The Great Firewall of China (GFW) is one of the most sophisticated internet censorship systems in the world. Popular websites like Google, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and even many news outlets are blocked in mainland China. For travelers, expats, and even locals who want unrestricted internet access, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is the most common solution.
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But here comes the question many people ask: What VPN works in China for free?
While premium VPNs like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark are known for their reliability in China, not everyone wants to pay. Free VPNs are tempting, but the truth is complicated—some work occasionally, while many are blocked or unsafe.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
- Why VPNs are necessary in China
- The risks of free VPNs
- A list of free VPNs that sometimes work in China
- Safer alternatives for reliable access
- Tips for staying secure online
Why Do You Need a VPN in China?
China’s internet is restricted by the Great Firewall, which blocks thousands of websites and apps. Without a VPN, you cannot access:
- Google services (Search, Gmail, Drive, Maps, etc.)
- Social media apps (Instagram, X/Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Snapchat)
- Streaming platforms (YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, BBC iPlayer, Hulu)
- International news sites (NYTimes, BBC, Reuters, etc.)
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through servers outside of China, allowing you to bypass restrictions. However, the Chinese government actively blocks VPN connections, especially free ones.
Can You Use a Free VPN in China?
Yes, but with big limitations. Free VPNs:
- Rarely bypass the Great Firewall consistently
- Have slow speeds due to overcrowded servers
- Limit daily data usage (500MB – 2GB per month)
- Pose privacy risks (some log and sell your data)
- May suddenly stop working
Still, if you’re only looking for temporary, light usage—such as checking Gmail, using WhatsApp for a few minutes, or accessing blocked websites—some free VPNs can help.
Best Free VPNs That Sometimes Work in China (2025)
Here’s a list of free VPNs that may work in China. Remember: performance changes frequently, and reliability is never guaranteed.
1. Proton VPN (Free Plan)
- Why it works: Proton VPN has strong encryption and some servers that occasionally bypass China’s restrictions.
- Pros:
- Unlimited bandwidth (rare for a free VPN)
- Strict no-logs policy
- Based in Switzerland (good privacy laws)
- Cons:
- Only 3 free server locations (US, Japan, Netherlands)
- May require multiple attempts to connect in China
2. Windscribe Free
- Why it works: Offers 10GB free data per month and uses advanced protocols like StealthVPN to get around restrictions.
- Pros:
- Generous free data
- Supports multiple devices
- Good security features
- Cons:
- 10GB monthly limit
- Free servers are often overloaded
3. TunnelBear Free
- Why it works: Known for user-friendliness, TunnelBear offers 2GB/month free data. It sometimes works in China, but success is limited.
- Pros:
- Easy to use
- Good speeds when it works
- Fun interface
- Cons:
- Only 2GB/month
- Very inconsistent performance in China
4. Hotspot Shield Free
- Why it works: It has a free plan with daily data (500MB). Occasionally bypasses restrictions.
- Pros:
- Simple to use
- Daily data resets
- Cons:
- 500MB/day limit
- Ads on the free version
- Logs some data
5. Psiphon
- Why it works: Not a traditional VPN, but a circumvention tool developed for censorship-heavy countries.
- Pros:
- Designed for bypassing censorship
- Free and open-source
- Cons:
- Slower speeds
- Not great for streaming
- Data is not fully encrypted like premium VPNs
Why Free VPNs Are Risky in China
While the above free VPNs might work, there are serious risks:
- Unstable connections – The Great Firewall updates constantly, blocking free VPNs.
- Data privacy issues – Some free VPNs log browsing activity and sell data to advertisers.
- Security risks – Weak encryption makes it easier for cyberattacks.
- Blocked servers – Many free VPNs stop working entirely after a while.
- Limited usage – Data caps (2GB/month or less) are useless for streaming or video calls.
Safer Alternatives to Free VPNs in China
If you want consistent, safe, and fast internet access in China, premium VPNs are the better choice. The most recommended ones are:
1. ExpressVPN
- Widely regarded as the most reliable VPN in China
- Fast speeds for streaming and browsing
- Advanced obfuscation technology
2. NordVPN
- Works with obfuscated servers in China
- Excellent security and privacy features
- Large server network
3. Surfshark
- Budget-friendly, unlimited devices
- Works with streaming platforms
- Strong bypassing features
Many premium VPNs offer 30-day money-back guarantees, so you can try them for free during short stays in China.
Tips for Using VPNs in China
- Download before arrival – Many VPN websites are blocked inside China. Install the app before your trip.
- Keep backups – Have at least two VPNs ready. If one fails, the other might work.
- Use obfuscated servers – These disguise VPN traffic to look like normal browsing.
- Update your app regularly – VPN providers release updates to bypass new restrictions.
- Try different protocols – OpenVPN, WireGuard, and Shadowsocks sometimes work when others fail.
FAQs About Free VPNs in China
Q1: Is it legal to use a VPN in China?
VPN use is restricted, but many people (including businesses) use them. The government blocks unauthorized VPNs but rarely punishes individual users.
Q2: Can I watch Netflix with a free VPN in China?
Highly unlikely. Free VPNs usually lack the speed and ability to bypass Netflix restrictions.
Q3: Which free VPN is safest in China?
Proton VPN is the safest option due to its no-logs policy and unlimited free bandwidth.
Q4: Do free VPNs work on iPhone and Android in China?
Some do, but not all are available in Chinese app stores. Always download before entering China.
Q5: Can I rely only on free VPNs in China?
Not recommended. They may work occasionally, but for reliable, long-term use, a paid VPN is the only safe choice.
Conclusion
So, what VPN works in China for free? The short answer: Proton VPN, Windscribe, TunnelBear, Hotspot Shield, and Psiphon sometimes work, but not reliably.
If you’re staying in China for a short time and only need light browsing, free VPNs can help in emergencies. But for consistent, fast, and safe access—whether for work, streaming, or communication—premium VPNs like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark are the best options.