Best VPN for China in 2026: Tested VPNs that still work

Last updated: September 2026

If you are traveling to China and wondering which VPN actually works, the short answer is: there isn't one VPN that works perfectly for everyone, everywhere, all the time.

China's internet environment can make VPN connections unpredictable. A VPN that connects quickly on one hotel Wi-Fi network may struggle on another. Mobile data can behave differently again.

Right now, ExpressVPN is the VPN I use in China, and overall I've had a good experience with it.

Before that, I used NordVPN for a long time. It could sometimes take a while to connect, but once connected, I generally found the speed quite good.

So rather than giving you a generic "Top 10 VPNs" list, this guide focuses on the VPNs I would actually consider for a China trip — and when you may not need a VPN at all.

My current pick for most travelers: ExpressVPN

If you're going to China for a short trip and want a relatively simple setup, this is the VPN I would try first.

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Install and test it before you fly to China, rather than waiting until you arrive.

Quick Answer: Which VPN Is Best for China?

If you want the shortest possible answer:

My current choice: ExpressVPN

I use ExpressVPN right now and have had a good overall experience with it. For most travelers, I like it because the setup is simple — I don't need to spend much time adjusting technical settings.

A VPN I've used extensively: NordVPN

I used NordVPN for a long time. My main issue was that connecting could sometimes take a while, but once it connected, speeds were generally good.

For long-term stays: Astrill is also worth considering

Astrill is another name that frequently comes up among people who spend extended periods in China. I haven't personally used it enough, though, to claim it's better than ExpressVPN or NordVPN.

I would not rely on LetsVPN as my only connection

VPN performance can change over time, especially in a restrictive network environment. I'd rather have a more established alternative available than depend entirely on one provider.

My simple recommendation

If you're looking for the simplest option for a typical China trip, I'd start with ExpressVPN.

Not sure which VPN to choose?

Most travelers → ExpressVPN

Already use NordVPN → Keep using what you know

Staying for months → Consider Astrill

Want redundancy → Use a primary VPN + backup connection

VPN or eSIM: What Do You Actually Need?

This is one of the most important questions — because a VPN and an international eSIM solve different problems.

A VPN changes how your internet traffic is routed. An international travel eSIM, on the other hand, may provide mobile data through an international roaming network. That distinction matters in China.

You may want a VPN if:

• You're connecting to hotel or café Wi-Fi.
• You need access to websites or services restricted on mainland Chinese networks.
• You want a VPN available regardless of which local Wi-Fi network you're using.
• You already have a Chinese SIM or local data plan.

You may prefer an international eSIM if:

• You mainly need mobile internet while traveling.
• You don't want to configure a VPN.
• You want your mobile data connection to avoid relying entirely on local Wi-Fi.
• You want a simpler setup for a short trip.

For many travelers, having both is the most convenient setup.

The eSIM gives you mobile connectivity, while the VPN gives you another way to access services that may not work normally on mainland networks.

Simple China internet setup

VPN: helps with access to restricted services and gives you another option when using Wi-Fi.

International eSIM: gives you mobile data and reduces your dependence on hotel Wi-Fi.

Both: gives you more than one way to get online.

If you're traveling to China for the first time, this is the setup I would consider rather than relying on a single connection.

If you're unsure which option makes sense for your trip, see my guides to whether you need a VPN in China and the best eSIMs for China travel.

How I Evaluate VPNs for China

I don't think "best VPN" should simply mean the VPN with the fastest speed test or the cheapest monthly price.

For China travel, I care more about whether the VPN is practical when you actually need it.

My main criteria are:

1. Connection reliability

Can it actually establish a connection from a restrictive network?

2. Connection time

Does it connect quickly, or do you regularly find yourself staring at "Connecting..."?

3. Stability

Once connected, does the connection remain usable?

4. Speed

Can you browse, use Google services, send messages, upload photos, and make calls without constantly fighting the connection?

5. Ease of setup

Can an ordinary traveler install and use it without understanding VPN protocols?

6. Backup options

If the default connection doesn't work, does the app give you other options to try?

This is why I don't think there's a permanent "number one VPN for China."

The network environment changes, VPN providers change their technology, and your hotel Wi-Fi may behave completely differently from someone else's.

1. ExpressVPN — My Current Choice

Best for: Most travelers who want a relatively simple setup

ExpressVPN is currently the VPN I use in China, and my overall experience has been good. That's why it's my current recommendation for travelers who just want a VPN without spending too much time troubleshooting.

The biggest advantage for me is straightforwardness.

