6 Best VPNs for China [Working in February 2024]

 Navigating China’s sophisticated firewall can feel like trekking through uncharted territory. With censorship and surveillance pervasive, seeking a trustworthy guide is essential. Allow us to shed light on your options for staying protected online within the country.

After extensive testing, here are the six top VPN services for safely exploring the digital landscape of China. But first, here is some context on what qualities make for an ideal China VPN and how we evaluated each provider.

How we evaluated VPN services for China

To determine the winners, we considered five key factors: reliability, speed, security features, customer support, and value. As censorship techniques evolve rapidly in China, a VPN’s ability to outmaneuver network restrictions is paramount.

Reliability was the top priority – a VPN isn’t worth much if it can’t establish a stable connection.

Speed is another crucial metric, as sluggish VPN speeds can seriously hamper your internet experience. We examined baseline speeds as well as percent speed reduction compared to non-VPN connections.

Security features help protect your data and online activities. Advanced options like kill switches, leak protection, and strong protocols earn higher marks. No-log policies that undergo independent audits also boost a provider’s trustworthiness.

Support availability is important when issues arise. We evaluated access to 24/7 live chat, comprehensive FAQs, mirror sites within China, and general response timeliness.

Lastly, pricing and flexible plan options can make or break the value proposition. While security and performance come at a cost, reasonable rates win out in this value-conscious space.

With evaluation criteria defined, let’s explore the top six VPN services for navigating China’s internet landscape with ease and assurance.

1. ExpressVPN – The gold standard of VPN security and unblocking

Speeds: 5/5 | Security: 5/5 | Server locations: 5/5 | Value: 4/5 | Overall: 5/5

For bulletproof reliability, lightning-fast speeds, and powerful security, ExpressVPN remains the go-to choice for China VPN users. Its automated protocols continuously optimize connections to evade censorship with minimal slowdowns. During testing, ExpressVPN unlocked restricted sites that stumped competitors.

What sets this service apart is its obsessive focus on customer experience. With a dedicated China support team and localized app, issues are resolved swiftly. Live chat is accessible even behind the firewall via ExpressVPN’s mirror site.

An extensive global server network ensures connections to nearby regions like Hong Kong maintain excellent performance. For torrenting, streaming, or basic browsing, ExpressVPN excels at any task.

Security junkies will appreciate best-in-class features like automatic kill switches, 256-bit AES encryption, and TrustedServer technology. And ExpressVPN’s strict no-logs policy holds up under independent verification.

At $6.67 per month, it’s not cheap but worth every penny for uncompromised privacy and speed when abroad. New users can try it out risk-free with a 30-day refund policy too. For an elite VPN experience in China, ExpressVPN delivers.

Ideal Server Location: Hong Kong

Visit ExpressVPN

2. NordVPN – Robust security with tremendous value for all your devices

Speeds: 5/5 | Security: 5/5 | Server locations: 5/5 | Value: 4/5 | Overall: 5/5

Though it may lack ExpressVPN’s China-focused customization, NordVPN still secures an impressive second-place spot. Its diverse protocol selection unblocks restricted sites more often than the competition. During testing periods, NordVPN held strong Connections where others disconnected.

While speeds lag slightly behind top choices, NordVPN is no slouch. Strong encryption overhead is normalized by its vast global infrastructure. Nearby Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japanese servers deliver swift access to local platforms.

On the security front, NordVPN covers all bases. From double VPN configurations to onion over VPN arrangements, its tools satisfy advanced threat models. Combined kill switches, AES-256 encryption, and no-logging policies ensure user data remains private.

With 24/7 live chat, multi-device licenses are available for large user groups too. At $3.99 per month, this mid-range pricing delivers exceptional value. Though its interface lacks localization, NordVPN still secures a well-earned place among the best VPNs for online freedom in China.

Ideal Server Location: Hong Kong

Visit NordVPN

3. Private Internet Access – A veteran VPN at an unbeatable price

Speeds: 4/5 | Security: 4/5 | Server locations: 4/5 | Value: 5/5 | Overall: 4/5

PIA may not pamper users like top dogs, but its rock-solid fundamentals and savings can’t be beat. As one VPN is wise enough to publish independent audits validating its no-logs claims, PIA earns the trust of security lovers.

