Best for Affordable Security

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On NordVPN's website

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• Loads of servers for more connection options
• Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix

• Too many confusing plans

Best for Consistency and Reliability

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On ExpressVPN's website

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• Strict no-logs policy with independent audit
• In-house Lightway protocol for more speed and security

• More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost

Best Security Features

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On VyprVPN's website

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• Impressive security features
• 24/7 support

• Netflix is tricky to access

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	$3.99/mo	Starts at $6.67/mo	Starts at $10.00/mo
Free version
Streaming support	Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, DAZN, and more	Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, DAZN, and more	Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, DAZN, and more
Learn more	See NordVPN Pricing	See ExpressVPN Pricing	See VyprVPN Pricing

NordVPN: Best for affordable security

With Nord, you can stay connected and secure without breaking the bank

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On NordVPN's website

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• Loads of servers for more 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 users who prioritize security and affordability while in China. This VPN is perfect for individuals who need 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's robust security features and extensive server network make it a great option for those who want to stay connected and secure 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 even passed its DNS leak and WebRTC leak tests during our testing.

NordVPN has a very strict no-logs policy, which ensures all browsing history and online activities remain secure and private. In addition to this, they provide a rather extensive server network with 5,500+ servers across 60 countries, which gives you multiple chances to find the best connection with minimal latency. 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 for users who 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. Furthermore, although NordVPN's speeds are generally good, they can sometimes be inconsistent, particularly during peak usage times. This may result in slower connections and longer buffering times for streaming content.

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

ExpressVPN is worth the investment if you value performance and privacy

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On ExpressVPN's website

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• 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 an ideal choice for users who prioritize consistently fast connection speeds, a large server network, 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 a vast server network with servers in 94 countries, providing users with numerous options to find the best connection. 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, it is 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 users, especially those on a tight budget.

Additionally, ExpressVPN allows only five simultaneous connections per account, which might not be enough for users who need to secure multiple devices or share their subscriptions with family members.

ExpressVPN specs

VyprVPN: Best security features

VyprVPN is reliable and offers advanced security features

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On VyprVPN's website

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• 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 is particularly suitable for users who want to bypass the Great Firewall of China while ensuring their data remains secure with cutting-edge 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 effectively bypasses the Great Firewall of China while maintaining strong encryption and security. The company's commitment to owning and operating its own servers 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 available to users, which may not cater to the diverse preferences of potential customers. With only two plans available, users 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 $10.00/mo and a monthly plan at $5.00/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 does not 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

VPNs that didn’t make the cut

While our top three VPNs for China have proven their effectiveness, there are other VPNs that didn't quite meet the criteria for various reasons. Despite being popular choices in other regions, CyberGhost and IPVanish face specific challenges in China that make them less suitable for users in the country.

CyberGhost, despite its user-friendly interface and a large number of servers, has difficulty bypassing the Great Firewall consistently. IPVanish struggles to maintain a stable connection to servers outside China, leading to frequent disconnections and an overall frustrating experience for users within the country.

CyberGhost

CyberGhost VPN offers a wide range of features, which include strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and the ability to use the VPN with up to seven devices. However, CyberGhost didn’t make our top three VPNs for China due to a number of reasons. Some users have raised issues with the CyberGhost servers being blocked in China and not being able to bypass the Great Firewall.

CyberGhost also lacks features that would allow it to work in China. It has no obfuscation and is limited to OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols. These protocols are effective in most countries where access to the internet is unrestricted. However, they’re not enough to bypass the strict censorship measures of China’s Great Firewall. The government actively looks for VPN traffic, so it’s essential that you have obfuscation technology in order to be able to connect successfully.

IPVanish

IPVanish is another popular VPN service provider with over 2,200 servers in more than 75 global locations. This VPN supports a number of protocols, such as OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and IKEv2, while also providing important VPN features like split tunneling.

But despite its popularity, IPVanish did not make our top three VPNs for China. There have been reports of IPVanish being blocked in China, making it unreliable for users in the country. It also struggles to maintain a stable connection to servers outside China, leading to frequent disconnections and an overall frustrating experience for users within the country. IPVanish’s inability to unblock popular streaming services like Netflix consistently is another drawback for users in China.

Best VPNs for China FAQs

Bottom line: The best VPNs for China

NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and VyprVPN are the top choices for users seeking a reliable VPN service 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. While CyberGhost and IPVanish didn't make the cut due to their inconsistency in bypassing the Great Firewall, our top three recommendations have proven their reliability and effectiveness in the Chinese market.

3 best VPNs for China

	Starting price	Best for	Learn more
NordVPN	$3.99/mo	Best for affordable security	See NordVPN Pricing Read NordVPN Review
ExpressVPN	Starts at $6.67/mo	Best for consistency and reliability	See ExpressVPN Pricing Read ExpressVPN Review
VyprVPN	Starts at $10.00/mo	Best for security features	See VyprVPN Pricing 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, kill switch feature, 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.

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.