5 Best VPNs for China: Safe & Working in 2025

China’s stringent internet regulations make it a constant challenge to freely access the open web — even with a VPN. The government’s Great Firewall (GFW) restricts a wide range of online content and constantly works to detect and block VPNs. Even the most reputable VPNs can sometimes be inaccessible and require ongoing updates to keep working in China.

After extensive research, we identified the ones that maintain stable and secure access in China. Our main focus was on strong obfuscation features and the ability to protect your data and privacy. We also assessed their networks, with particular interest in those offering servers in nearby countries. Most VPNs didn’t make the cut, either because they lacked the technologies or the specialty servers needed to work reliably in China.

Most of the VPNs below feature some form of obfuscation technology and avoid DPI technology. However, their consistency varies due to the changing censorship landscape in China, as well as in speeds, server selection, and other features that impact your experience.

Best VPNs for China — Full Analysis (Updated in 2025)

1. Astrill VPN — Optimized Servers for Reliable Connections to Websites and Apps From China

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Tested August 2025

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www.Astrill_VPN.com

Astrill VPN makes it easier to safely access apps and websites in China through its China-ready servers. Unlike standard servers, these are optimized for high speeds under heavy restrictions. In our tests, we found them by simply typing “China Supercharged” into the search bar. The VPN also offers plenty of servers located near China for fast connections in the country, with Supercharged servers in the US and Hong Kong.

Plus, its StealthVPN protocol conceals VPN use and is designed to work on restrictive networks. It even lets you tweak MTU values to make your data harder to detect. You can also use the backup OpenWeb protocol, designed to avoid DPI (deep packet inspection) in regions with heavy censorship.

It’s not the fastest VPN we tested, but Astrill VPN delivered good speeds for most online activities. Since obfuscation adds extra processing steps, some slowdown is expected. However, with its proprietary OpenWeb protocol, we experienced only a 27% drop on its Thailand server, down from 112 Mbps. That said, you may experience more noticeable speed reductions with its StealthVPN protocol, especially over longer distances.

Astrill’s simple app includes a neat upload/download graphic so you can gauge your data usage in China

Unfortunately, Astrill VPN doesn’t offer a money-back guarantee, so you won’t be able to test it in China risk-free. However, you can get a free 1-day pass for referring a friend. And Astrill VPN also provides 1 free hour of access per day to every user forever, as long as you do a “daily check-in.”

Useful Features

• Choice of 5 proxies. On the occasions that Astrill VPN has troubles working in China, you’ll have other options since it offers a selection of proxies, including HTTPS, SOCKS4a, and SOCKS5. Keep in mind that these won’t encrypt your traffic, though — I only recommend using them as a backup if you have no other option.
• Protect browsers only or all apps. Using the OpenWeb protocol, you can configure Astrill VPN to protect all apps or just web browsers. That’s useful if you want your non-browser apps to run faster in China by using a normal connection for local apps like Didi or WeChat.
• Customizable connections. Using OpenVPN, you can choose between 256-, 192-, and 128-bit encryption, and you can even turn off encryption completely. Turning your encryption level down could help boost your speeds without sacrificing security. I don’t recommend turning it off in China, though.
• Dedicated IPs. For a little extra, you can get a dedicated IP that’s yours alone. I use them to skip the endless CAPTCHAs that come with shared IPs, particularly while traveling.

2. ExpressVPN — Automatically Mask VPN Traffic to Maintain Stable Connections in China

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www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN keeps connections stable in China by automatically disguising VPN traffic through obfuscation whenever it detects restrictions. This makes it possible to browse popular websites and apps like Peacock, Google, and WhatsApp without interruptions on any network or ISP. It also promptly replaces IP addresses if any are flagged to maintain consistent access. Both features work without requiring any manual configuration.

Even with obfuscation, ExpressVPN still offers impressive speeds across the network. When we connected to its nearby server on a restrictive network, there was a minor speed reduction of 11% (227.19Mbps). This is impressive since obfuscation can cause significant slowdowns. There was no buffering as we streamed HD and 4K content, including Fangs of Fortune on iQIYI and STRAW on Netflix.

The speeds were consistently fast even on long-distance connections

ExpressVPN actively monitors its network and keeps an updated list of servers that work best in China. You'll get reliable options in the US, UK, Japan, France, and Singapore to choose from. It suggests using the Automatic protocol for the obfuscation to work effectively. Plus, the app's Recommended tab highlights servers that are likely to work well with your current network conditions in China.

