This article is intended for users who need to use a firewall and are looking for The Best VPN in China Free to access certain blocked websites and social applications in China. China employs the most powerful censorship tool, the Great Firewall (GFW), to control the country’s online censorship system. It blocks website access and slows down internet connections.
We will tell you how to use the best free VPNs for China to bypass these issues. Since China restricts access to domestic VPN websites, you need to download one before traveling to China. Many free VPN services lack standard security and privacy features, but we have tested some of the best free VPNs that are entirely free and safe to use in China. Check out our in-depth analysis of the top 5 free VPNs for China.
However, for security reasons, we always recommend using a reliable VPN service to combat this strict censorship and online surveillance. NordVPN is the best VPN for China, offering unlimited bandwidth for streaming, torrenting, and internet browsing. This VPN comes equipped with military-grade AES-256 bit encryption, a kill switch, and secure core servers, ensuring a secure online experience. It offers a wide range of servers, unlimited bandwidth, strong encryption, and unlocking capabilities, along with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
If you’re looking to save money, we recommend Surfshark. for less than $2.50 per month, you’ll have unlimited data and simultaneous connections, rock-solid security, and in-depth features that free VPNs don’t have. Access is fast and all major streaming sites are unlocked. Surfshark is the best value for money.
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内容目录
China’s Great Firewall
The Great Firewall of China (GFW) is a nickname for China’s internet censorship system, which operates through legislation and internet filtering technology. Since 2003, the GFW has granted Chinese authorities the power to monitor and restrict internet access within mainland China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau). The firewall regulates and censors the internet by limiting, slowing down, or completely blocking access to specific websites, applications, and online services.
How Does the Firewall Work?
Unlike censorship systems in some other countries, China’s Great Firewall has been in place since the birth of the internet. Consequently, it has become a fundamental part of the country’s internet infrastructure. The firewall employs a combination of five methods to block websites and services:
- IP Blocking: Blocks IP addresses associated with specific URLs (websites). If it detects that you’re trying to connect to these IP addresses, your traffic will be blocked. It also blocks IP addresses associated with unauthorized VPNs.
- DNS Spoofing: When you connect to a website, the Domain Name System (DNS) is used to establish a connection between your device and the website’s IP address. China can set up DNS servers to provide incorrect information for certain DNS requests, effectively preventing you from connecting to the desired website.
- Keyword and URL Filtering: Scans websites and URLs for specific keywords. This means you may be able to access parts of a website but not pages that contain content the government doesn’t want you to see.
- Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) and Injection: The firewall can use a process called “deep packet inspection” to examine unencrypted data packets for flagged keywords. It can then block the transmission of any unwanted packets. After identifying unwanted connections, China can inject reset packets to disrupt the connection between you and the website you’re trying to access.
- Manual Operations: Much of the censorship carried out as part of the firewall is not automated. The government employs thousands of workers specifically tasked with scanning the internet for content to add to the blacklist.
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Does the Firewall Block All VPNs?
China’s Great Firewall actively blocks VPN connections, but it cannot block all VPNs. Since 2011, the Chinese government has been to some extent blocking VPNs, but this process has intensified since 2017 and early 2018. During this time, the Chinese government ordered the removal of all VPN applications from the Apple App Store and threatened to block all unapproved VPN services.
While it hasn’t been successful in blocking all VPN services, many popular services are now inaccessible. Even VPNs with the most effective obfuscation tools can occasionally fall victim to firewall scrutiny.
During periods of political turmoil or important commemorative dates, such as June 4th, the Chinese government cracks down more severely on VPNs. Connecting to VPN servers may be more challenging, but the best VPNs usually find solutions quickly.
How Do Top VPNs Bypass the Firewall?
VPN services encrypt your internet traffic so that the firewall cannot see the content you’re trying to access online. Encrypted traffic is first routed to a VPN server in another country/region before being redirected to the website or service you want to access. This also conceals the destination of internet traffic from the firewall, although Chinese censorship authorities have learned to identify some VPN connections.
