Exploring the digital landscape in China can be a hurdle because of the Great Firewall, which limits access to numerous global websites and platforms. I’ve found that using a VPN can be an effective way to navigate around these blocks and access the global internet. However, discovering the ideal best free VPN for China is tricky, as many don’t live up to the challenge posed by China’s strict internet censorship.
Many difficulties I’ve found in China in accordance with usage of VPNs as there government is really good at detecting and blocking most VPNs — especially free VPN services. That’s because free VPNs don’t refresh their server IPs too often, so the Great Firewall easily detects and blocks their servers.
However, given China’s strict internet policies, opting for a trustworthy paid VPN that offers a free trial or money-back guarantee is advisable for enhanced security. ExpressVPN, known for its strong encryption and sophisticated security features, is a top recommendation, ensuring complete privacy and protection online.
Quick Overview – Best Free VPN For China In April 2024
Below is a quick look at the top free VPN services for China this month, each offering unique features and benefits:
ExpressVPN – Best Free Trial VPN for China
Offering unbeatable performance, and obfuscated servers to hide your VPN use, ExpressVPN provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to use its services risk-free.
➔ Get 3 extra months FREE (49% off) on a 12-month plan today!
Windscribe – Free VPN for China with 10 GB of Free Data
Provides 15 GB of monthly data and is capable of unblocking streaming services, making it a robust choice for China.
Hotspot Shield – Free VPN for China For Fast Browsing
Offers 500 MB of daily data on its free version and uses a Hydra protocol for reliable speeds.
Urban VPN – 100% Free VPN for China
Completely free VPN with unlimited data, ideal for everyday use. Stands out for its 237 servers in China.
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
VPNs operate within a legal gray zone in China, where their legality depends on whether you’re a tourist or a Chinese citizen. However many users, like me, have been utilizing them for over years without facing any issues.
Why Do You VPN Need for China?
A VPN is crucial for anyone residing in or looking to get a Chinese IP Address in USA due to the country’s stringent internet restrictions. The Chinese government heavily censors the internet, known as the Great Firewall of China, limiting access to various Western media and platforms.
For instance, popular social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are blocked, as are many news outlets and Google services. To circumvent these restrictions, a VPN is necessary.
It allows you to access restricted content by encrypting your internet connection and routing it through servers located outside of China. This way, you can enjoy unrestricted access to social media, keep up with international news, and use search engines freely.
Additionally, a VPN protects your online activities from being monitored and logged by ISPs, ensuring privacy and security in a country known for its surveillance. It’s also useful for accessing region-specific deals, maintaining contact via Western communication apps, and ensuring that your data remains secure and private while using public Wi-Fi networks.
How to Choose the Best Free VPN for China? [Testing Methodology]
Selecting the best free VPNs for China involves a thorough understanding of several criteria to ensure effectiveness in bypassing the Great Firewall and maintaining privacy and security.
When ranking and testing free VPNs for use in China, I used the following criteria to ensure safety and effectiveness in bypassing the Great Firewall:
Must Work in China:
The ideal VPN should have servers in nearby countries like Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan which are not affected by the Great Firewall. While completely free VPNs that work in China are rare, the ones I selected guarantee connectivity and security.
Access to a Diverse Server Network
A comprehensive server network is fundamental to a VPN’s ability to provide access to geo-restricted content. While free VPNs typically offer a limited selection of server locations, look for the best free VPNs for China that provide servers in countries close to China, such as Hong Kong, Japan, or Singapore.
Obfuscation to avoid detection by the Firewall
Obfuscation technology, also known as Stealth Mode, is particularly important in reducing concerns about Deep Packet Inspections (DPIs). It disguises your VPN traffic as regular internet activity, making it more difficult for censorship technologies to detect and block your VPN connection.
Robust Security Features
When considering a free VPN for use in China, it’s crucial to look for services that offer strong encryption and advanced security features. The VPN should at least provide a strong kill switch, IP and DNS leak protection, and AES-256 encryption. Additional features like malware blockers or MultiHop are beneficial.
