The best VPN for China 2024

China is infamous for restricting foreign content, social media, and more, and using the best VPN for China is a safe way for you to bypass these strict geo-restrictions. However, finding a reliable VPN and using it properly is absolutely crucial, as Chinese authorities are also well-known for their invasive surveillance practices, using deep packet inspection (DPI) to identify VPN traffic. 

A virtual private network (VPN) lets you avoid internet censorship by spoofing your IP address and encrypting your internet traffic. This makes you appear as if you're in an entirely different part of the world and stops hackers, internet service providers, and even governments from seeing what you do online. 

I've reviewed and analyzed hundreds of VPNs in my years as a VPN expert, and when it comes to VPNs in China, using the wrong one could be dangerous. I've compared the technical security, privacy policies, features, unblocking capabilities, server locations, and value for money of VPNs that actually work in China to help you find the best VPN service for you.

Written by
Andreas Theodorou Editor-in-Chief Tech Software
Written by
Andreas Theodorou (MRes, BA)

As a digital privacy advocate and expert, he's spent the past four years leveraging his master's degree to research VPNs, cryptography, and other cybersecurity topics.

The three best China VPNs today

Here are my top three picks for China VPNs in 2024 that work to bypass the Great Firewall while keeping you protected:

1. The best VPN for China: NordVPN

1. <a href="http://go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=564&url_id=10992&aff_id=3013&aff_click_id=hawk-custom-tracking&aff_sub2=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="go.nordvpn.net"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The best VPN for China: NordVPN
NordVPN offers the perfect blend of security, functionality, and cost—offering a VPN, ad blocker, and malware protection as standard, you can upgrade to get a password manager, data breach scanner, secure cloud storage, and even cyber insurance and identity theft recovery of up to $1 million in coverage. 

NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out risk-free. Take advantage of its obfuscated (stealth) servers to keep you safe and private whether you live in China or are just visiting.

2. The best China VPN for beginners: ExpressVPN

2. <a href="https://go.expressvpn.com/c/4550836/1330033/16063?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.expressvpn.com%2Foffer%2Frecommended-deal%3Foffer%3D3monthsfree" data-link-merchant="expressvpn.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The best China VPN for beginners: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN automates all of the usual manual configurations to give you the best protection with just a single click. By assessing your network and location it'll instantly give you a super-fast connection that's tailored for protecting you in China. 

Although expensive, ExpressVPN provides impressive 24/7 customer support, an industry-leading proprietary protocol (Lightway), and plenty of versatile features. Opting for its annual plan nets you three additional months on top of what you paid for, and it even comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. The best cheap VPN for China: Surfshark7-day free trial

3. <a href="http://get.surfshark.net/aff_c?offer_id=61&aff_id=1691&aff_click_id=hawk-custom-tracking&aff_sub2=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="get.surfshark.net"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The best cheap VPN for China: Surfshark
Surfshark offers excellent value for your money, as it provides advanced features, some of the best connection speeds, and a user-friendly interface at an affordable price. In addition, it offers a 7-day free trial for Android users and some of the best smartphone apps in the industry.

While ExpressVPN and NordVPN may provide more reliable advanced features and unique protocols, Surfshark provides unmatched speeds. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try it risk-free.

Recent updates

My latest VPN tests are finally complete, and we've got a new number one for China. After a DNS leak was revealed at ExpressVPN, NordVPN has claimed the throne as the best VPN for China. 

The best VPNs for China in 2024

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Let's take a deeper look at what makes these top picks the best VPNs to use in China, and how each of them keeps you safe when you're browsing foreign content online.

The best VPN for China overall

NordVPN apps for ChinaTechRadar Editor's Choice award logo

(Image credit: Future)

1. NordVPN

The perfect blend of security, features, and content unblocking power

Works in China: Yes | Number of servers: 6,000+ | Server locations: 80+ | Maximum devices supported: 10 | 24/7 live chat support: Yes

Easy obfuscation tools
Great choice of server locations
Excellent speeds
Unblocks everything
Not the best UX on mobile
Basic browser extensions
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want an all-in-one security suite: NordVPN offers ad blocking and malware protection as standard, and for just a bit more, you can build a full toolkit, all for cheaper than ExpressVPN.

