Free VPN for China in 2024

Before traveling to the People’s Republic, the least you can do is download a free VPN for China. Besides blocking Western content and media, the government controls the internet and closely monitors its people. Luckily, a reliable virtual private network can give you access to the content you want and keep you confidential while venturing.

However, most completely free Chinese VPNs are unreliable and can’t punch through the Great Firewall of China. And even if you do manage to get around it, you’ll face abysmal connectivity and other curbs.

Therefore, below, you’ll find the top free China VPNs that actually work. Moreover, I’ve included free trial VPNs that you can use trouble-free while traveling. So, find out how to use them and stay secure, private, and connected to the world.

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Best free Chinese VPNs: shortlist

1. NordVPN

   The best free VPN for China
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Free China VPN with infinite connections
   9.5
3. Proton VPN

   Reliable & secure free China VPN
   8.6

Why you would want to use a VPN in China

Firstly, China is brutal when it comes to censorship. Thanks to the Great Firewall, almost all Western media and content are blocked in the country. Thus, watching silly videos on YouTube, getting info from Wikipedia, or sending a message on WhatsApp is impossible. Luckily, a top-notch China VPN can punch through the Wall and give you access to the content you want.

Moreover, China’s digital landscape is under a giant magnifying glass. Whatever you do online, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) log every move and might snitch on you if you try to access forbidden content. Thus, picking a reliable free VPN is a wise decision if you want to stay anonymous online. It will encrypt your data and hide your IP address. Therefore, you will be untraceable.

Additionally, online security should be your main priority whether you’re in China or elsewhere. Hackers and swindlers might take advantage of your data if you don’t take extra precautions. That can result in financial loss or identity theft. Thus, to protect yourself against malware and other online calamities, you might want to get a VPN with strong encryption and additional ad/malware blockers.

Top Free VPNs for China: overview

1. NordVPN – the ultimate China VPN that you can use for free
2. Surfshark VPN – private VPN for China that you can use without paying
3. Proton VPN – the best China VPN with completely free version
4. IPVanish – the most secure Chinese VPN with servers nearby
5. CyberGhost– reliable China VPN with extremely cheap premium plans

You'll need the best China VPN to bypass VPN blocks and access free internet. A reliable service should offer hardcore encryption, a kill switch, and DNS & IP leak protection. Plus, server obfuscation will come in handy, as it can mask your traffic and help you avoid Deep Packet Inspections (DPI).

1. NordVPN – the fastest free trial VPN for China

NordVPN is an unbeatable free VPN for China in 2024. While it doesn’t have a free version, you can still use it at no cost for more than a month. Simply sign up for the 7-day free trial and then take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee. And if you’re satisfied with the service, grab a NordVPN coupon and get a plan for $12.99/month.

Escape China’s surveillance quickly & easily with the network of [brand_servers_count brand_id="6" brand_name="NordVPN"]+ servers across 118+ countries. Plus, you won’t have to suffer through endless loading screens, thanks to the NordLynx tunneling protocol, which makes NordVPN the fastest VPN on the market.

Another notable aspect of the hardware is that all servers are RAM-only, meaning they can’t store data long-term. Other security features include Threat Protection, Double VPN, Onion over VPN, and split tunneling. You can read more about these features in the NordVPN review.

As for bypassing the Great Firewall of China, it won’t pose an issue. NordVPN offers obfuscated servers that hide all tracks of VPN usage, effectively fooling Deep Packet Inspection (DPI). So, you can easily download torrent files or watch your favorite shows on Netflix US, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, or Disney Plus.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark VPN – top free China VPN for multiple devices

Another excellent VPN for China is Surfshark VPN. Of course, no free version exists, but you can use it for an extended time without paying a dime by exploiting a little loophole. It entails signing up for the free 7-day trial version and utilizing the 30-day money-back guarantee. Afterward, subscriptions start at $15.49/month with a special discount code.

Moreover, the Chinese government won’t be able to snoop on you, thanks to market-leading encryption, leak protection, and a robust kill switch. Moreover, Surfshark adheres to a zero-logs policy, meaning they don’t collect information about you. Plus, Surfshark is one of the best multiple-device VPNs for protecting unlimited gadgets.

Furthermore, performance won’t be an issue, regardless of the location you connect to from the 3200+ servers in 100+ countries. Additionally, the WireGuard tunneling protocol and Nexus technology also ensure zero lag and incredible speeds. You can find more info on Nexus in the Surfshark VPN review.

