Best VPN for China

VPN will give you the freedom to browse restricted content from your location. This time, we will determine the best VPN for China.

Last Update: April 29, 2022
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Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Features:
  • Unblock Any Content
  • Internet Kill Switch
  • Split Tunneling
  • Confirmed Zero Logs Policy
  • Unbreakable Encryption
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Overall Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
Features:
  • Unlimited P2P and Torrenting
  • High-End Military-Grade Encryption
  • Confirmed Zero Logs Policy
  • Ad-blocker Feature
  • High-Speed Servers
  • Unblock 400 Streaming Services
  • 100% diskless encrypted RAM servers
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Overall Rating: 4.8 / 5.0
Features:
  • Strict No logs Policy
  • AES-256-GCM Encryption
  • Very Secure Protocol
  • Fast Torrent Speed and Unblocking Netflix
  • Unlimited Devices
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Overall Rating: 4.2 / 5.0
Features:
  • Very Simple Interface
  • Free Trial
  • Good Servers Speed
  • 256-Bits Encryption
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Overall Rating: 4.2 / 5.0
Features:
  • Advanced 256-Bit Encryption
  • Download Torrents Anonymously
  • Live Chat Support 24H
  • Strict Zero Logs Policy
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Best VPN for China: Securing your Connections

The Best VPN to use in China

VPNs are well-regarded in China, as one would expect. The Great Wall of China is not the only impediment to Chinese citizens broadening their horizons, particularly online. This blocking is normal if you are Chinese. If you are visiting the country for leisure or business, the restrictions are excessive.

People are looking for the best VPN for China to get around these blocking issues. This software allows them to unblock websites, stream content from anywhere in the world, and remain anonymous online.

More people are turning to the best China VPN to get around the country's strict online content policies. They can communicate with people all over the world using the application. However, using a VPN in China is not permitted by the government.

Although the government has taken several steps to limit VPN use, no specific penalties have been announced. VPN providers, on the other hand, continue to target Chinese customers.

VPN Providers

The Chinese government controls its citizens' access to the outside world via the Internet, which the rest of the world is well aware of. As a result, Google, Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, Skype, Netflix, YouTube, and a number of other websites and online servers accessible from outside China's borders have been blocked.

The "Great Firewall of China," as it is known, is a combination of legislative actions and advanced technology used by the government. The Chinese government employs the Great Firewall to limit online access for its citizens and visitors. The good news is that there is a solution to this problem, whether you live in the country or are just visiting for a few days.

You can download a tool to your device that allows you to access blocked websites and restricted content within the country while maintaining your privacy and identity.  And that tool is the Virtual Private Network, or VPN as it is more commonly known.

With the help of a VPN, you can encrypt your internet connection, protect your online activities, and stay off the radar of various government agencies and other snooping eyes in the country.

With a VPN, you can easily appear to be browsing from a different location, such as Hong Kong, the United States, or Canada, and gain access to various blocked content and sites within China. This time, we'll look at the top five VPNs with multiple servers that work perfectly in China. You may have heard them if you read some reviews about the best China VPN.

Expressvpn-screenshot-new

Express VPN is widely considered to be the best China VPN on the market. So, what sets it apart as the best? Here are a few things you should be aware of. First and foremost, accessing the Chinese government's restricted websites is extremely risky.

With ExpressVPN, on the other hand, you can be sure that your online browsing is safe at all times. This VPN has a strict no-log policy and can mask your IP address. 

This means that no sensitive information about ExpressVPN's users will be revealed if government spies interrogate it. Furthermore, ExpressVPN allows you to access blocked sites and content for $8.33 per month, billed annually.

If you want a shorter subscription or to pay monthly, you should expect to pay more. ExpressVPN, on the other hand, offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the service without risk. Furthermore, they provide excellent customer service to ensure that each user gets the most out of their VPN servers.

Security – accessing blocked websites can be very risky. But ExpressVPN can guarantee that your online browsing will be kept protected all the time.

This VPN can hide your IP addresses, and it strictly implements the no-log policy. This means that if ExpressVPN is questioned by the government, they cannot reveal any sensitive information about its users.

When a leak or loss of connection happens as you get around online while connecting to one of their servers, ExpressVPN features a built-in automatic kill switch that will promptly disconnect you from the internet. You can keep your identity protected all the time and enjoy simultaneous connections across your devices.

