Finding the best VPN for China has become a necessity due to ever-increasing restrictions on foreign content in the country. Virtual private networks (VPNs) offer a solution to this issue. By providing an encrypted connection, with obfuscation and other masking technology, VPNs provide a workaround needed by many to access restricted content.
Given the complexities of the Great Firewall, however, not all of the best VPNs are capable China VPNs. VPN providers constantly have to find ways to circumvent measures imposed in China to prevent VPN usage, meaning a VPN's effectiveness in China could vary from week to week.
To help you choose the best VPN for China right now, we've combined on-the-ground testing in China itself with our years of hands-on VPN expertise to curate a refined list of VPN services that we know work at the time of writing. Right now, the best VPN for China is Surfshark, though this could change in the coming weeks, so check back in to make sure you're choosing the right service for your needs.
Axel was in China between 7th and 10th April 2025, equipped with every VPN on this list. During his time in China, he tested each VPN provider's ability to unblock streaming services such as Netflix and Disney+. social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, and other day-to-day apps such as Spotify, BBC News, Gmail, and Slack. Alongside this, he tested how easy each service was to use in China and any issues that occured throughout his time there.
The three best China VPNs today
Looking for a quick answer? Here are our three best VPNs for China in 2025 that bypass the Great Firewall while keeping you protected:
Recent updates
Since our last update, we've completed a round of on-the-ground testing in China itself, and it's caused quite the shake-up. Surfshark is now the best VPN for China, with NordVPN dropping to second and ExpressVPN to third. We've also made some changes to how we format this guide, meaning you should know everything you need to make an informed decision before heading to China.
The best VPNs for China in 2025
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Here's a more in-depth look at what makes these the best VPNs to use in China. We've analyzed how each of them keeps you safe when you're browsing foreign content online and what features each offers to ensure you can trust them with your online data.
Alongside Axel's on-the-ground testing in China itself, Rob works with each of these VPNs constantly. Having worked with consumer technology for eight years, Rob has a keen eye for issues consumers might face when getting to grips with products, and with a passion for privacy, Rob is constantly hands-on with the best VPNs. This means Rob is perfectly positioned to spot any issues you might face with your China VPN on arrival.
The best VPN for China
Surfshark is currently the best VPN for China. Not only because it offers a clean, understandable interface for even the most novice VPN users, or because it's the fastest VPN we tested, but also because it offers several impressive security tools that ensure you won't be exposed while using the VPN in China.
Firstly, NoBorders. NoBorders is Surfshark's unique restriction-bypassing functionality that enables web browsing even in the most restrictive regions of the world. Once you enter a region that Surfshark detects as attempting to restrict your network, NoBorders activates automatically and connects you to the best local server that will work under the restrictions in place.
Alongside NoBorders, Surfshark also offers several more common security functionalities to protect your connection in China. These include a kill switch, which has seen numerous performance improvements over our past rounds of testing, split tunneling, rotating IP, and obfuscation technologies on its OpenVPN protocols across TCP and UDP.
Discover how Surfshark performed in China ▼
When we tested Surfshark in China, it provided the most seamless experience of all the providers tested. It also connected to a nearby server quickly and had little difficulty accessing streaming services such as Netflix and Disney+. When connecting to apps and websites, it was equal to NordVPN in terms of speed, and was able to access every app and website we tested it with, including the likes of Spotify, Facebook, YouTube, and Gmail.
The only app that proved even slightly difficult for Surfshark in testing was the BBC. Though this did require some region switching as a fix, with Canada being the most successful option at the time to access the service.
If you're looking to use Surfshark in China, our recommendation would be to pick up a Surfshark One plan. This plan gives you access to Surfshark's VPN and its ad-free search engine, antivirus, and data leak alerts, all for only $2.49 per month. Plus, if you struggle using Surfshark in China, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
The most feature-driven VPN for China
NordVPN regularly ranks as the best VPN for most things, though it just misses out on the top spot as a China VPN. Despite this, it offers a clean interface, is among the fastest VPNs we've tested this year, and offers a suite of security tools designed to get you connected seamlessly in areas of internet restrictions such as China.
The most important of these is one of NordVPN's most recent additions, NordWhisper. Launched in January 2025, NordWhisper is NordVPN's latest protocol and allows users to navigate more restricted internet territories while retaining a stable, usable connection.
NordWhisper differs from traditional obfuscation methods used by some of the best VPNs. It's based on web tunnel technology that provides a connection that appears as though your internet traffic is regular, without some of the indicators that can be left by traditional VPN protocols.
Alongside NordWhisper, NordVPN offers several useful security features for connecting to a VPN in China. Alongside NordWhisper, NordVPN offers traditional obfuscated servers. You also have options for double VPN, and Onion over VPN, both of which can provide added security to your connection if you want to be extra safe. Should you need to exclude any apps from your connection, NordVPN also offers highly customizable split tunneling.
Discover how NordVPN performed in China ▼
In China, NordVPN was among the best performers. Despite experiencing some initial issues joining a server, NordVPN was one of the fastest performers once connected, only surpassed by Surfshark's performance.
