Three Best Working VPN for China October 2023

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We have heard many times from useres in China these international VPNs don’t really work well in China (they do work well outsite China). We recommend VPN that Chinese people and foreginers living in China are using and trusting.

A bit of background and context

China is infamous for being the world’s country that clamps down the most on what its residents can and cannot access online by entirely or partly censoring certain websites (including social media, streaming services, news outlets, etc.) Using the best VPN for China in 2023 is a safe way for users to bypass these strict geo-restrictions and access sites as usual. A virtual private network (VPN) allows you to avoid internet censorship as it spoofs your real IP location and makes you appear as if you are in an entirely different country in the world in no time.

During my time living in China I came to rely on a VPN service to access western sites, apps and social media. However, it soon became apparent that most VPNs don’t work in China, and some that do are frustratingly slow. You know what I mean if you’ve ever been stuck behind the virtual barrier of China’s advanced censorship system. Then you will understand that most VPNs are like paper shields – either entirely ineffective or painfully sluggish.

Therefore, finding a fast, stable, and reliable VPN tool that encrypts all the data leaving your device without logging your information is crucial, as Chinese authorities are also well-known for their invasive surveillance practices. The Wall Breaker is a blog dedicated to provide user with insight of Great Firewall and to continuously conduct tests and regular reviews on over 100 VPN and proxy servers providers. We compared their technical security, privacy policies, features, unblocking capabilities, server locations, and value for money to help you find the best VPN service.

Here are our top 3 picks of the best VPNs for China in 2023 that still easily overcome the Great Firewall based on real-world experience

1. SimpleLink: the best China VPN/Proxy in 2023
   SimpleLink is created by telecom enginners and app developer to provides both high-end VPN services on top of Clash, allowing users bypass geo-block, fastly and securely browse internet. Clash is a cross-platform rule-based proxy utility that runs on the network and application layer, supporting various proxy and anti-censorship protocols out-of-the-box.

   Product highlight:
   
   - Just one click to a safer and unrestricted internet. SimpleLink is easy-of-use.
   - Speed is extremely fast according to the users, even in handling live transmission and 4k video.
   - The connection is incredibally reliable. It has been running stably over 3 years since 2019.
   - Global proxy servers available in over 20 countires in Asia, Europe, America, and Pacific.
   - The app can also be used as flexible proxy tool on top of Clash, allowing user import config yaml from third parties.
   - Its rule-based routing mode saves data consumption for users. Making the switch between domestic app and non-chinese app extremely easy.
   - It is a rule-based proxy client with multiple proxy protocol support, including SS, SSR, VMess, Trojan.
   - The users can keep using it for free if they invite friends to join SimpleLink.
   - The apps provides various susbscirption options in terms of period, data, speed, device number.
   - Real humans are available 24/7 via email and live chat to help you with setup and troubleshooting.
   - You can even share SimpleLink to your friends and earn commission.
   - SimpleLink is an European based company and it doesn't share user data to any third party. You can delete your accout and history anytime.
   - SimpleLink has UI in 10 languages, make it easy for foreginers in China to use.

2. Easy World: A proxy server service based on Trojan protocol with IEPL private line that local Chinese love to use.
   Easy World, as its name indicates, is very easy to use and let users easily navigate globla internet. It offers excellent value for your money, as it provides reliable VPN connection, global server locations, advanced features such as split tunneling, some of the best connection speeds, and a user-friendly interface at an affordable price. In addition, it offers a 3-day free trial for users. It is one of the most popular VPN service provider for Chinese people.

3. Astrill VPN:
   Astrill is a well-known VPN in China and is one of the most effective VPNs bypassing the Great Firewall. In the past had some reliability issues, but after restructuring its service, it has improved its performance and is considered one of the most reliable VPNs in China. However, it’s currently one of the most costly VPNs and it’s known to have poor after-sale service, making it less desirable option compared to other VPNs.

Our Selection Criteria

Before picking up these 3 VPN of recommendedation, we looked at additional criteria beyond simply bypassing Chinese censorship. When curating this list, our main considerations included factors we researched as of the utmost importance to China VPN users. The top priorities are:

• Reliability in China (every VPN service we know of has been blocked at some point, however, some are much more reliable than others).
• Speed in different regions of China
• Customer support, the English and foreign languagge speaking ability
• Range of server locations (especially in Asia)
• Strong privacy, security credentials and encryption protocols
• UI UX design, easy-of-usage
• Affordable VPN subscription price
• Compatibility with popular streaming services (many of these block VPNs). To be able to unblock level 3, you will need to have a Provider that not only can provide proxy servers to go over the wall, but also can provide original residenctial IPs that allows you to access content like Netflix, ChatGPT, and Tiktok. In another word, you must look like a authentic user to these content providers that you are living outsite China.

