Tread Carefully: The Top VPNs for China in 2024

Navigating the complex landscape of using VPNs in China is essential for maintaining your digital privacy. This comprehensive guide dives deep into VPN providers that offer services in mainland China and Hong Kong, highlighting the unique challenges and risks involved.

Understanding the Nuances of VPNs in China

VPNs are powerful tools that allow users to hide their online activities and safeguard their privacy. Typically, this means preventing ISPs from tracking their data and hindering online advertisers. In China, however, VPNs are often used to bypass government censorship, a process fraught with significant risks. This article explores these complexities and reviews VPN providers that have servers in mainland China and Hong Kong.

Detailed Reviews: Top VPN Choices in 2024

CyberGhost VPN: Leading with Extensive Server Coverage in China

Rating: 4.0 – Excellent

Why We Chose It:
CyberGhost VPN is notable for its 62 servers in China, including 50 in Hong Kong and 12 virtual servers mimicking a Shenzhen presence. With a global network spanning 90 countries, CyberGhost is a heavyweight in the Asian VPN market.

Who It’s For:
Ideal for travelers and users who need a broad range of server locations. While effective, it lacks some advanced privacy features like multi-hop connections and comes at a higher price point.

Pros:

Extensive and well-distributed server network
Supports up to seven simultaneous connections
Features added security tools like antivirus
Excellent performance in speed tests
Recently completed a third-party audit

Cons:

Higher cost
Privacy policies may be confusing

Specifications:

Ad blocking capabilities
7 simultaneous VPN connections
500+ servers

HMA VPN: Top Choice for Location Spoofing

Rating: 4.0 – Excellent

Why We Chose It:
HMA VPN offers four virtual servers in Beijing, reaching into China while being physically located elsewhere. It is well-known for its extensive use of virtual locations, boasting the most diverse server network among VPNs.

Who It’s For:
Great for VPN beginners due to its easy-to-use interface but may fall short for users needing advanced features. Typically requires long-term subscriptions, leading to higher initial costs.

Pros:

Friendly and simple interface
Exceptional upload speeds
Broad global server distribution
Handy IP shuffler

Cons:

Lacks advanced features like multi-hop connections and split tunneling
Moderate total server count
Limited functionality on iOS

Specifications:

Ad blocking capabilities
5 simultaneous VPN connections
500+ servers

Private Internet Access VPN: Ideal for Network Tinkerers

Rating: 4.0 – Excellent

Why We Chose It:
Private Internet Access VPN offers servers in both China and Hong Kong, though the exact numbers are undisclosed. With a significant presence in 84 countries, especially across Asia, it’s a solid choice.

Who It’s For:
Best suited for users seeking customization options with modular app design and advanced settings. Despite its efficiency, it is relatively costly.

Pros:

Unlimited simultaneous connections
Supports split tunneling and multi-hop
Extensive server locations
Completed third-party audit

Cons:

Higher cost
No free version available

Specifications:

Ad blocking capabilities
Unlimited simultaneous VPN connections
500+ servers

Hotspot Shield VPN: Best for General Use

Rating: 3.0 – Average

Why We Chose It:
Hotspot Shield VPN offers servers in China and Hong Kong but does not specify their numbers. It maintains a strong global presence with servers in over 80 countries.

Who It’s For:
Although expensive, it offers a generous free plan that shows ads on Android and throttles speeds after data use exceeds 500MB per day.

Pros:

Extensive server coverage
User-friendly client
Access to Netflix in all tested regions
Bundled services

Cons:

Higher cost
Slowest VPN in our tests
Free version supported by targeted ads on Android

Specifications:

Ad blocking capabilities
5 simultaneous VPN connections
500+ servers

GnuVPN: Largest Server Network

Rating: 4.5 – Outstanding

Why We Chose It:
GnuVPN provides over 70 servers in Hong Kong and additional obfuscated servers to evade censorship. It is among the few VPNs offering access to the Tor network and multi-hop connections.

Who It’s For:
Suitable for users needing a premium VPN service with advanced features, despite its higher price. A solid choice for privacy and security.

Pros:

Multi-hop, split tunneling, and Tor connections
Sleek design
Traffic routing via Meshnet
Integrated antivirus tools

Cons:

Expensive
Limited malware-blocking efficacy

Specifications:

Ad blocking capabilities
6 simultaneous VPN connections
500+ servers

Proton VPN: The Comprehensive Choice

Rating: 5.0 – Exemplary

Why We Chose It:
Proton VPN offers 22 servers in Hong Kong, with multi-hop connections available via Iceland or Sweden. It supports advanced features like split tunneling, multi-hop, and Tor access, along with Proton Mail services.

