Best VPN for China

Imagine for a minute you could access whatever apps and websites you want in China.

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp and more would all be a click away.

Posting the latest photos or chatting with friends would be easy.

But the reality is, accessing these types of apps is hard, right?

• You can’t post easily on social media.
• Chatting with friends overseas is almost impossible.
• You can’t even binge-watch movies on Netflix.

You’ll be pleased to know, it doesn’t have to be this way.

The secret of unblocking any app you want in China is just a few seconds away below in this article.

You likely already know that unblocking Chinese internet access is where a VPN comes into play.

Below you’ll learn which Virtual Private Networks are suitable to use, which don’t work and even those you should avoid entirely.

I’ll show you exactly which VPN to use and provide speed test results, so you know you’ll be getting the best possible download speed.

2026 Update Roundup

The VPN landscape in China continues to evolve rapidly and the past several months have reinforced one consistent truth: the Great Firewall never stands still.

Astrill remains the most dependably reliable option we have tested, maintaining an impressive track record for bypassing restrictions. Its StealthVPN protocol has continued to hold up against the deep packet inspection that causes most mainstream providers to fail.

Surfshark has recovered well from the difficult period we reported in 2023. Its Camouflage Mode and NoBorders feature are once again delivering usable connections for the majority of users, though speeds vary significantly depending on which Chinese ISP you are on.

ExpressVPN has made improvements to its stealth server technology and has regained some ground after a rough patch in late 2023. It remains one of the more polished options for less technical users.

NordVPN is no longer on our blocked list. Its obfuscated servers have proven effective enough in recent testing that we can no longer honestly list it as one to avoid. We have updated the relevant section below.

We have also added two new entries to our recommended list: Mullvad and Hide.me. Both have performed strongly in independent testing by other researchers and deserve a place here.

12VPN and VPN.ac continue to be solid niche choices, particularly for users who have already tried the mainstream options and need something that flies under the radar.

One provider we have removed entirely is Atlas VPN. Nord Security shut the service down in May 2024 and it no longer exists. If you were using it, you need to switch.

Our overall recommendation this month remains Surfshark for most users, with Astrill as the most reliable option for those who need maximum consistency regardless of cost.

How the Great Firewall actually works

Before we get into which VPNs beat it, it helps to understand why so many fail.

China’s internet censorship system is often called the Great Firewall, but it is more accurately described as a network of inspection checkpoints sitting at China’s international internet gateways. Every packet of data entering or leaving China passes through these checkpoints.

The key technology is Deep Packet Inspection (DPI). Standard firewalls look at where data is going. DPI looks inside the data itself, analysing the patterns and signatures of your traffic. A regular VPN connection has a distinctive fingerprint that DPI can detect and block almost instantly.

This is why obfuscation matters so much. Obfuscation disguises your VPN traffic to make it look like ordinary HTTPS web browsing. If the firewall cannot tell you are using a VPN, it cannot block you.

Different providers use different obfuscation technologies:

• StealthVPN (Astrill) uses QUIC/UDP-based obfuscation
• Chameleon (VyprVPN) scrambles OpenVPN packet metadata
• Camouflage Mode and NoBorders (Surfshark) detect restricted networks automatically
• Lightway with obfuscation (ExpressVPN) runs over their own stealth servers
• Shadowsocks (12VPN, Mullvad) is a proxy protocol originally developed in China specifically for this purpose

The Firewall also uses IP blocking, DNS poisoning, and more recently, machine-learning detection to identify VPN patterns even when obfuscated. This is why even good VPNs occasionally fail, and why having a backup is essential.

Research has identified over 943,000 domains currently blocked in China, and the list keeps expanding. It is a constantly moving target.

How to choose a VPN for China

Are you struggling to find a reliable and more importantly working VPN for use in China?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Finding the best VPNs for China is like searching for one for no other purpose. The Chinese government has worked hard to ensure most are blocked.

Below I’ve rounded up the seven most reliable services, but more on that later.

First I want to help you choose a working China VPN so I’ve listed a few things you should consider before searching and definitely consider before signing up.

Install your VPN before you land

This deserves its own section because it catches so many people out.

