Which VPN Still Works in China Today?
China blocks the shit out of most VPN services. One example of this is VyprVPN. Highly regaled by Chinese bloggers, this VPN only hit a 50% connection rate in our tests. ProtonVPN, another China favorite, quit the country after crackdowns in 2019.
To ensure that VPNs we recommend works in China, we have built an automated testing tool to run connectivity tests every day.
Our Top China VPN Recommendation in Year 2021
Here are the best-performing VPN services in 2021 – based on shit-load of data we collected over the years.
SurfShark
- Cheap Premium VPN
- 14 Netflix Libraries
- 3,200+ Servers in 65 Countries
- One Account, Unlimited Devices
- Works in China currently!
- $2.49/month if 2-year plan (currently 81% off)
NordVPN
- Panama-based, No Log Policy
- 10+ Netflix Libraries
- 5,600+ Servers / 59 Countries
- Iffy Connections from China
- $3.49/month if 3-year plan
ExpressVPN
- BVI-based, No Log Policy
- 15+ Netflix Libraries
- 3,000+ Servers in 94 Countries
- Does Not Work in China now
- $8.32/month if 1-year plan
WannaFlix
- Hong Kong-based
- 17+ Netflix Libraries
- Lack of Security Features
- Difficult to setup; Bad UX
- $6.99/month if 1-year plan
Latest China VPN Test Data
Our tool runs over 100 connectivity and speed tests each day to ensure that that VPNs we are recommending work. For transparency, the data we collect is published below.
Jump to: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, SurfShark, TorGuard, Hide My Ass, WannaFlix, IPVanish, Fastest VPN, Vypr VPN.
Reading the Table
Connectivity
How easy it is to connect to one of the VPN servers. Higher number is better.
Location
The location of last tested server.
Ping
Latency – How long it takes data to travel to the VPN server. Lower is better.
Download / Upload
How fast a speed you can achieve while connected to the VPN server. Higher is better.
Surfshark
- Incorporated in Panama, 2018.
- More than 3,200+ servers in 65 countries.
- Cost: $11.95/mo if signup for a month; $2.49/mo if subscribe to two-year plan.
- Learn more – Read Surfshark review.
| Day | Connectivity | Location | Ping | Download | Upload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average |
Reading the Table
Connectivity
How easy it is to connect to one of the VPN servers. Higher number is better.
Location
The location of last tested server.
Ping
Latency – How long it takes data to travel to the VPN server. Lower is better.
Download / Upload
How fast a speed you can achieve while connected to the VPN server. Higher is better.
NordVPN
- Incorporated in Panama, 2012.
- More than 5,600+ servers in 59 countries.
- Cost: $11.95/mo if signup for a month; $3.49/mo if subscribe to three-year plan.
- Learn more – Read our NordVPN review.
| Day | Connectivity | Location | Ping | Download | Upload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average |
Reading the Table
Connectivity
How easy it is to connect to one of the VPN servers. Higher number is better.
Location
The location of last tested server.
Ping
Latency – How long it takes data to travel to the VPN server. Lower is better.
Download / Upload
How fast a speed you can achieve while connected to the VPN server. Higher is better.
ExpressVPN
- Incorporated in British Virgin Islands (BVI), 2009.
- More than 3,000+ servers in 94 countries.
- Cost: $12.95/mo if signup for a month; $6.67/mo if subscribe to annual plan.
- Note: ExpressVPN has not been very effective in overcoming China Firewall since July 2020. For alternatives, check out NordVPN and SurfShark.
- Read our ExpressVPN review to learn more.
| Day | Connectivity | Location | Ping | Download | Upload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average |
Reading the Table
Connectivity
How easy it is to connect to one of the VPN servers. Higher number is better.
Location
The location of last tested server.
Ping
Latency – How long it takes data to travel to the VPN server. Lower is better.
Download / Upload
How fast a speed you can achieve while connected to the VPN server. Higher is better.
TorGuard
- Incorporated in Saint Kitts and Nevis, 2012.
- More than 3,000+ servers in 50 countries.
- Cost: $9.99/mo if signup for a month; $4.99/mo if subscribe to one-year plan.
- Note: TorGuard has removed their Mainland China servers (you can still use their VPN in Mainland China though).
| Day | Connectivity | Location | Ping | Download | Upload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average |
Reading the Table
Connectivity
How easy it is to connect to one of the VPN servers. Higher number is better.
Location
The location of last tested server.
Ping
Latency – How long it takes data to travel to the VPN server. Lower is better.
