3 Best VPNs That Actually Work in China (Tested in 2026)
Here is a look at VPNs in China that are working in 2026, tested and reviewed to help you make the best decision.
Finding a VPN solution that works in Mainland China is very difficult. First, it is because of the numerous fake reviews online, which are mostly sponsored. Second, it is because of how fast things can change; VPN services are constantly blocked, and what worked last month might not work this month. This list of the best working VPNs in China is based on rigorous research and testing. This list will be continually updated when necessary to reflect current realities.
Key findings:
- ZoogVPN was the overall best VPN provider for China that we tested. It offers the fastest speed, easy payment options, better uptime, and reliability than the others. In addition, the refund process is easy if you want to cancel your subscription and get your money back, just in case you are not satisfied.
- Surfshark is a very good VPN option for China, but it works best when used in manual connection mode. The manual connection mode bypasses their own app to set up VPN on your phone or computer. With the manual mode, it is difficult for online services to detect that you are using a VPN. It can still be detected, but just more difficult to detect.
- Only use VPN for legitimate purposes. Do not use VPN for any illegitimate activities. Having access to a VPN should not enable you to do anything illegal. While the authorities mostly do not prosecute people, most especially foreigners, for using a VPN, if you use it to commit a crime, that is a different case.
Our research team tested over 20 providers that are widely reported to work in China, and surprisingly, most of them did not work at all. We expanded the test and ended up with just 3 providers to recommend. These three were superior to everything else we looked at.
3 Best VPNs That Actually Work in China
| VPN | Reliability rating | Features | Price | Website (Chinese version) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZoogVPN | 99% | Shadow protocol WeChat and Alipay support Unlimited traffic Chinese IP address (Via Hong Kong) Fastest | $2.49/Month | Inside China: zooog.info Outside China: zoogvpn.com |
| Surfshark | 98% | WireGuard Manual connection setup Unlimited devices Fast with manual connection | $2.29/Month | Inside China: surfshark.co.uk Outside China: surfshark.com |
| NordVPN | 55% | NordLynx Double VPN servers 14 devices Fast but not reliable | $2.99/Month | Inside China: nordwangluo.com Outside China: nordvpn.com |
1. ZoogVPN
Key features:
- Works in China – you can get a Chinese IP address via Hong Kong.
- Shadow protocol – Helps to overcome firewalls and restrictions and access international content.
- Strictly no logs policy.
- 10 devices – It can be used on 10 devices at the same time, without any restrictions.
- 7-day money-back guarantee – the refund process is easy.
- Supports WeChat and Alipay
- Unlimited bandwidth
- 1,000+ servers in 70+ countries
- Torrent-friendly servers
Works with: Netflix, ChatGPT, Claude AI, Google Gemini, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube, Twitter, WhatsApp, TikTok, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, Reddit, and many more
Supported devices: Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, iPhone, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, PlayStation, Xbox, Xiaomi Mi Box, Chromecast, Roku, Android TVs, smart TVs, routers, and many more.
Payment options: WeChat Pay, AliPay, Visa, MasterCard, Amex, JCB, UnionPay, PayPal, cryptocurrencies, Apple Pay, and Google Pay
Website for those in Mainland China: zooog.info
Website if you are outside Mainland China: zoogvpn.com
Test conducted on the 6th of February 2026 from inside Mainland China using a Hong Kong VPN Server.
In our tests, ZoogVPN proved to be the fastest and most reliable VPN. While it’s not a very well-known brand, it outperformed more well-known providers in our tests. It has the best speeds and highest reliability. It works 99% of the time.
The Shadow Protocol is a powerful feature that helps unblock any international website or app. In our testing, Shadow Protocol bypassed firewall restrictions more consistently than WireGuard or NordLynx. ZoogVPN is responsible for its development and maintenance.
The setup process is easy and seamless. The customer care is very responsive. They answered our questions and were willing to help whenever we needed help. They have every standard feature that a VPN should have. Kill Switch, SOCKS5 Proxy, and many more.
The user reviews that we took into account overwhelmingly rated it as the most dependable solution they have used in China.
2. Surfshark
Key features:
- Works in China – It worked reliably when well set up.
- Manual connection mode – This is the recommended method. Makes it hard to know you are using a VPN.
- Strictly no logs policy.
- Unlimited devices – You can use it on unlimited devices.
- Dedicated IP – Get a unique IP address that only you can use
- Split tunneling – Exclude apps and websites from using VPN
- 4,500+ VPN servers worldwide
Works with: Netflix, ChatGPT, Claude AI, Google Gemini, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube, Twitter, WhatsApp, TikTok, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, Reddit, and many more
Supported devices: Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, iPhone, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, PlayStation, Xbox, Xiaomi Mi Box, Chromecast, Roku, Android TVs, smart TVs, routers, and many more.
