The Best VPN to Use for China in 2021

Why You Need a VPN in China

If you’re a frequent traveler to China, you’ll know that the country has some of the strictest internet regulations in the world. The Chinese government controls what websites you can and can’t access, and they keep an eye on what you do online. This is where a Virtual Private Network (VPN) comes in.

A VPN allows you to connect to the internet through a secure and encrypted tunnel, bypassing the Chinese firewall and accessing restricted sites. Not all VPNs work well in China, and some are outright banned, which is why we’ve put together this guide to help you find the best VPN for China.

The Criteria for Choosing the Best VPN for China

Before we dive into our recommendations, let’s go through the criteria that we used to pick the best VPNs for China:

Criteria
Explanation
Reliability
The VPN should have a reliable connection in China.
Security
The VPN should have strong encryption and a no-logs policy.
Speed
The VPN should have fast speeds for streaming and downloading.
Compatibility
The VPN should be compatible with devices and operating systems.
Price
The VPN should be reasonably priced for its features.
Customer Support
The VPN should have 24/7 customer support.
Free Trial or Money-Back Guarantee
The VPN should offer a free trial or money-back guarantee.

The Best VPNs for China in 2021

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is our top pick for the best VPN for China. It has a reputation for being reliable and secure, with fast speeds for streaming and downloading. ExpressVPN is compatible with a wide range of devices and operating systems, and it has excellent customer support.

ExpressVPN uses strong encryption and has a no-logs policy, so you can be sure that your online activity is private and secure. It’s also one of the few VPNs that still work reliably in China, thanks to its obfuscation technology.

The only downside to ExpressVPN is its price, which is higher than most other VPNs on the market. However, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out risk-free.

2. NordVPN

NordVPN is another popular VPN that works well in China. It has a huge network of servers, which means there’s always a reliable connection available. NordVPN also has strong encryption and a no-logs policy, and it offers fast speeds for streaming and downloading.

NordVPN offers great value for money, with affordable pricing and a 30-day money-back guarantee. It’s also compatible with a wide range of devices and operating systems. The only downside is that its customer support can be slow to respond.

3. Surfshark

Surfshark is a newer VPN provider that has quickly gained a reputation for being reliable and affordable. It offers strong encryption and a no-logs policy, and its connection speeds are fast enough for streaming and downloading.

Surfshark is compatible with a wide range of devices, and it offers 24/7 customer support. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out risk-free. The only downside is that it doesn’t have as many servers as some of the other VPNs on this list.

The Pros and Cons of Using a VPN in China

The Pros

1. Access to Restricted Sites – A VPN allows you to access sites that are blocked in China, such as Google, Facebook, and Twitter.

2. Privacy and Security – A VPN encrypts your online activity, protecting your data from government surveillance and cybercriminals.

3. Bypassing Censorship – A VPN allows you to bypass the Great Firewall of China, giving you uncensored access to the internet.

The Cons

1. Slow Connection Speeds – Not all VPNs work well in China, and some can have slow connection speeds, making browsing and streaming difficult.

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2. Risk of Detection – If the Chinese government detects that you’re using a VPN, you could face fines, detention, or even imprisonment.

3. Unreliable Customer Support – Some VPNs have poor customer support, making it difficult to troubleshoot connection problems or other issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do all VPNs work in China?

No, not all VPNs work in China. The Chinese government actively blocks VPNs, so you need to choose a VPN that has obfuscation technology or other measures to hide your connection.

2. Is it legal to use a VPN in China?

Technically, using a VPN is illegal in China. However, many expats and travelers still use VPNs without any issues. The key is to choose a VPN that’s reliable and secure.

3. Can I use a free VPN for China?

We don’t recommend using free VPNs for China. They often have slow connection speeds and weak encryption, leaving you vulnerable to detection and cyber attacks.

4. Can I access Netflix with a VPN in China?

Yes, some VPNs can unblock Netflix in China. However, you need to choose a VPN that has fast connection speeds and a large network of servers.

5. How do I set up a VPN in China?

Most VPNs have easy-to-use apps that you can download and install on your device. Simply follow the instructions provided by your VPN provider to set up your VPN in China.

6. What’s the difference between a paid and a free VPN?

Paid VPNs offer stronger encryption, faster connection speeds, and better customer support than free VPNs. They also usually have a larger network of servers, making it easier to find a reliable connection in China.

7. Can I use a VPN on my phone in China?

Yes, most VPNs are compatible with both Android and iOS devices. Simply download the VPN app and follow the instructions to set it up on your phone.

8. What’s the best VPN for streaming in China?

ExpressVPN and NordVPN are both excellent choices for streaming in China. They offer fast connection speeds and reliable access to sites like Netflix and YouTube.

9. Can a VPN improve my online gaming experience in China?

Yes, a VPN can improve your online gaming experience in China by reducing lag and improving connection speeds.

10. What’s the best VPN for Mac users in China?

ExpressVPN and NordVPN both have apps that are compatible with macOS. They offer strong encryption and reliable connections in China.

11. Can I use a VPN to access Chinese content from outside China?

Yes, a VPN can allow you to access Chinese content from outside China. Simply connect to a server located in China to bypass geoblocks.

12. What’s the difference between a VPN and a proxy server?

A VPN encrypts your online activity and routes it through a secure tunnel, while a proxy server simply changes your IP address. A VPN is much more secure than a proxy server.

13. Is it worth paying for a VPN for China?

Yes, it’s definitely worth paying for a VPN if you’re traveling to China. A reliable VPN can help you bypass the Great Firewall of China and access the internet freely and securely.

Conclusion

If you’re planning a trip to China, a VPN is a must-have tool to ensure your online security and privacy. ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark are all strong options for bypassing the Great Firewall of China, but ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and budget. With our guide, you can find the best VPN for China that suits your needs.

Remember to choose a VPN that has strong encryption, fast connection speeds, and reliable customer support. And always be cautious when using a VPN in China, as the government can detect and punish VPN users.

Closing Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. We do not condone or encourage the use of VPNs for illegal activities in China or elsewhere.

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Always consult local laws and regulations before using a VPN, and be aware of the risks involved. We are not responsible for any consequences that may arise from the use of VPNs in China or elsewhere.