Price – you don’t have to spend much so you can keep connected to the outside world. With ExpressVPN, you can enjoy browsing blocked sites and content for $8.33 per month, which is billed annually by the company.

If you want a shorter subscription or you want to pay each month, you should expect the price to go up. ExpressVPN also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can use their service with ease.

If you find that the VPN is not for you or it does not work well in China, you can easily ask for a refund as long as it falls within the first 30 days of your usage.

Customer Service – since not all VPNs work in China, ExpressVPN wants to maximize its use for its users in the said country. They offer excellent customer support so they can help every user in getting the most out of their VPN servers.

The fastest and easiest way to stay connected with the customer service of ExpressVPN is to download their application, and you will have access to their 24/7 live chat. If you have any technical difficulties or other concerns about the service, their team is always ready to assist you.

Does ExpressVPN work in China?

Yes! ExpressVPN is available in China. With the help of this service, you can easily access blocked websites and restricted content all over the world.

Despite the fact that the country employs the Great Firewall of China to limit online freedom for its citizens and visitors, ExpressVPN can easily circumvent this Firewall.

Keep in mind that there are strict anti-pornography and anti-prostitution laws in place. So, if you want to use your VPN in China, avoid these sites.

Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
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NordVPN screenshot

NordVPN has been steadily improving its service since 2017. The company is doing everything it can to ensure that its servers in China work properly, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy their online activities.

They even created a Chinese version of their website, which Chinese visitors can use to sign up for their services, to make it more accessible to Chinese visitors.

NordVPN accepts Alipay and UnionPay as payment methods for their services, which are both widely accepted in China. Unfortunately, VPN services are also blocked by China's Great Firewall, which blocks various sites around the world.

However, the company uses a different domain, Nord-cn.org, which anyone in China can visit. While many VPN services are unavailable in China, NordVPN excels at unblocking websites and providing access to restricted content.

A VPN allows you to access and use popular websites such as Facebook, Google, Twitter, YouTube, Netflix, and many others.

Does NordVPN work in China?

Yes, NordVPN is available in China. The company has worked hard to ensure that its service works properly in the country and that its users have access to all of the content they really want.

For Chinese users, NordVPN also offers a Chinese version of its website. With the help of this VPN service, you can access popular websites such as Facebook, Google, Twitter, YouTube, Netflix, and others.

NordVPN logo in white color
Overall Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
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Surfshark screenshot

Surfshark is a relatively new product on the market. Nonetheless, despite its late development in 2018, it is one of the most promising VPNs on the market today.

Surfshark has a large network of physical servers around the world, excellent privacy and security services, and a variety of add-ons – all for a reasonable price.

It's safe to say that this is a high-end VPN that won't cost you a fortune.

Surfshark provides excellent online connectivity to Chinese residents and visitors, but not on the same scale as the country's most popular VPNs.

Features of Surfshark:

  • Encryption protocols: IKEv2/IPSec, OpenVPN TCP, OpenVPN UDP, “Shadowsocks.”
  • Several servers and locations: it offers more than 800 servers from more than 50 countries.
  • Simultaneous connections: You can enjoy unlimited simultaneous connections.
  • Server locations changes: Unlimited.
  • Applications: Windows, Android, Mac OS, iOs, Apple TV, Linux, FireTV, Xbox, Playstation.
  • Trial period or guaranteed money back: It offers a free trial period of 7 days and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • After-sale service: It has a 24/7 seven customer service system available email or lives chat.
  • Extras: CleanWeb (ads and malware blocker), Kill switch, Whitelister (allows certain applications or websites to ignore the VPN), NoBorders (avoid restrictions), Multihop (connect to multiple countries at the same time).
Surfshark logo in white color
Overall Rating: 4.8 / 5.0
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Tunnelbear Screenshot

This VPN service is provided by McAfee, a leading cybersecurity firm. With this distinction, you may believe that this option will provide you with an excellent VPN that can handle any situation. This, however, is not always the case.

While Tunnelbear has some advantages, it cannot compete with the service quality provided by the leading VPN providers. In addition, Tunnelbear isn't always the best at circumventing firewalls, including China's Great Firewall.