✔️ Streaming Netflix is your primary use case: NordVPN currently tops my list as the best VPN for Netflix so you can unblock your favorite shows anywhere. 

Don't subscribe if:

You want to torrent: my recent testing showed NordVPN can be unintuitive when torrenting. If that's your primary use case, I'd recommend ExpressVPN or PIA.

You want to access content everywhere: with servers in 91 countries, you get a lot of options, but not as many compared to ExpressVPN or Surfshark. 

Bottom line ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

🔒 NordVPN strikes the perfect balance between security, usability, performance, and unblocking capability, all while offering exceptional customization. Try for yourself, and see why it's my number one pick, with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Want to know more?

Check out our in-depth NordVPN review for a closer look at the best VPN in 2024. 

NordVPN is the best China VPN thanks to its blend of security, functionality, ease of use, and cost. It's a security-focused VPN solution that can evade the Great Firewall of China and help you use your favorite social media apps, torrent files, or unblock geo-restricted content. Plus, with its obfuscated (VPN cloaking) servers in nearby territories such as Japan and Hong Kong, alongside its Double VPN feature, you can get anonymity, privacy, and security, all without breaking the bank.

Those local servers are just a small part of NordVPN's massive server network of over 6,000 servers in 91 countries. Thanks to its global footprint, you can connect to servers outside of Asia to enjoy your favorite TV shows and movies, all with reliability and consistency. NordVPN unblocked every streaming service in all regions in my latest tests, making it a reliable streaming VPN solution, too.

Try NordVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee

For example, if you are a British person visiting China, you can pick a server in the UK and start watching your favorite BBC iPlayer content as if you were home. NordVPN’s top speeds continue to impress, reaching a staggering 950+ Mbps with WireGuard, and continuing to be one of the fastest services out there. That means you'll have no issues streaming or torrenting, especially if you use its proprietary WireGuard-based NordLynx protocol.

Like most top-notch VPNs, there's a clear no-log policy, too. But Nord has gone the extra step here by inviting external auditors PricewaterhouseCoopers to verify the security of its apps. An exciting new addition is its Meshnet feature. This advanced feature lets you establish an encrypted connection between up to 60 devices. That allows you to securely share files without sending them to a server cloud, making it perfect for those visiting China for business. 

Although NordVPN has an extensive server network, the number of countries it covers is pretty average among the leading providers. The average number of locations on offer in our top 30 providers is 21, but NordVPN only offers 14. ExpressVPN and Surfshark, on the other hand, have 32 and 30 respectively. That said, the focus is on quality, not quantity.

Privacy-conscious users will appreciate its optional features, including a cross-platform password manager, data breach scanner, and 1 TB cloud storage that come with its more expensive plans. Each of its plans has a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try its services for free.

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NordVPN test results:
AttributesNotes Rating
DesignDesigned to be engaging and interesting, there's a quaint novelty to the map interface⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useDesigned to do the work for you, but can be a bit frustrating for advanced users⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceOne of the fastest VPNs around⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingPerfect for Netflix and other streaming services⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyAn excellent all-in-one security solution⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer support24/7 available, friendly, and professional⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceCustomizable pricing offers amazing value for money⭐⭐⭐⭐

The best China VPN for beginners

ExpressVPN apps running on multiple devices

2. ExpressVPN

Simple apps make unblocking foreign content easy

Works in China: Yes | Servers in China: Yes | Teams in China: Yes | Total number of servers: 3,200+ | Server locations: 160 | Maximum devices supported: 8 | 24/7 live chat support: Yes

Has teams working in Hong Kong
Wide range of China-optimized servers
Strong on encryption and unblocking
Brilliant live chat support
A bit more expensive than rivals
Not as fast as Nord or Surfshark
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want to unblock content abroad: ExpressVPN unblocked every streaming service in every location I tested, making it a great choice for accessing news and media abroad. 

