Does Proton VPN Work in China? Tips + Alternatives in 2025

Proton VPN may not work in China, but some travelers on Reddit have mentioned establishing a secure connection after making trial-and-error adjustments to the app settings. I don't know about you, but I prefer a more reliable option. I'd be lost without Google Maps and WhatsApp when visiting another country.

Do VPNs work in China? VPN access in China is hit-or-miss, as the Great Firewall blocks most providers. Still, privacy and unrestricted access remain top concerns, given that China has over 300 million VPN users (Surfshark, 2025)¹.

In this guide, I'll provide a list of the best Proton VPN alternatives that work most often in China and explain what makes them so effective. Still, if you're a die-hard Proton VPN user, you can make some tweaks listed below to possibly use it in China. I also share some practical VPN setup tips so you can connect smoothly and safely.

Does Proton VPN Work in China?

Proton VPN doesn't reliably work in Mainland China. It’s been reported that the VPN can be detected and blocked in China, even with its signature Stealth obfuscation setting (which conceals VPN usage) enabled. I contacted Proton VPN’s support team to get their take on it, but they also couldn’t confirm if it works in China; the best I got was that it “should” work, without guarantees.

Your best bet is to use the Stealth protocol

According to Proton’s official statement on the website, the VPN can sometimes work in China:

The Great Firewall of China, a large-scale censorship and surveillance system, blocks various digital services, including Slack, Instagram, and Google. It reportedly uses over 60,000 censorship rules to filter web content access across China (The Citizen Lab, 2023)².

Proton VPN is not yet as advanced as other VPNs at disguising its traffic and making it appear as regular HTTPS traffic. However, I have a feeling it will get there soon. Still, some users report that adjusting the Proton VPN app settings can improve connectivity, though results vary.

Here's a list of Proton VPN tweaks you can try if you're keen to use it in China:

• Use the Stealth protocol. This protocol is designed to safely bypass complex network restrictions. It makes your VPN connections look like regular web traffic to avoid detection.
• Switch servers. If the firewall blocks specific VPN exit nodes, trying different servers might help resolve connectivity issues. Server locations near China often offer better speeds, but some users report that US-based servers perform better when things are frequently blocked.
• Clear cache. Try clearing your app and browser cache to remove stored metadata that may reveal your whereabouts, which could cause the VPN to be blocked.
• Enable alternative routing. This feature routes traffic through additional servers, which some users report helps when connection issues occur. Performance may vary depending on network conditions.
• Use Tor unlisted servers. Proton VPN supports Tor over VPN servers for advanced privacy and recommends unlisted private Tor servers (Tor Bridges) in China, which are harder to detect than public servers. Some users set these up in advance, but their performance may be limited in Mainland China.

Best Proton VPN Alternatives That Work in China (2025)

1. Astrill VPN — Secure and Automatically Optimized Settings For Reliable Connections in China 

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested November 2025

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Router Smart TV More

Try Astrill VPN >

www.Astrill_VPN.com

Astrill VPN offers several unique settings and protocols for safely accessing websites in China. I like that, even without any configuration, turning on Smart Mode automatically selects the correct network settings. If that doesn't work, use the StealthVPN or OpenWeb protocols with obfuscation to hide VPN signatures and tunnel traffic, blending it with regular HTTPS traffic to make it harder to detect.

I recommend using the servers specifically designed for China, called SuperCharged. These servers provide US IP addresses, allowing you to reliably use most international services, including Instagram and Bing, from China. In our tests, the Supercharged options were also faster than Astrill VPN's regular servers, with lower average ping, making them an excellent choice for playing League of Legends in China without additional lag.

You can see the Smart Mode settings even when using the Astrill VPN app in China

Astrill also offers alternative download URLs that work in China. To download the VPN or contact customer support from China, you can visit getastr.com or astrilcn.com. I also like that you can switch protocols directly from the app’s home screen without having to click through many settings menus.

One downside is that it doesn't offer a money-back guarantee, and it’s significantly more expensive than ExpressVPN or PrivateVPN. However, you can get a month of free service if you refer a friend who makes a first-time purchase.

Useful Features

• High-level security. AES 256-bit encryption makes your data unreadable, while a kill switch and IP/DNS leak protection safeguard your data from accidental exposure, for example, if the VPN drops when switching servers.
• Site Filter. This is known in most VPNs as split tunneling, and it lets you select which URLs you want routed through the VPN and which use your regular internet connection. It can improve your speeds by only encrypting parts of your traffic.
• 24/7 chat help. Astrill has support around the clock if you need help, and an agent replied to my question in under 1 minute when I tested it.

2. ExpressVPN — Obfuscation and Fast Speeds For Uninterrupted Browsing of International Content in China

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN delivers consistently fast and secure connections, making it a favorite among expats, business travelers, and anyone who needs reliable bandwidth in China. Its proprietary Lightway protocol also provided strong data security on hotel WiFi during our tests, and I noticed it connected faster than other protocols we tested.

I got answers to my China-related questions within 1 minute using ExpressVPN live chat

Minimal to no changes to settings are needed for ExpressVPN to work in China, since obfuscation is automatic (and available on all servers) when using the default protocol, usually Lightway. The VPN team regularly tests servers and replaces IP addresses that restrictive firewalls have blocked. I recommend using ExpressVPN's Pick for Me option for the best results. This automatically finds the best server for your location and network settings. You can find it by typing "Pick for Me" in the server search bar.

The VPN is one of the pricier options, but you save significantly when opting for a long-term option. Also, ExpressVPN is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee*, so you can try it risk-free.

