If you’re visiting China for the first time, you will notice that many popular websites and apps are blocked. The Great Firewall, the technological system responsible for this, is the most sophisticated censorship apparatus in the world.
Luckily, there are ways around the Chinese Firewall. The safest and most reliable circumvention tool is a virtual private network (VPN). The best VPN for China will allow you to unblock Netflix, YouTube, and many other websites and platforms safely.
For China, these are the best VPNs, according to our testing of 20+ VPN providers:
- NordVPN: The best overall VPN for China with fast speeds for seamless streaming
- Surfshark: Affordable China VPN that bypasses blocks even in highly-censored regions
- Astrill VPN: Reliable VPN provider that offers international and local IPs
- PrivateVPN: A VPN for China with a stealth mode feature to hide VPN usage
- ExpressVPN: Secure VPN with servers near China
Our absolute favorite is NordVPN, because of its Obfsproxy VPN technology and its focus on security and privacy.
Would you like to know more about China’s online restrictions, and the many ways in which a VPN can help you? Read our complete article below to find out more.
The internet in China is highly censored, and if you travel there, you’ll notice soon enough that websites and apps you might use every single day are not available.
Sending emails via Gmail, watching videos on YouTube, or going on your Twitter and Instagram accounts is suddenly a challenge. For Chinese citizens, there are even more restrictions on internet freedom.
Using a VPN in China is almost essential if you want to access global news sites or use popular communication apps. It helps you break free from the Chinese-controlled internet.
After testing more than 20 different VPNs, we’ve found NordVPN to be the best VPN for China, thanks to its high speeds, privacy, and security features geared toward bypassing censorship.
What is the Best VPN for China?
After extensive testing of 20+ VPNs, we believe these to be the best VPNs for China:
- NordVPN: The best overall VPN for China, thanks to its consistent speeds, cutting-edge security, and privacy
- Surfshark: The best low-cost China VPN with dedicated features for bypassing the Great Firewall
- Astrill VPN: Reliable China VPN with local and international IPs
- PrivateVPN: A China VPN with obfuscation technology that hides the fact you’re using a VPN
- ExpressVPN: A robust VPN for China with DNS leak protection to hide your real IP
Based on our tests, we believe that NordVPN is the best VPN for China, followed closely by Surfshark and AstrillVPN. While reviewing NordVPN, we found that it has the highest number of servers, and its speeds were consistent during our testing circuit.
It also offers additional features, such as obfuscated servers and Onion over VPN, which are great for use in a country with heavy internet restrictions, like China.
The table below summarizes the key features of each VPN provider mentioned above.
| Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | Astrill | PrivateVPN | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of servers | 5,000+ | 3,200+ | 107 | 200+ | 3,000+ |
| Number of countries | 50 | 99 | 57 | 63 | 94 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec | OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec, Lightway |
| Obfuscated Servers | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Price | From $3.49 a month | From $2.30 a month | From $12.50 a month | From $2.00 a month | From $6.67 a month |
| Purchase | Get NordVPN | Get Surfshark | Get Astrill VPN | Get PrivateVPN | Get ExpressVPN |
Continue reading for a comprehensive review of each VPN.
Top 5 Best VPNs for China
Here are the five best China VPNs, explained in detail.
Note:
Several VPN provider websites are blocked in China, so we recommend users traveling to China to download a VPN before visiting the country.
1. NordVPN: The best VPN for China overall
What We Like
- Works well in China
- Multiple privacy features for bypassing censorship
- Plenty of servers close to China and globally
- Unblocks popular streaming services
- 24/7 live chat support
What We Don't Like
- Limited multi-language support
- Web-based login instead of in-app login
NordVPN is our overall best China VPN for several reasons.
It has a robust server network with over 5,000 servers in more than 60 countries. The more servers a VPN offers, the higher the likelihood you will find a server that will give you top speeds and be able to unblock the websites you want.