Payment options: Credit/Debit cards, cryptocurrencies, PayPal, Google Pay, and Apple Pay
Website for those in Mainland China: surfshark.co.uk
Website if you are outside Mainland China: surfshark.com
Surfshark is the only VPN that came close to ZoogVPN in the test, but it is more difficult to set up. You can use the app on your phone or laptop, but it will not give you the best performance if you are in Mainland China. To truly get the best out of it, you need to set up a manual connection.
There is an easy step-by-step instruction to set up a manual connection once you sign up. One good feature about Surfshark is the unlimited device option. You can use it on as many devices as possible. So it is ideal for families as everyone can share one subscription.
If you like the idea of having your own dedicated IP address, then Surfshark offers it. The advantage of a dedicated IP address is that you are the only one using it, so there are fewer CAPTCHA challenges and chances of it being flagged.
Surfshark has all the standard features every VPN should have and even more. You can get an Alternative ID to use online, you also get an ad blocker, and more.
3. NordVPN
Key features:
- Works in China – It used to be reliable, but not anymore. It still works sometimes.
- 10 devices – You can use it on up to 10 devices at a time
- Strictly no logs policy.
- NordWhisper – It helps to overcome restrictive local network environments
- Dedicated IP – Get a unique IP address that only you can use
- Split tunneling – Choose which apps should use or not use VPN
- 7,400+ VPN in 118 countries
Works with: Netflix, ChatGPT, Claude AI, Google Gemini, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube, Twitter, WhatsApp, TikTok, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, Reddit, and many more
Supported devices: Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, iPhone, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, PlayStation, Xbox, Xiaomi Mi Box, Chromecast, Roku, Android TVs, smart TVs, routers, and many more.
Payment options: Credit/Debit cards, PayPal, cryptocurrencies, and digital wallets like Google Pay and Apple Pay
Website for those in Mainland China: nordwangluo.com
Website if you are outside Mainland China: nordvpn.com
NordVPN is probably the most popular name in the VPN industry. It used to be very reliable in China, but for a few years, it has fallen behind. But it still works. The only issue is that it has about 55% reliability score. So, if you are in a location where it works, it will work well.
When it comes to features, NordVPN is known for being at the forefront of innovation. You get a Meshnet, a feature that helps to safely access other devices regardless of their location in the world. You also get Threat Protection Pro to help stop ads and malware.
They also offer a dedicated IP if you need one. You also get a private DNS server and their SmartPlay feature, which helps you stream videos securely.
NordVPN has every feature you would need in a VPN, and as an industry leader, it has more. If this list were based on features, it would probably be number one.
How VPN Providers Were Tested
Working conditions in China: The main test is to verify if the VPNs actually work in China and their working condition. Through third-party services, these VPNs were tested and verified to be working in China.
User reviews: While the tests via third-party services were successful for these VPNs, to be sure, we dug into the most recent user reviews in 2026 from users in China. We used platforms like Trustpilot to be able to get verified user reviews. From these reviews, which come directly from users who have actually used these services, we were able to complement our test results.
Server locations: The closer a VPN service is to you, the faster it works. For these tests, we looked at servers in China or close to China. These VPNs all have servers close to China, in Singapore, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
Security: Security is essential for using a VPN. You want to be sure that you are protected and your browsing session is private. Zero-log policy means your browsing information is not shared with anyone. Also, the countries where the VPNs are based can affect how they deal with data.
Refund policy: What if you pay for a VPN and you don’t like it? Maybe it does not work in your location, and you want to get your money back. We tested the refund policy to be sure you are able to cancel and get your money back within the allowed period.
Payment options: Another frustration you can face with a VPN is payment options. You may like their services, but how do you pay? We looked at better payment options for China, like WeChat, Alipay, and cryptocurrency.
Customer support: Should anything go wrong, you will need to talk to customer service, who are responsive and knowledgeable enough to help. We paid attention to this.
