5 Best FREE VPNs for China — Tested and Working in 2024

The Great Firewall (GFW) uses some of the world’s toughest VPN-blocking tech — and most free VPNs don’t have the budget or means to bypass it. It also blocks VPN websites, so it’s difficult to even get one from within the country. And without a VPN, several apps and websites (especially for news and socials) are inaccessible there.

While no totally free VPN is guaranteed to work in China, there are a few that have been known to work there. Still, those that do sometimes have weak security and fail to protect your privacy, which is particularly worrisome in China. So it’s vital that the VPN not only works, but it’s equipped with strong security to protect your personal data.

That’s why I prefer to use a reputable VPN like ExpressVPN. Although it’s not 100% free, it outperforms the free options with its top-notch security features designed to bypass the GFW and keep your data safe — plus, it has fast speeds. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you’re not fully happy with it, getting a full refund is easy.

Editors' Note: Expressvpn and this site are in the same ownership group.Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free >>

Short on Time? Here Are the Best Free VPNs for China in 2024

Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, Cyberghost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.

Best Free VPNs for China — Full Analysis (Updated 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for China with Military-Grade Security Giving Full Access to Blocked Sites

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Tested April 2024

Available on:

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www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN’s automatic obfuscation on every server allows it to easily bypass China’s geoblocks. The GFW uses the highly advanced Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) to detect and block VPNs. Obfuscated servers detect the use of DPI and scramble your metadata so you can bypass the GFW without even needing to configure any settings.

That’s partly due to Lightway, ExpressVPN’s proprietary security protocol. Like WireGuard, it’s lightweight, secure, and fast and was built to work with obfuscation technology. This lets you access your favorite apps, sites, and services from China. On top of this, every server uses private DNS, so your requests go directly through ExpressVPN — and not any third party.

I streamed hours of Insecure on Hulu using its Los Angeles - 5 server

Its long-distance speeds are the fastest I’ve tested, so you can stream from China without lag. Most VPNs cut your speeds by at least 40-50% at long distances. However, when I tested ExpressVPN’s servers in Los Angeles and Toronto, I averaged around 88 Mbps — just a 20% speed loss from my base speed of 110 Mbps. On its local servers in Macau and Hong Kong, I only experienced a 7% loss.

ExpressVPN isn’t 100% free, but it’s my top choice for China because no completely-free VPN can rival it for speed, security, and access to blocked sites and apps. But you can try ExpressVPN risk-free because it offers a tried and tested 30-day money-back guarantee. Plus, you can pay privately since it accepts cryptocurrency.

Useful Features

• Mirror URLs. ExpressVPN offers 2 mirror URLs to download the app in China. Just make sure to email support to get the most up-to-date links (support@expressvpn.zendesk.com). You can also download the Android app as an APK file from its website.
• Advanced encryption. On top of its military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, it uses perfect forward secrecy, which means that even if one encryption key were compromised, all past and future communications would remain completely secure.
• TrustedServer Technology. This refers to ExpressVPN’s RAM-only servers that make it next to impossible to store your data. Plus, its independently-audited no-logs policy and headquarters in the British Virgin Islands (outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes) protect your online privacy further.
• Server network. ExpressVPN has a vast global server network of 3,000 servers in 105 countries, so you can access tons of foreign content from China. Plus, it offers servers near mainland China for better speeds.

2. PrivateVPN — Customizable Security Features to Tailor Your VPN Connection

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www.privatevpn.com

PrivateVPN ensures your data is secure while using the VPN in China. It offers customizable security features, including AES 128- and 256-bit encryption, along with multiple protocols like OpenVPN (UDP and TCP), PPTP, and L2TP. The OpenVPN protocol proved to be the most reliable for China. PPTP is fast and often used for browsing, while L2TP offers better encryption but slightly slower speeds.

Its simple version is great for beginners who don’t want to be overwhelmed with options

StealthVPN Mode is a feature that helps PrivateVPN work more reliably in China. This feature disguises your VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic, so it’s more difficult for the Chinese government to detect and block it. With StealthVPN enabled, you can also switch to port 22 (recommended), which isn't commonly associated as a VPN port. This makes your online activities seem ordinary, allowing you to browse the web freely and without restrictions.