Surfshark offers Camouflage and NoBorders modes for breaking through firewalls. One makes your VPN traffic invisible, while the other enables VPN use in restrictive regions. MultiHop is another notable feature, allowing users to route internet traffic through two VPN servers for twice the encryption. So, you can easily play games, torrent, and stream in China.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

3. Proton VPN – free China VPN with great performance

Proton VPN is the top free VPN on the market, and it also works in China. The free version provides a reliable kill switch, top-tier encryption, IP & DNS leak protection, and a strict zero logs policy. Moreover, you’ll find free servers in the US, the Netherlands, and Japan.

Moreover, the free Proton VPN has no data caps for its costless version, which is quite rare for free VPNs. However, bypassing geo-blocks and torrenting or streaming will be impossible with a no-pay Proton VPN. Additionally, you’ll only get 1 connection and slower speeds. Luckily, you can solve this issue by opting for a premium.

The full version offers 9200+ servers in 110+ countries. Plus, the WireGuard tunneling protocol will ensure stable and smooth connectivity in Mainland China. If that’s not enough, you can boost your speeds by up to 400%, thanks to the VPN Accelerator technology. Also, the Stealth feature will help you avoid DPI and browse freely in China. You can learn more about the premium version in the Proton VPN review.

Apart from that, you can enjoy access to the most popular streaming platforms, blocked games, or torrent files you want. Meanwhile, Netshield will ensure that no malware, annoying ads, or trackers disturb your online experience. So, don’t hesitate and grab a Proton VPN coupon. That way, you’ll get a subscription for as little as $9.99/month. Moreover, if you don’t feel like Proton VPN is for you, get your money back in 30 days.

For a deeper investigation of Proton VPN, read our Proton VPN review.

4. IPVanish – reliable VPN for Secure Browsing in China

IPVanish is a robust VPN choice, known for its speed and security features. It offers unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for users with multiple devices. IPVanish ensures strong privacy with top-tier encryption, a no-logs policy, and features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection. These safeguards allow you to browse safely, whether at home or on public Wi-Fi.

Although IPVanish doesn’t offer a free version, it provides a 30-day money-back guarantee for those who want to test its features risk-free. The VPN covers 51+ countries with over 2200 servers, ensuring decent global access. However, its server network is not as extensive as some competitors, which might be a drawback for users in less common locations.

For those who value streaming, IPVanish unblocks major platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. It also supports torrenting with no data caps, making it a solid choice for P2P enthusiasts. The WireGuard protocol enhances connection speeds, making it one of the fastest VPNs on the market. Additionally, the Split Tunneling feature allows you to route specific apps through the VPN while others access the internet directly.

IPVanish also includes malware protection and ad-blocking, ensuring a clean and secure browsing experience. If you're looking for a VPN that balances speed, security, and versatility, IPVanish might be the right choice for you. Plus, by grabbing an IPVanish coupon, you can get a subscription at a discounted rate, starting as low as $12.99/month. If it doesn't meet your expectations, you can always take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of IPVanish, read our IPVanish review.

5. CyberGhost – torrent-friendly free China VPN

CyberGhost is a top-tier choice for those who need a reliable VPN for streaming and secure browsing, even in restrictive environments like China. It offers a massive network of over 11700+ servers in 100+ countries, providing excellent global coverage. CyberGhost’s apps are user-friendly, making it a great option for both beginners and experienced VPN users.

The VPN’s strong privacy features include AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and automatic kill switch functionality. These features, combined with DNS and IP leak protection, ensure that your online activities remain private and secure, even when accessing the internet from China.

CyberGhost shines in streaming, unblocking popular platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer without hassle. Its dedicated streaming servers are optimized for speed and reliability, making it an excellent choice for those who want to watch their favorite content from anywhere in the world. However, speeds can vary depending on server load and location, which might affect performance during peak times.

For torrenting enthusiasts, CyberGhost supports P2P file sharing on specific servers, and there are no bandwidth limits to worry about. The VPN also offers advanced features like split tunneling, allowing you to choose which apps use the VPN connection and which don’t.

CyberGhost includes built-in ad-blocking and malware protection, providing an extra layer of security while browsing. With a 45-day money-back guarantee, you can try CyberGhost risk-free and see if it fits your needs. Plus, with CyberGhost coupons you can get a subscription for as low as $12.99/month, making it one of the most affordable premium VPNs on the market.

For a deeper investigation of CyberGhost VPN, read our CyberGhost VPN review.

