China’s internet landscape is unique and highly restricted compared to most other countries around the world. The Chinese government operates what is commonly referred to as the “Great Firewall of China,” a complex system of internet censorship and surveillance that blocks access to many popular websites and online services.
For individuals living in or travelling to China, this can present a significant challenge. Without access to platforms like Google, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and countless other sites, it becomes incredibly difficult to stay connected, access important information, and engage with the global digital world.
Fortunately, there is a solution – virtual private networks (VPNs). A high-quality VPN can help users in China bypass the Great Firewall and regain access to the uncensored internet. However, with so many VPN providers on the market, it can be tricky to determine which ones are the most reliable and effective for use in China.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at the best VPNs for China. We’ll examine the key features, performance, and security capabilities of the top VPN services to help you choose the right one for your needs. Whether you’re a business professional, student, or simply someone who values internet freedom, this article will provide you with the information you need to stay connected in China.
Table of Contents
Why VPN is required in China?
Before we dive into the specifics of the best VPNs for China, let’s first explore why using a VPN is so crucial in this unique internet environment. The Great Firewall blocks access to thousands of websites and online services, including many of the most popular global platforms.
Some of the major websites and apps that are banned or heavily restricted in China include:
– Google, Gmail, Google Drive, Google Maps
– Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp
– Twitter, Snapchat, Pinterest
– YouTube, Netflix, Spotify
– The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The BBC
– Dropbox, Slack, and numerous other productivity and communication tools
In addition to blocking access to these sites, the Great Firewall also monitors and censors online content, filtering out information that the government deems sensitive or harmful. This can include news articles, social media posts, and even private messages. The impact of this censorship is significant, as it severely limits the ability of individuals in China to access information, communicate freely, and engage with the global digital landscape.
This is where a high-quality VPN comes into play. A VPN creates an encrypted “tunnel” between your device and the internet, allowing you to bypass the Great Firewall and access the unrestricted web. When you connect to a VPN server located outside of China, your internet traffic is routed through that server, effectively masking your true IP address and location.
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Other Benefits of Using VPN in China!!
In addition to bypassing censorship, using a VPN in China also provides several other key benefits:
- Enhanced online privacy and security: A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it much more difficult for the Chinese government or other third parties to monitor your online activities.
- Access to blocked content: With a VPN, you can regain access to a wide range of websites, apps, and online services that are otherwise restricted or banned in China.
- Improved internet speeds: The Great Firewall can sometimes slow down internet speeds in China. By connecting to a VPN server outside of the country, you may experience faster, more reliable internet performance.
- Protection against surveillance: China is known for its extensive online surveillance and data collection efforts. A VPN helps protect your personal information and online activities from prying eyes.
Given the significant restrictions and risks associated with internet use in China, utilizing a high-quality VPN has become an essential tool for anyone living in or travelling to the country. Let’s now explore the top VPN options for China in 2024.
Things to consider while selecting a VPN
When it comes to selecting the best VPN for use in China, there are several key factors to consider:
- Ability to consistently bypass the Great Firewall
- Fast and reliable internet speeds
- Strong security and encryption protocols
- Large server network with locations outside of China
- Responsive customer support
- Transparent and trustworthy logging policies
7 Best VPNs for China in 2024
After extensively researching and testing numerous VPN providers, we’ve identified the following as the top VPN options for China in 2024:
- CyberGhost – Best for streaming
- Surfshark – Affordable VPN for China with Advanced Features
- Mullvad VPN – Easy-To-Use China VPN for Beginners
- Proton VPN – Freemium VPN
- ExpressVPN – Best VPN in terms of Security
- NordVPN – Fastest VPN in China
- PureVPN – Secure VPN with Always-On Audit
Let’s take a closer look at each of these VPN services and their key features:
CyberGhost
CyberGhost is an excellent choice for streaming while travelling or living in China. It allows easy access to popular platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Max, and Hulu, thanks to its extensive server network, specialized streaming servers, and fast speeds. The VPN has a strong presence in Asia, including key locations such as Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Although it offers servers within China, their limited number can lead to overcrowding. However, CyberGhost’s broad network in neighbouring regions helps ensure reliable connections and access to global content.
