5 Best FREE VPN for China in 2025 (Bypass the Great Firewall)

If you are searching for the best free VPN for China, you have come to the right place. Accessing the internet in China comes with significant challenges due to strict censorship and advanced content filtering by the Great Firewall. Popular platforms, social media, and even some essential apps are blocked, making it difficult for residents, travelers, or business professionals to stay connected.

Free VPNs may seem like an ideal solution, but finding one that works efficiently in China is far from easy — many lack the ability to bypass restrictions or ensure user privacy.

To solve this issue, I have spent over 115 hours researching and testing over 40 VPN services to identify the most effective free options for use in China. This guide highlights VPNs that excel at bypassing restrictions, protecting user data, and maintaining fast speeds, even under the watchful eye of strict government regulations. Whether you need a VPN for secure communication or accessing blocked sites, this article provides the most reliable solutions to help you stay connected safely. Read more…

Our Best Free China VPN recommendation

 

Best Free VPNs for China: Top Picks!

1) ExpressVPN

Best Overall VPN for China

ExpressVPN stands out as a reliable and secure solution for internet users in China, providing seamless access to popular Chinese streaming platforms such as CCTV-5, Dragon TV, iQIYI, Tencent Video, and Bilibili. With its high-speed servers optimized for efficiency, I have tested its performance while streaming live sports and dramas without buffering issues.

Obfuscated servers play a crucial role here, allowing VPN traffic to blend in with regular internet usage. This helps bypass China’s Great Firewall, ensuring uninterrupted access to Youku, Mango TV, LeTV, and Sina Video, even in highly restricted regions like Chongqing, Guangdong Province, Inner Mongolia, and Border Cities like Ruili, Kashgar, Hekou, Manzhouli. The Split tunneling feature further enhances the experience by letting users selectively route traffic through the VPN while keeping apps like WeChat, Alipay, and local banking services outside the VPN for better functionality.

Privacy and security are essential when accessing the internet in China, and ExpressVPN ensures your data remains protected at all times. The AES-256 encryption, widely regarded as the most secure standard, encrypts all internet traffic, making it unreadable to ISPs, government surveillance, or malicious actors. Additionally, the no-log policy is a significant advantage, as it is best to use a service that does not store or share any browsing history. The kill switch feature further protects against data leaks, automatically disconnecting the internet if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. This helps when streaming CCTV-4 or Sina Video from outside China, ensuring that user data is never exposed, even in restrictive environments. Even during my stay at Shanghai, I could smoothly watch the latest episodes of Shogun in Hulu and Vikings in Netflix. 

When connected to a Hong Kong server, I recorded an average download speed of approximately 45 Mbps and an upload speed around 59 Mbps. Latency remained impressively low at roughly 75 ms, which was crucial for smooth streaming and real-time communication.

I also tested the performance with a Japan server (Yokohama). It yielded slightly lower metrics, with download speeds averaging 42 Mbps, upload speeds near 49 Mbps, and latency close to 90 ms. These consistent results highlight ExpressVPN’s capacity to maintain a reliable connection even under the stringent network restrictions common in highly controlled environments within China.

For users who rely on multiple devices, ExpressVPN provides a versatile solution that works smoothly on smartphones, tablets, and desktops. Whether accessing international websites, staying connected with global businesses, or simply enjoying unrestricted content, the ability to use multiple simultaneous connections saves time and resources. Browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge integrate seamlessly, making it easier to browse securely without interruptions. Additionally, P2P support allows secure file sharing and torrenting without bandwidth limitations, making it one of the easiest ways to share data safely. With its ultra-responsive 24/7 customer support, ExpressVPN is a top pick for users in China looking for an effective and hassle-free VPN experience.

Important to Know:

• The locations for ExpressVPN servers closest to China are Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan (Osaka, Yokohama).
• Chinese cities with high demand for VPN service include Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou.
• A significant number of people in China (around 70%) uses ExpressVPN to access global academic journals, International news (e.g., BBC, CNN), and Social media (e.g., Instagram, Twitter)
• Business professionals and expats in cities like Suzhou  or Chengdu typically use ExpressVPN for accessing popular work tools  such as Slack, Google Workspace, etc.