Free VPN for China: comparison

Now that you know about the Top 5 free VPNs that work in China, you can see them side-by-side here and compare which one’s the best:

As my research shows, NordVPN is the best free VPN in China. That’s because it will surely bypass the Great Firewall of China in seconds. Moreover, it’s swift (559 Mbps) and has a lot of servers around China. So, you won’t have any problems staying connected to the free internet.

How I picked the best free China VPNs

The consequences of using a shoddy-free VPN in China might be severe. Therefore, if you want to bypass the Great Firewall of China and stay safe, you’ll need a top-tier service. So, when looking for the best China VPN, you should pay extra attention to these essential requirements:

• Obfuscation. This feature will help you avoid the Firewall and access your desired content. Additionally, it covers up your tracks and makes it seem like a regular connection. Not to mention, you won’t have to worry much about DPIs.
• Privacy. A trusty-free VPN for China should not collect logs or sell your information to third parties. Also, it should protect you from the all-seeing government of China. In addition, it would be best if your VPN is based outside the Fourteen Eyes jurisdiction.
• Security. At the very least, a free VPN should offer a robust kill switch, IP & DNS leak protection, and AES-256 encryption. Even better if your service provides features such as malware blockers or MultiHop.
• Speed. You don’t want an even slower connection, so pick a provider that utilizes the WireGuard or NordLynx tunneling protocols. You can also compare VPN speeds on my connectivity test page.
• Servers. An abundance of servers means more entertainment possibilities. Plus, you’ll be able to unblock various websites in China. Moreover, choose a VPN with hardware that is not too far from your location if you want better speeds.
• Free trial period. Most free VPNs aren’t capable of bypassing the Great Firewall. Thus, if you need a super reliable service, pick a free trial VPN. That way, you’ll get all nifty features for a limited time.

Are VPNs legal in China?

Like in many other authoritarian countries, VPN usage is basically illegal in China. However, you can use government-approved services, but they provide zero privacy, and you won’t be able to access geo-blocked content.

Nevertheless, many providers, such as NordVPN, Surfshark, or Proton VPN, remain active and accessible. You can also find some other free services that work in China. However, it’s better to be safe than sorry and pick a reliable free trial China VPN.

What is blocked in China?

As mentioned, most of the content available in Western countries is banned in China. The government censors the media for political reasons and social control.

Here’s is just a fraction of apps, websites, and platforms that are blocked in China and you could access with a VPN instead:

Access anything with the Top VPN for China

How to use the best free China VPN

Whether you use Android, iPhone, Windows, or any other OS, you’ll need a reliable free VPN for China to access restricted content and apps. However, for maximum convenience, you’ll need a service compatible with multiple devices.

However, not all VPNs work in China. Therefore, you can get one of the cheapest VPNs from one of my experts’ lists to save money. Most offer all the right features to bypass China’s restrictions and censorship.

How to install the best free Android VPN for China?

To protect your mobile and tablet, you’ll need the best Android VPN for China. You can get one if you follow the instructions below:

1. Choose a reliable free trial VPN for China. My #1 choice is NordVPN, now with a massive discount
2. Install the application on your Android device
3. Choose a server nearby. For example, Hong Kong
4. Now, browse freely in China!

How to set up the best free VPN for iPhone in China?

If you’re an iOS user, you should utilize the finest iPhone VPN to bypass restrictions. To get one, you have to:

1. Pick a trusty free trial VPN for China. My frontrunner is NordVPN, currently with 74% discount
2. Install the app on your iPhone or iPad
3. Join a server nearby, such as Taiwan
4. Amazing. Now, the Great Firewall of China doesn’t stand a chance!

How to install a free China VPN Chrome extension?

Some top-tier free VPNs offer browser extensions for Chrome. They only protect your browser’s traffic, but it’s still a great way to protect yourself online in China. To get one, you have to:

1. Get a robust free trial VPN. My recommendation is NordVPN, now with a massive discount
2. Download the VPN add-on from the Chrome Web Store
3. Launch the extension and choose a server nearby. For example, Japan
4. Now, your internet traffic on Chrome is secure!

Snatch the ultimate Chrome VPN extension

Best VPN for China according to Reddit

Reddit is one of the best places to look for answers. Many people share their experiences and honest opinions about things, and China VPNs are no exception. So, I rummaged through various subreddits and found which virtual private networks work best in China.

Unsurprisingly, NordVPN was one of the top choices. That’s because it offers supersonic speeds, obfuscated servers, and loads of hardware globally. Nevertheless, according to a Reddit article, some Redditors have other opinions, which you can find in my best VPNs.

Is free China VPN the right choice for local users?

