Best VPN for China: Protect Your Data and Browse Freely
The internet in China looks very different from what most people are used to. Popular platforms like Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and many news outlets are blocked by what’s commonly called the Great Firewall. For everyday browsing, that means simple things like checking Gmail, posting on social media, or reading international news are suddenly out of reach.
This is where a VPN becomes essential. For tourists, it’s the easiest way to stay connected with family and friends back home. For expats and business travelers, accessing work emails and cloud services that are otherwise unavailable is a practical necessity. Without one, daily communication and productivity can easily come to a halt.
Not every service works well inside the country, though. China constantly updates its censorship systems, which means only certain providers consistently keep up. That’s why people search for the best VPN for China; a service that can reliably bypass restrictions while offering stable connections and decent speeds.
China’s Great Firewall is the most heinous form of Internet censorship, but you can break through with these VPNs:
- NordVPN – Best VPN for China – The Great Firewall is a tough restriction, but NordVPN is tailor-made to beat it. Make use of the NordLynx protocol to restore your online privacy rights.
- Surfshark – A highly affordable and user-friendly VPN with powerful proprietary anti-censorship methods.
- ExpressVPN – Beat the world’s worst Internet restrictions without sacrificing connection speed. Great for Netflix and YouTube.
- VyprVPN – 100% self-owned network, plus proprietary Chameleon protocol for busting through Chinese censors.
- StrongVPN – An excellent balance of privacy, performance, and price.
A VPN works by rerouting your online traffic down a secure, encrypted tunnel to an external server. If this server is located outside of China, a user is then able to view all content available in the country where the server is. Wherever that may be, it will ensure a greater degree of access than that available domestically.
The problem for users in China is finding a VPN that works in China, and then identifying which of those options is the best. To help you with your choice, I have conducted an extensive review of all the main VPNs. To do this, I have spent time living in China and road-tested dozens of providers while I was there to answer the question of what is the best VPN for China?
How VPNs Bypass the Great Firewall
China’s censorship system is designed to spot and block VPN traffic, which is why not every service can stay ahead of it. The Great Firewall uses deep packet inspection to detect patterns in online activity, which makes it harder for traditional VPN connections to slip through unnoticed.
This is where specialized technology like VPN obfuscation comes in. It disguises your traffic so it looks like regular web browsing instead of encrypted tunneling.
However, success isn’t guaranteed, even with these tools. Some VPN providers rely on server rotation, switching IP addresses frequently so that blocked connections are quickly replaced with new ones. Others fine-tune their apps to support multiple protocols to give users different ways to connect when one method fails.
That’s why the best VPN for China usually includes a mix of technologies rather than just one trick.
Here are the key features that help VPNs avoid detection:
- Obfuscation modes that disguise VPN traffic as normal HTTPS activity
- Server rotation to replace blocked IP addresses with fresh ones
- Multiple VPN protocols (like OpenVPN, WireGuard, or Shadowsocks support)
- Smart routing that balances speed with stealth for more stable connections
These features improve VPN effectiveness and also strengthen security and protect privacy in a country where internet activity is heavily monitored.rengthen security and protect privacy in a country where internet activity is heavily monitored.
Key Features to Look for in a VPN for China
Choosing a VPN for use in China involves more than just downloading the first app you see. The Great Firewall makes reliability and flexibility far more important than with standard VPN use, so certain features can make or break your experience.
The best VPN for China usually balances all of these factors to ensure not just access to blocked sites but also dependable performance and security day-to-day:
- Obfuscation tools: These help disguise VPN traffic so it blends in with normal internet use.
- Fast, stable connections: Speed matters for video calls, streaming, and even simple browsing, so look for a VPN with consistently strong performance.
- Wide server network: The more global servers available, the better your chances of finding one that’s both secure and fast.
- Strong privacy policy: A trustworthy provider won’t log your online activity, which is critical if you’re concerned about VPN security and privacy.
- Device compatibility: From laptops to Androids and iPhones, your VPN should work smoothly across all your devices.
- Responsive customer support: Access to 24/7 help means you’ll have backup if your connection suddenly fails or you run into software glitches.
Comparison of the Top 5 VPNs for Unblocking China
- 24/7 Live Chat
- 24/7 Live Chat
- 24/7 Live Chat
- 24/7 Live Chat
- 24/7 Live Chat
- Netflix,
- Disney+,
- Amazon Prime,
- iPlayer,
- YouTube,
- Hulu
- Netflix,
- Disney+,
- Amazon Prime,
- iPlayer,
- YouTube,
- Hulu
- Netflix,
- Disney+,
- Amazon Prime,
- iPlayer
- Netflix,
- Disney+,
- Amazon Prime,
- iPlayer,
- YouTube,
- Hulu
- Netflix,
- Disney+,
- Amazon Prime,
- iPlayer,
- YouTube,
- Hulu
Best VPNs for China: 2025 Test Results & Recommendations
Using the criteria above, we ran our own VPN test results to see which services actually hold up against the Great Firewall in 2025. The providers below stood out not just in our trials, but also in VPN user reviews, showing a strong mix of reliability and speed.
