VPNs for China are tuned for anyone using the internet over in the East Asian country. China is notorious for being one of the strictest countries in the world for buckling down on online privacy and censorship. Without the help of one of the best VPNs, there's an assortment of platforms like Netflix, YouTube and various social media sites that are inaccessible on Chinese servers. A VPN for China will enhance your online privacy and overall experience in the country tenfold.
It's one thing finding the best Virtual Private Network to use in your own country, but finding the right one to use overseas, especially China, is a whole new kettle of fish. VPN shoppers will need to keep their eyes out for a provider with a great geo-blocking track record. A provider with optimised servers in China isn't a must but will certainly bump up your Virtual Private Network experience too. This isn't just something you need to take into consideration with China, though, you'll need a VPN for India, as well as UAE, Canada and the US. This is as a consequence to different privacy and government surveillance laws.
If you weren't interested in a VPN for its privacy benefits (which you should be), the necessity for one in China has real practical weight. You'll seriously be missing out on a VPN whether you're travelling for work, pleasure, or moving to China. If the internet takes any presence in your day-to-day life and you're going to China, a VPN is vital to granting you a near-equal online experience.
The best VPNs for China at a glance:
• The best VPN for China: ExpressVPN - View on ExpressVPN
• The best VPN for China for security: NordVPN - View on NordVPN
• The best cheap VPN for China: Surfshark - View on Surfshark
For all your online needs, we've created a definitive ranking of the best VPNs for China. Take the dive with us, protect your devices and achieve online freedom amidst the rocky waves of Chinese privacy waters.
The best VPN for China
go.expressvpn.com
You'll struggle to find a Virtual Private Network that hits the mark like ExpressVPN. It just so happens it's got a golden track record in China too. Express encompasses all devices and operating systems when you're on Chinese servers, Chinese servers that are optimised for ExpressVPN subscribers.
ExpressVPN is favoured by millions of users for its ability to satisfy needs across the board. As a VPN to be used in China, the story is no different. Speeds might not have the highest peaks in China, but they're reliable, and Express' encryption is as effective as it is anywhere else in the world. ExpressVPN is seriously one of the most secure providers you can access, so it's ideal for use in China.
ExpressVPN also offers some of the best customer support out there, it's live, 24/7, and highly responsive.
Pros
- China-optimised servers
- Effective unblocking - better access to geo-restricted media
- Responsive live support - easy to get assistance
Cons
- Not the fastest peak speeds
| Servers: | 3000 |
| Simultaneous connections: | 5 |
| Operating systems: | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Fire TV, routers |
| Streaming sites unblocked: | Netflix, Prime, Hulu, Disney+, HBO |
- Customer review: "Awesome connectivity, low latency, quick. It doesn't feel like adware, spyware, or junkware. It operates and feels like robust stable non leaky software and that is sufficient to make me feel comfortable using it. Install, buy, turn-on, smart connect, and that's it."
The best VPN for China for security
nordvpn.com
Wherever you are in the world, it might be the comfort of your own home or the other side of the world, you need a secure VPN. With NordVPN, security takes the front seat. The famous double data encryption of Nordlynx and WireGuard is a force to be reckoned with on Chinese servers too.
Nord has been a top pick for us based on some impressive download speeds. In China, NordVPN is great for torrenting on the SOCKS5 proxy. So torrenters are welcomed by Nord's Chinese servers.
NordVPN's browser extensions aren't anything to write home about, but the provider is near flawless on all major operating systems and devices. When speed is concerned, NordVPN shines in China, delivering some of the best VPN speeds on the market.
Pros
- Double data encryption - extra safe
- Top download speeds
- Brilliant in China
Cons
- Basic browser extensions
| Servers: | 5709 |
| Simultaneous connections: | 6 |
| Operating systems: | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux |
| Streaming sites unblocked: | Netflix, Prime, Hulu, Disney+, HBO |
- Customer review: "Totally worth the money. Let's play Lan games over the internet. And the large file transfer ability, super awesome. Totally a lifetime customer now."
The best VPN for China for customisation
www.astrill.com
Aside from the essentials, there are a few aspects that truly make a VPN stand out. Many internet users favour accessibility, customisation, and personalisation, and Astrill is a VPN that favours all three.
Astrill comes packed with dedicated tools for China, an easy-to-use interface, and total user configurability. It's definitely a top pick for beginners, as well as having enough features to captivate advanced users.
