You've probably heard that Internet access can be a little tricky in China, with the websites you're used to using at home not being accessible in China. Getting a VPN like Astrill, Express, or Vypr can circumvent the problem (the China firewall) and make your trip a little easier. Find below our recommendations on the best 5 VPNS for China:
Facebook requires a VPNA VPN is a Virtual Private Network, which extends a private network across a public network, enabling people to send and receive data from shared or public networks as if they were on private networks. In a nutshell, when using a VPN in China it will reroute your internet traffic so that your Internet connection behaves like you are in a different location than you are. It also allows you to stay anonymous while you are surfing the web.
Why get a VPN
VPN use makes it possible to access websites usually blocked on the Chinese Internet, including social media and search platforms such as Facebook, Google services (like Gmail, Google Search, Google+, Google Docs, etc), YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat, as well as news sources like The New York Times, Bloomberg, and Le Monde.
If you need access to your email while you are in China and you use Gmail, a VPN is required. The same goes for Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter: if you require use of these you will have to come prepared.
How to get a VPN
Google is blocked in China.To use a VPN, most people living in China purchase a subscription. You can get these per day, per week, per month, per year, or even for multiple years (with subscriptions getting cheaper the longer your commitment, naturally).
Because most VPN providers' websites are also blocked, you generally have to set up the software before you come to China. This is a bit of a Catch 22. Get what you need set up on your laptop, tablet, or phone before departure: make sure all devices have the apps downloaded and working ahead of time.
We suggest having two (or more) VPNs... in case one fails to connect, as you often need a VPN to download a replacement VPN or updates.
Paid VPN subscriptions
1. ExpressVPN
- Best for: reliability
ExpressVPN is a fast VPN, and generally more reliable than Astrill. You will get quick access to the internet while also being able to connect at critical moments. During sensitive times (public holidays, mostly), Astrill service can sometimes be a little patchy, but ExpressVPN clients haven't experienced the same issues. ExpressVPN has over 2,000 servers in 94 countries, and you get a subscription for a total of 3 devices, but you can connect an unlimited amount of devices within your home with the router app, which is great for families.
- Price: USD 12.95 for one month, USD 9.99 per month for six months. For 12 months there is a limited time promotion at USD 6.67 per month (3 extra months free on annual subscriptions).
- Website: ExpressVPN.com
- Special Deal: 12 Months + 3 Months FREE ($6.67 per month for a year)
2. Astrill
- Best for: usability
One of the most commonly used VPN services on the mainland, Astrill has a wide range of countries to select from. Generally, the customer service isn't bad (with the exception of a little snafu last Chinese New Year when servers went down and they sent out a very snarky message), but Astrill has personally been the author's VPN of choice for years because it's affordable when compared to others, and isn't too high-tech in terms of understanding the software.
This provider has multiple settings (for example stealth mode, which allows use with Netflix, who are trying hard to block all VPN usage, meaning you can watch American Netflix while you're abroad).
- Price: USD 15.9 per month, USD 11.65 a month (for six months), USD 8.33 per month (for a year). You can also try a free trial for seven days.
- Website: www.astrill.com
3. VyprVPN
- Best for: speed
Vypr is probably the VPN with the highest speed, and its subscriptions have unlimited data usage. It has over 700 servers in over 70 countries, and allows support for 3-5 devices at the same time. Experience shows that downloading is actually faster with VyprVPN when compared to speeds when the VPN is off.
- Price: USD 3.75 per month for a year (or USD 9.95 per month if billed monthy). Premium services (with VyprVPN Cloud and allowing five simultaneous devices instead of three) will set you back USD 5 a month for your first year (or USD 12.95 if billed monthly).
- Website: www.goldenfrog.com
Free VPNs
1. Tunnel Bear
- Best for: free computer use and great design
A free VPN (of great design!) that allows for five devices to be simultaneously connected, this is your best bet for computers if you don't want to pay. Because it is free, however, usage is capped, there are few advanced settings, and service can be a little spotty. You can also upgrade for better service.
- Website: www.tunnelbear.com
2. Hexatech
- Best for: free phone use
Hexatech, a phone VPN is found in the app store under that name and is a really great free VPN. It works most of the time, and while it isn't very fast, is reliable. You can't choose servers with this one, and it will redirect your traffic through a random country, but you get what you pay for. You can opt to upgrade for faster service.
- Website: www.betternet.co
Visit China (worry-free) with us
Be worry-free on the Great Wall with China Highlights.Who needs social media in China anyway! You'll be seeing so much in China that you don't have time to post on Facebook multiple times a day, but if you do, we can help you decide which VPN to get before you arrive. That way you won't be dealing with any Great Firewall-related issues while you're in China.
Contact us to tailor-make your unique China tour. You may want to have a look at our most popular China itineraries for ideas:
- The Golden Triangle — the classic first-timer's 7-day journey through Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai — your way
- Classic Wonders — the above with beautiful Guilin, all in 10 days, and fully-customizable
You Might Like to Read
- Read more about internet access in China here.
- Before you go to China, check out this piece about ten apps for travelers.
- Worried about keeping in touch while you're in China? Don't be. Why not learn more about WeChat, China's most commonly used communication app.
