connection in China

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www.privatevpn.com

PrivateVPN’s customizable security features make it a solid choice for use in China. You can adjust encryption levels from 256-bit to 128-bit. Switching PrivateVPN’s encryption to 128-bit led to a decent speed boost of 9%. While 128-bit is slightly less secure, it still offers robust protection and maintains smoother connections. You also have protocol options — L2TP, for instance, tends to perform more reliably than OpenVPN on highly restrictive networks.

You can access these settings from the Advanced View

Its StealthVPN mode allows it to work in China by disguising VPN connections as regular internet traffic. However, you’ll need to enable it manually in the settings, unlike ExpressVPN’s automatic obfuscation. For tougher restrictions, PrivateVPN suggests using the OpenConnect app, and it provides an easy setup guide for this workaround.

Although PrivateVPN’s server network is smaller than some other VPNs on this list, it offsets potential congestion by purchasing internet capacity directly from transit providers. This helps prevent the speed dips that often come with smaller networks. I also appreciate that all of its servers are self-owned, which gives the company more control over user traffic.

If you want to try it out first, PrivateVPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test its features without any commitment. When I tested the refund policy myself, I found it easy and hassle-free. I got my money back in a few days.

Useful Features

• Customer support via email. PrivateVPN’s website is blocked in China, so you won’t be able to access live chat. However, you can use its dedicated email to get assistance. I got a reply within 20 minutes when I tested it. Its live chat also uses a translation feature, so Chinese users can get help in their native language.
• Easy to use. The Advanced View has some solid security settings, but you don’t even have to leave Simple View to secure your connections in China. Just choose a server and hit the big power button. This makes it a great choice if you’re not super experienced with VPNs.
• Optimized streaming servers. PrivateVPN offers streaming servers in a few locations that can securely access popular platforms from anywhere. These servers are optimized for HD streaming speeds or better if possible.

4. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Large Server Network to Get a Chinese IP Address

Available on:

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www.privateinternetaccess.com

PIA has the largest server network of all China VPNs we listed. It also includes an option for a Chinese IP address, which is a rarity among reputable VPNs. The Chinese IP is a virtual server, so PIA isn’t subject to local data laws and thus keeps your privacy intact. This means you can securely access Chinese sites without exposing your data to government requests.

You can also enable MACE with one click to get rid of pop-up ads on Chinese sites

It offers unlimited simultaneous device connections, making it ideal for larger households or tech enthusiasts. During our PIA tests, we experienced stable connections without any drops, even with a laptop, desktop, mobile phone, and 5 other active devices. This ensures that all your devices can stay protected under one subscription when you’re in China.

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.

Useful Features

• Advanced kill switch. You can lock your connection to PIA to ensure you can’t get online without protection from the VPN. If you live in China, I recommend turning this setting on as soon as you download the app, as it means you won’t accidentally expose any data to the GFW when you power on your device.
• Connection automation. This tells the app to automatically connect when certain conditions are met, like if you join a public WiFi network. This is really important no matter where you are in the world, but even more so in China.

5. TunnelBear — User-Friendly Interface to Easily Protect Your Online Data in China

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try TunnelBear VPN >

www.tunnelbear.com

TunnelBear’s simple interface makes it one of the easiest VPNs to use in China. Its map-based server selection is intuitive — just pick a server, and a cartoon bear digs its way from your location to the destination. It’s compatible with popular streaming sites, and its unlimited device connections are great for keeping all your gadgets secure.

The bear crawls all the way back home again when you disconnect

Its setup even adds a bit of fun with its bear-themed instructions and puns. It took me less than 2 minutes to install the app on my MacBook. TunnelBear also has fast short-distance speeds, according to our tests. The Fastest Tunnel feature automatically connected us to the best server — we experienced steady speeds with only 28% speed loss.

The GhostBear (obfuscation) functionality makes it one of the more reliable VPNs, as it’s able to go undetected on restrictive networks. To activate it, go to Settings > Preferences > Security > GhostBear. I was disappointed that it wasn’t available on iOS, though.

A downside is the lack of a standard money-back guarantee; refunds are only available on a case-by-case basis, as stated on its website.