Who It’s For:
Recommended for both beginners and experienced users. The only VPN with a free subscription without data limits, though with restricted server access.

Pros:

Best free VPN with no data limits
Advanced privacy tools
Strong commitment to user privacy
User-friendly client
Excellent speed tests

Cons:

Challenging implementation on ChromeOS

Specifications:

Ad blocking capabilities
10 simultaneous VPN connections
500+ servers

Mullvad VPN: Unmatched Privacy Protection

Rating: 4.5 – Outstanding

Why We Chose It:
Mullvad VPN offers 10 servers in Hong Kong and is distinguished by its radical transparency and minimal data retention policy, using account numbers in place of emails and usernames.

Who It’s For:
Ideal for users prioritizing privacy and affordability. Although robust, it has a unique interface that requires some getting used to.

Pros:

Affordable
No emails or account data required
Transparent operations
Supports multi-hop and split tunneling

Cons:

Cumbersome desktop interface
Limited server locations

Specifications:

Ad blocking capabilities
5 simultaneous VPN connections
500+ servers

Mozilla VPN: Championing an Open Web

Rating: 4.0 – Excellent

Why We Chose It:
Using Mullvad VPN’s network, Mozilla VPN offers access to 10 Hong Kong servers and supports multi-hop connections. While it requires account creation, it provides a familiar login experience.

Who It’s For:
Great for users supporting Mozilla’s mission for an open web, despite being pricier than Mullvad. Offers straightforward apps and a user-friendly interface.

Pros:

Supports nonprofit Mozilla
Leverages Mullvad’s secure network
Elegant design
Supports multi-hop and split tunneling

Cons:

Limited server locations
Collects user data
Higher cost compared to Mullvad

Specifications:

Ad blocking capabilities
5 simultaneous VPN connections
500+ servers

IVPN: Highly Flexible Subscription Options

Rating: 4.0 – Excellent

Why We Chose It:
IVPN offers servers in Hong Kong and shares many features with Mullvad VPN. It does not require account creation and provides flexible pricing plans starting at $2 per week.

Who It’s For:
Ideal for those needing short-term VPN solutions with flexible terms, such as during a vacation.

Pros:

Affordable, flexible pricing
Advanced multi-hop configuration
Privacy-centric account system
Transparent policies

Cons:

Fewer server locations
Some features may be confusing

Specifications:

Ad blocking capabilities
7 simultaneous VPN connections
500+ servers

Surfshark VPN: Best for Multiple Devices

Rating: 4.0 – Excellent

Why We Chose It:
Surfshark VPN operates servers in Hong Kong and covers about 100 countries. Known for its multi-hop, split tunneling, and unlimited simultaneous connections, it’s ideal for users with many devices.

Who It’s For:
Great for users with multiple devices or large households, offering excellent value despite higher costs.

Pros:

Unlimited simultaneous connections
Extensive server coverage
Supports multi-hop and split tunneling

Cons:

Higher monthly costs
Issues with IP rotator
Privacy policy needs clarification

Specifications:

Ad blocking capabilities
Unlimited simultaneous VPN connections
500+ servers

Can a VPN Keep You Safe in China?

The effectiveness of VPNs in China remains uncertain. While VPNs can mask your activities, they may not fully protect against state-backed surveillance. Using VPNs in regions with stringent censorship involves significant risks.

PCMag does not have the resources to directly test VPNs’ efficiency in China. Recommended VPNs have servers in China or Hong Kong, but their performance and safety cannot be fully guaranteed.

Strategies for Bypassing Internet Censorship in China

VPNs can theoretically bypass censorship by routing connections through foreign servers. However, these actions may be blocked or attract unwanted attention. To access uncensored internet from within China, connect through servers outside the country. This approach may be beneficial for local communication or accessing domestic services, but privacy cannot be assured.

Should You Use a VPN in China?

Deciding to use a VPN in China requires weighing the risks against the benefits. This guide aims to offer informed choices, though VPN efficacy and safety in China remain uncertain.

For further insights specifically on security and privacy in Hong Kong, explore our dedicated feature on the best VPNs for Hong Kong.