Price: FREE
Servers: 11 countries
Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
Jurisdiction: Canada
Torrenting: OK
Unblocks Streaming: Yes
Traffic: 10 GB Free TrustPilot Score: 4,8/5
Speed: Fast
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is an excellent choice for users in China due to its strong ability to bypass the country’s extensive internet censorship. The service offers a robust combination of advanced technologies designed to maintain privacy and ensure a secure connection. One of the standout features is its specialized obfuscated servers, which mask VPN traffic, making it appear like regular internet traffic. This is crucial in a country with heavy VPN restrictions, where simply using a VPN could result in throttled or blocked connections.
With a large network of over 5,000 servers in more than 60 countries, NordVPN ensures fast and reliable connections, even from within China. Its military-grade AES-256 encryption protects user data, keeping it secure from prying eyes, including government surveillance. The service also features a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not track or store your online activity, ensuring maximum privacy. Additionally, NordVPN provides excellent customer support with 24/7 live chat and a comprehensive knowledge base.
Its user-friendly app is easy to set up, making it accessible to both tech-savvy users and beginners. Overall, NordVPN offers a combination of security, speed, and reliability, making it one of the best options for anyone looking to navigate the heavily restricted internet in China.
ExpressVPN is a top choice for users in China due to its ability to effectively bypass the country’s stringent internet censorship and provide a secure online experience. The service uses a combination of advanced technologies to ensure a stable and private connection, even under heavy restrictions. One of its key features is its ability to use the “Stealth Mode” protocol, which disguises VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, helping users avoid detection by China’s Great Firewall.
With a vast network of servers in over 90 countries, ExpressVPN provides fast and reliable connections, ensuring smooth access to blocked websites and services. It employs AES-256 encryption, the industry standard, which ensures that user data remains private and secure from surveillance or third-party access. Additionally, ExpressVPN follows a strict no-logs policy, guaranteeing that no personal data is stored or monitored.
ExpressVPN’s user interface is intuitive, making it easy to set up and use for both beginners and experienced users. It also offers 24/7 customer support through live chat, providing assistance in case of any issues. Overall, ExpressVPN’s combination of speed, security, ease of use, and the ability to bypass the Great Firewall makes it a reliable and effective VPN service for users in China.
Surfshark is an excellent VPN choice for users in China, offering strong capabilities to navigate the country’s strict internet censorship. One of the key advantages of Surfshark is its “NoBorders” mode, which is specifically designed to help users bypass heavy internet restrictions like those found in China. This feature allows the VPN to function in regions with strict anti-VPN regulations by disguising VPN traffic and making it appear like regular internet use, thus evading detection. The service also boasts a large server network spread across 100+ countries, ensuring fast and stable connections for users within China.
Surfshark uses AES-256 encryption, providing top-tier security to protect user data from surveillance and hacking. Furthermore, its CleanWeb feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware, enhancing both security and browsing experience. Surfshark follows a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t track or store user activity, ensuring privacy remains intact. The VPN service is also highly affordable compared to many competitors, making it an attractive option for those seeking reliable service at a reasonable price.
With an intuitive interface, unlimited device connections, and 24/7 live chat support, Surfshark is both accessible and reliable. Its blend of security, performance, and cost-effectiveness makes it a great choice for users in China seeking unrestricted internet access.
Astrill VPN is a powerful solution for users in China, renowned for its ability to bypass the Great Firewall with ease. One of its standout features is the “StealthVPN” protocol, which is specifically designed to mask VPN traffic and make it appear as regular internet traffic. This is particularly useful in China, where many VPN services are blocked or throttled. The StealthVPN protocol ensures that users can maintain a secure and reliable connection even in restrictive environments.
Astrill offers a wide range of server locations, providing a large and diverse network of over 300 servers in more than 50 countries. This extensive network ensures that users in China can access global content without significant speed degradation. The VPN also uses AES-256 encryption, ensuring that all internet traffic remains secure from prying eyes, such as government surveillance or cybercriminals. Astrill VPN also offers a no-logs policy, which means that no user data is collected or stored, ensuring complete privacy.
