Best VPNs for China: Reliable Options Working in 2024

Traveling to China? If so, you already know about the Great Firewall and how the Chinese government restricts internet access. Getting uncensored internet access isn't easy, but with the right VPN, it is possible.

You’ll need a VPN that can bypass the Great Firewall. In this guide, we review the best VPNs for China in 2024. We’ll cover their performance, security features, server locations, and ease of use to help you stay connected and secure.

Key considerations for using a VPN for China

• Key features to consider when choosing a VPN for China include obfuscation technology, a strict no-logs policy, strong security and privacy features, and numerous server locations close to China to ensure privacy and reliable access.

• Using a VPN in China carries possible legal risks, particularly for Chinese citizens, making it essential to understand regulations and choose services with robust privacy protections.
• Based on our testing, NordVPN is the best option for anyone who needs a VPN in China. You can get this leading VPN now at the best possible price using the 74% off coupon here.

Top VPNs for China in 2024

Choosing a VPN that effectively bypasses the Great Firewall can be challenging. Based on our testing, NordVPN is the best VPN for China due to its security, privacy, and performance. Surfshark, VPN.ac, ExpressVPN, and Astrill VPN are also strong players in this space. Each of these VPNs offers distinct strengths, catering to various user needs, from top-notch security to affordability and ease of use. Here’s what sets them apart as the best choices for China in 2024.

NordVPN: The Ultimate Solution

NordVPN is considered by many to be the top VPN for China. It does an excellent job of bypassing the Great Firewall. While the Chinese government commits significant resources to blocking NordVPN and other VPN services, NordVPN engineers are constantly working to circumvent those blocks.

For best results, use the NordLynx protocol and connect to one of their Asian server locations.

The NordLynx protocol is built around WireGuard, a very fast and very secure protocol that uses the ChaCha20 encryption algorithm. NordLynx combines WireGuard with a double NAT system that ensures your real IP address is never exposed on the VPN server. The result is a fast, secure, and private connection that keeps your identity safe. It is surely one of the best VPNs with WireGuard support.

NordVPN has additional security and privacy features that are ideal for a hostile online environment such as China. These include private DNS servers, kill switches, and proven security against IP address and DNS leaks.

Another feature that you will want to use in China (or anywhere else) is NordVPN Threat Protection. Threat Protection is a built-in ad blocker that also stops trackers and prevents connections to malware sources. Threat Protection is available in NordVPN apps for all devices and operating systems except Windows and macOS.

Windows and macOS users can instead use Threat Protection Pro. The Pro version does everything the standard version does and much more. It can protect your computer even when you are not connected to a VPN server (regular Threat Protection requires you to be connected). It also can scan incoming files for viruses and other malware, as well as checking your device for vulnerable apps, as you can see here.

Put it all together and NordVPN with Threat Protection Pro and Threat Protection is the best VPN with ad blocking and associated capabilities currently available.

NordVPN servers

NordVPN has an enormous network of servers around the world, currently numbering over 6,400 servers in 110 countries. These servers are fast and have high-speed interconnections to ensure smooth performance at all times. How fast? During our last round of speed testing, NordVPN delivered consistent high speeds across the network, earning it the top spot in this guide to the fastest VPNs.

Every server is RAM-only, meaning that there are no disk drives in them. This ensures that even if a NordVPN server were physically seized by the Chinese government or other hostile entity, even a forensic analysis would be unable to find any information.

The extensive server network of NordVPN in Asia, including servers in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Mongolia, provides reliable and fast connections for users in China. This network allows users to bypass the Great Firewall with ease and maintain high-speed connections, even for streaming services. Many users have reported exceptional performance with NordVPN, praising its ability to overcome initial connection struggles and provide consistent speeds.

The NordVPN server network also supports a number of specialized server types. This includes:

• Double VPN servers that pass your internet traffic through two VPN servers in sequence, providing even greater security and privacy at the cost of some speed.
• Onion over VPN servers that pass your encrypted VPN traffic through the Tor network.
• P2P servers for fast, secure torrents and other file transfers.
• Dedicated IP servers allow you to have a fixed IP address that is allocated to your sole use. NordVPN is one of the best VPNs with Dedicated IP.
• Obfuscated servers designed to make your VPN traffic look like HTTPS traffic. Not recommended for use in China since obfuscated servers use the OpenVPN protocol instead of NordLynx.

See all NordVPN features here >

How to safely use NordVPN in China

Here are the simple steps necessary to use NordVPN in China. They assume that you have already purchased a subscription and have the NordVPN app installed on your device.