Testing NordVPN with some of the most popular apps and sites also proved successful, as, unlike Surfshark, NordVPN had no issues accessing any of the apps or services we tested in China, including the BBC, which had caused Surfshark some issues.
The biggest differentiator we feel exists between NordVPN and Surfshark right now is in the user experience. While both are among the most capable VPNs, Surfshark offers a simpler user interface, which, for beginners who might simply need a VPN to travel to China with, is easier to navigate and find the necessary features. Plus, Surfshark is notably cheaper than NordVPN, with plans only starting from $1.99/month at the time of writing.
That said, more capable VPN users will have no difficulty using NordVPN in China, and, should you choose one of its more advanced plans, you can access a host of other features to help make your day-to-day online activities easier. Plus, if you're unsure if it's the right choice, you can make use of its 30-day money-back guarantee to test it in China and make your choice at the end of the time.
The most secure VPN for China
ExpressVPN is among the best VPNs for China because if you want absolute certainty that your connection is secure, few do it better. That said, our testing showed a number of usability issues that, should you wish to use ExpressVPN in China, you'll need to be prepared for.
ExpressVPN still ranks as the most secure VPN we've tested. It uses TrustedServer technology to ensure its RAM-only servers are wiped on every reboot, its servers never write to a hard drive, and the software stack is reinstalled in its entirety on every server at startup. This essentially means ExpressVPN is blocking holes your data could escape through before they even exist.
Alongside this, ExpressVPN offers one of the best kill switches we've tested, encrypted DNS on all its servers, and AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption capabilities. Something notably missing from ExpressVPN, which is offered by some of the other best China VPNs, is multihop. Lacking this feature means, while you can trust the connection you can attain from the off, you can't add another server to the mix for added peace of mind.
Discover how ExpressVPN performed in China ▼
In China, ExpressVPN struggled more than we expected, though it still proved capable. At the initial setup stage, we were unable to log in on mobile devices despite using the correct information, so all our ExpressVPN testing was done via our Windows 11 Dell laptop. Even then, however, we encountered issues, with repeated instances of being disconnected from Wi-Fi when attempting to connect to the VPN. Once connected to a server in Canada, this was rectified.
Testing a selection of apps and services proved more successful, as ExpressVPN capably unblocked every service we tested without issues. Equally, testing ExpressVPN with streaming services proved easy enough, with the provider unblocking Disney+ and Netflix without difficulty. It should be noted, however, that we found ExpressVPN slightly slower than NordVPN and Surfshark. While not disruptively slow, this should be considered if streaming is a key area of interest during your travels in China.
It should be said that ExpressVPN is the most expensive of the top three China VPNs. Starting from $4.99 per month, ExpressVPN is around $2 per month more expensive than NordVPN and around $3 more expensive than Surfshark, which is considerable given the lack of security capabilities such as multihop. Plus, you can expect fewer additional features with an ExpressVPN plan, even if the security is unquestionable.
Other China VPNs I've tested and recommend
AstrillVPN has long been considered among the best VPNs for China by both travellers and locals. In reality, a few small changes could see the provider jump up the list, as it offers a great selection of security features to help you on your trip to China that even the likes of ExpressVPN can't offer. However, it's limited by a poor app interface that could lead to many feeling it is untrustworthy, and performance that doesn't match the other top China VPNs.
For your security, AstrillVPN offers a bunch of features. Unlike ExpressVPN, AstrillVPN offers both multihop and Onion over VPN connection capabilities. Meaning you can add extra layers of security to your connection should you need it. Plus, Astrill offers a traditional kill switch, and AppGuard, AstrillVPN's kill switch alternative that can cut connections for specific applications should that be necessary.
Something else to note is that AstrillVPN, unlike ExpressVPN and NordVPN, offers unlimited simultaneous connections. This means you do not have to think about the number of devices you protect at any one time, which can be easier should you wish to connect and forget about your VPN when travelling.
Read more about Astrill VPN
In China, AstrillVPN performed well. One omission from its features we noticed instantly was a lack of auto-connect, meaning we were left choosing the best server by our own guesswork. After eventually successfully connecting in Hong Kong, we saw little reason to be concerned by the quality of our connection throughout our testing time.
Testing AstrillVPN across some of the most popular websites proved successful. It unblocked the likes of Facebook, Spotify, YouTube, and Slack without difficulty. It even unblocked the BBC seamlessly, which had been something causing issues for other VPNs in this list. Streaming services saw equal amounts of success, with both Netflix and Disney+ being accessible when connected to AstrillVPN.
It's worth mentioning that AstrillVPN is the most expensive option among the best VPNs for China. Starting from $12.50 per month, it's well over double what you'd pay for ExpressVPN, a service we already consider to be questionably expensive. So, unless you find that specific websites you use perform better when using AstrillVPN in China, it's advisable to look towards either NordVPN or Surfshark for a better bargain.