PrivateVPN supports a "High-Quality Network" (HQN) to deliver consistently high speeds and dependable unblocking capabilities worldwide. It ensures a steady and reliable connection, even in the face of China's sophisticated censorship mechanisms. With this network, I had no issues accessing content normally geoblocked in my location.

Although it doesn't offer a free plan, you can try PrivateVPN for free with its trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee. You have to sign up and download the app on your device before you travel, though — its website isn’t accessible in China, and it doesn’t offer a mirror URL, like ExpressVPN.

Useful Features

• Great for streaming. I was able to access Netflix (US, UK, and Canada), BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Max, Amazon Prime Video, and more. So it’s a great choice for accessing foreign content from China. It also let me access Youtube, Google, and my Instagram and Facebook accounts.
• Servers near China. Although PrivateVPN doesn’t have the largest server network, it offers multiple servers near mainland China, such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, and South Korea.
• Strong privacy policies. Although it's based in Sweden (a 14-Eyes Alliance country), PrivateVPN stands by its strict no-logs policy. However, I would like to see its policy go through an independent audit like many other top VPNs, like ExpressVPN, have done.

3. hide.me — 10GB/Month Data for Streaming and Browsing in China

Available on:

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Try hide.me VPN >

www.hide.me

hide.me gives you 10GB of data/month, which is more than most free China VPNs. I tested hide.me for a month and used 7.61GB, which let me watch a whole series of Never Have I Ever on Netflix, and I still had data left over for browsing news updates and accessing my social media accounts. Plus, all 8 free locations support P2P file sharing, so you can download large torrent files safely.

Despite the free servers being far from me, I had no issues wating for videos on Netflix to load

There are 5 protocols to choose from, and 2 (SSTP and SorftEther) are optimized to bypass firewalls like the GFW. If you ever have issues connecting within China, you can try switching to the other protocol or set the VPN up manually.

I also got great speeds in China with hide.me. Connected to a long-distance server in the US, my speed only dropped 30%, which is impressive for a free VPN. On a closer server located in Singapore (around 4,500 km away), my speeds dropped by 20%.

You need to provide an email address to register, and you’re limited to one device at a time. Another drawback is that it can’t access streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Max, Hulu, and Disney+. Plus, I could only watch Netflix originals that are available everywhere — although, I accessed a few region-locked libraries in the past.

Useful Features

• 24/7 live chat. hide.me offers 24/7 live chat on the website, which is unusual for a free VPN. You can contact support to help troubleshoot any connection issues you might have.
• StealthGuard. To ensure your data and IP don't accidentally leak, you can assign specific apps to only work while connected to hide.me.
• Split tunneling. You can save more data with split tunneling, which lets you select apps to bypass the VPN. I did this with Chrome so I could visit local sites like iQiyi. At the same time, I routed Opera through the VPN to read The New York Times and message friends on WhatsApp.

4. Hotspot Shield — Can Access US Streaming Platforms From China

Available on:

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Try Hotspot Shield >

www.HotspotShield.com

Hotspot Shield can unblock Disney+ US and Max (previously HBO Max) from China, as well as YouTube, Spotify, WhatsApp, and Facebook. During my tests, I beat Max’s tough blocks to watch an episode of The Idol. That’s because it allows access to its premium proprietary protocol, Hydra, instead of the standard OpenVPN, which is easier to block.

Hydra is also speed-optimized, so I didn’t run into any lag in my streams

Since it has unlimited data, you can browse and stream all you want from China. Unlike most free VPNs, your data isn’t limited — so no matter how long you binge-watch, you won’t get cut off. Many free VPNs allow only enough monthly data for a couple of hours of streaming at best.

You can also use the app without signing up, which technically allows you to use it on as many devices as you want. Although, if you create a free account, it's only good for 1 device. The biggest annoyance was the number of ads that popped up trying to get me to upgrade, but you can try its 7-day free trial to temporarily forgo the ads.