Using deep packet inspection, censors can look for certain indicators in VPN traffic, such as characteristics of specific VPN protocols. Therefore, the most reliable VPNs in China now use obfuscation techniques to obfuscate VPN traffic, making it appear as normal HTTPS internet traffic. This helps data remain undetected.
Even with obfuscation in place, the firewall still succeeds in blocking some VPN servers by blacklisting associated IP address ranges. This means that a VPN server may work one day and not work the next. When this happens, some trial and error may be required.
What Is VPN Obfuscation?
VPN obfuscation technology hides your VPN traffic, making it blend in with other forms of online traffic. Regular VPN encryption prevents observers from reading your traffic, but obfuscation prevents them from even knowing it’s VPN traffic. VPNs that offer obfuscation technology allow you to choose obfuscation protocols from the settings menu. Without obfuscation, the Chinese firewall will detect VPN traffic (via deep packet inspection) and block it.
VPN services use protocol obfuscation methods to obfuscate VPN data and make it appear as regular HTTPS web traffic. Two of the most common methods for obfuscating VPN traffic are:
- XOR: Also known as OpenVPN Scramble, XOR is a commonly used encryption algorithm for obfuscating OpenVPN traffic.
- Obfsproxy: Obfsproxy was developed by the Tor network and works by adding an additional layer of encryption to OpenVPN traffic using the “obfs4” wrapper.
Obfuscation protocols are sometimes also referred to as “stealth” or “camouflage” protocols. All the VPNs recommended above use obfuscation protocols.
Can You Bypass the Firewall Without a VPN?
Are there other circumvention tools to unlock Chinese websites and applications? Still, they are usually less effective than VPNs. Most VPN alternatives cannot protect your privacy and cannot guarantee effectiveness. Below are five tools that can be used in China to bypass the Great Firewall:
- Proxy (Shadowsocks): One option is to use a proxy server that will spoof your IP address but not encrypt your internet traffic. This means your ISP (or the Chinese government) will be able to see what you’re doing online. Shadowsocks is one of the most effective proxies in China, using the SOCKS5 internet protocol. Many VPNs actually incorporate Shadowsocks into their obfuscation protocols.
- Lantern: Lantern is an open-source peer-to-peer (P2P) software designed specifically for evading network filters. Funded by the U.S. government, it leverages volunteers in countries/regions with more open internet to share bandwidth. In highly censored countries, Lantern is not an anonymous tool, so remember that others can still see your network activity.
- Mirror Websites: If the original website has been blocked by the firewall, some websites publish copies or “mirrors” of their sites. As long as the mirror site remains accessible, Chinese users can still access it.
- TOR (The Onion Router): Tor is a free network browser that anonymizes your internet activity by routing your network traffic through a network of random servers. While Tor is more secure than using proxy servers or mirror websites, it has some major drawbacks. Firstly, Tor is much slower than most VPNs. It is highly anonymous but not very secure, meaning you need to do your research to use it safely. China also actively blocks access to Tor, which means you’ll have to configure your browser’s advanced settings and use bridges to unlock websites. However, you may still have trouble getting it to work properly.
- FreeBrowser: FreeBrowser is a free web browser for Android devices with built-in circumvention technology. It has over 100,000 Android users but mixed user reviews. It’s also just a web browser, so your internet traffic outside of China will be blocked (or heavily restricted).
How to Use a VPN in China
To use NordVPN in China, follow these simple steps:
Create a VPN Account:
Download and Install NordVPN:
Configure NordVPN for China. In the app, select “Settings” (the gear icon circled in red below).
Choose NordLynx Protocol: In the “Connection Settings” page, select “Connection” to open the “Connection Settings” page.
Connect to the Best Server:
Enjoy using NordVPN in China. All NordVPN subscriptions support up to 6 simultaneous connections and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Which Websites Are Blocked in China?
Many popular websites and applications are blocked in China. However, the censorship regime varies daily and regionally, and Google Play Store is completely unavailable in China, while Apple’s App Store complies with Chinese laws. This means it is heavily restricted and does not offer VPN applications. Some of the most popular websites and services that are blocked in China include:
China blocks access to VPN websites about 73% of the time, which is why setting up a VPN app before traveling is essential.