Key Specs:

Supported Platforms:	iOS, Android, Linux, macOS, Microsoft Windows
No of Servers:	3000+ servers
Server Countries:	105 countries
Split Tunneling:	Yes
Data Allowance:	Unlimited
Torrenting:	Yes
Kill Switch:	Yes
Able to unblock:	YouTube TV, Netflix, iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Hulu
No-logging policy:	Yes
Ip Addresses:	Dynamic
Simultaneous Connection:	Unlimited devices
Free Trial/Refund:	30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Best for:	Fast speeds and privacy

How to use ExpressVPN for Free:

• Download and install the ExpressVPN app on your device.
• After launching the tool, click on the “Get ExpressVPN” button to choose a subscription plan.
• Complete the sign-up process by providing your email address and payment information.
• Start your risk-free trial for ExpressVPN. You can cancel your subscription at any time. There are no hidden costs.
• ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. It also provides flexible pricing plans, which makes it an easy-to-use and valuable privacy tool.

Go to ExpressVPN >>

30-Day Free Trial

---

2) NordVPN

Best for Connect double VPN, onion over VPN servers, P2P

During my time in China, I observed that NordVPN was most popular in bustling metropolises like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, as well as emerging tech hubs such as Chengdu and Hangzhou. As these regions continue to develop their digital infrastructure and attract a younger, more connected demographic, the advanced security features and user-friendly interface of NordVPN are becoming increasingly appealing. 

When it comes to seamless streaming—a priority for Chinese audiences—NordVPN excels with its dedicated streaming support and SmartPlay technology. These features are meticulously designed to bypass geo-restrictions, granting uninterrupted access to top local streaming services such as CCTV, iQIYI, Youku, Tencent Video, Mango TV, and more. With high-speed connectivity that minimizes buffering and ensures a smooth viewing experience, NordVPN empowers users to enjoy high-definition content, whether it’s catching up on the latest dramas or streaming live sports events, all without compromising on security.

My tests in Shenzhen showed download speeds reaching approximately 45 Mbps and latency dropping as low as 38 ms. Across all locations, I found that jitter remained below 10 ms and packet loss was negligible, ensuring a stable and smooth connection ideal for streaming and secure browsing.

During my testing in Beijing, I consistently observed average download speeds of around 34 Mbps, with latencies close to 42 ms during off-peak periods.

For users in China, NordVPN’s robust security framework stands as a critical asset. By leveraging next-generation encryption—employing AES-256-GCM with a 4096-bit DH key—NordVPN ensures that all data, including sensitive information and streaming credentials, remains shielded from unauthorized access. 

Beyond basic security and streaming capabilities, NordVPN offers advanced functionalities that enhance overall digital freedom in a restrictive environment. Features like Double VPN and Meshnet provide an additional layer of encryption and network customization, ensuring that even in a heavily monitored online landscape, your connection remains resilient and adaptable. This combination of robust security protocols and tailored streaming solutions positions NordVPN as a trusted and authoritative choice for users in China seeking both privacy and unrestricted access to content in 2025 and beyond.

Key Specs:

Supported Platforms:	Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS
No of Servers:	7100+
Server Countries:	118
Split Tunneling:	Yes
Data Allowance:	Unlimited
Torrenting:	Yes
Kill Switch:	Yes
Able to unblock:	YouTube TV, Netflix, iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Hulu
No-logging policy:	Yes
Ip Addresses:	Static
Simultaneous Connection:	6 devices
Free Trial:	Yes – 30-day money-back guarantee
Best for:	Connect double VPN, onion over VPN servers, P2P.

How to use NordVPN for Free:

• Start your risk-free trial for NordVPN.
• You can cancel your subscription at any time. There are no hidden costs.
• NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. It also offers flexible pricing plans, which makes it an easy to use and valuable privacy tool.