Privacy
A reliable free VPN must not log or sell your data to third parties and should offer protection against government surveillance. Ideally, it should be based outside the Fourteen Eyes surveillance alliance.
Lower Data Caps
For a smooth online experience, you need a VPN that does not throttle speeds or impose data caps. This is especially important in a country like China, where international bandwidth is limited, and VPNs can sometimes be your only gateway to high-speed global internet.
User-Friendly Experience
A VPN for China should also be easy to set up and use, with customer support available to assist with any technical issues. While 24/7 live chat is ideal, at a minimum, the VPN should offer a reliable email support system or a detailed FAQ section to address common questions.
5 Best Free VPNs for China in 2024 – [In-Depth Analysis]
After thorough research, I have found that while completely free VPNs that work in China are rare, there are a few that stand out for their security, speed, and reliability:
Here are the 5 best free VPNs for China in 2024, rigorously tested to guarantee connectivity and security:
1. ExpressVPN – Best Free Trial VPN for China
- Ultra-fast servers in 105 Countries
- Excellent unblocking capability for Netflix, Hulu & more
- Best-in-class encryption trusted security, and advanced protection features that block ads, trackers, and harmful sites.
- Connect up to 8 devices simultaneously
- 24/7 customer support through live chat
- 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN is the best free trial VPN for China. It excels in reliably masking your actual IP address with a Chinese IP, granting seamless access to restricted content. Its unlimited bandwidth and powerful unblocking capabilities help make its free trial more competitive than most of its competitors.
Server Network
The thing I like best about ExpressVPN is its robust server network, boasting over 3000 servers in 105 countries including 2 servers in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong servers of ExpressVPN work in China to bypass the Great Firewall, for accessing geo-restricted streaming platforms and maintaining consistent connectivity.
Connect to ExpressVPN servers in Hong Kong if you want to unblock Chinese sites.
Server Performance
I’ve visited the majority of mainland China and ExpressVPN has worked for me in all the provinces of China, even in sensitive areas like Xinjiang, Xi’an, Beijing in the far west. ExpressVPN has even proven effective for me in remote areas of Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, and the outcomes were consistently impressive!
I utilize ExpressVPN to access YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram, Netflix, Gmail, and all other messaging apps that are blocked in China. You won’t find ExpressVPN or other popular VPN mobile apps on the Apple App Store in China. For Android users, The scenario is even more difficult, as the entire range of Android apps, not just VPN apps, isn’t accessible in China due to the ban on the Google Play Store.
During my tests, I was able to successfully unblock every Chinese or international service I tried with this Chinese VPN. ExpressVPN’s Hong Kong servers allowed me to unblock QQ music, and other Chinese-exclusive services like iQIYI, and WeChat.
Using ExpressVPN’s servers helped me unblock QQ Music and many other geo-restricted sites.
Similarly, I had a great time accessing and unblocking international streaming services like Amazon, Disney+, HBO Max, and Netflix with ExpressVPN which were previously blocked in China.
ExpressVPN Speed Test
During my ExpressVPN speed test on a 100 Mbps connection, ExpressVPN delivered the quickest VPN service download speeds of 89.38 Mbps. These are among some of the fastest VPN service speeds I have ever measured.
ExpressVPN offers fast download and upload speeds for buffer-free streaming.
Security and Privacy Measures
ExpressVPN employs AES-256 encryption, Lightway protocol, TrustedServer Technology, Threat Manager, DNS leak protection, built–in obfuscation, and IP leak protection. This level of security has rightly earned it the title of the best VPN for China a country known for its surveillance and monitoring practices.
Devices Compatibility
ExpressVPN has great compatibility with all popular software, including Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, and macOS. If you want to use ExpressVPN on other devices, the MediaStreamer tool can be used to configure any device, even those without dedicated VPN software. Through this feature, you can effortlessly set up ExpressVPN on Apple TV, smart TV, and other devices from within or outside of China.
Free Trial and Pricing
While ExpressVPN isn’t free, you can try out this dependable VPN for China free of charge through the ExpressVPN free trial on your mobile device. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it a risk-free option for users in China.
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For more information related to this VPN service, please refer to my ExpressVPN Review.
- Escape censorship and pass through the Chinese Great Firewall
- Doesn’t retain your IP address, browsing history, traffic destinations, or metadata
- Easily access blocked streaming and social media sites in China
- Blazing-fast speeds with Lightway protocol
- Cryptocurrency payment options are available
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Does not offer a free version
2. Windscribe – Free VPN for China with 10 GB of Free Data
- Strong Encryption Protocols
- Free Version Offered
- 3 Days Money Back Guarantee
- 50 Server Locations (11 in Free Version)
- Accepts Bitcoin Payments
- Offers OpenVPN encryption
Windscribe is a free VPN for China with 15GB monthly bandwidth. It stands out as a great free VPN china due to its free allowance of 15 GB/month, 11 free server locations, and unlimited device connections.
Server Network
It has 480 servers in 60+ countries including 2 servers in Hong Kong. However, using the Windscribe free version, you can only access 11 server locations – UK, Hong Kong, USA, Canada, Netherlands, Germany, France, Norway, and Switzerland.
windscribe-hk-server
So does Windscribe work in China? Yes, with a Windscribe Hong Kong server you can connect this free vpn from China to anyhere in the world, which makes it a strong free VPN working in China. What made me using Windscribe in China experience even better is that I used windscribe’s free Hong Kong servers while I was in the Chinese mainland.
I was also able to access BBC iPlayer, using its free UK servers within China, and enjoyed it without compromising my security or privacy. That is why it is the best free VPN for BBC iPlayer,
I was able to unblock BBC iPlayer in China easily with Windscribe.
Speed
During my Windscribe speed tests, I recorded an average download speed of 65.21 Mbps and an upload speed of 34.75 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection, which is pretty good.
Windscribe has delivered a decent speed on its US servers in China.
Security and Privacy Measures
The thing that makes Windscribe stand out as one of the best free VPNs for China is its commitment to security. It boasts top-notch features including 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, a strict no-logs policy, and an integrated ad blocker.
Windscribe also has an amazing feature called ROBERT which is a server-side domain and IP blocking tool, to protect against malware. Best of all, it supports port forwarding, which can be a useful feature for downloading torrents.
Devices Compatibility
I was able to use Windscribe through its dedicated apps on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. It also offers China VPN extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera browsers. You can even set up Windscribe on Roku, routers, Kodi, and Firestick. Devices like Nvidia Shield and NAS are also supported.
Free Version Bandwidth
The Windscribe free trial version lets you access servers in 10 locations worldwide, but if you want to access the whole offering, you can do so via its Pro version. If you subscribe but feel it is not the right fit, you can cancel your Windscribe subscription within the 3-day trial period to get a refund easily.
Please refer to my comprehensive Windscribe review for more details about this provider.
- No requirement for card details and maintains a private logging policy.
- Offers various obfuscation protocols across all applications.
- Includes a dependable kill switch.
- Recognized as a reliable free VPN working in China
- Limited to a 10GB data allowance.
- Lacks an independent no-logs audit.
- Operates from Canada, a member of the Five-Eyes intelligence alliance.
3. Hotspot Shield – Free VPN for China For Fast Browsing
- Freemium Service
- 45 Days Money Back Guarantee
- Kill Switch & Split Tunneling
- Cross-Platform Compatibility
- Works with Netflix
- Supports Torrenting
Hotspot Shield is a free VPN for China for fast browsing. It provides significantly faster speeds compared to many other free VPNs I have tested. This combined with its 500 MB daily data allowance makes it a convenient choice for short-term browsing and accessing blocked social media platforms.