Useful Features

• Split tunneling. This feature can help you free up some bandwidth in China since you can choose what traffic goes through the VPN.
• Trusted Networks. You can add known networks to a safelist for automatic protection only on unfamiliar networks — a handy feature for those using China’s public WiFi where security is generally low.
• Free plan. TunnelBear offers a free plan, which is great for light use, but you’re limited to just 2GB of data each month. For regular streaming or more extensive usage, you’ll likely need to upgrade to a paid plan.

6. Hotspot Shield — Hydra Protocol for Fast Speeds and Strong Security in China

Available on:

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www.hotspotshield.com

Hotspot Shield offers a proprietary Hydra protocol, which is engineered for fast and stable connections even over long distances. As a relatively new protocol, it benefits from the fact that many firewalls may not yet recognize or effectively block it. This, combined with its obfuscation technology, lets you navigate restrictive networks more easily. However, our findings indicate that it doesn’t match the reliability of ExpressVPN or Astrill in China.

In our speed tests, Hydra outperformed WireGuard by 4%

Speaking of speeds, we saw a small drop of 21% on its virtual Chinese server. We watched Link Click in HD on Bilibili. The Chinese IP servers are pretty reliable, too — we never experienced connection drops or inconsistent speeds while testing Hotspot Shield.

That said, it has a minor downside regarding data privacy. The service logs some sensitive information, including your real IP address, bandwidth usage, and originating location. Hotspot Shield claims that the IP address is only logged during your VPN session and won't be linked to your account. Still, other VPNs like PIA operate without storing such data.

On a positive note, Hotspot Shield offers a 45-day money-back guarantee, letting you test the service without financial risk. This gives you ample time to determine if it meets your needs for secure browsing and streaming in China.

Useful Features

• Tor over VPN. This feature routes your internet traffic through the Tor network, which adds an extra layer of security. It’s particularly helpful in restrictive regions like China, as it makes your online activities harder to trace.
• PKI encryption. Hotspot Shield uses Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) encryption to secure your data. This encrypts your information at both ends of the connection, protecting it from potential interception. This added security is crucial for keeping your sensitive data safe while browsing on restrictive networks.

Quick Comparison Table: China VPN Features

The table below highlights the key features of all the recommended VPNs for use in China and beyond. It includes the lowest monthly prices, whether each VPN has servers optimized for China, and if they have an audited no-logs policy to ensure that your data remains private.

Plus, I’ve included other relevant features such as average connection speeds, the total number of servers, and available Chinese payment options. Use this as a quick reference to my top recommendations.

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.

Our Methodology for Choosing the Best VPN for China

When testing VPNs for use in China, we prioritize factors that significantly affect your online experience in this restrictive environment. We begin by evaluating each VPN's ability to work in the country, measuring how well they can securely access the internet. Connection speeds and stability during various online activities are also crucial. Plus, we look into server availability, focusing on options within China and nearby regions.

We also analyze the security features offered, such as encryption standards and no-logs policies, to ensure that your data remains secure and private. Customer support responsiveness and transparency regarding privacy practices are further key aspects we consider. If you’re interested in conducting your own evaluations, you can consider these factors. For more information on our thorough testing process, please visit our VPN testing methodology page.

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.

What About Using a Free VPN in China?

It can be challenging to find a free VPN that consistently works in China. The Great Firewall uses advanced filtering technology to block VPNs, and most free options lack the resources needed to stay ahead of these restrictions. Some VPNs on this list offer free plans, but they’re not guaranteed to reliably work without frequent disconnects or configuration issues.

Even if you do find a free VPN that works in China, you’ll likely face restrictions that limit its usefulness. Data caps on free plans are often too low to stream or browse extensively, and speeds are usually throttled, resulting in sluggish performance. Free VPNs often log user data to monetize their services, which is especially risky in restrictive regions like China. For these reasons, opting for a reputable paid VPN is generally a safer, more dependable choice.

Troubleshooting Tips: What if My VPN Stops Working in China?

If your VPN suddenly stops working in China, try these troubleshooting steps:

• Switch servers. Change to a different server, ideally one closer to China. Some servers are more stable than others on restrictive networks.
• Try a different protocol. Switch between available VPN protocols (like Lightway, OpenVPN, WireGuard, or IKEv2), as some may be less detectable than others.
• Enable obfuscation. Many VPNs have an obfuscation or stealth mode that disguises VPN traffic as regular web traffic, making it harder to block.
• Clear cache and restart. Clear your device’s cache, then restart it. Sometimes, temporary data can interfere with VPN connections.
• Use mobile data. If possible, connect over mobile data rather than public or local WiFi, which may have additional restrictions.
• Update the VPN app. Make sure you’re using the latest version of the app, as updates often include fixes for connection issues in restricted regions.
• Try manual configuration. Use manual configuration files, if your VPN provider offers them, for more stable connections within China.