✔️ You want servers absolutely everywhere: 160 server locations are nothing to scoff at, and with servers in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, India, and Japan, you'll always find somewhere nearby.

Don't subscribe if:

You're on a strict budget: while it's not as expensive as Astrill VPN, ExpressVPN is one of the more pricey options on my list.

You need more than just a VPN: ExpressVPN focuses its efforts on being the best VPN only, and while it throws in a password manager for free, you'll have to consider NordVPN or Surfshark if you want antivirus protection, too. 

Bottom line ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

🔒 ExpressVPN offers high levels of security, great performance, and unblocking capability, as well as exceptional customization. Try for yourself with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Want to know more?

Check out our in-depth ExpressVPN review for a closer look at the service, and see why it's my go-to VPN for beginners in 2024. 

ExpressVPN is perfect for VPN beginners looking to travel. Its easy-to-use apps automate all of the difficult manual settings that you'd normally need to configure yourself with most other providers. It's a go-to service for many Hong Kong locals because it deftly navigates around censorship. Express' wide array of 160 server locations is a big plus, with Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mongolia, and Japan-based servers being especially useful for people in China looking for a nearby server.

From tight control over its TrustedServer setup to military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, ExpressVPN provides one of the most secure and reliable services in the industry. Express actively monitors its network for accessibility in China and ensures its software stays ahead of censorship efforts to block connections. 

Try ExpressVPN with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee

ExpressVPN automatically uses obfuscation protocols, a kill switch, and parallel VPN connections to make sure you are always protected, and that no information can leak. This way, it becomes impossible for the Chinese authorities to detect that you are using a VPN, and even if your VPN connection is interrupted, the kill switch ensures that your online activity remains private.

The dedicated apps offer consistent and reliable performance for almost all devices, including routers—releasing its own portable VPN router to make things even easier. Its average speeds didn't impress in my last round of testing—clocking in at 410 Mbps. That's more than enough for most users, considering you only need 25 Mbps to stream in 4K UHD. However, it's worth noting that NordVPN and Surfshark both maxed out my speed testing line at over 950 Mbps.

ExpressVPN's ability to get around blocked websites and avoid geo-restrictions is exceptional. In my latest tests, ExpressVPN effortlessly unblocked the most popular streaming services: international Netflix catalogs, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, and more.

Subscription plans are more expensive compared to other top providers when it comes to the lowest per-month cost. However, if you look at the overall cost for a 12-month subscription for ExpressVPN and NordVPN, you'll see that it's much more reasonable than it first appears. If you need a more budget-friendly option, NordVPN or Surfshark are better choices thanks to their longer plans and greater long-term savings.

Where ExpressVPN really stands out, though, is its industry-leading customer support—it's available 24/7 and provides timely, expert advice. Its easy-to-use apps are ideal for first-time VPN users looking for a simple and effective solution. See for yourself why it's one of my go-to picks for a VPN in China with its 30-day guarantee.

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ExpressVPN test results:
AttributesNotes Rating
DesignA clean and simple design on all your devices ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useEasy-to-navigate apps with auto-connect functionality⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceFast enough for most users, but slower than NordVPN or Surfshark⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingEffortlessly gives you access to all major streaming services⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyExpressVPN's robust encryption protocols lead the industry, but a recent DNS leak discovery caused a stir⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer support24/7 live chat and email support available from China⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceMore expensive compared to the competition⭐⭐

The best cheap VPN for China

Surfshark working on various devices

(Image credit: Future)

3. Surfshark

A simple, affordable and effective China VPN

Works in China: Yes | Number of servers: 3,200+ | Server locations: 143 | Maximum devices supported: Unlimited | 24/7 live chat support: Yes

Works hard at unblocking sites in China
Improved WireGuard speeds
Attractive pricing
So easy to use
Will be too basic for some
Kill switch issues in extreme situations
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want the best budget-friendly VPN: Surfshark offers decent security, unbelievable speeds, and a reliable network for more than an affordable price.