The service supports multiple devices and offers apps for all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. With 24/7 customer support and a user-friendly interface, Astrill VPN is an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain both security and access to a free internet experience in China.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a solid choice for users in China due to its reliable ability to bypass the country’s strict censorship measures. With its “MACE” feature, PIA blocks ads, trackers, and malware, enhancing both security and the browsing experience. Additionally, PIA offers the “Shadowsocks” protocol, which is particularly effective in regions like China, where it helps mask VPN traffic to look like normal internet data, making it harder to detect and block.
PIA operates a large network of over 35,000 servers in 78 countries, ensuring that users can find a fast and secure connection even in heavily restricted regions. The VPN uses AES-256 encryption to safeguard all internet traffic, providing a high level of security and privacy protection, especially when accessing sensitive content. PIA’s no-logs policy ensures that no user data is stored, meaning users’ online activity is never tracked or monitored.
PIA offers an easy-to-use interface, and its apps are available for a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. The service also provides 24/7 live chat support to assist users with any issues. With its combination of security features, bypassing capabilities, and an extensive server network, Private Internet Access is a reliable and effective VPN choice for users in China.
Hide.me is a strong VPN option for users in China, offering a range of features designed to bypass the country’s extensive internet restrictions. One of its key features is its “Stealth Mode,” which obfuscates VPN traffic to make it appear as regular internet traffic, helping users avoid detection by China’s Great Firewall. This makes Hide.me highly effective at maintaining a stable and secure connection in a heavily monitored environment. With a network of over 2,000 servers across more than 75 locations worldwide, Hide.me ensures fast and reliable connections, even for users located within China.
The service utilizes AES-256 encryption, offering top-level security to protect users’ online activity from surveillance and cyber threats. Additionally, Hide.me adheres to a strict no-logs policy, meaning that no data is collected or stored, further enhancing user privacy. Hide.me is user-friendly, with simple setup processes and apps available for multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. The VPN also supports unlimited device connections, making it convenient for users with multiple devices.
With a 24/7 customer support team available via live chat, Hide.me provides assistance whenever needed. Overall, Hide.me combines excellent security, privacy features, and reliable performance, making it an ideal choice for those looking to bypass restrictions in China.
PrivateVPN is an excellent choice for users in China due to its ability to effectively bypass the country’s strict internet censorship. The service offers an advanced “Stealth VPN” mode, which helps users mask VPN traffic, making it appear as regular internet activity. This is especially useful in China, where many VPN services are blocked or throttled by the Great Firewall. By using this technology, PrivateVPN allows users to access blocked content while maintaining privacy and security.
PrivateVPN operates a smaller server network compared to some competitors but still covers key locations around the globe. This ensures that users can reliably connect to fast servers, even from within China. The service utilizes strong AES-256 encryption, providing military-grade security for user data. Additionally, PrivateVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy, which means it does not track or store user activity, ensuring a high level of privacy.
The VPN offers user-friendly apps for multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, making it easy to set up and use. With a support team available 24/7 via live chat, users can get assistance whenever needed. Overall, PrivateVPN is a secure, effective, and easy-to-use solution for those in China looking to bypass censorship and protect their online privacy.
Windscribe Free is a reliable option for users in China, offering several features that make it effective for bypassing the country’s internet censorship. One of its key strengths is the ability to mask VPN traffic through its “Stealth” mode, which helps avoid detection by the Great Firewall. This is essential in China, where VPN usage is highly restricted. Windscribe’s ability to bypass these blocks allows users to access restricted content while maintaining privacy and security.
Despite being a free VPN service, Windscribe provides a solid network of servers across multiple locations. Users in China can connect to servers that offer decent speeds and reliable performance, even with the free plan. Windscribe uses strong AES-256 encryption to protect user data, ensuring a secure connection when browsing or accessing sensitive information. Additionally, Windscribe adheres to a no-logs policy, meaning it does not store user activity, ensuring privacy is maintained.
The free plan offers 10GB of data per month, which is generous compared to many other free VPNs. Windscribe also provides user-friendly apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, making it easy for both novice and experienced users to set up and use. Overall, Windscribe Free offers a balance of security, privacy, and usability, making it a solid choice for users in China.