According to our extensive NordVPN review, this provider offers excellent speeds. A VPN optimized for speed is crucial in China to supplement the unreliable internet. Thanks to NordLynx, NordVPN only lost 3% of base speeds during our testing, which allowed us to stream content seamlessly.
Safety and privacy features
- Verified no-logs policy: NordVPN is triple-verified by independent security companies to ascertain it does not store any user data.
- Kill switch and DNS leak protection: These features prevented our data from leaking through. This is especially crucial in China since the government and other parties are constantly monitoring your internet activities.
- Obfsproxy VPN technology: This is the same robust technology that Tor, the anonymous dark web browser, uses to overcome internet barriers.
- Dedicated IP addresses: With a dedicated IP, we didn’t have to share our VPN server with other users during our testing circuit. This makes it more difficult for the Chinese government to detect VPN use and block your connection.
This VPN provider also offers 24/7 live chat and customer support, so in case you run into a problem, their agents will take care of it in a heartbeat. Additionally, if you are unsure about using NordVPN, the provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: The best low-cost VPN for China
What We Like
- Dedicated features for bypassing the Great Firewall
- Affordable
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
What We Don't Like
- Limited Linux support
Surfshark is one of the most affordable and trustworthy VPN companies that outperform most providers. This Netherlands-based VPN service is known for its unblocking capabilities and reliable speeds, and this is why we have included it in our best VPN for China list.
The VPN provider is incredibly fast, thanks to speed-optimizing protocols such as WireGuard. In our Surfshark tests, for example, it retained 95% of our raw speeds.
With access to over 3,200 fast servers across 100 countries, including VPN server locations like Japan, Hong Kong, and other neighboring countries to China, Surfshark is perfect for bypassing censorship, so you can enjoy Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other popular streaming platforms if you’re visiting China.
Moreover, during our testing, it allowed us to connect all our devices under one subscription. This makes it a great China VPN for a family or when you’re traveling with a group.
Safety and privacy features
- Kill switch: Surfshark is equipped with critical features that protect your privacy in China, like a kill switch that prevents your data from leaking when your VPN connection suddenly terminates.
- Camouflage Mode: This is a type of obfuscation technology that masked our VPN traffic while we were testing the provider. Camouflage Mode makes it challenging for others to keep track of your online activities.
- NoBorders feature: This is specifically designed for regions with high levels of censorship, such as mainland China and Russia. NoBorders turned on automatically whenever the VPN detected strong limitations, such as when we were faced with the Great Firewall.
Surfshark has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test its features before fully committing.
3. Astrill VPN: Reliable VPN for China but pricey
What We Like
- Works in China consistently
- Unblocks streaming sites like Netflix
- Fast speeds
- Advanced privacy and security for your data
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- Doesn't have a money-back guarantee trial
We’d like to shine a spotlight on Astrill. This is a provider that has been tested to work in China and other restrictive areas around the world. It’s not the fastest provider, but they offer WireGuard, which is a secure VPN protocol, including OpenVPN. On top of that, there’s an ad-blocker and a split-tunneling feature that let us decide which traffic should pass through the VPN tunnel.
Throughout our Astrill tests, we found the VPN’s user interface to be pleasing and intuitive, and its 24/7 live chat support agents were helpful and polite.
However, the biggest downside to Astrill is its price, and there’s no money-back guarantee either.
Safety and privacy features
- Smart Mode: Astrill VPN focuses specifically on the Asian market. One of the advantages for VPN users in China is Astrill’s Smart Mode. It allowed us to use a local IP for local traffic and an international one for restricted sites. In our tests, Astrill consistently pierced the Golden Shield.
- StealthVPN protocol: A special protocol developed by Astrill, StealthVPN, has obfuscation technology and adds an extra layer of security to mask your VPN traffic.
- App Guard feature: On top of its kill switch, Astrill also offers the App Guard. During our testing, this feature blocked apps we didn’t want from accessing our device if our VPN connection was not active.