If these tips don’t work, contact your VPN’s support team for advice, as they may have region-specific solutions.

These Popular VPNs Don’t Currently Work in China

Some well-known VPNs don’t work in China. These VPNs may connect briefly or sporadically, but they face too much downtime to be reliable.

• NordVPN. Often struggles with China’s restrictions and has difficulty maintaining a stable connection.
• Surfshark. Known for its features and stability elsewhere but is frequently blocked and unreliable in China.
• CyberGhost. This VPN rarely works within China, with most users experiencing high downtime and failed connections.
• IPVanish. Generally blocked by the Great Firewall, so it’s not dependable for use in China.\

Using these VPNs in China will likely lead to connectivity issues, making them unsuitable for secure access. Customer support might help you with some service-specific troubleshooting tips, but efficacy isn’t guaranteed.

FAQs on the Best China VPNs

Is it legal to use a VPN in China, and is it safe?

Only government-approved VPNs are legal in China. Unauthorized or “non-approved” VPNs operate in a legal gray area. While the government targets businesses and locals using independently run VPNs, there aren’t public records of tourists facing penalties. Instead, China typically blocks access to non-approved VPNs, so you may find these services difficult to use once there. However, some international VPNs use obfuscation to avoid detection and improve reliability.

To stay on the safe side, always install any VPN before arriving and keep up with current regulations, as laws around VPN use in China can shift.

What sites and apps are blocked in China?

China blocks many international websites and apps to maintain control over the information accessible within its borders. The restrictions primarily aim to limit foreign influence, promote local alternatives, and align content with government regulations.

Platforms that host unfiltered news, open forums, or foreign social networks are typically restricted due to concerns about potential political dissent and misinformation. And the internet overall is monitored. That’s why it’s important to use a VPN in the country to protect your privacy. Here are a few sites and apps that are blocked in China:

If you want to see whether a specific website is blocked in China, you can use this tool.

Can I download a VPN in China?

It can be tricky, but it’s possible — a few VPNs, including ExpressVPN, 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 Appstore 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.

Which VPN servers should I use in China?

It’s best to use nearby servers for optimal speeds. Make sure to choose a VPN that offers servers close to Mainland China. Most VPNs (including the ones on this list) don’t offer servers in Mainland China because the government would either shut them down or force the providers to hand over user data, which renders them unsafe.

That said, you can still experience fast speeds by connecting to nearby locations (like Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan). All the VPNs listed above have servers in or close to Mainland China, which I recommend using to keep your speed loss to a minimum.

Is there a VPN that offers Chinese IP servers?

Yes, there are some VPNs on our list (PIA and Hotspot Shield) that offer servers with Chinese IP addresses. Having physical servers within the country can introduce privacy risks, as local regulations may require data monitoring. However, the servers provided by these VPNs are virtual (located outside China), but they can still give you a Chinese IP address.

Are there alternatives to using a VPN in China?

Yes, there are alternatives to using a VPN in China, but VPNs remain the most dependable option for secure internet access. Alternatives include using proxies, which can mask your IP address, but they may not provide the same level of security and privacy. Another option is using SSH tunnels or Shadowsocks, which can encrypt your connection. However, they require technical knowledge to set up and maintain.

Some users also turn to Tor, a network that anonymizes browsing, but its effectiveness can be limited in China due to strict censorship measures.

Is LetsVPN a reliable option for China?

LetsVPN is a domestic Chinese VPN that some users report can work in China, but there’s no guarantee of consistent performance. Operating under Chinese law means it may comply with local regulations, which can pose privacy risks. While it might provide access to certain content, this compliance could compromise your data security and online privacy. For better protection and reliability, I recommend using a well-regarded international VPN with strong privacy features.

Get the Best VPN for China Today

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, and all the VPNs on this list are designed to work on restrictive networks. Additionally, they can access content in HD 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.

To summarize, the best VPNs for China are…

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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