BestSoftwarePicks
English Français

Best VPN for China in 2026

Most VPNs do not work in China. We regularly test VPNs from inside the Great Firewall to find the ones that actually bypass China's internet censorship. Here are the only VPNs we recommend.

Tested March 2026

Quick Comparison

#1 ExpressVPN
9.2
3 000 servers 8 devices $6.67/mo
Visit Site Review
#2 NordVPN
9.4
6 400 servers 10 devices $3.09/mo
Visit Site Review
#3 Surfshark
9
3 200 servers Unlimited devices $2.19/mo
Visit Site Review

China Reliability

VPN Works in China Obfuscation Reliability Speed in China Price
ExpressVPNYesLightway + CustomHighGood$6.67/mo
NordVPNSometimesObfuscated ServersMediumModerate$3.09/mo
SurfsharkSometimesCamouflage ModeMediumModerate$2.19/mo

Essential Tips for Using a VPN in China

  1. Download before you go. VPN websites and app stores are blocked in China. Install your VPN and test it before you travel.
  2. Download backup protocols. ExpressVPN and NordVPN both offer manual configuration files. Download OpenVPN and IKEv2 configs as fallback options.
  3. Try multiple servers. If one server does not connect, try another. VPNs rotate their working servers in China regularly.
  4. Connect to nearby servers. Servers in Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan typically offer the best speeds from China.
  5. Expect slower speeds. VPN connections from China are inherently slower due to the distance and the overhead of obfuscation. Plan for 20-50 Mbps download speeds.
  6. Use mobile data as backup. If your hotel Wi-Fi blocks VPNs aggressively, mobile data (with a local SIM or roaming) sometimes allows VPN connections more easily.

What Is Blocked in China?

China's Great Firewall blocks access to thousands of websites and services, including:

  • Social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat, Reddit
  • Google services: Google Search, Gmail, Google Maps, YouTube, Google Drive
  • News: The New York Times, BBC, Reuters, Bloomberg, The Guardian
  • Streaming: Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Spotify, Twitch
  • Other: Wikipedia, Dropbox, Slack, many VPN websites

A VPN allows you to access all of these services as if you were browsing from outside China.

Our Recommendations

1

ExpressVPN

British Virgin Islands · Since 2009

9.2
/ 10

Premium VPN with excellent speeds and the widest device compatibility.

Servers 3 000+
Countries 105
Devices 8
Best price $6.67/mo
  • Consistently fast speeds across all locations
  • Lightway protocol (proprietary, fast, and secure)
  • RAM-only servers (TrustedServer technology)
Visit Site Read Review
2

NordVPN

Panama · Since 2012

9.4
/ 10

Best overall VPN with the strongest security features and fastest speeds.

Servers 6 400+
Countries 111
Devices 10
Best price $3.09/mo
  • Fastest speeds in our tests
  • Massive server network (6,400+ servers in 111 countries)
  • Independently audited no-logs policy
Visit Site Read Review
3

Surfshark

Netherlands · Since 2018

9
/ 10

Best value VPN with unlimited devices and strong privacy features.

Servers 3 200+
Countries 100
Devices Unlimited
Best price $2.19/mo
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Very affordable long-term plans
  • CleanWeb ad and malware blocker
Visit Site Read Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which VPN works best in China?
ExpressVPN is the most reliable VPN for China in 2026. It consistently bypasses the Great Firewall and has a dedicated team that maintains its obfuscation technology. NordVPN works intermittently in China using its obfuscated servers, but is less reliable than ExpressVPN.
Are VPNs legal in China?
China has not made it illegal for individuals to use VPNs, but it has banned unauthorized VPN services (those not approved by the government). Foreign visitors and business travelers commonly use VPNs without issues. However, you should be aware of local regulations and use VPNs responsibly.
Should I download a VPN before going to China?
Yes, absolutely. VPN websites and app stores are blocked in China, making it very difficult to download a VPN once you arrive. Install and set up your VPN before your trip. ExpressVPN and NordVPN both recommend downloading multiple connection protocols as backup.
Why do most VPNs not work in China?
China's Great Firewall uses deep packet inspection (DPI) to detect and block VPN traffic. Most VPNs use standard protocols that are easily identified and blocked. Only VPNs with advanced obfuscation technology (like ExpressVPN's proprietary protocol and NordVPN's obfuscated servers) can bypass these restrictions.

This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase through a link on this page, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. This does not affect our rankings or reviews. Learn more