Does CyberGhost Work in China? No, Use These VPNs (2024)
Ever since the Chinese government upgraded the Great Firewall (GFW), CyberGhost no longer works in China. This is because CyberGhost’s servers lack obfuscation features to bypass the enhanced restrictions.
There are government-approved VPNs in China, but they must track and save user data. This can be a concern if online privacy is important to you. So, after thorough research, my team and I found other reliable VPNs that work in China without sharing user data with any third party.
ExpressVPN emerges as the most reliable choice. It’s very fast but also offers obfuscated servers and a proprietary TrustedServer technology to protect your privacy. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free, as all its plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Editors’ Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
Quick Guide: 3 Steps to Use a VPN in China
- Get a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN as my tests show it’s the overall best VPN for browsing without restrictions and protecting your privacy in China. It’s also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Connect to a server. Connect to a nearby server for the best speeds.
- Start browsing! Start browsing without restrictions. You can now visit local and international sites from within China.
Important! The Chinese government is serious about its crackdown on unauthorized VPN use, so it’s technically illegal to use a VPN to jump the firewall. I don’t condone the illegal use of VPNs, be sure to abide by the rules if you must use a VPN in China.
Why Does CyberGhost Not Work in China?
Because of strict internet restrictions in China, CyberGhost no longer works as reliably as it did when the Great Firewall was less stringent. The Firewall upgrade also affected many other VPNs. If you already have CyberGhost installed before entering China, you may be able to connect to a nearby server and use it, but the chances are very slim.
CyberGhost is still one of the top-rated VPNs on the market today, offering OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols with about 12 servers in the Shenzhen region in China. However, because CyberGhost’s servers lack obfuscation, a technology that masks VPN traffic to make it appear as ordinary internet traffic, they are not able to bypass the Great Firewall.
Why Do I Need a VPN in China?
China enforces strict internet censorship policies, known as the Great Firewall. So, you won’t be able to access blocked sites and services, such as major news sites, Google services, foreign social media sites, including Facebook, YouTube, and WhatsApp, and streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+.
Although the government allows some VPNs and proxies to operate, they are required to report user data. So, your privacy isn’t really assured. But, if you’re looking to stay anonymous on public WiFi, make VoIP calls securely, and block off cyberattacks while using the internet in China, you should sign up for a reliable, 100% privacy-focused VPN before arriving in China.
However, keep in mind that while you can technically use any VPN in China, it’s your responsibility to stay informed of local laws regarding VPN usage in China to avoid unintentional legal trouble.
The Best VPNs for China in 2024
1. ExpressVPN — #1 VPN for Browsing Securely in China
Key Features:
- Offers more than 3,000 servers in 105 countries
- ExpressVPN’s stable connectivity lets you browse the internet without interruptions
- Allows you to connect 8 devices simultaneously
- Works well on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, WiFi routers, and more
- Highly reliable customer support via live chat, email, and video tutorials
- 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans
Of all the VPNs I tested, ExpressVPN is the best for browsing in China. I tried the Hong Kong server, which is the closest, and was able to connect to essential online services. While the majority of the VPNs I tested disconnected abruptly after a few minutes of connection, ExpressVPN offered me the most stable connections.
If you’re staying in China for a while, ExpressVPN proves to be a reliable choice for consistent and secure online access. Compared to other VPNs, ExpressVPN’s servers in China work reliably on both WiFi and mobile data. Also, with its proprietary Lightway protocol, I had fast and reliable connections no matter which server I connected to.
Since ExpressVPN does not share data with third parties, I could use it without worrying about the safety of my personal information. But, it also offers other advanced security measures, such as:
- Obfuscated servers — mask your VPN use by making it appear like regular internet traffic.
- TrustedServer technology — uses RAM-based servers to ensure that your browsing sessions are wiped upon every reboot.
- Strict no-logs policy — ensures your internet data is neither stored nor shared with anyone.
- Military-grade encryption — encrypts all your internet traffic to ensure it is impenetrable by anyone, including hackers.
- Automatic kill switch — protects you by automatically disconnecting your internet traffic if your VPN connection becomes unstable.
- Split tunneling — allows you to direct specific app and website traffic through the VPN encryption while allowing other apps and sites to bypass it.
Another thing that makes ExpressVPN a top recommendation for China is that it allows me to connect up to 8 devices at a time. This means that all my devices are secured at all times, and I can visit both local and foreign sites without the risk of data exposure to any third party.
The only issue I experienced with ExpressVPN was high ping and latency when playing games online. Ideally, this shouldn’t be an issue for ExpressVPN. So, it wasn’t much fun playing fast-paced games like Call of Duty: Warzone in China. But this was mostly due to the server rather than ExpressVPN, as it offered very stable connections in most other regions I tested.