Last but not least point.Since the Chinese government is working hard to block access to these security tools, we strongly recommend installing the VPN app before entering the country, whenever possible.

As expatriates who have lived in China since as early as 2010, we have consistently confronted the challenges presented by the Great Firewall. In this monthly-updated article, we aim to share our extensive experience of using VPNs in China over the years to achieve unrestricted internet access.

Conclusion: Best Working VPNs for China (our choice)

SimpleLink: Fast, easy to use, and a reliable VPN for China. The recommended choice for non-tech-savvy people.

Easy World: A proxy server service based on Trojan protocol with IEPL private line that local Chinese love to use.

Astrill VPN: Considered one of the most reliable VPNs in China. However, it’s currently one of the most costly VPNs and it’s known to have poor after-sale service

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What is a VPN and Why Do I Need One in China?

As you probably already know, the internet doesn’t work like we would like it to in China, and a large number of websites and apps are blocked by the “Great Firewall.” Among these websites and apps that you can’t access are Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and all Google Services.

There are many other blocked websites, and depending on what you do, it may be virtually impossible for you to work in China without a VPN (Virtual Private Network). In addition, most of the services that aren’t blocked but are allocated outside China, are extremely slow.

To solve this problem, you can install a VPN, which masks your I.P. address so that your laptop appears to be connected from the U.S. or Japan even if you are in China

Currently, using a VPN is the easiest and most efficient way to access the Internet without restrictions in China

A VPN will allow you to bypass the firewall and access any website you want. However, you need to choose wisely, even though there are dozens of VPN services available, only a few work well in China. We have tested several of them for more than 10 years and today we’re going to review the ones we like the most.

Essential Tips for Using a VPN in China

1. Update the VPN app or software: It’s essential for you to always have the latest version of the VPN program or app. The Great Firewall of China is constantly being modified to limit VPN use in the country. The majority of the software updates offered by the main VPN providers have the purpose of ensuring that their VPN continues to be accessible in China.

2. Install the VPN before traveling to China: If you wait until you’re in China to install (and purchase) the VPN, it can be quite difficult due to the following reasons:

• Google Play is blocked in China.
• The Apple AppStore (and other app markets) don’t let you download VPN apps
• Many VPN provider websites are blocked in China.

To avoid any problem it is better to install and contract the VPN before going to China.

Note: Some VPNs offer alternative websites that are accessible in China. We try to make it so that the links that you find in this article are also accessible from China, but this isn’t always possible.

3. Use obfuscated servers: The Chinese Great Firewall has the capability to detect VPN connections and block them. However, some VPN providers, such as the ones mentioned above, offer obfuscated servers that mimic regular internet traffic. This technique helps bypass VPN blocking and allows users to access restricted content in China.

4. Check VPN provider’s recommendations for China: The best VPNs normally offer constantly updated information about how to connect effectively your VPN in China. Here you’ll find some tips on how to connect the most popular VPNs in China.

5. The closest servers are usually the fastest: A VPN’s speed often depends on the distance between your connection and the server. Servers in countries surrounding China, such as Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong, tend to be the fastest. However, sometimes servers in the United States are faster because they have fewer users connected to them.

6. We recommend having a backup VPN: No VPN is infallible, and even less so in China. If you’re going to be in China for a long time and having unrestricted Internet access is essential for you, you should consider having at least one backup VPN. Pressure on VPNs has greatly intensified over the past years, and all VPNs have undergone breakdowns in service at some time. Even though a good VPN tends to recover in a few hours or days, having a second VPN can be very useful if needed.

7. Test out your VPN before going to China: It’s important to become familiar with your VPN before going to China. Check its connectivity, speed, and whether it’s capable of giving you access to geographically restricted websites or services (such as a local streaming service). If the VPN doesn’t offer good performance in your country, it probably won’t work in China.

8. There’s no best VPN for China: No VPN is better than the others all the time and everywhere in China. The majority of VPNs have different performances depending on the place in China, the type of connection, the device you are using, among other circumstances. Many VPNs offer a money-back guarantee, so you can try out multiple options before committing.

How to choose a VPN for China

• Does it work in China? The large majority of VPNs don’t work well in China. The VPNs that we recommend in this article normally work well in China and have a have a proven record of adapting when the restrictions are intensified.