9. VyprVPN
VyprVPN is a strong choice for users in China, providing a robust set of features to bypass the country’s extensive internet censorship. One of its key features is the proprietary “Chameleon” protocol, designed specifically to defeat VPN blocking and deep packet inspection used by the Great Firewall. Chameleon disguises VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, helping users maintain a stable connection and access blocked websites without being detected.
VyprVPN operates a large network of over 700 servers in 70+ locations, ensuring fast and reliable connections even from within China. The service uses AES-256 encryption to secure user data, offering high-level protection against surveillance and cyber threats. VyprVPN also maintains a strict no-logs policy, meaning no user data is collected or stored, further safeguarding privacy.
The service is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, with a user-friendly interface that makes it accessible for both beginner and advanced users. VyprVPN also provides 24/7 customer support via live chat, ensuring help is readily available if needed. With its specialized Chameleon protocol, strong security measures, and reliable performance, VyprVPN is an excellent option for anyone in China looking to bypass censorship while keeping their online activity private and secure.
Hotspot Shield is a strong VPN option for users in China, offering effective features for bypassing the country’s strict internet censorship. One of its standout capabilities is the proprietary “Catapult Hydra” protocol, which optimizes speed and security, allowing users to maintain a stable and fast connection even in regions with heavy restrictions like China. This protocol is particularly useful for overcoming the Great Firewall, enabling users to access blocked content with ease.
The VPN service operates a network of over 1,800 servers in 80+ countries, ensuring reliable and fast connections. Hotspot Shield uses AES-256 encryption, the industry standard, to secure user data and provide protection against surveillance and cyber threats. Additionally, it follows a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that no personal data or browsing history is stored, thereby preserving user privacy.
Hotspot Shield is compatible with a wide range of devices and platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, and offers user-friendly apps that are easy to set up. The service also provides 24/7 customer support via live chat, assisting users with any issues they may encounter. With its strong security features, fast speeds, and reliable ability to bypass internet restrictions, Hotspot Shield is a great option for users in China looking for both privacy and access to the open internet.
China is known for its advanced internet infrastructure but also for its strict online censorship, often referred to as the Great Firewall. This system blocks access to many global websites, apps, and services, including Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and many more. For residents, expats, and travelers, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is essential for bypassing these restrictions, ensuring privacy, and maintaining secure communication. Here’s an in-depth, locally focused breakdown of why you need a VPN for China:
1. Bypass the Great Firewall
The Great Firewall blocks access to many popular websites and services, making a VPN critical for unrestricted internet use.
Access Blocked Websites: Platforms like Google, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp are unavailable in China. A VPN allows you to bypass these blocks by connecting to servers outside the country.
Work Without Interruptions: Professionals relying on tools like Google Workspace, Slack, Zoom, or Dropbox can use a VPN to maintain productivity without disruptions.
Stay Updated: Access international news outlets like BBC, CNN, or The New York Times, which are often blocked in China.
2. Secure Communication
In China, online communication is monitored, and many messaging apps are restricted.
Use WhatsApp and Telegram: Popular apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal are blocked. A VPN ensures you can communicate freely and securely.
Encrypt Messages: A VPN encrypts your data, preventing government surveillance or ISP monitoring of your private conversations.
Access Video Calls: Platforms like Skype, Zoom, and Google Meet are often unreliable without a VPN. Secure your video calls for business or personal communication.
3. Access Global Streaming Services
China has its own streaming platforms, but access to international content is restricted.
Watch Netflix and Hulu: Stream your favorite shows on Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or Amazon Prime Video by connecting to servers in the U.S. or other countries.
Stream International Sports: Follow global sports events like the Premier League, NBA, or FIFA World Cup, which might not be broadcast in China.
Access YouTube: Use a VPN to watch tutorials, music videos, or vlogs on YouTube, which is blocked in China.
4. Maintain Online Privacy
China’s strict internet regulations mean online activity is heavily monitored.
Protect Your Data: A VPN encrypts your online activity, preventing ISPs or government agencies from tracking your browsing habits.
Avoid Targeted Ads: Shield yourself from excessive tracking and targeted advertising by hiding your real location and IP address.
Secure Sensitive Information: Expats, journalists, and researchers can use a VPN to protect sensitive communication and research from prying eyes.
5. Stay Connected While Traveling
For travelers visiting China, maintaining access to familiar services can be challenging.