Useful Features

• Good speeds. Despite the app stating its speeds are capped, I only got a reduction of 35% on its UK server and only a 28% on the Singapore server.
• 3 free server locations. Its free plan offers servers in the US, the UK, and Singapore. Even though the closest server is over 4,000 km from me, I didn’t experience a noticeable speed drop.
• Solid security features. Hotspot Shield’s free plan protects you with AES 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch, leak protection, and split tunneling.

5. TunnelBear — Obfuscation and a Kill Switch Keep Your Data Hidden While Browsing in China

Available on:

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Chrome More

Try TunnelBear VPN >

www.tunnelbear.com

TunnelBear is a solid free VPN for China, with its obfuscation feature (GhostBear). It’s rare for a free VPN to provide an obfuscation feature. During my tests, I had no issues accessing bbc.com, Outlook, or Amazon. GhostBear isn’t available on the iOS app, though, so TunnelBear isn’t the best choice if you want a free China VPN for iPhone.

TunnelBear’s app is simple and user-friendly, so it’s great for beginners

You also get free access to its full network of 5,000 servers in 47 countries — most free VPNs offer far less. I was impressed that I was able to access Max and Amazon Prime Video on its US server, but I couldn’t unblock region-specific Netflix content, Disney+, or Hulu.

Either way, it limits you to 2GB of monthly data, so it’s not the best option for streaming; this converted to just 2 hours of HD streaming on Youku. Plus, you need to provide an email address when you sign up, but you can use it on unlimited devices.

Useful Features

• Built-in ad-blocker. It blocked 87% of ads and trackers during my tests. Ads eat up bandwidth and slow down loading times, especially when you connect to distant servers. So preventing these slowdowns can make a huge difference, especially given TunnelBear’s small data limit.
• Kill switch. The kill switch (called VigilantBear), cuts off all traffic if your VPN connection drops, while DNS leak protection is automatic.
• Average speeds. Some of TunnelBear’s connections are fast, but I encountered some inconsistencies. A few long-distance servers dropped my speeds by over 80%.

Quick Comparison Table: Free China VPN Features

All the VPNs on my list are trustworthy and secure for use in China, though they present considerable differences in the features they provide. Your choice might hinge on the specific reasons you need a VPN.

Obfuscated servers (or Stealth VPN modes) are a big plus since it hides the fact that you’re using a VPN. Fast speeds, a generous data limit, and a vast server network are also necessary to stream without interruptions. If privacy is a big concern, APK files are a bonus, as they let you download the VPN discreetly. And in case you don’t want to share your email or other details, some free VPNs don’t require you to sign up.

Tips on How to Choose the Best Free VPN for China

It's already a tough task to locate a high-quality VPN that functions in China, let alone a complimentary one. These are the criteria I took into account while selecting free VPNs for China.

• Reliably bypasses the GFW. It’s useful to have a selection of protocols in case one gets blocked. Obfuscation (sometimes called Stealth) can help you bypass the GFW by hiding your VPN use and making it look like regular internet traffic. Custom DNS settings allow you to beat DNS-level blocking.
• Bypasses geo-blocks. For example, if you want access to US content from China, then you need a VPN with servers in the US. Unfortunately, most free VPNs only offer servers in a handful of locations. So make sure to choose one that offers the ones you need and can actually access the geoblocked content you want (many free VPNs fail to unblock streaming platforms, but work well for websites and social media apps).
• Fast speeds. China has little bandwidth for international traffic, so fast speeds are essential to make your browsing bearable on international sites. Nearby servers also give you much faster speeds than ones far away, so look for servers in places like Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, or Indonesia. In addition, make sure the free VPN doesn’t throttle speeds — none of the ones in this list do.
• Enough data. A free VPN is fine for light browsing, but they have limits. For more data-intensive activities like streaming, gaming, and VoIP calls, I recommend using a low-cost premium service for better reliability in China.
• Top security features. Free VPNs often lack key security features, which you shouldn’t compromise when you’re up against the GFW. All the VPNs on my list have 128 or 256-bit encryption to hide your data. I also ensured they all passed a DNS/IP leak test and offer kill switches to maintain online privacy in China.
• Alternative download methods. I checked that every listed VPN offers an APK file link, so you can download it discreetly from China. Some VPNs (including ExpressVPN) also have mirror URLs for an alternative way to sign up and download.
• Reliable customer support. It’s helpful to have 24/7 live chat in case you run into technical issues. If that's not available, it should at least provide support via email, a contact form, or a searchable knowledge base to answer your questions.
• Cross-platform compatibility. I made sure each VPN supports the most popular devices and operating systems.

