Top 5 Cheap VPN for China that You Can Trust

The Great Firewall of China limits internet browsing opportunities in the country. This is equally true for Chinese residents looking to browse foreign websites and foreign users trying to access Chinese content. Both parties have to rely on VPNs to sidestep the firewall.

VPNs work by encrypting internet action and hiding user IP addresses. The free VPNs usually don’t work in China. Since most VPNs don’t work, available options are often expensive. Thankfully, there are still a few budget-friendly options available.

We have listed down trusted cheap VPNs for China that not only works great but also offers budget-friendly pricing. Learning about these VPNs will help access blocked content without spending too much money.

Are Cheap VPNs Safe to Use In China?

Premium VPNs are often expensive; at least, this is what most users think. Since free VPNs cannot provide necessary security, users in China have to be careful when selecting a cheap VPN. Opting for a cheaper option is not bad as long as users don’t compromise with security.

The great firewall of China can block users from using VPNs. With advanced technologies, they can also identify VPN users’ identity. So, such VPNs are not safe to use. However, many global brands are a step ahead and offer safe masking for users. They can protect users from government surveillance and make browsing safer. In short, cheap VPNs are safe if chosen wisely.

Cheap VPN Options for Internet Browsing in China

The internet should not be restricted by geographical boundaries. With this belief, many global VPN providers have developed services to help users access the internet without limitations.

However, only a few of these providers offer reliable and affordable services in China. Here are the most budget-friendly VPN options for China:

1. Vipiyan VPN

Speed, security, servers, affordability. Users who want it all from a VPN should try Vipiyan. Users can bypass the firewall and any other security measures not to get caught when surfing the internet, thanks to Vipiyan’s no-detection technology.

86% of internet users want to be completely anonymous. Though many believe it’s not possible to be completely anonymous on the internet, Vipiyan keeps users’ identities secret. This ensures safe browsing for users both in and outside China.

Pricing

Vipiyan offers 3 bundles for its users, namely- basic, pro-security, and premium shield. The basic starts at only $7.99, which makes it the most convenient option in China. Users can experience both super fast internet speed and high security.

Features

Vipiyan comes with some very lucrative features that make it a great choice for accessing China and other countries.

• Dedicated streaming servers
• Optimized gaming network
• Port forwarding option
• Faster connection speeds

Pros of Vipiyan VPN

• Vipiyan offers a 100% money-back guarantee if users don’t get what the VPN promises. It makes Vipiyan a safe purchase for everyone.
• The software has 37,000+ servers and 112+ cities, making it suitable for accessing content from any place.
• It has nearly 35 million worldwide users, which makes it easy to trust.
• The dark web surveillance feature of Vipiyan helps detect data leaks before any damage is done.
• Users can download files from Chinese and other servers at high speed.

Drawbacks

• While the VPN supports multiple device connections, some other VPNs offer unlimited device connections.

2. ExpressVPN

Another reliable VPN to use for China is ExpressVPN. The software was released in 2009, which makes it an early entry in the market. Despite its solid reputation, the pricing is much more affordable.

Pricing

ExpressVPN plans start at $12.95/month. Though it may look a little expensive, users can save money with 1 and 2-year plans. They also offer different sales offers throughout the year, when the pricing reduces significantly.

Features

• Blocks tracker to stop the user’s device from communicating with malicious trackers.
• Ad blockers
• Comes with trusted server technology
• Private DNS
• Best-in-class encryption
• No activity or connection logs
• Lightway protocol

Benefits

• It offers the AES 256 encryption method, which is a fast, open-source encryption algorithm using symmetric keys. It provides data security for multimedia files like images, audio, and video during network transfer.
• Provides 24-hour live chat support for any issues. Users can get help with setup support and troubleshooting.
• The speed is lightning fast, even in China, despite the aggressive firewall.
• Users can use the same account on 8 different devices. It’s available on every platform, including iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, and more.

Drawbacks

• Offers only 8 simultaneous devices, while others offer 10 or even unlimited device connection.
• The speed of Chinese servers is good but slightly slower than that of Vipiyan.

3. Ivacy VPN

Ivacy VPN was introduced in 2007 and has been helping internet users surf the internet safely since then. Currently, it’s available in 70+ countries, and the number is increasing. Their secure and safe service is also available in China. 

Pricing

Users can make their payments on various methods, including PayPal, G Pay, and bank accounts. Their packages come with a 31-day money-back guarantee regardless of the package duration.

 Features

Ivacy VPN brings in all the updated features that users might need, especially those who live in China. Their advanced features make it safer and more secure, which makes it a good investment. Top features of Ivacy VPN include:

• 256-bit encryption
• Public Wi-Fi security
• No logs policy
• Offers buffer-free streaming on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, ESPN, HBO, etc.
• Has 6500+ VPN servers in hundreds of cities
• 10 devices log in at the same time.

Benefits of Ivacy VPN

The major benefit of using Ivacy VPN is the number of features offered at a cheap price. Users don’t have to worry about security or connection speed. Their money-back guarantee makes it even more trustworthy. Unlike some other VPNs, it does not keep a record of users’ internet use. It’s compatible with different types of devices, and users can use it on multiple devices at the same time.

Shortcomings of Ivacy VPN

The most money-saving package is a five-year deal, which may not be ideal for many users because of long-term commitment. While they have a good number of servers, most of them are often not accessible.

4. NordVPN

With its super service for over a decade, NorthVPN has gained global popularity. It works well in China and ensures a convenient experience for its users.

Pricing

NordVPN also offers 3 different packages. They are basic, plus, and complete. The monthly cost for the basic plan is $12.99, which comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Users can reduce the cost by taking yearly subscriptions.

Features

• Threat protection to stop malware, web trackers, ads, and other common internet threats.
• Users can create their own private encrypted network for safe file sharing.
• Dark web monitor that gives instant alert when any data leak incident occurs.
• With dedicated IP, users can skip deny lists and maintain a good online reputation.

Benefits

• No matter what plan a user subscribes to, they can access 10 devices secured at once. This allows for sharing and convenient use across different personal devices.
• NordVPN ensures a secure and high-speed internet experience for its users.
• Smooth streaming of different banned platforms, including BBC, Facebook, Google, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, etc.
• The anti-malware protection scans files users download to ensure they are safe.
• Ad and tracker blockers improve user internet experience and protect data.

Drawbacks

• When faced with any issue, users cannot directly get phone support. They have to rely on email or live chat support.
• Some NordVPN servers in China don’t work for torrenting.
• The prices are much higher compared to other options like Total VPN and Vipuyan.

5. Surfshark VPN

Surfshark offers a good balance of features, speed, and privacy at a reasonable price. It helps users access the internet and avoid surveillance by the Chinese Government. It has different modes like NoBorders, Camouflage, Kill Switch, etc.

Pricing

Surfshark has multiple plans for its users. The monthly packages are a bit pricey, but the 12 and 24 months make them much more affordable. Here is the full pricing of the VPN software:

Features

• Offers clean web experience by blocking ads, trackers, malware, and phishing attempts.
• The KillSwitch option disrupts the internet connection if the VPN is abruptly turned off. This makes internet browsing safer.
• Cookie pop-up blocker
• Helps bypass CAPTCHA prompts
• Smart DNS
• Auto Connect
• Satis servers and small packets.

Benefits

• The camouflage mode hides the fact that users use the VPN. It’s especially useful in China, where VPNs are often restricted.
• It offers unlimited simultaneous device connections. This makes it a great choice for users who have multiple devices. Besides, users can share accounts to reduce the cost.
• Surfshark has 3200+ servers in 100 countries, including China. This ensures there are always multiple servers close to every user.

Drawbacks

• Surfshark often records IP addresses, which may cause issues for many users in China.
• Since it’s based in the Netherlands, there are some risks with customer information since the Government can compel Surfshare to do it.
• Despite the unlimited device connectivity, the price is a little higher than that of Total VPN and Vipiyan.

What Is the Cheapest VPN for China?

Considering the cost and service quality, Vipiyan stands as the most cost-effective option. It ensures safety and protection while keeping the price low. There is no competition when it comes to internet speed. With so many servers, Vipiyan offers the safest internet access in China.

How to Choose the Best Cheap VPN for China?

Users can find many cheap VPNs available in China, and some of them may offer free connections as well. However, they often come with security risks due to outdated encryption technologies. Here are some tips to find the best cheap VPN for China:

• Choose a VPN with servers near China, such as Hong Kong or Japan. This will allow faster and more reliable connections.
• Compare subscription costs from official websites. Some may offer special discounts, but those are mostly one-time. It’s important to check the regular pricing.
• Make a list of essential technologies that a good VPN needs to have for privacy protection in China. Then, check if those features are available on certain VPNs.
• Take into account which country the VPN is operated in, as some countries have data-sharing and interference policies.
• Choose a VPN with a money-back guarantee to make a more confident investment.

What Essential Features Should a Cheap VPN for China Offer?

When choosing a VPN, users need to prioritize security, too, especially in China. The government has advanced technology to track and block VPN traffic. Therefore, before taking any subscription, choose a cheap VPN with the below features:

• Kill switch: It turns off the internet connection as soon as the VPN gets disconnected. This saves users data during an accidental VPN crash.
• Obfuscated servers: This will make VPN users appear like regular traffic, hide user data, and bypass strong Chinese censorship.
• Dark web monitoring: This feature informs the user if there is any leak of personal data on the internet before anyone can leverage that.
• AES 256 Encryption: It’s an advanced cipher algorithm that increases data security and prevents unauthorized access.
• Ad blocker: This will improve the user’s experience and also protect information from ad-showing platforms.

Get Started with Vipiyan VPN and Improve Internet Experience

It’s quite easy to get started with Vipiyan. Visit the official Vipiyan website and download the app for free. Once the app is installed, choose a package and complete the subscription process. That is all it takes to begin.

Vipiyan guarantees a safe, secure, and seamless internet experience. Its affordable pricing makes it accessible to everyone. Install Vipiyan VPN today to break through geographical barriers and enjoy unrestricted internet access.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions we have listed with clear answers so that you are left with no confusion regarding VPNs for China.

Q: Can the Government track me if I use a VPN?

In China, the Government can monitor internet traffic and detect VPN usage through deep packet inspection (DPI). While many VPNs use obfuscation to hide traffic, they may still be flagged.

Q: Can I fall in trouble because of using a cheap VPN for China?

Not all cheap VPNs are bad. You need to check and ensure that the VPN has the necessary security features before using it. Don’t just fall for cheap VPNs, but prioritize quality service at the best price.

Q: Is Vipiyan VPN free?

No, Vipiyan VPN provides premium service at an affordable cost. While they don’t offer free service, their money-back guarantee ensures users can try the service risk-free for a certain period.

Q: Are VPNs legal in China?

The legal status of VPNs in China is a little complicated. It’s legal to use for businesses with government approval. Some VPNs are legal and pass and get MIIT approval. However, it’s not legal for everyday citizens.

Final Words

Using the internet does not have to be expensive with the help of affordable global VPNs. Their secure and fast internet speed improves user experience and allows users to access restricted platforms and content.

With the above-mentioned VPNs, the internet has lately become more accessible in China. Among all these options, Vipiyan offers the most budget-friendly option. Its access to several Chinese servers, along with advanced encryption, makes it the best VPN for China at the best price.