VPN websites are blocked inside China. If you arrive without a VPN already installed and active on your device, you cannot download one. You will have no way to access the sites you need to access to even get one set up.

We also strongly recommend installing at least two VPNs before you travel. The Great Firewall can crack down on any provider at any time, sometimes with no warning. Having a backup means you are never completely stuck.

How we test VPNs for China

Our recommendations are based on a combination of first-hand testing across multiple devices and Chinese ISPs, and cross-referenced with reports from on-the-ground contacts and the wider VPN research community.

We test across a range of connection types including hotel WiFi, mobile data, and residential broadband, as these networks can behave very differently in China. Speed tests are conducted using nearby server locations in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, which consistently deliver the best results from inside China regardless of which provider you use.

Thanks to a team of dedicated volunteers we’re able to see updated speed tests and connection issues on a regular basis.

We update our findings regularly, because a VPN that worked last month may not work this month. This is one reason we strongly advise against long-term VPN subscriptions for China use.

Most reliable VPN for use in China

With both on the ground reports from China and our extensive individual service testing, we found the following seven top-notch VPNs for China.

Below you can read detailed descriptions of the benefits and negatives of each service. But first, here is a quick comparison table to help you choose at a glance.

Rank	VPN	Obfuscation Protocol	Money-Back	Best Nearby Servers	Blocked?
★ #1	Surfshark Top Pick	Camouflage Mode, NoBorders	30 days	Hong Kong, Singapore	Sign up before travel
#2	Astrill	StealthVPN, OpenWeb	None	HK, Taiwan, Japan	No
#3	ExpressVPN	Lightway stealth servers	30 days	Hong Kong, Taiwan	Sign up before travel
#4	12VPN	Shadowsocks, auto-proxy	No	Hong Kong, Taiwan	No
#5	VPN.ac	China Optimised servers	No ($2 test)	Hong Kong, Taiwan	No
#6	Mullvad	Shadowsocks, DAITA	14 days	Multiple Asia locations	No
#7	Hide.me	Stealth protocol	30 days	Hong Kong, Singapore	No

1. Surfshark

From our first-hand experience in China, we found Surfshark to be the top-performing VPN for most users, offering the best balance of price, reliability, and ease of use.

After a difficult period in mid-2023 where connections became almost unusable, Surfshark has bounced back strongly. Its Camouflage Mode automatically disguises VPN traffic on any connection, and NoBorders mode kicks in specifically when a restricted network is detected, giving it a degree of adaptability that budget VPNs often lack.

In our opinion, Surfshark’s improved speed and upload capabilities set it apart from other similarly-priced VPNs we’ve tried. With a range of connection options within China, we’ve never felt more connected and secure online.

We love the budget-friendly pricing and Surfshark’s ability to unblock popular streaming services like Netflix and YouTube. Based on our experience, we advise activating the kill switch for added security and making the most of the unlimited simultaneous connections feature.

While it might be tempting to opt for a longer package, we recommend choosing monthly payments. We’ve found things can change fast in China and a provider that works one month doesn’t always perform the next. This way, you’ll have the flexibility to switch if needed. And if you ever encounter any issues, their live chat support is always there to guide you through the best settings.

For server selection, connect to Hong Kong or Singapore for the best speeds from mainland China. These nearby exit points make a significant difference compared to connecting to Europe or the US.

Our #1 Recommended VPN for China

30-day money back guarantee

2. Astrill

If reliability is your number one priority and budget is not a concern, Astrill is the most consistent VPN we have seen tested in China. Period.

Independent testing conducted using a dedicated server in Shanghai over several years found Astrill’s StealthVPN protocol working every single time. What makes it particularly effective is its use of QUIC/UDP-based obfuscation, which bypasses the TCP-centric throttling the Firewall applies to most VPN connections and makes the traffic look like ordinary browsing to even machine-learning-based detection.

With connection points in 57 countries and servers in nearby locations including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, Astrill offers some of the best-positioned exit points you can connect to from mainland China. Apps are available for all popular devices and live chat support is there to assist when you run into trouble.