If you’re only in China for a short period of time and don’t want a VPN for your regular use, you can check Astrill out by clicking on the button below.
4. PrivateVPN: An obscure China VPN with stealth mode
What We Like
- Works in China
- Connect 10 devices simultaneously
- No-logs policy
What We Don't Like
- Limited server network
- Unreliable customer support
- Inconsistent speeds
PrivateVPN is a user-friendly VPN developed in Sweden. It can unblock Netflix and other streaming services. You can connect up to 10 devices on the same license. PrivateVPN also comes at a very affordable price, which is one of the reasons we have included it in our best VPN for China list.
During our PrivateVPN review, we discovered that this provider doesn’t have the largest server network. However, its 200 servers across 63 countries were enough to bypass online censorship in China and unblock streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and HBO.
Safety and privacy features
- Dedicated IP addresses: You can request dedicated IP addresses with PrivateVPN. This will make it more challenging for the Chinese government to detect your VPN usage.
- Stealth Mode feature: Though they have a small server network, PrivateVPN offers a stealth mode for users in China, which helped us bypass online censorship and restrictions. This adds an extra layer of obfuscation to your VPN-encrypted connection.
- Strict no-logs policy: When it comes to data security, PrivateVPN also passes with flying colors. They keep no logs or any metadata on you, which is a must if you’re in China.
Unfortunately, PrivateVPN’s live chat support isn’t always available, as we discovered during our testing circuit. This can be an issue if you run into problems with your VPN. On top of that, the kill switch only works on Windows.
Still, PrivateVPN has been proven to work consistently in China, so it’s worth trying the software for free through its 30-day money-back guarantee.
5. ExpressVPN: A robust VPN with mixed results in China
What We Like
- Blazing fast speeds
- Strict no-logs policy
- 24/7 live chat support
- Privacy featured for bypassing censorship
What We Don't Like
- Mixed results in China
For many years, ExpressVPN has been considered one of the top VPN services around. It’s no wonder that they’ve got more than three million users worldwide. With servers in 90+ countries, their network is incredibly diverse. However, we pushed it down in our list of the best VPNs for China due to users experiencing mixed results in China.
During our ExpressVPN review, we discovered that this provider offers lightning-fast speeds. You can use it for streaming, conducting business from China, or FaceTiming family and friends. Moreover, ExpressVPN allows you to connect up to six devices with one subscription.
Additionally, ExpressVPN also has a lot of servers near China, for instance, in Japan, Malaysia, and a number of Hong Kong servers. Connecting to nearby servers gets you the fastest speeds since your data is not traveling over long distances.
Safety and privacy features
- Stealth servers: ExpressVPN uses stealth VPN servers in Hong Kong, which are specifically designed to bypass the Great Firewall in China.
- DNS leak protection: The VPN provider offers WebRTC leak protection and the OpenVPN protocol that protected our data during our testing and guaranteed our privacy.
- TrustedServer technology: ExpressVPN uses RAM-only servers that delete and do not retain your data.
It’s crucial to note that some users have reported that ExpressVPN gets blocked in China. Make sure to have a reliable China VPN as a backup, such as NordVPN, in case you experience the same issues.
Another downside of ExpressVPN is its steep price. However, the provider does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can figure out if it’s worth your money before committing.
Bonus: VyprVPN
What We Like
- Chameleon feature that safeguards your data
- No-logs policy
- AES 256-bit encryption
What We Don't Like
- Users can experience lag
VyprVPN has seen some recent disruptions when it comes to China, which led us to drop it from our best VPN for China list. However, since this VPN has built a good reputation for being able to get around the Great Firewall, it does deserve mention.
The most important thing about Vypr is that it has full control of its entire infrastructure. There are no third parties, which increases privacy and makes it a secure VPN. However, during our VyprVPN tests, we observed that it is not the fastest VPN out there, as we experienced lag while downloading and gaming.
