As such, it doesnt have anything to share with the Chinese government even if a court requests it.
This is thanks to its proprietary Lightway protocol, which uses fewer lines of code but doesnt sacrifice security.
ExpressVPN allows you to securely stream from China.
ExpressVPN lets you pay in cryptocurrency for better privacy and via international processors like UnionPay.
Bottom Line:
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for China in 2025.
I also like that you’re free to use Hotspot Shields free version without signing up.
This creates an extra layer of privacy because you dont have to provide any personal information.
Its speeds on the free plan are pretty good for browsing and streaming in China, too.
Windscribe obfuscates your traffic via the Stealth or WStunnel protocol.
The Stealth protocol hides your VPN traffic from your Chinese ISP in a secure tunnel (TLS tunnel).
and the WStunnel protocol encapsulates your VPN traffic using WebSocket to make it harder to detect.
Still, the free plan might not work in China 100% of the time.
The VPN comes with RAM-only servers and a no-logs policy, though its never been audited like ExpressVPNs has.
Plus, I like how the VPN allows unlimited connections.
hide.me gets good speeds on nearby servers but I was a bit disappointed with long-distance speeds during my tests.
If you want streaming support, check outExpressVPNorWindscribe.
hide.mes paid plans provide unlimited data and access to the providers full server web link.
hide.me provides strong security features that keep you safe on the web in China.
But its slow on long-distance servers, and theres no streaming support.
Upgrading to its paid version gives you access to a full server online grid and perks like streaming support.
The best part about TunnelBears free plan is that you get access to all features and perks.
For more online time,Hotspot Shieldgives you unlimited data.
TunnelBear is a great free VPN for beginners in China.
Its GhostBear feature, which bypasses Chinese ISP blocks, is easy to enable.
Plus, you get access to servers in all 47 countries and streaming support.
Upgrading to its paid version gets rid of the 2 GB monthly data cap.
Some also include extra features like RAM-only servers and perfect forward secrecy for enhanced privacy.
Theres also usually a lack of streaming and torrenting support.
Here are some examples: hide.me has unlimited data but doesnt have streaming support or multiple gadget connections.
Windscribe only allows 10 GB of data per month but has decent streaming support and unlimited connections.
Plus, these plans almost always have money-back guarantees.
Only government-approved VPNs are legal in China.
This means that VPN providers have to obtain a license to operate within the country.
Theoretically, its possible to usea non-approved VPN in China.
That said, you could get fined for using a non-approved VPN.
What if my VPN stops working in China?
How do I improve my speeds in China on a free VPN?
The first thing you should do is disable any features that might slow down your connection like double VPN.
Then, ensure to connect to a nearby server to reduce latency.
How do I set up a free VPN on my machine in China?
However, keep in mind that the Google Play Store is blocked in China.
This means that its important to download your VPN before traveling to China.
Some VPNs, includingExpressVPN, also have mirrored URLs for an alternative way to sign up and download.
Can I use a free VPN for streaming in China?
Maybe, but its unlikely to work well.
Quick Overview of My Top Recommendations:
