Online scrutiny from the China authorities seems to be getting tighter and tighter every week.
That's why getting the best VPN has become invaluable for residents and visitors to obtain access to restricted online content.VPNs - or Virtual Private Networks - have become a commonly used method for the likes of expatriates and those in academic circles in China to get around the state's very strict policies regarding online content.
So if you're looking to access a restricted website then downloading a VPN in China is a solid solution.When even the BBC is suggesting that you use a VPN in China, then you know it must be the most efficient way to get around the 'Great Firewall of China'.Although the country routinely campaigns against VPN services, and most recently enacted a ban against VPN services not approved by the government, although its not yet clear exactly how this will play out, certainly in terms of whether users will be punished for using an unauthorized service.
And some VPN providers are continuing to offer the service to people within China.Weve picked out five top-notch efforts for your use.1.
ExpressVPNBest all-round VPN for ChinaNumber of servers: 1500+ | Server locations: 148 | IP addresses: 30,000 | Maximum devices supported: 3Works in China from any deviceWide range of China-optimized serversA bit more expensive than rivalsOnly 3 simultaneous connections[Save 49%] ExpressVPN Special Deal - Get 3 months free with an annual plan on Techradar's #1 Rated VPN Service.ExpressVPN is one of the most popular VPNs in China, and its a go-to provider for many because it deftly navigates around the Great Firewall.
The services wide array of server locations is a big plus, with Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan-based servers being especially relevant in this case.ExpressVPN offers consistent and reliable performance, with smart dedicated apps for most devices including routers.
For any trouble that might occur, theres round-the-clock live chat and email support available from China (the website is not blocked).This provider actively monitors its network for China accessibility and ensures that its software stays ahead of the censors efforts to block connections.
Under the hood, ExpressVPN uses obfuscation protocols and advanced technology to provide the best possible experience for users in China.Theres no free trial of the service and the pricing isnt cheap.
Still, the 30-day money-back guarantee at least gives you some fall-back, and the year-long plan provides the best value for money.
The packages available are:2.
VyprVPNBest balance of speed and securityNumber of servers: 700+ | Server locations: 70+ | IP addresses: 200,000+ | Maximum devices supported: 3-5Nifty Chameleon security protocolImpressive speedsSome logging (connection times, IPs)No refund policy(25% Off) Exclusive VyprVPN Deal: TheIndianSubcontinent readers get 25% off VyprVPN annual plans ($45 USD for 1 year).
VyprVPN is a fast, highly secure VPN without third parties.
Get VyprVPN hereOne of the main advantages of VyprVPN is its proprietary Chameleon security protocol which can help bypass VPN blocking, scrambling OpenVPN packet metadata to ensure its safe from the tendrils of deep packet inspection.
However, note that there is some logging with regards to connection times and IP addresses.VyprVPN is a tier-1 VPN network, which means the outfit owns all of its servers.
There are enough of them to ensure good performance (14 are located in Asia), along with solid support for mobile operating systems, and 24/7 live chat for troubleshooting.The much-praised Chameleon protocol is excluded from the basic plan, which offers three simultaneous connections.
On top of that, the service is expensive, but does boast a 30-day refund period and a three-day trial.
Despite the cost, whats on offer here could well be worth paying for your best bet is the annual Premium plan to make sure you get the benefit from Chameleon, and save the most money.
The packages available are: 3.
Buffered VPNBest VPN for streaming servicesNumber of servers: N/A | Server locations: 42 | IP addresses: N/A | Maximum devices supported: 5Good performanceRefund terms allow up to 10GB of usageNo mobile supportA tad expensiveThe Hungarian VPN Buffered offers a rather enjoyable experience thats easy to set up.
Surprisingly, there is no native mobile support which is a shame, considering you can connect up to five devices simultaneously.
Instead, the company offers detailed guides for configuring mobiles manually although that wont be ideal for beginners.There are several servers in Asia which make for reliable and speedy performance, and you get round-the-clock technical support.
One of the more interesting features is the refund policy, which is valid for up to 10 hours, 100 sessions or 10GB of bandwidth.Also handy is the Test Firewall element found in the Windows client.
This function allows running a port discovery, which will show all of the available ports on the network a user is connecting through.
That certainly helps with getting past the pesky Great Firewall.Buffered VPN is somewhat expensive, with the 12-month plan providing the best value.
The packages available are:4.
AirVPNBest balance of performance and priceNumber of servers: 220 | Server locations: 20 | IP addresses: N/A | Maximum devices supported: 3Reliable and solid performance3-day plan to test the watersScant server coverageCould be more user-friendlyAirVPN is a very upfront service with an engaging forum community.
Thats not surprising when you find out that its operated by activists and hacktivists in defence of net neutrality and other online freedoms; laudable causes indeed.The website lists all the available servers and their current load.
The number of server locations is low, admittedly, although seven are located in Asia.
Nevertheless, the provider has no problems manoeuvring around geolocation restrictions and China is no exception.
The service offers solid and reliable performance, even if signing up and getting going is a bit of a hassle.AirVPN has reasonably priced plans five of them, to be exact.
A 3-day plan offers a convenient way to try the service out, while the 12-month plan boasts the best value for money.
The packages available are:5.
StrongVPNNumber of servers: 682 | Server locations: 46 | IP addresses: N/A | Maximum devices supported: 5Fast performanceTight security with StrongDNSWindows client is poorly designedA little overpricedStrongVPN is one of the favourites among visitors and expats in China.
It supports the most popular platforms with detailed manual setup instructions for others.
This VPN features a decent number of server locations, and has no problems navigating around the Great Firewall, with connections proving reliable and pretty fast to boot.And if you want security, theres wide protocol support, up to 2048-bit encryption, along with StrongDNS, the companys own concoction to protect against DNS leaks.
However, there is a limit of two simultaneous device connections which spoils the fun just a little.StrongVPN offer 24/7 live support which is a nice touch.
The plan selection consists of three options to pick from.
All come with a 7-day money-back guarantee, with the annual plan clearly offering the best value for money.
The packages available are:How to choose the best VPN service for ChinaDealing with this level of censorship of the net is far from easy, but some VPNs are willing to tackle the problem, having proven methods of maintaining uptime in a difficult online climate.
Obviously you need to look for a capable service in this respect, and pick out a reliable VPN, too.Choosing one with high quality customer support is also important, for when downtime does rear its ugly head.
And obviously the number and range of available servers (particularly those in Asia) will help you obtain a better, faster connection.
Tight security and privacy is, as ever, a primary consideration as well.Note: Chinas official ban on VPNs came into effect on March 31, but at the time of writing, we havent received notice from any VPN providers acknowledging that their services will be affected.E5Zm45gbAfvEVGA5J9bw29.jpg#