Best VPNs to use in China? A zero-bullshit recommendation.

Which VPNs DO work in China NOW!?

Short answer

A few VPNs still work in mainland China in 2025, but reliability varies by city/ISP and around sensitive dates.

Most reliable (consistently reported)

• Astrill — Long-time China favorite; proprietary Stealth/Smart Mode helps it keep working, though it’s pricey.
• 12VPX — China-focused and widely recommended by long-term users.
• ExpressVPN — Works for many users (often via nearby Asia servers), but expect rough patches.

Often works, but mixed reports

• NordVPN — Use obfuscated servers; results vary.
• SurfShark — Often OK with NoBorders/alternative setups, not always stable.

Generally unreliable in China (as of 2025)

• Proton VPN — Some succeed, but overall consistency is weak.

What to expect

• Performance differs by ISP/region and week-to-week. Many users keep two providers as backup.
• Prepare before arrival. Install, sign in, and note alternative connection modes; downloads/support pages may be blocked on mainland networks.

What VPNs are China expats ACTUALLY using?

Short answer

Among expats in mainland China in 2025, the names you hear most are Astrill, ExpressVPN, 12VPX, NordVPN, SurfShark, Mullvad, and (mobile-heavy) LetsVPN. Reliability still swings by city/ISP and around sensitive dates.

What expats actually use (2025)

• Astrill — Long-time expat favorite; proprietary Stealth/Smart Mode; pricey but dependable for many.
• 12VPX — China-focused service popular in expat circles.
• ExpressVPN — Common among new arrivals; often workable via nearby Asia locations, with occasional rough patches.
• NordVPN — Widely known; obfuscated servers can work, results vary.
• SurfShark — Budget pick; NoBorders/obfuscation helps; mixed field reports.
• Mullvad — Gaining traction with newer obfuscation options; some success.
• LetsVPN (mobile) — Popular on iOS/Android for convenience; opinions are polarized.

How expats improve their odds

• Prepare before you land. Download apps, log in, and note alternative access methods.
• Use obfuscation/“stealth” modes and try nearby regions (HK/JP/TW/SG) when one route is filtered.
• Keep a backup. Many expats pay for two providers or keep a Shadowsocks/V2Ray fallback for tough weeks.

Best bet if one’s travelling to China soon

Get two VPNs and set them up before you go. For the highest odds of connectivity: Astrill as primary (use Stealth/Smart Mode), plus ExpressVPN or 12VPX as backup. Expect occasional slowdowns or brief blocks; rotate servers and protocols.

What to buy now (priority order)

1. Primary: Astrill (best odds in tough weeks).
2. Backup: ExpressVPN or 12VPX (China-focused).
3. Optional emergency: A Shadowsocks/V2Ray subscription from a trusted provider (use only if both main VPNs fail).
4. Privacy-first tradeoff: Mullvad (excellent privacy, but not the most reliable in China).

Setup checklist (do this before departure)

• Install & sign in on every device. Save offline installers and recovery codes.
• Enable obfuscation/stealth modes. Prepare multiple protocols (e.g., WireGuard-based stealth, OpenVPN TCP 443).
• Favorite nearby regions: Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan.
• Turn on Kill Switch and auto-connect on boot.
• Disable IPv6 at the OS level (reduces leaks/handshake issues).
• Split tunneling rules: keep local-only apps (banking, ride-hailing, payments) outside the tunnel if they misbehave on VPN.
• Captive portal tip: connect to hotel/airport Wi-Fi first, complete the login page, then start the VPN.

On-the-ground tactics

• If one route is slow, change two things: server and protocol.
• Try mobile data vs. Wi-Fi (one often works better than the other).
• Rotate ports (443 → 8443 → 1194) when filtered.
• Battery/OS optimizations: allow the VPN app to run unrestricted in the background on Android/iOS.
• Expect variability around politically sensitive dates; having two providers is normal.

Nice-to-have prep

• Offline essentials: download maps, translation packs, and key docs.
• Messaging: WeChat works without a VPN; keep it outside the tunnel if it’s flaky on VPN.
• Streaming: lower expectations; use lower bitrates and nearby servers.

Astrill vs 12VPX – which is better for streaming?

Short answer: Astrill is the better bet for streaming between these two, but neither is a top-tier “unblock-anything” streamer. If streaming is a priority, pair Astrill with a streaming-focused VPN.

Why Astrill edges out 12VPX?

• Bigger, faster network and China-optimized modes (e.g., Stealth/Smart Mode) that tend to maintain higher throughput.
• More server rotation options when a platform blocks an IP, improving the odds of finding a working endpoint.
• Better router/device flexibility for smart TVs and boxes (you can route only specific apps or devices through it).

Caveats for both

• Unblocking is inconsistent. Netflix/Disney+/Hulu etc. may work one day and fail the next due to IP blocks.
• US/UK libraries need distant servers; expect more buffering than nearby regions (HK/JP/SG).
• Apps vs browser: native streaming apps are stricter; the browser sometimes works when the app doesn’t.

If streaming matters a lot

• Use two services: keep Astrill for reliable China connectivity, add ExpressVPN/NordVPN/SurfShark for unblocking. Switch per app/site.
• Tips: clear streaming app cache, sign out/in, switch server + protocol, try another region of the same country, or use a desktop browser if the app fails.

Astrill vs 12VPX — which is better for general use?

Short answer: Astrill. It’s generally the more reliable, faster, and more resilient choice for day-to-day use in mainland China, at a higher price. 12VPX can work for lighter, budget-minded use or as a backup, but it’s less consistent.

Why Astrill for general use

• Stability & speed: Better odds of connecting quickly and staying connected across hotels, cafés, and mobile networks.
• Resilience: “Stealth/Smart”-style modes and plentiful endpoints help when filtering tightens.
• Flexibility: Solid on laptops/phones and workable router options for home or long stays.

When 12VPX makes sense

• Budget/backup: Lower cost and simple setup if your needs are mostly browsing, messaging, and maps.
• Occasional travel: Fine if you’re in China briefly and can tolerate some inconsistency.

Quick picks

• Remote work, video calls, all-day reliability: Astrill
• Tight budget or secondary line: 12VPX
• Streaming focus: Keep Astrill for connectivity and add a streaming-friendly VPN as needed

Prep tip
Install, sign in, and test on all devices before you enter China; keep multiple protocols ready and favorite nearby regions (HK/JP/SG/TW).

Legal note (not legal advice)

China allows only approved VPN services; unapproved use exists but is restricted. Understand local rules and your risk tolerance.