We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

2 Best VPNs for Streaming Youku | Safe & Fast for 2024

Kristina Perunicic Updated on 19th February 2024 Managing Editor

Finding a VPN for streaming Youku in China is difficult since very few VPNs have servers in the country. In addition, VPNs are restricted in China, and many don't work there. But Youku is also available in most other countries in the world where VPNs are allowed, though the content libraries might differ.

Hypothetically, you could use a VPN to watch all of Youku's content from anywhere. But please remember it is against the platform’s terms and conditions and might constitute copyright infringement.

If you're in a country where Youku is available and VPNs are allowed, my top recommendation for Youku is Hotspot Shield. It has high-speed servers that allow you to securely stream your favorite Youku content in HD from your licensed location. You can also test it risk-free with 45-day money-back guarantee.

Watch Youku in HD with Hotspot Shield

Important! Many VPNs are banned in China, and the team at vpnMentor is against using a VPN illegally. Additionally, we don't condone any form of copyright infringement. The VPN services listed below adhere to strict no-logging policies to ensure your online activities can’t be traced back to you. So, while using a VPN, it's your responsibility to adhere to all governmental regulations, in addition to Youku’s streaming T&Cs and copyright law.

Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Youku

  • Editor's Choice
    Hotspot Shield
    Hotspot Shield
    Easy to use and affordable, Hotspot Shield has servers in China and unlimited bandwidth for streaming.
  • FlyVPN
    FlyVPN
    One of the less well-known services, FlyVPN is based in Hong Kong and offers some of the best speeds in China.

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

Benefits Of Using a VPN

VPNs secure your data by using encryption so that no one can detect or monitor your online activity.

Keeping your online behavior private in this way prevents any third parties from spying on you or intercepting your traffic in order to steal sensitive information. A VPN can stop hackers, ad companies, and government agencies in their tracks.

Best VPNs for Youku

1. Hotspot Shield - Stream Youku Buffer-Free

  • 1,800 servers in 80 countries
  • 5 devices per license
  • 45-day money-back guarantee
  • Works with: Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Youku, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more
  • Compatible with: Windows, Android, iOS, Chrome, macOS, and more

Quick, simple, and easy-to-use, Hotspot Shield is great for streaming Youku within its licensed regions. This VPN is one of the rare services to offer servers in China and offers unlimited bandwidth that allows you to stream as much content as you like.

Impressive speeds come courtesy of the VPN's innovative Catapult Hydra protocol. My global team also confirmed it works just as well with other popular services in their respective locations. This includes Netflix, Hulu, Max, and more.

As you stream, you'll be protected by military-grade encryption, DNS and IP leak protection, an automatic kill switch, and a malware blocker.

You don't need to take our word for it, you can read reviews from real Hotspot Shield users first or try the service out with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

2. FlyVPN - Excellent Speeds for Youku

  • 1,250 servers in 40 countries
  • 5 devices per license
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Works with: Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Youku, Amazon Prime Video, Showtime, and more
  • Compatible with: Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, macOS, and more

Although FlyVPN might not have the same renown as some of the more prominent VPN providers, it distinguishes itself with its active servers inside China. Its Hong Kong-based headquarters plays a substantial role in its capability to provide impressive speeds for streaming Youku in HD, provided you're in a licensed location.

Like our other recommendations, FlyVPN also gives all users unlimited bandwidth. Your privacy is taken care of by military-grade, AES 256-bit encryption. Real users particularly praise the VPN's base in Hong Kong for being outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance.

FlyVPN can be a bit more expensive than other options but it is worth it if you want Chinese servers with the best speeds. You can try out the VPN for yourself with a 30-day money-back guarantee as long as you pay with PayPal or AliPay.

Where Can I Watch Youku Online?

Youku is a global streaming platform, but it's the most popular in China. Some of its content is licensed in other regions, but it offers the most content in China.

Like many streaming platforms, it uses your IP address to identify your location and restrict your content to the shows and movies licensed in your location. As a result, if you try to watch Youku from outside China, you may not find your favorite content. Streaming platforms employ such restrictions to protect their licensed and copyrighted content.

FAQs

Can I use a free VPN while watching Youku?

Personally, I have yet to find one that doesn't make you pay to use the best streaming servers for Youku. Most limit your access to servers, throttle speeds, or set really low data caps. The worst free VPNs even spam your devices with malware or sell your personal browsing habits to third-parties for a profit.

That's why I recommend using Hotspot Shield for watching Youku in HD from your licensed location. It has fast servers that are ideal for buffer-free streaming. and it comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Are VPNs illegal in China?

It's complicated. That said, citizens need a special license to use one and can get fines if they use a VPN to get around China's internet restrictions. No visitor has ever been fined or jailed for using one without a license though. However, what you use the VPN for can be considered illegal — such as streaming content that is not licensed for China from within the country. So, just make sure you’re fully aware of the country’s laws and the terms and conditions of the sites or apps you use in China. For more information on where VPNs are legal, check out this guide.

What's the fastest VPN for China?

ExpressVPN offers the fastest speeds I have found for China, you hardly notice a drop in speeds when you connect for the first time and it works well for torrenting, gaming, and streaming. It also backs its service with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can buy a plan stress and commitment free.

Start Streaming Youku Today

Youku is available in China and other countries, but the content libraries might differ from region to region. A VPN can hypothetically let you watch any Youku content from anywhere, but doing so would break the platform's T&Cs and might even amount to copyright infringement. Plus, if you're in China, note that there are specific laws regarding VPN use there.

If you're in a licensed region, Hotspot Shield is my top recommendation for watching Youku. It has fast speeds and reliable servers for bufferless HD streaming. You can also test it risk-free with its 45-day money-back guarantee.

Or, if you want to know more about Chinese censorship, read our article on why VPNs are illegal in China.

To summarize, the Best VPNs for Youku in 2024 are:

Rank
Provider
Our Score
Discount
Visit Website
1
medal
9.1 /10
9.1 Our Score
Save 77%!
2
6.4 /10
6.4 Our Score
Save 50%!
Privacy Alert!

Your data is exposed to the websites you visit!

Your IP Address:

Your Location:

Your Internet Provider:

The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.

VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 49% off.

Visit ExpressVPN

We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

About the Author

Kristina Perunicic is a former editor for vpnMentor. She’s a cybersecurity expert with an interest in VPNs and their importance in the digital privacy landscape.

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