No, a free China VPN service isn’t practical. That’s because entirely free software is too limited to deal with DPI and firewalls surrounding the Chinese internet network. A VPN must have a suite packed with advanced security features, which freebies lack. Plus, such services will never net obfuscation or other ninja-level stealth features necessary to slip these detection systems.

Another crack in even the best free VPN for China is the inability to keep up with streams or video games. This is due to crushing data caps and a lack of servers, which are typically hogged and already blocked on websites. On the other hand, you might not even experience such problems if the VPN fails to bypass the China firewall in the first place.

Your best course of action is choosing NordVPN. The service offers a 7-day free trial along with a 30-day money-back guarantee as an alternative to free China VPNs. It’s limited, yes. However, premium VPNs with free trials are the only ones capable of dealing with the online challenges a regular Chinese person faces.

Browse freely with NordVPN for NordVPN discount less

Free China VPNs you must avoid

By now, you know about the most reliable free VPNs for China. However, loads of no-pay services will do more harm than good. Therefore, if you don’t want to get in trouble or riddle your devices with malware, here are some free China VPNs you should avoid:

• Hola VPN – actually a P2P network, meaning that you’ll be accountable for any illegal actions happening on the network
• VPNBook – will collect your logs and riddle your Mac with malware
• GOVPN – leaks your IP and DNS also will infest your devices with viruses
• BetternetVPN – keeps your logs to create targeted ads
• TurboVPN – another malware machine
• OKVPN – avoid it at all costs, as it’s a malware injection machine

Bottom line

With heavy internet censorship regulations in China, you can still access your favorite internet services using the above Free VPN for China. However, you must define your needs to make the most of VPN services. It is imperative to note that these VPNs come with varying bandwidth limits.

Therefore, I recommend grabbing the best free trial VPN on the market — NordVPN. It will help you bypass the Great Firewall of China in no time. Additionally, it has loads of nifty features like obfuscated servers and Double VPN that will provide extra safety. Lastly, it’s super fast, so you won’t have to deal with endless loading screens.

Have you used a free VPN in China? Which one? Let us know in the comments!

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You may also like to read:
Best VPN for Russia
Free VPN for Disney+
Best VPN for Taiwan
Free VPN for gaming
Best VPN for Hong Kong
Free VPN for Windows

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FAQ

Is it legal to use a free VPN in China?

The VPN technology itself is not illegal in China. However, there are a lot of restrictions around virtual private networks. You might get fined or imprisoned if caught using one for personal use. Therefore, you need a reliable free VPN that will surely encrypt your data and hide your personal details.

What to do if a free VPN stops working in China?

The first thing you should do is restart your device. If that doesn’t work, try connecting to a different server. Alternatively, contact customer support so they can solve your problem. Your last resort is to get a new free VPN for China.

Which free VPN works in China?

The best free VPN that works in China is NordVPN. While it’s not entirely free, you can take advantage of the 7-day free trial and the 30-day money-back guarantee. That way, you can stream, torrent, or play games trouble-free in China for over a month.

What is the best free VPN for Android in China?

If you want a completely free VPN for Android in China, the ProtonVPN free version is a solid choice. It offers limited servers but provides decent performance and security features. Alternatively, you can consider NordVPN's free trial on its Android app. It grants access to robust security features like military-grade encryption and a reliable VPN protocol, ensuring secure and unrestricted online access in China.

How do I get a China VPN for free?

The best way to get the best free China VPN is by picking the Proton VPN free version. Then, you simply have to register and choose a free server. After that, all you have to do is launch your browser and start surfing!

Which VPN gives China servers?

Unfortunately, no reliable free or paid VPN offers servers in China. However, most top free China VPNs have servers nearby. You can choose from neighboring countries like Japan, Hong Kong, India, Taiwan, or South Korea.

Is streaming possible with a free VPN in China?

No, you can’t stream with a free VPN in China. Services that require no pay offer very limited functionality. For example, you can’t stream with a free China VPN due to tiny server fleets, slim data caps, and a lack of security features to remain undetected. Instead, opt for reliable ones like NordVPN.

Can I use a free VPN to get a China IP address?

No, you won’t be able to get a Chinese IP address with a free VPN. Only several VPNs work in China and free services don't stand a chance against firewalls. The top options include NordVPN, which grants you a Chinese IP address and lets you stream or play games online.

Can I use Proton VPN in China?

Yes, Proton VPN is among my top free China VPNs. It offers incredible security and privacy. Plus, it has servers in Japan, which is not too far from China. Additionally, you can avoid DPI and other problems with the Stealth VPN feature. However, it’s only available with a premium subscription.