These aren’t random picks. They’re based on hands-on testing, performance feedback, and how well each option handled streaming, everyday browsing, and censorship bypass.
Whether you’re considering a short-term VPN subscription, weighing paid VPN options against the risks of free VPN options, or just looking for the most practical VPN for streaming your favorite sites, our 2025 VPN recommendations are meant to give you a clear place to start.
Each provider here has proven it can get around blocks and keep connections stable inside China:
1. NordVPN
Best For China
- Very Affordable Plans
- No Bandwidth Caps
- No IP/DNS leaks found
- No logs and encrypted connections for total privacy
- Live Chat Support
- Advanced features like password manager, breach scanner, dark web monitor, etc.
- Automatic server selection can be unreliable
- Apps can sometimes be slow to connect
NordVPN is the best overall VPN currently available, and it works extremely well to restore access to the free and open Internet to anyone stuck behind the Great Firewall of China. This is possible largely due to NordVPN’s unique NordLynx protocol, an offshoot of the cutting-edge WireGuard tunneling method. This anonymizes your connection, confounding China’s DNS poisoning and keyword blacklists since they can’t surveil your requests.
Once you’re through, you’ll find NordVPN offers connections to the entire world’s Internet, with 8200+ servers in over 165 global locations. Good performance across the network offers reliably fast and buffer-free streams, plus secure access to foreign news sites and social media.
Whatever you intend to do with NordVPN, do so in confidence, knowing that your provider keeps zero identifiable logs.
Read our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
Best Budget Option
- Dynamic MultiHop that uses a double VPN to make your data more secure
- Robust privacy and security practices
- One of the rare VPNs with unlimited connections
- Buying a monthly plan is more expensive than long-term commitments
- Not as many servers as NordVPN
While Surfshark has only been around since 2019, it has quickly become a go-to VPN for folks seeking to beat their country’s Internet censorship. In addition to the unbreakable 256-AES-GCM encryption cipher, Surfshark guarantees access to blocked websites through their special Camouflage and NoBorders methods.
These are (respectively) obfuscation and anti-censorship countermeasures that become automatically enabled as your Surfshark app detects various types of surveillance and restrictions, and they’re available on each of their 3200+ servers in 100 countries.
In addition to beating censorship, Surfshark saves you from your own poor browsing habits via their CleanWeb feature. This entails adblocking, anti-malware, and anti-tracking, so you can avoid the common pitfalls socially engineered to compromise your anonymity.
And on the subject of anonymity, Surfshark accepts cryptocurrency payments. Combined with their independently audited no-logging policy, you have one of the most secure methods to beat Chinese censorship on the market.
3. ExpressVPN
Great All Around VPN
- Lightway protocol improves speeds and security
- Advanced encryption practices
- Owns a dedicated DNS to ensure more secure connections
- Split tunneling and other extras
- Chinese optimised servers
- Only offers 8 simultaneous connections
- More expensive than some providers
ExpressVPN is the go-to VPN for many Chinese internet users, and with good reason. It has been available in China for a while, so it has built a customer base. But unlike some rivals, whose access to China has been thwarted by the Communist authorities, ExpressVPN has consistently retained its service, making it one of the most reliable VPNs for the Chinese market. In most independent VPN test results and user reviews, it continues to rank highly for reliability and speed.
The big selling point for ExpressVPN is its China-optimised servers. These servers are designed to function well behind the Great Firewall, and whilst many are located in nearby countries such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore, others are based in locations across the globe. These servers don’t just work in China, but they work well. ExpressVPN is good for servers generally. They currently boast 3,000+ servers in 105 countries worldwide, which means that no matter where in the world you want to connect to, the likelihood is that ExpressVPN has a server you can use from inside China. This wide reach also makes it a solid VPN for streaming international platforms without much hassle.
Security-wise, ExpressVPN is one of the best in the business as well. Their entire network is SSL-secured with 256-bit encryption, which is pretty much as good as it gets. Their privacy policies are top-notch as well, and they guarantee no user logs. Being based in the British Virgin Islands means you can be sure they are not compelled to hold any data on users either.