1. Log onto the NordVPN app.
2. Select Settings (the gear icon in the bottom left corned of the NordVPN window) to display the Settings page.
3. On the Settings page, and select Connection to display the Connection page shown below:

4. Set the VPN protocol option to use “NordLynx” exclusively, since that is the best NordVPN protocol for use in China.
5. Set the Auto-connect option to “On all networks” to ensure that you are always protected by the VPN while in China.
6. Return to the Settings page, and select Kill Switch. Make sure that the Internet Kill Switch option is set to “On.”
7. Return to the main NordVPN page and select the Threat Protection icon. Activate all the Threat Protection options that are available for your device.
8. Return to the main NordVPN page and select Quick Connect to connect to the best NordVPN server. This is safe because NordVPN has no servers in China, and the VPN will connect to the best server outside China.

With its strong security features, extensive server network, and reliable performance, NordVPN is an excellent choice for maintaining privacy in China, accessing blocked websites, and streaming content from around the world. If gaming is your thing, NordVPN is also an excellent VPN for gaming.

All NordVPN subscriptions include 24/7 live chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can be up and running with NordVPN in minutes (and get an excellent price) if you click the link below.

+ NordVPN Pros

• Based in Panama, a leading pro-privacy jurisdiction
• Audited no-logs VPN with excellent privacy policies
• Support for most operating systems and devices
• Reliable and user-friendly VPN apps with DNS leak protection and kill switch
• Advanced security features like Threat Protection, split tunneling, and multi-factor authentication
• Huge network of fast, 100% RAM-only (diskless) servers with WireGuard support and private DNS
• Specialized servers including Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, Obfuscated, and P2P servers
• Colocated and 10Gbps servers being strategically deployed throughout the network
• Impressive support for streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and most others
• Responsive 24/7 live chat support

– NordVPN Cons

• Cheapest rates only come with a long-term subscription

You can find more information in our complete NordVPN review.

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Surfshark: Affordable and reliable

Surfshark provides a cost-effective solution for VPN use in China without sacrificing quality. The service is secure, private, and very fast. At the same time, it is incredibly inexpensive, has attractive and reliable apps for most devices, and allows for unlimited simultaneous connections.

Surfshark is secure, private, and fast, in large part because it too uses the WireGuard VPN protocol and a double NAT system. As we noted before, WireGuard is secure and fast, while the double NAT system adds very strong privacy protection to the mix. Additional Surfshark features that boost your security and privacy include private DNS servers, kill switches, P2P-optimized servers, and 100% RAM-only servers that ensure all data is frequently wiped and nothing is stored permanently.

To ensure that Surfshark does not keep any logs, its no-logs policy has been successfully audited by Big Four accounting firm Deloitte. Among other things, these characteristics make it one a great VPN for torrenting and other P2P activities.

Two of the newer features of Surfshark are CleanWeb, and Surfshark Antivirus. CleanWeb is an ad, tracker, and malware blocker that when activated, protects all traffic passing through the VPN tunnel. Surfshark Antivirus is exactly what it sounds like, an antivirus program that is included in your Surfshark subscription. If your system does not already have an antivirus program,you should definitely install Surfshark Antivirus.

As you can see in the image above, The Surfshark apps look good. They work well too, with no bugs or other issues showing up in our testing. That includes our leak testing, which showed no DNS or IP address leaks. Its Bypasser feature lets you control which specific apps & websites pass their traffic through the VPN and which bypass it. This feature is useful for app like mobile banking, which often detect and block connections sent through a VPN.

The Surfshark VPN server network is also impressive. It consists of more than 3,200 servers in 100 countries. These servers are RAM-only as noted above. They also have 1 GB or 10 GB ports to provide fast performance under all circumstances. During our testing, Surfshark ranked just behind NordVPN in overall speed:

The Surfshark network has VPN servers in Macau, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Taiwan giving yo7u plenty of options for connecting to sites like Google, BBC, and Netflix. Surfshark support recommends you select WireGuard when using the VPN app to connect from China. If that doesn't work they recommend you try manually configuring the connection, and they provide instructions on their website.

Surfshark's network is large enough to support several specialized server types. They include:

• MultiHop servers pass your VPN traffic through two VPN servers located in different areas, making your activities even harder for anyone to track.
• Camouflage (obfuscated) mode is applied whenever you use OpenVPN to make your VPN traffic invisible to internet censors.
• Surfshark Dedicated IP servers for situations where you need a fixed IP address dedicated to your sole use.

Overall, Surfshark is a great VPN for use inside or outside China. It is one of the best VPNs for general use, including activities like streaming videos and peer-to-peer downloads. Add in that it is incredibly inexpensive and a single subscription will support an unlimited number of simultaneous users, and you can see why Surfshark is a great value for people with big families or tight budgets.

