5 Best Free VPNs for China in 2024
China's Great Firewall (GFW) blocks access to popular VPNs as well as websites and services like YouTube, Google, Facebook, and WhatsApp. Tourists will also have trouble accessing content from home. Plus, this affects gamers who want to play geo-restricted games and access bot lobbies with minimal lagging. Users want a cheap way around these issues.Â
Not to mention there are obvious privacy and security concerns due to government surveillance. The solution is to use the best free VPN for China. The problem is many free VPNs log your data, offer poor performance, allow limited bandwidth, and have small server networks. So, it’s best to consider a free trial of a premium VPN when looking for the best VPNs for China.
In this article, we will show you the best VPN trials and free VPNs, compare the two types of services, and explain why you need a free VPN trial. We’ll also share their limitations, explain how to connect to a mainland China server to get a Chinese IP address, and much more.
Best Free VPNs for China - Our Shortlist
- NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN Free Trial for China
- Surfshark – Best China VPN Trial with Fast Speeds
- Windscribe – Best Free VPN for China with Obfuscation
- Atlas VPN – Free VPN That Works in China with Unlimited Connections
- Hide.me – Free VPN to Use in China Securely
How to Get a Free VPN Trial for China
To get a free VPN trial for China, you'll have to find a provider that can bypass the Great Firewall. Here are all the steps to take:Â
- Get a free trial of a China VPN (we recommend NordVPN's 30-day risk-free trial).
- Download and install the VPN app on your device of choice.
- Start the VPN and register or log in with your credentials.Â
- Join a server in a country with content you want to access.
- Start surfing the Internet in complete privacy with a new IP address.
Keep in mind that you'll need to find an email service that works in China since Gmail doesn't work there. If you need help, take a look at our guide on how to download a VPN in China. Although the country is trying to control the use of VPNs, they are still technically in the legal gray area. Here's how you can use a VPN in China without breaking the law.
The Best Free VPNs for China
To locate the best free VPN for China, we will follow the criteria laid out in our article on the top free VPN to use in 2024. To start, this VPN has to easily bypass the Great Firewall. It should have a high bandwidth limit, which would allow you to use it for streaming and gaming. An ideal free VPN also provides reliable performance and fast speeds.
Security is important, so we focused on free providers with advanced VPN protocols, strong encryption, and a kill switch. A strict no-logs policy is a must, as it prevents free VPNs from storing your sensitive data. Your service should have a large global server network, with locations near mainland China like Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
A VPN with many simultaneous connections will allow you to protect every device in your network. In case you get stuck, you'll want a provider with 24/7 customer support through live chat. Finally, if you decide to go for a free trial VPN, make sure that it comes with a generous 30-day refund policy.
According to all these criteria, here are the top 5 free VPN for China apps:
1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN Free Trial for China
NordVPN has the best free VPN trial for China. The full service is available on PCs, routers, smartphones, tablets, and browsers. It also offers a 7-day trial for Android, but you can test it on other supported devices for 30 days by getting a refundable subscription. It has no bandwidth limitations, and is great for bypassing the Great Firewall of China.
This provider has a massive network of over 5,900 servers located in 60 countries around the world. This includes 70+ servers in Singapore and 130+ in Japan. NordVPN uses advanced VPN protocols, such as NordLynx, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec, delivering lightning-fast and stable connections.
NordVPN will conceal all your outgoing data with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption. There are various leak protection tools, as well as a powerful kill switch which will protect your identity in case something goes wrong. Since it follows a no-logs policy and uses RAM-only servers, none of your information will be stored on its servers.
You’ll be able to use NordVPN in China on multiple devices at the same time, as it can hold up to 6 simultaneous connections. If there are any issues while using the free trial, you can contact its 24/7 live chat support.Â
PROS
- Can easily bypass China's GFWÂ
- No-logs VPN with obfuscation
- Fast worldwide server network
- 30-day refund policy
- 24/7 live chat support
CONS
- Few simultaneous connections allowed
2. Surfshark – Best China VPN Trial with Fast Speeds
Surfshark is another excellent free China VPN trial that easily bypasses the GFW and provides unlimited bandwidth. This VPN has an app for most modern devices, like smartphones, tablets, PCs, and routers. There's a 7-day free trial for iOS, macOS, and Android, but you can use it for a month on all devices if you subscribe, as there's a 30-day refund policy.
Surfshark has 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, with 60+ servers in Japan and plenty more in Singapore. So, you’ll easily be able to unblock news websites and access platforms like Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Google.Â
With Surfshark, you get access to premium VPN protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. No matter the server’s distance, this VPN can provide consistent performance with amazing speed. You won’t have to worry about your privacy or safety, as Surfshark follows a no-logs policy and uses AES 256-bit encryption and a kill switch to keep all your data secure.
The size of your home network also won’t matter since Surfshark provides unlimited simultaneous connections. In case you run into any problems trying to download and install the trial VPN, you can make use of its 24/7 live chat support.
PROS
- Affordable no-logs VPN
- Unlocks content in China
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Fast and consistent server speedsÂ
CONS
- Monthly subscription is pricey
3. Windscribe – Best Free VPN for China with Obfuscation
Windscribe is truly the best free VPN for China. The app is available on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices, but routers aren't supported. As a free service, Windscribe offers limited bandwidth to its users. It starts at 2 GB/month, but you can increase it to 10 GB/month by registering your email, recommending it to others, or promoting it via tweeting.
Windscribe has a limited number of servers in 11 countries, but it's the only free VPN with a server location near mainland China in Hong Kong. It offers 5 advanced VPN protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, Wstunnel, and Stealth. Windscribe can bypass the GFW, letting you access restricted websites. Obfuscation is available, so you can hide the fact you’re using it.Â
For a free service, Windscribe offers solid security features. There’s the AES 256-bit encryption, along with the Windscribe Firewall, which is their version of a kill switch. However, although it says it's a no-logs VPN, it still collects anonymized data logs.
Since Windscribe is a free service, you can expect average speeds and decent performance. What pleasantly surprised us is its allowance of unlimited simultaneous connections. If any issues arise while using Windscribe, you can get in contact with its customer support through email.
PROS
- Successfully unblocks websites in China
- Impressive security features
- Supports unlimited connections
- Solid cross-platform support
- Reliable performance and moderate speeds
CONS
- Lacks live chat support
- Available in just 11 countries
- Collects anonymized data
4. Atlas VPN – Free VPN That Works in China with Unlimited Connections
Atlas VPN is a completely free VPN that works in China. Unfortunately, its bandwidth is limited to 5 GB/month, which isn’t much if you're into streaming or gaming. While this VPN is available on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, it lacks support for routers. Moreover, it can bypass the GFW, so you can unblock platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Google.
This is a no-logs VPN with AES 256-bit encryption and a solid kill switch. Since it also has support for advanced protocols like WireGuard and IPsec/IKEv2, your data will remain private and secure at all times. As usual with free services, you can expect slow speed and poor performance, particularly on more distant servers.
Free users will get a limited network with 4 server locations in 3 countries, including 1 location near China in Singapore. While this is low, Atlas VPN tries to offset this by providing unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can install it on multiple devices.Â
If you experience any issues while using this free VPN in China, you can send a ticket to their email support service, which certainly won’t be as fast as live chat.
PROS
- Strict no-logs policy
- Advanced VPN protocols
- Unlimited simultaneous connections allowed
- Works in China
- Solid kill switch
CONS
- Low monthly bandwidth limit
- No live chat customer support
- Subpar connection speeds
5. Hide.me – Free VPN to Use in China Securely
Hide.me is our final pick for a free VPN to use in China. Its app is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and browsers. Its free plan offers limited bandwidth of 10 GB/month, which should be enough to cover your basic needs. With solid unblocking capabilities, it can bypass the GFW to access YouTube, Facebook, Google, WhatsApp, and other platforms.
While the app offers a huge server network for its subscribers, those using a free plan only get 8 server locations in 7 countries, one of which is near China in Singapore. Hide.me offers 5 VPN protocols: WireGuard, SSTP, IKEv2, SoftEther, and OpenVPN. Plus, all your data will be unreadable to third parties thanks to the AES 256-bit encryption.Â
Hide.me also provides obfuscation, so you can surf the Web in complete privacy. This is a no-logs VPN, so your activities won’t be recorded. There's also a kill switch to keep your identity safe if your connection becomes unstable. Fortunately, using this VPN won’t have too significant an impact on your connection, delivering steady performance and moderate speeds.
Unfortunately, Hide.me provides only 1 simultaneous connection to free users. If you need help with troubleshooting this Chinese VPN, you can contact its 24/7 live chat support.
PROS
- Can bypass China's restrictions
- Advanced security features
- Obfuscated servers
- Free no-logs VPN app
- 24/7 customer support via chat
CONS
- Mediocre speed and performance
- Only 1 simultaneous connection
- Low number of servers
Best Free China VPNs - Compared
How to Choose the Best Free VPN for China
To choose the best free VPN for China, look for a service that can easily get past the GFW and unblock all the websites and platforms you wish to access. Here are other things you'll need to pay attention to:
- Ability to Bypass the GFW – China's strict censorship makes it crucial to look for a free Chinese VPN that can bypass the Great Firewall and provide access to blocked websites and services like YouTube, Google, Facebook, and WhatsApp.
- Data Allowance – Check the VPN's monthly bandwidth limit to ensure it meets your needs. If you want to use it regularly for streaming shows and gaming, get a service that provides at least 10 GB/month.
- Security and Privacy – Focus on free VPNs that offer strong security features, like advanced AES encryption, solid VPN protocols, and a kill switch. Prioritize providers that have a strict no-logs policy and obfuscated servers.
- Server Network Size and Distribution – The best free VPN in China will have a large network, which improves your chances of finding a server with ideal performance. Look for a provider with locations in nearby countries like Singapore and Japan.
- Performance – Get a VPN with fast and reliable connections because this is essential for smooth browsing, streaming shows, and downloading content.Â
- Kill Switch – Having a solid kill switch is important, as it will automatically disconnect you from the Internet if your VPN connection drops. This ensures that your identity isn't compromised.
- Simultaneous Connections – Use a free VPN that supports many simultaneous connections, so you can use it on multiple devices.
- Money-Back Guarantees – If you use a premium VPN with a free trial, make sure that it has a refund policy. This will allow you to test it a bit longer without taking a risk.
- Customer Support – Reliable customer service is essential, so look for a VPN with 24/7 live chat support.
Why Do You Need a Free VPN Trial for China?Â
You need a free VPN trial for China because it will remove bandwidth limitations and improve your speed in comparison to completely free providers. Here is a list of all the benefits:
- Unblock Geo-Restricted Content – A VPN with a free trial can easily bypass China's Great Firewall, providing access to banned content like Facebook, Tinder, and WhatsApp.
- Access to Full Server Network – A premium VPN will give you more server locations to choose from. This way, you can easily find an optimized connection.
- Solid Security and Privacy – High-end providers use military-grade AES encryption, obfuscated servers, and additional leak protection features that'll further improve your privacy and security.
- Hide Your Browsing Activity – VPNs with strong encryption and obfuscation can conceal your online activities from the government, your ISP, and hackers.
- Mask Your IP address – A VPN will give you a fake IP address every time you connect to a new server to enhance your online privacy.
- Bypass Bandwidth Throttling – By connecting you to a different server, a free Chinese VPN can stop your ISP from slowing down your Internet when you use a lot of data, ensuring a consistent and fast connection.
- Connect Safely to Public Wi-Fi – Public networks have many weak points, making them ideal for cyber attacks. By using a free trial VPN with advanced security, you can effectively protect yourself.
- Access Home Sites While Traveling – Since China is known for strict censorship, you'll want a powerful VPN that can overcome regional restrictions and let you access your local content.
- Better Gaming Experience – An ideal VPN will let you join bot lobbies, eliminate lagging, and protect you from DDoS attacks. You'll also be able to unblock geo-restricted games.
- Safe Torrenting – Using P2P servers allows you to torrent in complete privacy, as your ISP and the government will remain unaware of your activities.Â
The Limitations of a Free China VPN
Free China VPN services come with a range of constraints that make them less than ideal for users looking to bypass the Great Firewall and access blocked content. Here's a list of the most common downsides:
- Not Functioning Properly in China – The Great Firewall of China is known for blocking many services, and there's a chance that your free VPN won't work as intended.
- Limited Bandwidth – Free services impose data limits to prevent servers from getting overcrowded. If you use yours for gaming or streaming, you may quickly spend your monthly allowance.
- Weak Privacy and Security – Free VPNs often offer subpar encryption and lack features like obfuscation or a kill switch.
- Restricted Server Network – These services have fewer servers, making it challenging to find an optimized connection in China.
- Few Supported Devices – Free VPNs have limited device support in comparison to paid alternatives.
- Minimal Simultaneous Connections – With free providers, the number of connections you can hold simultaneously is restricted, making them unsuitable for users with multiple devices.
- Slow Speed and Limited Performance – Due to the high demand, free VPNs’ available servers can get overcrowded, resulting in slower speeds and unreliable performance.
- Limited Features – You can forget about fancy features that enhance your VPN experience, like split tunneling, an ad-blocker, double VPN technology, and more.
- Cannot Unblock Content – Free VPNs may be unable to bypass all restrictions imposed by Chinese authorities, limiting your ability to access your favorite content.
- No Customer 24/7 Support – These services often lack responsive customer support, leaving users to figure it out themselves or wait for help via email.
Why Free China VPNs Might Be Dangerous
Free China VPNs might be dangerous, compromising users' online security and privacy. While the appeal of accessing restricted content or bypassing censorship in China for free may be enticing, these potential drawbacks may outweigh the benefits:
- Free VPNs Provide Weak Security and Encryption – Many free VPNs have inadequate security measures, using weak, if any, encryption protocols that leave your data vulnerable to interception and surveillance.
- Free VPNs Expose Your Sensitive Information – Free Chinese VPN providers may also leak your private information. This way, hackers can easily obtain it.
- Free VPNs Often Use Aggressive Trackers – Some free VPNs utilize trackers that can reveal your real location, compromising user privacy and defeating the purpose of using a VPN in the first place.
- Free VPNs Are Easily Breached – The lack of advanced security features makes free VPNs susceptible to hacking, potentially exposing users to various online threats.
- Free VPNs Can Collect and Sell Your Data – To generate funds, many VPN providers resort to extracting user info, compromising the very privacy users aim to protect.
- Free VPNs Might Inject Online Ads – Users may find themselves bombarded with intrusive ads in free VPN software that can even expose them to phishing attacks.
- Free VPNs Might Infect You with Malware – A free VPN in China may contain malware. They are designed to extract sensitive user data and sell it for profit.
- Free VPNs Often Have Outdated Software – Without financial incentives, free providers may neglect to update their software regularly, leaving users exposed to known vulnerabilities.
Final ThoughtsÂ
China uses the Great Firewall to restrict access to platforms like Google, Facebook, YouTube, and even news sites. Thus, travelers to China can't access content from home. Then, of course, there are security and privacy concerns due to surveillance. Users look for a cheap solution with free VPNs, but free providers come with a host of risks.
We recommend NordVPN's free trial as the best free VPN for China. With it, you'll get premium security features, blazing speeds, strong unblocking capabilities, and a huge server network. However, if you don't want to use a free trial, you should get Windscribe, as it's the best alternative. While it doesn't have a mainland China server, it does have one in Hong Kong.
And that's all you need to know about free VPNs for China. If you have any remaining questions, don't hesitate to leave a comment. Thanks for reading!Â