Server Network
Hotspot Shield, with its expansive network of over 1800 servers across more than 80 countries, I recommend choosing Hotspot Shield a good free VPN China, whose free version works well in China, providing unlimited bandwidth. This plan includes access to servers in more than 5 countries, featuring locations in Singapore, conveniently near China.
Stands out as a potent solution for users aiming to bypass the Great Firewall. This extensive coverage ensures that users in China can leverage Hotspot Shield as a “free VPN used in China” to navigate around internet restrictions effectively.
Hotspot Shield offers 1 server in China
Its free plan gave only 5 server options – Auto, Los Angeles, New York, Singapore, and London. During my tests, I was able to unblock streaming services like YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, with Hotspot Shield free Los Angeles Server.
You can unblock US-based streaming services using this free VPN in China.
That said, while I was able to unblock these sites with Hotspot Shield, its bandwidth constraints blocked me from fully utilizing its capabilities. Another limitation is that Hotspot Shield monetizes its free VPN with ads, so you’ll be getting annoying ads and pop-ups every minute or so, which becomes very annoying.
Speed
Nonetheless, Hotspot Shield is still one of the best VPN to China freely available for use without a paywall. During my Hotspot Shield speed tests, it outperformed some other VPNs I tested, with average download and upload speeds of 50 Mbps and 35.62 Mbps, respectively.
Hotspot Shield offers fast download and upload speeds for buffer-free streaming.
Devices Compatibility
Hotspot Shield is compatible with devices like Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, making it the best free VPN in China for iPhones. Similarly, the service also provides dedicated browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox as well.
However, you can use Hotspot Shield on your Linux devices through the Chrome extension. To my surprise, the provider does not support routers at the moment.
Security & Privacy Measures
In terms of security, this Chinese VPN employs military-grade encryption, DNS leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your online activities remain private. The automatic kill switch and Catapult Hydra Protocol are an added layer of protection, safeguarding your data in case the VPN connection drops.
Free Version Bandwidth
The free version of this VPN China freely offers 500 MB of data per day. For users requiring more data and advanced features, Hotspot Shield’s premium plans start at a competitive price, offering unlimited data and access to all its servers.
You can learn more about this service in my Hotspot Shield review.
- No registration is required
- Brilliant speeds
- A VPN China server free
- Unblock US Netflix on its free US server
- Customer support can be a bit unreliable.
- Limited free server locations
4. UrbanVPN – 100% Free VPN for China
- Unlimited Free Data
- Multiple servers in 81 locations
- Works with US Netflix
- Unlimited simultaneous connection
- P2P style network
- Keeps user logs (IP address, browsing history)
UrbanVPN is a 100% free VPN for China thanks to its largest server options in China for free with premium security features like 256-bit encryption and DNS/IPv6 leak protection.
Server Network and Performance
Boasting a network of 4000+ servers across 81 countries, including 237 China server locations, it’s a reliable free VPN to connect to China. This positions it as the best free VPN to use in China, enabling users to obtain a free China IP address and successfully bypass the Great Firewall of China (GFW) to access geo-restricted content.
UrbanVPN has the largest server network in China
I was able to unblock Netflix using UrbanVPN, but only the US library. It is still a solid option for a free VPN China server, even though it is less effective than the other VPNs in unblocking other services and apps.
Unblocked US Netflix in China with UrbanVPN’s US server.
Speed
Overall, this VPN to China freely provides a respectable level of service, although it falls short of the two other VPNs in terms of speed. Although there are a few sporadic connection drops, it is not a serious issue.
In terms of speed, UrbanVPN delivers a respectable performance. My UrbanVPN speed test results indicate download speeds reaching up to 30 Mbps and upload rates often exceeding 26 Mbps. While there are occasional connection drops, they are not frequent enough to be a significant concern.
Urbanvpn offers fast download and upload speeds for buffer-free streaming.
Security & Privacy Measures
UrbanVPN doesn’t skimp on security despite being a free service. It offers standard AES–256 encryption and a commendable no-logs policy. The inclusion of a kill switch feature enhances its security credentials. Additionally, UrbanVPN supports P2P torrenting and provides 24/7 live chat support, adding to its user-friendly appeal.
