China is infamous for its incredibly strict internet censorship. Blocking a huge amount of the world’s internet content with its Great Firewall, anyone heading to or living in the country will need access to a quality the best China VPN in order to surf the web like they’re used to.
Facebook, Instagram, Wikipedia, Dropbox, the BBC… If you’re from the US or Europe, just about every daily site you rely is blocked in China, and using the best VPN for China is your only option. However, not every provider can do the job, and in fact many of the most famous VPNs don’t work at all.
So, here we’ve rounded up the five best China VPNs that really do work – and most come with a money-back guarantee in the event that you can’t get online with them.
What makes the best China VPN?
Since many VPNs won’t work in China, simply being able to get online as a China VPN is a useful first step.
Then, we’d highly recommend seeking a service with 24/7 live-chat support. If you run into any issues with your China VPN, you’ll be able to contact your provider and they should be able to remedy your problem. A money-back guarantee is also well worth finding, since no VPN can guarantee a 100% success rate in the country. If it fails, at least you’ll get your money back.
In our ExpressVPN review, the provider ticked all these boxes, which is why it features here. For many, though, the best China VPN will be Astrill VPN. While its apps lacks the polish of bigger names, it’s highly regarded and widely recommended as one of the best for getting online in China.
It’s important to note that the situation regarding VPNs in China can change, as the government actively blocks and targets VPN services. However, based on information available up until my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, here are a few VPN services that have been reported to work well in China:
ExpressVPN:
ExpressVPN is known for its reliable performance in bypassing the Great Firewall of China. It offers a large network of servers worldwide, including servers in Hong Kong, which can provide good access to international content. ExpressVPN also offers obfuscated servers and strong security features.
NordVPN :
NordVPN is another popular VPN service that has been reported to work in China. It offers obfuscated servers, advanced security features, and a large server network. NordVPN has dedicated servers in Asia, including Hong Kong, which can help with accessing restricted content.
VyprVPN:
VyprVPN is known for its proprietary Chameleon protocol, which is designed to defeat VPN blocking and censorship. It has servers in Asia, including Hong Kong and nearby regions, which can help with faster connections. VyprVPN also offers strong security measures.
Astrill VPN:
Astrill VPN has been used by many individuals in China and has a dedicated focus on providing access in restrictive regions. It offers a range of protocols and has servers in various locations, including Hong Kong and neighboring countries.
Please note that while these VPN services have worked well in the past, there is no guarantee that they will continue to do so in the future. The Chinese government actively monitors and blocks VPN services, so it’s essential to stay updated on the current situation and be prepared for potential disruptions.
Additionally, it’s worth considering that using a VPN in China may still carry some risks, and it’s important to use VPNs responsibly and in accordance with local laws and regulations.
How can I use a free VPN tool in China?
Using a free VPN tool in China can be challenging due to the country’s strict internet censorship and the Great Firewall. The Chinese government actively blocks many VPN services, and free VPNs are often targeted and restricted more aggressively.
However, if you still want to try using a free VPN in China, here are some steps you can take:
- Research and choose a reliable free VPN: Look for free VPN services that have a good reputation and positive reviews from users. Check if they have servers that work in China.
- Download and install the VPN before arriving in China: Due to the restrictions, it may be difficult to access VPN websites and download the software once you’re already in China. Make sure to download and install the VPN tool before you travel there.
- Test the VPN outside of China: Before entering China, test the VPN to ensure it’s working properly. Connect to the VPN server and verify if you can access restricted websites or content. It’s important to note that while it might work outside of China, it may not function reliably once you’re within the country.
- Use obfuscated servers or protocols: Some VPNs offer obfuscated servers or protocols designed to bypass censorship. These servers or protocols mask the VPN traffic and make it harder for the Great Firewall to detect and block it. Check if the free VPN you choose provides such features.
- Be prepared for connection issues: Free VPN services are often crowded, resulting in slower speeds and connection instability. You may experience frequent disconnections or difficulties connecting to the VPN server. Patience and persistence are key.
- Consider paid VPN alternatives: If you require a more reliable and consistent VPN experience in China, it’s worth considering a paid VPN service. Paid VPNs often have better infrastructure, stronger security measures, and dedicated support, which can enhance your ability to bypass censorship.
Remember, using a VPN in China carries some risks, and the effectiveness of free VPNs can be limited. It’s crucial to stay informed about the latest developments in China’s internet censorship policies and use caution when accessing restricted content.