I don't want to arrive at a hotel after a long flight and spend 30 minutes trying different VPN configurations before I can open the services I need.

Why I currently prefer ExpressVPN

• Simple app experience
• Good overall performance in my experience
• Multiple protocol options
• Reasonably straightforward troubleshooting
• Suitable for travelers who don't want to deal with complicated configuration

ExpressVPN currently recommends leaving the protocol on Automatic in normal circumstances. If the connection doesn't work, its support documentation recommends trying alternative protocols such as Lightway, WireGuard, and OpenVPN depending on the device and situation.

That's a useful approach for travelers: don't start by changing every setting.

Try the default configuration first.

If it doesn't connect, then troubleshoot.

What I would do before flying

Install the app before entering China.

Log in.

Make sure you know where the VPN protocol settings are.

Then test the VPN while you're still outside China.

You don't want your first VPN installation attempt to happen after landing.

My recommendation for most travelers

If you're visiting China for a few days or a few weeks and simply want a relatively straightforward VPN setup, ExpressVPN is the option I would start with.

You don't need to assume it will work perfectly on every network. The important thing is to install it, log in, and test it before your trip.

My current VPN for China

ExpressVPN

✓ My current choice ✓ Simple setup ✓ Good overall experience in my use ✓ Suitable for travelers who don't want complicated configuration

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Install and test it before leaving for China.

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If you want to use the VPN I currently use:

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2. NordVPN — A VPN I've Used for a Long Time

Best for: Travelers already familiar with NordVPN

NordVPN was my main VPN for a long time.

My experience with it was a bit different from how ExpressVPN has been.

The main issue I ran into was connection time.

Sometimes NordVPN could take a while to connect.

But once it connected, I generally found the internet speed quite good.

So I wouldn't describe my experience as "NordVPN is slow."

A better description would be:

It could be slower to establish a connection, but the connection itself was generally fast once established.

That's an important distinction.

Should you choose NordVPN?

If you're already a NordVPN user and know how the app works, I wouldn't tell you to abandon it just because another VPN is currently my preference.

Familiarity matters.

If you've already installed NordVPN, understand its settings, and have a working backup plan, sticking with something you know can be perfectly reasonable.

NordVPN also provides specific troubleshooting guidance for users in countries with restricted internet access, including China. Its current documentation includes options such as NordWhisper, Obfuscated Servers, OpenVPN TCP, and manual IKEv2 depending on the situation and platform.

One important 2026 update: NordVPN says its Obfuscated Servers are being upgraded to use NordWhisper rather than the older OpenVPN-based implementation. So older China VPN guides that insist you must use a particular combination of "Obfuscated + OpenVPN" may now be outdated.

My NordVPN experience in one sentence

Not always the fastest to connect, but generally good speed once connected.

Already use NordVPN?

If you're comfortable with NordVPN and know how to troubleshoot it, there's no automatic reason to switch just because ExpressVPN is my current choice.

Try NordVPN

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ExpressVPN vs NordVPN: Which Would I Pick?

If you're choosing between the two specifically for a China trip, my personal position is:

My pick

For a new traveler buying a VPN specifically for China: ExpressVPN.

For someone who already uses NordVPN: I wouldn't necessarily switch just for the sake of switching.

That's a more useful recommendation than simply saying one provider is "the best."

Which one should you choose?

Choose ExpressVPN if:

• You're buying a VPN specifically for an upcoming China trip.
• You want a relatively simple setup.
• You don't want to spend much time troubleshooting.
• You want to use the VPN I currently use.

Choose NordVPN if:

• You already use NordVPN.
• You're familiar with its settings.
• You have had good results with it.
• You prefer not to change something that already works for you.

Still not sure?

If you're starting from scratch, I'd start with ExpressVPN.

If you already use NordVPN and are comfortable with it, there's no automatic reason to switch.

Check ExpressVPN Check NordVPN

3. Astrill — Worth Considering for Long-Term Stays

Best for: Travelers staying in China for a longer period

Astrill has a long-standing reputation among people who regularly deal with restrictive internet environments.

It's particularly worth researching if you're:

• Staying in China for several months
• Working remotely from China
• Traveling to China repeatedly
• More concerned with reliability than price
• Comfortable with a slightly more technical setup

However, there's an important limitation to my recommendation:

I haven't personally used Astrill enough to say it performs better than ExpressVPN or NordVPN.

That's why I wouldn't put "Astrill is definitely the best VPN in China" in this article.

If you're planning a long stay, though, it's absolutely a provider I'd put on your comparison list.

4. LetsVPN — Why I Wouldn't Rely on It Alone

LetsVPN is another service travelers may encounter when searching for China VPN recommendations.

