Several VPN services can be effectively used in China to bypass the Great Firewall and maintain internet privacy. These include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, and VyprVPN.
Criteria for Choosing the Right VPN for Use in China
When selecting a VPN to use in China, there are several important factors you should take into consideration to ensure that you pick a reliable, effective, and secure service. This section will detail these criteria.
Robust Encryption and Security Features
A secure VPN should use strong encryption standards, typically AES 256-bit encryption. This military-grade encryption makes it almost impossible for anyone to crack and view your data. In addition to this, consider VPNs that offer a kill-switch feature. A kill switch is a safety feature that automatically disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops, thereby ensuring your online activities remain private.
Ability to Bypass the Great Firewall
The primary reason to use a VPN in China is to bypass the Great Firewall. Therefore, your VPN should consistently be able to circumvent these restrictions and offer access to blocked websites. Some VPNs specialize in this and even have features designed specifically to mask VPN traffic, making it appear as normal internet traffic.
Speed and Performance
VPNs can often slow down your internet speed due to the encryption process. Hence, look for a VPN with excellent speed and performance ratings. A good VPN should provide a variety of servers around the world to help improve connection speed and performance.
Server Locations
Consider the VPN’s server locations. A VPN with a broad range of server locations can provide better speed and reliability. It’s particularly beneficial if the VPN has servers in countries near China, such as Hong Kong, Singapore, or Japan, to ensure good performance.
User-friendly Interface
The VPN service should have an intuitive, user-friendly interface, especially for those who are not particularly tech-savvy. The process of connecting to a VPN server should be straightforward and simple.
Customer Support
The VPN provider should offer solid customer support, ideally 24/7, so that you can get assistance whenever you encounter issues. Whether it’s through live chat, email support, or a comprehensive knowledge base, effective customer service is crucial.
Price and Value for Money
Lastly, take into account the pricing structure of the VPN. Ensure that the service offers good value for money. Some VPNs offer longer-term plans that are cheaper than their monthly plans.
Top VPN Services for Use in China
When it comes to VPN services that are effective in China, there are a few top contenders. Let’s discuss them in detail.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is widely recognized as one of the best VPNs available, offering excellent security, privacy features, and outstanding speed. ExpressVPN operates more than 3000 servers worldwide and is known for consistently bypassing China’s Great Firewall. It is compatible with a wide range of devices and platforms.
NordVPN
NordVPN is another strong contender, known for its double encryption system that enhances security. It has a large number of servers worldwide, providing a fast and reliable connection. NordVPN has a user-friendly interface and robust privacy features.
Surfshark
Surfshark is relatively new in the VPN market but has already made its mark, especially with its unlimited simultaneous connections feature. It offers strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and the ability to bypass China’s Internet restrictions effectively.
VyprVPN
VyprVPN is renowned for its proprietary Chameleon™ VPN technology, which helps bypass VPN blocking, making it a good choice for use in China. It also provides robust security features and a user-friendly interface.
Here’s a comparative table to better understand the main features and pricing of these VPN services:
| VPN Service | Bypasses Great Firewall | Robust Encryption | User-friendly Interface | Customer Support | Pricing (approximate, USD/month) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | $8.32 |
| NordVPN | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | $3.71 |
| Surfshark | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | $2.49 |
| VyprVPN | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | $3.75 |
Please note that the prices are approximate and based on the longest subscription plans. It’s always best to check the VPN’s official website for the most accurate and current information.
How to Install and Use a VPN in China
The installation and usage of a VPN service in China can be an easy task with the right steps. However, it’s essential to download and set up your VPN before you arrive in China because many VPN websites are blocked there.
Selecting and Downloading a VPN
Firstly, you need to select a VPN service based on the criteria we discussed in the earlier sections. Once you’ve chosen your service, visit the VPN provider’s website, sign up for a subscription, and download the VPN application. VPN providers usually offer apps for various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Some also support Linux and routers.
Installing the VPN
After downloading the VPN application, you need to install it on your device. The process is generally straightforward:
- Open the downloaded file and run the installer.
- Follow the on-screen instructions. You typically need to accept the terms of service and select an install location.
- Once the installation is complete, you can open the VPN application.
Configuring the VPN
After opening the VPN application, log in using the credentials you used when signing up for the subscription. Most VPNs automatically configure the optimal settings for you. However, you can usually tweak these settings as desired. Some things you might want to consider:
- Server Selection: Most VPNs allow you to choose the server location manually. This option can be useful if you need an IP address from a specific country.
- Security Protocols: You might want to select a specific security protocol depending on your needs. Some VPNs, like VyprVPN, offer proprietary protocols designed to bypass VPN blocks.
Connecting to the VPN
After you’ve adjusted your settings, you’re ready to connect to the VPN. Usually, there’s a prominent “Connect” button in the app. Click this, and the VPN will connect you to the server. Once connected, your internet traffic is secure and private, and you should be able to access blocked sites in China.
Disconnecting from the VPN
To disconnect, you can usually just click the same button, which should now say “Disconnect” or something similar. Remember to disconnect when you’re done using the VPN to save data and resources.
How to Install and Use a VPN in China
The installation and usage of a VPN service in China can be an easy task with the right steps. However, it’s essential to download and set up your VPN before you arrive in China because many VPN websites are blocked there.
Selecting and Downloading a VPN
Firstly, you need to select a VPN service based on the criteria we discussed in the earlier sections. Once you’ve chosen your service, visit the VPN provider’s website, sign up for a subscription, and download the VPN application. VPN providers usually offer apps for various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Some also support Linux and routers.
Installing the VPN
After downloading the VPN application, you need to install it on your device. The process is generally straightforward:
- Open the downloaded file and run the installer.
- Follow the on-screen instructions. You typically need to accept the terms of service and select an install location.
- Once the installation is complete, you can open the VPN application.
Configuring the VPN
After opening the VPN application, log in using the credentials you used when signing up for the subscription. Most VPNs automatically configure the optimal settings for you. However, you can usually tweak these settings as desired. Some things you might want to consider:
- Server Selection: Most VPNs allow you to choose the server location manually. This option can be useful if you need an IP address from a specific country.
- Security Protocols: You might want to select a specific security protocol depending on your needs. Some VPNs, like VyprVPN, offer proprietary protocols designed to bypass VPN blocks.
Connecting to the VPN
After you’ve adjusted your settings, you’re ready to connect to the VPN. Usually, there’s a prominent “Connect” button in the app. Click this, and the VPN will connect you to the server. Once connected, your internet traffic is secure and private, and you should be able to access blocked sites in China.
Disconnecting from the VPN
To disconnect, you can usually just click the same button, which should now say “Disconnect” or something similar. Remember to disconnect when you’re done using the VPN to save data and resources.