When using this service, it may be difficult to access certain websites and content, but it is still an option worth considering. Tunnelbear also provides a generous free trial for new users.

Each month, you can use this service for up to 500 MB of data.

Does Tunnelbear Work in China?

Some of Tunnelbear's servers use 256-bit AES OpenVPN encryption. If you attempt to use their service within China's borders, the Great Firewall will block the server locations and you will receive a message indicating that you are using a proxy server. After that, the answer is self-evident: Tunnelbear is not available in China.

Tunnelbear-white
Overall Rating: 4.2 / 5.0
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Ivacy VPN Screenshot

Despite the fact that many VPNs do not work in China, IvacyVPN is one of the successful service providers that can circumvent China's Great Firewall. Despite all of the country's VPN restrictions, IvacyVPN can perform flawlessly at a low cost and with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

IvacyVPN is also one of the few VPN service providers that supports split tunneling. Despite the fact that many VPNs do not work in China, IvacyVPN is one of the successful service providers that can circumvent China's Great Firewall.

But besides all of the country's VPN restrictions, IvacyVPN can perform flawlessly at a low cost and with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

IvacyVPN is also one of the few VPN service providers that supports split tunneling.

Does IvacyVPN Work in China?

Yes! It is said to be effective in China. There is one thing you should know about this VPN: the app must be downloaded from a separate website. As soon as the app is installed on your device, you can subscribe to IvacyVPN and enjoy simultaneous connections on multiple devices.

Ivacy VPN logo white
Overall Rating: 4.2 / 5.0
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VPN Blocking in China

If you visited China prior to 2014, you may have discovered that using any VPN to unblock websites and Internet content works well. However, this freedom was altered at the end of 2014, when the country's Great Firewall was upgraded to detect VPN connections.

Any other software has been similarly blocked and throttled. The Great Firewall's ability to detect unauthorized activity is still being improved today. As a result, only a few VPNs are permitted to operate in China, and they must employ novel technologies to conceal their identities.

Only the best VPNs for China will be able to bypass the Chinese Firewall, and they must be dependable, fast, and seamless. Unfortunately, if you want to use a VPN in China, it will be tricky.

VPN China Reviews

In this review of the best VPN for China, we have concentrated on the top five VPNs that have been proven to work in the country, and we have ranked them based on the following five criteria:

Download Speeds – the faster the download speed, the better the VPN. This is the most important consideration because no one will stick with a VPN that is too slow or not moving at all.

Reliability – A VPN should be dependable enough that you can connect whenever you need to. The connection must be stable and operational at all times.

Ease of Use – It is critical that the application is simple to install and that you can use it quickly in China. The user interface must also be taken into account.

Customer Service – problems are to be expected with any VPN product, and this is perfectly normal. That’s why you should look for a provider that can provide excellent customer support, such as a 24/7 live chat, in case you need help with your VPN issues.

Best Free VPN for China

Here are some free VPNs that you can utilize in China to freely access the Internet.

  • ProtonVPN - ProtonVPN is the only free China VPN that provides unlimited bandwidth. Assume you want to test out their free service. In that case, you should contact their live chat customer support to learn about the secret connection method designed specifically for Chinese users.
  • Tunnelbear - This VPN can provide you with a free monthly bandwidth plan of up to 500MB. It includes a mobile app for Android and iOS. One of the drawbacks of this free VPN is the slow internet access speed.
  • Lantern - This is a free proxy app that provides 500MB of data bandwidth per month in its free version. You can also upgrade to the Lantern Pro, which is a paid version. Their free service is available in China for various operating systems such as Android, Windows, Ubuntu, and macOS, but it is incompatible with iOS. 
  • Psiphon -This free VPN has a limited bandwidth and is only available for Android, iOS, and Windows.
  • ExpressVPN - For a month, this VPN is free to use in China. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee to its customers.
  • VyprVPN - Like ExpressVPN, this service provider allows you to use its paid version for 30 days with a money-back guarantee. This VPN's chameleon protocol, which is unfamiliar to other service providers, is one of its best features.

If you are only visiting China or need to use a free VPN for less than a month, ExpressVPN and VyprVPN are the best options for you. This is due to the fact that they are decent and dependable VPNs, and their money-back guarantee should be taken into account.