You can start by trying ExpressVPN’s 1-year + 3 months plan, which begins at $6.67 a month. ExpressVPN plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, and it has a highly responsive customer support team. They’re available 24/7 to handle customers’ requests, including refunds if you’re not enjoying the service.
ExpressVPN works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Nvidia Shield, Xiaomi Mi Box, Chromecast, Roku, Android TVs, smart TVs, routers, and more.
Editors' Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
2024 Update! ExpressVPN has dropped prices for a limited time to a crazy $6.67 per month for the 1-year plan + 3 months free (you can save up to 49%)! This is a limited offer so be sure to grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
2. PrivateVPN — Affordable Premium VPN to Keep You Safe Online in China
Key Features:
- Offers 200+ servers in 63 countries
- The Stealth Mode feature makes your internet activities completely untraceable
- Connect 10 devices simultaneously
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, routers, and more
- Reliable customer support via email
- 30-day money-back guarantee
PrivateVPN is another reliable VPN that works well in China, and it comes at a great price if you opt for longer-term plans. For instance, with the 3-year plan, PrivateVPN’s monthly fee comes at $2.00, which is among the lowest fees for premium VPNs.
Additionally, PrivateVPN offers several advanced security features that allow you to stay safe online in China:
- AES-256-bit encryption — protects all your sensitive data from third parties.
- Automatic kill switch — prevents your data from leaking by cutting off internet access whenever the VPN connection is interrupted.
- Stealth VPN — hides the fact that you’re using a VPN by utilizing obfuscated servers, so your online activity looks like regular internet traffic.
- DNS leak protection — stops DNS and IPv6 data leaks to ensure your actual location and activity is not exposed.
- Zero-log policy — ensures that it won’t log or store your data when connected to its servers.
- Public WiFi protection — protects you against data theft and snooping when you’re connected to a public WiFi network in China.
Because PrivateVPN uses a network of high-quality network servers, which are optimized for fast speeds and lower latency, I could browse smoothly while staying anonymous. With an average connection speed of 57.6 Mbps, I could browse local and foreign sites and watch movies without interruptions.
Also, PrivateVPN works well on common devices, including Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, and routers. If you experience issues connecting to PrivateVPN’s servers on WiFi, you can try multiple servers. However, it typically connects you to the best server closest to you automatically.
However, PrivateVPN has the smallest server network on this list. This means you still have limited access to global content. However, all PrivateVPN servers I tested are reliably stable, they offer fast speeds and secure access to the internet while in China.
Overall, PrivateVPN is one of the cheapest VPN services available. With the 3-year plan, you can save up to 83% compared to the monthly plan. PrivateVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you’re not satisfied with the service, you can easily request a refund.
PrivateVPN works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Kodi, iPad, WiFi routers, Amazon Fire Stick, Android TV, and more.
3. VyprVPN — Audited No-Logs Policy to Protect Your Online Privacy in China
Key Features:
- Offers 700+ servers in 63 countries
- VyprVPN’s no-logs policy has been thoroughly tested and verified as accurate
- Connect 10 devices simultaneously
- Supports all major devices, including Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Fire Stick, and more
- Responsive customer support available 24/7 via live chat and email
- 30-day money-back guarantee
VyprVPN is one of the few VPNs whose no-logs policy has been extensively and independently audited. I found that VyprVPN works in China without being blocked by the Great Firewall, and it also operates its own network and offers a proprietary DNS, VyprDNS™, to ensure user data is truly never leaked to anyone else.
In addition to its strict no-logs policy, here are some other security and privacy features that make VyprVPN one of the best VPNs for China:
- Proprietary Chameleon technology — scrambles the data packet metadata of your online traffic, ensuring the VPN is undetectable through DPI.
- Military-grade encryption — secures all your internet traffic from prying eyes within an encrypted tunnel.
- Data leak protection — stops DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC data from leaking and exposing your identity and IP address.
- Smart IP — regularly switches your IP address without interrupting your connection, making it impossible to trace you.
The Chameleon technology is another distinct feature that makes VyprVPN undetectable in China. In addition to this, it runs on the best protocols, such as WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPSec, to keep your connection stable. With the Chameleon feature, I averaged 61 Mbps, which was okay for browsing, making video calls, and sending or receiving videos and images.
Since VyprVPN has an extensive server network of over 700 servers, including 2 in the Special Administrative Regions of China (Macau and Hong Kong) and one in Taipei, Taiwan, it was quite easy to connect to the services I needed in China. You could also connect to its global servers, but I recommend sticking to the closer ones, as they are faster.
Also, VyprVPN is a relatively affordable VPN service to protect your online privacy in China. Its 2-year plan starts at $3.00 a month. You can purchase any of its plans risk-free, as it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which allows you to request a refund via the 24/7 live chat.
VyprVPN works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Tor, Brave, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, routers, and more.
Editors’ Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
Comparison Table: Best VPNs for China
| VPN | Global Servers and Countries | Obfuscated Servers | Speed | Best Plan and Price | Money-Back Guarantee |
| ExpressVPN | 3,000+ servers in 105 countries | ✔ | 65.8 Mbps | 1-year + 3 months plan at $6.67 a month | 30 days |
| PrivateVPN | 200+ servers in 63 countries | ✔ | 57.6 Mbps | 3-year plan at $2.00 a month | 30 days |
| VyprVPN | 700+ servers in 63 countries | ✔ | 61 Mbps | 2-year plan at $3.00 a month | 30 days |
How I Tested and Ranked the Best VPNs for China
During my tests, I conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the VPNs based on the following critical factors:
- Works in China — ideally, a VPN for China must provide a smooth, quick, and stable connection to its servers and allow you to browse the open internet without restrictions within China.
- Extensive server networks — I assessed VPNs with servers in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, with a focus on those offering better speeds and stability.
- Reliable security and privacy features — I selected VPNs that provide strong encryption, obfuscation, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection to ensure your online activities remain private and secure.
- Fast speeds — I prioritized VPNs with fast and stable speeds, especially when connecting to servers outside of China.
- Reliable customer support — I prioritized VPNs that offer 24/7 responsive customer support through live chat, email, or phone.
- A money-back guarantee — I ensured that each VPN comes with a money-back guarantee. This allows you to claim a refund if the VPN doesn’t meet your expectations in China.
Here’s What to Do If Your VPN Isn’t Working in China
Encountering issues with your VPN in China? Here’s a concise guide to troubleshooting:
- Try another VPN — if your current VPN isn’t performing well, consider trying another reliable option. I recommend ExpressVPN for its proven effectiveness in China.
- Change servers — easily resolve issues by switching to a different server or changing locations. Opt for servers in nearby countries like Hong Kong or Taiwan for better performance.
- Change protocol — if problems persist, switch to a more secure protocol. Fast and security-focused protocols like ExpressVPN’s Lightway can enhance reliability.
- Check for updates — ensure your VPN software is up to date. Providers often release updates to improve effectiveness and address accessibility issues.
- Contact customer support — reach out to your VPN provider’s customer support. They can assist in troubleshooting or provide guidance to ensure reliable service in China.
FAQs on the Best VPNs for China
Does CyberGhost work in China?
No, CyberGhost does not work reliably in China. This is because the Chinese Great Firewall has been upgraded, and since CyberGhost servers lack the obfuscation feature, the service is not able to bypass the Firewall in China.
Why is CyberGhost so slow in China?
The Great Firewall of China hampers VPN traffic by blocking certain protocols. If you’re using a VPN with less effective protocols like PPTP or L2TP, you may experience slower speeds or difficulty connecting. Consider switching to more secure protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, or ExpressVPN’s Lightway that can enhance your connection speeds.
China’s vast internet user base can also lead to network congestion and slower speeds, affecting VPN performance. Try to connect to a VPN server close to your physical location within China for better speeds, or consider using local Chinese versions of your favorite websites, as domestic connections are generally better than those from outside China.
Are VPNs illegal in China?
No, but using unauthorized VPNs is restricted in China, while the government-approved VPNs are required to track and save user’s data. So, your online activities are still not private or secure when you use such VPNs. While it’s not illegal to use other VPNs per se, the Chinese government has cracked down on VPNs that do not adhere to their regulations.
What’s the best VPN for China?
The best VPN for China is ExpressVPN, as it has a robust obfuscation feature which effectively conceals VPN traffic, and its fast-speed Lightway protocol ensures fast and stable connections even in restrictive regions. ExpressVPN also has a highly responsive customer support team to help you quickly resolve any connectivity issue you might experience.
Can I use a proxy in China?
Yes, you can use a proxy in China, but it’s less secure than a VPN. Proxies can change your virtual location to access certain content, but they lack strong security features like encryption. This makes them less reliable for protecting personal data and more susceptible to detection and blocking by the Great Firewall. A VPN is safer and more dependable than proxies.
Does CyberGhost have servers in China?
Yes, CyberGhost has 12 servers located in Shenzhen, China. However, due to its lack of advanced security features like obfuscation, CyberGhost is not the most reliable option for use within China.
Can I use a free VPN in China?
Yes, in theory. But free VPNs rarely work well in China. While there are some reliable free VPNs on the market, many of them have limited bandwidth or server options compared to their premium counterparts. Some free VPNs even collect and sell user data or install malware on your device, so it’s best getting a tried-and-tested VPN service for peace of mind.
Get a VPN That Works in China Today
Even though it’s a top VPN provider, CyberGhost doesn’t work in China. For reliable and secure internet access in China, ExpressVPN stands out as the best choice. Its advanced features include robust obfuscation, Lighway protocol, DNS leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy to ensure consistent performance in China.
Best of all, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free as it is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, you can simply request a refund.
