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.