ProtonVPN, on the other hand, is a good option if you're looking for a free VPN that you can use for more than three months and only need to use your phone to send emails and light messaging.

For those who intend to use VPN for heavy web usage such as YouTube, streaming, and Netflix, a premium VPN service is highly recommended.

While free VPNs offer some options, we cannot say that they are reliable or capable of effectively protecting your online identity and security. They are free, however, for a reason, and they can be dangerous at times.

Which VPNs DON'T Work in China?

Here is a list of VPNs that didn't work in China:

  • Private Internet Access – This VPN service provider is well-known. However, if you try to use it in China, you will be blocked after a few minutes of connecting.
  • HideMyAss
  • IPVanish
  • IVPN
  • Mullvad

Basic VPN services have no chance of evading China's Great Firewall's deep packet inspection and machine learning technology. As a result, VPNs that perform well in the country use advanced technologies to mask their VPN traffic.

Is it legal to use a VPN inside China?

The answer to this question is not simple. Consider the following scenarios in which we might be able to say that. If VPNs are illegal in China, many VPN users should have been arrested for doing so.

The Chinese government should have outright prohibited the use of VPNs by residents and visitors alike. This, however, is not the case.

While China's Great Firewall prevents citizens from accessing sites like Facebook, Google, Gmail, and Twitter, many people can still use VPNs to gain access to these massive sites. So, what's the story behind China's inability to completely block these VPN providers? Simple. This is due to the importance of virtual private networks (VPNs) in business.

We all know that China works with a variety of international companies around the world, and VPNs play an important role in transmitting critical information from and to China. These multinational corporations use VPNs on a daily basis.

As a result, if China shuts down all VPNs in the country, it will have an impact on both domestic and international business operations in China.

How to use VPN in China

You may have heard that many countries have prohibited the use of VPNs and servers, and while China is one of them, the situation is not as simple as it appears. Some locals will tell you that using VPNs is illegal in the country, while others will tell you that you can use them freely. But, as we've all heard, the best answer is somewhere in the middle. As a result, now is the best time to learn how to use the best VPNs for China without breaking the law.

How to Use VPNs in China Without Breaking the Law?

Those who have been following the stories about VPNs in China are well aware of how the Chinese government is preventing them from being used.

If you plan to use a VPN in China, you should be aware that the country restricts access to the websites of various VPN providers.

As a consequence, you will be unable to subscribe to their services while within China's borders. The recommended solution to this problem is to download your preferred VPN software before entering the country.

To keep your Internet activities safe while in China, you must do the following now that you have access to a VPN provider:

 

  1. Choose and subscribe to a VPN that will meet your needs.
  2. Install the VPN app on your device.
  3. Login into the VPN using the details given by the provider. 
  4. Choose and connect to VPN server locations outside China, like Hong Kong servers.
  5. Start enjoying your Internet while hiding your identity online.

VPNs Vs. The Great Firewall of China

The majority of us are aware that the Chinese government is tightly controlled, and the flow of information is no exception. This is why the Great Firewall of China was built. This wall can be used by authorities to filter or control data sent and received over the Internet.

Some of the best examples are websites such as Google and Facebook, which were previously blocked in China. This is being done by the Chinese government for a variety of reasons. One of the primary reasons was to maintain control over various political groups deemed dangerous by Chinese officials.

The vast majority of these political parties are Taiwanese or Tibetan in origin. When the government took control of these organizations, it began to block various websites and forums.

These political organizations, on the other hand, have discovered new ways to disseminate information through social media. Unfortunately, by that time, the Chinese government had begun to restrict access to popular websites such as Google and Facebook.

China has finally realized, after years of denial, that blocking VPNs is impossible. Furthermore, because they are critical to the operations of large corporations, it cannot prevent them from using them. Instead of outright prohibiting VPNs, the government decided to regulate them and create a list of licensing options.

Can I Use a VPN in China?

Even if you've heard horror stories about using VPNs in China, you can always use the Service if you're close to the country's border. Unfortunately, using a VPN in this powerful country is a bit of a grey area.

Many websites from around the world have been blocked in China, and you won't be able to access them through your phone's normal internet connection. A VPN is required if you want to access blocked websites or view restricted content. You don't have to worry about being caught, though, because the government does not track all VPN users within their country.

