6 Best FREE VPN for China (Tested & Working in 2023)

By : Lawrence Williams Lawrence Williams
Hours Updated

Best VPN for china

China has placed numerous restrictions on accessing the Internet. It prevents using social media, email, streaming sites, etc. This could impact your privacy, therefore it is good practice that you use a VPN for China to access any website.

VPN helps you to protect your privacy while surfing the Internet. It unlocks numerous websites and provides you with a secure browsing experience.

Following is a handpicked list of Top VPN that works in China with their popular features and website links. The list of best VPN in China contains both open source (free) and commercial (paid) software. Read more…

Our Best Free China VPN recommendation

Top Pick
ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN

✔️ Jurisdiction: British Virgin Islands

✔️ Servers: 3000+

✔️ Supported Apps: iOS, Android, Linux, macOS, and Microsoft Windows.

✔️ Works with: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Sky, HBO, Torrenting, Kodi

✔️ Money-back guarantee: 30 Days

✔️ Special offer: 3 months FREE on annual plan

Our score:

9.8

Go to ExpressVPN

30-Day Free Trial

 

Best Free VPNs for China: Top Picks!

 
#1 Best Overall

ExpressVPN

NordVPN

Surfshark

Atlas VPN
VPN Provider ExpressVPN NordVPN Surfshark Atlas VPN
Number of servers 3,000+ 5,000+ 3200+ 750+
No. of Server Countries 94 59 65 37
24/7 support ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Max connections 5 6 Unlimited Unlimited
Our Review We rate VPNs based on factors such as Speed, User Experience, Bandwidth, Countries Supported, Pricing, No Log Policy etc.
Excellent - 9.8
Excellent - 9.7
Good - 9.6
Good - 9.5
Free trial VPNs offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, but you must subscribe to the 1-month plan first. 30 days 30 days 30 days 30 days
Link Try Free Now Try Free Now Try Free Now Try Free Now

1) ExpressVPN

Best Overall VPN for China

ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs for China that enables you to browse the Internet securely against scammers. It offers unlimited access to music, social media websites, video, and more. This VPN does not log IP addresses, browsing history, DNS queries, or traffic destination.

This working VPN offers online protection using leak proofing and encryption facility. It helps you to stay secure by hiding your IP address and encrypting your network data. Express VPN provides 24/7 assistance via email as well as live chat.

This is one of the best VPNs for Android in China that allows you to pay with Bitcoin. ExpressVPN encrypts user web traffic and masks IP addresses. It can also effectively help you to hide your physical location.

ExpressVPN

Key Specs:

Supported Platforms:
iOS, Android, Linux, macOS, Microsoft Windows 		No of Servers: 3000+ Server Countries: 94 Split Tunneling: Yes
Data Allowance: Unlimited Torrenting: Yes Kill Switch: Yes
Able to unblock:
YouTube TV, Netflix, iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Hulu 		No-logging policy: Yes Ip addresses: Dynamic Simultaneous Connection: Unlimited
Free Trial/Refund: 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Pros

Provides good privacy of your Internet activity.
Does not store the IP address, browsing history, traffic destination, and metadata.
Allows you to choose which network devices to protect.
Server speed is fast.
It offers a choice of many protocols.
Provides a wide range of server locations.
Good customer support.

Cons

This YouTube VPN is costly compared to other programs.
Not good for the advanced user who already knows about Internet, IP, VPN, etc.

How to use ExpressVPN for Free:

  • Start your risk-free trial for ExpressVPN.
  • You can cancel your subscription at any time. There are no hidden costs.
  • ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. It also offers flexible pricing plans, which makes it an easy to use and valuable privacy tool.

Go to ExpressVPN >>

30-Day Free Trial

2) NordVPN

Best for Connect double VPN, onion over VPN servers, P2P

NordVPN is one of the best VPNs for China which does not track, collect, or share your data. It provides security by encrypting the data sent and received. This is a good working VPN that helps you to prevent ads and malware. It is one of the best VPNs for iPhone in china that allows you to access numerous streaming websites with no hassle.