Moreover, VyprVPN keeps connection logs. On top of that, torrenting is not allowed, and many users have also reported disruptions in connectivity in China.
Safety and privacy features
- Stealth technology: VyprVPN uses port selection and stealth technology called Chameleon. This technology is specifically designed to bypass the Chinese Firewall. It makes your encrypted VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic, making it easier to bypass ISP-specific restrictions too.
- VyprDNS: This is VyprVPN’s own zero-knowledge DNS service, which helps to ensure that your network requests aren’t logged or manipulated by third parties. This can help to bypass internet censorship and filtering.
The VPN protocols run on 256-bit encryption, and Vypr offers more than 200,000 different IP addresses across 70 countries.
How We Chose the Best VPN for China
Some VPN services are specifically designed to get around the Chinese Firewall without being detected. We chose NordVPN after doing careful research and testing. If you want to use another VPN provider, here are some factors to consider when looking for the right VPN.
Excellent security
Because of the high level of surveillance in China, you want to make sure that your China VPN has top-notch security features. This includes military-grade encryption, different VPN protocols that keep your connection secured, as well as a kill switch.
Obfuscated servers
You want a VPN for China that actually manages to get you past the Great Firewall. Obfuscation technology is a big advantage since it disguises traffic from your Chinese VPN to make it look like ordinary network traffic. Some VPN providers have special obfuscated servers.
24/7 live chat
If something goes wrong, you want to at least have the option to lodge a complaint and get it fixed. Ideally, the China VPN provider you choose should offer 24/7 live chat, so you can speak to someone right away should you experience problems with your VPN access.
VPN server proximity to China
Your VPN for China should provide you with a stable internet connection. By connecting to a VPN server that’s geographically close to China, you’re less likely to run into connectivity issues.
Accessibility via mobile
Many of us surf the web using our mobile phones. Most (but not all) China VPNs offer dedicated apps for mobile phone users, so you can easily install a VPN on Android. Apps are also available on the App Store, so if you’re an Apple user, you can install a VPN on iPhone, too, without much hassle.
Why Does China Block Websites?
The Chinese government claims that its top priority is to safeguard its citizens and the country from harmful online content.
The Great Firewall of China, also known as the “Golden Shield,” is the largest internet censorship system in the world.
Want to look something up on Google? You’ll have to use a different search engine in China. Popular social media platforms such as Facebook have been blocked for many years. And unless you’ve got a way around censorship, such as a China VPN service, you won’t be able to stream Netflix or watch YouTube.
Why did censorship in China get so pervasive? The Chinese government often claims it restricts the internet out of concern for national security. In reality, censorship is a tool of oppression. By shutting citizens off from the open internet and keeping an iron grip on the flow of information, China can keep public opinion under control.
However, as one of the biggest economic powerhouses in the world, China needs to keep the route to foreign investment open. This means that, unlike internet censorship in North Korea, there are ways to get around the Great Firewall.
In order to conduct business, Chinese corporations often use a VPN to stay connected to the rest of the world.
How does the Great Firewall work?
China’s Great Firewall is made up of a variety of technologies that each contribute to censorship in a different way.
Among other things, the system can:
- Block IP addresses that correspond to certain websites.
- Filter and spoof DNS requests.
- Ban targeted keywords.
- Examine (meta)data through deep packet inspection.
China also actively blocks VPN services. Certain VPN providers, however, have found ways around these bans. Like any technological system, there are weaknesses in the design of the Great Firewall. The right VPN for China manages to take advantage of these vulnerabilities.
Which Websites are Blocked in China?