Why People Use VPNs in China
| Reason | User Group | Specific Need |
|---|---|---|
| Access Blocked Websites | General users | Bypass the firewall to reach Google, Facebook, YouTube, etc. |
| International Business | Companies, professionals | Connect with global offices, find customers online, market business online, and use essential work tools |
| Communication with Family/Friends Abroad | Expats, international students | Use WhatsApp, Telegram, FaceTime to stay connected |
| Academic & Research | Scientists, researchers, students | Access international databases, journals, Google Scholar |
| Professional Work | Remote workers, freelancers | Access international platforms and client systems |
| Entertainment & Streaming | Movie/music lovers | Watch Netflix, Spotify, YouTube content |
| Privacy & Security | Security-conscious users | Encrypt web traffic from government monitoring |
| News & Information | Journalists, informed citizens | Access uncensored international news sources |
Services VPNs Can Help Unlock in China
| Service | Category | Blocked Status | VPN Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | AI Tools | Blocked | Yes |
| Claude AI | AI Tools | Blocked | Yes |
| Google Gemini | AI Tools | Blocked | Yes |
| Midjourney | AI Tools | Blocked | Yes |
| OpenAI API | AI Tools | Blocked | Yes |
| Perplexity AI | AI Tools | Blocked | Yes |
| Google Search | Search & Productivity | Blocked | Yes |
| Gmail | Search & Productivity | Blocked | Yes |
| Google Maps | Search & Productivity | Blocked | Yes |
| Google Drive | Search & Productivity | Blocked | Yes |
| Google Docs | Search & Productivity | Blocked | Yes |
| Google Sheets | Search & Productivity | Blocked | Yes |
| Google Translate | Search & Productivity | Blocked | Yes |
| Google Play Store | Search & Productivity | Blocked | Yes |
| Google Calendar | Search & Productivity | Blocked | Yes |
| Google Photos | Search & Productivity | Blocked | Yes |
| Chrome Web Store | Search & Productivity | Blocked | Yes |
| Social Media | Blocked | Yes | |
| Social Media | Blocked | Yes | |
| X (formerly Twitter) | Social Media | Blocked | Yes |
| Snapchat | Social Media | Blocked | Yes |
| Social Media | Blocked | Yes | |
| Social Media | Blocked | Yes | |
| Social Media | Blocked | Yes | |
| Tumblr | Social Media | Blocked | Yes |
| TikTok (International) | Social Media | Blocked | Yes |
| Communication | Blocked | Yes | |
| Telegram | Communication | Blocked | Yes |
| Discord | Communication | Blocked | Yes |
| Signal | Communication | Blocked | Yes |
| Messenger | Communication | Blocked | Yes |
| Line | Communication | Blocked | Yes |
| Viber | Communication | Blocked | Yes |
| YouTube | Video Streaming | Blocked | Yes |
| Netflix | Video Streaming | Not Available | Yes |
| Disney+ | Video Streaming | Not Available | Yes |
| Amazon Prime Video | Video Streaming | Not Available | Yes |
| Hulu | Video Streaming | Blocked | Yes |
| HBO Max | Video Streaming | Not Available | Yes |
| Twitch | Video Streaming | Blocked | Yes |
| Vimeo | Video Streaming | Blocked | Yes |
| Dailymotion | Video Streaming | Blocked | Yes |
| BBC iPlayer | Video Streaming | Blocked | Yes |
| Spotify | Music Streaming | Not Available | Yes |
| YouTube Music | Music Streaming | Blocked | Yes |
| Pandora | Music Streaming | Blocked | Yes |
| SoundCloud | Music Streaming | Blocked | Yes |
| Tidal | Music Streaming | Not Available | Yes |
| Deezer | Music Streaming | Blocked | Yes |
| Trello | Business Tools | Blocked | Yes |
| Dropbox | Cloud & Storage | Blocked | Yes |
| Medium | Content Platforms | Blocked | Yes |
| Quora | Content Platforms | Blocked | Yes |
| Wikipedia | Information | Blocked | Yes |
Is VPN Legal in China?
| Aspect | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Unauthorized VPNs | Illegal | Using non-government-approved VPNs is technically against the law |
| Authorized VPNs | Legal | Only government-approved VPNs from Big Three carriers are legal |
| Individual User Enforcement | Rare | Individuals are rarely prosecuted for VPN use |
| Business Enforcement | Strict | Companies face heavy fines (up to 1,000,000 CNY) and penalties |
| Primary Target | VPN Providers | Government mainly targets VPN service providers, not users |
| Foreign Visitors | No Reports | No documented cases of tourists being penalized for VPN use |
| Authorized VPN Limitation | Does NOT unblock sites | Government-approved VPNs have backdoors and don’t allow access to blocked platforms like Google, ChatGPT, Facebook, and Netflix |
| Authorized VPN Purpose | Business use only | Designed for internal company networks, not internet freedom |
| Risk Level for Tourists | Low | Enforcement focuses on VPN providers and businesses |
| Risk Level for Businesses | High | Non-compliant companies face investigations, fines, and closures |
Key Insight: While unauthorized VPNs are technically illegal in China, individual users, especially foreign visitors, are rarely prosecuted; however, government-approved “legal” VPNs are not useful for accessing blocked platforms like Google, Facebook, ChatGPT, or Netflix.
Updating this article
We are committed to updating these researched recommendations only when necessary to help users find working solutions. So, in the background, we will continue to publish third-party testing results monthly, as much as we can. We will continue monitoring genuine reviews from users in China.
If you are a user in China or have been to China and want to share your experience to help keep this list highly accurate and reflective of user experience, kindly contact us via the contact us section and share your VPN experience with valid screenshots and other proof you may have. This will help fine-tune and improve this list.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this article are affiliate links. They do not affect the data or research. Commissions help fund our independent, unbiased research.
