What Is the Best VPN for Beijing in 2025?

China has long worked to control their citizens’ access to the online world outside of the country, and Beijing residents are no exception. The Chinese government works to block several sites and services, including Skype, Google, Gmail, Facebook, Netflix, Twitter, YouTube and many others.

The government controls citizens’ access by using an ingenious combination of legislation and technology known as the “Great Firewall of China.”

While all of the above makes it tough to access some internet resources while in Beijing, there is a tool that allows you to tunnel under the Great Firewall, while also protecting your online activities from being monitored.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection, keeping your online activities safe from the prying eyes of the government, your Internet Service Provider and hackers.

A VPN also assigns a fresh IP address to your connected device. When the new IP address is located in a different country, it opens up access to geo-blocked content located in other parts of the world that is usually unavailable from inside of Beijing, China.

In this article, I tell you about the 5 top VPNs for use from inside of Beijing, discussing the features of each.

How to Use Your VPN in Beijing

China blocks the websites of many popular VPN providers, making it impossible to subscribe to a service and download a VPN app. That’s why I strongly recommend that you subscribe to your preferred VPN provider and download, install and test your VPN software before entering Beijing.

To protect your online activities with a VPN while inside Beijing or other locations inside Chinese borders, do the following:

1. Subscribe to the VPN that is best for your needs (NordVPN is my top pick).
2. Install the provider’s app(s) on your device(s).
3. Log into the VPN.
4. Select a VPN server located outside of China and connect to it. (You may need to delete your browser’s cache and cookies.)
5. Enjoy your online anonymity and freedom.

The list below includes the 5 best VPNs for use in China. If you’re short on time, here’s a brief summary:

1. NordVPN: NordVPN offers obfuscated servers to hide your VPN usage, as it disguises it to look like normal browsing traffic. The provider’s global server network provides access to content around most of the globe.
2. Surfshark: This budget-priced VPN provides excellent unblocking power for blocked services like Netflix and others. No simultaneous connections limit. Fast, well-protected connections are available.
3. ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is a well-known provider that works well from inside of China. The VPN offers comprehensive security and privacy protections, as well as top-notch content-unblocking power.
4. VyprVPN: This provider’s Chameleon encryption protocol is a reliable method of busting through China’s “Great Firewall.” Its proprietary global server network keeps third-party contractors away from customers’ personal information.
5. PrivateVPN: PrivateVPN’s “Stealth” mode allows the provider to work well from inside of Beijing and the rest of China. The provider boasts fast, well-protected connections to content outside of China.

Important Note: For definitions of security features, such as kill switch, IPv6 protection or connection obfuscation, be sure to read the “Glossary of VPN Security Terms” later in this article.

I evaluated and ranked the top VPNs for Beijing using the following criteria:

• Not based in China
• Allows access to content outside of China
• Comprehensive online security and privacy protections
• Fast connections with unlimited bandwidth and no data caps
• Large global network server numbers
• Responsive customer support
• Extensive native app support

Here are my top 5 picks for the best VPNs to use from inside of Beijing.

1. NordVPN

Apr 2025

NordVPN offers the best way to bust through the Great Firewall of China. The reasonably-priced provider delivers access to content outside of Beijing and the rest of China.

The Panama-based VPN provider keeps no server logs of any kind, meaning that even if the Chinese government asked for records of your online antics, none would be available to turn over. The provider accepts Bitcoin as payment, meaning your payment info is kept undercover.

NordVPN runs all of its servers 100% from RAM, never writing any data to physical hard drives. This means when the servers are rebooted, all data is securely wiped.

The provider protects its customers’ connections with military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, IP/DNS leak protection and obfuscated servers. The service can also block ads and malware.

NordVPN connections are not only secure, they are fast – in fact, NordVPN offers the fastest connection speeds on this list. The provider’s connection speeds are easily up to handling video streams, gaming and much more. No data caps or bandwidth limitations spoil your fun.

With over 5,100 servers stationed in 60 countries, NordVPN delivers plenty of content-unblocking power. The provider is in the process of moving all of its servers to a self-owned and self-operated model to keep third-party contractors away from customers’ personal data.

Customer support is an always-available proposition, as the service offers a searchable knowledge base, email support and 24/7 live chat support.

App support includes options for the Android, iOS, macOS (with M1 Mac support), Windows, Android TV, Linux and Amazon Fire device platforms. Browser extensions are available for the Firefox and Chrome platforms. Router features are also available.

Up to 6 simultaneous connections are allowed on a single account.

Here’s more information about how well NordVPN works in China.