ExpressVPN also operates its own DNS servers, adding an extra layer of privacy to an already robust system. Speeds are good, too. Alongside speed, ExpressVPN also offers a reliable service. During my time in China, I never had a problem with the connection, bar the odd server not connecting which can happen to any VPN anywhere.
Any VPN worth its salt offers a 24/7 live chat feature in its support options, and the ExpressVPN one is second to none, with knowledgeable and helpful staff, all of whom seemed to understand the challenges faced by being in China when I contacted them. Although it falls into the category of paid VPN options rather than free VPNs, the overall package makes the subscription worthwhile. All-in-all there is little to fault in the core features of ExpressVPN, making it one of our favorites as to which VPN is best for China.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
4. VyprVPN
Popular with Chinese Users
VyprVPN is another household name in the VPN world, which is also available to users in China. The big draw for Chinese users is their “Chameleon” protocol. This is an extra level of security that protects against the Deep Packet Inspection carried out by the Great Firewall and is the principal reason VyprVPN can be accessed in China. In many VPN test results for 2025, this feature continues to stand out as a major advantage.
It should be noted that “Chameleon” used to only be available with VyprVPN’s Pro package, but now it comes standard with all of their VPN plans. It is a service that works, and in a nod to Chinese users, they do accept payments using Alipay. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend that because AliPay is owned by Alibaba (the Chinese Amazon), a business very much in the pocket of the Communist regime. Still, for those comparing paid VPN options, this flexibility can make subscriptions easier to manage from inside the country.
Security-wise, VyprVPN is good with encryption that matches most of their competitors. They also offer a guaranteed no-logs policy. They do, however, collect connection logs, which include things like a User’s home IP Address, the VyprVPN IP Address you connected to, the connection start and stop time, and the amount of data transferred. VyprVPN is a US-based company, and it is highly unlikely they would willingly hand this over to the Chinese Authorities. But there is always a risk they could be hacked and lose this data, so there is a small risk involved. It is down to the individual user to decide if that risk is worth taking or not. User reviews on privacy are generally positive, but this logging detail is something to keep in mind.
VyprVPN’s connection speeds are good and also fairly reliable, although I did encounter one or two connection issues whilst using it in China; they were not insurmountable problems but rather just inconveniences. They also offer a huge range of servers, with more than 700 available in 70+ locations around the world. VyprVPN is one of the VPN providers that owns all of its own servers as well, which not only aids speed and reliability but is a privacy boost as well because they don’t rely on the security of external server owners. This server ownership model makes it appealing for people looking for VPN recommendations that focus heavily on control and privacy.
Lastly, their customer support also has fast and helpful live chat service, which helped me out on several occasions whilst based in China. I wouldn’t go so far as to say VyprVPN is on a level with ExpressVPN at this stage, but they are certainly pushing them hard and offer an effective and reliable service to Chinese users, provided they are willing to pay for the Pro version of their service. For those looking beyond free VPN options and willing to pay for a stable subscription, VyprVPN is a strong contender.
Read our full VyprVPN review.
5. StrongVPN
Fast and Reliable VPN for Unblocking China
The final VPN that I would recommend for Chinese users is StrongVPN. Its popularity amongst Chinese users is mostly because it is not one of the ‘big-boy’ VPNs that the Communist Party censors go after, but it still offers a service that is commensurate with them. In several VPN test results and recommendations, StrongVPN shows up as a practical option for travelers who want something less obvious yet still effective at bypassing the Great Firewall.
As far as security goes, StrongVPN is good. The default protocol on their service is OpenVPN with 256-bit encryption and SHA512, which gives it solid VPN security by any standard. They’ve also expanded protocol support to include WireGuard, though some setups still require manual configuration. As far as privacy goes, StrongVPN ticks all the boxes with a no-logs guarantee, meaning user connection data is not retained. However, like VyprVPN they are based in the USA and so will be compelled to keep the same connection data, which might concern some users. For privacy-conscious users weighing different VPN subscriptions, this detail is worth noting, even if most VPN user reviews rate StrongVPN positively on trust.
Their server numbers are not as high as some of the others on this list, with a total offering of more than 950 servers in 30+ countries. This will be sufficient for most users, as all the main locations are covered, but some users may want more variety. Compared with larger paid VPN options, StrongVPN’s smaller footprint is noticeable, though it still works well for streaming and everyday browsing.
In my experience, all of the servers I tried seemed to be able to work in China, and the speeds they offered were both reasonably fast and offered a consistent and reliable connection. It’s not the fastest VPN for streaming, but stability matters more behind the Great Firewall, and on that front, StrongVPN holds up.