NordVPN

Key Specs:

Supported Platforms:
Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS 		No of Servers: 5000+ Server Countries: 59 Split Tunneling: Yes
Data Allowance: Unlimited Torrenting: Yes Kill Switch: Yes
Able to unblock:
YouTube TV, Netflix, iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Hulu 		No-logging policy: Yes Ip addresses: Static Simultaneous Connection: 6
Free Trial: Yes - 30 days Best for: Connect double VPN, onion over VPN servers, P2P.

Pros

This VPN service provides good security.
No DNS (Domain Name System) leaks
This free YouTube VPN provides protection with a double VPN.
It is the fastest VPN in China.

Cons

Torrenting is supported for a few servers.
Configuring with OpenVPN virtual private network system is not user friendly.

How to use NordVPN for Free:

  • Start your risk-free trial for NordVPN.
  • You can cancel your subscription at any time. There are no hidden costs.
  • NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. It also offers flexible pricing plans, which makes it an easy to use and valuable privacy tool.

Go to NordVPN >>

30-Day Free Trial

3) Surfshark

Best for Gaming, browsing, and streaming

Surfshark is a VPN software that provides fast and secure access to streaming sites. This software offers secure tunneling protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2. It makes your location private and keeps your sensitive data secure.

This software allows apps and websites to bypass the VPN. You can protect your identity by hiding your real IP address. It does not log your IP, WebRTC, and prevents DNS leaks.

Surfshark is one of the best VPNs for China that allows P2P connection via VPN on certain servers. This tool can block unwanted websites without any hassle. It allows you to share your IP address with other people on the same server. This program also enables you to bookmark your location for future use.

Surfshark

Key Specs:

Supported Platforms:
Mac, Windows, iOS, Linux, and Android 		No of Servers: 3200+ Server Countries: 65 Split Tunneling: Yes
Data Allowance: Unlimited Torrenting: Yes Kill Switch: Yes
Able to unblock:
YouTube TV, Netflix, iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Hulu 		No-logging policy: Yes Ip addresses: Static Simultaneous Connection: Unlimited
Free Trial: Yes - 7 day free trial Best for: Gaming, browsing, and streaming.

Pros

Offers secure and anonymous browsing.
Supports a wide range of apps.
Good customer support.
Offers ideal server speed.
Enables you to keep your data private using the AES-256 encryption technique.
This VPN works well to bypass YouTube location without detecting Proxy.

Cons

It does not offer access to the Tor browser via VPN.
This software has a complicated setup process.
Weak social media presence.

How to use Surfshark for Free:

  • Start your risk-free trial of Surfshark.
  • You can cancel your subscription at any time. There are no extra costs.
  • Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. It provides different plans for online privacy and protection.

Go to Surfshark >>

30-Day Free Trial

4) Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN allows you to discover a safer and more open internet. It offers the best-in-class WireGuard protocol to ensure secure and seamless gaming, streaming, and overall browsing experience. It enables you to access the internet from several IP addresses simultaneously.

Atlas VPN

Key Specs:

Supported Platforms:
Mac, Windows, iOS, Android 		No of Servers: 750+ Server Countries: 37 Split Tunneling: Yes
Data Allowance: Unlimited Torrenting: Yes Kill Switch: Yes
Able to unblock:
YouTube TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu 		No-logging policy: Yes Ip addresses: Dynamic Simultaneous Connection: Unlimited
Free Trial: Yes - 30 days

Pros

It provides support for WireGuard tunneling protocol.
Decent speeds during daily use.
Local and faraway servers showed similar speeds.
Mobile-optimized apps for Android and iOS
Atlas VPN offers a high level of protection with built-in 2-factor authentication
24/7 support via email chat

Cons

Currently not available for Linux
Does not provide any dedicated IP-addresses

How to use AtlasVPN for Free:

  • Start your risk-free AtlasVPN trial.
  • You can cancel your subscription at any time. There are no extra costs.
  • Atlas VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. This VPN service provides flexible pricing plans according to your needs.

Go to AtlasVPN >>

30-Day Free Trial

5) FastestVPN

Cheapest Lifetime VPN Subscription

FastestVPN is a lifetime VPN subscription service based in the Cayman Islands that offers lightning-speed processing, ultra-safe encryption services, split tunneling, and more.

It is one of the few legitimate lifetime subscription services. At just $40 for lifetime access, this company offers one of the best deals available. Moreover, this company has servers in 39+ countries and over 55+ locations.

