What’s the best VPN for China in 2024?

Looking for a great VPN to use in China?

I know it’s tough because many VPNs just don’t cut it there. But don’t worry, I’ve tested a lot and found some that actually work.

Here’s the scoop: China has a tight grip on the internet, blocking big sites and apps like Google, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Without a VPN, you’re out of luck on Wi-Fi.

So, here’s my list of the best VPNs for China in 2024, from my own travel and work experience. They’re the real deal and will keep you connected.

1. SKPY CLOUD VPN

SKPY VPN is like your trusty travel buddy for China.It’s the one I always pick when I’m there, and it hasn’t let me down. Heading to Shanghai or Suzhou? SKPY keeps things smooth and fast.They’re all about helping out travelers with servers in the US, Japan, and Hong Kong that are just for China.SKPY is super simple to use, so no tech headaches. Its smart feature connects automatically to the fastest server available within a few seconds. 

Advantage:

  • Zippy and reliable
  • Servers that get China
  • Up to 3 devices
  • Best price

Disadvantage:

  • You need Alipay or WeChat Account to make the payment

2. Astrill VPN

Astrill is another good VPN for China. At the moment, this is my first ‘backup’ to SKPY(more on that below).

Advantage:

  • Use it on up to 10 devices
  • Apps for all major platforms
  • Use it on multiple devices simultaneously
  • Option to upgrade to VIP for even quicker performance 

Disadvantage:

  • It usually takes time to find a connection for China, and you might need to constantly change servers to do so (this has resulted in me waiting up to 20 minutes just to use the internet).
  • It’s a little pricier than the others.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN was my go-to VPN for China, but lately, it’s been a bit hit-or-miss, especially in the latter part of 2023. I’ve had a few too many “oops, can’t connect” moments.

But hey, fingers crossed it gets better! ExpressVPN really puts effort into their security, so you can surf those Western sites that China blocks, without leaving a digital footprint.

Plus, they have a 30-day money-back promise, and I’ve found their support team to be top-notch.

Advantage

  • They’re a big name in the VPN world
  • You can connect all your devices at once
  • They’ve got an app for pretty much any gadget
  • A huge network of servers for speedy browsing
  • Support’s always there with 24/7 chat and super-fast email help

Disadvantage

  • It’s not as steady in China as it used to be, with some on-and-off connection issues. That’s why I’ve switched to SKPY as my favorite.

 Don’t rely on just one VPN when you’re heading to China. Even the top-notch ones can get tripped up by the government’s tight controls, and you might end up without internet.

Now, if I had to pick the MVP of VPNs for China? SKPY VPN, no question. It’s been nothing but smooth sailing for me and my expat buddies.