Accessing international websites and streaming services in China is often restricted. Choosing a stable, secure, and fast VPN will not only allow you to enjoy global content but also protect your privacy.
This guide recommends the 7 best VPNs for China. They offer high-speed connections, secure encryption protocols, and affordable pricing, helping you easily bypass the Great Firewall.
7 Best VPNs for China
LightningX VPN: Best Free VPN for China
LightningX VPN is designed for Chinese users to unblock streaming sites and social media outside of China. It can successfully unblock over 20 websites we tested, including Telegram, WhatsApp, Netflix, Hulu, TikTok, and more.
Furthermore, its advanced encryption protocol effectively bypasses the Great Firewall of China, providing a more secure online experience for users in China. You can enjoy high-speed and free nodes in the United States and Hong Kong after downloading it.
Why LightningX VPN is the Best Free VPN for China:
- Over 2000 high-speed servers in 70+ countries.
- Several free servers with unlimited bandwidth.
- Uses AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20-Poly1305 encryption.
- Works with iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, iPad, smart TVs, and browser extensions.
- Easily unblocks Netflix, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, and more.
- Offers advanced features like a VPN kill switch and a BT proxy download.
- Free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee for new users.
How to use LightningX VPN in China?
- Visit the official website: lightningxvpn.com
- Click the “Free Download” button and select the version to download.
- Register and log in to your account.
- Open it and click “Start” to get the fastest node.
- Click the nodes to choose any servers.
ExpressVPN: the Fastest VPN in China
ExpressVPN is consistently recommended by users in China for its speed, stability, and strong privacy features. Its proprietary Lightway protocol minimizes disconnections and reconnections, making it more reliable than its competitors during censorship crackdowns.
In our testing within China, ExpressVPN worked smoothly on major Chinese ISPs. It successfully unblocked websites we tested, including Google, YouTube, Netflix, and international news sites. Popular apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Skype, and Viber also connected smoothly.
Why ExpressVPN is the Best VPN for China:
- Easily bypass the Great Firewall of China with advanced obfuscation technology and monitored servers.
- Over 3000 servers in over 105 countries provide smooth streaming, HD video calls, and online gaming.
- Proprietary Lightway protocol ensures faster reconnections, fewer dropped connections.
- Military-grade AES-256 encryption, TrustedServer, and a strict no-logging policy.
- Support up to 8 devices simultaneously connecting to Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, routers, and smart TVs.
- Kill switch protection prevents accidental data leaks if the VPN disconnects.
- 24/7 live chat and email support, accessible from within China.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
ExpressVPN’s basic plan costs $12.99 per month, which is more expensive than many VPNs. However, if you have high requirements for VPN speed, security, and stability, ExpressVPN is a worthwhile choice.
Surfshark: Best China VPN for Unblocking Streaming Sites
Surfshark VPN ranks among the best VPNs for China thanks to its powerful unblocking capabilities and privacy-focused design. Many users in China find it particularly useful for bypassing the Great Firewall of China without being detected by ISPs, thanks largely to its advanced obfuscation features.
In our testing, Surfshark successfully unblocked most websites. Even under strict censorship, speed test results were excellent.
Why Surfshark VPN is the Best VPN for China:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections protect all your devices at once.
- No Borders mode and camouflage servers are designed for restricted regions like China.
- Multi-hop connections route your traffic through two servers for enhanced privacy.
- CleanWeb automatically blocks ads, trackers, and malware.
- Over 3200 servers in over 100 countries.
- A verified no-logging policy ensures transparency and security.
- WireGuard support provides faster streaming and downloading speeds, and lower ping for gaming.
- P2P/torrenting support is available on optimized servers.
- 24/7 live chat support is available within China.
NordVPN: Best VPN for China with Strong Security
NordVPN’s built-in NordLynx (WireGuard-based) engine and built-in traffic obfuscation ensure smooth connections even when censorship is tightening. SmartPlay also automatically unblocks streaming services, ensuring the service remains operational.
In our tests, NordVPN successfully accessed most streaming sites. The speed performance is also good.
Why NordVPN is the best VPN for China:
- Over 7400 servers in 118 countries, including an obfuscation option optimized for restricted networks.
- NordLynx provides fast and stable connections for HD streaming, calls, and browsing.
- Security stack: AES-256, kill switch, DNS/IP leak protection, double VPN, and Onion over VPN.
- SmartPlay unblocks Netflix, Disney+, and more without manual DNS tricks.