BEST VPN FOR BEIJING:NordVPN offers comprehensive VPN protection at a reasonable price. The provider offers obfuscated VPN service and extensive security and privacy protections for its fast connections. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark provides reliable protection for your Beijing-based online activities on an unlimited number of devices at once.

The provider, which is based in the privacy-respecting British Virgin Islands, does not keep any user logs. It accepts Bitcoin for subscription payment, adding to the privacy protection.

Surfshark’s connection protection includes military-level 256-bit AES encryption, as well as automatic kill switch, DNS leak and ad-blocking protection.

Surfshark’s global server coverage boasts more than 3,200 servers located in 65 countries, providing reliable access to content outside of Chinese borders.

That server network provides reliable access to geo-blocked content around the globe. The network’s fast connections can easily handle any popular online activity. Meanwhile, you get unlimited bandwidth and data with your subscription.

24/7 live support chat is only a click away. In addition, a searchable support FAQ/library and a support ticket submission form are also available.

Native app support is available for the iOS, Android, Linux, Windows, macOS (including native Apple Silicon support) and Amazon Fire device platforms. Firefox and Chrome browser extensions are also available, as is router support.

Connect as many devices as you like thanks to Surfshark’s generous unlimited simultaneous connections policy.

PERFECT FOR BUDGET-MINDED USERS:Budget-minded users will appreciate Surfshark, especially if they have a large family or own a small business. Surfshark‘s unlimited connections policy means everyone can enjoy this provider’s comprehensive protection and fast speeds. A 30-day money-back guarantee makes trying the provider a no-risk proposition.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

This provider delivers reliable protection for Beijing connections, while also providing access to content around the globe.

This British Virgin Islands-based provider keeps no logs of any kind, and by using a disposable email address and paying with Bitcoin, you can keep your payment information undercover.

All ExpressVPN-provided connections are protected with a layer of military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch and IPv6/DNS leak protection.

Those well-protected connections are fast and can handle streaming, gaming and other popular online activities. Data caps and bandwidth limitations are nowhere to be found.

ExpressVPN boasts more than 3,000 servers stationed in 94 countries, offering plenty of content-unblocking power around the globe. Shared IP addresses increase your anonymity.

The provider’s “TrustedServer” feature runs all server operations 100% from RAM, never writing any information to a physical hard drive. This means that all information on an ExpressVPN server is wiped away whenever the server is rebooted.

This provider’s customer support offerings include 24/7 support chat, email support, a trouble ticket system and a searchable knowledge base.

ExpressVPN app support includes offerings for the Android, Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, BlackBerry, Amazon Fire and Chromebook device platforms. Browser protection is available for the Chrome, Edge and Firefox platforms.

Users with devices not listed above, or those who require more than 5 simultaneous connections, can use the service’s comprehensive router capabilities to protect every connected device via a single access point.

Read about how well ExpressVPN works in China.

RELIABLE VPN FOR CHINA:ExpressVPN is a well-established and reliable option for keeping your online activities incognito while in Beijing or anywhere else around the globe. The provider delivers fast connections that provide comprehensive content-unblocking power via its impressive global server coverage. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. VyprVPN

VyprVPN has proprietary servers around the world, providing an extra layer of privacy protection.

The Swiss VPN provider has 700+ self-owned and self-operated servers in 70 countries around the globe. By owning and operating all of its servers, VyprVPN keeps nosy third-party contractors away from your information.

The provider’s strict no-logs policy means there are no logs of your online activities. However, no cryptocurrency payment option is available.

VyprVPN protects its users’ connections using banking-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, an auto-reconnect feature and DNS/IP leak protection. The provider’s “Chameleon” OpenVPN option keeps the Great Firewall’s deep-packet inspection tools from detecting your VPN activity.

Around-the-clock support is available via 24/7 live support chat, email support and a searchable support library.

Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire, iOS, macOS and Windows devices enjoy native app support from this provider. A Chrome browser extension is available, as is comprehensive router support.

VyprVPN allows a whopping 30 concurrent connections on a single account.

ADDED LAYER OF SECURITY:VyprVPN’s self-owned and -operated server farms mean no outsiders have access to your personal data. Its Chameleon OpenVPN connection obfuscation feature keeps your VPN activity hidden. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of VyprVPN.

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5. PrivateVPN

Swedish VPN provider PrivateVPN follows a strict no-logs policy. Your subscription payments can remain private by paying using Bitcoin.

While a server count of 200+ servers doesn’t rank anywhere near the server counts that other providers offer, PrivateVPN is able to cover 60+ countries around the globe. Shared IP addresses help protect the anonymity of users.