No VPN can promise 100% reliability in China, but ExpressVPN is one of the most dependable options next to Astrill VPN. There have been occasional reports of downtime, but the service quickly resolves any connectivity issues. Plus, all ExpressVPN offers include a 30-day money-back guarantee*. This means you can test it without financial risk and get a refund if you’re not satisfied with the service.

Useful Features

• Chinese mirror site. Although its official website is blocked by the Great Firewall, ExpressVPN has a mirror website that’s accessible from within China. The URL changes constantly to avoid blocks, but you can always email its customer support to ask for an up-to-date mirror address or contact them through the 24/7 live chat.
• Privacy-focused. ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), a privacy-friendly jurisdiction with no data retention laws. Plus, it has a strict no-logs policy (audited multiple times; twice by KPMG) to keep your activity private. It doesn’t operate servers in mainland China, which means it doesn’t have to comply with government requests for user data.
• Highly secure. Your data is protected by military-grade 256-bit encryption, even on unsecured public WiFi networks in China. Plus, you’ll get robust IPv4, IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leak protection and a Network Lock kill switch to prevent anyone from seeing your real location.
• Advanced Protection. This is ExpressVPN’s customizable blocker. You can choose to prevent ads, malware, and trackers (or a combination) for a safer, more private way to browse in China. Switching on parental controls can also help you steer clear of adult content, as accessing porn sites in the country could land you in hot water.

3. PrivateVPN — Customizable Security to Optimize Your Connection in China

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www.privatevpn.com

PrivateVPN makes it easier to strike the right balance between security and speed in China. You can adjust encryption levels from AES 256-bit to 128-bit and configure the connection to use port 443, which helps maintain secure access even under strict restrictions. We tested setting PrivateVPN's encryption to 128-bit, which led to a decent speed boost. You also have protocol options — L2TP, for instance, tends to perform more reliably than OpenVPN on highly restrictive networks.

You can access these settings from the Advanced View

Its StealthVPN mode allows it to work in China by disguising VPN connections as regular internet traffic, helping it get overlooked by DPI. However, you’ll need to enable it manually in the settings, unlike ExpressVPN’s automatic obfuscation. For tougher restrictions, PrivateVPN suggests using the OpenConnect app, and it provides an easy setup guide for this workaround.

PrivateVPN’s server network is smaller than other VPNs on this list, so it can’t safely access sites hosted in as many regions from China. However, it offsets potential congestion by purchasing internet capacity directly from transit providers. This helps prevent the speed dips that often come with smaller networks. I also appreciate that all of its servers are self-owned, which gives the company more control over user traffic.

If you want to try it out first, PrivateVPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test its features without any commitment. When I tested the refund policy myself, I found it easy and hassle-free. I got my money back in a few days.

Useful Features

• Customer support via email. PrivateVPN’s website is blocked in China, so you won’t be able to access live chat. However, you can use its dedicated email to get assistance. I got a reply within 20 minutes when I tested it. Its live chat also uses a translation feature, so Chinese users can get help in their native language.
• Easy to use. The Advanced View has some solid security settings, but you don’t even have to leave Simple View to secure your connections in China. Just choose a server and hit the big power button. This makes it a great choice if you’re not super experienced with VPNs.
• Remote technical assistance. If you’re worried about getting stuck with connection errors or misconfigured protocols in China, PrivateVPN can log in remotely and set everything up for you. The support team will personally configure obfuscation and troubleshoot access issues.

4. TunnelBear — User-Friendly Interface to Easily Protect Your Online Data in China

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www.tunnelbear.com

TunnelBear’s simple interface makes it one of the easiest VPNs to use in China. Its map-based server selection is intuitive — just pick a server, and a cartoon bear digs its way from your location to the destination. Since China is a big country, the visual map makes quickly identifying and connecting to the nearest server easy.

You can minimize TunnelBear to a simple toggle switch and server selection screen

Its setup even adds a bit of fun with bear-themed instructions and puns. It took me less than 2 minutes to install the VPN on all the devices I tested, including Mac, Android, and Windows. TunnelBear also has fast short-distance speeds, according to our tests. The Fastest Tunnel feature automatically connected us to the best server — we experienced steady speeds with only 28% speed loss.

The GhostBear (obfuscation) functionality makes it one of the more reliable VPNs, as it’s able to go undetected on restrictive networks. To activate it, go to Settings > Connection > GhostBear. I was disappointed that it wasn’t available on iOS, though. Automatic reconnection works seamlessly when switching between WiFi sources, so you’ll stay protected as you move around China.