Devices Compatibility
UrbanVPN’s compatibility stands out, supporting devices across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS platforms. With the free version offering unlimited simultaneous connections, UrbanVPN emerges as a free VPN for PC in China, providing versatile options for a broad spectrum of users.
Free Version Bandwidth
UrbanVPN stands out as a China VPN freely offering services, providing unlimited data usage without any hidden costs. This makes it an attractive option for users who need a VPN solution in China without any financial commitment.
You can learn more about this service in my Urban VPN review.
- No registration is required
- 100% free VPN with China servers
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Connection drops sometimes.
Quick Comparison Table: Free China VPN Features
When considering a VPN for China, features like obfuscation, speed, data allowance, and server locations are crucial. Here’s a quick comparison of the top free VPNs available:
| VPNs |  |
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank for China | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Free Servers | 3000+ servers | 11 | 5 | over 500 free VPN servers |
| Servers in China | 2 servers in Hong Kong | 1 server in Hong Kong | 1 virtual server in Singapore (nearby China) | 237 servers in China |
| Obfuscation Feature | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Encryption & Protocols | AES-256 encryption | AES-256 encryption | AES-256 encryption | AES-256 encryption |
| Device Connections | 8 | Unlimited | 5 | Unlimited |
| No Logs Policy | Strict No Logs Policy | Keeps Minimal Logs | Strict No Logs Policy | Strict No Logs Policy |
| Streaming | Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus | Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus | Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus | Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus |
| Avg Speed | 89.42 Mbps download speed | The average speed of 65.21 | 50 Download Speed | 29.58 Mbps download/25.91 Mbps upload speed |
| Free VPN | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Is It Safe to Use Free VPNs in China?
When it comes to the safety of using free VPNs in China, there are considerable doubts. In a country known for its extensive monitoring of the internet, using a non-reputable VPN could expose your data to ISPs or even lead to it being sold to third parties.
To maintain online safety, it’s imperative to select a VPN that offers advanced security features, such as military-grade encryption, DNS leak protection, and a reliable kill switch. These features ensure your data remains secure even if the VPN connection drops.
Also avoid using free VPNs in China that are approved by the government. If you use one, they’ll keep track of your data and share it with the Chinese authorities. VPNs operating in China have to do this to stay in business there.
Risks & Disadvantages of Using a Free VPN in China
Using a free VPN in China can be fraught with risks and disadvantages that could jeopardize both your internet experience and your security.
Here are the main reasons I suggest avoiding most free VPNs:
- They don’t work well in China — Many free VPNs can’t get around Chinese internet censorship because they don’t update their server IP addresses often. So, the government easily finds and blocks them using the Great Firewall.
- They have weak security — A lot of free VPNs lack important security features, like a kill switch. This puts your data at risk whenever you use them.
- They don’t keep your privacy safe — Many free VPNs keep records of your data and share it with others, or even sell it to advertisers. They do this to make money, or else they couldn’t keep their business running.
- They can’t stream videos — Free VPN services usually can’t access popular streaming sites because they don’t update their server IPs frequently. One exception is Windscribe, whose free version works well with most top streaming services.
- They Impose data limits — Many free VPNs restrict how much data you can use each day or month, often to 2–10 GB per month. But some, like Hotspot Shield, offer unlimited data and can bypass internet censorship in China.
- They have Apps with technical glitches — Many free VPN providers have poorly made apps that are hard to use and often malfunction. Plus, they often lack useful features like a quick-connect tool.
- They offer poor customer support — Free VPNs usually don’t have good customer service. For example, they may not have a helpful support center or their email support might be slow to reply, or not reply at all.
Given these concerns, it’s essential to weigh the potential risks against the need for robust online security and privacy when considering a free VPN in China. It’s worth investing in a reputable paid VPN service that can provide the necessary features and reliability for a safer and more open internet experience.
How Does China Block Free VPNs?
