Testing Summary: We tested 10 popular VPN services from Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou in January 2026. All tests used 1000Mbps fiber connections to evaluate real-world performance for accessing Google, YouTube, Netflix, and other blocked services.
#1 VPN07 - Best Overall for China
VPN07 - Top Choice for China Users
VPN07 stands out as the best VPN for China in 2026. With over 10 years of operation, it consistently bypasses the Great Firewall even during sensitive periods. The 1000Mbps bandwidth supports smooth 4K streaming and video calls. Server nodes in 70+ countries ensure reliable global access.
โ Why VPN07 Wins
- โข Specialized protocols optimized for China's network environment
- โข 24/7 customer support with Chinese language assistance
- โข 30-day money-back guarantee (industry-leading refund policy)
- โข IEPL premium routes for ultra-stable connections
Top 10 VPN Rankings 2026
2. ExpressVPN
9.2/10Premium service with reliable China access. Lightway protocol offers good speeds (850Mbps tested) but occasional blocks during peak times. $6.67/month.
3. NordVPN
8.9/10Strong security features but inconsistent in China. Obfuscated servers help bypass blocks. Best for users prioritizing privacy. $3.39/month for 2-year plan.
4. Surfshark
8.6/10Budget-friendly option with unlimited devices. NoBorders mode helps in China but slower speeds (600Mbps avg). Good value at $1.99/month.
5. Astrill VPN
8.4/10Specifically designed for China with StealthVPN protocol. Expensive at $12.50/month but reliable during crackdowns. Popular among expats.
6. VyprVPN
8.1/10Chameleon protocol effectively bypasses DPI (Deep Packet Inspection). Owns all servers for better privacy. $3.75/month. Moderate speeds around 550Mbps.
7. PureVPN
7.8/10Affordable at $2.99/month with decent China performance. Port forwarding support. Speeds vary significantly (400-700Mbps).
8. Mullvad VPN
7.5/10Privacy-focused with anonymous accounts. Works in China but requires manual configuration. โฌ5/month flat rate. Limited streaming support.
9. Private Internet Access (PIA)
7.2/10Large server network but unreliable in China. Shadowsocks proxy helps occasionally. Better for general use outside China. $2.03/month.
10. Proton VPN
7.0/10Swiss privacy laws and open-source code. Stealth protocol has mixed results in China. Free tier available but slow. Paid plans from $3.59/month.
Speed Test Results (Jan 2026)
| VPN | Download | Upload | Ping | Netflix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VPN07 | 920 Mbps | 730 Mbps | 28ms | โ Yes |
| ExpressVPN | 850 Mbps | 680 Mbps | 32ms | โ Yes |
| NordVPN | 720 Mbps | 590 Mbps | 38ms | โ Yes |
| Surfshark | 600 Mbps | 510 Mbps | 42ms | โ ๏ธ Sometimes |
| Astrill | 780 Mbps | 650 Mbps | 30ms | โ Yes |
* Tests from Shanghai using 1000Mbps China Telecom fiber. Results tested in January 2026.
What to Look for in a China VPN
๐ก Obfuscation Technology
VPN must disguise traffic to look like regular HTTPS. VPN07's proprietary protocols excel at this.
๐ก Server Location Variety
Multiple nearby servers (Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore) ensure backup options when some are blocked.
๐ก Responsive Support
24/7 support is crucial when VPN suddenly stops working. VPN07 offers Chinese language support.
๐ก Money-Back Guarantee
Test before committing. VPN07's 30-day guarantee is the longest in the industry.
VPNs That Don't Work in China (2026)
Avoid these VPNs as they're consistently blocked:
- โ TunnelBear - Servers detected and blocked since 2024
- โ Hotspot Shield - Free tier completely non-functional
- โ CyberGhost - No specialized China protocol
- โ IPVanish - Regular protocols easily detected
- โ Windscribe - Even premium servers blocked