The table below contains an overview of popular websites which are currently blocked in China. The list of all the websites that are blocked would be too long for this article, so we provide you with the most commonly used websites that you can’t reach unless you use one of the providers in our best VPN for China list.
| BLOCKED SITE | BLOCKED SINCE |
|---|---|
| BBC | June 2019 |
| Bloomberg | July 2012 |
| Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) | 2014 |
| Discord | July 2018 |
| Dropbox | June 2014 |
| Deviant Art | December 2008 |
| DuckDuckGo | September 2014 |
| July 2009 | |
| Flickr | July 2014 |
| Google (Maps, Docs, Gmail, etc.) | May 2014 |
| HBO | June 2018 |
| Huffington Post | June 2019 |
| September 2014 | |
| Microsoft OneDrive | July 2014 |
| Netflix | Never launched |
| New York Times | 2014 |
| March 2017 | |
| Pornhub | May 2012 |
| August 2018 | |
| Slack | 2021 |
| SlideShare | Unknown |
| Snapchat | January 2014 |
| Spotify | Unknown |
| The Economist | April 2016 |
| The Pirate Bay | February 2012 |
| The Wall Street Journal | September 2015 |
| Torproject | 2008 |
| Twitch.tv | September 2018 |
| June 2009 | |
| Vimeo | October 2009 |
| Wikipedia (in part) | May 2015 |
| September 2017 | |
| YouTube | March 2009 |
Benefits of Using a VPN in China
China is one of the most heavily censored countries in the world. The Great Firewall of China becomes less permeable each passing year. Here are the benefits of using a VPN in China:
- Overcome censorship: You can use a VPN to bypass The Great Firewall of China and gain access to selected foreign websites, including popular Western platforms like Google, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
- Bypass geo-restrictions: If you’re an expat or traveler in China, you might wish to access services from your home country that are geographically restricted. Examples can include streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, or even your online banking. The best VPN for China will allow you to “spoof” your location and access these services.
- Get enhanced online security: A premium VPN provider like NordVPN is equipped with cutting-edge encryption and security protocols to prevent unauthorized access to your data.
- Keep your online privacy: VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark maintain a strict no-logs policy that’s audited and verified by independent security firms. Hence, your personal data will not be accessible to the VPN or third parties.
- Maintain business confidentiality: A VPN is essential for business travelers to protect sensitive data and communications over the internet.
How VPNs Bypass the Great Firewall
A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between you and the internet, so all traffic runs through a VPN server; thereby, your real IP is hidden, and only the VPN’s IP is visible.
Say you’re trying to watch a YouTube video in China. Without a VPN, the Chinese Firewall will detect that you’re trying to access a blocked website. You will get a message saying that the site you are trying to visit is not accessible.
If you’re using a VPN, you can choose to divert your traffic via an external server, for example, one in Germany or any other country where YouTube isn’t banned. Your real IP address will now be replaced by the IP of the VPN server, and the Great Firewall won’t be able to detect it as a local IP.
Why Avoid a Free VPN in China
We do not recommend using a free VPN in China as they are not as secure as premium VPN providers.
For certain online activities, a free VPN may suffice. But for China, using a free VPN comes with significant risks such as:
- Weak data policies: Most free VPN services have weak privacy policies. This puts your data at risk of falling into the wrong hands. On top of that, you’re more vulnerable to spyware through which hackers can steal your data.
- Few servers: A free VPN usually has a few server locations. This means that your options for going online are limited. Even if the provider has servers located close to China, these are likely to be overcrowded.
- Poor infrastructure: Even if you manage to find a decent free VPN, chances are you won’t be able to bypass Chinese censorship. This is because free VPNs don’t have the technological capabilities required to puncture the Golden Shield.
- Data caps: Finally, free VPNs often have limitations on their services. In a place like China, where the internet is already limited, this won’t give you a lot of online freedom. This is why we don’t recommend a free VPN for China.
How to Install a VPN for Use in China
Installing your China VPN is very easy. All you need to do is download a file and run it. No matter what VPN for China you choose, the steps are more or less the same.
Before you arrive in China, follow this step-by-step guide:
- Visit the website of your chosen China VPN provider. We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for China for its fast servers and enhanced encryption features.