Additionally, all subscriptions include 24/7 live chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee. With value like this, you won't be surprised to learn that Surfshark is on every list of the best cheap VPNs.

+ Surfshark Pros

• Audited no-logs VPN with strong privacy policies
• Support for most operating systems and devices
• Security-audited, user-friendly apps with kill switch and DNS leak protection
• Advanced security features like CleanWeb, Whitelister, and multi-factor authentication
• Large network of fast 100% RAM-only servers with private DNS and WireGuard support
• Specialized servers including MultiHop, Camouflage mode, Dedicated IP, and P2P servers
• Colocated and 10 Gbps servers being deployed
• Unblocks Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and other popular streaming services
• Unlimited number of simultaneous connections
• Fast and helpful 24/7 live chat support

– Surfshark Cons

• Limited VPN router support
• Big discount only with the two-year plan

You can find more information in our complete Surfshark VPN review.

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VPN.ac: Robust security and performance

VPN.ac stands out for its robust security and reliable performance in China. Employing advanced VPN protocol like OpenVPN (with AES-256 encryption) and WireGuard (with ChaCha20 encryption), as well as apps that passed our leak tests, this VPN will keep your data secure. In addition, VPN.ac has a kill switch and DNS leak protection to safeguard your data.

Of particular interest for this guide, VPN.ac has a set of China Optimized server locations. By going into the Advanced options section of the app and selecting, I am in China or other censored country you will see a list of a dozen or so servers that are supposed to work from within China without problems.

The service supports Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices. If you need Linux support, we suggest you check out this guide to the best VPNs for Linux.

Drawbacks to VPN.ac include the fact that their network consists of a total of 130 servers (as opposed to the thousands of servers other China VPNs have), and has very little ability to unblock streaming services like Netflix. Surprisingly, they only give you a 7-day trial period, and provide no live chat support.

Though it lacks many of the advanced features of NordVPN and Surfshark, VPN.ac’s focus on strong encryption, privacy features, and China-optimized servers makes it a reliable option for secure, unrestricted internet access in China.

+ Pros

• WireGuard support with a caveat
• Multiple encryption options for optimized performance
• Fast, dedicated servers with private DNS
• Multi-hop (double VPN) and obfuscated servers
• Secure proxy browser extensions
• Numerous payment options

– Cons

• Limited streaming support
• Limited feature set
• Small server network
• Short refund policy

Learn more in this VPN.ac review.

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ExpressVPN: Simple and effective

ExpressVPN is highly regarded for its simplicity and effectiveness, making it an excellent choice for users in China. Its user-friendly interface and reliable performance make it accessible even for non-tech-savvy individuals. A multiply-audited no-log policy, Network Lock (kill switch), leak protection, and obfuscation technology enhance its security. It is widely considered one of the best VPNs for China, and we agree.

Interestingly, ExpressVPN says you need to take no special steps to connect while in China. Simply choose a VPN server and go. That's another point in favor of using this service for your time in China. The only caveat to this is that ExpressVPN's website is blocked by the Great Firewall. That means you need to get your VPN installed and configured before you go.

With over 3,200 servers in 105 countries, ExpressVPN offers numerous options for accessing diverse content. This extensive network ensures reliable connections and high-speed performance, ideal for streaming, browsing, and accessing geo-blocked websites and major streaming services. ExpressVPN is so good at unblocking streaming content that it is on our list of the best VPNs for Netflix and the best VPNs for BBC iPlayer.

ExpressVPN does have two potential drawbacks for China use. Despite moving to their newer, faster Lightway VPN protocol, a race between ExpressVPN and NordVPN would give very one-sided results. NordVPN with NordLynx is much faster than ExpressVPN with Lightway in every speed test. Here's the best speed we recorded for ExpressVPN:

The other potential drawback to using ExpressVPN for China is price. Even with our special discount, ExpressVPN is significantly more expensive than either Surfshark or NordVPN. But depending on your needs, the higher price may be overshadowed by the ease of use that ExpressVPN provides.

ExpressVPN has an excellent support team that gives 24/7 live chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee, enhancing its appeal. Combining simplicity with effectiveness, it’s a dependable choice for users in China, thanks to its ease of use, extensive server network, and strong security features.

+ ExpressVPN Pros

• Strong security and privacy
• Secure apps for virtually any operating system or device
• Lightway VPN protocol added for better performance
• Large, secure server network
• Good streaming and torrenting performance
• Dedicated VPN router app
• Excellent support and refund policy

– ExpressVPN Cons

• Relatively high price
• Limited feature set

You can learn more in this complete ExpressVPN review.

