Best for Affordable Security

4.9

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On NordVPN's website

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NordVPN

• High-quality VPN offering safety and speed
• Loads of servers for multiple connection options
• Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
• Too many confusing plans

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Best for Consistency and Reliability

4.6

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On ExpressVPN's website

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ExpressVPN

• Premium VPN offering strong security and ultra-fast speeds
• Strict no-logs policy with independent audit
• In-house Lightway protocol for more speed and security
• More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost

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Best Security Features

4.6

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On VyprVPN's website

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VyprVPN

• Impressive security features
• 24/7 support
• Netflix is tricky to access

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Due to China’s strong internet censorship rules, navigating its digital environment may be difficult. VPN users in China require a reliable and secure virtual private network (VPN) to stay connected and avoid these limitations.

We determined that NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and VyprVPN are the best VPNs for China. These VPNs not only provide top-tier security features, but they also reliably evade the Great Firewall and provide excellent speed. In this article, we will examine each VPN’s features, price, and advantages to assist you in deciding which VPN best meets your needs while in China.

The best VPNs for China

• NordVPN: Best for affordable security
• ExpressVPN: Best for consistency and reliability
• VyprVPN: Best security features

Top 3 VPN services for China compared

VPN	NordVPN	ExpressVPN	VyprVPN
Starting price	Starts at $2.99/mo	Starts at $6.67/mo	Starts at $5.00/mo
Free version
Streaming support	Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, HBO Max, DAZN, and more	Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, HBO Max, DAZN, and more	Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, HBO Max, DAZN, and more
Learn more	Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review	Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review	Read VyprVPN Review

NordVPN: Best for affordable security

4.9

Limited-time offer: 69% off + 3 extra months

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On NordVPN's website

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NordVPN

• High-quality VPN offering safety and speed
• Loads of servers for multiple connection options
• Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
• Too many confusing plans

Who it’s best for

NordVPN is one of the best VPN services for those who prioritize security and affordability while in China. This VPN can provide a reliable solution to bypass the Great Firewall, access blocked content, and maintain their privacy. Whether you're a traveler, an expat, or a local resident, NordVPN is worth the subscription if you want robust security features and extensive server network without breaking the bank.

What we liked

NordVPN’s double VPN feature, also known as multi-hop, routes your internet traffic through two servers rather than one, providing an additional security layer and making it hard for your online activities to be traced. On top of this, this VPN uses AES 256-bit encryption and has obfuscated servers that are designed to bypass heavy internet restrictions and censorship, like those in China. Nord also passed its DNS leak and WebRTC leak tests during our testing, so you can rest assured that this VPN comes with leak protection.

NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy, which ensures all browsing history and online activities remain secure and private. In addition to this, it provides a rather extensive server network with nearly 6,000 servers across 60 countries, which gives you multiple chances to find the best connection with minimal latency. It even comes with Threat Protection, an ad-blocking function that also blocks trackers and malware. When it comes to great costs and great quality, Nord is a clear winner.

What we didn’t like

While NordVPN is a strong contender for users in China, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Although NordVPN does offer dedicated IP addresses, this feature comes at an additional cost. This might be a downside if you require a consistent IP address for specific purposes, such as accessing certain geo-restricted content or for online gaming, but who are on a tight budget. 

Additionally, NordVPN's customer support, while available 24/7, has received mixed reviews. Some users have reported slow response times and less-than-satisfactory resolutions to their issues. However, it's worth noting that NordVPN has been working to improve its customer support, along with providing many troubleshooting pages, and many users still report positive experiences with the service.

NordVPN specs

ExpressVPN: Best for consistency and reliability

4.6

Save 49% on 12 months + 3 months free

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On ExpressVPN's website

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ExpressVPN

• Premium VPN offering strong security and ultra-fast speeds
• Strict no-logs policy with independent audit
• In-house Lightway protocol for more speed and security
• More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost

Who it’s best for

ExpressVPN is best if you prioritize consistently fast internet connection speeds and user-friendly apps across various devices. It's perfect for bypassing geo-restrictions, streaming content, and maintaining a reliable VPN connection in China. While its pricing is on the higher side, its top-notch security and proven no-logs policy make it worth the investment for users who value performance and privacy.

What we liked

ExpressVPN offers servers in 105 countries, providing numerous options to find the best connection. ExpressVPN is also one of the fastest VPNs on the market, and its proprietary Lightway protocol ensures fast and reliable connections, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, and other bandwidth-intensive activities. 

Moreover, with ExpressVPN’s user-friendly apps and compatibility with a wide range of devices including mobile apps for Android and IOS and routers, it's very easy to use the platform and secure your privacy.

What we didn’t like

One of the main drawbacks of ExpressVPN is its relatively high price compared to other VPN services. While it offers excellent performance and features, the cost may not be justifiable for some, especially those on a tight budget. You can try it out for 30 days risk-free and determine if it's worth the cost for you.

ExpressVPN specs

VyprVPN: Best security features

4.6

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On VyprVPN's website

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VyprVPN

• Impressive security features
• 24/7 support
• Netflix is tricky to access

Who it’s best for

VyprVPN is ideal for individuals who prioritize advanced security features and are willing to invest in a reliable VPN to protect their online activities. This VPN works to bypass the Great Firewall of China while ensuring your data remains secure with strong encryption and security protocols. If you’re concerned about privacy and are looking for a VPN provider that owns and operates its own servers, offering better control and security, you’ll find VyprVPN to be an excellent choice.

