China is a country with the largest population and restricted access to Internet The Great Firewall restricts users to access some websites and APPS. VPN helps to bypass the restrictions
Our experts recommend Express VPN for its reliable speeds at 106 Mbps and a wide network comprising of 160 servers in 94 countries. The app is free to download and unlocks Instagram, WhatsApp, Netflix, Hulu, etc. on any Android or iOS device. Follow this guide to read our complete VPN reviews.
VPN That Works in China
#1. ExpressVPN - ExpressVPN for China is the best VPN out of all major VPN brands. The VPN works even when others are blocked, provides separate channels and servers for fast communication, and comes with a risk-free 30-day offer.
#2. NordVPN - NordVPN for China is one of the most stable in the country. Use NordVPN for 30-days free for a short trip to China. Receive up to 65% off for an annual plan.
#3. PureVPN - PureVPN for China should work over the Stealth protocol, but in practice, the speed is slow. There are no local servers, but there are in neighboring countries. We recommend ExpressVPN for China.
#4. Surfshark - Surfshark VPN for China is not the best choice. Applications do not work while the manual configuration is complex, frequently resulting in the inability to bypass locks. More more stable solutions include ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
#5. CyberGhost - VPN CyberGhost for China is not suitable, although 48 servers are declared there. You can try 1 day for free to check, although it is best to choose another VPN like ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
Why Use VPN in China?
- Privacy – ISP will not be able to track your internet activity. It is also effective at preventing surveillance by the government.
- Security – a VPN encrypts and protects your data even when you use public WiFi networks and hotspots. It also hides your IP, so that the websites will not be able to trace your original IP address.
Geo-spoofing – with VPN, Chinese citizens can access geo-restricted services, including US Netflix or BBC iPlayer simply by connecting to a VPN server in the relevant country.- Safe downloading from P2P services – both masking your IP and hiding your activity from ISP make it possible to safely download from P2P (of course, if your VPN provider permits this).
As you can see, VPN in China is a necessity. It will protect your web browsing data, ensure your unrestricted access to interesting content and safeguard you from unwanted government’s attention. Using our list, you will find the best VPN service in China.
What websites are blocked in China?
Here is the list of the site and services which are unavailable due to China restrictions
- Telegram
- Google Maps and Gmail
- YouTube and Vimeo
- Dropbox
- News sites (The New York Times, Bloomberg, The Independent, and others)
- Adult sites
As you can see the list of banned services is quite impressive, so when you are going to visit China it is kindly advised to prepare for this trip.
The best way to circumvent the restrictions is to download proper VPN application of your computer, smartphone, and tablet (or whatever you are going to use).
If you are going to China from the USA, the list of unavailable sites will expand a lot. Almost all music and video streaming services are also blocked. But not with China authorities, but due to the copyright issues. So if you want to watch Hulu from China you need some reliable VPN provider.
Things to do before going to China:
- Find a reliable VPN provider. You can check the reviews of VPN providers on our site or just visit the site of VPN provider you like. The main thing to look for is whether this provider is working in China, whether it helps to overcome the censorship in the mainland China.
- In case you want to watch HBO or Netflix or listen Spotify you should look for the VPN which successfully helps to overcome the geographical restrictions. For HBO and Netflix, it is better to check on the site of VPN provider or ask their support for the up-to-date information. Also, check the speed of the connection. If you prefer watching movies online on high-resolution lags and low speed are unacceptable.
- When the right provider is chosen you should download and install its applications for all devices you are planning to use. Test application on devices. Check the servers which are supposed to provide you access to such sites as Hulu, HBO, Netflix.
- If everything is ok it is better to pay for the period which you are planning to stay in China (just to avoid the situation when your subscription expired and you even can’t reach the site of VPN provider to renew it).
Reliable VPN service will help you to overcome all the internet restrictions in China. With the right provider, you even don’t feel any censorship or inconvenience.
Which VPN in China Should I Choose?
There are many VPN services available in China. While gathering our top list, we’ve thought about every important aspect of the service: 
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Reliability;
- Security;
- Encryption;
- Cost;
- Customer care;
- Privacy policy.
To make sure you get the best VPN in China, we considered all the tech details:
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Uptime;
- Connection speed;
- Server location;
- P2P option.
Keep in mind that many of these services are trying to block VPN users now by blocking known IP addresses of VPN providers. That is why it is important to use free trials before subscribing to any VPN service. For example Express VPN offers 30 days money back
6 ways to download a VPN in China
If got to China and find that your VPN service is down, there are several options for you:
- Find the mirror websites. Many providers maintain alternative websites for users in Asia.
- Download VPN APK to your Android smartphone.
- Ask someone from obviously not local to share you mobile Internet for a short time. All expats and almost all tourists use VPN so they can help you.
- Try to use Wi-Fi connection at the hotel - in some hotels, VPN is often enabled on the router for foreign tourists.
- Download any free Chinese VPN available from any aggregator. Download the adequate paid, ExpressVPN or NordVPN through it, and uninstall it.