• Is it fast? Although there are VPNs that work in China, their speed leaves a lot lacking. After trying many VPNs, we can say that SimpleLink, Easy World are among the fastest that we have used. The reason is that these to VPN provider use IEPL private line that doesnt go through the Firewall but directly to Hong Kong-, literally just like you use Internet in your own country.

• Is it stable? Another common problem is that the connection is unstable (it gets constantly disconnected). The VPNs that we have chosen rarely lose their connection once they are connected.

Not all VPNs work in China, and when choosing a VPN, make sure that it has been tested in China over the past months

• Does it offer good technical support? It’s essential for a VPN to have 24-hour technical support that can solve your problems in a few minutes if you have any questions or problems with your connection. Besides, the technical support should be capable of quickly solving the problems that may come up during each update to the Great Firewall.

• Is the software updated regularly? This is very important because, in China, new measures affecting VPN performance are implemented constantly. The best VPNs regularly update their software in order to adapt to the new restrictions imposed in countries like China.

• Does it offer obfuscated servers?: This is an essential feature to consider when choosing a VPN. Without obfuscated servers, your VPN most probably won’t be able to connect. However, while obfuscated servers are essential, they alone may not be sufficient to ensure reliable and effective VPN performance.

• Does it offer encryption protocols that work in China? Good VPNs offer multiple encryption protocols to ensure security and good performance. Currently, it’s important for the VPN that you choose to have at least two of the following protocols: Shadowsocks (SS),ShadowsocksR (SSR), Vmess (V2Ray), Trojan.

VPN Features Description

• Money Back Guarantee: This is an important feature when choosing a VPN, most of all in China. Even though the four VPN generally work well in China, every place is different. One VPN can work better than another in Shanghai but worse in Changsha, so it is important to have the opportunity to test the VPN before making a year commitment.

• Support: When it comes down to using a VPN in China, it’s extremely important to have access to a support team that can help you when your configuration, for any reason, doesn’t work anymore.

• Server Count: This is a very important feature, as the more servers there are, the less likely it is that your connection will be slow or get cut out due to too many users using the same server.

• Countries With Servers: This is a basic function, especially if you want to access content restricted to a specific country. Besides, it is also necessary to obtain a good browsing speed, as the closer you are to the server, the better the potential speed will be. Therefore, having a large number of servers in countries around China increases the possibility of finding one with good services.

• Browser extension: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari, the two most widely used browsers, allow the possibility of adding small programs (or extensions), which provide new useful tools when browsing the web. Some VPNs offer extensions for these browsers that are used to be able to control a VPN and see the state of the connection easily from your browser while surfing the web. Although it is not an essential option, it makes the use of VPNs much easier and avoids closing and opening the browser every time you change servers or want to connect/disconnect the VPN.

• Simultaneous Connections: Today, being able to have simultaneous connections is a basic feature of a VPN, as having a reliable and free connection to the internet is not just necessary for your laptop but also for your cell phone, tablet or other devices. Having simultaneous connections saves you from the problem of having to connect the VPN depending on which device you want to use to access the internet. With this, for example, you can check Google Maps on your cell phone while you check your Gmail on your computer.

• Encryption Protocols: Encryption protocols are important to improve security. Having various possibilities will ensure that you have more weapons to avoid the Great Firewall, as some encryption protocols don’t work at times. The protocols that tend to work the best in China are Shadowsocks (SS),ShadowsocksR (SSR), Vmess (V2Ray), Trojan. They offer better speed and stability.

What VPN Should I Use in China?

We know this is a lot of info to digest and if you aren’t a tech expert, you might be a bit lost. To help you make the right choice, we suggest that you choose the best VPN depending on your priorities (speed, price, user-friendliness, and security).

The best VPN for China depends on your needs. Carefully compare the services offered by each of them

If you’re looking for a fast VPN, then SimpleLink offers the private line that doesn’t go through GFW, a good number of servers close to China and in our tests, tends to always be one of the fastest.

If you’re looking for a user-friendly VPN then, once more, SimpleLink is the easiest of the four VPN to use.

If you need a secure connection for transmitting sensitive data, then you should go for PrivadoVPN, which offers more protocols, their own servers and Nat Firewall, for an extra layer of security.

If you all you care about is the price, then Easy World is the cheapest option among the best VPNs.

If you need a VPN that can connect to servers from many different countries, SimpleLinkis the one that offers the most possibilities.

Fastest VPN in China

Determining which VPN is the fastest is quite a complicated question, as it depends on a lot of factors (encryption protocol, Chinese city from which you are connecting, the website you want to visit, and the VPN server you connect to, among many other factors).

