Install VPN before Takeoff
Because almost all VPN websites are blocked in China there is no way to download VPN software (other than through the App store) while there[3]. That’s why I recommend you install at least two VPN apps from the list below – before you get on an airplane.
| VPN Service | On computers? | On mobile devices? |
|---|---|---|
| IPVanish | Yes | Yes |
| vyprvpn | Yes | Yes |
| ExpressVPN | Yes | Yes |
| TunnelBear | Yes | No |
| HideMyAss | Yes | No |
These VPNs Work Best in China
Only IPVanish, VyprVPN, and ExpressVPN work both on computers and mobile devices in China.
The VPN services I tested all worked on computers, though the speeds were slow and the connections were interrupted frequently. IPVanish and ExpressVPN were the fastest and most stable. Only IPVanish, VyprVPN and ExpressVPN worked on mobile devices. So, if you want a VPN that works on both computers and mobile, IPVanish, VyprVPN and ExpressVPN are the only services, of the ones I have tested, that will work.
One is Never Enough
I strongly recommend you prepare two VPN accounts before your China visit. VPNs in China rarely work as reliably as they do in other places. Should one connection fail, you can simply switch to the other VPN to avoid interruption. Another reason for you to have two VPN accounts is for updates. VPN services need to frequently ‘push’ configuration updates to their customers’ devices. This means the software needs to connect to the VPN provider’s website, which is often blocked. With two VPNs you can use one to update the other.
Conclusion
To bypass the GFW of China you need a VPN, and ideally two VPNs. Among all the VPN services I tested only IPVanish, VyprVPN, and ExpressVPN work both on computers and mobile devices in China. If you’re looking for the VPNs that work best in China, choose from my China VPN list above. If you’d like me to test your VPN service, just email me and I’ll do it when I’m next there.
Enjoy your trip to China. It’s a fascinating country with wonderful people, and many worthwhile things to see.
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Comments 2
Dear Sir,
Have you tried iptv in China? Which one is reliable? Can it be used with VPN together?
Author
No. I don’t have an IPTV subscription. They are expensive.