The problem with VPNs in China is that performance isn't static.

A provider can work well for one traveler and become unreliable later. Network conditions can also vary by location, ISP, hotel, and mobile network.

For that reason, I wouldn't build my entire China connectivity plan around one lesser-tested provider.

If you already use LetsVPN successfully, that doesn't necessarily mean you need to stop using it.

But if you're starting from scratch, I'd rather use a more established option and keep a second connection method available.

Why Does a VPN Sometimes Stop Working in China?

This is where many China VPN guides oversimplify the situation.

You may install a VPN correctly and still have problems.

For example:

• The app stays on "Connecting"
• The VPN connects but websites don't load
• One Wi-Fi network works while another doesn't
• Your VPN works on mobile data but not hotel Wi-Fi
• The VPN connects but speeds are extremely slow
• A previously working configuration suddenly stops connecting

That doesn't necessarily mean you installed it incorrectly.

VPN performance can depend on the network you're using and the provider's current infrastructure.

This is also why I recommend installing your VPN before traveling.

Don't wait until you land

If your VPN is important for your trip, install it, log in, and test it before you leave home.

A backup connection such as an international eSIM can give you another way to get online if hotel Wi-Fi or your VPN causes problems.

What About Hotel Wi-Fi?

Hotel Wi-Fi is one of the most common places where travelers discover that their internet setup isn't as simple as expected.

A typical situation looks like this:

1. You arrive at your hotel.
2. You connect to Wi-Fi.
3. The hotel requires a login page.
4. You connect your VPN.
5. The VPN doesn't work.
6. You assume the VPN is broken.

Before troubleshooting the VPN, make sure the hotel Wi-Fi itself is fully connected.

Open a normal website first.

If the hotel has a captive portal, complete the hotel login.

Then turn on the VPN.

If it still doesn't work, try:

• Disconnecting and reconnecting to Wi-Fi
• Switching VPN servers
• Restarting the VPN app
• Trying another protocol
• Using mobile data temporarily
• Connecting through an eSIM instead of hotel Wi-Fi

For ExpressVPN, the current official troubleshooting flow recommends trying another server location and changing protocols if necessary.

Should You Install the VPN Before Going to China?

Absolutely.

This is probably the single most important practical recommendation in this guide.

Don't wait until you're already in China.

Before departure:

Step 1 — Install your VPN

Download the official app while you're still outside China.

Step 2 — Log in

Make sure your account credentials work.

Step 3 — Test it

Connect to the VPN and confirm that your normal websites and apps work.

Step 4 — Install a backup option

If internet access is important for your trip, don't rely on a single connection method.

Consider having:

• Your primary VPN
• A second VPN or alternative connection method
• An international eSIM
• Hotel Wi-Fi
• Local mobile data if needed

Step 5 — Save the troubleshooting information

You don't need to memorize technical details.

Just know where the protocol settings are and how to switch servers.

Before you fly

1. Install your VPN

2. Log in

3. Test it

4. Prepare an alternative connection

5. Save important information offline

Don't make your first setup attempt after landing in China.

What If My VPN Doesn't Connect?

Don't immediately assume you need a new VPN.

Try these steps in order.

1. Check the internet connection

Make sure the underlying Wi-Fi or mobile data actually works.

2. Try another server

A temporary server-side issue can sometimes look like a VPN failure.

3. Restart the app

Simple, but surprisingly useful.

4. Change the protocol

For ExpressVPN, Automatic is the recommended starting point. If that doesn't work, you can try alternative protocols available on your device.

5. Switch networks

Try:

Hotel Wi-Fi → mobile data

or:

Mobile data → hotel Wi-Fi

If the VPN works on one but not the other, the network itself may be the problem.

6. Use your backup

This is exactly why I recommend not putting all your connectivity eggs in one basket.

If ExpressVPN doesn't connect

Don't immediately assume the VPN is useless.

First try another server, restart the app, change the protocol, or switch networks.

If internet access is important, use your backup connection as well.

VPN vs eSIM vs China SIM

If you're still confused about what you actually need, here's the simple version.

For a typical short-term visitor, I would seriously consider VPN + international eSIM rather than relying on a single solution.

If you want to understand the differences in more detail:

• Do You Need a VPN in China?
• Best eSIM for China Travel
• China SIM Card for Foreigners
• Complete China Internet Guide

My recommended combination

VPN + international eSIM

The VPN gives you an option for restricted services, while the eSIM gives you mobile connectivity without relying entirely on hotel Wi-Fi.