What You Need to Know About Free VPNs in China
Free VPNs come with some limitations: server limitations, bandwidth limitations, logging policies, and more. For these reasons, paying for and getting a premium VPN is always better than using a free VPN with Chinese servers.
Bandwidth Limitations: Free VPNs come with bandwidth limitations that you need to adhere to. In most cases, these limitations are not even sufficient for enjoying VPN services throughout the day, making it nearly impossible to sustain any online activities like streaming Netflix content or playing data-restricted video games. You also won’t be able to download or upload files, let alone torrent.
Server and Speed Limitations: Free VPNs offer a limited number of servers that users can access for unblocking services. These server locations can be as few as three, and because of the limited servers, people can’t expect high speeds due to traffic congestion. Additionally, the limited servers don’t allow you to unlock any service you like. For instance, if there’s no UK server, you won’t be able to unblock BBC iPlayer.
Logging Policies and Poor Reputation: Free VPNs do not have effective logging policies despite claiming to offer such. While they promise this service, we know that VPNs collect user data and sell it to third parties, which tarnishes the reputation of VPNs. It’s best to avoid using them instead of risking your privacy.
The Best VPN in China Free|fast and secure in 2023 Oct
There are tons of free VPNs out there that promise a lot but actually offer very little. We’re here to separate fact from fiction by carefully testing a large number of products to find the best VPNs with free trials.
We’ve found the five best free VPNs based on key considerations such as security, privacy, speed, and streaming features.We recommend NordVPN, but you can’t go wrong with any of these five VPN services based on your specific needs.
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1. NordVPN – The most secure VPN available
For: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Simultaneous Connections: 6 | Streaming Sites: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu | Number of Servers: 5,600 | Server Locations: 60+ | >>Go to the NordVPN website.
NordVPN is an unparalleled VPN for China. While it doesn’t have a free version, you can still use it for free for over a month by simply registering and enjoying a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re satisfied with the service, you can get NordVPN coupons and commit to just $2.99 per month.
NordVPN stands out as the best overall VPN for China due to its outstanding security, fast speeds, and an extensive network of reliable VPN servers. NordVPN has no ties to China or any Chinese entities, ensuring private internet access for its users. NordVPN offers a range of impressive features, including:
NordVPN is an incredibly robust VPN service that consistently ranks at or near the top in all tests we conducted for this China VPN guide. With a plethora of security features, such as Tor over VPN and double VPN encryption for enhanced anonymity, its speeds exceed 700 Mbps. You can install it on your router to protect all connected devices at home without sacrificing speed.
In fact, you can stream Netflix in 4K, and NordVPN‘s speeds are still fast enough that you won’t suffer from buffering. Our latest tests show that Nord can unblock all leading streaming services, including Amazon Prime, Disney+, Hulu, YouTube, and BBC iPlayer. However, NordVPN truly excels with Netflix.
NordVPN consistently tops our list as the best Netflix VPN, effortlessly unlocking every region we tested. You can watch your favorite shows from anywhere in the world with complete privacy, even after the latest Netflix account lockdowns.
Many users turn to NordVPN‘s Meshnet feature as a means to bypass the password-sharing ban. It allows you to route up to 60 devices through your home network and remotely access your files and apps.
With excellent customer support, customizable pricing plans, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, there’s no reason not to try NordVPN risk-free. Make sure to buy NordVPN to get an additional 3 months of service for free.Make sure you buy NordVPN and get another 3 months free >>
How to use NordVPN VPN
To use NordVPN, perform the following simple steps:
- Go to the NordVPN website and sign up for a subscription.
- Download the NordVPN app for the device you want to use.
- Enter your login password in the app.
- Enable the Obfuscation Server by going to: Settings > Show Advanced Settings > Obfuscation Server (toggle it on).
- Now, connect to one of the obfuscation servers by clicking on the “Servers” tab, and then click to automatically connect to the fastest VPN server, or manually select the server location.
- Use NordVPN and unlock all online content.
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For: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited | Streaming Sites: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu | Number of Servers: 1,700+ | Server Locations: 100+ | >>Go to the official Surfshark website.