Expert Tip: Most Free VPNs for China Aren’t Safe

Several free VPNs generate revenue by tracking your data and trading it with third parties. This not only jeopardizes your security but can also result in an influx of "customized" advertisements. Certain free VPNs are particularly dubious, and notorious for carrying viruses and malware within their applications.

On top of that, they usually don’t provide strong enough security to maintain your privacy online, especially not in China. Some have weak or broken encryption, while others don’t offer important features like leak protection or a kill switch.

Editors' Note: Expressvpn and this site are in the same ownership group.

Tips to Get a VPN From Within China

The Great Firewall blocks VPNs, so it’s best to get one before you travel to China. Google Play is completely blocked in the country. The Apple App Store is available, but thousands of apps are missing, including non-government-approved VPNs. On top of that, you’ll probably find your VPN’s website is blocked within the country, so you can’t download the app directly.

If you're already in China and having difficulty securing a free VPN, there are several alternative methods you can attempt.

• Use a mirror site. For example, ExpressVPN has 2 mirror sites for users in highly censored countries where its regular website isn’t available. It regularly switches up the URLs to avoid blocks from China and other countries, so you can download it, update the software, and even get in touch with customer support. You can request an up-to-date address from ExpressVPN at support@expressvpn.zendesk.com.
• Change your App Store’s location. The Apple Store isn’t blocked in China (unlike the Google Play Store). Still, you won’t find any VPNs on it that aren’t monitored by the government. You can create a new Apple account and set the country to one where VPNs are available to overcome this. Or change the region of your current account. Just log into the App Store, go to your profile, and tap Country/Region.
• Use hotel WiFi. Many hotels in China have VPNs integrated into their WiFi, so tourists can visit the regular websites they use at home. If you can connect to a hotel’s WiFi that offers this, you should be able to download a VPN.
• Use a web proxy. While proxies are less secure than VPNs, they can change your location so you can bypass the GFW and access the VPN’s website to download the app.
• Download an APK file. Third-party sites offer APK files for all the VPNs on this list. However, be aware that third-party links aren't always safe and sometimes contain malware. If you’re trying this method, I recommend installing antivirus software first.
• Use Tor browser. The GFW tries to block Tor, so the configurations needed for it to work in China change almost daily. Therefore, this method is quite time-consuming. However, once set up, you can use Tor to bypass the GFW and access VPN websites to download a free VPN.

FAQs on the Best Free VPNs for China

Is it illegal to use a VPN in China?

Only state-approved VPNs are legal to use in China. But since VPN companies tend to advocate for online freedom, many VPNs offer technologies specifically designed to allow people in China to overcome online censorship. It’s not possible for a VPN to provide this if it’s been approved by the Chinese government because it would have to log and share data with those authorities.

And while using a VPN that’s not approved could result in a fine or charge, there have been very few cases of this happening. There are no publicly-reported cases of visitors or tourists being prosecuted for using a VPN in the country. Even still, we recommend you read up on the latest rules and regulations and to be informed.

Which free VPNs have servers in China?

Not many. It’s extremely difficult to get a China IP address since the country has such invasive data retention policies. Having servers in the country would invalidate a VPN’s no-logs policy. Plus, free VPNs usually only offer a few server locations, usually in the US or Europe. That being said, some free VPNs offer safe servers in places nearby like Macau, Hong Kong, Singapore, or Indonesia. These regions aren’t subject to the GFW, so using these servers will allow you to access blocked sites with a fast connection.

Are free VPNs safe?