✔️ You need a super-fast VPN: with over 950 Mbps average speeds in my last tests, Surfshark is faster than most of the competition. 

Don't subscribe if:

You need a bulletproof kill switch: my testing showed some issues with Surfshark's kill switch. If security is a top priority, I'd recommend ExpressVPN.

❌ You only want to torrent: while Surfshark supports torrenting on its service, it doesn't hold a candle to the likes of Private Internet Access or ExpressVPN. 

Bottom line ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

🔒 Surfshark is a fantastic value-for-money VPN. With incredible speeds and unlimited simultaneous connections, you get a lot of VPNs for a low price. See why it's my favorite cheap VPN and what it can do for you with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Want to know more?

Check out our in-depth Surfshark VPN review and see why the fastest VPN is also my #1 budget pick. 

Thanks to its great value price points and user-friendly interface, Surfshark features high in many of my VPN buying guides. Plus, it has undoubtedly improved its security credentials, acing its first no-logs independent audit earlier this year. 

Surfshark offers over 3,200 servers in more than 100 countries, which creates ample possibilities. In addition, Surfshark is among the best for keeping things simple thanks to its easy-to-use interface and one-click solutions like its "Quick Connect" function.

Try Surfshark on unlimited simultaneous devices

It also offers advanced security and privacy features, which are necessary to avoid extensive surveillance by the Chinese government. AES-256 encryption is in place to ensure that nobody can discover what sites you've been using. Additionally, Surfshark's recently launched service Incogni automatically requests the deletion of personal data stored by data brokers to shield you from invasive data-tracking practices.

My latest round of tests confirmed Surfshark is one of the fastest VPNs when using its WireGuard protocol, with impressive peaks of over 950 Mbps, it maxed out my testing line along with NordVPN. Its unblocking power was quite impressive, too. From Netflix and Hulu to iPlayer and Disney+, I managed to access virtually all the streaming platforms on the market. 

Note: Surfshark's Windows kill switch is prone to leaking under extreme pressure. While this might be a downside to its overall quality and reliability, it doesn’t face similar issues if you use it on a mobile device or as a secure Mac VPN. Although Surfshark is the best VPN for speed-oriented users, high-end VPN providers such as ExpressVPN and NordVPN are better if you need advanced features that work reliably.

Despite the low pricing, Surfshark offers blazing-fast speeds and unlimited simultaneous connections. That makes it an ideal pick for families, friend groups, or even business owners, as it allows you to keep those closest to you safe online. Besides, you can use its services risk-free for a month, thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.

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Surfshark test results:
Attributes NotesRating
DesignSuper simple to use⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useAn excellent option for beginners and seamless connections⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceOne of the fastest VPNs around⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingGood content unblocking, but not as NordVPN⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacySome kill switch issues on Windows; doesn’t provide a comprehensive security suite⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportLots of supporting articles, but awkward to navigate when you need help on the fly⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceThe best cheap VPN on the market⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Other China VPNs I've tested and recommend

Astrill VPN interface on smartphone and laptop

(Image credit: Astrill VPN)

4. Astrill VPN

Dedicated tech to get you connected in China

Works in China: Yes | Number of servers: 300+ | Server locations: 107 | Maximum devices supported: 5 | 24/7 live chat support: Yes

Dedicated tools for China
Configure to your tastes
Limited free plan
Easy to use
Pricey
Disappointing mobile apps
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want a VPN that's popular in China: Astrill VPN has dedicated tools for China and is quite easy to use, which makes it a provider of choice for many living or traveling there.

✔️ You want a desktop app with lots of features: Astrill VPN's Windows app offers plenty of features and configuration options. 

Don't subscribe if:

You want an affordable option: Astrill VPN is one of the most expensive VPN providers on the market, so if you are on a budget, go for Surfshark or NordVPN.

