How to watch Netflix in China using a VPN

Are you traveling to China and worried about accessing your Netflix? Although most of the world has access to Netflix, the service is still unavailable in China. So if you want access to your home Netflix library, you must use a VPN.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) will route your internet traffic through a secondary server in another country, so it will appear you’re somewhere other than China. With your location spoofed, you can access content from Netflix and other services you’d use back home, such as Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and online banking services.

Unfortunately, finding a VPN that works in china can be tricky, so in this post, we reveal the best VPNs for the job and explain the step-by-step process for watching Netflix in China. If you don’t have time to read the whole thing, here’s a quick list of the best VPNs for watching Netflix in China:

1. NordVPN: Our top VPN pick for watching Netflix in China. Boasts a large server network, excellent cloaking technology, and the ability to securely access Netflix. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly.
2. Surfshark: Our top choice for a budget-friendly VPN that works with Netflix in China. Servers in 100+ countries. Allows an unlimited number of simultaneous connections.
3. ExpressVPN: Fast, reliable, and consistently works with Netflix in China. Strong security and privacy protocols. Wide network of servers.
4. VyprVPN: Proprietary servers mean faster speeds. Works well with Netflix in China.
5. Hotspot Shield: Has fast speeds, works in China, and works with Netflix and many other sites.
6. PrivateVPN: A secure, private network with exceptional speed and versatility.
7. Astrill: Offers port forwarding and a dedicated IP address. Works in China but can be costly.

How to watch Netflix in China

New to using VPNs? don’t worry; getting set up is easier than you might think. Just follow the steps below to get started.

Here’s how to watch Netflix in China with a VPN:

1. Choose a VPN provider from the list below and subscribe. We particularly recommend NordVPN for use in China.
2. Download and install the native VPN app for your device.
3. Connect to a server in your home country. For example, connect to a US VPN server to get an American IP address and watch US Netflix.
4. Log in to your Netflix account and try playing a video. Enjoy!
5. If you’re having issues, clear your browser’s cookies and cache and try again.

Note: Because most VPN websites are blocked in China, it’s best to get set up and gather troubleshooting information before traveling to the country.

At a glance – best VPNs for watching Netflix in China

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs. prefer to read an in-depth review? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for watching Netflix in China.

Best VPNs to watch Netflix in China

China is notoriously difficult for VPNs, so each service has to be tested vigorously. Here are some of the criteria we used before recommending the services in this article:

• Works with Netflix and other streaming sites
• Works reliably in China
• Provides fast connections suitable for streaming HD video
• Offers plenty of server location options
• Employs strong encryption and other security features
• Doesn’t keep user-identifying logs
• Provides knowledgeable customer support

You can read more about what we look for in the VPNs we recommend in the methodology section below. For now, let’s take a closer look at the ones that made the list.

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Netflix in China:

1. NordVPN

Dec 2024 works with NetflixTested Dec 2024

NordVPN is our top choice VPN for watching Netflix in China. It has a huge network of more than 5,200 servers in 60+ countries. This provider is known for its ability to securely access multiple Netflix libraries, including the US and UK catalogs. If it can’t connect you to the library that corresponds to your chosen server, it will redirect you to the US Netflix site. This is handy since it means that every server works with Netflix.

NordVPN keeps no logs at all and employs strong encryption standards. Extras include automatic wifi protection and servers optimized for particular tasks such as P2P and double VPN. If you’re having trouble connecting in China, using a server that’s labeled Obfuscated will improve your chance of success.

NordVPN apps can be downloaded for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android. Up to six simultaneous connections are allowed under each plan.

BEST VPN FOR NETFLIX IN CHINA:NordVPN is our #1 choice. It has a large server network, works with Netflix, and lets you browse freely in China. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our in-depth NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

works with NetflixTested Dec 2024

Surfshark is the best budget choice for Netflix in China. It hasn’t been around for as long as most of its rivals, but the company burst onto the scene with a well-rounded package. It has over 3,200 servers in more than 100 countries and is adept at bypassing the restrictions set in place by the Chinese government. This VPN is fast and great for streaming. As with NordVPN, any Surfshark server will give you secure access to Netflix, defaulting to the US library when others are unavailable.

Security is in the form of strong encryption, along with essentials such as a kill switch and leak protection. Surfshark won’t log any of your data.

Native apps are available for Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. There’s no limit on the number of devices you can connect.

BEST BUDGET CHOICE:Surfshark is a strong contender, especially when you consider it imposes no device limit and has servers in over 100 countries. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

See the full Surfshark review.

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3. ExpressVPN

works with NetflixTested Dec 2024

ExpressVPN is one of the few VPNs that work reliably in China. It has a ton of server location options with a network spanning 94 countries. Blazing fast speeds make it an ideal streaming VPN. It works well with Netflix US, as well as several other Netflix libraries, including the UK, Australia, Canada, and Japan versions. Looking to securely access other streaming services, like Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu? ExpressVPN can help with those too.

Security and privacy are important when traveling anywhere and especially in China. ExpressVPN has you covered with a strong suite of security features, including military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. It keeps no logs of user-identifying data and allows you to sign up with bitcoin and a throwaway email address.

