For travelers and business professionals navigating China's restrictive internet, Mullvad, LetsVPN, and Astrill offer reliable VPN options, each tailored for different privacy and performance needs. Install your chosen VPN before arriving, as connectivity may experience brief instability, especially around major Chinese holidays and sensitive periods.
With China's strict internet censorship laws, attending events like the Canton Fair, traveling, or conducting business can mean losing access to crucial websites and apps like Google, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The Chinese government's robust “Great Firewall” restricts these services, limiting connectivity to the outside world.
However, there are still a few VPNs that work reliably within China, providing secure and relatively stable access to the open internet.
In 2024, while many mainstream VPNs are routinely blocked, VPNs like Mullvad, LetsVPN, and Astrill VPN remain viable options.
This guide provides an in-depth overview of each of these VPNs, their strengths, ideal use cases, and essential considerations for travelers or residents who want to maintain their connection while in China.
The VPN Landscape in China
China’s internet controls are among the strictest globally, blocking platforms and media outlets to control online content. The government uses advanced blocking techniques, including Deep Packet Inspection (DPI), to identify and block VPN traffic.
This presents a challenge for VPN providers, who must constantly adapt their technology to evade these barriers. The need for continuous updates has made it challenging for many VPNs, including popular ones like NordVPN, CyberGhost, and IPVanish, to stay functional in China. That said, VPNs like Mullvad, LetsVPN, and Astrill have been successful in maintaining access by using specific encryption protocols and advanced stealth measures designed to disguise VPN traffic as regular internet usage.
Despite these efforts, it’s essential to note that during sensitive periods—such as National Day or other politically significant dates—China may increase its firewall scrutiny, leading to temporary disruptions even for the most robust VPNs. Keeping expectations realistic is crucial, as even the best VPNs may experience slight instability during these times.
For the smoothest experience, travelers and business professionals are advised to download and set up their chosen VPN before arriving in China, as downloading VPN software from Chinese internet service providers can be challenging or impossible due to government blocks on VPN websites.
1. Mullvad VPN: Privacy and Simplicity
Best for: Privacy-conscious travelers, short-term business users
Overview:
Mullvad VPN, based in Sweden, is widely recognized for its strong commitment to privacy and user anonymity. Unlike most VPN services that require an email address or other personal information for registration, Mullvad issues a unique account number to each user, ensuring that no personal data is collected during the signup process. This makes Mullvad ideal for users who value anonymity and privacy above all else.
Security Features:
Mullvad employs robust encryption methods, including AES-256, and supports both WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols, which are known for their strong security and efficient performance. These protocols are vital for evading the Great Firewall since they help disguise VPN traffic, making it more difficult for Chinese authorities to detect.
Mullvad also features a kill switch, which prevents data leaks if the VPN connection drops, ensuring that your activity remains private even during brief connectivity interruptions.
Server Network and Performance:
With around 800 servers in over 41 countries, Mullvad has a smaller network than some larger VPNs, which can occasionally impact speeds, especially for long-distance connections. Nonetheless, its connection speeds are reliable enough for most users, including business travelers who may need to conduct video calls or access essential resources online.
Mullvad’s streamlined, privacy-focused service may not offer as many specialized servers (like dedicated streaming servers), but it works well for those primarily seeking secure browsing and access to social media and blocked sites.
Cost and Accessibility:
Mullvad has a straightforward pricing model, charging a flat rate of €5 per month without long-term commitment discounts, making it ideal for short-term stays. The subscription can be paid for using cash, cryptocurrency, or conventional payment methods, allowing for anonymous payments. Its Android app is available as an APK download from the Mullvad website, meaning users can install it directly, even if Google Play is inaccessible in China.
2. LetsVPN: Designed for Ease of Use in China
Best for: Short-term travelers, students, and expats seeking simplicity
Overview:
LetsVPN is a relatively lesser-known VPN in Western markets but has gained popularity in China due to its user-friendly approach and reliability in heavily restricted regions. Specifically designed to cater to Chinese users, LetsVPN provides stable connectivity for bypassing censorship on popular platforms such as WhatsApp, Google, and Facebook.