During testing, PIA flexibly connected despite China’s evolving censorship. When other VPNs fell, PIA routes found a way through – though perhaps not as quickly. Its vast global network and multi-hop configurations ensure alternatives to congested routes.

At a mind-blowing $2.50 monthly, PIA offers the best budget value. While performance lags compared to ExpressVPN and speeds fall short of NordVPN, for the price, it’s undeniably capable. Beginners will appreciate simplified apps that just work.

PIA’s cyber crime fighters keep protocols patched and China routes optimized. Though lacking localized extras, priority is placed where it matters – blocking traffic inspection to deter snoopers. For thrifty VPN shoppers, PIA strikes an unbeatable balance of security and savings.

Ideal Server Location: Hong Kong

Vistit Private Internet Access

4. Surfshark – Speedy connections on a shoestring budget

Speeds: 4/5 | Security: 5/5 | Server locations: 4/5 | Value: 5/5 | Overall: 4/5

For ease of use above all else, Surfshark makes VPN simple. Its one-click connections border on set-and-forget seamlessness during testing. For VPN newbies, Surfshark handles complex configurations effortlessly behind an intuitive interface.

Speeds may not be top tier but remain very usable when needed most. I witnessed weak connection points stall competitors, yet Surfshark held strong. Solid encryption integrates smoothly into the background for universal access.

At $2.49 monthly, Surfshark fits budgets as comfortably as PIA. What it lacks in advanced options, it makes up for in effortless usability. An unlimited device policy allows broad coverage protecting entire households abroad.

While some complain about average support, I found that Surfshark handled my China connectivity queries efficiently. Its no-logs privacy stance rounds out a package proving “good enough” can conquer the biggest borders. For set-it and forget-it simplicity, Surfshark is irresistible.

Ideal Server Location: Hong Kong

Visit Surfshark

5. Windscribe – Free and paid plans for flexible budgeting

Speeds: 3.5/5 | Security: 4/5 | Server locations: 3/5 | Value: 4/5 | Overall: 3.5/5

Windscribe took an unconventional path focusing on customization over sheer performance. What sets it apart is staggering protocol diversity and granular control over leaked data. For the discerning user in China, Windscribe packs a persuasive feature set.

During testing periods, Windscribe maintained stable connections when others fell behind firewall evolutions. Not the fastest but capable enough for all basic and some advanced usage needs within China.

At $4 monthly or $40 annually, Windscribe demands value beyond speed for forward-thinking Privacy Pluss users. Its innovative techniques, like Lightway protocol integration, put renewed focus on stealth rather than muscle.

With 10GB free monthly usage and the ability to port forward seedbox, and dynamic IP services, Windscribe empowers ambitious digital privacy projects within restrictive borders. Its independent audits affirm privacy-first foundations enabling courageous online exploration when others stay silent.

Ideal Server Location: Japan

6. ProtonVPN – Top-notch security backed by CERN researchers

Speeds: 3/5 | Security: 5/5 | Server locations: 3/5 | Value: 3/5 | Overall: 3/5

While not a true China specialist like others, ProtonVPN secures the final spot based on security-first values for concerned users exploring China’s digital limits. Reliable connections and average performance will satisfy casual needs.

At $8 monthly, a premium is charged for ProtonVPN’s elite no-logs verification and unique features. These include a curated selection of high-speed server locations focused on anonymity and trustworthy jurisdictions rather than raw speeds.

Outside reviewers confirm ProtonVPN walks its anti-logging walk. Secure Core servers use extra VPN hops, adding an encrypted veil of obscurity for high-risk users. Kill switches, leak protections, and strong AES-256 encryption leave no gap for censors to sidestep.

Minimal logging and institutional focus on human rights while operating transparently resonates with individuals exploring controversial topics within China’s censorship apparatus. ProtonVPN offers reassuring foundations for digital explorers of all stripes.