Astrill also offers OpenWeb, an additional protocol that works well in China, giving you a fallback option if StealthVPN encounters issues on a particular network. Its SuperCharged servers are specifically optimised for better speeds inside China.

There is a concern worth noting regarding the retention of Apple users’ phone numbers, which may be a privacy issue for some.

Astrill’s pricing is the main sticking point. The monthly package costs $30, which is genuinely expensive. A yearly package reduces the cost considerably. Given the fluctuating nature of VPN access in China, we would still lean towards not committing long-term unless you are a full-time resident who has tested it and found it consistently works on your network and ISP.

One additional advantage worth knowing: Astrill’s website is not blocked in China, meaning you can still access their support pages and account area from inside the country.

3. ExpressVPN

As our Editor’s Choice VPN for 2026, ExpressVPN has consistently ranked as one of the top choices for bypassing China’s firewall.

With server locations in 94 countries, including nearby Hong Kong and Taiwan, our extensive testing across multiple devices and locations showed impressive download speeds and reliability when its stealth servers are working as intended.

After a rough patch in late 2023 where performance dipped significantly, ExpressVPN has invested heavily in its server infrastructure for China and has recovered well. Their Lightway protocol running over stealth servers is the configuration to use. Avoid standard protocols on standard servers if you want reliable access from inside China.

Historically, ExpressVPN has offered some of the most reliable connections overall, and their comprehensive app design makes them the easiest option for less technical users who just want something that works without configuration.

With a broad range of payment methods, including Credit/Debit Card, PayPal, Bitcoin, AliPay, Union Pay, and WebMoney, ExpressVPN caters to various user preferences.

For expats, residents, and travellers seeking a VPN for China, it remains a top choice to bypass the Great Firewall. However, be aware that their website is blocked in China, so sign up before your visit.

Their excellent customer support is always ready to assist if you encounter any issues.

30-day money back guarantee

4. 12VPN

While 12VPN may not appear on many VPN comparison sites, our comprehensive on-the-ground testing in China has led us to believe it’s an excellent choice for use in the country.

We’ve put it through its paces across multiple devices and locations, and our personal experience has been nothing short of impressive.

12VPN stands out with its China-specific security features, and as a Hong Kong-based provider, it actively works to unblock access across China, ensuring consistent service throughout the country.

Our speed tests yielded extremely favourable results. However, the highest speeds come from using Shadowsocks, which sacrifices privacy for speed. Shadowsocks was originally developed by a Chinese programmer specifically to bypass the Great Firewall, which gives it a unique effectiveness that generic VPN protocols cannot match. While OpenVPN speeds are generally good, they’re slower compared to Surfshark.

12VPN has maintained consistent speeds over time, with recent improvements. Keep in mind that Shadowsocks connections are not encrypted, so weigh that trade-off depending on what you are using the VPN for.

When it comes to payments, 12VPN accepts various international and local methods like Alipay, UnionPay, and even Bitcoin, a fantastic option for those concerned about privacy when signing up for a VPN in China.

One downside is the lack of a dedicated Android app, requiring users to manually install OpenVPN profiles on their phones. The service does offer various VPN protocols, including WireGuard, a SmartDNS, and an auto-proxy.

Although live customer support isn’t available, you can reach out to them via email. What sets 12VPN apart for long-term residents is their commitment to communication. They send periodic emails informing subscribers of changes in the VPN landscape and what is happening with the Great Firewall, which is genuinely useful when you are trying to stay connected day to day.

5. VPN.ac

Over the years, VPN.ac has been our go-to VPN company in China, largely because of its consistent performance and ability to operate within the country. As a lesser-known, Romanian-based VPN, we’re somewhat reluctant to share this hidden gem with the world.

A standout feature of VPN.ac is the dedicated “China Optimised” section, offering a select number of servers with 256-bit encryption designed to work well in China.

Our continued tests across multiple locations reveal that their Hong Kong and Taiwan server locations provide the best download and upload speeds, which is consistent with the general rule for any VPN in China: always connect to the nearest available exit point first.