In the tests that we have carried out, SimpleLink VPN tends to be the fastest

To try to answer this question, we tested the connection speed of the VPNs that we recommend in China. We tested the ping, download speed, and upload speed while connected to different VPN servers while accessing websites located in the United States, Europe, and Hong Kong. While the results obtained are complicated to interpret due to the high number of parameters involved, we have been able to come to some conclusions:

• The VPNs tested offer good connection speeds: In general, tests show a ping of less than 100 ms and upload and download speeds which in the majority of cases are better than speeds without a VPN.

• SimpleLink VPN seems to be the fastest VPN: In the different tests that we carried out, in the majority of cases, SimpleLink VPN is the VPN that offers the best results for the three indicators (ping, download speed, and upload speed).

• The values of the tests vary greatly: In China, the connection speed is subject to substantial fluctuations depending on the day and time, which directly impacts the VPN’s performance. Additionally, the speed can also vary depending on the specific server you are connected to and the geographical location of the website or data source you are trying to access.

While SimpleLink VPN seems to be the fastest, this may depend on the place in China from which you are connecting. If you want to verify the performance of your VPN, in this article you can test your connection speed and also explain how to interpret the results obtained.

With these results, you will be able to know if your VPN works well (the values will be similar to or even better than without the VPN). You will as well find out the quality of your connection in China (the values you obtain without a VPN).

Main VPN Encryption Protocols

Encryption protocols are an essential feature when it comes to choosing a VPN, as they determine its level of security and its ability to overcome internet blocking in China and other countries. Below you can find the main encryption protocols:

• PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol): PPTP, with 128 bits, is the weakest encryption protocol, and because of this, it is faster than other protocols. In addition to its speed, it has the advantage of being supported by the majority of devices.

• L2TP/IPSec (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol/Internet Protocol Security): L2TP/IPsec is a 256-bit encryption protocol that is very robust but quite slow. Its main advantage is that this protocol can be used on the majority of mobile devices.

• OpenVPN: OpenVPN can be either 160 or 256 bits, and is a protocol that offers a very high level of security combined with a more than respectable speed. The main problem it has is that it is often not supported by default in many mobile devices, in particular, iOS systems.

• IKEv2 (Internet Key Exchange version 2): IKEv2 is often used in conjunction with IPsec for secure communication. It is lighter and more stable than OpenVPN while retaining a certain level of customization. However, it’s only available over UDP. IKEv2 has significant advantages, particularly in terms of speed. Its ability to quickly reestablish connections if they are interrupted makes it especially suitable for mobile devices that frequently switch between networks.

• Chameleon: Chameleon is a protocol very similar to OpenVPN 256 bits, offering a good speed with very robust encryption. It has the feature that it is specially designed so that the connection cannot be identified as a VPN, therefore avoiding it being blocked.

• StealthVPN: Encryption protocol based on OpenVPN with an additional layer of traffic obfuscation. StealthVPN works with both TCP and UDP, and like Chameleon, it is designed specifically to prevent connections through automatic firewalls from being detected.

• OpenConnect: Open source protocol that works with both TCP and UDP. It was designed to replace Cisco’s AnyConnect SSL VPN. The protocol uses a TLS authentication system and DTLS to encrypt traffic. It usually has performance similar to OpenVPN.

• SSTP (Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol): This is one of the fastest protocols, and can even be faster than PPTP. Also, it offers encryption that is almost as robust as LTP2/IPSec. However, this protocol is difficult to implement on the majority of systems and is normally only compatible with Windows.

• WireGuard This is a new open-source protocol with a lot of potential and that should be taken into account. Some VPN providers like NordVPN, VyprVPN, Surfshark, StrongVPN, PureVPN, or TorGuard already offer it. It is a very fast, stable, and secure protocol since it works directly at the kernel level of the operating system. The protocol still needs some development

• Lightway: This is a new open-source protocol and exclusive to ExpressVPN which is similar to WireGuard. It’s faster and more stable than OpenVPN while maintaining very robust encryption. With regards to China, most VPN protocols are currently blocked in China and it’s necessary additional measures, like obfuscated servers to bypass the Great Firewall. The protocols that tend to be the most secure and stable are OpenVPN, WireGuard, and Lightway. In the case of mobile devices, IKEV2 tends to work quite well.

With regards to China, most VPN protocols are currently blocked in China and it’s necessary additional measures, like obfuscated servers to bypass the Great Firewall. The protocols that tend to be the most secure and stable are OpenVPN, WireGuard, and Lightway. In the case of mobile devices, IKEV2 tends to work quite well.

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