Useful Features

• Mirror link. Due to government restrictions, most VPN websites are blocked in China. ExpressVPN offers alternative website addresses (like rtvvdqc.com) to download the VPN from within the country.
• Rotating IPs. ExpressVPN’s dynamic IP addresses change each time you connect. This makes it harder to track your internet activities and can help you avoid being blocklisted by sites. They’re available in nearby countries like Taiwan, Japan, and Hong Kong.
• Privacy-friendly. Your online activity is kept private with ExpressVPN's strict no-logs policy, which has been verified by multiple audit firms, including KPMG and PwC. It’s also headquartered in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands, so it’s not required by law to store any user information.

3. PrivateVPN — Advanced Security Features to Protect Your Online Privacy in China

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Router Smart TV More

Try PrivateVPN >

www.privatevpn.com

PrivateVPN keeps your data safe in China with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption. Like ExpressVPN's obfuscation technology, PrivateVPN’s StealthVPN mode hides your VPN use in China. I recommend enabling DNS and IPv6 leak protection, along with the kill switch, to protect your data from accidental exposure. We tested 12 PrivateVPN servers for leaks, and our real location was never exposed.

This is also where you'll find Stealth VPN

Thanks to PrivateVPN’s minimalist Simple mode, you can easily use it even if it’s your first experience with VPNs. However, Advanced mode gives you more control. For example, I turn on Application Guard so that I can choose which applications will work only when I have the VPN connected. This prevents me from using sensitive apps if I forgot to turn on the VPN.

One minor con is the VPN's smaller server network. However, PrivateVPN offers good server coverage near China, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, and Singapore. We found the speeds slower than ExpressVPN, but fast enough to watch One Punch Man on Netflix HK without buffering.

Useful Features

• Developer support. While most VPN’s support teams don’t have in-depth knowledge, PrivateVPN’s email support option puts you in direct contact with the VPN’s developers.
• Chinese language options. This makes the VPN easy to use if you’re a native Chinese speaker.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for China

Because many VPNs are blocked in China, our primary focus was on apps that remain usable under the Great Firewall. Our global team tested each provider for reliability, speed, and advanced obfuscation capabilities, including Stealth/anti-DPI servers, protocol flexibility (OpenVPN TCP 443 fallback, WireGuard), and nearby exit locations like Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, and Singapore.

We also evaluated privacy features such as AES‑256 encryption, kill switch functionality, and DNS/IPv6 leak protection. Speed tests were performed across mobile, desktop, and smart TV devices to confirm smooth streaming, video calls, and general browsing. Providers offering alternative download options (APK, DMG, EXE) were noted, since official sites may be blocked. Responsiveness of 24/7 support for China-specific issues was also a key criterion.

Pre-Flight Checklist Before Using a VPN in China

Doing some preparations before arriving in China can help you avoid blocks and make your VPN experience much easier.

• Sign up and install the VPN. Most likely, there will be challenges with accessing the VPN provider’s website from China or paying for the service. So make sure to create your account and do some tests before your flight. Still, some VPNs allow you to download their apps in China.
• Get offline manual install files. Download backup manual installation files, such as OpenVPN (TCP on port 443), WireGuard, or APK files, to a location on your hard drive, just in case you need them.
• Emergency resources. Save the mirror site links, provider contacts, practical troubleshooting, and VPN setup instructions. You should also chat with the support team and ask if they have any setting recommendations.
• Test the VPN. Connect to different servers, close by and far away, to gauge speed and compatibility with the apps or online services you intend to use while traveling.
• Get advice from someone in China. If you have a contact in mainland China, ask them about using VPNs, precautions, and any services they use.

Why Isn't Your VPN Working in China? Troubleshooting Tips

If you're having problems with your VPN in China, it could be a genuine malfunction, or the most likely reason is that it's blocked. If you're having issues, try these fixes:

• Check the connection. Before doing anything, make sure that your internet isn’t the issue.
• Switch servers. Try reconnecting to another server or selecting a nearby location, such as Hong Kong or Taiwan, which often deliver strong performance and stable speeds.
• Update/restart the app. Outdated clients may suddenly cause problems if the app was working properly, so make sure the VPN is up to date. You can also restart it to reset connections.
• Try different protocols. Change the protocols to WireGuard, OpenVPN over TCP port 443, or Shadowsocks. Also, protocols labeled as obfuscated, scrambled, or stealth are more likely to work in China as they hide VPN use.
• Set a private DNS. Some VPNs automatically switch to their secure DNS, but you should check if this is an optional setting on your app and turn it on.
• Use non-Chinese model devices. Some users report fewer problems with VPNs on foreign-manufactured devices, such as Android devices, than on domestic brands like Xiaomi and Huawei.
• Use international data roaming or an international eSIM. Instead of local networks, get internet services outside of China that aren’t affected by the Great China Firewall. Even an eSIM card from Hong Kong may work with VPNs or a restricted app like Facebook.

FAQs on Proton VPN Working in China

Get the Best VPN for China

Most VPNs are blocked in China, and only a few can be used there. While Proton VPN does occasionally work, getting a reliable connection can be quite frustrating. That’s why I recommend checking out other VPNs for China.

Among all the VPNs we tested, AstrillVPN is my top choice for China. It is very easy to use and offers robust security features like strong encryption and obfuscation. In addition, it also provides fast speeds.

References

1. https://surfshark.com/blog/vpn-users
2. https://citizenlab.ca/2023/04/a-comparison-of-search-censorship-in-china/