Security Features:
LetsVPN does not advertise the specifics of its encryption protocols or server details as transparently as other VPNs, which may raise some concerns for highly privacy-conscious users. However, its connection protocols are optimized to evade Chinese internet controls effectively. While it may not offer the same level of encryption customization as Mullvad or Astrill, LetsVPN’s setup is intuitive, focusing on keeping users connected without requiring technical expertise.
Performance and Server Network:
The VPN’s server infrastructure is designed to support users in high-censorship regions, including China, allowing stable access to restricted websites. However, users report varying speeds, likely due to the lack of a large global server network.
For daily browsing, social media, and messaging, LetsVPN performs adequately, but users relying on high-speed connections for work or streaming may find it limiting.
Cost and Accessibility:
LetsVPN offers both free and paid plans. The free version has data limitations, while the paid plans offer more extensive data options and, potentially, improved speed and server selection. Pricing details are generally accessible through the app itself, and LetsVPN’s affordability makes it a good choice for short-term or budget-conscious travelers.
However, its lack of transparency about security details means that it may be best suited for casual, non-sensitive browsing rather than high-security requirements.
3. Astrill VPN: Premium Security with Advanced Features
Best for: Long-term residents, professionals with high security needs, travelers visiting during peak censorship times
Overview:
Astrill VPN is a long-standing favorite among users in China, known for its advanced security features and strong focus on evading Chinese internet controls. Astrill’s proprietary StealthVPN and OpenWeb protocols are designed specifically to bypass deep packet inspection (DPI), allowing it to maintain stable access in China’s heavily restricted internet environment.
Although Astrill is on the higher end of the price scale, its consistent performance makes it a reliable option for users who require secure and uninterrupted connectivity.
Security Features:
Astrill VPN’s security features are particularly robust, including AES-256 encryption, multiple VPN protocols (StealthVPN, OpenVPN, and OpenWeb), and a kill switch to ensure that data is protected if the VPN disconnects unexpectedly. For business users and long-term residents who handle sensitive data, Astrill’s security measures provide an additional layer of confidence.
Server Network and Performance:
Astrill boasts a sizable global server network, ensuring fast connection speeds across multiple locations. The service also includes dedicated streaming and P2P servers, making it suitable for activities that demand high bandwidth, like video conferencing, large file transfers, and streaming.
Astrill’s performance is among the most consistent for accessing restricted sites, which is crucial during high-censorship periods, such as National Day celebrations or politically sensitive events.
Cost and Accessibility:
Astrill’s premium pricing—starting at around $20 per month—reflects its focus on performance and security in high-censorship environments. Although pricier than Mullvad and LetsVPN, Astrill offers better server variety and connection stability, which can be invaluable for professionals and long-term users.
It also provides a range of payment options, including cryptocurrency, allowing for anonymous payments if desired.
Tips for Using VPNs in China
Install Before Arrival: Downloading and setting up a VPN in China can be challenging due to blocks on VPN websites and app stores. Installing your VPN of choice before arriving is essential for uninterrupted connectivity.
Choose the Right Server Location: While using any VPN in China, connecting to servers in nearby regions, such as Hong Kong, Japan, or South Korea, often improves speed and stability. Astrill, with its variety of server options, excels in providing choices that can enhance performance.
Expect Potential Instabilities: Even the most reliable VPNs may experience temporary disruptions, especially during national holidays or sensitive events. Switching between protocols or servers can sometimes help alleviate these issues.
Regularly Update Your VPN: VPN providers frequently update their apps to adapt to changes in China’s firewall. Ensure your VPN app is up-to-date for the best performance.
Consider Multiple VPNs: For business travelers or long-term residents, it might be wise to have backup VPNs installed, as connectivity can vary by location within China.
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Conclusion
Navigating China’s Great Firewall is not without challenges, but VPNs like Mullvad, LetsVPN, and Astrill continue to offer stable and secure access to the open internet for users in 2024. Mullvad’s emphasis on privacy, LetsVPN’s user-friendly setup, and Astrill’s advanced security features each cater to different needs, from casual travelers to business professionals.
While no VPN can guarantee 100% uptime, particularly during heightened censorship periods, these options provide some of the most reliable and effective access in China today. Whether you’re attending the Canton Fair, staying connected for business, or simply seeking unrestricted browsing while traveling, these VPNs offer valuable tools to help you navigate China’s restrictive internet landscape.