A downside is the lack of a standard money-back guarantee; refunds are only available on a case-by-case basis, as stated on its website.

Useful Features

• Trusted Networks. You can add known networks to a safelist for automatic protection only on unfamiliar networks — a handy feature for those using China’s public WiFi, where security is generally low.
• Leak protection and VigilantBear (kill switch). Both features worked reliably in my tests, blocking any slip-ups that could expose my IP or private data. So, your real location won’t be exposed to snoops.
• Encrypted Client Hello (ECH). This technology helps TunnelBear stay accessible in countries like China by encrypting DNS requests, making it harder for censors to block the site. It builds on the older ESNI feature and is currently available on Android.

5. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Local and Global Servers Give You Plenty of Options to Stay Connected in China

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www.privateinternetaccess.com

PIA has the largest server network of all the China VPNs we listed — and it even includes a virtual server location for China. Since the server isn’t physically located in the country, PIA can give you a Chinese IP without being subject to local data laws. This means you can securely access Chinese services like Youku, Bilibili, or Alipay without exposing your data to government requests.

You can also enable MACE with one click to get rid of pop-up ads on Chinese sites

With PIA, you can connect unlimited devices in China. Perfect if you’ve got a bunch of gadgets or you’re traveling with family and everyone wants safe and unfettered access to the internet. In our PIA tests, we experienced stable connections without any drops, even with 6 laptops and 10 mobile phones active.

The VPN doesn’t consistently work in China, but its website and 24/7 customer support can help with several workarounds to help improve stability. Start by switching between the WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols. If that doesn’t help, try one of PIA’s Multi-Hop setups — either with the SOCKS5 proxy or Shadowsocks. Just note that this might affect speeds. As a last resort, you can try manual configuration files with detailed instructions on the PIA website.

It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it without financial risk — and getting a refund is straightforward.

Useful Features

• Adjustable encryption. PIA lets you choose between two encryption levels with the OpenVPN protocol. AES 256-bit (the strongest available) is my go-to for online banking, but I switch to AES 128-bit for streaming as it offers better speeds. However, if speed is the main goal, I’d recommend the lightweight WireGuard protocol — it gave us the best results overall.
• Connection automation. This tells the app to automatically connect when certain conditions are met, like if you join a public WiFi network. This is really important no matter where you are in the world, but even more so in China.

Quick Comparison Table: China VPN Features

The table below highlights the key features of all the recommended VPNs for use in China and beyond. It shows whether each VPN has servers optimized for China and if they have an audited no-logs policy to help keep your data private.

I’ve included useful extras too — like how many servers each one has, if you can get a China IP address, what Chinese payment methods are supported, and whether they accept cryptocurrencies (handy if you’d rather not share too much personal info).

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for China

When looking for VPNs for use in China, we prioritize factors that significantly affect your online experience in this restrictive environment. Connection speed and consistent performance across everyday activities were also key. We gave weight to server availability, especially in nearby countries since these directly influence connection quality. The ability to download the VPN while inside the country — along with access to responsive customer support — was another important consideration.

With that in mind, consider a VPN with robust obfuscation and servers optimized for network restrictions. Strong security and privacy features are equally important, including military-grade 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and a verified no-logs policy to keep your personal communications, search history, and online activity private. Mirror sites and responsive support accessible from inside China can also make a real difference when access gets tricky.

For more information on our thorough testing process, please visit our VPN testing methodology page. Our global team constantly updates VPN performance data to bring you the most reliable recommendations. If you’re interested in conducting your own evaluations, you can consider these factors.

Are VPNs Legal in China?

The legal status of VPNs in China exists in a complex gray area that varies by region and circumstance. Only government-approved VPNs are officially permitted, but the reality of enforcement is more nuanced. Based on extensive research, there have been no documented cases of tourists facing legal penalties for personal VPN use in China.

Even Chinese citizens rarely encounter direct legal consequences for using VPNs for personal purposes. Instead of pursuing individual users, authorities typically focus on making VPN access more difficult through technical blocking measures.

However, there have been several notable enforcement cases, primarily targeting commercial VPN operations. According to CNN, in October 2017, a Shanghai court sentenced a developer surnamed Dai to a three-year suspended prison term and fined him 10,000 yuan for developing and selling VPN software¹.