Access Home Services: Use a VPN to connect to your home country’s servers and access essential apps like Google Maps, Gmail, and local banking platforms.
Stay Social: Continue using social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to share your travel experiences and stay connected with friends.
Navigate Efficiently: Many map and travel apps like Google Maps or Waze are blocked in China. A VPN enables you to use these tools seamlessly.
6. Avoid Regional App Restrictions
China’s app ecosystem is unique, with many popular international apps blocked.
Download Restricted Apps: Use a VPN to access the Google Play Store or international App Store versions to download blocked apps.
Update Blocked Apps: Ensure your existing apps receive updates even if they are unavailable in China.
7. Access Educational and Professional Resources
Students and professionals often need access to global resources and tools that are restricted in China.
Access Online Learning Platforms: Platforms like Coursera, Khan Academy, or Udemy may be inaccessible without a VPN.
Participate in Virtual Events: Join webinars, conferences, and online classes on platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams, which may be unreliable without a VPN.
Unblock Research Tools: Use Google Scholar and other international research databases that are essential for academics and researchers.
8. Overcome Local Censorship
China’s censorship extends to content deemed inappropriate or critical of the government.
Stay Informed: Access unbiased international news and avoid relying solely on state-approved media.
Share Content Freely: A VPN allows you to share your views and experiences on platforms like Twitter, Reddit, or YouTube without fear of censorship.
9. Protect Financial Transactions
Online banking and payment platforms in China often face cybersecurity threats.
Secure Online Payments: Use a VPN to encrypt transactions on platforms like Alipay, WeChat Pay, or international banking apps.
Access International Banks: If you’re an expat or traveler, connect to your home country’s banking services securely.
10. Enhance Gaming Experiences
Online gaming in China is restricted by local regulations, and some international games are blocked.
Play International Games: Use a VPN to access games like Fortnite, PUBG, or Call of Duty that may have restricted servers in China.
Avoid Game Bans: Play games without worrying about regional bans or censorship.
Reduce Ping for Global Servers: A VPN allows gamers to connect to servers in regions with lower latency for smoother gameplay.
Localized Challenges in China
Censorship Variability: Restrictions can vary by city or province, with areas like Shanghai or Beijing sometimes enforcing stricter controls during political events.
Frequent VPN Blocks: The Chinese government actively works to detect and block VPNs. Choosing a reliable VPN with obfuscation features, like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, ensures uninterrupted access.
Navigating Local Apps: While China has robust alternatives like Baidu and WeChat, many travelers and expats find it challenging to adapt to these systems without access to international apps.
Customer Reviews for VPNs for China
NordVPN Review – From an Expat in Shanghai
“Living as an expat in Shanghai, I rely on NordVPN daily to stay connected with my family and work in the U.S. Accessing Google services like Gmail and Google Drive is impossible without a VPN, and NordVPN has been incredibly reliable. The connection is fast enough to make Zoom calls without interruptions, and I can stream Netflix and YouTube effortlessly during my downtime. I appreciate the obfuscated servers, which bypass China’s restrictions seamlessly. NordVPN has become an essential tool for both my professional and personal life here in China.”
— Michael L., U.S. Expat in China
ExpressVPN Review – From a Business Traveler
“I frequently travel to cities like Beijing and Guangzhou for business, and ExpressVPN is my go-to solution for staying connected. My work heavily depends on accessing blocked platforms like LinkedIn, Dropbox, and Slack, and ExpressVPN has been a lifesaver. The app is user-friendly, and I can set it up on all my devices within minutes. The speed and reliability are unmatched—I’ve never experienced any issues, even on public Wi-Fi at hotels or airports. If you’re traveling to China for work, I highly recommend ExpressVPN for uninterrupted access to essential tools.”
— Sarah P., Business Consultant
Surfshark Review – From a Student in Beijing
“As an international student in Beijing, Surfshark has been incredibly helpful for my studies and staying connected with friends back home. Many academic resources, like Google Scholar and Coursera, are blocked in China, but Surfshark allows me to access them without any issues. The unlimited device connections mean I can use it on my laptop, phone, and tablet simultaneously. It’s also affordable, which is great for a student budget. Whether I’m streaming Netflix or researching for a paper, Surfshark provides a fast and secure connection. Highly recommended for students in China!”