Military-grade encryption protects your connections, along with IPv6 and DNS leak protection, and a handy auto-reconnect feature keeps you safe online. A “Stealth VPN” feature disguises your VPN traffic as normal browser traffic to hide your VPN use.

The provider’s servers do not save user logs, and a Bitcoin payment option keeps your subscription payment info undercover.

This provider has a good record of unblocking content from Netflix, Hulu and other streaming services, and their fast connection speeds mean the show will begin on time. No data caps or bandwidth restrictions will ever hamper your activities.

PrivateVPN offers live support chat, a “Contact Us” form, and an FAQ section that provides some useful information. If you have trouble getting set up or need aid, a unique remote help feature is available.

Native app support is limited to the Big 4 (iOS, Android, macOS and Windows). Router support is available to protect the rest. Up to 10 devices at once can connect to the service on a single login.

HIGH LEVEL OF PRIVACY:PrivateVPN provides well-protected and fast connections. “Stealth VPN” comprehensively disguises your VPN activity as normal browser traffic. They really need more servers, but they do have them strategically located. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

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Glossary of VPN Security Terms

Here are some simple explanations for different security features that VPNs offer.

Auto-Reconnect: Auto-reconnect is a VPN feature that automatically reconnects your device to a VPN server if you prematurely lose the connection.

Connection Obfuscation: This is a process that uses special OpenVPN connections designed to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN, making it easier to bypass internet restrictions.

DNS Leak Protection: When you enter a website address (let’s pick one out of thin air – www.pixelprivacy.com) in your browser’s address bar, the address is sent to a DNS server. The server then finds the IP address for that website’s domain name. Then, the request is routed to the proper server address, and the website loads in your browser.

If your ISP handles your DNS request instead of your VPN’s DNS server, this is a “leak” and the ISP (or others) can monitor your activities. Learn more about DNS leaks.

When a VPN offers DNS leak protection, that means the provider offers specific protections against this.

Double VPN: This is a feature that encrypts your data twice to better protect it. First, the VPN’s server encrypts your data. Then, the VPN routes your data through an additional VPN server for a second round of encryption, before you finally gain access to your internet destination.

IPv6 Leak Protection: IP addresses are a series of numbers that identifies your device and its location to other devices on the internet. As the number of devices connecting to the internet increases daily, the current range of IPv4 addresses is quickly depleting. IPv6 addresses, which allow a wider range of addresses, are the solution to the problem.

Since IPv6 addresses are a recent development, there can be compatibility issues, sometimes causing IPv6 addresses to leak. This makes it important for a VPN provider to protect against IPv6 addresses leaking outside of the VPN tunnel.

Kill Switch Protection: If your connection to a VPN server prematurely drops, outside observers can gain access to your location and your online activities. A kill switch automatically disconnects your device from the internet when this happens, preventing your activities and location from exposure.

For more information, check out my VPN Security Features article.

Is a Free VPN a Good Option for Use in Beijing?

I wouldn’t recommend using a free VPN for any purpose. That goes double if you’re planning on using a VPN inside of Beijing, China.

A free VPN has very little chance of beating the Great Firewall of China. On top of that, a freebie VPN simply doesn’t offer the privacy protections that a paid service does.

Quite a few “free” VPNs pay the bills by logging their users’ online activities and then making that information available for sale to advertisers, marketers and others.

Keep in mind, if a VPN provider is willing to sell your information to the highest bidder, they will likely give in quickly if the Chinese government presses them for the same info.

In addition, many free VPN providers have been caught injecting unwanted tracking cookies and advertisements into their customers’ browsing sessions.

Free VPNs can also be inconvenient to use, as you may have to cool your virtual heels in a queue with other users until you’re allowed to connect to a server. Once you’re given the green light to connect, you’ll find that your server selection is limited, or that you’re simply automatically connected to a server of the provider’s choice.

Freebie providers also tend to throttle your connection speeds, impose bandwidth restrictions and even place monthly or daily data caps on your VPN usage!

Instead of wasting your time and endangering your privacy by using a free VPN, consider trying NordVPN or Surfshark, two providers that offer comprehensive VPN protections for an affordable price.

Why Do You Need a VPN in Beijing?

Freedom House gives China an aggregate 2021 Internet Freedom Score of 10/100 (0 = Least Free, 100 = Most Free). This ranks as “Not Free” on the Freedom Score scale.

That score means that China (and by extension, the Chinese city of Beijing) is the world’s worst abuser of internet freedom of any country in the Freedom on the Net rankings.