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Astrill VPN: Another good option for China

Astrill VPN is a leading choice for users in China, renowned for its ability to bypass the Great Firewall efficiently. With advanced security and privacy features, it ensures that your data is protected through military-grade encryption and a strict no-logs policy.

Key technical capabilities of Astrill VPN include support for multiple protocols, such as OpenVPN, StealthVPN, and WireGuard, which enhance its effectiveness in circumventing internet censorship. The StealthVPN protocol is Astrill's version of obfuscation, and is known for its capability to disguise VPN traffic from government filters.

One place where the Astrill VPN lags services NordVPN, Surfshark, or ExpressVPN is in the size and reach of its server network. Astrill has over 300 servers in more than 60 countries. While its network is relatively small, the service has a reputation for strong performance in China. Its specialized features cater to users seeking both privacy and access to global content, landing it on this list of the best VPN options available for those navigating the restrictive online environment in China.

+ Astrill VPN Pros

• Stealth VPN feature
• Extra security features such as an ad-blocking, split tunneling, and a kill switch.
• 24/7 customer support

– Astrill VPN Cons

• Far more expensive than other VPNs
• Limited server network
• No refunds

Check out Astrill VPN here >>

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Key features to look for in a China VPN

Key features to look for in a China VPN include a proven ability to bypass the Great Firewall, a strict no-logs policy, and a wide range of server locations (especially locations near to China). These elements are vital for overcoming the Great Firewall and maintaining user privacy.

Note: Several of the VPNs we covered in this article made our list of the best no-logs VPNs.

Ability to bypass the Great Firewall

Thanks to China's restrictive internet laws and controls (collectively known as the Great Firewall), you will need a VPN that can bypass the restrictions for full internet access. Each of the VPNs reviewed in this article has the ability to bypass the firewall. But they each have their own way of getting the job done. While we have touched on how each does it job here, the battle between Western VPNs and Chinese censors is ongoing. What works today may not work tomorrow.

Your best bet in these cases is to visit the VPN's website for the latest tips on how to use that VPN in China. But since China blocks access to most VPN service websites from within China we recommend that you check the VPN's website for the latest instructions on using the service in China.

Strict no-logs policy

A strict no-logs policy is crucial for protecting user privacy when using a VPN in China, ensuring the service does not store any user activity data. Without this policy, user data could be vulnerable to surveillance or breaches.

NordVPN, for instance, has a strict no-log policy that is regularly audited by independent auditors to ensure compliance. This commitment to privacy not only protects users but also enhances security by reducing the risk of data breaches.

For users in China, a no-logs policy is an essential feature in a VPN service.

Server locations near China

Diverse server locations are crucial when choosing a VPN for China. Selecting geographically closer servers can significantly enhance connection speed and reliability, essential for accessing blocked content.

Recommended server locations for a better VPN connection in China include Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. These nearby locations offer lower latency and faster speeds, making them ideal choices for users seeking to bypass the Great Firewall.

Choosing the right server locations ensures a seamless and efficient internet experience.

How to set up your VPN before traveling to China

Setting up your VPN before traveling to China avoids connectivity issues and ensures access to restricted content. Government restrictions make it difficult to download VPN apps and access websites once you arrive, so preparation is key.

This section will guide you through the steps of downloading and installing VPN software, configuring your VPN settings, and testing your VPN connection. Following these steps will ensure a smooth and secure internet experience during your stay in China.

Download and install VPN software

Before traveling to China, sign up for a VPN service and download the app from a reliable source. Ensure you have the latest version installed on all your devices, as access to VPN applications may be restricted upon arrival.

Installing and having the software ready to use will save you from potential connectivity issues.

Configure VPN settings

Configuring your VPN settings ensures privacy and access to restricted sites in China. Features like DNS leak protection and a kill switch are essential, with DNS leak protection preventing exposure to your ISP and a backup VPN safeguarding data by disconnecting the internet if the VPN fails.

Regularly check your VPN settings to ensure these features remain enabled and adapt to changes in China’s restrictions. Proper configuration provides a secure and reliable connection, enabling uninterrupted access to the global internet.

Test your VPN connection

Testing your VPN connection before traveling ensures it works correctly and bypasses restrictions. Connect to various servers and use speed testing tools to identify the most reliable server locations.

After testing speed, verify access to websites typically blocked in China, such as social media platforms and news sites. Confirming your VPN can maintain speed and access essential sites ensures peace of mind while traveling.

