Traveling to China? Discover the Best VPNs to Access Your Favorite Websites

Best VPNs for China Comparison Table

Brand	Average Speed	Security Features	No-logs Policy	Server Locations	Unblocking Capabilities	Anonymous Payments	Price
NordVPN	353 Mbps	AES-256, RAM-only, obfuscation, Double VPN, Threat Protection	Audited	111 countries	Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+	Yes	From $3.09/month (2 years)
Surfshark	326 Mbps	AES-256, antivirus, RAM-only, kill switch, multi-hop	Audited	100 countries	Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime	Yes	From $2.19/month (2 years)
Norton VPN	276 Mbps	AES-256, antivirus, kill switch, ad blocker	No	29 countries	BBC iPlayer, Max	No	From $3.33/month (1 year)
ExpressVPN	389 Mbps	AES-256, RAM-only, ad blocker, obfuscation, leak protection	Audited	105 countries	Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+	Yes	From $6.67/month (1 year)
PureVPN	342 Mbps	AES-256, obfuscation, kill switch, always-on audit	Audited	65 countries	Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube	Yes	From $2.11/month (2 years)
Ivacy VPN	166 Mbps	AES-256, leak protection, kill switch, anti-malware	No	55 countries	Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube	Yes	From $1.17/month (5 years)
Proton VPN	210 Mbps	AES-256, kill switch, NetShield	Audited	91 countries	Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Max	Yes	From $4.49/month

Planning a trip to China? You might be concerned about accessing your favorite websites and online services due to the strict internet censorship known as the Great Firewall of China. In this article, we will guide you through seven VPNs that can help you bypass these restrictions and enjoy a free internet experience while you’re in China.

Why You Need a VPN in China

The Chinese government has implemented extensive measures to control and monitor internet usage within the country. This means popular sites like Facebook, Google, YouTube, and many others are blocked. To navigate this digital landscape freely, you’ll need a reliable VPN that can bypass the Great Firewall and keep your online activities private.

What is the Great Firewall of China?

The Great Firewall of China is a sophisticated system of internet filters and blocks designed to restrict access to foreign websites and online services. It is maintained by the Chinese government to control the flow of information and ensure that only approved content is accessible.

Top 7 VPNs for China

Here are the seven best VPNs tested in 2024 that can help you access your favorite websites in China:

1. NordVPN – The Best VPN for China

Based in: Panama
Servers/countries: 6400+ servers in 111 countries
No-logs policy: Audited no-logs policy
Current deal: Up to 74% OFF + 3 months FREE!

Key Features:

• Strong Encryption: Uses AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption.
• Obfuscated Servers: Specially designed to bypass internet censorship.
• High Speed: Retains 90% of original internet speed with NordLynx protocol.
• Security Tools: Double VPN, Onion over VPN, Threat Protection, and two kill switches.

Performance: NordVPN easily unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and other popular platforms. With servers in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and nearby locations, you can access sites like Facebook and Google without issues.

Pricing: $3.09/month with a 2-year plan, 30-day money-back guarantee, and a 7-day free trial for Android devices. Payments accepted via prepaid cards and cryptocurrencies.

2. Surfshark – Budget-Friendly VPN with Fast Speeds

Based in: The Netherlands
Servers/countries: 3200+ servers in 100 countries
No-logs policy: Audited no-logs policy
Current deal: 83% OFF + 3 months FREE

Key Features:

• Strong Encryption: AES-256 and ChaCha20.
• RAM-Only Servers: Ensures maximum security by wiping data frequently.
• Additional Features: CleanWeb (ad blocker), Camouflage Mode, and Bypasser (split tunneling).

Performance: Unblocks Netflix, YouTube, AppleTV+, and more. Maintains 86% of original speeds, providing a smooth browsing experience.

Pricing: $2.19/month with a 2-year plan, 30-day money-back guarantee, and 7-day free trial on macOS, iOS, and Android devices. Accepts cryptocurrencies.

3. Norton Secure VPN – Safe Access VPN with Antivirus

Based in: United States
Servers/countries: 1000+ servers in 29 countries
No-logs policy: No-logs policy
Current deal: Up to 58% OFF

Key Features:

• Reliable Kill Switch: Ensures internet connection is blocked if VPN connection drops.
• Ad Blocker: Blocks annoying ads and trackers.
• Encryption: Uses AES-256 encryption.

Performance: While it struggles with Netflix and Hulu, it unblocks Max, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube TV. Maintains 74% of baseline speed.

Pricing: $3.33/month for a 1-year subscription with 5 simultaneous connections, 30-day money-back guarantee, and a 7-day trial. Payment options include cards, PayPal, and Google Pay.

4. ExpressVPN – Versatile and Secure

Based in: British Virgin Islands
Servers/countries: Servers in 105 countries
No-logs policy: Audited no-logs policy
Current deal: 49% OFF + 3 months FREE

Key Features:

• Strong Encryption: AES-256 and ChaCha20.
• RAM-Only Servers: Enhance security by frequently wiping data.
• Stealth Servers: Better hides VPN connections.

Performance: Unblocks Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more. Retains around 77% of original speed, providing lag-free browsing.

Pricing: $6.67/month for a 1-year subscription, 30-day money-back guarantee, and accepts Bitcoin.

5. PureVPN – Torrenting-Friendly VPN for China

Based in: British Virgin Islands
Servers/countries: 6500+ servers in 65 countries
No-logs policy: Always-on audited no-logs policy
Current deal: 83% OFF + 2 FREE months!

Key Features:

• Specialized Servers: For torrenting and P2P connections.
• Encryption: AES-256 and ChaCha20.
• Always-On Audit: Regularly audited to ensure no-logs policy.

Performance: Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more. Retains 67% of original speed.

Pricing: $2.11/month with a 2-year plan. Accepts cryptocurrencies.

6. Ivacy VPN – Secure and Affordable

Based in: Singapore
Servers/countries: 5700+ servers in 55 countries
No-logs policy: No-logs policy
Current deal: 88% OFF + gift!

Key Features:

• Encryption: AES-256 and ChaCha20.
• Secure Kill Switch: Ensures data protection.
• Leak Protection: Prevents data leaks.

Performance: Unblocks YouTube, BBC iPlayer, and Google. Retains 32% of original speed.

Pricing: $1.17/month with a 5-year plan. Accepts BitPay.

7. Proton VPN – Reliable and Secure

Based in: Switzerland
Servers/countries: 5100+ servers in 91 countries
No-logs policy: Audited no-logs policy
Current deal: Up to 55% OFF

Key Features:

• Strong Encryption: AES-256 and ChaCha20.
• Open-Source: Transparency with open-source software.
• Kill Switch: Reliable and robust.

Performance: Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, and more. Retains 85% of original speed.

Pricing: $4.49/month. Offers a free version and 30-day money-back guarantee. Accepts Bitcoin.

Conclusion

A VPN is essential for accessing geo-blocked websites, protecting your information, and maintaining anonymity online while in China. NordVPN is the top choice, offering excellent security features, obfuscation, and fast performance. By using one of these VPNs, you can enjoy unrestricted internet access and keep your online activities private during your stay in China.

Remember to download and set up your VPN before traveling to China to ensure uninterrupted access. Stay safe and enjoy your trip with the best VPN suited for your needs!

07.06.24

Written by: Carl J. Jones