CyberGhost VPN uses robust AES-256 encryption and the market-leading WireGuard tunnelling protocol to safeguard your data. It also offers NoSpy servers, which are fully managed by CyberGhost to prevent third-party interference. Additionally, it includes a powerful ad blocker to prevent adware and unwanted ads, enhancing your browsing experience.
CyberGhost VPN is budget-friendly, with prices starting at just $2.03 per month. With a single subscription, you can protect up to seven devices. Plus, you can take advantage of a 3-day free trial on Android devices and a 45-day money-back guarantee on any device.
Pros:
- Very affordable pricing
- Servers in China
- 11,700 servers in 100+ countries
Cons:
- Speed could be better
- No free plan
- Only 7 simultaneous connections
Surfshark – Affordable VPN for China with Advanced Features
Surfshark is a great alternative to CyberGhost, offering an unbeatable price-to-quality ratio. It allows you to connect unlimited devices simultaneously, enjoy fast speeds, and access restricted content worldwide for just a few dollars a month.
Like CyberGhost, Surfshark uses the WireGuard tunneling protocol, which ensures fast and secure connections, essential for travel. However, Surfshark does not have servers within China. Instead, you can rely on servers in neighbouring countries, such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, Nepal, and South Korea. These nearby servers help maintain fast connections and uninterrupted access to your favourite apps.
For security, Surfshark employs advanced encryption technology and RAM-only servers, which ensure that no user data is stored. It also includes essential features like a kill switch, a Bypasser to select which apps use the VPN connection, and the NoBorders feature to bypass stringent restrictions. Additionally, Surfshark offers Android-exclusive features like GPS Spoofing, an ad blocker, and a secure search engine.
Surfshark’s VPN app is priced at $2.29 per month, which is slightly higher than some options but still affordable compared to most VPNs on the market. With a single subscription, you can connect unlimited devices. Surfshark also offers a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee to test the service risk-free.
Pros:
- Servers across Asia
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Advanced security features like GPS Spoofing
- Affordable pricing
Cons:
- No servers in China
- No free plan
- Some features are only available in the Android app
Mullvad VPN – Easy-To-Use China VPN for Beginners
Mullvad VPN, though not as widely known as some other providers, is an excellent choice for travellers to China, especially those new to using VPNs. It is user-friendly and offers strong protection, including Shadowsocks, which helps bypass the Great Firewall.
While Mullvad’s server network is smaller compared to providers like NordVPN, it offers servers in countries close to China, such as Hong Kong and Indonesia. Mullvad uses the WireGuard protocol, which is known for providing a good balance of speed and security. However, connection speeds in China can be inconsistent, making it less ideal for streaming.
Mullvad employs AES-256 encryption for OpenVPN and the ChaCha20 cipher for WireGuard, ensuring robust security for your online activities. Key features include a functional kill switch, split tunnelling to customize VPN traffic, and port forwarding. These features provide a solid foundation for security, both in China and in other locations.
Mullvad offers straightforward pricing at a flat rate of €5.00 per month (approximately $5.44). There are no long-term contracts or tiered pricing, making it easy to understand and manage. The service allows up to five simultaneous connections, and there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied.
Mullvad VPN is ideal for users who don’t need to use a VPN regularly, except when travelling to China. Although it lacks some advanced features, it provides strong protection and has a user-friendly interface, making it a good choice for beginners.
Pros:
- Servers in several countries near China
- Can bypass the Great Firewall of China
- Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Lacks additional features
- Connection speeds can be inconsistent
- Smaller server network
Proton VPN – Free VPN for China
Proton VPN is an excellent choice for travellers in China who need a reliable, free VPN service. Known for its robust free plan, Proton VPN offers unlimited monthly data and connection speeds, along with servers in five different countries.
The VPN’s free plan includes servers in the Netherlands, Japan, Romania, Poland, and the US. While neither the free nor paid plans include servers in China, the premium plan provides access to servers in neighbouring Asian countries such as Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Indonesia. Despite the absence of servers in China, Proton VPN ensures decent connection speeds on the free plan, thanks to the WireGuard tunnelling protocol.
Proton VPN employs strong encryption with AES-256 and ChaCha20 ciphers, depending on the tunnelling protocol you choose. The free version of the Proton VPN mobile app includes essential features such as a kill switch, an obfuscation tool to mask your VPN activity, and an ad blocker to protect against adware. Advanced features like VPN Accelerator, Secure Core, and split tunnelling are only available with the premium plan.