Month after month, VPN.ac has proven itself to be extremely reliable, particularly when using nearby servers. While other locations like the UK, USA, France, Canada, Japan, and Germany are available, performance may vary with these more distant servers.

For users in China, Bitcoin payments are a great option, and features like the kill switch add an extra layer of security. While there’s no free trial, a short test for $2 is available. Local payment options, such as AliPay and UnionPay, are also offered.

If you’re travelling to China, it’s best to sign up beforehand and utilise any of their payment methods, including PayPal and Credit Card.

Due to the uncertainties surrounding VPN connections in China, VPN.ac recommends sticking with shorter deals. If you face any connection issues, their helpful customer service team is ready to assist, though they lack 24/7 live chat support.

6. Mullvad

Mullvad is not a name that appears on many mainstream VPN comparison sites, but it has earned a reputation among privacy-focused users as one of the most consistently working options in China.

What makes Mullvad genuinely interesting is its server IP override feature. When the Great Firewall blocks Mullvad’s server IP addresses, their support team can issue you a fresh set of working IP addresses to plug into the app.

It is a manual process but it means there is always a path forward even when the standard connections are blocked. You will need to contact them via email to get these, which can take up to 48 hours, so this is not a solution for the moment you land in Beijing with no working VPN.

Mullvad supports Shadowsocks on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android, giving it strong obfuscation capability against deep packet inspection. It also offers a lockdown mode kill switch that blocks all internet access until the VPN is connected, which is more aggressive than the standard kill switches most providers offer.

The pricing model is different from most VPNs. Mullvad charges a flat fee with no long-term plans, which suits the China situation well since you are not locked into a year-long commitment to a provider that may stop working next month. Anonymous payment options including cash are available for users who want to sign up without leaving a digital trace.

The main limitation is the lack of live chat support. Given the time-sensitive nature of VPN troubleshooting in China, that is a real drawback. Plan ahead and get your IP override files sorted before you need them.

7. Hide.me

Hide.me is a Malaysia-based provider that has performed strongly in independent China testing and earns its place on this list for one primary reason: it is consistently fast.

Its stealth protocol handles obfuscation well and the apps on all platforms include a kill switch and DNS leak protection. Setup is straightforward even for users who are not particularly technical.

Hide.me does not unblock as many streaming services as some of the providers above, but if your primary goal in China is accessing Google services, WhatsApp, email, and social media, it does the job reliably.

One practical advantage is that Hide.me’s website is not blocked in China, so you can access their support documentation and account management from inside the country if you run into issues.

There is a free plan available, but we would not recommend it for China use. Data limits are restrictive and free server access is not consistent enough to be relied on. The paid plan, however, is well priced and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Which VPN should you choose for China?

Using a VPN for China needs to be critically thought about.

Unfortunately due to the Great Firewall of China, accessing most commonly recognised sites from outside of China is impossible. Thankfully there are some VPNs that still work inside China.

Below we’ve listed some of the most common usage scenarios to help you choose the best VPN for your needs.

It’s also worth remembering that having a backup VPN is recommended as even the best VPN services can fall victim to blocks. Install at least two before you travel.

What’s the best free VPN for China?

Free VPNs, in general, are a terrible idea due to their insecurity and I wouldn’t recommend them for use outside China.

Inside China, they come even less recommended. Free VPNs don’t have the investment to put effort into keeping their service working meaning they’re unable to bypass the Great Firewall of China.

There’s also the more pressing issue that shady companies in China itself operate many free VPNs. What they are doing with your data is unknown and you could end up being monitored when using them.

If you want to use a VPN on multiple devices then free VPNs also don’t usually allow simultaneous connections which isn’t much use if you’ve got more than one device.

The number of servers offered by free VPN providers is usually on the low side and the server locations are often far from China which will result in slow speeds.

Free services also cannot afford the constant IP rotation and infrastructure investment that working in China demands. For the sake of a few dollars a month, free VPNs are not worth the risk. If you want to explore the best free options available outside of China, our guide to free VPNs covers the full picture.

When the Firewall gets stricter

Something most VPN guides for China do not warn you about is that the Great Firewall is not a constant. It tightens significantly at certain times of year, and if your visit coincides with one of these periods, even reliable VPNs can become difficult to use.