- Visit Hong Kong and Macau, they are outside the Great Firewall
Can I Use VPN On My Smartphone?
Sure! VPN services offer mobile apps for Android and iPhone users. It's especially crucial if you use your mobile device for messaging and web surfing. Here's what you want to look at while choosing the best VPN service for getting access to WhatsApp in China:
- Easy-to-install and use apps
- Broad server coverage
- Quality security protocols
- Optimal price
Our Top Product Picks
- DNS leak protection
- Automatic kill switch
- Strict data-logging
- Unblocks WebSites in China
- Over 5,400 servers
- DoubleVPN
- Streaming support
- Price - $3.49/month
- Does not keep logs
- There are kill switch
- 6,500 servers in 140 countries
- Works in China
- Partially keeps logs
- Often blocked
- 3,200 servers in 65 countries
- There are kill switch
- Does not keep logs
- Online technical support of
- 6,800 servers in 89 countries
- Servers in China
1. ExpressVPN
Price Range: $6.67 - $12.95. Special offer: $99.95 for 15 months
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Money-Back: 30-day free trial |
Devices: up to 5 |
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Devices: Apple TV, Fire TV, PlayStation, Xbox, Routers |
Platforms: Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Linux |
ExpressVPN is perfect for use in China. If you want to use it is better to buy VPN before entering the country. As you may know, Instagram and WhatsApp are blocked in China so if you want to keep the access VPN is a must.
Why is ExpressVPN the best solution for China? It is very fast and offers a wide variety of servers. Also, ExpressVPN perfectly hides your IP-address. This is quite useful if you want to keep the access to Netflix and Hulu even while travelling.
And one more thing to know: ExpressVPN will serve you even when you come back home: it will encrypt your traffic thus making your internet surfing safer.
Try ExpressVPN now and get our special offer!
2. NordVPN
Price Range: $3.49 - $11.95. Special offer: 2-year deal with 68% off
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Money-Back: 30-day free trial |
Devices:6 |
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Devices: Firestick, Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo Switch, Raspberry Pi, Chromebook, Chromecast |
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS |
"The Internet with no borders" this a NordVPN slogan. And this VPN provider strains after its aim. What does NordVPN offer for users from China?
Quite a lot. For the first, it has a wide choice of servers located near to neighboring countries. All of them allow P2P, part of them are obfuscated, another part provides double VPN. For the second, NordVPN spoofs your real IP address and location thus allowing to use all services as you’ve used. For the third, it has Onion over VPN feature which significantly increases your online privacy and security.
3. PureVPN
Price Range: $1.32 - $10.95. Special offer: 7-day trial for only $0.99
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Money-Back: 31-day free trial |
Devices: 10 |
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Devices: Routers, Android TV, Amazon FireStick, Microsoft Surface |
Platforms: Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox |
PureVPN is a service with 320 servers in Asia. So, if you are traveling to China or are a frequent China visitor, this service is optimal for you. PureVPN specializes in bypassing the Golden Shield. For this, the protocols OpenVPN, L2TP / IPSec, and IKEv2, and AES-256 encryption are employed. PureVPN works on Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone. If you don't want to install the client, add a VPN service to Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.
Now work, binge & stay secure online with PureVPN
4. Surfshark
Price Range: $1.99 - $11.95. Special offer: Get 81% discount
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Money-Back: 30-day free trial |
Devices:Unlimited |
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Devices:Android TV, FireTV |
Platforms: Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Linux, Chrome |
SurfShark - works in China, but intermittently. As a result, we do not recommend solely subscribing to this service if you travel to China. The Great Firewall of China often blocks the operation of SurfShark, so it is impossible to bypass the block. You can subscribe to the client and get a refund within 30 days if SurfShark doesn't help you. The program works on Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android, and iOS, while there is an extension for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.
5. CyberGhost
Price Range: $2.75- $12.99. Special offer: 3 extra months for FREE
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Money-Back: 45-day free trial |
Devices: 7 |
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Devices: Amazon Fire TV & Fire Stick, Android TV, Routers |
Platforms: Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Linux |
CyberGhost is a Romanian service that operates in China. Connect to 120 servers in Asia, with 12 located in China, 84 in Hong Kong, and 26 located in South Korea. Given the high server number, there is always a free server to connect with to enjoy anonymous internet surfing. CyberGhost uses the OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 / IPsec protocols to bypass blocking while safeguarding clients with AES-256 encryption.
Enjoy a fast and reliable VPN
Paid VPN vs. Free VPN in China
You can always find free VPN in China, but do you really need this? Our advice is to pay for VPN to ensure a high level of protection, and not to spend time. Here is some price information:
| 1 month | 6 months | 12 months | 24 months | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | $11.95 | $7.00 | $5.75 | $3.29 |
| ExpressVPN | $12.95 | $9.99 | $6.67 (3 month free) | n/a |
| Surfshark | $12.95 | $6.49 | n/a | $2.49 |
How to use Hulu in China
If you are living in China or another country where Hulu is unavailable, you may be missing out on awesome shows like ‘The Handmaid’s Tale.’ The best way to run this video streaming service on your device is to set up a VPN app. Our team of experts ran tests based on speed and Hulu access on all available VPN services and selected the top 4- Express VPN, Nord VPN, PureVPN and Surf Shark VPN.