Another VPN suitable for China is Surfshark VPN. While there’s no free version, you can use it for an extended period at no cost by taking advantage of a small loophole. Simply register and use the 30-day money-back guarantee. Subsequently, the subscription starts at just $1.99 per month with special discount codes.
Next on our list of the best China VPNs is Surfshark VPN. This VPN offers a plethora of features, user-friendly and reliable VPN apps, an extremely secure server network, and incredible speeds thanks to the WireGuard VPN protocol. Surfshark is a high-value VPN service provider with the following advantages:
How to Use Surfshark in China: Surfshark has a clever feature called NoBorders, allowing the VPN to operate in China when other VPNs are blocked. If your Surfshark app detects any type of restriction on the network, it can automatically activate NoBorders. So, most of the time, you won’t even need to think about it.
However, considering that the Chinese government is actively trying to combat VPN usage, manually activating NoBorders mode before attempting to connect to a VPN server seems wise. This should reduce the risk of the Chinese censorship technology detecting Surfshark within the time it takes to detect restrictions and switch to NoBorders mode.
Surfshark provides outstanding performance with fast and secure WireGuard VPN protocol, ensuring seamless and uninterrupted browsing and streaming. Priced at under $2.50 per month with a 2-year plan and unlimited simultaneous connections, it offers exceptional value. Like our top choice, NordVPN, Surfshark also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 live chat support.
Surfshark wins the title of the best value VPN, and you can personally try it out with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Applying for a refund is easy with Surfshark’s live chat feature. Although the support team asked why I wanted to cancel my subscription, I had no issues getting my money back (and it only took 4 days!).”
I personally tested Surfshark’s guarantee and was surprised at how straightforward the process was. I contacted the 24/7 live chat and requested a refund, and the refund was approved within 5 minutes. Most importantly, I had the full amount back in my account in less than 5 business days. Make sure you buy Surfshark and get 3 months of service for free>>
How to Download and Install Surfshark
To use Surfshark VPN, perform the following simple steps:
- Go to the Surfshark website and sign up for a subscription.
- Download the Surfshark app for the device you want to use.
- Enter your login credentials in the VPN app.
- Enable the NoBorders feature by going to: Settings > Advanced > NoBorders (toggle on).
- After activating the NoBorders feature, you can use the VPN as normal.
- Enjoy using Surfshark VPN now.
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3. ExpressVPN – The fastest VPN in the world.
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For those in China looking for easy website unblocking and excellent speeds, ExpressVPN remains a fantastic choice. While it’s slightly pricier than some other VPNs, it’s still the top solution for Chinese users seeking fast and reliable connections. ExpressVPN is another powerful VPN tailored for China, offering:
Users can also benefit from 24/7 real-time chat support from an excellent professional team. While it may not be as fast as some services and is more expensive than many, ExpressVPN offers a comprehensive solution for Chinese users. Note that ExpressVPN does not disclose specific information about using the service in China; you’ll need to contact their support team for the latest instructions.
With its high-quality and reliable apps, an incredible range of servers worldwide, and extensive content unblocking capabilities, ExpressVPN holds a dominant position in our list of Windows VPNs. Whether you’re a new user or an experienced professional, ExpressVPN’s setup is straightforward and user-friendly. With its one-click connection feature, you can quickly connect to the fastest server near you.
Additionally, you can see various recommended server options listed below. If you want a specific location, you can change it to any of the 160+ locations and save it as your favorite for all future sessions. For Windows VPN users, other great features include split tunneling, which allows you to choose which applications bypass VPN encryption if you need to access local sites and services.
You can opt to have only specific applications use the VPN or flip it and encrypt all content through your chosen exemption. Its browser extensions provide extra protection and enable VPN proxies to help you unlock foreign content better, working in tandem with the VPN application, so you don’t have to switch between the two each time.
Furthermore, ExpressVPN offers reliable, high-speed performance through its proprietary Lightway protocol, providing over 20 times the speed required for 4K ultra-high-definition streaming. Speaking of streaming, our tests show that ExpressVPN smoothly unblocks Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. It’s also compatible with AppleTV and Roku streaming devices, allowing you to stream your favorite shows from anywhere in the world.