You want to stream often: Astrill VPN showed poor streaming performance unless you fork over nearly double the monthly subscription for a dedicated IP, so if this is your main reason for getting VPN, go for any other service on my list. 

Bottom line ⭐⭐⭐

🔒 Astrill VPN offers some advanced security features and is quite popular in China, but I also encountered some serious issues. Plus, you can't just ignore its pricing, which is way too high for what you get compared to the competition. 

Want to know more?

Check out our in-depth Astrill VPN review and learn about its pros and cons in detail. 

Astrill VPN is a popular choice for Chinese natives, and my friend who lived in Suzhou swore by it when he was there. It's got a great reputation for evading China's firewalls and unblocking foreign content, but to do so requires expensive dedicated IPs. 

It focuses on providing a highly configurable platform, with apps offering various in-depth features, including adjustable levels of encryption and changing maximum transfer unit (MTU) values. This means you can send smaller, less noticeable, data packets while taking advantage of traditional features like split-tunneling and kill switch.

Try Astrill VPN and see why Chinese nationals trust it so much

Astrill VPN offers advanced privacy options. This service uses its own Stealth VPN feature for obfuscation, called "Smart Mode," which automatically uses your VPN IP address on international websites but keeps your real IP for local sites. It claims to offer an additional encryption layer on top of OpenVPN, which aims to make your connections hard to identify and block by firewalls. 

Regarding privacy, Astrill shows a clear commitment to transparency by thoroughly describing its no-logging procedures and what the firm does to protect your data. But the downside is that it might need to collect your phone number and address, depending on your payment method. 

Although it offers plenty of security options, Astrill VPN's smartphone apps pale in comparison to its Windows and Mac clients, making solutions like Surfshark and ExpressVPN superior for mobile users. In addition, Astriil VPN can be very expensive, making Surfshark a better choice for budget-conscious users.

However, between the level of configuration on offer, and the remarkable reputation it has in the country, I'm confident Astrill VPN is still one of the best solutions for Windows and Mac users who want internet freedom and anonymity in China. 

While tech-savvy users will appreciate its customizable interface, first-time users might find it hard to navigate. You can see for yourself with a 7-day trial, or try its free Android plan for a limited taste of what's on offer.

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Astrill VPN test results:
Attributes Notes Rating
DesignNot the most polished UI⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useRelatively simple to use, with helpful tooltips⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceMy tests showed some fairly average speeds, but they were still fast enough for most uses⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingUnblocking performance is a quite disappointing⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyStealthVPN offers an additional encryption layer on top of OpenVPN, but I did notice some kill switch issues⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportLive chat support and some helpful resources are available⭐⭐⭐
PriceWay too expensive for what you get⭐⭐

Private Internet Access apps running on desktops, mobiles and tablets

(Image credit: Private Internet Access)

5. Private Internet Access (PIA)

A cheap VPN industry veteran with proven security

Works in China: Yes | Number of servers: 20,000+ | Server locations: 110 | Maximum devices supported: Unlimited | 24/7 live chat support: Yes

Open source apps 
Great value for money
Excellent kill switch 
Tons of features
Features might intimidate newbies
Not as fast as some 
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want a VPN that's proven its claims: PIA is one of the only VPN services that can say it's proven its no-logs policy in court—not once, but twice.

✔️ You want to stream on unlimited devices: you can stream in 4K on unlimited devices 24/7—PIA has got you covered with its dedicated streaming servers.

Don't subscribe if:

You want the easiest VPN to use: PIA is more suitable for more experienced users, so those who want simplicity should check out ExpressVPN or Surfshark

❌ You want the fastest VPN: PIA offers good speeds and is comparable to ExpressVPN, but it is nowhere near the speeds on offer with NordVPN and Surfshark. 

Bottom line ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

🔒 Private Internet Access is a long-standing favorite of those who put privacy above anything else—you can see for yourself with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Want to know more?