As far as customer service is concerned, there is a 24/7 support, but it is only through their support form, not a live chat facility. They do respond to inquiries pretty promptly (I don’t think I ever had to wait more than a couple of hours), but it is not as efficient or helpful as an on-the-spot answer in a Live Chat. That said, among free VPN options and smaller providers, StrongVPN’s support turnaround is still ahead of many competitors.
Free vs. Paid VPNs: What Works in China?
When it comes to VPNs in China (or anywhere, really), the debate often starts with cost. Free VPN options sound tempting because there are no subscription fees and they’re quick to download and easy to try. But the reality is that most free services struggle badly against the Great Firewall. They’re often blocked quickly and lack the resources to update their networks; plus, come with major risks around privacy and data collection.
Paid VPN options, on the other hand, generally perform far better. Providers with paying customers can afford to invest in technology that improves VPN effectiveness, like obfuscation protocols, rotating IPs, and advanced encryption. They’re also more likely to offer customer support and security audits that confirm their privacy claims. In other words, you’re paying for access, yes, but also reliability and peace of mind, two things most people are after when they research a VPN provider.
Pros of free VPN options:
- No upfront cost
- Quick to install and try out
- Useful for very light browsing in some cases
Cons of free VPN options:
- Often blocked quickly in China
- Poor VPN effectiveness against censorship
- Limited speeds and frequent disconnections
- Serious privacy concerns, with some logging or selling user data
Pros of paid VPN options:
- Far stronger VPN reliability inside China
- Regular updates to bypass the Great Firewall
- Faster speeds, better for streaming and video calls
- Stronger VPN security with robust encryption and audits
- Customer support when connections fail
Cons of paid VPN options:
- Requires a subscription fee
- Some providers may still have occasional downtime
At the end of the day, if you need consistent access to blocked sites and care about online safety, paid VPN options remain the only realistic choice for China.
Device Compatibility & Setup
Most leading VPNs are built with broad device compatibility in mind. Whether you need a VPN for Androids, iPhones, or even for streaming on laptops and smart TVs, the core apps usually share the same design. That means once you know how to set it up on one device, the process feels familiar across the rest.
Smartphones are the most common use case in China since travelers and expats rely heavily on mobile access. A VPN setup guide is straightforward, but it helps to prepare before you arrive in the country since some app stores restrict downloads once you’re already inside China.
HHow to set up a VPN on Android or iPhone
- Pick a provider, and then download the VPN app from Google Play (Android) or the App Store (iPhone).
- Sign up for your chosen VPN provider through their official website or right there in the app.
- Open the app and log in with your account details.
- Choose a server location outside China.
- Tap the connect button and wait for the VPN to activate.
When it comes to streaming, VPN compatibility matters as much as speed. A solid VPN for streaming should offer servers optimized for Netflix, YouTube, or other platforms you use. Some providers even label these servers inside the app to make it easier to connect without trial and error.
Keep in mind that streaming reliability can fluctuate in China, so switching servers or protocols is sometimes necessary to get the best results.
How to Prepare: Download & Configure Your VPN Before You Travel
One of the most common mistakes travelers make is waiting until they’re already in China to download a VPN. By then, app stores and websites may be blocked, leaving you without access. Preparing in advance ensures your VPN subscription is active and your devices are ready to connect the moment you land.
Here’s what to do:
- Choose and purchase a reliable VPN subscription that’s known to work in China.
- Download the VPN apps for all your devices (Android, iPhone, laptop) while you’re still outside the country.
- Log in and test the VPN connection to make sure everything works smoothly.
- Save backup connection methods like configuration files or alternate server addresses provided by your VPN.
- Write down or bookmark alternate download links or domains in case the main website is blocked while you’re in China.
- If available, enable features like obfuscation or stealth mode in your VPN setup guide so you’re ready to bypass censorship from day one.
Quick Tip for Tourists and Expats
Backups are your best friend. If your main app fails, those extra config files or alternate links can save you from being cut off.
Don’t Wait Until You’re in China: Subscribe, download, and configure your VPN before you travel. Tourists and expats who prepare in advance face far fewer connection headaches once they’re behind the Great Firewall.
VPN Censorship, Legality, and Privacy in China
The Great Firewall is designed to block access to major global websites and platforms, but many travelers rely on a VPN to get around these restrictions. That raises the key question: Is it actually legal to use one in China?
The answer sits in a gray area. On paper, only government-approved VPN providers are allowed, and those services must give officials backdoor access that eliminates meaningful VPN privacy. Businesses are permitted to use VPNs for work, but they need explicit authorization.
For individuals, the rules are far less clear. There have been scattered reports of fines and even detentions, particularly in politically sensitive regions like Tibet and Xinjiang, though enforcement is inconsistent.