For many short trips, having both is a much more practical setup than relying on either one alone.

My Recommended China Internet Setup

For a normal tourist, I would keep it simple.

Before leaving home

1. Install ExpressVPN

Test it.

2. Have a backup

This could be another VPN or an international eSIM.

3. Download important travel apps

Don't assume you'll be able to download everything after arrival.

4. Save offline information

Keep your hotel address, booking information, train tickets and important contact information available offline.

After arriving

Start with your eSIM/mobile data if you have one.

Then test the VPN.

Once everything works, connect to hotel Wi-Fi when convenient.

This gives you more than one way to get online.

The setup I'd use

Before departure: ExpressVPN + international eSIM + important apps installed

After arrival: Test mobile data → test VPN → connect to hotel Wi-Fi

This way, if one part of your setup doesn't work, you still have another option.

So, What Is the Best VPN for China in 2026?

If you made me choose just one for a typical traveler today:

ExpressVPN

It's the VPN I'm currently using, and I've had a good overall experience with it.

That doesn't mean it will work perfectly for every traveler or every network.

It means it's the option I feel most comfortable recommending right now.

My recommendation

ExpressVPN

For a typical traveler visiting China, this is where I would start.

Install it before departure, test it outside China, and keep an alternative connection such as an international eSIM available.

Check ExpressVPN

My ranking by use case

Best overall for my current experience:

ExpressVPN

Best alternative if you already use it:

NordVPN

Worth researching for long-term stays:

Astrill

Not something I'd rely on as my only connection:

LetsVPN

And if you're wondering whether you even need a VPN, don't buy one automatically.

First understand whether your trip requires a VPN, an eSIM, or both.

Going to China soon?

If you're starting from scratch, my practical approach would be:

1. Install ExpressVPN before you leave

2. Test it

3. Have an international eSIM or another backup

4. Don't wait until you arrive to figure everything out

Get started with ExpressVPN

FAQ

Does LetsVPN still work in China in 2026?

I wouldn’t rely on LetsVPN as my primary VPN in China in 2026. It stopped mainland China operations in April 2026, and its later global service restart didn’t restore reliable China support.

What is the best VPN for China in 2026?

Right now, ExpressVPN is my preferred option. I currently use it and have had a good overall experience. NordVPN is another option I have extensive personal experience with.

Does ExpressVPN work in China?

ExpressVPN is designed to operate in restrictive network environments, but no VPN can guarantee uninterrupted access on every Chinese network. Your experience can vary depending on your network and current VPN infrastructure.

Does NordVPN work in China?

NordVPN provides specific troubleshooting guidance for connections from China and other restricted networks. I used NordVPN for a long time; my main issue was that it could sometimes take a while to connect, although speeds were generally good once connected.

Should I use ExpressVPN or NordVPN in China?

If you're buying a VPN specifically for your trip and want my current preference, I'd choose ExpressVPN.

If you already use NordVPN and are comfortable with it, there's no automatic reason to switch.

Is Astrill better than ExpressVPN?

I wouldn't make that claim based on my own experience. Astrill is worth considering, particularly for longer stays, but I haven't personally tested it enough to say it's better.

Can I download a VPN after arriving in China?

You should not rely on this.

Install and test your VPN before departure.

Do I need both a VPN and an eSIM?

Not necessarily, but they solve different problems.

An eSIM can provide mobile data, while a VPN can help with access to services restricted on mainland Chinese networks.

For many travelers, using both provides a useful backup.

Will my VPN work on hotel Wi-Fi?

It may, but hotel networks can behave differently from mobile networks. If your VPN doesn't connect, try completing the hotel's Wi-Fi login first, switching servers, changing protocols, or temporarily using mobile data.

Can a VPN guarantee access to Google, WhatsApp, Instagram or other blocked services?

No VPN should be presented as a permanent guarantee.

Network restrictions and VPN performance can change, so it's better to prepare a backup connection method.

More China Internet Guides

If you're preparing for your first trip to China, these guides will help:

• Complete China Internet Guide
• Do You Need a VPN in China?
• Best eSIM for China Travel
• China SIM Card for Foreigners
• Complete China Travel Survival Guide

Bottom line: Don't wait until you're in China to figure out your internet setup.

Install your VPN before departure, test it, have an alternative connection method, and you'll have a much easier trip.

Planning your China trip?

Don't wait until you land to solve your internet setup.

Check ExpressVPN See the Best eSIM Options for China

Bottom line: Don't wait until you're in China to figure out your internet setup.

Install your VPN before departure, test it, have an alternative connection method, and you'll have a much easier trip.