VPN access becomes noticeably more restricted around:

• June 4th – the anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square events
• October 1st Golden Week – National Day and the surrounding holiday period
• Major party congresses and national political events – the timing of these varies
• Large international events hosted in China

During these periods, it is worth having both your primary and backup VPN ready to go, and being prepared for connection speeds to be slower than usual even when you do connect. Some users also find that switching server locations or ports helps during crackdown periods.

If you are planning a visit that overlaps with any of the above, factor this into your preparation and lean towards the most reliable option on the list rather than a budget alternative.

Services that don’t work in China

While many VPNs work in China, there are plenty that are blocked and the Chinese government invests great resources to make this happen.

You’ll find poor recommendations all over the internet for VPN providers with little to no testing and no server locations that work well in China.

Here are some well-respected VPN providers for other purposes and countries that do not work reliably in Chinese jurisdictions:

• PrivateInternetAccess
• HideMyAss
• IPVanish
• CyberGhost
• VPNCity

NordVPN was previously on this list, but the situation has changed. NordVPN’s obfuscated servers have shown enough improvement in recent testing that we can no longer recommend avoiding it entirely.

Reports from users in China are mixed, and it does not match the consistency of Astrill or Surfshark, but it is no longer fair to say it simply does not work. If you already have a NordVPN subscription, try the obfuscated servers before writing it off.

VyprVPN has also made a return. Its Chameleon protocol, which scrambles OpenVPN packet metadata to defeat deep packet inspection, has been working reliably enough that several independent researchers now recommend it again.

Note that Chameleon is not currently available for iOS devices. If you are on Android, Windows, or macOS, it is worth a look.

Are VPNs legal in China?

There’s a lot of discussion about the legality of VPNs in China.

While many still provide services in China, that’s more down to the providers themselves keeping VPN servers accessible.

China hasn’t officially banned VPNs but there are multiple reports of individuals being fined and worse for selling them.

As a foreigner you’re unlikely to run into any trouble using a VPN in China, but it’s advisable to keep this to yourself and be aware there are some minor risks if you’re caught using one.

China does allow some VPNs to operate, but they’re not the ones you’re used to. Only government approved VPNs that will be monitored and block access to sites disallowed by the Great Firewall can officially be used.

So, if you need to use a VPN in China to avoid internet censorship and access the sites and apps you want, you now know they’re not technically illegal for foreign visitors. We are not aware of any cases where a tourist or expat visitor has been prosecuted for personal use.

Local apps that work without a VPN

One thing worth knowing before you arrive is that China has its own parallel app ecosystem that works perfectly well without a VPN. Getting familiar with these before you travel makes day-to-day life significantly easier.

WeChat is essential. It handles messaging, voice calls, video calls, group chats, document sharing, and even payments. Most locals use it for everything, including paying for groceries, booking taxis, and splitting bills. You will need it.

Alipay handles payments, metro access, online shopping, restaurant bills, and utility payments. It works seamlessly without a VPN and is widely accepted everywhere.

Baidu Maps works better than Google Maps for China-specific navigation since it uses local data. Apple Maps is also a reasonable option and works without a VPN.

One important practical note: turn your VPN off when using Alipay or WeChat Pay. Several payment systems will refuse to load if a VPN is detected, and this can cause real problems if you are trying to pay for something and the transaction fails. Get your VPN switched off before opening these apps.

Does a travel eSIM bypass the Great Firewall?

A number of travellers have asked whether a travel eSIM using a foreign SIM carrier can sidestep the Great Firewall entirely, avoiding the need for a VPN.

The short answer is: sometimes, partially, and not reliably.

Some international eSIM plans do route traffic through foreign networks, which can bypass certain blocks. The experience varies hugely depending on the eSIM provider and the Chinese carrier infrastructure your signal is routed through. Some users report being able to access blocked sites; others find the same restrictions apply regardless.

An eSIM is not a substitute for a VPN. Data speeds on roaming connections can also be slower and more expensive than local SIM connections. If you want to use a foreign eSIM, treat it as a potential supplement to your VPN setup, not a replacement.