However, you must use the Service for its intended purposes and avoid risky situations as much as possible. Start engaging in suspicious online activities, such as downloading large amounts of data on a daily basis or communicating with a suspect.

The Chinese authorities will begin an investigation into you and your online activities. Unfortunately, this is a situation that exists not only in China, but throughout the world.

If you want to use a VPN in China, keep in mind that the country has strict anti-pornography and anti-prostitution laws and regulations. TOR browser is a better way to get around this.

You must take this seriously if you do not want to irritate the government. Don't believe that just because you're using a VPN gives you the right to do whatever you want.

Can Foreigners Use VPNs in China?

Because China is one of the most prosperous countries in the world, it's not surprising that many foreigners want to visit the country for a variety of reasons. If you are one of them, you should use a VPN before entering the country's borders.

In 2015, you can use any VPN because circumnavigating China's Great Firewall isn't that difficult. But what happens if a foreigner is caught using a VPN in China? Similar incidents have occurred in the past.

Josh Summers used a virtual private network (VPN) to conduct business in China in 2015. He was surprised to learn that he couldn't send messages, make phone calls, or browse the internet while in Xinjiang.

Josh's mobile service provider advised him to go to the police station, which he did, and where his phone was confiscated. The authorities deleted all of his 'legal' apps, including Skype and VPN, and returned his phone to him.

He was neither sentenced to prison nor fined. This incident happened in 2015, and we don't know how the country currently handles foreigners who use VPNs. If you are planning a trip to China, the best thing you can do is use only certified VPNs.

Can You Use Corporate VPNs in China?

Large businesses and organizations use the best VPNs for China to ensure the safety and security of their data. This is a common practice in any country, and none of them forbid it. The situation is the same in China.

Because the country is interested in foreign investments and collaborates with international companies for economic advancement, the government does not completely prohibit VPNs.

Corporate VPNs are in charge of establishing secure communication channels both inside and outside of the organization.

While various news outlets claim that the Chinese government is interfering with corporate VPNs, most businesses can use their own VPNs as long as they follow the rules and understand their limitations.

There are some restrictions when using a VPN for China. When using corporate VPNs, the most important rule to remember is that all data generated in China must remain within the country's borders. This information includes identification cards, bank accounts, and passport information, ensuring the safety of all citizens in the country.

What is the Punishment for Using VPNs in China?

There is no clear picture of the punishment meted out to those caught using a VPN in China.

Even though the country employs the Great Firewall of China to prevent regular web users from accessing censored sites, anyone with a reliable VPN can easily circumvent this.

This leads us to the conclusion that the primary goal of the Firewall is to prevent online users from leaving China without using a Virtual Private Network to mask their identity.

You shouldn't have to worry about getting caught if you're using the VPN legally. As a result of this action, the government will never pursue you or imprison you.

However, if you use a VPN to access dark websites or conduct illegal online business, you should be concerned about being prosecuted.

Can You Get a Legal VPN in China?

The safest way to use a VPN is to use one of the government-approved VPN solutions. If you use a VPN that the government has approved, you don't need to hide your identity or online activities because they've been working with authorities long before you've used them.

Best VPN for China Conclusion

ExpressVPN is the best China VPN, with over 3,000 servers in 948 countries. ExpressVPN can help you improve your Internet browsing experience while in China. ExpressVPN makes it easy to get around China's Great Firewall.

ExpressVPN, on the other hand, does not recommend using servers in China (for example, Hong Kong, Vietnam, or Laos). To protect all users, they employ AES 256-bit encryption and a strict no-logs policy.

It also hides your IP address and browsing history. When acting legally, ExpressVPN protects your identity and privacy. In the event of a lost connection or device failure, an automatic kill switch protects you. It's also impressive that RAM rather than a hard drive is used.

The data from each session is also deleted. No data will be saved if spies have doubts about your identity. As a direct consequence, avoid storing anything on your computer. This VPN for China offers a 30-day money-back guarantee as well as an unlimited number of concurrent connections.

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By: Michael Miller
Michael is the CEO of VPN Online, one of the fastest-growing media companies in the cyber-security space. VPN Online was started in 2019 after Michael consulted with many Fortune 500 companies and saw the lack of understanding about cybersecurity many of their employees had.