What you do with the VPN also matters. A Uyghur student, a persecuted minority in China, was sentenced to 13 years in prison for using a VPN to obtain “illegal information” (Radio Free Asia, 2023)². Another Chinese national had his earnings confiscated and was issued with a fine for using a VPN to work for a company abroad for years³ (The Guardian, 2023).

Some provinces take a more aggressive stance through technical restrictions rather than legal punishment. There have been reports of local authorities temporarily suspending cellular service until VPN apps are removed from users' devices.

In these cases, individuals typically must visit a police station, delete the VPN apps, and have their devices checked before service is restored. Additionally, promoting or recommending unauthorized VPNs on Chinese social media platforms can attract unwanted attention from authorities. For more information, you can visit our detailed guide on the legal landscape of VPN usage in China.

How to Set Up a VPN for China (Before You Travel)

China’s Great Firewall blocks most VPN websites as part of the government’s tight control of the flow of information in and out of the country. Despite this, VPN use is widespread, doubling in recent years amid growing censorship⁴. To protect your online activity from the start, your best bet is to prepare your VPN before heading to the country:

1. Download, install, and log into VPN apps on all devices you plan to use in China before you depart.
2. Save important information offline, like your user credentials, app activation codes, mirror site URLs, and customer support contacts.
3. You may want to install a backup VPN as well, as no single provider is 100% reliable in China — bring along 2–3. Luckily, most top VPNs offer a money-back guarantee, so it’s financially risk-free.
4. Enable auto-connect and kill switch options to prevent leaks on public or hotel WiFi.

If you’re already in China, you’re not totally out of luck. We do not recommend using government-approved VPNs (and most aren’t publicly available, anyway). However, some VPN vendors provide alternative methods to download their apps in restrictive regions. Here’s how:

1. Use mobile hotspot or cellular data. Restrictions tend to be less consistent than WiFi from major ISPs like Unicorn or China Telecom.
2. If possible, connect to a VPN beforehand. This only applies if you already have a VPN, but want a backup solution.
3. Get the mirror site by asking support (ExpressVPN, Astrill) via email for the latest China-accessible download link.
4. Go to the mirror site to pay, sign up, and download the VPN as you normally would.
5. Alternatively, support may email you the OpenVPN/WireGuard config files to manually configure a VPN connection.

FAQs on VPNs for China

Are domestic Chinese VPNs like V1VPN, Raptor VPN, or iKuuu VPN safe to use?

While some might work for basic security, I personally wouldn’t trust them. Since these VPNs must follow Chinese regulations, they could be required to share user data with authorities. For the best security, I recommend sticking with trusted international VPNs that have proven track records of protecting user data.

Plus, services like LetsVPN, V1VPN, Raptor VPN, and iKuuu VPN typically aren't transparent about their data handling practices or security measures. International VPN providers based outside of China have more freedom to protect your privacy and maintain strict no-logs policies.

What speeds can I expect while using a VPN in China?

The #2 VPN on this list maintains consistently fast speeds even on highly restrictive networks like China's, thanks to its advanced obfuscation and speed-optimized protocol.

VPNs in China are naturally slower than usual because they need to do extra work. They hide traffic (through obfuscation) to avoid detection and then push it through the Great Firewall's deep packet inspection. Plus, the Firewall actively tries to identify and block VPN connections, forcing traffic through additional security checks.

Users on Reddit and other forums report seeing slowdowns of 50–70% with most VPNs. But there are ways to improve your speeds — you should connect to nearby locations in Hong Kong, Japan, or Singapore instead of distant locations in Europe or the US. Redditors also suggest trying different protocols to find what works best with your connection.

What sites and apps are blocked in China?

China blocks many international websites and apps to maintain control over the information accessible within its borders. Websites blocked in China include Facebook, Google, WhatsApp, Netflix, LinkedIn, and Bloomberg.

The restrictions are part of broader efforts to limit foreign influence, promote local alternatives, and align content with government regulations. Instead, there are popular local alternatives for many of these sites, like WeChat, Baidu, and Weibo. Still, using a VPN with a Chinese or nearby IP to access these services is recommended in order to protect your online data.

Which VPN servers should I use in China?

It’s best to use nearby servers for optimal speeds. Make sure to choose a VPN that offers servers close to Mainland China. Most VPNs (including the ones on this list) don’t offer servers in Mainland China because the government would either shut them down or force the providers to hand over user data, which renders them unsafe.

That said, you can still experience fast speeds by connecting to nearby locations (like Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan). All the VPNs listed here have servers in or close to Mainland China, which I recommend using to keep your speed loss to a minimum.