Apps are available for Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Up to five connections are permitted at a time.

BEST VPN FOR NETFLIX IN CHINA:ExpressVPN is our top pick for watching Netflix in China. It provides fast, reliable connections, works with a ton of streaming sites, and offers unrivaled customer support. A 30-day money-back guarantee makes it a risk-free option.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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4. VyprVPN

works with netflixTested Dec 2024

VyprVPN is another excellent option for a Netflix VPN in China. It offers 700+ servers in 64 countries and works with most streaming services, including US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and HBO Max.

VyprVPN combines strong encryption with an impressive suite of features like a kill switch, DNS leak protection, obfuscation masking your VPN usage from local networks, and an OpenVPN-exclusive Chameleon protocol. It also has its own zero-knowledge DNS service, so you can be sure your data is handled with extra security.

VyprVPN offers dedicated apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. This VPN allows the connection of up to five devices at a time. Each plan includes a zero logs policy and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

PROPRIETARY SERVERS:VyprVPN uses 256-bit encryption to evade China’s Great Firewall. It offers 24/7 support and decent speeds. Subscriptions include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our full review of VyprVPN here.

5. Hotspot Shield

works with NetflixTested Dec 2024

Hotspot Shield has been improving its service in recent months, although it has always been renowned for its extremely fast speeds. It provides a selection of more than 1,800 servers in over 80 countries. Plus it works in China and can securely access Netflix and other streaming sites.

This provider utilizes top-notch security features, including strong encryption and perfect forward secrecy. Connections use the proprietary “Catapult Hydra” protocol that is also used by several top cybersecurity firms. Hotspot Shield doesn’t keep logs of any user-identifying information.

You can download software versions for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, and connect up to five devices at a time.

FAST CONNECTIONS:Hotspot Shield offers a fast, secure service and real day-to-day usage potential. It comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Check out the full review of Hotspot Shield.

6. PrivateVPN

works with NetflixTested Dec 2024

PrivateVPN seems like a relatively meek competitor on the surface. It runs a network of just over 200 servers in 60+ countries. However, this service works in China with a special feature called “Stealth mode” enabled in the settings. This adds a layer of obfuscation to your connection to make the encrypted traffic look unencrypted, which in turn, makes the VPN more difficult for the Great Firewall to detect. Not only that, but it scores well above average in our speed tests and works well with Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.

Data security is solid, and PrivateVPN doesn’t store any usage or metadata logs about users’ online activity. You can use PrivateVPN’s reliable connections to secure your devices on public wi-fi from third-party snoopers. Live chat support is available should you encounter any problems. Users get unlimited bandwidth and server switches.

Desktop clients are available for Windows and macOS, and mobile apps for iOS and Android. Ten simultaneous connections are permitted.

SECURE AND RELIABLE:PrivateVPN is small yet powerful. It can help you watch Netflix in China while providing you with a fast, secure, and reliable connection. Subscriptions include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our in-depth PrivateVPN review.

7. Astrill

works with netflixTested Dec 2024

Astrill is a reliable option for watching Netflix in China. It offers dedicated servers that are optimized for streaming to help you bypass the Great Firewall and watch US Netflix without any interruptions. You can access high-quality HD streams from HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more with strategic server locations.

Astrill also provides robust security and privacy measures such as AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and obfuscation to hide your VPN usage. It also includes port forwarding, a dedicated IP address option and supports WireGuard for ultrafast streaming and gaming. The provider keeps no logs of any online activity or user data. You can connect up to five devices at once with Astrill. It has servers in over 60 countries and is compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, and Android. It also works with a selection of routers.

One of the biggest downsides for Astrill is its pricing, coming in at a higher cost than other VPNs on this list and lacking any form of money-back guarantee.

SUPPORTS WIREGUARD:Astrill includes port forwarding support, offers servers in 60 countries, including China, and offers a dedicated IP address.

Check out our full review of Astrill here.

Finding the best VPNs for Netflix in China: Methodology

To ensure consumers select the right VPN for their requirements and enjoy a VPN experience that’s nothing less than excellent, we put VPNs through rigorous testing. During testing, several factors are considered, detailed within our VPN testing methodology guide. Some of the most significant testing factors are included below:

1. Servers in China – Whether China is your home country or you’re visiting from abroad, you might want to access region-locked content in other locations. A VPN with servers in China will prevent surveillance and logging even when using local Chinese services.
2. Robust encryption – The effectiveness of a VPN is determined by the encryption it uses. Unfortunately, many VPNs use substandard encryption that doesn’t adhere to modern standards. The VPNs we recommend for China use military-grade encryption above to ensure watertight privacy.
3. Servers spanning the globe – If you want to access the content you already pay for at home from anywhere globally, a VPN with a global server network will make it possible.
4. A zero logs policy – What you get up to online is your business. Selecting a VPN that doesn’t collect logs ensures your data remains private and anonymous from the likes of ISPs who can see your data and share it with local authorities.
5. Excellent customer support – Getting support when you’re using a VPN in a heavily-censored country like China is vital, so we always recommend VPNs with live chat or ticketing support that’s available 24/7.

Watching Netflix in China with a VPN: FAQs