What we liked

We were impressed by VyprVPN's proprietary Chameleon protocol, which is helpful for bypassing restrictive networks put in place by governments, corporations, and internet service providers (ISPs). It combats VPN blocking via deep packet inspection so you can even bypass the Great Firewall. The company's commitment to owning and operating its own servers and networks also adds an extra layer of security, as it minimizes the risk of third-party interference.

Additionally, VyprVPN's no-logs policy and Swiss jurisdiction further enhance privacy protection for users. The service offers excellent speeds and reliable connections, making it suitable for streaming, gaming, and other data-intensive activities.

What we didn’t like

While VyprVPN has many strengths, it falls short in a few areas. One drawback is the limited subscription options , which may not cater to the diverse preferences of potential customers. With only two plans available, you don’t have many choices compared to VPNs like Nord and ExpressVPN, which offer numerous pricing structures.

Vypr has just one standard plan with two pricing structures: a one-year plan costing $5.00/mo and a monthly plan at $10.00/mo. You would have to pay the same price regardless of how many devices you choose to connect or how much data you use. This could be inconvenient if you are looking for a more customized plan that fits your device and bandwidth needs.

Another issue is that VyprVPN doesn't consistently unblock all popular streaming services. Although it claims to unblock an abundance of various platforms, consistency is another factor. This might be a deal-breaker for users who primarily want a VPN for streaming purposes.

VyprVPN specs

Honorable mentions

While we've provided three recommended VPNs for China, these options aren't the only ones available. Here are three additional VPNs you can consider:

• CyberGhost: CyberGhost offers a substantial server network of over 10,000 servers in 100 countries.  In Asia alone, it offers 900-plus servers and 30 cities with servers, providing plenty of connections for users in China.

  Get CyberGhost VPN | Read Our CyberGhost VPN Review

• Private Internet Access: Private Internet Access is another affordable VPN with plenty of security features. Its multi-hop feature provides access to Shadowsocks and SOCKS5 proxy, which further masks your IP address to protect your data from hackers and other cyberthreats.

  Get Private Internet Access | Read Our Private Internet Access Review

• Astrill VPN: Astrill VPN created Stealth VPN, which is its proprietary protocol, to obfuscate your VPN traffic and make it undetectable for automated firewalls. Its another solid choice for countries with heavy censorship.

  Read Our Astrill VPN Review

Best VPNs for China FAQs

Bottom line: The best VPNs for China

NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and VyprVPN are our top choices VPN service providers for use in China. Each of these VPNs offers unique features, security, and pricing options, making it easier for you to find the perfect fit for your needs. 

3 best VPNs for China

	Starting price	Best for	Learn more
NordVPN	$2.99/mo	Best for affordable security	Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review
ExpressVPN	Starts at $6.67/mo	Best for consistency and reliability	Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review
VyprVPN	Starts at $5.00/mo	Best for security features	Get VyprVPN Read VyprVPN Review

How we tested the best VPNs for China

We conducted extensive research to choose the top three VPNs for China by focusing on the following features:

• Great Firewall bypass: We evaluated each VPN's ability to bypass China's Great Firewall, which blocks access to many websites and services outside the country.
• Security features: We looked at each VPN's encryption protocols, inclusion of essentials like a kill switch and split tunneling, and overall security reputation to ensure they could keep users' data secure and private.
• Performance: We tested each VPN's speed and stability to ensure it could handle the demands of users in China, where internet speeds can be slower and more unstable than in other parts of the world.
• Simultaneous connections: We examined how many devices users may connect to the VPN at the same time, as this is an essential consideration for families or groups.
• Customer support: We looked at each VPN's customer support, including their live chat and email support, to ensure that customers could receive help as quickly and simply as possible if they needed it.

How to use a VPN in China

Once you select your preferred China VPN, follow these steps:

1. Sign up for an account and choose your favored subscription plan.
2. Download and install the VPN software on your devices (Windows PC, Mac, iPhone, etc.) before arriving in mainland China as many VPN websites may be blocked.
3. Once in China, open the VPN app and connect to a server in a nearby country like Taiwan, Japan, or Hong Kong for fast speeds.
4. Test different servers and protocols if you encounter any connectivity issues.

It's also worth noting that the Chinese government regularly attempts to ban VPNs, so be sure your VPN is operational before visiting the country. It's also a good idea to enable your VPN's kill switch, which immediately disconnects your internet if the VPN connection dies, to protect your activities from being revealed.

Also, certain VPNs may have restricted functioning in China owing to server locations or protocols, so try exploring different VPN options if you run into any problems. You can stay safe and secure when using the internet in China if you follow these recommendations and use a reputable VPN.

4.9

Limited-time offer: 69% off + 3 extra months

Learn More

On NordVPN's website

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NordVPN

• High-quality VPN offering safety and speed
• Loads of servers for multiple connection options
• Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
• Too many confusing plans

Author Details

Ryan L. Clancy

About the Author

Ryan Clancy is a freelance writer and blogger. With 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience, he's passionate about all things engineering and tech. He loves bringing engineering (especially mechanical) down to a level that everyone can understand.