FastestVPN

Key Specs:

Supported Platforms:
Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Fire TV, and more 		No of Servers: 600+ Server Countries: 39+ Split Tunneling: Yes
Data Allowance: Unlimited Torrenting: Yes Kill Switch: Yes
Able to unblock:
Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and more 		No-logging policy: Yes Free Trial: No - 15-day money-back guarantee

Pros

Lifetime access includes 10 multi-logins
Offers 2TB Cloud Storage
Unblock capabilities (Netflix, Disney+, HotStar, Amazon, etc.)

Cons

Extra fee for additional devices.
Split tunneling only on iOS and Android apps.

How to use FastestVNP for Free:

  • Start your risk-free trial for FastestVPN
  • You can cancel your subscription at any time within 15 days. You get your money back - no questions asked
  • If you like the service, you may continue the subscription, as it costs just $40 for a lifetime subsription!

Go to FastestVPN >>

15-day money-back guarantee

6) Private Internet Access

Best for Security

Private Internet Access enables you to access any website with no hassle. This virtual private network software helps you to surf the Internet securely. This program allows you to encrypt transmitted data. This application supports both IPSec and IKEv2.

Private Internet Access is one of the best VPNs for China for excellent high-speed live streaming. It uses a 256-AES encryption technique to increase security. This good working VPN includes a kill switch that automatically stops network traffic when an Internet connection is lost. It is one of the best free VPNs for China that protects you against DNS, IPv6 leaks, and WebRTC.

Private Internet Access

Key Specs:

Supported Platforms:
Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, macOS 		No of Servers: 10,000+ Server Countries: 84+ Split Tunneling: Yes
Data Allowance: Unlimited Torrenting: Yes Kill Switch: Yes
Able to unblock:
YouTube TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu 		No-logging policy: Yes Ip addresses: Static Simultaneous Connection: 10+
Free Trial: No - 30 days money-back guarantee Best for: Security

Pros

Configurable split-tunneling
It prevents your school from seeing traffic information if your VPN fails.
Allows auto-connect rules, so your VPN connects for some networks and not others.

Cons

Unreliable internet speeds.
The app can require troubleshooting from time to time.

How to use Private Internet Access for Free:

  • Go to this link. Signup for the cheapest plan. Download and enjoy the VPN.
  • Claim a refund under the 30-days moneyback guarantee.

Go to PIA >>

30 days money-back guarantee

FAQs:

You can perform the following techniques to use VPN in China:

  1. Subscribe to multiple VPNs.
  2. Download and install the VPNs before you visit China.
  3. Troubleshoot your VPN connections.
  4. Keep only the working VPN and unsubscribe/claim refund for the non-working VPN.

This strategy allows you to troubleshoot your VPN connection before you arrive in China. VPN software may not work due to antivirus software, firewalls, company intranet restrictions and other technical challenges not related to the VPN software itself. So when actually arrive in China you will be sure that the VPN is working if selected from the above list.

Following are some of the best free VPN for China:

Yes, you can use VPNs in China. This country does not have any laws on utilizing virtual private networks, therefore, anyone can use them without any hassle.

Here are the advantages/pros of using VPN:

  • Provides unrestricted access to a wide range of streaming content and services.
  • VPN servers prevent hackers from stealing your personal information as it is encrypted.
  • VPNs work on multiple devices therefore, you are not restricted to watch streaming services only from computers like Macs or Chromebooks.
  • VPN friendly phones, Smart TVs, and tablets provide you more choices to watch content online.

Yes, VPN is the safest and strongest way to mask IP addresses. It enables you to effectively hide your IP without any hassle. VPN have good security features that keep you anonymous while surfing Internet. Virtual Private Network opens the areas of the Internet that are blocked due to geo-restrictions.

Here is a list of websites that are blocked in China:

  • CNN
  • Google Apps (For example, Calendar, Docs, Hangouts, Maps, etc.)
  • Gmail
  • New York Times
  • Instagram
  • Hootsuite
  • Facebook (and Messenger)
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Reddit
  • OneDrive
  • Wikipedia
  • BBC
  • Reuters
  • Slack
  • Spotify
  • WhatsApp
  • Twitch
  • Wall Street Journal
  • Snapchat
  • YouTube

You can use VPN that works in China to unblock Google, YouTube, and more websites. It is good that you use clients or apps for a specific platform like desktop, TV streaming, mobile, etc.

