Looking for the best VPN for China?
Well, from my experience in China, all four VPNs below will unblock your favorite websites and apps while using Wi-Fi.
I’m talking about Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Google, Gmail and so many more.
Plus, these VPNs are all rated as excellent by Trustpilot (if customer reviews matter to you).
And the price? A one-month plan costs about the same as a McDonald’s meal.
So, here are the best VPNs in China for 2023 based on my experience.
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for China. Image by Tracy Le Blanc on Pexels.
Whether you’re going to Shanghai or Suzhou, you’ll have a fast and reliable connection with ExpressVPN.
Your internet traffic is encrypted, meaning you’re not traced as you access Western websites and apps blocked by the Chinese government.
ExpressVPN is easy to use, even for technically challenged people like me. But if you do happen to get stuck, there’s 24/7 online chat support.
If I had to choose the very best VPN for China, it would be ExpressVPN because my personal experience with it has been outstanding.
Why it’s great for your trip to China:
- Fast and reliable – I’ve used it in China countless times
- Best reputation (but a little pricier than the others)
- Use it on up to 5 devices simultaneously
- Apps for every device
- Thousands of servers for high performance
- 24/7 live chat support in case you have a meltdown!
Tap on the button below to get it.
Tip: Make sure you download the VPN before you arrive in China.
2. Ivacy
Facebook is blocked in China, but Ivacy can help. Image by Thomas Ulrich on Pixabay.
Ivacy is another reliable VPN that works in China. At the moment, this is my first ‘backup’ to ExpressVPN (more on that below).
The Smart Connect feature connects automatically to the fastest server available within a few seconds. This is great for lazy travelers.
You can even use it on up to 10 devices. That’s enough for a whole family going to China!
Why it’s great for your trip to China:
- It’s usually the cheapest (perfect if you’re on a tight budget)
- Equal highest Trustpilot rating as ExpressVPN
- Use it on up to 10 devices
- Apps for all major platforms
- Over 1,000 servers including some in China
- 24/7 online chat support – they’ve always been quick to respond to me.
Tap on the button below to get it.
Tip: Make sure you download the VPN before you arrive in China.
3. Surfshark
Using Google on Wi-Fi in China is impossible without a VPN. Image from Unsplash.
This is also one of the few VPNs that can bypass China’s internet censorship.
With Surfshark, the NoBorders feature detects that you’re in a restrictive region, and automatically takes away the hassle of overcoming the restrictions.
One of the best things, in my opinion, is that you can use it on as many devices as you like. This means you can share it with all your travel buddies. No limits!
Why it’s good for your trip to China:
- Use it on unlimited devices
- Choose 1 month for a quick vacay or 24 months if you’re going to work in China
- Apps for all major platforms
- Over 1,700 servers
- 24/7 online chat support.
Tap on the button below to get it.
Tip: Make sure you download the VPN before you arrive in China.
4. NordVPN
NordVPN allows you to explore China uninhibited. Image by Stefan Coders on Pixabay.
NordVPN has the largest VPN server network in the world. This means you can enjoy a fast and stable connection while you’re traveling or living in China.
The app is easy to use. So you don’t need to be a technology guru to use it.
NordVPN has some special servers too, such as Onion Over VPN, which I’ve used when I haven’t been able to get a regular connection.
And, you can use it on up to six devices, so your whole family can access blocked apps and websites in China.
Why it’s good for your trip to China:
- Fast and reliable – I’ve used it in China
- Use it on up to six devices
- Apps for all major platforms
- Thousands of servers
- Live chat support.
Tap on the button below to get it.
Tip: Make sure you download the VPN before you arrive in China.
Need more detail?
If you’re a massive tech-head and want a thesis explaining all the security and privacy features, and you have loads of time, you could try a site like vpnMentor.
Otherwise, check out my article on which apps are blocked in China, and why they’re inaccessible.
The most important thing!
Get the VPN before you arrive in China. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.
I’ve repeated this tip a few times already. But it’s so important if you want unblocked internet access in China.
You must download and set up the VPN before you board the plane.
If you leave it until after you arrive in mainland China, it’ll be too late. Sadly, you’ll be one of the countless victims of The Great Firewall of China.
Having worked, studied and traveled in China numerous times, I can confidently say I’ve never forgotten my VPNs.
But I know people who have forgotten, and from what I’ve heard it’s technically possible to do in China but extremely hard for the average Joe. VPN sales are blocked in China, it’s as simple as that.
Trust me, tech issues are the last thing you want to be dealing with while you hike the Great Wall!
Don’t put all your VPN eggs in one basket
Even the best VPNs are susceptible to the Chinese government’s crackdowns (which are becoming more common), and at times you may find that you can’t connect to the internet at all.
Luckily, there’s a way around this.
If you’re planning a China holiday with family or friends, get each person in your group to buy a different VPN before departing (and don’t worry – using a VPN in China is legal).
If you’re heading to China solo for the long term, I recommend having at least two VPNs in case you have connectivity issues.
I have all four VPNs on this page and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
If you only choose one and you have connectivity issues, my troubleshooting guide called VPN not working in China may help.
So, what’s the very best VPN for China?
Like I mentioned earlier, all four of these VPNs are good for China. And they’re all fast.
No matter which one you choose, you’ll have access to all your favorite apps and websites in China for the price of a McDonald’s meal.
But if I had to choose only one, it would be ExpressVPN because my personal experience with it in China has been outstanding.
Having said that, it’s usually a tiny bit pricier than the rest. So it depends on your budget.
Have an awesome time in China!
I hope my review of the best VPN for China has helped you. If there is anything you need to know about traveling to China, just ask a question below. I enjoy answering them!