Download / Upload
How fast a speed you can achieve while connected to the VPN server. Higher is better.
Hide My Ass
- Incorporated in United Kingdom (under Privax Limited), 2005.
- More than 950+ servers in 190 countries.
- Cost: $11.99/mo if signup for a month; $3.99/mo if subscribe to three-year plan.
| Day | Connectivity | Location | Ping | Download | Upload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average |
Reading the Table
Connectivity
How easy it is to connect to one of the VPN servers. Higher number is better.
Location
The location of last tested server.
Ping
Latency – How long it takes data to travel to the VPN server. Lower is better.
Download / Upload
How fast a speed you can achieve while connected to the VPN server. Higher is better.
WannaFlix
- Incorporated in Hong Kong, 2018.
- More than 40+ servers in 18 countries.
- Cost: $9.97/mo if signup for a month; $6.99/mo if subscribe to one-year plan.
- Note: WannaFlix is a Hong Kong-based VPN focuses in unblocking streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer for China users.
| Day | Connectivity | Location | Ping | Download | Upload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average |
Reading the Table
Connectivity
How easy it is to connect to one of the VPN servers. Higher number is better.
Location
The location of last tested server.
Ping
Latency – How long it takes data to travel to the VPN server. Lower is better.
Download / Upload
How fast a speed you can achieve while connected to the VPN server. Higher is better.
IP Vanish
- Incorporated in United States, 2012.
- More than 1,200+ servers in 75 countries.
- Cost: $10.00/mo if signup for a month; $6.49/mo if subscribe to one-year plan.
- Note: IP Vanish stated that their VPN service is “unlikely” to work in China.
| Day | Connectivity | Location | Ping | Download | Upload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average |
Reading the Table
Connectivity
How easy it is to connect to one of the VPN servers. Higher number is better.
Location
The location of last tested server.
Ping
Latency – How long it takes data to travel to the VPN server. Lower is better.
Download / Upload
How fast a speed you can achieve while connected to the VPN server. Higher is better.
Fastest VPN
- Incorporated in Cayman Island, 2016.
- More than 250+ servers in 30 countries.
- Cost: $10.00/mo if signup for a month; $1.11/mo if subscribe to three-year plan.
| Day | Connectivity | Location | Ping | Download | Upload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average |
Reading the Table
Connectivity
How easy it is to connect to one of the VPN servers. Higher number is better.
Location
The location of last tested server.
Ping
Latency – How long it takes data to travel to the VPN server. Lower is better.
Download / Upload
How fast a speed you can achieve while connected to the VPN server. Higher is better.
VyprVPN
- Incorporated in Switzerland, 2009.
- More than 700+ servers in 50 countries.
- Cost: $12.95/mo if signup for a month; $3.75/mo if subscribe to two-year plan.
| Day | Connectivity | Location | Ping | Download | Upload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average |
TL;DR
VPN works the same way inside and outside of China. However, connectivity is a big issue because of the country firewall.
Make sure you pick a VPN that has high connectivity “score”.
What is a Virtual Private Network (VPN)?
A VPN is basically as the name implies, a private network. They allow you to connect to servers operated and maintained by the VPN service provider. These connections make use of secure communication protocols and most importantly, encryption.
Secure protocols make it harder for anyone trying to intercept data. The encryption scrambles your data so that anyone who may chance by it, cannot read the data. This is of course the ‘Tab A’ fits into ‘Slot B’ explanation, but essentially true.
Using a VPN in China
VPNs are more service than application. The operational model is very basic. You sign up for a service, download and install an application, then run it and enter your credentials. For most people, that’s all you every need to know.
Even in China, things on the VPN side work the same way.
You’re basically using a service to connect to a secure server, then routing everything coming out of your device through that connection. Period.
But… it’s China
In case anyone whines about how powerful the cyber-capabilities of China are, stop.
Encryption on VPNs is usually run at 256-bit, which is the most secure now. If you are really scared, go hide in the basement like a pussy.
Do You Know?
It is common that China users own two or more VPN accounts – one for frequent use and one for backup, to ensure connectivity.
More Questions?
Why does China censor the Internet?
Does the China Firewall filter everything?
What sites are banned in China?
Is Google banned in China?
Are VPNs Legal in China?
Is Netflix banned in China?
Can I use ___ in China?
Use our handy tool to check if a website is blocked in China.
Don't Stop Reading
Which China Cities have the heaviest CCTV surveillance?
Websites / Services Banned In China
The Great Firewall of China
Is It Legal to Use a VPN in China?
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