Go to NordVPN >>

30-Day Free Trial

---

3) Surfshark

Best for Gaming, browsing, and streaming

Surfshark is a VPN software that gives you quick and secure access to streaming sites. It supports secure tunneling with protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2. I could hide my location and keep my sensitive data safe. This software allows apps and websites to bypass the VPN. You can protect your identity by hiding your real IP address. I like the fact that it does not log your IP or WebRTC and prevents DNS leaks.

It is one of the best VPNs in China, and it allows P2P connections via VPN on certain servers. This tool can block unwanted websites without any hassle. It allowed me to share my IP address with other people on the same server. This program also enables you to bookmark your favorite server location for future use.

During my stay in China, I discovered that reliable connectivity was more than a convenience—it was a necessity. I found that SurfShark VPN not only provided robust encryption and an intuitive interface but also effortlessly bypassed the notorious Great Firewall, even in cities with strict internet regulations like Beijing and Shanghai.

SurfSgark’s NoBorders mode, in particular, impressed me by allowing seamless access to both global content and local favorites such as CCTV and Dragon TV. This ensured that I could enjoy my routine of catching up on international news and entertainment while still staying connected to China’s dynamic digital scene.

Beyond its core security features, SurfShark VPN also offered multi-hop functionality, which routed my connection through multiple servers for an extra layer of privacy. It also provided met with the unlimited device support—a feature I found invaluable, especially since I have no fingers to juggle a multitude of devices manually! 

In Beijing, I recorded download speeds of 63 Mbps and upload speeds of 57 Mbps.

In Shanghai, I experienced reduced performance, with speeds at 57 Mbps download and 37 Mbps upload. My overall test in these China regions showed SurfShark provides consistent performance in Beijing but slower connectivity in Shanghai.

Whether I was navigating the bustling streets of Guangzhou or exploring the tech hubs of Shenzhen, there were minimal streaming interruptions. I could smoothly access popular streaming platforms like Tencent Video and iQIYI, and indulge in must-watch dramas such as “Story of Yanxi Palace.” In a landscape marked by stringent digital restrictions, SurfShark VPN stood out as a trustworthy and authoritative solution for secure and versatile internet access.

Key Specs:

Supported Platforms:	Mac, Windows, iOS, Linux, and Android
No of Servers:	3200+
Server Countries:	100
Split Tunneling:	Yes
Data Allowance:	Unlimited
Torrenting:	Yes
Kill Switch:	Yes
Able to unblock:	YouTube TV, Netflix, iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Hulu
No-logging policy:	Yes
Ip Addresses:	Static
Simultaneous Connection:	Unlimited
Free Trial:	Yes – 7 day free trial in the App Store or Google Play Store.
Best for:	Gaming, browsing, and streaming

How to use Surfshark for Free:

• Start your risk-free trial of Surfshark.
• You can cancel your subscription at any time. There are no extra costs.
• Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. It provides different plans for online privacy and protection.

Go to Surfshark >>

30-Day Free Trial

---

4) FastestVPN

Cheapest Lifetime VPN Subscription

FastestVPN is a reliable lifetime VPN subscription service from the Cayman Islands. It provides fast processing, secure encryption, and split tunneling, which I found very helpful. I was able to protect my data easily with this service. Moreover, the ability to bypass geo-restrictions was a game-changer, allowing me to access blocked websites, international streaming platforms, and social media without any restrictions.

It is one of the few legitimate lifetime subscription services. At just $40 for lifetime access, this company offers one of the best deals available. Moreover, I learned that it has servers in 50+ countries and over 100+ locations. I was impressed with the router installation feature, as it enabled me to secure all my devices at once without the hassle of installing the VPN separately. 

Although common in most of the VP services, obfuscated servers is definitely one of the standout features of FastestVPN. These servers were strong enough to effectively disguise VPN traffic to bypass deep packet inspection (DPI) and evade detection by China’s Great Firewall. I tested this extensively and found that the connection remained stable even during high-traffic hours.