- IP Blocking: IP blocking is a common method employed by the government in China to detect and prevent access to VPN servers from various providers. To overcome this obstacle, free VPNs must frequently update their server IPs.
- Port Blocking: The government closes off ports that are commonly utilized by established VPN protocols like IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPSec, and OpenVPN. The sole method to bypass this form of restriction is by employing TCP port 443, since it’s the identical port utilized by HTTPS web traffic (thus making it immune to government shutdowns)
- DPI Blocking: In China, officials use DPI to find out if someone is using a VPN, then they stop the VPN connection. VPN services can get around this by using obfuscation. That makes the VPN look like regular internet use, so it doesn’t get stopped.
What to Do If Your Free VPN Is Not Working in China
If you’re encountering issues with your free VPN in China, there are several steps you can take:
- Update your VPN App: Make sure to update your VPN app regularly. If it’s not up-to-date, you might encounter glitches or issues that stop the app from working properly. This could lead to your connection being blocked in China.
- Try to switch to Different Server: Attempt connecting to a different VPN server by disconnecting from the one you’re currently using and reconnecting to an alternative one. There’s a possibility that the IP of the other server hasn’t been blocked yet.
- Activate the obfuscation feature of VPN: Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) blocks could prevent you from using the VPN, so it’s crucial to enable obfuscation to conceal your VPN connection.
- Utilize TCP port 443 for your VPN connection: Port restrictions could be causing issues with your VPN usage. In such situations, opt for the OpenVPN protocol, as it typically operates on TCP port 443.
- Get in touch with customer support: By reaching out to the provider’s support team via email. They should be capable of assisting you. However, it’s important to note that the email support of many free VPNs is often not very prompt in responding.
What Redditor’s Think About Free VPNs for China
A Reddit thread highlighted Astrill VPN, Mullvad VPN, and LetsVPN as reliable choices. Conversely, ExpressVPN, NordVPN, PIA, and Surfshark are noted as ineffective. Additionally, alternative protocols like V2ray and Shadowsocks are mentioned for their speed and lightweight nature, though they don’t provide anonymity.
As far as my testing is concerned, I had a considerably better experience with ExpressVPN thanks to its Lightway protocol and obfuscation technology which made it easier to browse in China.
Tips for Using a Free VPN in China
To optimize your experience with a free VPN in China, it’s crucial to employ practical measures across various devices:
- Pre-Download Before Arrival: Install VPNs before entering China, as many services become inaccessible. Additionally, China blocks the Play Store, App Store, and Google search engine, so you won’t be able to download any VPN app there.
- Keep Multiple VPN Options: Equip your device with alternative VPNs to navigate potential service fluctuations. So, in case of any censorship, you must have a backup free VPN if you intend to reside in China or travel there frequently.
- Enable Obfuscation Tools: Activate obfuscation or Stealth modes to prevent detection by the Great Firewall.
- Switch Servers for Accessibility: Change servers for better access and speeds. It’s a good idea to connect to servers in nearby countries like Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong when using a free VPN to China IP.
- Stay Informed on VPN Updates: Keep in touch with your VPN provider and online communities for the latest functional VPNs.
- Test VPNs Before Your Trip: Ensure your VPN works and acquaint yourself with its features beforehand.
- Choose Nearest Servers: The speed of a server increases with proximity to its location. So connect to nearby servers for a stable and faster connection.
- Regularly Update Your VPN: Maintain the latest version for up-to-date security and features. A VPN that updates its server IPs and uses obfuscation and alternative ports is more likely to succeed in providing access to the free internet.
- Respect Local Laws: It’s important to note that in China, only government-approved VPNs are considered legal. So, you can use a VPN in China freely, provided that ensures adherence to China’s legal framework.
Free VPNs to Avoid in China
When searching for a free VPN that works in China, it’s essential to know which services to avoid due to security risks, privacy concerns, and their potential inability to bypass the Great Firewall effectively.