With the free plan, you can connect only one device at a time. The paid plan starts at $3.59 per month and supports up to ten simultaneous connections. Additionally, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee if you want to try the premium features without a commitment.
For those seeking a functional free VPN in China, Proton VPN is a strong option. It offers solid protection for your online data and can unblock applications restricted by the Great Firewall of China.
Pros:
- Servers across Asian regions
- Reliable free plan
- Free plan includes an obfuscation feature
Cons:
- No servers in China
- Free servers are located far from Asia
- Mediocre connection speeds
ExpressVPN – Best in terms of Security
ExpressVPN is renowned not only for its popularity in China but also for its unparalleled security features. It does more than just encrypt your online traffic; it actively blocks trackers, infected websites, ads, and harmful content, making it an ideal choice for travellers in China who need robust protection and unrestricted access to the internet.
Although ExpressVPN does not have servers located within China, it offers 27 locations across the Asia Pacific region, including Vietnam, Mongolia, and Malaysia. The VPN is particularly adept at operating in countries with stringent VPN restrictions, such as China, thanks to its Stealth servers. These servers are designed to bypass censorship and maintain consistent connections in even the most restrictive environments.
ExpressVPN uses advanced encryption technologies, including AES-256 and ChaCha20, depending on the tunnelling protocol selected. It offers a range of protocols, including its own Lightway protocol, which is known for its speed and security, as well as OpenVPN, IPsec, and IKEv2. Additionally, ExpressVPN enhances its security measures by using RAM-only servers, ensuring that no user data is permanently stored.
ExpressVPN subscriptions start at $6.67 per month, which is significantly higher than some competitors, such as PureVPN. However, the service can be tried with a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to experience its features risk-free. A single subscription covers up to eight devices simultaneously.
While ExpressVPN’s higher price point may deter budget-conscious users, it is an excellent choice for those who prioritize security, privacy, and high-quality service.
Pros:
- Effective in highly restrictive countries
- Servers in almost all Asian countries
- Stealth servers that obfuscate VPN use
- 30-day risk-free trial
Cons:
- More expensive than many other reputable VPNs
- No servers in China
- No free plan
NordVPN – Best in Speed
NordVPN is a leading name in the VPN industry, known for its impressive speeds and extensive server network across Asia. It consistently ranks as one of the fastest VPNs, retaining over 90% of the baseline internet speed, which makes it ideal for streaming geo-restricted content without lag, regardless of your location.
Although NordVPN doesn’t have servers in China, it offers fast and reliable connections, making it a favoured choice for users in and around the region. With 6,400 servers worldwide, a significant number are located in Asian countries, including Hong Kong, Vietnam, Taiwan, Singapore, and Thailand. NordVPN’s infrastructure is bolstered by its proprietary NordLynx tunnelling protocol, known for its speed and security.
NordVPN utilizes RAM-only servers, ensuring that all browsing data is erased with every reboot. It employs top-tier encryption to make your internet traffic nearly impossible to decrypt, providing robust protection against potential snoopers and government surveillance. Key features include a kill switch to safeguard your real IP address, split tunnelling, and a double VPN for an added layer of security. Additionally, NordVPN offers Obfuscated servers to mask VPN usage from ISPs.
NordVPN’s most affordable plan starts at $3.39 per month, covering up to 10 devices simultaneously. The service comes with a standard 30-day money-back guarantee, and Android users can take advantage of a free 7-day trial by downloading the app from the Google Play Store.
NordVPN is an excellent option for business travellers heading to China, providing lightning-fast and stable connections that ensure secure, lag-free conversations and file sharing.
Pros:
- Retains over 90% of baseline speed
- Servers in numerous Asia Pacific countries
- Allows up to 10 simultaneous connections
- 7-day free trial for Android devices
Cons:
- No servers in China
- No free plan
PureVPN – Secure VPN with Always-On Audit
PureVPN stands out as one of the most secure VPN options for users travelling or residing in China, thanks to its unique Always-On Audit feature. This feature allows for audits at any time without prior notice, ensuring that your data remains private and secure.
PureVPN boasts a well-distributed network of servers worldwide, including locations in Beijing, China, as well as neighbouring regions like Vietnam, South Korea, and Hong Kong. It utilizes the SSTP tunnelling protocol, making it one of the few VPNs that can maintain a stable and secure connection within China.