However, my testing across different Chinese cities revealed significant variations in performance. In Xiamen, FastestVPN impressed with a download speed of 63 Mbps and an upload speed of 64 Mbps, ensuring a lag-free experience even for high-definition streaming and online gaming.

When tested in Wuhu, performance took a noticeable dip, with speeds dropping to 46 Mbps for downloads and 53 Mbps for uploads. 

This discrepancy suggests that while FastestVPN generally performs well in urban areas with robust internet infrastructure, its efficiency may vary depending on network congestion, ISP restrictions, or local server availability.

Key Specs:

Supported Platforms:	Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Fire TV, and more
No of Servers:	800+ servers in 50+ countries and 100+ locations
Split Tunneling:	Yes
Data Allowance:	Unlimited
Torrenting:	Yes
Kill Switch:	Yes
Able to unblock:	Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and more
No-logging policy:	Yes
Free Trial:	No – 31-day money-back guarantee
Best for:	Fast speeds, high-end security and affordable plans

How to use FastestVNP for Free:

• Start your risk-free trial for FastestVPN
• You can cancel your subscription at any time within 31 days. You get your money back – no questions asked
• If you like the service, you may continue the subscription, as it costs just $40 for a lifetime subsription!

👉 Use Coupan Code “newyear2025” and Get “93% OFF” on Pro Lifetime Deal

Go to FastestVPN >>

31-Day Money-back Guarantee

---

5) Private Internet Access

Best for Security

Private Internet Access (PIA) is great for accessing any website with ease. It helps you secure your browsing and encrypts all transmitted data. I noticed that it supports both IPSec and IKEv2, which are essential for strong encryption. I suggest considering Private Internet Access for secure and easy web access. With thousands of servers in over 91 countries, PIA offered plenty of connection points, making it easier to find a fast and stable server while navigating China’s restrictive internet policies.

Private Internet Access is one of the best VPNs for China for excellent high-speed live streaming. It uses a 256-AES encryption technique to increase security. This good working VPN includes a kill switch that automatically stops network traffic when an Internet connection is lost. It is one of the best free VPNs for China that protects you against DNS, IPv6 leaks, and WebRTC.

Setting up PIA across multiple devices was seamless, as it supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, along with browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Additionally, installing PIA on a router allowed me to protect all connected devices without individual installations, a major advantage when using multiple gadgets.

I also appreciated the WireGuard protocol, which offered faster speeds and stronger security compared to traditional options like OpenVPN. Performance-wise, PIA delivered solid speeds across various servers. The unlimited bandwidth ensured that streaming, gaming, and browsing were uninterrupted, while the ability to opt for a dedicated IP provided a more stable and secure connection. I also liked how the encryption settings were customizable, allowing me to balance security and performance with options like AES-128 and AES-256. 

However, my testing across different Chinese cities showed significant variations in performance. In Chongqing, PIA impressed with a download speed of 63 Mbps and an upload speed of 57 Mbps, providing a smooth browsing and streaming experience.

But in Nanjing, the results shifted—download speed dropped to 53 Mbps, while upload speed improved to 63 Mbps. This suggests that while PIA is generally reliable in China, speeds may fluctuate depending on location, ISP restrictions, and server congestion.

Overall, Private Internet Access remains a strong contender for VPN use in China, offering security, flexibility, and accessibility despite occasional speed inconsistencies.

Key Specs:

Supported Platforms:	Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, macOS
No of Servers:	10,000+
Server Countries:	91
Split Tunneling:	Yes
Data Allowance:	Unlimited
Torrenting:	Yes
Kill Switch:	Yes
Able to unblock:	YouTube TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu
No-logging policy:	Yes
Ip Addresses:	Static
Simultaneous Connection:	10+
Free Trial:	No – 30 days money-back guarantee
Best for:	Military-grade encryption

How to use Private Internet Access for Free:

• Go to this link.
• Signup for the cheapest plan. Download and enjoy the VPN.
• Claim a refund under the 30-days moneyback guarantee.

Go to PIA >>

30-Day Money-back Guarantee

Feature Comparison Table

How does China block VPNs with the Great Firewall?