- Headquartered in Panama, it has a strict no-logs policy and has undergone multiple independent audits.
- Connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.
- 24/7 live chat and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
CyberGhost: Best China VPN with the Most Servers
CyberGhost is a China VPN with a large number of servers. This provides Chinese users with more options for bypassing internet restrictions.
CyberGhost’s performance is comparable to ExpressVPN. Many Chinese users praise its reliability for streaming, video conferencing, and browsing foreign news platforms. Its strict zero-logs policy also gives peace of mind to users who value online privacy.
Why CyberGhost is the Best VPN for China:
- 11700+ servers in 100 countries for fast and flexible global access.
- Strict no-log policy under Romania’s privacy-friendly jurisdiction.
- High-speed performance suitable for streaming, gaming, and browsing.
- Dedicated streaming servers optimized for Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more.
- 7 simultaneous device connections, convenient for both personal and family use.
- 45-day money-back guarantee, longer than most VPN providers.
Astrill VPN
Astrill VPN is one of the best VPNs for China due to its powerful obfuscation technology, stable performance, and long-term availability in China.
It’s specifically designed to bypass China’s strict internet restrictions, effectively combating Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) and maintaining a good balance between speed and security.
Why Astrill VPN is the Best VPN for China:
- Powerful obfuscation protocol designed specifically for the Chinese environment, easily bypassing DPI.
- Supports OpenWeb, OpenVPN, and StealthVPN to meet the needs of different network environments.
- Uses AES-256 encryption throughout the process, ensuring secure data transmission.
- Provides ad blocking, split tunneling, and a kill switch to improve security and browsing experience.
- Accessible websites and platforms restricted in China, such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Google, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
- 24/7 customer support, very user-friendly for Chinese users.
Hide.me
If you’re looking for the fastest free VPN in China, Hide.me VPN is one of the most reliable options.
It’s perfect for streaming, web browsing, and everyday online use. With its strict zero-logs policy and split tunneling feature, it ensures your online activity remains private.
Why Hide.me is the Best VPN for China:
- Over 2600 servers in 91 countries, including high-speed lines in Australia, the US, Europe, and Asia.
- AES-256 encryption combined with WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2.
- A strict zero-logs policy ensures your browsing data, connection logs, and activity are not logged.
- Supports Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Chrome and Firefox browser extensions.
- The free plan offers 10GB of traffic per month and access to 8 global servers.
How to Choose the Best VPN for China?
Finding the best VPN for China is not easy, especially with the Great Firewall blocking most providers. To make the best choice, focus on the features:
- Bypassing the Great Firewall: China’s internet censorship is extremely strict, so VPNs need strong obfuscation technology or proprietary protocols to reliably get through the GFW.
- Plenty of Server Options: The closer the server is to your location, the faster the connection usually is. Nearby regions like Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan often provide the best speeds for users in China.
- Advanced Encryption: Choose VPNs that support modern encryption protocols such as AES-256-GCM, WireGuard, or NordLynx to ensure your online activities stay secure and hidden from surveillance.
- Strict No-Logs Policy: Privacy is essential when using a VPN in China. Only providers that clearly state a true “no-logs” policy can guarantee your data won’t be recorded or tracked.
- Free Trials or Money-Back Guarantees: VPNs that offer a free trial or a 30–45 day money-back guarantee are generally more trustworthy and easier to test before committing.
FAQ about the Best VPN for China
1. Is VPN legal in China?
The use of VPNs in China exists in a legal gray area. VPN technology itself is not illegal, but the Chinese government strictly regulates its use. Only VPNs that are approved by the government are considered legal.
Read more: Are VPNs Legal? Everything You Need to Know!
2. How does the Great Firewall impact VPN performance in China?
The Great Firewall monitors and filters network traffic, making VPN connections vulnerable to disconnection. Because traffic is filtered, VPNs are often slower, affecting streaming and downloading for users in China.
VPNs that need additional traffic routing to bypass restrictions can also increase latency, affecting real-time activities such as gaming and video calls.
3. What are the risks of using free VPNs in China?
There are several risks associated with using a free VPN in China. First, free VPNs are less secure and may not effectively protect your data. There is also the risk of selling user information. In addition, free VPNs are often unstable and slow to connect, and some even carry malware that compromises device security.
Free VPNs often have limited features and often restrict traffic and server selection. Most importantly, using an unauthorized VPN may violate Chinese law.