The service employs AES-256 encryption, a highly trusted standard known for its robust protection. PureVPN supports various tunnelling protocols, including WireGuard and OpenVPN, offering flexibility depending on your security and speed needs. Additional features include a kill switch to protect your IP address if the VPN connection drops and an obfuscation feature that helps maintain a secure connection without revealing VPN usage.
A single PureVPN subscription can secure up to ten devices simultaneously, covering your smartphone and any other devices during your travels in China. The service is affordably priced, starting at $2.14 per month. Additionally, PureVPN offers a 31-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day paid trial for just $0.99, allowing you to test the service risk-free.
PureVPN is an excellent choice for beginners with little experience in cybersecurity, thanks to its user-friendly applications and strong focus on user privacy. Even for tech-savvy users, PureVPN provides reliable service, especially when navigating the challenges of internet use in China or other highly censored regions.
Pros:
- Servers in China and other Asian countries
- Ideal for privacy-conscious users
- Includes an obfuscation feature
- User-friendly applications
Cons:
- Some features may not be compatible with the WireGuard protocol
Best VPN for China Compared
We have compiled a table to showcase the key features of each VPN for China we have reviewed:
| VPN Service | Server Locations | Servers in China | Unblocking Capabilities | No-log Policy | Simultaneous Connection | Kill Switch | Split Tunneling | Free Trial | Starting Price |
| CyberGhost VPN | 11,500+ servers in 100+ countries | Yes | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | Yes, audited by Deloitte | 7 | Yes | Yes | Yes, 1-day on desktop, 3-day on Android, and 7-day on iOS | $2.03/month |
| Surfshark | 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries | No | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more | Yes, audited by Deloitte | Unlimited | Yes | Yes | Yes, 7-day | $2.19/month |
| Mullvad VPN | 784+ servers in 38+ countries | No | YouTube | Yes, audited by Cure53 | 5 | Yes | Yes | No | $5.44/month |
| ProtonVPN | 5,200+ servers in 91+ countries | No | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, HBO Max, Disney+ | Yes, audited by Securitum | 10 | Yes | Yes | Yes, free plan | $3.59/month |
| ExpressVPN | 3,000+ servers in 105+ countries | No | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | Yes, audited by Cure53 | 8 | Yes | Yes | Yes, 7-day on mobile devices | $6.67/month |
| NordVPN | 6,400+ servers in 111+ countries | No | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | Yes, audited by PwC | 10 | Yes | Yes | Yes, 7-day on Android | $3.39/month |
| PureVPN | 6,000+ servers in 65+ countries | Yes | Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, etc. | Yes, audited by Altius IT and KPM | 10 | Yes | Yes | No | $2.14/month |
Free or Paid: Which is the Best VPN for China?
As previously mentioned, there are many freemium VPNs available. However, using a free VPN in China can significantly impact your online experience. While free VPNs are popular for their cost-saving benefits, they often struggle to bypass the Great Firewall of China and may frequently get blocked, leaving you without reliable access. Additionally, even if a free VPN consistently works in China, it may do so by complying with local government regulations, potentially involving the collection and sharing of user data.
On the other hand, paid VPNs offer market-leading encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and features like obfuscation to bypass the Great Firewall without compromising user privacy. They also provide larger server networks and unlimited data, ensuring a more reliable and uninterrupted connection during your travels.
If the cost of a premium VPN is a concern, you can consider Proton VPN, which offers a free version that works in China while maintaining strong data security. Alternatively, you can opt for one of the other recommended VPNs, such as NordVPN, and take advantage of their 30-day money-back guarantee to test the service risk-free.
Read More: Top VPNs for Singapore
Final words
In the highly censored and restricted internet environment of China, using a reliable and effective VPN is essential for maintaining access to the uncensored web, protecting your online privacy and security, and staying connected with the global digital landscape.
Above mentioned VPN providers have demonstrated the ability to consistently bypass the Great Firewall, offer fast and reliable internet speeds, and provide robust security features to protect your online activities in China’s heavily monitored internet landscape. Remember, using a VPN is not just a convenience in China – it’s a necessity for maintaining your online freedom, privacy, and security. So, choose wisely, and enjoy the full, uncensored internet experience that you deserve.