The Chinese government routinely blocks access to social services, apps, websites and other services located outside of Chinese borders. They also block or shut down websites and services based inside the country if they don’t follow the government’s rules.

In mid-2017, the government ordered Apple to remove all Virtual Private Networking apps from the Chinese version of its App Store. (However, users could still access VPN apps by changing their region in the App Store settings.)

Also during 2017, authorities arrested activists and journalists, holding them for long periods of time for operating websites discussing civil society and human rights issues. At least one person was prosecuted and sent to prison.

A quality VPN keeps its users’ online activities completely undercover by encrypting their connection while also offering features to hide VPN activity.

This helps ensure that governments and other nosy parties can’t detect a user’s online antics. This is especially handy in hard-nosed countries like China, where the wrong type of social post can lead to imprisonment.

A VPN allows users to avoid the virtual barriers that the Great Firewall sets up, allowing them to access news from the free world.

How Does China Censor the Internet?

The Chinese government uses a sophisticated internet censorship tool called The Great Firewall of China (GFW).

The Great Firewall of China is a combination of technology and regulations that the Chinese government uses to control Chinese citizens’ access to the internet, both within Chinese borders and throughout the outside world.

Several social networking and messaging platforms are blocked in China, including Facebook, Google, YouTube, WhatsApp, Tumblr, WordPress, Instagram, Skype and numerous others.

The Chinese government also blocks many Google services. Blocked services include Google Maps, Translate, Calendar, Analytics and more. Netflix and other streaming services are also blocked, though there is a way to access American Netflix in China.

How to Maximize Your Online Privacy in Beijing

Always, always, always install a VPN app before visiting China. The Chinese government blocks most VPN providers’ websites and has ordered the removal of VPN apps from most App Stores.

In addition, while all 5 VPNs on this list work from inside of China at the time of this writing, there is a constant back-and-forth battle going on between VPN services and the Chinese government. That means that there may be times when the VPN doesn’t work inside of China.

So, if possible, subscribe to and install multiple VPNs. Then if one is blocked, you can try a different provider. Contact the provider(s) you’re considering to determine if it currently works from inside of the country.

When you’re ready to use your VPN while in Chinese airspace, do the following.

Enable every security feature your VPN provider offers. Enable kill switch protection, auto-reconnect, obfuscation features, “scrambling” features and anything else that will keep your online travels incognito, while hiding the fact that you’re using a VPN.

Maximize your anonymity by staying away from public Wi-Fi hotspots. Use an encrypted email provider and download a secure browser, like Tor.

A Note About VPN Browser Extensions

VPN providers usually offer browser extensions for use with numerous browser platforms, including Chrome, Firefox and Edge. The browser extension allows users to easily protect their browsing from observation.

When using a browser extension, you will want to remember that the extension only protects your in-browser online activities. This means any other app you’re using on your computer is left open to having its activity monitored.

So, if you’re just signing on quickly to view your social pages or even to check your bank balances or buy something online, using the VPN browser extension is the way to go.

However, if you plan on using multiple internet-connected apps on your computer, then always use the VPN’s full app, which will protect ALL of your online antics.

Are VPNs Legal in Beijing?

No, VPNs are not legal in Beijing.

While Pixel Privacy strongly recommends using a VPN to protect your internet connection, we also advise you to take care when using a VPN in highly restrictive areas like Beijing (and the rest of China).

China’s government recently began fining individuals caught using a VPN. Chinese citizen Zhu Yunfeng was fined Rmb1,000 ($145) for using an unlicensed VPN app. The government has also cracked down on VPN providers that operate a VPN service without government approval.

What Else Can I Use a VPN For?

As I covered above, a VPN is the best way to keep your online activities undercover, while opening up access to content that might normally be blocked from inside China. However, a VPN also offers other benefits.

A VPN can prevent your ISP from throttling your connection just because you’re attempting to access non-approved websites and services or are sharing files via P2P.

A VPN also keeps all of your online activities – such as paying bills, banking, shopping and other activities – safe from the bad actors of the world by encrypting your internet connection.

It also protects you from that guy down at the coffee shop that always seems to be using the free but unprotected Wi-Fi, and who shuts his laptop when someone walks behind him.

Conclusion

I strongly advise internet users who either live in or will be visiting Beijing and other parts of China to take advantage of a Virtual Private Network to protect and enhance their online activities.

A VPN – like my #1 choice, NordVPN – does an excellent job of keeping your online activities incognito in Beijing and other areas of the world. NordVPN’s impressive global server network protects your browsing sessions and other online activities, such as file sharing, streaming and more. Fast, well-protected connections are found here.

For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.