Its no-logs policy is impressive and has been audited by numerous third-party cybersecurity organizations. ExpressVPN does not monitor your online activities or record your IP address. Expert and friendly customer support are available 24/7 via live chat or email to assist with any issues you may encounter.
In summary, ExpressVPN is committed to being one of the best VPNs. In addition to the aforementioned benefits, it also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try it risk-free.
I ensured that ExpressVPN’s money-back guarantee was upheld and requested a refund using its 24/7 live chat feature. The agent didn’t ask me any questions or try to persuade me to stay, and my refund was approved within minutes. My money was back in my account four days later.Make sure you get another 3 months free with your ExpressVPN purchase>>
How to set up ExpressVPN VPN
To use ExpressVPN, simply perform the following steps:
- Go to the ExpressVPN website and sign up for a subscription.
- Log in to your account and download the software for the device you want to use the VPN for.
- Open the ExpressVPN app and enter the activation code (from your account page).
- Now, connect to one of the nearest servers and use the internet normally.
- Instantly use ExpressVPN and unlock all your online content.
Recommended Totally Free VPN Downloads
There are tons of totally free VPN downloads on the market. However, the selection is the only impressive one here, as the service itself is not as good as the premium services we mentioned. Anyway, I’d like to clarify. These are 100% free VPNs, which means no payments, no credit card info, that sort of thing.
Some of them will ask you to create a free account and that’s it. After that, you can use them for free forever without paying a dime. If that’s clear, here are our top 2 favorite free VPNs:
4. ProtonVPN – Proton enjoys unlimited traffic without paying a dime!
ProtonVPN is the best free VPN for Windows, offering almost everything you’d expect from a reliable VPN service in its free version. Unlike most free VPNs, ProtonVPN’s Windows application has an attractive, intuitive, and detailed interface. If you frequently stream content, play games, or use torrents online, you’ll appreciate ProtonVPN’s fast connection speeds.
ProtonVPN can easily bypass geo-restrictions on most streaming platforms, including Netflix and Hulu. The free VPN secures your internet connection with OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols. The interface comes with basic security features like a kill switch, which disconnects your internet connection if the VPN connection drops, ensuring complete security. Go to official website >>>
The Windows application also features split tunneling, allowing you to simultaneously use encrypted and unencrypted connections. This way, you can use an encrypted connection for gaming or torrenting while continuing to use an unencrypted connection for other activities. Few Windows VPNs offer unlimited data in their free versions. Premium VPNs typically incentivize users to upgrade by increasing data limits.
However, ProtonVPN only limits server locations and feature access. This can be very useful if you want to stream content without worrying about data depletion. ProtonVPN’s paid plans aren’t cheap, starting at $9.99 per month, but you can save by choosing an annual plan ($5.99 per month) or a two-year plan for the best value ($4.99 per month).
Even at the most affordable price, ProtonVPN is still more expensive than premium services like Surfshark. However, ProtonVPN offers an excellent interface and feature set. The two-year plan is a reasonable price if you like what it offers. If you’re still unsure, you can try the risk-free paid version of ProtonVPN and enjoy the 30-day money-back guarantee. Go to official website >>>
5. Hide.me Free – with a 10GB data limit
hide.me offers obfuscation when using the OpenVPN protocol, which is great as it can help you avoid DPI blocking. You also get other robust security features like comprehensive leak protection, perfect forward secrecy, and servers that operate entirely in RAM. hide.me’s representatives told me that the free plan works well in China when accessed through NordVPN, so that shouldn’t be an issue.
During testing, I was a bit disappointed with hide.me’s long-distance speeds. While I had good speeds on nearby servers, speeds noticeably dropped on distant ones. Additionally, please keep in mind that your data limit is 10GB per month, which may only be enough for 2-3 high-definition movies. Go to Official Website >>
The VPN has a user-friendly application. I particularly liked that you can ping filter more than 5 free server locations, so you can choose the fastest available server location. However, one drawback is that the free plan only allows one device to connect at a time. hide.me’s paid plans start at AU$6.02 per month, offering unlimited data and access to the provider’s full server network.
