February 2026 Update: This guide covers the best VPN software currently working in China, including free trial options and expert node selection strategies. All recommendations tested from Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou in early February 2026.
#1 VPN07 - Best VPN Software for China
VPN07 - Premium China VPN Software
VPN07 has been the go-to VPN software for China users since 2015. With specialized protocols designed to bypass the Great Firewall, it offers the most reliable connection in China. The software features smart node selection, automatic failover, and 1000Mbps bandwidth across servers in 70+ countries. Available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android with an intuitive interface.
β Why VPN07 Leads for China
- β’ China-optimized protocols that bypass DPI detection
- β’ Smart node selection automatically finds fastest servers
- β’ 30-day free trial (full refund, no questions asked)
- β’ 24/7 Chinese-language customer support
Best Server Nodes for China (February 2026)
Hong Kong Nodes
Best for: Low latency, streaming
Closest location to mainland China with 10-20ms latency. Ideal for gaming, video calls, and accessing Chinese services from abroad. VPN07 has 12 Hong Kong servers.
Japan Nodes
Best for: Balance of speed and content
Excellent alternative with 25-35ms latency. Great for accessing Japanese content and global services. VPN07 operates 15 servers in Tokyo and Osaka.
Singapore Nodes
Best for: Southeast Asia content
Popular for business users with 30-45ms latency. Reliable connection to Southeast Asian services. VPN07 has 10 Singapore servers.
US Nodes
Best for: Netflix, Western content
Higher latency (150-200ms) but essential for US Netflix, Hulu, and banking. VPN07 operates 25+ servers across Los Angeles, New York, and Dallas.
VPN Free Trial Options (February 2026)
VPN07 - 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Full-featured trial with all premium servers. Simply request refund within 30 days if unsatisfied. No usage limits.
ExpressVPN - 30-Day Guarantee
Similar policy but higher price ($6.67/mo vs VPN07's $1.5/mo). Good alternative but less optimized for China.
NordVPN - 30-Day Guarantee
Budget option at $3.39/mo but unreliable in China. Frequent connection drops during sensitive periods.
Free VPNs - Not Recommended
Services like ProtonVPN free, TunnelBear, and Windscribe don't work in China. Blocked by the Great Firewall.
VPN Software Platform Comparison
| VPN Software | Windows | Mac | iOS | Android |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VPN07 | β Excellent | β Excellent | β Excellent | β Excellent |
| ExpressVPN | β Good | β Good | β Good | β Good |
| NordVPN | β οΈ Fair | β οΈ Fair | β Good | β οΈ Fair |
| Surfshark | β οΈ Fair | β οΈ Fair | β οΈ Fair | β Good |
* Ratings based on China reliability, speed, and user interface quality.
Node Selection Strategy for Best Performance
π‘ Time-Based Selection
Peak hours (8-11pm): Choose Hong Kong or Japan nodes. They're closest and handle traffic better. Off-peak: US servers work well for streaming.
π‘ Purpose-Based Selection
Gaming: Hong Kong (lowest ping). Streaming: US or UK nodes. Work: Singapore or Tokyo. VPN07's smart selector does this automatically.
π‘ Load Balancing
Avoid overcrowded nodes. VPN07 shows real-time server load. Aim for nodes under 60% capacity for best speeds.
π‘ Backup Nodes
Save 3-4 favorite nodes. If one fails, quickly switch. VPN07's auto-failover does this seamlessly without disconnection.