There isn’t a definitive list of VPNs “approved” in China due to the country’s complex internet restrictions. However, ExpressVPN, PrivateVPN, VyprVPN, and CyberGhost are often highlighted for their ability to circumvent the Great Firewall, offering users in China secure and unrestricted internet access. These services’ effectiveness may vary, so users often maintain multiple VPN options.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN Overview
ExpressVPN is a virtual private network service offered by the British Virgin Islands-registered company Express VPN International Ltd. The software is marketed as a privacy and security tool that encrypts users’ web traffic and masks their IP addresses.
Pricing
ExpressVPN offers different subscription plans which range typically from $6.67 to $12.95 per month, depending on the length of the subscription. They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee for dissatisfied users.
Speed
They have servers in over 94 countries, ensuring good connection and download speeds worldwide. However, specific speed can depend on various factors including the user’s current location and the server they’re connecting to.
Using ExpressVPN in China
China has stringent internet regulations, but many individuals and businesses use VPN services like ExpressVPN to bypass these restrictions.
Efficacy
ExpressVPN stands out in its ability to bypass the Great Firewall of China, which is infamous for blocking access to various international websites. It provides consistent service and maintains decent speed despite China’s VPN crackdown.
Safety and Privacy
ExpressVPN’s strong encryption protocols provide an added layer of security.
Setting up ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is user-friendly and easy to set up. After purchasing a plan, you download the app on your device, log in, and select a server to connect to.
System Compatibility
ExpressVPN is compatible with various devices and platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, routers, and more.
Customer Support
ExpressVPN offers 24/7 customer support through live chat and email. They also have a large library of guides and tutorials on their website.
VyprVPN
VyprVPN Overview
VyprVPN, a product of the Switzerland-based company Golden Frog, focuses on offering privacy and unrestricted internet access. It operates under a strict no-logs policy and employs robust security measures to protect user data.
Pricing
VyprVPN offers a variety of subscription plans. Costs range from $1.67 to $12.95 per month, depending on the subscription length. For new users, they provide a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it a risk-free choice.
Speed
VyprVPN maintains an extensive network of servers across 70+ locations globally, ensuring an optimized connection speed. However, the actual speed can vary based on the user’s location and server distance.
Using VyprVPN in China
VyprVPN remains one of the few VPNs capable of circumventing China’s intense internet censorship reliably.
Efficacy
VyprVPN can consistently bypass the Great Firewall of China, giving users in China access to various international websites. Despite the ongoing VPN crackdown in China, VyprVPN retains reliable service performance and acceptable speeds.
Safety and Privacy
VyprVPN offers strong data encryption, safeguarding user information from potential cyber threats. The company upholds a strict no-logs policy, ensuring user activity remains private and not stored or shared.
Setting up VyprVPN
Subscribers can easily set up VyprVPN. After purchasing a subscription, users need to download and install the app on their devices, then log in and connect to their desired server.
System Compatibility
VyprVPN supports a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and various routers.
Customer Support
VyprVPN offers round-the-clock customer support through various channels, including live chat and email. They also have a detailed FAQ section and setup guides on their website.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost Overview
It offers more than 6800 servers across 90+ countries, which can provide users with multiple connection options and help them bypass geo-restrictions.
Pricing
CyberGhost offers several subscription options, with pricing ranging from $2.75 to $12.99 per month. All plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee, which allows users to test the service risk-free.
Speed
CyberGhost maintains an impressive network of servers, which ensures high-speed connections.
Using CyberGhost in China
While the Great Firewall of China presents a significant challenge for most VPNs, CyberGhost can often bypass these restrictions, albeit with varying degrees of success.
Efficacy
CyberGhost generally performs well when it comes to bypassing China’s internet restrictions, but the effectiveness can sometimes vary. Users in China often recommend having multiple VPN services as a backup in case one fails to connect.
Safety and Privacy
CyberGhost operates under a strict no-logs policy and employs 256-bit AES encryption, providing strong security for users. It also includes additional features such as automatic kill switch and DNS leak protection to further protect user data.
Setting up CyberGhost
Setting up CyberGhost is simple and straightforward. Users need to subscribe to a plan, download and install the app, and then log in and select a server to connect to.
System Compatibility
CyberGhost supports a wide range of devices and platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and various routers.
Customer Support
CyberGhost provides 24/7 customer support through live chat and email. There’s also a comprehensive FAQ section and various setup guides available on their website.
Comparison of Various VPNs in China
When choosing a VPN for use in China, it’s crucial to consider several factors such as pricing, speed, reliability, security, and customer service. Here’s a comparison of the four previously mentioned VPN services: ExpressVPN, PrivateVPN, VyprVPN, and CyberGhost.
| VPN Service | Monthly Price Range | No. of Server Locations | Money-Back Guarantee | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | $6.67 – $12.95 | 94+ | 30 days | High speeds, proven efficacy in China, robust security, wide device compatibility |
| PrivateVPN | $2 – $7.12 | 60+ | 30 days | Lower price, good speed, simple setup, allows up to 6 device connections |
| VyprVPN | $1.67 – $12.95 | 70+ | 30 days | Owns all its servers, robust security features, reliable in China |
| CyberGhost | $2.75 – $12.99 | 90+ | 45 days | Large server network, robust security, additional security features |
Pricing
ExpressVPN is the priciest, followed by VyprVPN, CyberGhost, and PrivateVPN. However, all offer money-back guarantees, which provide a safety net for users not satisfied with their service.
Speed and Server Locations
In terms of server locations, CyberGhost leads the pack, followed by ExpressVPN, VyprVPN, and PrivateVPN. This means that users of CyberGhost and ExpressVPN have more options to connect to worldwide. However, the actual speed can vary depending on the user’s location and the chosen server’s location.
Efficacy in China
All four VPNs have demonstrated an ability to navigate the Great Firewall of China, with ExpressVPN and VyprVPN often cited for their consistent reliability. CyberGhost generally performs well but can vary in its effectiveness.
Safety and Privacy
All four VPNs offer robust security measures, including 256-bit encryption, and adhere to a strict no-logs policy.
Customer Support
ExpressVPN, VyprVPN, and CyberGhost offer 24/7 customer support through live chat and email, providing immediate assistance. PrivateVPN also offers customer support but does not specify its availability hours.