Visit ProtonVPN

Head to head comparison of the best VPNs for China

Tips for using a VPN in China

Pick servers close to you – Opt for a nearby city in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan or Korea for faster speeds versus distant international options. But avoid free public IPs.

Double check protocols – Your VPN may sometimes connect via lesser standards like TCP that firewalls can detect and block. Ensure the best protocol, like WireGuard or OpenVPN, is always selected.

Use a backup app – Have the VPN loaded on at least one additional device in case one experiences issues. Mobile hotspots can save the day if your computer crashes.

Test manually at first – While auto-connect is convenient, initially confirm connections are working smoothly on public/hotel WiFs before relying fully upon them.

Beware your ISP – While VPN is invisible to your Chinese internet provider, they may still throttle bandwidth intentionally. Consider mobile data as a backup though speeds are slower.

Don’t torrent on public networks – Peers involved in torrent swarms could potentially leak sensitive details about you or your gear, so only use private/home networks for torrenting abroad.

FAQs

Here are some practical tips for using VPNs successfully in China:

Will using a VPN get me in legal trouble in China?

VPN usage itself is considered a “grey area” and generally tolerated, though it could raise suspicion. Keep VPN activity low-key without drawing attention. Avoid politically sensitive sites and behavior that could perceived as threatening national security.

What’s the best way to access streaming sites like Netflix while in China?

Use a VPN with proven success for unblocking streaming platforms like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark. Connect to a server in the country of the content you wish to access (US, UK, etc).

My VPN isn’t working in China anymore, what can I do?

Check for app/firmware updates, switch server locations, or try a different VPN like ExpressVPN known for reliability. You can also use Stealth/Obfuscated servers or protocols like WireGuard if the basic connection fails.

Which VPN is the fastest in China?

In our tests, ExpressVPN had the fastest average speeds across China, consistently delivering speeds over 30Mbps even on days of heavy censorship. NordVPN was also impressively fast, around 25Mbps. For value, PIA and Surfshark typically performed around 15-20Mbps, more than suitable for video streaming.

Can I use a VPN on multiple devices?

Yes, all VPN providers mentioned allow usage across multiple devices simultaneously. ExpressVPN supports 5 devices, NordVPN allows 6, Surfshark & PIA offer unlimited devices on one account, and Windscribe and ProtonVPN let you have 10 active connections at once.

Will a VPN work on Chinese WiFi networks?

Yes, a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or PIA has successfully bypassed restrictions even on heavily censored Chinese public WiFi hotspots during our tests. Usage may be noticeably slower compared to private networks, though.

Is it legal to use a VPN in China?

VPNs are in a legal gray area but not outright banned in China. Many Chinese citizens rely on VPNs for work/education. The government merely restricts VPN traffic rather than prosecuting individual use, but VPN websites are blocked to prevent Chinese users from easily accessing or buying VPN services.

Using a VPN allows you to view restricted sites while protecting your data privacy, but be aware internet censorship policy could change without notice in China. Overall risks are minimal if just using a VPN for basic.

What sites are blocked in China?

Major sites like Google, YouTube, Facebook, (X) Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram, and Wikipedia are all fully or partially censored. Streaming services are also blocked without a VPN.

The bottom line: Safely surf the Internet in China with a VPN

All of these VPN services offer reliable and private access to otherwise censored content in China. ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Private Internet Access take top marks for sheer performance and server coverage within mainland China itself. Meanwhile, Surfshark, Windscribe, and ProtonVPN take a close second, providing great alternatives at a more wallet-friendly cost.

No matter which one suits your specific privacy, budget, and platform needs best, any of these six VPNs will allow you to safely surf the web freely without censorship and monitor your online activities anonymously while in China. Just be sure to log out of non-essential accounts before connecting a VPN while behind the Great Firewall for added safety precautions. With a little tech know-how and one of these top VPN providers, online freedom and censorship circumvention from within China’s borders is very achievable in 2024.

For additional reading about VPNs, check out our list of the best VPNs for crypto trading.