- Choose a plan and create an account.
- Download the right VPN software for your operating system.
- Run the installation wizard.
- Open the VPN app and log in with your account information.
- Tap on the large “Connect” button.
If needed, you can customize your settings and choose a specific server. Keep in mind that VPN providers have different ways of ensuring a successful connection in China. You might have to look into the exact steps. Once the VPN is connected, you can enjoy censorship-free internet in China.
Final Thoughts: Using a VPN in China
Using the internet in China is a different experience from going online in most other countries. While states like Iran, Qatar, and Myanmar also have high levels of internet censorship, the Great Firewall of China blocks almost any popular website.
However, with the right VPN, you can easily access these blocked websites. Based on our testing of 20+ VPN providers, we recommend NordVPN as the best VPN to bypass censorship and restrictions in China. NordVPN has a wide server network, a robust no-logs policy, and offers strong obfuscation technology that will hide the fact you’re using a VPN.
For further information on how to overcome online restrictions in other censorship-heavy countries, check out our articles below:
- Censorship in Iran: How to Access Blocked Websites
- Best VPN for Qatar
- Best VPN for Israel: Unblock Sites and Stream Freely
- Censorship in Myanmar: Circumventing Military Restrictions
Have you got a question about getting around the Chinese Firewall using the right VPN? Have a look at our FAQ below!
During our testing, we found these are the best VPNs for China right now:
- NordVPN: Our first choice for best VPN in China when it comes to speed, security, and user-friendliness
- Surfshark: Low-cost China VPN with reliable speeds and unblocking power
- Astrill VPN: Reliable VPN for China but pricey
- PrivateVPN: An obscure VPN with stealth mode
- ExpressVPN: A robust VPN with mixed results in China
Read our comprehensive Best VPN for China article for detailed features and benefits of each provider.
The Chinese government banned the use of VPNs, though they rarely enforce laws associated with VPNs. Officially, they only allow pre-approved VPNs, which provide the government backdoor access to track user access.
At the moment, you can use a VPN in China, though the government is cracking down on its use.
You can get around the Great Firewall by using a VPN. With a VPN, you can re-route your data traffic via a foreign server (for example in Japan or the United States).
Because the Firewall won’t be able to detect that you’re located in China, you can access websites and apps that are otherwise blocked, such as Gmail and Facebook. Take a look at our Best VPNs for China article to learn more.
The Chinese government blocks a large number of websites and apps, including Gmail, Facebook, WhatsApp, Google, Wikipedia, Snapchat, and Instagram. You’ll need a reliable VPN for China to access these sites.
The internet in China is restricted for several reasons, but it’s primarily done to control the flow of information and to protect Chinese companies from international competitors. You can use a VPN to get around the Great Firewall.
Netflix isn’t technically “banned” in China, but it does not operate there. This is primarily due to China’s strict regulations on foreign digital content and its desire to control media within its borders. For these reasons, you’ll need a VPN for China to bypass the Great Firewall and access Netflix.
There are many reasons why you may experience slow speeds using your VPN in China. These reasons could be: long distance from the server, server overcrowding, VPN blocking by the Great Firewall of China, and more.
ExpressVPN DOES NOT WORK in CHINA. I've lived in China for 7 years. Express used to sporadically work, but a year and a half ago, Express completely stopped working. The VPN connects, but no data comes through. The connection will then drop within 20seconds and it will never reconnect. Customer Service does not help. They simply tell you that they're aware of connectivity issues and they're working on it. Express will give you 1 month free service if you complain enough, but they won't give your money back. DO NOT USE EXPRESSVPN if you're going to China. Astrill and QuickQ are the best Chinese VPNs.
Thank you for sharing your experiences! We'll look into this and take it into account when we update our article.
Could not agree with Oliver more, ExpressVPN does not work in China, you will waste hours trying to access it. Astrill works very well Dec 2023