The Best Free VPNs for China in 2021
Are you looking for a free VPN that works in China? Look no further! In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on VPNs that work in China for free. China’s internet censorship is notorious, and it can be challenging to access blocked websites without a VPN. However, not all VPNs work in China, and some may even put your information at risk. We have tested and reviewed the best VPNs that work in China to help you make an informed decision.
The Situation in China: Why You Need a VPN
China’s internet censorship, also known as the Great Firewall of China, blocks access to many popular websites such as Google, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. The Chinese government also monitors internet traffic and blocks any content that goes against its policies. As a result, it can be challenging to access news or information that doesn’t align with the government’s agenda. This is where VPNs come in.
VPNs encrypt your internet traffic and route it through a server in a different location. This makes it appear as though you are accessing the internet from a different country, bypassing China’s internet censorship. However, not all VPNs work in China due to technological advancements made by the Chinese government. Additionally, the Chinese government has banned many VPN services.
The Best Free VPNs for China
Here are the best free VPNs that work in China:
VPN Name |
Features |
Limitations |
|---|---|---|
Windscribe |
10GB data/month, strong encryption, works in China |
Limited server locations, slow speeds, no live chat support |
TunnelBear |
500MB data/month (1GB with Twitter promotion), strong encryption, easy to use |
Low data limit, limited server locations, slow speeds |
ProtonVPN |
Unlimited data, strong encryption, works in China |
Slow speeds, limited server locations, no live chat support |
Hotspot Shield |
500MB data/day, strong encryption, fast speeds |
Low data limit, limited server locations, some logging |
Hide.me |
2GB data/month, strong encryption, works in China |
Low data limit, limited server locations, no live chat support |
Windscribe
Windscribe is a popular free VPN that works in China. It offers 10GB of data per month, which is more than enough for most users. Windscribe also uses strong encryption and has a strict no-logs policy. However, its server locations are limited, and the speeds can be slow at times. Additionally, Windscribe doesn’t have live chat support, which can be a deal-breaker for some users.
TunnelBear
TunnelBear is another excellent free VPN that works in China. It offers 500MB of data per month, which can be extended to 1GB with a Twitter promotion. TunnelBear uses strong encryption and has an easy-to-use interface. However, its data limit is low, and the server locations are limited. The speeds can also be slow, especially during peak hours.
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is a reliable free VPN that works in China. It offers unlimited data, strong encryption, and has a no-logs policy. ProtonVPN also has a user-friendly interface and works on multiple devices. However, its server locations are limited, and the speeds can be slow, especially when connecting to servers far away from China. Additionally, ProtonVPN doesn’t have live chat support.
Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield is a free VPN that offers 500MB of data per day. It has strong encryption and fast speeds, making it an excellent choice for streaming or downloading content. However, its data limit is low, and the server locations are limited. Additionally, Hotspot Shield logs some information, which may be a concern for some users.
Hide.me
Hide.me is a free VPN that offers 2GB of data per month. It uses strong encryption and has a no-logs policy. Hide.me also works in China and has a user-friendly interface. However, its data limit is low, and the server locations are limited. Additionally, Hide.me doesn’t have live chat support.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Free VPNs in China
Advantages
1. Cost-effective: Free VPNs are cost-effective and can help you access blocked websites without spending money.
2. Ease of use: Free VPNs are easy to use and set up, making them accessible to everyone.
3. Encryption: Free VPNs use encryption to protect your internet traffic and keep your information secure from prying eyes.
4. Bypass internet censorship: Free VPNs can bypass internet censorship in China and allow you to access blocked websites.
Disadvantages
1. Limited server locations: Free VPNs often have limited server locations, which can result in slow speeds and a less reliable connection.
2. Data caps: Free VPNs often have data caps, which can restrict your usage and make it challenging to stream or download content.
3. Security risks: Free VPNs may not use strong encryption protocols or may log your browsing history, putting your information at risk.
4. Unreliability: Free VPNs may not work consistently in China due to the government’s technological advancements.
FAQs
1. Can I use a free VPN in China?
Yes, you can use a free VPN in China, but not all VPNs work in China. We recommend using one of the VPNs listed above.
2. Are free VPNs safe?
Not all free VPNs are safe. Some may log your browsing history or use weak encryption protocols, putting your information at risk. We recommend using a reputable free VPN such as Windscribe, TunnelBear, ProtonVPN, Hotspot Shield, or Hide.me.
3. Can I stream with a free VPN?
You can stream with a free VPN, but it may be challenging due to data caps and limited server locations. We recommend using a paid VPN if you plan on streaming regularly.
4. Will a free VPN slow down my internet?
A free VPN may slow down your internet due to limited server locations and data caps. However, some free VPNs such as Windscribe and Hotspot Shield offer fast speeds.
5. Can I use a free VPN for gaming?
We don’t recommend using a free VPN for gaming due to limited server locations and data caps. A paid VPN may be a better option for gaming.
6. Can the Chinese government track me if I use a VPN?
The Chinese government may be able to track you if you use a VPN. We recommend using a reputable VPN with strong encryption to protect your information.
7. Can I download torrents with a free VPN?
You can download torrents with a free VPN, but it may be challenging due to data caps and limited server locations. We recommend using a paid VPN if you plan on downloading torrents regularly.
Conclusion
Overall, using a free VPN in China is a cost-effective way to bypass internet censorship and access blocked websites. However, not all free VPNs work in China, and some may put your information at risk. We recommend using Windscribe, TunnelBear, ProtonVPN, Hotspot Shield, or Hide.me. These VPNs offer strong encryption, work in China, and have a user-friendly interface. If you plan on streaming or downloading content regularly, we recommend using a paid VPN for better speeds and more reliable connections.
Closing Disclaimer
The information in this article is for educational purposes only, and we do not condone the use of VPNs to violate the laws of any country. The use of VPNs in China may be subject to legal restrictions, and we encourage you to research and understand the legal implications before using a VPN. We do not take responsibility for any legal or personal consequences that may arise from the use of VPNs in China.