How To Use Telegram in China?
Telegram is a popular and secure messaging app. Unfortunately, the Chinese government doesn’t want people to use it, and that’s why Telegram is blocked in the country.
If you’re wondering how to use Telegram in China, the answer is quite simple.
VPN is the best way to unblock Telegram in China. Different providers offer different features, and you may want to check out what they have before making a final decision. Keep chatting via Telegram and be sure that nobody comes after you.
How To Use WhatsApp in China?
WhatsApp is a popular messaging app which is, unfortunately, blocked in China. The Great Firewall prevents users from chatting with friends and family, and for many, it’s a big deal.
The reason for blocking WhatsApp is simple: end to end encryption prevents the government from tracking communication between recipients. Nobody can see conversations or access files that are sent via the app.
The government is undoubtedly unhappy with this situation, and it is not a big surprise that they decided to ban the app. However, there is a way to unblock WhatsApp in China by using VPN and stay in touch with family and friends.
Does Viber work in China?
Viber is blocked in China. If you want to unlock Viber in China, VPN is your best choice. The market is full of different providers, and you may want to find something that will suit your needs perfectly. Choose one and unlock access to Viber today!
If you want to be sure that your Viber communication is stable and protected, paying VPN is an obvious choice. The paid services will make sure that users get the best up-to-date protections and handy apps. You can be sure that the government has nothing to do with your private data.
If you struggle with access to WhatsApp or other messengers, VPN in China is a great tool to use.
Summary
Most of VPN websites are blocked in China, apps were removed from Google Play and Apple Store in 2019. The only way to use VPN in China is to install it before you cross the border.
Latest Customer Review
FAQ
- Why should I use a VPN service?
It offers you privacy and protection from the government surveillance as well as unlocks geo-restricted content.
- Can I use VPN service for free this one time only?
Yes.
- How do I connect to VPN?
Through a VPN service. Some services offer Chinese users to connect through a website, but more often you would be advised to download an application.
- Can I pay for a VPN service with a card issued by a Chinese bank?
Yes.
- Can I use VPN service for free this one time only?
Yes.
- Can I watch U.S. TV-shows that are not available in China?
Some content providers are blocking access from known VPN servers. However there are ways to overcome it.
- If I am going to travel abroad, would VPN work?
Yes.
VPN Providers Comparison
| Name |
ExpressVPN
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NordVPN
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PureVPN
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Surfshark
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CyberGhost
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| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Pricing and Plans
Save up to 45% off with StrongVPN, a top VPN for China. Prices as low as $5.83 per month, take 20% off any plan today, and take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee.
| min price | $6.67 | $3.49 | $1.32 | $1.99 | $2.75 |
| max price | $12.95 | $11.95 | $10.95 | $11.95 | $12.99 |
| max discount | 49% | 80% | 88% | 83% | 79% |
| Money back days | 30 | 30 | 31 | 30 | 45 |
| Free Version Available | |||||
| BitCoin accepted | |||||
| No Credit Card Trials |
Save 79% on the annual plan with CyberGhost, a top VPN for China. Backed with a 45-day money-back guarantee, CyberGhost provides 24/7 support and promotional codes up to almost 80% off.
Other VPNs
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4.5
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4.0
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4.0
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3.7
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4.1
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Written by: Stefany Anderson
Technical Writer, Visit My WebSite Techno-copywriter, Privacy, Internet Security
Read Comments
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Anonymous
What is the most stable VPN in China for June 2021 ? Most of the reviews are related to ExpressVPN, however I can't access it from Mainland China. What do you suggest ?
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Stefany
Hello. For now NordVPN is accessable from China. Try this link.
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Chris
Are VPNs banned in China?
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Admin
No, the services are not prohibited, but it is impossible to access them from China. Therefore, install a VPN client before traveling and crossing the border.
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Denzel
How well do VPNs work in China in 2021?
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Admin
All ISPs experience crashes, but ExpressVPN remains the leader. By the way, when you subscribe for one year using our link, you will receive three months for free as a gift. It is important to note that since the coronavirus’s onset, a VPN must be installed before crossing the Chinese border.
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Luke
Which VPN is the best at blocking various malware, ads and trackers?
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Admin
All VPNs from the list have very strong security protocols, in some of them you can even choose one yourself. I would highlight Surfshark for it’s blocking features, which are especially relevant when you want to unblock social media websites and secure your data, which might be stolen when you use fake links from hackers’ posts.
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Leon
Which VPN services have a free trial?
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Admin
Only Astrill VPN has a 7-days free trial, but no money back guarantee, whereas the rest of the VPNs (apart from the free ones) have 30-45 days money back guarantee, but no free trial.
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