All of hide.me’s plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. hide.me offers robust security features, ensuring your online safety in China. Furthermore, it maintains good speeds on nearby servers and offers more than 5 free server locations. Unfortunately, its monthly data limit is 10GB, and speeds are slow on long-distance servers. Upgrading to the paid version grants you access to unlimited data and the full server network. Go to Official Website >>
Ranking and Testing Criteria for Free VPNs in China
After testing all the aspects listed below, we ranked VPNs based on:
The VPNs listed above offer basic to advanced security features, including kill switches and 256-bit encryption. While some of them retain basic logs, they don’t pose significant risks.
Tips for Using Free VPNs in China
Using free VPNs in China requires extra caution, as China is not a VPN-friendly country. Here are some key tips for using free VPNs in China:
Install VPN Applications on Your Devices Before Going to China: This is because accessing VPNs in China is more challenging, as you can’t download VPN applications from most VPN websites since they are also blocked. Additionally, China blocks the Play Store, App Store, and Google search engine, making it impossible to download any VPN applications there. However, if you’re already in China, you can go to any hotel and use their Wi-Fi to download VPN application APK versions from sources like Yahoo, as they often connect to VPNs.
Carefully Choose Your VPN: Before choosing a free VPN, you need to weigh the benefits of your choice. The first factor to consider is whether the company has servers in China or other nearby countries. Then, you need to consider your browsing speed and the reliability of connections to these servers. Lastly, you need to consider advanced features, protocols, and servers. Only with these considerations can you bypass the firewall effectively.
Connect to the Nearest Server: Server speeds increase as you get closer to their locations. Therefore, when using a VPN in China, it’s best to connect to servers in nearby countries like South Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong. If you want to access geo-restricted content, you’ll need to connect to servers in the respective countries/regions. For example, you need to connect to a US server to access Netflix US.
Always Have Another VPN as a Backup: Since China often blocks VPNs, it’s better to have more options than just one VPN application. If you plan to reside in China or frequently travel there, having a backup free VPN is crucial in case any censorship measures come into play.
VPNs to Avoid Using in China
Free VPN providers carry many risks, but some not only fail to provide quality service but also expose you to significant risks. Some may steal your data or put you at risk of getting caught. Here are a couple of VPNs to avoid:
- Betternet: This VPN is known to leak user identities and data to third parties. It has also been accused of spreading malware and ransomware on people’s devices. It’s best to steer clear of Betternet.
- Hola VPN: Nothing is free with Hola. Hola is a VPN that has a long history of collecting user data and bandwidth. Unfortunately, this VPN does not provide secure services and cannot protect your IP from exposure. Besides invading your privacy, Hola does not work with Netflix or other popular streaming websites.
Conclusion
China’s strict internet restrictions can be frustrating. However, with the use of VPNs, you can still engage in regular online activities without hindrance. You just need to make sure the VPN you choose can bypass the Great Firewall. You can confirm this by using the VPNs mentioned above.
However, free VPN providers come with many limitations. For Chinese internet users, we recommend using top-quality VPN providers like NordVPN to bypass the Chinese firewall. Whether you’re traveling to China or residing there, you can rely on this VPN to ensure that China’s internet remains free from meaningless government restrictions. Furthermore, you can use these top-risk-free VPNs for both Chinese and American users.
NordVPN easily circumvents the restrictions of the Chinese firewall, offering you the ultimate online security, privacy, data protection, and unlocking experience. NordVPN is renowned for providing users with outstanding VPN services, as well as advanced security, features, accessibility, and performance. If you act quickly, you can take advantage of NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee.
If you’re looking to save money, we recommend Surfshark. for less than $2.50 per month, you’ll have unlimited data and simultaneous connections, rock-solid security, and in-depth features that free VPNs don’t have. Access is fast and all major streaming sites are unlocked. Surfshark is the best value for money.