Legal considerations and risks of using VPNs in China

Using a VPN in China involves legal challenges and potential risks. Although VPNs are banned, they are still widely used for unrestricted internet access. Only businesses with government approval can legally use VPNs, complicating the legal landscape for personal users.

Understanding the legal considerations and potential penalties of VPN use in China is crucial for staying safe. This section delves into government regulations and the risks of using non-approved VPNs.

Government regulations

The legality of VPN usage in China varies by province, and there is no clear answer regarding its legality. The Chinese government aggressively detects and blocks non-approved VPNs, creating significant challenges for users. Telecom and internet companies must get government approval to use VPNs, and the government also blocks VPN websites, presenting a major barrier to users trying to sign up for VPN services.

Government-approved VPNs often comply with data retention laws, meaning they likely log user activity. Given these factors, users in China must navigate a complex legal landscape and data privacy risks when considering VPNs.

Potential penalties

In China, using non-approved VPNs can result in serious legal consequences. Chinese citizens can face severe penalties, including fines or imprisonment, for using illegal VPNs. Specific fines, such as 1,000 yuan (approximately $145), have been reported.

Foreign users generally do not face legal repercussions for using VPNs in China, but the risk remains for Chinese citizens. The consequences for using non-approved VPNs can vary, so it’s crucial to understand the potential penalties and proceed with caution when using VPN services in China.

User experiences and reviews

User experiences and reviews provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of different VPN services in China. ExpressVPN is frequently cited as the most effective option for bypassing the Great Firewall, with many users praising its reliability and performance.

In this section, we’ll summarize positive experiences and challenges faced by users, helping you make an informed decision based on real-world feedback. These reviews highlight the strengths and potential drawbacks of each VPN service, providing a comprehensive overview of user satisfaction.

Positive experiences

Many users have reported that VPN services like NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN have successfully bypassed the Great Firewall, providing reliable access to blocked sites. Users have praised NordVPN for its strong security features and superior connection speeds while in China. Surfshark users appreciate its affordable pricing and unlimited simultaneous connections, which make it a popular choice for families and groups.

ExpressVPN’s ease of use and large server network have led to positive reviews from users who found it straightforward to access restricted content. Despite some minor issues related to connection reliability and the need for frequent server switching, overall user feedback highlights the significant benefits of using VPNs for accessing unrestricted content in China.

Challenges faced

No reports of arrests for usage of VPNs have been found; however, some individuals have been arrested for selling illegal VPNs. Also, some VPNs require frequent updates to maintain access due to the continuous changes in China’s internet restrictions. These challenges highlight the importance of choosing a reliable VPN service and staying informed about the latest developments in China’s internet censorship landscape.

Summary

In summary, navigating the Great Firewall of China requires a reliable and robust VPN service. NordVPN, Surfshark, VPN.ac, ExpressVPN, and Astrill VPN are the top recommendations for 2024, each offering unique features and strengths to meet different user needs. From NordVPN’s advanced security to Surfshark’s affordability, VPN.ac’s robust performance, ExpressVPN’s simplicity, and Astrill VPN's dedicated tools for China, these VPNs provide the means for accessing the global internet in China.

Unless you have specialized needs best served by one of our other recommendations, we urge you to consider NordVPN as your VPN for China. It is fast, secure, private, and has a reputation for bypassing the Great Firewall. By using the discount coupon below, you can get the best available price on the best VPN for China.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions when choosing a VPN for China:

What is the best VPN for China in 2024?

NordVPN is your best option for a VPN in China in 2024 thanks to its strong security, audited no-logs policy, high speed connectivity, and its ability to consistently bypass the Great Firewall.

What is the Great Firewall?

The Great Firewall of China is the common name given to the Golden Shield project, a combination of technological and legal tools the Chinese government uses to control internet access within the country. Officially, it is called the Golden Shield project. Its goal is to monitor and control what information people in China access online.

Why is it important to set up a VPN before traveling to China?

It is essential to set up a VPN before traveling to China. You will find that many VPN applications will be inaccessible or monitored by the authorities when accessed from within China. Setting up your VPN before you travel will ensure that you maintain online privacy and access to global content while in the country.

Are there legal risks associated with using a VPN in China?

Yes, using non-approved VPNs in China poses significant legal risks. These can include fines or imprisonment for local users. It is crucial to understand and comply with Chinese regulations regarding internet usage.

What server locations are recommended for the best VPN performance in China?

To ensure optimal VPN performance in China, we advise you to choose server locations such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, as these areas offer better connectivity and favorable internet conditions.

This guide to the best VPNs for China was last updated on August 17, 2024.