For most expats and tourists, the risk tends to be lower. Travelers often use VPNs without issue, but there have been cases of phones being searched or requests to remove VPN software. While these experiences aren’t universal, they highlight the uncertainty around VPN censorship in China.
If you’re a tourist or expat, follow these safety tips:
- Choose a provider you trust that has strong VPN security and obfuscation features
- Download and configure your VPN before entering China
- Keep backup connection methods like config files in case apps are blocked
- Avoid drawing attention to your VPN use, especially in sensitive regions
- Be prepared for possible restrictions or inspections at ports of entry
Many people continue to rely on VPNs in China, but it’s important to understand the risks. A quality service can restore access to blocked websites and protect your data, but no VPN can guarantee complete safety if the government decides to enforce restrictions.
User Reviews & Real-World Experiences
Reddit users and people in expat groups often tell a more turbulent story than polished marketing claims. What emerges are patterns around VPN reliability, effectiveness, and the constant chase of working servers.
- “NordVPN has worked flawlessly for me, even in China.” –r/travelchina
- “Yeah, NordVPN is still solid in 2025. Definitely worth it.” –r/vpntorrents
- “I just arrived in Chengdu and am using Express VPN. The South Korea server works best and I have access to gmail / whatsapp / youtube.” –r/chinalife
- “Mullvad VPN is working good. Used it in Beijing, Guangzhou and Zhangjiajie so far with minimal issues.” –r/chinalife
- “I’m in Shanghai now and Surfshark seems to work fine when on their wifi.” –GeoExpat
- “I use an eSIM from Hong Kong and connect to a US server through NordVPN. It works fine.” –r/nordvpn
What the Feedback Reveals
- Services come and go. A VPN that’s working today might be blocked tomorrow. Several users warn that ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and ProtonVPN “do not work at all” under certain conditions, even as Mullvad is praised for consistent connectivity.
- Hidden or rotating download links are common. Because main domains or app stores may be blocked, some providers offer alternative URLs. One user pointed out that ExpressVPN maintains download links inside China but doesn’t openly advertise them.
- Regional performance varies. Local factors like ISP routing, network controls, and geo-proximity play big roles.
- Expect instability. Some users say the VPN will work for hours or days, then stop functioning until they change servers or protocols.
- Users hedge with backups. In Chinese expat forums, people often mention using two or more VPNs simultaneously so they always have a fallback if one fails. For instance: “buy 2 just in case one suddenly has problems.”
Final Recommendations & Next Steps
When it comes to VPN recommendations for China, not every provider can keep pace with censorship. Based on testing and real-world feedback, services like ExpressVPN and NordVPN remain among the most reliable options. Each has strengths, whether that’s speed, obfuscation features, or server reach, but the most important step is to choose a provider and set up your VPN subscription before you arrive.
Delaying can leave you stuck without access to basic tools like Gmail, WhatsApp, or YouTube. A little preparation now means smoother connections later, whether you’re traveling short-term as a tourist or planning a longer stay as an expat.
Download Before You Travel: Don’t wait until you’re behind the Great Firewall. Pick one of our trusted VPN recommendations, start your VPN subscription, and download ahead of time so your devices are ready the moment you arrive. Get ExpressVPN, Try NordVPN, or Explore VyprVPN today.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best VPN for China changes over time, but top choices are usually services known for reliability and frequent updates to bypass restrictions, such as ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
Yes, both VPN services often work in China, though performance can vary depending on the region and current government blocks.
Tourists rarely face issues, but technically, only government-approved VPNs are legal in China. Expats generally use them, but it’s good to stay aware of the rules.
Absolutely. Many VPN websites are blocked inside the country, so install and test your app before you land.
Free VPNs rarely work well in China. Even when they connect, speeds are slow, and there’s a question about how secure they really are. Paid services are a much safer bet if you want the best VPN for China.
Download the app from the official website or app store, log in, then connect to a server optimized for bypassing China’s restrictions. It’s usually a one-tap setup.
Yes, but it depends on your provider. The best VPN for China often includes streaming servers specifically tuned for Netflix, YouTube, and other popular platforms.
Try switching servers, changing protocols, or contacting your provider’s support team. VPNs usually offer 24/7 help and backup options for this type of situation.
If you need a VPN for a short while when traveling for example, you can get our top ranked VPN free of charge. NordVPN includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. You will need to pay for the subscription, that’s a fact, but it allows full access for 30 days and then you cancel for a full refund. Their no-questions-asked cancellation policy lives up to its name.
Ivacy vpn is the best so far, I am using it for a year now and its working fine.
ExpressVPN works extremely well in China. HK servers for the win!