You just need to open VPN, choose a server location, and turn on. Your device will pretend like you are surfing the Internet using the server available outside of China.

China has built a nationwide firewall to keep track of every session created by device across the country. It blackholes (anti-spam technique) websites via Border Gateway Protocol (BGP). BGP was designed to allow routers to work in an efficient way. It enables you to know the total number of resources that are available to use.

Most of the VPN providers have server networks blackholed in China.

VPNs are a good solution for bypassing the Great Firewall. You can also use Tor, with an advanced configuration facility.

You can also use SOCKS proxy, which is an Internet protocol that routes your Internet traffic through a third-party server via TCP. It assigns you a brand-new IP address so that the web host cannot find your physical location.

Perform the following steps to access Google Play in China:

Step 1: You need to select VPNs you would like to use from the above list.

Step 2: Download and install VPN software on your device. You will find that most of the VPN services offer compatibility with popular operating systems.

Step 3: Log in with credentials and connect to the VPN by choosing the locations available.

Step 4: Access Google play store as normal.

Yes. China monitors its domestic and international social media platforms like QQ, Douyin, Weibo, WeChat, etc. It checks each person’s profile, shared files, posts, and messages. This social data is combined with biometric data, video surveillance footage, and shopping histories.

The authorities in China have made it hard to be anonymous online. You need to enter real name when signing up for any social media platform. It is good that you connect to a VPN for sending private messages.

China has claimed sovereignty over Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. The good thing is that the Great Firewall does not affect in these places. It is preferable that you use a VPN to protect your Internet privacy.

However, privacy in Hong Kong is increasingly threatened by national security laws that may prevent VPN use. If you are in China and searching for information online about Taiwan, then the Internet can be censored.

Yes, VPN can help you to keep you anonymous and safe when you are torrenting using P2P. If you do not use VPN, then your IP address may be exposed to a third party, and your physical location can also be tracked.

A reliable VPN helps you to encrypt and hide your Internet traffic. Therefore, you can torrent as much as you like with no hassle.

VPN directs all your Internet traffic through one of its servers and encrypts it. Therefore, your ISP no longer sees the website that tracks you. Your VPN server forwards your traffic to a site you are visiting.

The best Virtual Private Network uses a wide range of servers and updates IP on a regular basis. This will prevent the website from blocking or blacklisting them.

Yes, VPN may slow down your device slightly. This happens because your connection is routed and encrypted through a VPN server. It takes a longer time for the data to reach a destination.

If you choose a good VPN service provider, your speed will not be affected dramatically. Therefore, you will not notice that your connection is slowed down.

Yes, the country may not be happy about the use of VPN software. This will put a restriction on accessing the services and websites. However, China has not made any laws on using authorized VPNs, so you can use them according to your need.

The best VPNs are very easy to use therefore, you just need to download, install, and launch the appropriate app for your device.

The VPN services have a user-friendly interface that can be easily used by the beginner. The VPN software offers quick connect button to instantly connect to a nearby server in the location of your choice.

Yes, Tor and Proxy are software can serve the same purpose as VPN. Tor protects you by bouncing your communications around a distributed network.

The Onion Router or Tor has the following disadvantages compared to VPN:

  • Takes time to load the homepage.
  • It blocks some web services.
  • This IP blocker software reduces bandwidth speed.

Proxy services have one good advantage over VPNs. They offer good speed to surf the Internet.

However, Proxy services have the following drawbacks:

  • It does not have security features
  • A proxy does not encrypt your data.
  • It has no interface.

These drawbacks show that proxies are not secure and hard to use. However, if privacy is not a concern for you, then they can increase your connection speed. You can find numerous proxies, but it is important that you choose the right one. It is preferable that you invest in a cheap and fast VPN that gives you privacy and protection with great speed.