How to get a free VPN for 30 days:
If you need a VPN for a short period of time while traveling abroad, get our top-ranked VPN for free. NordVPN offers a 30-day money back guarantee, which is real. You’ll need to pay upfront to use the subscription, but the subscription allows full access for 30 days. If you don’t like it you can cancel at any time and get a full refund, so you can try it with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Free VPNs in China
Is it legal to use free VPNs in China?
No, the best free VPNs in China are not legal. The Chinese government only allows VPNs that are approved by the state. Unfortunately, these VPNs do not allow private internet usage since they are monitored by the government.
Currently, there haven’t been any cases of foreign citizens being prosecuted for using unapproved VPNs, but this situation could change. When using a VPN in China, exercise caution and avoid engaging in illegal activities.
Are free VPNs safe?
Some are, but not all. You should avoid using many free VPNs as they often have lower security and privacy standards. Some free VPNs might expose you to viruses, cyberattacks, or even sell your information on the black market. You don’t want to experience any of these issues anywhere, and it’s even riskier when connecting from China due to strict data monitoring and restrictions.
Which free VPNs have servers in China?
All the top VPNs mentioned in this article have servers in Hong Kong, but these servers are not always available in their free packages. Free packages also come with data limits that can disrupt your online sessions and cause significant inconvenience when you’re in China. Instead, I recommend using premium VPNs when in China.
The VPNs I recommend can ensure your security and privacy in China while providing fast speeds and multiple server locations, making it easy to access popular websites and services when traveling abroad.
What should I do if my VPN stops working in China?
If you’re using one of the best free VPNs in China and it stops working, try the following:
Which VPNs have Android APK files available for download?
All the VPNs listed in this article have Android APK files available for download. One key thing to note about using VPNs in China is that the Apple Store doesn’t have VPN applications available for download in the country.
This includes APKs for Android devices, so you’ll need to find alternative methods to install them. You can download VPN applications from China using APKPure, but keep in mind that downloading APK files from third-party websites carries risks. Fortunately, NordVPN has an official APK file that you can securely download from its website.
Why is my VPN so slow in China?
Top-tier VPNs like NordVPN offer very fast speeds, but some VPNs may be slower in China due to several reasons:
Why can’t I access Google and other Chinese websites and platforms?
The Chinese government blocks many services and content within China for political and economic reasons. The best way to access blocked websites in China is by using a VPN, which allows you to access all the services and apps you use regularly, such as Facebook, Netflix, Twitter, news websites, WhatsApp, and more. It makes you appear as if you’re connecting from China and lets you access all local services and platforms without restrictions.
What is the best free VPN for China?
All the free VPNs recommended in this article are safe for use in China. However, I strongly recommend using premium VPNs like NordVPN to avoid the limitations that most 100% free VPNs impose. NordVPN, for example, offers lightning-fast speeds, doesn’t limit your bandwidth, or restrict the number of global servers you can connect to. Additionally, it allows up to 6 devices simultaneously instead of just 1.
How can I get a Chinese IP address?
You’ll need a VPN with servers located in China, such as NordVPN. Since free VPNs typically don’t offer servers in China, access may require a premium package. Even premium VPNs usually only have servers in nearby countries or regions, like Hong Kong or South Korea.
When you connect to a VPN server in China, it hides your real location and provides you with a Chinese IP address. This makes it appear as though you’re connecting from China, allowing you to access all local services and platforms without restrictions.
Are social media platforms blocked in China?
Most social media platforms are blocked in China, including Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Snapchat. If you have accounts on these platforms, you’ll need a premium VPN available in China to access them.
However, many other social media applications operate in China, such as WeChat, Douyin (Chinese TikTok), InCareer (Chinese LinkedIn), Youku, and Xiaohongshu. Keep in mind that government-approved social media websites are strictly monitored, and you won’t be able to maintain your privacy when using them.
Can I watch Netflix and other streaming websites in China using a free VPN?
It’s possible but unlikely to be effective since most free VPNs lack the technical and security resources required. To watch Netflix and other streaming websites, use any of these secure and reliable VPNs, including my top choice, NordVPN. Connect to a server in your home country/region to access Netflix and start streaming without restrictions.