Not always — many free VPNs are unsafe. While there are some that offer secure access to blocked content in China, there are important safety concerns to consider. Firstly, free VPNs often lack robust security measures, leaving your data vulnerable to hackers and tracked in China. Plus, certain free VPNs might contain malware or display invasive ads, jeopardizing your device's integrity.

What if my VPN stops working in China?

First of all, make sure you’re using a VPN that’s been verified to work in China. Very few VPNs work reliably to bypass the GFW because it uses advanced technology to block VPN connections. If you’re still running into problems, here are some solutions you can try:

• Change protocols. Go into the security settings and try to connect using each protocol. Proprietary protocols are a good choice since they’re not as highly used, so they tend to be harder to detect and block: ExpressVPN’s Lightway and Hotspot Shield’s Hydra are 2 examples.. You can also fiddle with your protocol’s settings — try using TCP rather than UDP.
• Enable obfuscation. Scrambling your data can help you bypass the GFW by making your VPN look like regular internet traffic. Check to make sure obfuscation (sometimes called “Stealth”) is toggled on.
• Enable the kill switch and leak protection. If your VPN is leaking any of your real info, chances are the VPN connection will be detected and blocked, so it’s important to enable both these important settings.
• Change ports or DNS settings. The GFW uses port and DNS blocking among other methods. Some apps like hide.me let you switch ports and manually configure your device’s IPv4 and IPv6 DNS settings to 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare).

Which free VPNs have Android APK files for download?

All the VPNs on this list have APK files, although ExpressVPN, PrivateVPN, and hide.me are the only VPNs with an official APK for Android. The company hosts it on its own website, so you can be certain it’s legit. The other VPNs have APK files, but they’re on third-party sites. Wherever possible, I recommend that you only download APK files from the VPN’s official site. Third-party downloads can be risky since the files aren’t verified.

Why are VPNs, Google, and other apps and sites banned in China?

The Chinese government heavily censors online content for political reasons. While VPNs can help overcome this, most are also blocked by the government to maintain censorship.

In fact, at the end of 2022, the Chinese government strengthened the GFW’s VPN-blocking technology, which consequently made it hard for even some of the most reputable paid VPNs to get past it. However, there are still a few VPNs that offer strong security features (like obfuscation) to bypass China’s Great Firewall.

Popular socials that are blocked due to censorship include Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Instagram, and more. It also censors sites, like Google (and related services), Yahoo, YouTube, Spotify, Netflix, and other streaming platforms. Independent news sources such as the BBC and The New York Times are also unavailable.

You can use our handy tool to check to see if any URL is currently blocked in China.

Why is my VPN so slow in China?

With so much foreign content blocked, there is little bandwidth for data leaving China. A VPN with nearby servers in Macau or Hong Kong is the best option to maintain speed. These independent states aren’t subject to the Great Firewall (GFW). The GFW uses advanced monitoring called Deep Packet Inspection, which slows speeds for foreign sites. Therefore, international sites are considerably slower than local ones.

While all VPNs slow you down a little, free VPNs take this further by imposing data/speed caps and limiting their server networks. So if you need smooth browsing and streaming, it’s best to go with low-cost premium VPN that doesn’t limit your speeds.

Get the Best Free VPN for China Today

Many free VPNs aren’t secure enough to work in China. DNS leaks, weak encryption, and outdated protocols can mean you fall foul of the Great Firewall. The VPNs on this list can bypass the GFW safely and reliably and don’t cost a dime.

My #1 recommendation for China is ExpressVPN. Its advanced obfuscation technology means you can bypass the GFW undetected without even needing to configure anything. Plus, it easily accessed every blocked app, website, and streaming platform I tested it with. And while it’s not free, its reliability and unlimited data make it undeniably better than any free VPN. You can try ExpressVPN completely risk-free, though, because it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

The best VPNs for China that come with money-back guarantees are…

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1

9.9 /10

9.9 Our Score

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2

9.2 /10

9.2 Our Score

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3

9.0 /10

9.0 Our Score

Save 73%!

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Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, Cyberghost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.