Streamers can rejoice because Astrill is more than capable of unblocking Netflix, and speeds are more than satisfactory. Although, to the dismay of many British viewers, Astrill is not the VPN for BBC iPlayer. Nor can it unblock Prime Video. Something that might not be satisfactory is the tricky setup of Astrill's mobile apps, so maybe prioritise your desktop when you're in China.
Pros
- Hugely customisable - personalise your VPN
- Easy to use - simple setup
- Good choice for Netflix - strong streaming results
Cons
- Mobile apps lacking
- Can't access BBC iPlayer or Prime Video
| Servers: | 300+ |
| Simultaneous connections: | 5 |
| Operating systems: | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and certain routers |
| Streaming sites unblocked: | Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney+ |
- Customer review: "Having lived in China since 2015 this is in my opinion the best of the few VPNs I have used. It matches the big names on the market and works very well in China."
The best cheap VPN for China
surfshark.com
Are you after an attractively priced VPN for China that doesn't skimp on the quality? Look no further than Surfshark. A bargain of a Virtual Private Network anyway, Surfshark pulls off some impressive feats and stands strong up to some of the VPN giants.
This provider might be budgeted, but it has a solid track record of functionality in China. Surfshark has over 3200 servers worldwide. While some servers might be slower than others, users can easily switch servers to find one more receptive.
Unlimited simultaneous connections is a reason to subscribe right off the bat, regardless of pricing. However, some users have found Surfshark's kill switch to be less effective under more intense use.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Unlimited simultaneous connections - pair up plenty of devices
- Solid Chinese servers
Cons
- Kill switch issues under intense use
| Servers: | 3200+ |
| Simultaneous connections: | Unlimited |
| Operating systems: | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, and Firefox |
| Streaming sites unblocked: | Netflix, Prime, Hulu, HBO, Sky |
- Customer review: "Great VPN. Best bang for your buck hands down. I use this on all my devices. I've had it for a few years now."
The best VPN for China for coverage
www.purevpn.com
When you break it down, the more servers a VPN has access to, the more likely you are to find better and faster servers. PureVPN has over 6500 servers in 78 countries. Operating directly out of Hong Kong, PureVPN has 12 servers in China alone. You'll obviously have access to the thousands upon thousands of other servers worldwide.
A potential downside of Pure's immense server fleet is that users may find some minor connection issues from time to time. A little patience will certainly not take anything away from this VPN experience though. Being based in China, PureVPN security is top drawer too.
Available on all major operating systems and devices, PureVPN supports torrenting, streaming and gaming.
Pros
- Largest server fleet - many to choose from
- China-based - prioritised China servers
Cons
- Minor connection issues from time to time
| Servers: | 6500 |
| Simultaneous connections: | 10 |
| Operating systems: | Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Linux |
| Streaming sites unblocked: | Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Paramount, ITVX, Peacock |
- Customer review: "Usually rock solid. It can be a bit iffy on mobile devices on the odd occasion. Service is attentive though. They proactively listen to the users and respond well to issues. In the past there were a couple of bugs in the Android software, but they seem to have ironed things out now."
VPN laws in China
While having and using a VPN in China is totally legal, there are some governed restrictions. The VPN must be approved by the Chinese Government. VPNs that don't get this approval are simply banned. Punishment is harsher towards Chinese citizens, foreign perpetrators may go unpunished, but it's best not to chance it.
Relevant terms
VPN - Virtual Private Network
Kill switch - If internet connection is lost, it kills any internet connection until a secure VPN link is re-established
Double data encryption - When a VPN combines two algorithms in order to create an encrypted Virtual Private Network
Simultaneous connections – Number of devices that can be connected to the VPN at once
Which VPN works in China?
Plenty of VPNs work in China, less so the free ones. You'll need one of the best VPNs to use in China if you want the very best Virtual Private Network experience.
Are VPNs illegal in China?
Nope, VPNs are not illegal in China. However, the VPN provider has to have been approved by the Government in order for you to use it.
Can you use a free VPN in China?
Yes, you can use a free VPN in China. The trouble will be finding a free VPN that will function in China. This is because most free VPNs are limited in their coverage, among various other things. Windscribe Free is a solid choice of free VPN in China. Although, if you are only in China for a short time, then you may benefit from a free trial from one of the more reputable VPNs like ExpressVPN.
Jack Barrell is the Commercial Content Writer for VPNs. He's hands-on when it comes to producing best-of articles, how-to guides, and product reviews for Virtual Private Networks. On his off-days, Jack can be found in the gym, at the movies, or flicking through a car mag.