— Priya R., International Student
CyberGhost Review – From a Traveler Exploring Rural China
“During my month-long trip across rural China, I used CyberGhost to stay connected with my family and access blocked websites. The app is easy to use, even for someone like me who isn’t tech-savvy. I could post photos on Instagram and keep up with WhatsApp messages without any interruptions. The connection remained stable, even in remote areas like Yunnan and Tibet. CyberGhost’s affordable pricing and user-friendly interface make it an excellent choice for travelers who need reliable access to blocked content in China.”
— Rachel K., Backpacker
ProtonVPN Review – From a Privacy Advocate in Shenzhen
“Privacy is a top concern for me, especially in a country like China where internet activity is heavily monitored. ProtonVPN has been my go-to for ensuring secure and private browsing. The Secure Core servers offer an extra layer of encryption, and I feel confident that my data is protected at all times. I also use ProtonVPN to access global news sites like BBC and CNN, which are often restricted here. The speeds are decent for streaming and everyday browsing. If privacy is your priority, ProtonVPN is an excellent choice for navigating China’s internet restrictions.”
— Daniel T., Privacy Enthusiast
IPVanish Review – From a Digital Nomad in Chengdu
“As a digital nomad working remotely from Chengdu, IPVanish has been a crucial tool for maintaining my productivity. I use it to access Google Drive, Zoom, and Asana to stay connected with my clients in Europe and the U.S. The connection speeds are great, even during peak hours, and the unlimited device connections mean I can use IPVanish on my laptop, tablet, and phone. It’s also helped me stream my favorite shows on Netflix and Hulu after long workdays. If you’re working remotely in China, IPVanish is a fantastic choice for securing your online activity and staying connected.”
— Clara M., Remote Worker
Private Internet Access (PIA) Review – From a Journalist in Beijing
“As a journalist in Beijing, I need a VPN that prioritizes security and reliability, and PIA delivers on both fronts. It allows me to access international news platforms and securely communicate with my editors. The app’s no-logs policy and strong encryption give me peace of mind when sending sensitive information. While some VPNs struggle with China’s strict censorship, PIA has been consistently reliable. It’s also affordable, which is a bonus for freelancers like me. For journalists or anyone working with sensitive data in China, PIA is an excellent option.”
— Mei L., Freelance Journalist
ExpressVPN Review – From a Family in Guangzhou
“Our family moved to Guangzhou for work, and ExpressVPN has been a game-changer for maintaining a normal online experience. My kids use it to access YouTube for educational videos, while my wife and I use it to keep up with Netflix shows and WhatsApp calls to family back home. The connection is fast, and the app is simple enough for everyone in the family to use. ExpressVPN has made living in China much easier by providing access to the apps and services we rely on daily.”
— Rohan S., Expats in China
Surfshark Review – From a Budget Traveler
“As a budget traveler exploring China, Surfshark was the perfect solution for staying connected without spending too much. It helped me access Google Maps and translate services, which are essential for navigating cities like Shanghai and Xi’an. I also used it to stay in touch with friends on Instagram and Facebook, which are blocked here. The unlimited device connections allowed me to share the VPN with my travel partner, saving us both money. Surfshark is a great option for travelers looking for affordable and reliable VPN service in China.”
— Kevin J., Backpacker
NordVPN Review – From a Tech-Savvy User in Hangzhou
“I’ve tried several VPNs in China, and NordVPN stands out for its advanced features and consistent performance. The obfuscated servers are particularly helpful for bypassing the Great Firewall without detection. I use NordVPN to access blocked websites, stream international content, and secure my work-related data. It’s fast enough for HD streaming on platforms like YouTube and Disney+, even during peak hours. If you want a VPN that works flawlessly in China, NordVPN is the best choice, especially if you’re tech-savvy and appreciate extra security options.”
— Jake R., IT Professional
Marcus is a cybersecurity analyst with a focus on VPN and proxy services. As the founder and driving force behind a prominent VPN and proxy website, Private Proxy Guide, Marcus has emerged as a trusted authority in the digital realm. With a passion for staying ahead of evolving cyber threats, he has played a pivotal role in educating and empowering individuals and businesses to safeguard their online presence.