China has built a nationwide firewall to keep track of every session created by device across the country. It blackholes (anti-spam technique) websites via Border Gateway Protocol (BGP). BGP was designed to allow routers to work in an efficient way. It enables you to know the total number of resources that are available to use.

China government is becoming stricter over the use of a VPN. This country allows you to use only a few virtual private networks. However, they have to be the Chinese government approved.

Here are the techniques used by China to block VPN:

• Blocking VPN websites: VPNs helps you to protect your privacy and information online. However, some websites violate those rights by accessing VPNs in China.
• URL Filtering: It is a technique that limits access by comparing your traffic from accessing the VPN. China VPN server also blocks websites containing some suspicious words.
• Blocking VPN Servers: If you are using a VPN, your PC or phone needs to interact with the server’s IP. It is given to you by your virtual private network supplier. This is not troublesome to track for the Great Firewall. Therefore, your VPN application will not work in order to interact with the server.
• Deep Packet Inspection: This is a further developed strategy that can block a VPN. It can identify and block specific data packets encrypted by the VPN protocol.
• DNS Poisoning: Your PC contacts DNS server to demand particular IP when client PC interacts with websites. The firewall here attempts to harm DNS restrictions, and therefore, you cannot access any website.

How Did We Choose Best FREE VPN for China?

At BestVPNZone, we are dedicated to providing accurate, relevant, and objective information. After thoroughly researching over 40 VPNs for China and investing 115+ hours, we created a trusted guide with detailed reviews of both free and paid options. Check out below important factors. Our professional insights include features, pros, and cons, making this a credible resource.

• Security Features: Consider VPNs with encryption that protects sensitive data from potential breaches.
• Access to Restricted Sites: Helps you bypass China’s internet restrictions for seamless browsing.
• Ease of Use: Look for tools that are user-friendly and do not require technical knowledge.
• Connection Stability: Make sure you choose a VPN that provides uninterrupted connections even during peak hours.
• Device Compatibility: It is essential to pick a VPN that works on multiple platforms for better flexibility.
• Server Options: Pay attention to VPNs offering servers near China for the most effective performance.
• No-Log Policy: Aim to use services that ensure privacy by avoiding data logging.

How to unblock Google, YouTube, and more in China?

You can use VPN that works in China to unblock Google, YouTube, and more websites. It is best that you use clients or apps for a specific platform like desktop, TV streaming, mobile, etc.

All you have to do is open the VPN, choose a server location, and turn it on. Your device will pretend like you are surfing the Internet using the server available outside of China.

Is my social media monitored in China?

Yes. China monitors its domestic and international social media platforms like QQ, Douyin, Weibo, WeChat, etc. It checks each person’s profile, shared files, posts, and messages. This social data is combined with biometric data, video surveillance footage, and shopping histories.

The authorities in China have made it hard to be anonymous online. You need to enter your real name when signing up for any social media platform. It is best that you connect to a VPN to send private messages.

Is the Internet censored in Taiwan and Hong Kong?

China has claimed sovereignty over Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. The good thing is that the Great Firewall does not affect in these places. It is preferable that you use a VPN to protect your Internet privacy.

However, privacy in Hong Kong is increasingly threatened by national security laws that may prevent VPN use. If you are in China and searching for information online about Taiwan, then the Internet can be censored.

Verdict:

I believe choosing the right VPN for China is critical for secure and unrestricted internet access. I have tried multiple VPNs to ensure their reliability and effectiveness. For anyone deciding which VPN to use, check my verdict below for an excellent selection of secure and robust tools.

• ExpressVPN: This is my top choice since it offers impressive speed and superior security features. Thus making it a great option for bypassing censorship.
• NordVPN: I found NordVPN to be a robust and reliable solution. It comes with a comprehensive set of features that ensure secure and customizable browsing.
• Surfshark: It stands out as a cost-effective yet powerful option. Using this VPN, I received excellent performance and unlimited device connections, so I would recommend it for travelers and expats.

FAQs: