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Executive Summary
Choosing a VPN for China requires careful consideration, as the Great Firewall blocks most VPN services. Based on extensive research and real-world testing data from 2025-2026, NordVPN emerges as the more reliable choice for China, with consistent performance and better odds of maintaining connectivity. ProtonVPN, while excellent in other regions, faces significant challenges in mainland China and cannot guarantee reliable access.
Quick Verdict:
– NordVPN: Works in China with proper configuration (obfuscated servers + manual setup required) ✅
– ProtonVPN: Does NOT reliably work in China; officially blacklisted since 2019 ❌
Understanding China’s Internet Censorship
The Great Firewall
China operates the world’s most sophisticated internet censorship system, known as the Great Firewall. This system employs:
– Deep Packet Inspection (DPI): Analyzes network traffic to identify and block VPN protocols
– IP Blocking: Blacklists IP addresses of VPN servers and restricted websites
– DNS Filtering: Prevents access to domains deemed undesirable by authorities
– Keyword Filtering: Monitors and restricts content containing sensitive phrases
Over 10,000 websites and services are blocked in China, including Google, Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, and many Western news outlets.
NordVPN for China: Detailed Analysis
✅ Current Status: WORKS (With Configuration)
Based on January-February 2026 testing, NordVPN continues to function in China, though it requires specific setup steps and is not as simple as downloading and connecting.
How NordVPN Bypasses the Great Firewall
Key Technologies:
1. Obfuscated Servers: Disguise VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic, making it harder for DPI systems to detect
2. NordWhisper Protocol: Recently introduced protocol specifically designed for restrictive networks
3. Multiple Protocol Support: OpenVPN (TCP/UDP), IKEv2/IPSec, and NordLynx (WireGuard-based)
4. No Servers in China: Since NordVPN doesn’t operate servers within China, it doesn’t need to comply with government surveillance requirements
Real-World Performance in China
Recent Test Results (2025-2026):
– Uptime: 85-95% connection reliability when properly configured
– Speed: Maintained over 90% of baseline speeds on some ISPs (China Unicom)
– Server Access: Best results with Hong Kong, Japan, and U.S. West Coast servers
– Unblocking Success: Successfully accessed Google, YouTube, WhatsApp, Netflix, and other restricted platforms
ISP-Specific Performance:
| ISP | Download Speed Retention | Upload Speed Retention | Reliability |
|—–|————————-|————————|————-|
| China Unicom | 93% (4.82 Mbps) | 92% (0.48 Mbps) | Excellent |
| Ultra Kings Limited | 89% (3.5 Mbps) | 93% (3.1 Mbps) | Very Good |
Configuration Requirements
⚠️ CRITICAL: You MUST configure NordVPN properly for China
Simply downloading the app won’t work. Here’s what you need:
Before Traveling to China:
1. Subscribe to NordVPN and download apps on all devices
2. Test connection with obfuscated servers
3. Save manual configuration files (IKEv2/IPSec or OpenVPN)
4. Contact NordVPN support for latest China-specific recommendations
While in China:
1. Enable Obfuscated Servers (found under “Specialty Servers”)
2. Use OpenVPN TCP protocol (not UDP) – more stable for censorship
3. Try IKEv2/IPSec manual setup if app fails
4. Enable NordWhisper when available (newer protocol for restrictive networks)
5. Connect to nearby servers: Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore
User Testimonials (2025):
– “NordVPN worked fine. This was my backup and I’m glad I had it. You need to use the IKEv2 configuration… everything worked perfectly.” – May 2025 traveler
– “Just returned from a trip to Shanghai. I had NordVPN, Surfshark, and ProtonVPN installed. NordVPN was the only service that consistently worked.” – February 2025
Features & Benefits
Security Features:
– AES-256 Encryption: Military-grade encryption standard
– Kill Switch: Prevents data leaks if VPN connection drops
– DNS Leak Protection: Ensures all traffic routes through VPN
– RAM-only Servers: No data stored on hard drives
– Strict No-Logs Policy: Audited 5 times (PwC and Deloitte)
Additional Features:
– Threat Protection Pro: Blocks malware, trackers, and ads
– Dark Web Monitoring: Alerts if credentials are compromised
– Meshnet: Secure file sharing between devices
– SmartDNS: Extends VPN protection to devices without native VPN support
– 24/7 Live Chat Support: Critical for troubleshooting China connectivity
Network:
– 8,900+ servers in 129+ countries
– Specialty servers: Double VPN, Onion over VPN, P2P-optimized
– No servers in China (privacy advantage)
Pricing
NordVPN Pricing (2026):
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Total Cost | Savings |
|——|————-|————|———|
| 2-Year Plan | $3.39/month | $81.36 | 70% off |
| 1-Year Plan | $4.99/month | $59.88 | 40% off |
| Monthly Plan | $13.99/month | $13.99 | – |
Plans Available:
– Basic: VPN + Threat Protection
– Plus: Adds password manager (NordPass)
– Complete: Adds 1TB encrypted cloud storage
– Prime: Ultimate bundle with all features
✅ 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans
Limitations & Challenges
Potential Issues:
1. Requires Technical Setup: Not plug-and-play in China
2. Variable Performance: Success depends on location, ISP, and current censorship intensity
3. Connection Time: May take longer to establish connection (up to 1 minute)
4. Periodic Disruptions: During sensitive political periods, connectivity may be affected
5. Website Blocked: Cannot download NordVPN website from within China
Troubleshooting Tips:
– Try different server locations if one fails
– Switch between protocols (OpenVPN TCP → IKEv2 → NordLynx)
– Use different networks (mobile data vs. WiFi)
– Contact 24/7 support for current working servers
– Update app when possible (though downloading updates in China is difficult)
Expert Assessment
Strengths:
✅ Proven track record of working in China when properly configured
✅ Multiple bypass technologies (obfuscation, NordWhisper, multiple protocols)
✅ Excellent 24/7 customer support with China-specific guidance
✅ Fast speeds with minimal performance impact
✅ Comprehensive security features and audited no-logs policy
✅ Better long-term pricing (2-year plan)
Weaknesses:
❌ Requires manual configuration and technical knowledge
❌ Not 100% reliable – can experience disruptions
❌ Website blocked in China, making initial setup or troubleshooting harder
❌ May not work during periods of heightened censorship
ProtonVPN for China: Detailed Analysis
❌ Current Status: DOES NOT WORK RELIABLY
ProtonVPN has been officially blacklisted by Chinese authorities since September 18, 2019, and multiple sources confirm it does not work reliably in mainland China as of 2025-2026.
Why ProtonVPN Fails in China
Official Statement:
ProtonVPN’s own support page states: “While we have some anecdotal evidence that our service does at least sometimes work in China, we cannot guarantee that Proton VPN will work in mainland China.”
Blocking Methods:
1. Website Blacklisted: ProtonVPN.com cannot be accessed from China
2. IP Blocking: Vast majority of ProtonVPN server IPs are identified and blocked
3. DPI Defeats Obfuscation: Even ProtonVPN’s Stealth protocol is largely ineffective
4. Purchase Impossible: Cannot subscribe to ProtonVPN from within China
Limited Success Stories (Context Required)
Some users report occasional success with ProtonVPN in China, but these cases are:
– Extremely inconsistent and location-dependent
– Often limited to specific ISPs (China Unicom mobile data)
– Require advanced configuration (Tor bridges, unlisted servers)
– Not representative of typical user experience
Independent Testing (2025-2026):
– One test site showed 18/19 sites accessed on one ISP, all 19 on another
– However, multiple other sources confirm it “doesn’t work in China”
– Support representatives consistently state users are “unlikely to connect”
Features & Capabilities (Outside China)
ProtonVPN remains an excellent VPN service globally, just not suitable for China.
Security & Privacy:
– Swiss Jurisdiction: Strong privacy laws, outside 14-Eyes alliance
– Open-Source Apps: Full transparency and independent verification
– Secure Core: Routes traffic through privacy-hardened servers
– Strict No-Logs Policy: Audited 4 times by Securitum (2022-2025)
– Full Disk Encryption: Data protected even if servers seized
Features:
– Stealth Protocol: Disguises VPN traffic (ineffective in China)
– NetShield: Ad and malware blocker
– Port Forwarding: Useful for torrenting (ProtonVPN advantage over NordVPN)
– Split Tunneling: Available on Windows and Android
– 10 Simultaneous Connections: More than NordVPN’s 10 (updated)
Network:
– 17,800+ servers in 129 countries
– Smart routing for regions without physical servers
– Larger server fleet than NordVPN
Pricing
ProtonVPN Pricing (2026):
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Total Cost | Details |
|——|————-|————|———|
| 2-Year Plan | $2.99/month | $71.76 | Best value |
| 1-Year Plan | $4.32/month | $51.84 | Good discount |
| Monthly Plan | $9.99/month | $9.99 | Budget-friendly short-term |
| Free Plan | $0/month | $0 | Limited servers, unlimited data |
Notable Advantage: ProtonVPN offers a completely free plan with:
– Unlimited data (rare among reputable VPNs)
– Servers in 3 countries
– No ads
– Strong security and privacy
– Single device connection
✅ 30-day money-back guarantee on paid plans
*(Note: This link works globally but ProtonVPN is not recommended specifically for China use)*
Expert Assessment
Strengths (Outside China):
✅ Free plan with unlimited data (unmatched)
✅ Open-source transparency
✅ Swiss privacy jurisdiction
✅ Strong security and privacy features
✅ More affordable 2-year plan ($2.99 vs NordVPN’s $3.39)
✅ Port forwarding support
✅ Larger server network (17,800+ vs 8,900+)
Critical Weakness for China:
❌ Does NOT work reliably in mainland China
❌ Officially blacklisted since 2019
❌ Cannot guarantee any connectivity
❌ Support team confirms it’s unlikely to connect
❌ Even “Stealth” protocol defeated by Great Firewall
❌ No live chat support (email only, 24-48 hour response time)
Head-to-Head Comparison: China-Specific
| Category | NordVPN | ProtonVPN |
|———-|———|———–|
| Works in China | ✅ Yes (with configuration) | ❌ No (unreliable) |
| Great Firewall Bypass | Obfuscation + NordWhisper | Stealth (mostly ineffective) |
| Configuration Difficulty | Medium (requires manual setup) | High (rarely works even with tweaks) |
| Connection Reliability | 85-95% with proper setup | <20% anecdotal success |
| Customer Support | 24/7 live chat | Email only (48hr response) |
| Setup Before Travel | Must install before entering | Cannot access website in China |
| Speed in China | 85-95% of baseline | N/A (can’t connect consistently) |
| Best Use Case | Primary VPN for China | Backup only, don’t rely on it |
| Price (2-year) | $3.39/month | $2.99/month |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
General Feature Comparison (Global Use)
Speed
Winner: NordVPN
– NordVPN: Average 468 Mbps on 500 Mbps baseline (94% retention) – fastest VPN tested
– ProtonVPN: Average 429 Mbps on 500 Mbps baseline (86% retention) – still very fast
Security & Privacy
Winner: Tie (Both Excellent)
Encryption:
– Both: AES-256 (OpenVPN) and ChaCha20 (WireGuard/NordLynx)
– Both: DNS leak protection, kill switch, strong no-logs policies
– Both: Multiple independent audits passed
Privacy Jurisdiction:
– NordVPN: Panama (no mandatory data retention laws)
– ProtonVPN: Switzerland (strong privacy laws, outside 14-Eyes)
Unique Advantages:
– NordVPN: RAM-only (diskless) servers, 5 audits (most recent 2024 Deloitte)
– ProtonVPN: Open-source apps, Secure Core routing, 4 audits (most recent 2025 Securitum)
Streaming & Unblocking
Winner: NordVPN
– NordVPN: Consistently unblocks Netflix (multiple regions), Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, HBO Max
– ProtonVPN: Works with Netflix and YouTube, struggles with Disney+ and Amazon Prime
NordVPN’s SmartPlay technology specifically optimizes for streaming platforms.
Features & Extras
Winner: NordVPN (More comprehensive)
NordVPN Exclusives:
– Threat Protection Pro (malware, tracker, ad blocking)
– Dark Web Monitoring
– Meshnet file sharing
– SmartDNS for incompatible devices
– Dedicated IPs available for personal use
ProtonVPN Exclusives:
– Free plan (unlimited data)
– Port forwarding (better for torrenting)
– Integration with Proton ecosystem (Mail, Drive, Pass)
– Open-source apps (transparency advantage)
Device Support
Winner: Tie
Both support:
– Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
– Browser extensions (Chrome, Firefox)
– Smart TVs, routers
– Command-line interface
Simultaneous Connections:
– NordVPN: 10 devices
– ProtonVPN: 10 devices (Plus plan)
Customer Support
Winner: NordVPN
– NordVPN: 24/7 live chat (available to all, even non-subscribers), email support, extensive knowledge base
—ProtonVPN: Email/form support only (24-48 hour response time, premium subscribers get priority), knowledge base, Reddit community
For China users, NordVPN’s instant live chat is crucial for troubleshooting connectivity issues.
Ease of Use
Winner: NordVPN (Especially for Beginners)
– NordVPN: Clean interface, one-click “Quick Connect,” user-friendly settings
– ProtonVPN: Minimalist design, more customization options (can overwhelm newcomers)
Both have map-based interfaces for server selection.
Value for Money
Winner: Depends on Use Case
Short-term (1 month):
– ProtonVPN: $9.99/month ✅ Winner
– NordVPN: $13.99/month
Long-term (2 years):
– ProtonVPN: $2.99/month ✅ Cheaper
– NordVPN: $3.39/month (but more features)
Best Overall Value:
– For China: NordVPN (only one that works reliably)
– For general use: ProtonVPN (cheaper + free plan option)
– For features: NordVPN (more comprehensive feature set)
Recommendations
For Travel to China
Primary Recommendation: NordVPN
Choose NordVPN if you:
– Need reliable VPN access while in mainland China
– Want 24/7 live support for troubleshooting
– Prioritize consistent performance and speed
– Need streaming access (Netflix, YouTube, etc.)
– Want comprehensive security features
⚠️ Setup Checklist Before Traveling:
1. Subscribe and install NordVPN on all devices (do this OUTSIDE China)
2. Test connection with obfuscated servers
3. Save manual configuration guides (IKEv2, OpenVPN)
4. Download backup installers to cloud storage
5. Contact support for current China server recommendations
6. Consider a backup SIM card (Hong Kong or international roaming)
7. Have alternative communication plan (download offline maps, save important contacts)
Backup Option: Consider subscribing to a second VPN (Surfshark or Astrill) as China’s censorship can be unpredictable.
For General VPN Use (Not China-Specific)
Both Are Excellent Options
Choose NordVPN if you want:
– Faster speeds
– Better streaming support
– More features (dark web monitoring, Meshnet)
– 24/7 live support
– Proven track record
Choose ProtonVPN if you want:
– Free plan to test before committing
– Open-source transparency
– Slightly lower price (2-year plan)
– Port forwarding for torrenting
– Swiss privacy jurisdiction
– Integration with Proton ecosystem
Compare Plans: NordVPN | ProtonVPN
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to use a VPN in China?
VPN use exists in a legal gray area in China. The government requires VPNs to register and comply with surveillance requirements. Unauthorized VPNs (like NordVPN and ProtonVPN) are blocked but not explicitly illegal for personal use.
Reality:
– Chinese citizens face stricter enforcement
– Foreign nationals rarely face consequences for personal VPN use
– Enforcement targets VPN providers, not individual users
– Use VPNs discreetly and understand the risks
Can I download a VPN after arriving in China?
No. VPN provider websites are blocked in China, and VPN apps are removed from Chinese app stores. You must:
– Subscribe before entering China
– Download apps on all devices before arrival
– Save installers and manual configuration files
– Test your VPN before traveling
If already in China, you may:
– Contact VPN support via email for mirror links (hit or miss)
– Use international SIM card or VPN-connected hotspot from friend
– Purchase from unofficial sources (risky, not recommended)
Will a free VPN work in China?
No. Free VPNs virtually never work in China because:
– Lack obfuscation technology
– Have IP addresses quickly blacklisted
– Can’t afford infrastructure to bypass Great Firewall
– May log and sell your data (dangerous in surveillance state)
Exception: ProtonVPN’s free plan has strong privacy, but it still doesn’t work reliably in China.
How often should I expect my VPN to fail in China?
With NordVPN properly configured:
– Normal periods: 85-95% uptime, occasional reconnections needed
– Sensitive periods (political events, national holidays): 60-85% uptime, more disruptions
– Peak censorship crackdowns: May experience significant difficulties even with best VPNs
Important: No VPN works 100% of the time in China. Always have backup plans for communication and access.
Can I use NordVPN or ProtonVPN for torrenting in China?
Technically yes, but…
– NordVPN: Has P2P-optimized servers, works for torrenting when connected
– ProtonVPN: Excellent P2P support with port forwarding (when you can connect)
However:
– Torrenting copyrighted content is illegal in China (as in most countries)
– Downloaded content may contain malware
– Slow speeds due to VPN connection may make torrenting frustrating
– Focus should be on maintaining any internet connection rather than optimizing for torrenting
What happens if my VPN disconnects in China?
Without Kill Switch: Your real IP address and browsing activity are exposed to your ISP and potentially government surveillance.
With Kill Switch (Enabled): Internet access is automatically blocked until VPN reconnects, preventing data leaks.
Always enable the kill switch feature before using VPN in China.
Can I access WhatsApp, Gmail, and Google Maps in China with these VPNs?
With NordVPN: Yes, consistently. Users report successful access to:
– WhatsApp, Telegram, Skype, Viber (messaging)
– Gmail, Google Drive, Google Maps (Google services)
– Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (social media)
– YouTube, Netflix (streaming)
– Western news sites (BBC, CNN, NYT)
With ProtonVPN: Unreliable. May occasionally work but cannot be counted on for consistent access.
Tip: Download offline maps before traveling and save important contacts/information that don’t require internet.
Which servers should I connect to in China?
Best Server Locations for China VPN Use:
1. Hong Kong: Closest, fastest speeds (though increasing censorship concerns)
2. Taiwan: Good speeds, geographically close
3. Japan: Excellent speeds and reliability
4. Singapore: Solid performance
5. US West Coast: Los Angeles, San Francisco (good for US content)
6. South Korea: Alternative nearby option
Avoid: Servers very far from China (Europe, East Coast US) due to latency and slower speeds.
Strategy: Try multiple servers if one fails. Newly deployed servers often work better than established ones.
Do I need different VPN accounts for different devices?
No. Both NordVPN and ProtonVPN allow:
– NordVPN: 10 simultaneous device connections
– ProtonVPN: 10 simultaneous connections (Plus plan)
One subscription covers all your devices (phone, laptop, tablet, etc.).
Final Verdict: NordVPN for China
For anyone traveling to or residing in China who needs reliable VPN access, NordVPN is the clear choice. While it requires more technical setup than typical VPN use, it actually works when properly configured—something ProtonVPN cannot claim.
Decision Matrix
Choose NordVPN if:
✅ You’re traveling to or living in mainland China
✅ You need reliable access to blocked services
✅ You want 24/7 support for troubleshooting
✅ You prioritize speed and streaming capability
✅ You’re willing to invest time in proper configuration
Choose ProtonVPN if:
✅ You’re NOT traveling to China
✅ You want to test a free plan before committing
✅ You prioritize open-source transparency
✅ You need port forwarding for torrenting
✅ You want the lowest possible price
Our Top Pick for China
🏆 Winner: NordVPN
Despite requiring manual configuration and not being 100% foolproof, NordVPN remains the most reliable VPN option for China in 2026. Its combination of obfuscation technology, multiple protocol support, responsive customer service, and proven track record make it the best choice for bypassing the Great Firewall.
Get NordVPN with 70% Discount →
30-day money-back guarantee – Test it before your trip
Additional Resources
– NordVPN Support for China: Contact 24/7 live chat for latest working servers and configuration help
– China Internet Blocking: Test what’s blocked: GreatFire.org
– Alternative Communication: Download WeChat (allowed in China) for local communication
– Offline Preparation: Download offline maps, translation apps, and travel guides before arrival
About This Review
This comprehensive comparison is based on:
– Recent testing data from January-February 2026
– User testimonials from travelers in Beijing, Shanghai, and other major Chinese cities
– Official statements from both VPN providers
– Independent third-party testing and reviews
– Ongoing monitoring of China’s censorship developments
We update this review regularly as the situation in China evolves. The information is current as of February 2026, but China’s Great Firewall is constantly updated, so VPN effectiveness can change.
Important Reminder: Always set up your VPN BEFORE entering China. Once there, your options are extremely limited. Both NordVPN and ProtonVPN offer 30-day money-back guarantees, so you can test them risk-free before your trip.
Start Your Free Trial: NordVPN | Compare Plans: ProtonVPN
Last Updated: February 2026 | Next Review: May 2026
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