Certain free VPNs have been known to engage in practices that could jeopardize your online privacy and security, such as tracking user data or containing malware.
| Free VPN Providers | Why I did not include them in my list of the best free VPNs for China |
|---|---|
| Hide Me | Hide.me VPN is considered safe, but its free version has data limits and fewer servers, leading to slower speeds. The paid version offers more features but the free version isn’t ideal for fast, stable connections. Learn more in my Hide.me Review. |
| Betternet | Betternet, aiming to bypass global censorship, supports various protocols, including OpenVPN. However, relying on OpenVPN in China is not advisable due to detectability under DPI, making it less suitable for use in the country. Learn more in my Betternet Review. |
| PrivateVPN | Private VPN is a solid service but not ideal for China. With limited servers prone to overloading, lack of split tunneling, and no native WireGuard support, it requires manual setup and VPN toggling for incompatible apps. Learn more in my Private VPN Review. |
Other Best Free VPN Country Guides By VPNRanks:
In case you’re visiting another country, here are a few free VPN guides for other countries:
| Best Free VPN Finland | Experience Finland’s Internet Without Limits |
| Best Free VPN for Pakistan | Secure, Free Browsing Across Pakistan |
| Best Free VPN for the Philippines | Unlock the Philippines’ Digital World Safely |
| Best Free VPN for Russia | Navigate Russia’s Web Space Freely and Securely |
| Best Free VPN for South Africa | Explore the Rainbow Nation’s Online Realm with Security |
| Best Free VPN Turkey | Explore the and bypass internet censorship in Turkey |
FAQs – Best Free VPN for China
Which free VPN is best for China?
The best free VPN for China, according to my research, is ExpressVPN. It efficiently bypasses the Great Firewall of China quickly, offers high speeds (89.42 Mbps), and has numerous servers in Hong Kong and neighboring countries, ensuring reliable and unrestricted internet access.
Are free VPNs safe to use in China?
Most free services are not dependable and may fail to operate in China. Some might even jeopardize your devices and data security.
Is there an ExpressVPN China server?
ExpressVPN lacks physical servers within mainland China, but it does maintain servers in Hong Kong and Macau, both of which are not subject to the Great Firewall. However, the Chinese government does monitor certain internet traffic and restrict access to some websites in Hong Kong and Macau.
Is it legal to use a VPN in China?
Yes, using a VPN in China is legal, but only if the VPN complies with government requirements. Unsanctioned VPNs are banned, and while Chinese citizens face a higher risk of penalties for using these, foreigners are less likely to be charged.
Can I use a free VPN for streaming in China?
Possibly, but free VPNs generally do not perform well for streaming in China. Although some recommended free VPNs claim to function in China, they cannot guarantee 100% uptime with streaming sites.
Which free VPNs have servers in China?
- ExpressVPN — Top VPN Service for China Overall in 2024.
- Hotspot Shield — Premier No-Cost VPN for China in 2024
- Hide.me — Protected No-Cost China VPN Offering Limitless Bandwidth
- Windscribe — Protected No-Cost China VPN Tailored for Streaming
- TunnelBear — Effective No-Cost China VPN for Novices
Should I use a free VPN to bypass internet censorship in China?
No, I advise against using most free VPNs to bypass internet censorship in China. The primary reason is that they often fail to circumvent Chinese censorship effectively because they do not frequently update their server IP addresses, making it easy for the government to detect and block them via the Great Firewall.
Final Thoughts
Although the choices for a VPN with China server free are somewhat restricted, the best free VPN for China I’ve recommended offers a balanced mix of security, speed, and simplicity. Given the dynamic nature of China’s internet restrictions, keeping a backup VPN ready is wise in case your primary option faces difficulties.
Investing in a reputable VPN service is the most reliable to ensure uninterrupted access to content and maintain secure communications. That’s why I recommend the best free trial VPN available – ExpressVPN. It effortlessly navigates through the Great Firewall of China and offers advanced features.
Have you tried the best free VPN for China? Which one did you use? I’m curious to hear your experiences in the comments!