Check out our in-depth Private Internet Access VPN review and see whether it is the right China VPN for you. 

Private Internet Access (PIA) is another budget-friendly solution on my lists, with a strong focus on user privacy and security. Its transparent and strict no-logs policy prevents the company from gathering data on its users’ online activities, and its RAM-only architecture lets you rest easy knowing each server reboot deletes all your session data.

Besides extensive security, PIA provides excellent network coverage with over 35,000 servers across 84 countries. If you live in China or plan to visit soon, you’ll be glad to know it offers high-speed servers in neighboring countries, which allow you to stream content, download torrents, or browse the internet safely.

Try PIA on unlimited devices and see why its an industry favorite

PIA offers a feature-rich service that includes highly secure OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, an excellent kill switch, browser extensions with extra privacy perks, open-source apps, and a live chat support service. Although ads and third-party trackers aren’t as intimidating as country-wide surveillance, you’ll appreciate its PIA MACE ad blocker that stops intrusive ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level. In addition, it prevents device fingerprinting.

With PIA's impressive Smart DNS and obfuscation (stealth) features, you can effortlessly overcome geographical limitations and access restricted content, enhancing your device's streaming capabilities. I saw an improvement during my latest testing, in fact, as it managed to access everything with ease—even 10Play, which it failed at during the previous round. 

PIA isn't yet among the fastest services, either, dropping its top speeds from 510 to 360 Mbps when using WireGuard and from 440 Mbps to 310 Mbps with OpenVPN. Besides, its desktop apps are more suitable for experienced users, so PIA would not be the best option for those who prefer simplicity. 

PIA lets you establish unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing you to protect all your devices or ensure the safety of those closest to you, including your family and friends. Subscribing to its three-year-long plan nets you additional three months on top of what you paid for, and PIA offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try its services risk-free.

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PIA test results:
AttributesNotes Rating
DesignLots of customization, but it lacks some attention to detail⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useGood for advanced users; still, beginners could try out Express or Surfshark⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceGenerally average but enough for most users⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingDedicated streaming servers and tens of thousands of servers allow you to unblock everything you want⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyThe latest and greatest in VPN tech and a proven no-logging policy⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportExpert support on-hand available 24/7⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceGreat value for money⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

How to choose the best VPN for China

As mentioned before, the Chinese government goes to great lengths to prevent people from bypassing their strict controls. This means that even some of the top VPN providers might struggle to get around the Great Firewall. That's why doing your research early and finding a working VPN for China really pays off.

VPN services with reliable obfuscation technology in place are the best bet you have to escape these blocks. This is indeed a feature that helps to mask the fact you're using a security tool, making your encrypted connection look like normal traffic. 

We recommend that you go for a service with a proven reputation and a strict no-logging policy, too. Also, look out for a large range of available servers (particularly those in Asia), reliably fast connection speeds, and tight security features.

Finally, high-quality customer support is a must with China VPNs - it's not uncommon that you'll need some help on hand to direct you to the best servers to use. So make sure your choice has a 24/7 live chat service.

How we test VPNs for China

When it comes to a VPN for China, the most important thing is security. Without a secure infrastructure, you put yourself at risk of being detected using an unlicensed VPN, and/or accessing restricted content. Because of this, we always confirm the following before recommending any service on this list:

  • The VPN provider isn't associated with the Chinese government: most of the recommended VPN services approved by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) will log your usage information and report any illegal activity to the authorities—no surprises there.
  • There's a robust no-logs policy: this means no usage logging, IP logging, or anything that can be tied back to you as an individual, not by the VPN provider, nor by any of their partners. There have been a few instances of services reaching out to be included on our lists claiming they're a "no-logs" provider, but a quick look at their privacy policies shows us that they're riddled with data-mining ad partners.
  • There are VPN servers in or near China and/or Hong Kong: The closer a server is to you physically, the lesser the impact on your speeds. Having servers in the surrounding regions means you'll be able to get fast, reliable connections, and a better overall experience.
  • There are obfuscation (VPN cloaking) measures in place: we make sure that any VPN service we recommend isn't going to make it blitheringly obvious that you're using a VPN. To put it simply, we look to see whether the VPN traffic looks like normal internet traffic, or whether it's just clearly VPN traffic with a metaphorical sheet thrown over it.
  • The safest encryption protocols are available: we'll always check that a VPN service is offering either WireGuard or OpenVPN protocols, so your data is genuinely safe, and not just giving you a false sense of security.
  • Necessary security tools are present: if the VPN doesn't have a kill switch to protect you from leaking data (if the VPN connection drops), we won't recommend it.
  • The VPN apps actually work: while some apps are easier to use than others, we always make sure that any service we recommend is fit for purpose, especially if we're recommending it in China. That means decent, usable speeds, clear designs, and secure apps available for the most popular platforms.

If a VPN service doesn't meet our standards, we won't include it on this page. Ultimately we ask ourselves "would I be comfortable using this service myself or recommending it to someone I love?" Because if the answer is "no," then we couldn't justify asking you to use it.

TechRadar's China VPN testers

Meet the experts behind our VPNs for China guide:

Andreas Theodorou Editor-in-Chief Tech Software
Andreas Theodorou

Andreas is a privacy purist at heart, and believes the best VPN doesn't have to be the most expensive—it's about what's right for you. He loves nothing more than challenging VPN services and following up on .

Mike Williams in the dark
Mike Williams

Mike leads our testing efforts—going far beyond what most others will do to check the security of a service at a code level. If there's a skeleton in the closet, he'll find it (and he's uncovered quite a few in his decades of experience).

Chiara Castro, cybersecurity expert and VPN news reporter
Chiara Castro

Chiara's investigations into censorship and geopolitical developments help us stay ahead of the curve when it comes to VPNs for China. She keeps a finger on the pulse of digital oppression so we can help you maintain your internet freedoms.

What servers should you use in China?

If you're in China and looking to connect to a VPN server, you'll want to choose a server that is physically located as close to you as possible. This ensures you'll get the best connection speeds, and increases the reliability of your connection, too.

However, China is an enormous country, and sometimes that's easier said than done. If you're looking to connect to a VPN in Hong Kong, you're best off using local servers from ExpressVPN. But if you're on the other side of the country in Xinjiang, a server in Pakistan, India, or Mongolia may be physically closer and provide better speeds. 

How to stay safe in China with a VPN

While most countries are as simple as hitting "Connect" and leaving it at that, China's extreme censorship and low tolerance mean you need to make sure you're properly set up. there are three vital steps you need to take to ensure you're fully protected when using a VPN in China:

1. Pick the right encryption protocol: I recommend only using OpenVPN with AES 256-bit encryption when you're in China, as this is the best way to protect yourself. Whether you use TCP (better for torrenting) or UDP (better for streaming and gaming) implementations, getting your encryption protocol right is vital. 

2. Only use obfuscated (stealth) servers: they hide your VPN usage, so no one, not even the CCP will be able to tell if you're using a VPN. A rudimentary form of obfuscation can be achieved by connecting through TCP over port 443, but it's not as bulletproof as a dedicated stealth server with proper implementation. Most obfuscated OpenVPN servers use Shadowsocks proxies which are proven to get around China's censorship securely.

3. Always use a kill switch: a handy tool that cuts your internet if your data isn't encrypted. It is non-negotiable that you use a kill switch. Without one, you risk leaking your data if your VPN connection is disrupted. Always make sure your kill switch is on before connecting and browsing foreign content.

For additional security, you can use services like TOR for increased anonymity, and even the likes of VyprVPN's Chameleon protocol to evade DPI—the most invasive form of data snooping.