Device-specific things to know before you travel

iPhone users face a particular challenge. The Chinese App Store is a separate regional store and does not carry most VPN apps.

If you have a Chinese Apple ID, you will not be able to find VPN apps in the App Store at all from inside China. The solution is to make sure you already have an Apple ID registered to a country outside China, and that your VPN app is downloaded and your subscription active before you arrive. Our guide to installing apps not available in your country can help if you run into trouble.

Do not rely on being able to sort this out after landing.

Android users face a similar problem with the Google Play Store, which is not available in China. If your Android phone relies on Google Play for app installation, download your VPN before you travel.

Some VPN providers, including Astrill and Surfshark, offer direct APK downloads from their own websites, so check whether your provider of choice supports this as a fallback.

For all devices, make sure your VPN app is updated to the latest version before you travel. Older app versions may not have the most current obfuscation protocols, which can make a real difference to whether you connect successfully.

What’s the best VPN to use for Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp etc

There’s no one single ‘best’ VPN in China to use specifically for any social media website or chat app.

All seven services recommended above disguise what you’re doing on the internet and offer simultaneous connections allowing you to hide your IP address and make sure you can get around any internet censorship.

So as long as you can connect to a VPN server then they are suitable for accessing the types of apps you want to use.

This includes social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram but also extends to any chat apps like WhatsApp, Messenger or Telegram. Basically anything you can find on the Google Play Store, Apple App Store or elsewhere.

You will also be able to unblock video streaming sites like YouTube, Netflix and BBC iPlayer. However, you’ll need fast speeds and a reliable VPN to stream Netflix and YouTube in decent quality. For streaming specifically, connect to the nearest available server location, ideally Hong Kong or Taiwan, to minimise the speed penalty.

Why VPN port selection matters in China

Even if you use the best VPN for China, it’s always going to be a hit and miss affair for getting around the Great Firewall.

A lot depends on the VPN server you select but sometimes there are options that you can change that both increase the reliability of your connection and the speed.

Using obfuscated servers where possible disguises your VPN traffic and many of our recommended VPNs offer this option.

It’s also important to play around with the VPN protocol too to avoid VPN blocking and where possible make use of obfuscated servers.

One of the best to consider is the port your VPN connection is using. Most virtual private network apps allow you to change the port of the VPN connection and by testing various ports you may gain distinct speed advantages.

Most VPN apps will allow you to change their port in the settings area.

What websites and apps are blocked in China?

China blocks so many websites and apps that there are too many to list here. Over 943,000 domains are currently blocked, and the list keeps growing.

Apple mobile devices are some of the worst affected with the App Store being heavily restricted in the Chinese regional version.

Some of the most popular that are blocked that you will need a VPN to access include:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Gmail and all Google services
• Tinder
• Grindr
• Snapchat
• WhatsApp
• Messenger
• Viber
• Skype
• Telegram
• Line
• The New York Times and many western news outlets

All the VPN providers listed above will free your internet connection and allow you to access any of the above apps and more on iOS, Android and other devices.

In Summary

Using a VPN in China is essential but many are blocked. Thankfully, there are some that still work well.

Through our test results and research, we found Surfshark to be the best VPN for China for most users, delivering a strong balance of speed, reliability, and price. For those who need maximum consistency above all else, Astrill is the most dependable option we know of, backed by years of independent testing data.

However, if you’re looking for an alternative VPN provider the other five VPN services listed in this guide also work well. You may need to try a few to get the best both for your location, internet provider and types of usage.

Remember to install at least two VPNs before you travel. Having a backup is not optional in China, it’s essential. Download your apps, activate your subscriptions, and test your connections before you board the plane. Sorting it out after you arrive is not a realistic option.

While some VPN services do offer good enough speeds to stream video services like Netflix and YouTube, VPN blocking is common and it’s often the case that whatever you achieve is as good as it gets. For server selection, always try nearby locations in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, or South Korea first.

References

1. The New York Times | How to Travel to (and Around) China, From VPNs to T.P.
2. Entrepreneur | Hundreds of Millions Have Downloaded Suspicious VPN Apps

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