Is there a VPN that offers Chinese IP servers?

Yes, PIA is one of the few VPNs with Chinese IP addresses. Having physical servers within the country can introduce privacy risks, as local regulations may require data monitoring. However, the servers provided by such a VPN are virtual (located outside China) and can still give you a reliable Chinese IP address.

Be aware that true mainland Chinese servers would be subject to local regulations and monitoring requirements. Most international VPN providers choose not to operate physical servers within China to maintain their privacy protections and service independence.

Are there alternatives to using a VPN in China?

International eSIM services can provide an alternative way to access unrestricted internet while in China. These mobile data services route your connection through servers in other countries. However, unlike top VPNs that provide military-grade encryption and IP masking, your connection is still entirely exposed to snooping and other online threats.

Some travelers use proxy services or Tor browsers as alternatives, though these options typically provide less user-friendly experiences and may not work reliably with mobile apps. They also don’t offer the same level of data protection as a VPN.

What VPNs don’t work in China?

Even many popular VPN services struggle with consistency in China's restrictive environment. This includes well-known providers that work well in other countries and with various online services. The VPNs we curated are known to work in the country more reliably, offering obfuscation and other advanced settings to improve reliability.

While the following VPNs may connect briefly or sporadically, they experience too much downtime to be considered reliable:

• NordVPN. Often struggles with China’s restrictions and has difficulty maintaining a stable connection.
• Surfshark. Known for its features and stability elsewhere but is frequently blocked and unreliable in China.
• CyberGhost. This VPN rarely works within China, with most users experiencing high downtime and failed connections.
• IPVanish. Generally blocked by the Great Firewall, so it’s not dependable for use in China.
• Proton VPN. Efforts are underway to improve its performance in China, but for now, it remains hit-or-miss.

Do free VPNs work in China?

Most free VPNs lack the resources and server infrastructure to reliably work in China. Even the few free services that occasionally work have limited data allowances, slow speeds, and unreliable connections that make them impractical for regular use. That’s why we only recommend premium VPNs for use in China.

Free VPN services also raise privacy concerns, as they need to generate revenue somehow and may collect and sell user data or inject advertising. They may also not offer the security features they claim, leaving you vulnerable to China’s surveillance network.

What if my VPN stops working in China?

Try connecting to different server locations or changing your protocol and settings. Even the best services will occasionally face issues in China, so it’s important to choose a VPN with fallback options and customer support if you need help.

However, as you may struggle to contact support there, try these steps first:

• Switch servers. Change to a different server, ideally one closer to China. Some servers are more stable than others on restrictive networks.
• Try a different protocol. Switch between available VPN protocols (like Lightway, OpenVPN, WireGuard, or IKEv2), as some may be less detectable than others.
• Enable obfuscation. Many VPNs have an obfuscation or stealth mode that disguises VPN traffic as regular web traffic, making it harder to block.
• Clear cache and restart. Clear your device’s cache, then restart it. Sometimes, temporary data can interfere with VPN connections.
• Use mobile data. If possible, connect over mobile data rather than public or local WiFi, which may have additional restrictions.
• Update the VPN app. Make sure you’re using the latest version of the app, as updates often include fixes for connection issues in restricted regions.
• Try manual configuration. Use manual configuration files, if your VPN provider offers them, for more stable connections within China.

If these tips don’t work, contact your VPN’s support team for advice, as they may have China-specific solutions.

Get the Best VPN for China

Finding a trustworthy VPN that works reliably in China can be difficult because the country has increased its crackdowns on VPNs. The Great Firewall only permits government-approved VPNs, which the state heavily monitors. Plus, because China updates its GFW technology all the time, even the most reliable VPNs don’t work 100% of the time.

That said, a few services have been proven to work there more reliably than others, and all the VPNs on this list are designed to work on restrictive networks. Additionally, they can access content in HD and 4K from anywhere while maintaining a safe and private connection. Of the group, Astrill VPN stands out for its strong anti-detection technology and reliability.

References

1. https://edition.cnn.com/2018/10/10/asia/china-vpn-censorship-intl/index.html/
2. https://www.rfa.org/english/news/uyghur/student-sentenced-06082023154805.html/
3. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/09/chinese-programmer-ordered-to-pay-1m-yuan-for-using-virtual-private-network/
4. https://www.voanews.com/a/china-s-vpn-usage-nearly-doubles-amid-internet-censorship/7488465.html/