VPN for China FAQs

Flags of the People's Republic of China, hanging in a park during National Day in Beijing, China

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

What is today's best working China VPN

NordVPN is my go-to VPN to use in China. It's reliable, fast, secure, and easy to set up and operate. Its apps, policies, and practices are regularly audited, and all of my testing has shown it to be an outstanding service with all the tools you need to protect yourself online. No other China VPN matches it for its blend of unblocking capability, security, and cost. Even AstrillVPN, which is popular with Chinese nationals, can't beat it as an all-around service, and that's because you need expensive dedicated servers for every region you want to unblock.

Are VPNs legal in China?

In short, no—VPNs are not illegal in China. That's because business VPNs are an integral part of doing business online these days, and so VPN use can't be flatly prohibited.

However, China talks a big game in terms of banning the use of VPNs for other uses—and you can bet that unblocking the websites listed above would be included. We are currently unaware of any reports of travelers to China being arrested for VPN use while in the country. So unless the government finds a reason to crack down harder on VPN use, it seems that using them there is relatively risk-free right now.

Can you get in trouble for using a VPN in China?

Yes. If what you're doing is illegal in China, then it's still illegal, even if you're using a VPN. The country isn't happy about the use of VPN software getting around access restrictions to websites and services it has deliberately sought to block.

Although China has enacted a ban against VPNs, however, it remains unclear how (or even whether) users will be punished for using the "unauthorized" software. Many VPN providers are continuing to sell to people within China regardless.

China's flag overlays laptop screen

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

What sites are blocked in China?

The list of sites and services blocked in China is a veritable who's who of all the internet's biggest names. I've mentioned a few above, but here's a more comprehensive (although far from exhaustive) list:

  • BBC
  • CNN
  • Facebook (and Messenger)
  • Gmail
  • Google Apps (e.g. Calendar, Docs, Hangouts, Maps, etc.)
  • Hootsuite
  • Instagram
  • OneDrive
  • New York Times
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • Reuters
  • Slack
  • Snapchat
  • Spotify
  • Twitch
  • Twitter
  • Wall Street Journal
  • Wikipedia
  • WhatsApp
  • YouTube

You can check out our dedicated guides on how to use WhatsApp in China and how to unblock YouTube for more information.

How to unblock Google, YouTube and more in China

Thankfully, it's really straightforward to use a VPN to unblock websites when you're in China.

If possible, I'd suggest that you get your VPN for China chosen, downloaded, and installed before you go there. That way, you won't run into any difficulties accessing the websites of the providers themselves. Then get the app or client for the platform you'll be using it on - for example, mobile, desktop, TV streaming device, etc.

After that, it really is easy. Get the VPN client/app open, choose a suitable server location (outside China, of course), and then turn the VPN on. Your device will then believe it's in the country that you set for the server, and so your chosen service will no longer be blocked, allowing you to watch UK TV abroad, for instance, or unblock YouTube. Pretty clever, eh?

How do I install a VPN in China?

If you're already in China and want to install a VPN, I recommend first downloading The Onion Router (TOR) and using it in conjunction with a Shadowsocks proxy to access VPN sites and purchase a subscription. Some VPN services even have dedicated .onion websites to help people get around censorship and government firewalls. 

You can then download and install the VPN through TOR and you're all set up to go. Simply connect to the server of your choice and browse in total security and privacy.

Edited by
River Hart Tech Software Editor
Edited by
River Hart

River is a VPN expert and digital privacy advocate with over four years in the industry. They've written and edited hundreds of buying guides, reviews, deals, and news pieces during their time at TechRadar and ProPrivacy.

Disclaimer

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:
1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).
2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.
We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Andreas Theodorou
Editor-in-Chief of Tech Software

Andreas has been with TechRadar as Future PLC's Editor-in-Chief of Tech Software since March 2023, supporting content and teams on VPNs, antivirus, and other cybersecurity tools. He's previously written for and led content at ProPrivacy, Business2Community, and The Tech Report. After completing a Master of Research degree, Andreas fell in love with all things cybersecurity; combining his passions to help expose the prevalence of ad tech in the charity sector and raise awareness of digital privacy around the world.

With contributions from