Here are the important selection criteria to choose a VPN for China:

  • Fast Speed: VPNs in China can be slow, and therefore, it may be hard to stream video online. You need to first try out the VPNs. If the server speed is good, then you can simply buy it.
  • Large server network: It is good that you choose a VPN having more proxy servers at multiple locations. This will provide you enough choices to locate server locations.
  • No traffic restrictions: Many VPNs block P2P networks and movie streams. This will also restrict your downloading bandwidth per month. It is crucial that you go for VPNs that do not have such limitations.
  • Zero-logging policy: If your VPN does not have a zero-logging policy, it is potentially harmful to your privacy. You need to make sure that a virtual private network must not store any information that belongs to you.
  • Kill switch: This is an important security feature that helps you to instantly disconnect from the Internet. Kill switch can keep your IP address and identity secure. It is ideal that you check such a feature before choosing a China VPN online.
  • Capability to bypass the Great Firewall of China: It is one of the most advanced security systems. It is highly challenging to bypass the Great firewall. You should be able to access devices, servers, and websites with no hassle after using VPN.
  • Ease of use: VPN software should be user friendly so that you can easily get stress free experience. It must be easy to install without having technical knowledge.

Here are the VPNs that are not working in China:

  • CyberGhost: CyberGhost is a tool to unblock websites and enjoy your favorite content with no hassle. It is one of the best IP blocker software for streaming as well as bypassing geo-restrictions. This program helps you to surf the Internet anonymously without any restriction.
  • IPVanish: IPVanish is an IP address blocker application that provides end-to-end encryption environment for your network. It offers the fastest virtual private network service for a variety of smartphones. This app helps you to protect your web browsing, file sharing, and video streaming.
  • ZenMate: ZenMate is a free VPN that offers strong encryption to secure network traffic and hide your IP address. This VPN is available for Chrome, Firefox, Opera browser, and operating systems like Windows, Android, etc. However, like CyberGhost and IPVanish, this VPN software will not work for China.

Here is a difference between paid and free VPNs:

ParametersFree VPNPaid VPN
Number of VPN serversGenerally, up to 5-7.Generally, more than 40.
Connection speedLowHigh
Monthly traffic volumeLimitedNot limited
Technical supportLow or no support.Quick support 24/7.
Data encryptionLess secureStrong
Privacy protectionLowerHigher
Server locationOffers insufficient optionsYou will get a vast range of server options
Data transfer limitLimited data transfer.Unlimited data transfer.

Yes, you can get a China VPN online, which is available for free. It is good for infrequent and casual use. Chinese VPN that are free have a monthly data limit that will cut your VPN connection when it is over. It can also inject advertisements and may sell your data. Therefore, it is good that you choose paid versions of VPN.

China government is becoming stricter over the use of a VPN. This country allows you to use only a few virtual private networks. However, they have to be the Chinese government approved.

Here are the techniques used by China to block VPN:

  • Blocking VPN websites: VPNs helps you to protect your privacy and information online. However, some websites violate those rights by blocking VPN in China.
  • URL Filtering: It is a technique that limits access by comparing your traffic from accessing the VPN. China VPN server also blocks websites containing some suspicious words.
  • Blocking VPN Servers: If you are using a VPN, your PC or phone needs to interact with the server’s IP. It is given to you by your virtual private network supplier. This is not troublesome to track for the Great Firewall. Therefore, your VPN application will not work in order to interact with the server.
  • Deep Packet Inspection: This is a further developed strategy that can block a VPN. It can identify and block specific data packets encrypted by the VPN protocol.
  • DNS Poisoning: Your PC contacts DNS server to demand particular IP when client PC interacts with websites. The firewall here attempts to harm DNS restrictions, and therefore, you cannot access any website.

Best FREE Chinese VPN Server: Top Picks!

 
#1 Best Overall

ExpressVPN

NordVPN

Surfshark

Atlas VPN
VPN Provider ExpressVPN NordVPN Surfshark Atlas VPN
Number of servers 3,000+ 5,000+ 3200+ 750+
No. of Server Countries 94 59 65 37
24/7 support ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Max connections 5 6 Unlimited Unlimited
Our Review We rate VPNs based on factors such as Speed, User Experience, Bandwidth, Countries Supported, Pricing, No Log Policy etc.
Excellent - 9.8
Excellent - 9.7
Good - 9.6
Good - 9.5
Free trial VPNs offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, but you must subscribe to the 1-month plan first. 30 days 30 days 30 days 30 days
Link Try Free Now Try Free Now Try Free Now Try Free Now
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