How to choose the best VPN for China
Due to the lengths taken by the Chinese government to prevent people from bypassing their controls, choosing the best VPN for China isn't simple. Some of the best VPNs we test for other purposes massively struggle to perform in the region, and, among those that do work, there are four key things you should look for:
Obfuscation: VPNs with obfuscation capabilities offer the best possibility of bypassing restrictions in China. Obfuscation masks the fact that you are using a VPN, making your online traffic appear as usual, and consequently avoiding detection from the Great Firewall.
A strong track record: Whether it be an in-depth, audited, no-logs policy or continuous efforts to improve and develop the technology to bypass restrictions, A VPN provider needs to put the work in to earn your trust. An audited no-logs policy is the strongest indicator that a provider has your privacy at its heart, while continuous development ensures you can trust you'll be able to bypass the Great Firewall's restrictions.
Reliable performance: Due to the need to use stealthier VPN protocols to bypass restrictions, many VPNs suffer greatly regarding performance when connecting in China. This means you should look for a VPN with reliable, fast connection speeds and a wide range of available servers to ensure you have the best chance of attaining a strong, stable connection in China.
Customer support: Due to China's continual efforts to block methods to bypass the Great Firewall, it's almost a certainty that you'll run into issues at some point when connecting in China. Finding a VPN with strong customer support options, be that 24/7 live chat, an in-depth guides and FAQs hub, or expert advice via email, enables quick access to solutions so you needn't go disconnected for long.
How we test VPNs for China
Aside from ensuring a VPN actually works in China, which is a more telling test than it might sound, we check a number of things when recommending the best VPNs for China. The five biggest factors we check are that:
When it comes to a VPN for China, the most important thing is security. Without a secure infrastructure, you put yourself at risk of being detected using an unlicensed VPN, and/or accessing restricted content. Because of this, we always confirm the following before recommending any service on this list:
- The VPN provider isn't associated with the Chinese government: most VPN services approved by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) will log your usage information and report illegal activity to the authorities.
- There's a robust no-logs policy: Meaning no usage logging, IP logging, or anything that can be tied back to you as an individual, not by the VPN provider, nor by any of their partners.
- There are VPN servers in or near China and/or Hong Kong: The closer a server is to you physically, the less the impact on your speeds. Having servers in the surrounding regions means you'll be able to get fast, reliable connections and a better overall experience.
- Necessary security tools are present: Whether it's obfuscation technology, a kill switch, multihop, or something proprietary, we look to ensure all our recommended China VPNs offer what's needed to keep you safe online.
- The safest encryption protocols are available: we'll always check that a VPN service is offering either WireGuard or OpenVPN protocols, so your data is genuinely safe, and not just giving you a false sense of security.
In April 2025, we also, for the first time ever, completed on-the-ground testing in China itself. In these tests, we confirmed we were capable of setting up each VPN, connecting to a server, and then accessing some of the most popular apps that are commonly unavailable in China. These included:
- BBC
- Facebook (and Facebook Messenger)
- Gmail
- Spotify
- Slack
- YouTube
- Netflix
- Disney+
If you're interested in the nuts and bolts of how we put VPNs through their paces, head on over to our VPN testing methodology page.
How to stay safe in China with a VPN
Given the risks of using a VPN in China, it's essential that you check you're properly protected before you start browsing with a VPN. There are three things we recommend you check before connecting to a VPN in China:
1. Pick the right encryption protocol: We recommend using OpenVPN with AES 256-bit encryption when you're in China, as this is the best way to protect yourself. Whether you use TCP (better for torrenting) or UDP (better for streaming and gaming) implementations, getting your encryption protocol right is vital.
2. Only use obfuscated (stealth) servers: they hide your VPN usage, so no one, not even the CCP will be able to tell if you're using a VPN.
3. Always use a kill switch: It is non-negotiable that you use a kill switch. Without one, you risk leaking your data if your VPN connection is disrupted. Always make sure your kill switch is on before connecting and browsing foreign content.
VPN for China FAQs
What is the best China VPN?
Surfshark is currently the Best VPN for China. In our testing, we found it to be the easiest and fastest to connect to a server, it performed flawlessly when unblocking websites and streaming services, and it offers a suite of extra security options for added peace of mind. Plus, it's the cheapest VPN for China that works right now.
Can you get in trouble for using a VPN in China?
Yes. If what you're doing is illegal in China, then it's still illegal, even if you're using a VPN. The country isn't happy about the use of VPN software getting around access restrictions to websites and services it has deliberately sought to block.
Although China has enacted a ban against VPNs, however, it remains unclear how (or even whether) users will be punished for using the "unauthorized" software. Many VPN providers are continuing to sell to people within China, regardless.
What sites are blocked in China?
The list of sites and services blocked in China is a veritable who's who of all the internet's biggest names. I've mentioned a few above, but here's a more comprehensive (although far from exhaustive) list:
BBC
CNN
Facebook (and Messenger)
Gmail
Google Apps (e.g. Calendar, Docs, Hangouts, Maps, etc.)
Hootsuite
OneDrive
New York Times
Reuters
Slack
Snapchat
Spotify
Twitch
Wall Street Journal
Wikipedia
YouTube
You can check out our dedicated guides on how to use WhatsApp in China and how to unblock YouTube for more information.
Disclaimer
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.