Finding a VPN that works reliably in China can be a challenge, especially if you’re relying on Google. We set out to identify the best VPNs by reviewing Google’s top search results, only to hit a wall of affiliate-driven rankings disguised as genuine recommendations. These rankings promote the same names—ExpressVPN, NordVPN, SurfSharkVPN—the VPNs with the highest affiliate commissions. Unfortunately, this approach pushes profits over privacy, leaving users with services that often don’t work in China.
We compiled a list of the VPNs most frequently mentioned on major review sites, along with actual user feedback. Notably, Reddit.com stands out as a trustworthy source, featuring real-time feedback from users in China. In contrast, most review sites push the same few brands, despite user reports that these VPNs fail to work in China.
Bottom line: If you’re seeking a VPN that genuinely works in China, we recommend bypassing Google’s top results and checking resources like Reddit for user-tested feedback
Where to Find Genuine VPN Reviews - Reddit.com
Source: Google.com - Nov 2024
As of November 2024, Reddit holds the rare #1 ranking among Google’s search results when searching for a VPN that actually works in China, and we couldn't agree more.
On Reddit, users who have recently been to China or are currently residing there regularly share their firsthand experiences, offering insights that are both recent and relevant. These discussions are not influenced by paid sponsorships or affiliate payouts, and the platform's upvoting system helps prioritize the most helpful, honest responses. As a result, we highly recommend Reddit as a valuable tool for users seeking accurate, up-to-date, and impartial VPN recommendations for use in China.
1. Reddit.com - V1VPN, LetsVPN, Mullvad, ProtonVPN
Google’s VPN Results: A Closer Look at Biased Rankings
Sadly, the remaining search results are affiliate-driven lists designed to exploit Google’s algorithm, repeatedly promoting the same top-commission VPNs.
2. Techradar.com - NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Private Internet Access
3. Comparitech.com - NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, Hotspot Shield, VyprVPN, PureVPN, PrivateVPN, UltraVPN
4. Cybernews.com - NordVPN, Surfshark, ProtonVPN, PureVPN, ExpressVPN, Astrill, Mullvad
5. TheFoodRanger.com - ExpressVPN, PureVPN, ProtonVPN
6. Tomsguide.com - NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Astrill
7. FarwestChina.com - ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Vypr, Pure
8. VPN Mentor.com - ExpressVPN, Astrill, PrivateVPN, Private Internet Access, Tunnelbear
This might be acceptable if these VPNs actually worked in China—but numerous user testimonials suggest the top recommendations from Google don’t work at all:
ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Private Internet Access (PIA), and Surfshark WILL NOT RELIABLY WORK (if at all) in China, regardless of what their advertising or support tells you
ExpressVPN has stopped working in China for quite a while. I didn't work since last year I was there and not worked anytime I went to China this year
As of today (15/09/2024) both Nord VPN and Express VPN DO NOT WORK for me in China.
Nord and Express are useless trash at this point. Remember the basic rule of VPNs, the more they spend on YouTube ads and marketing, the less their service actually works as advertised in China!
I'd say no, I arrived on Tuesday, just gone and tried Nord and Express VPN's, both are shoddy and don't work well with the great firewall.
No. (NordVPN) Hasn't worked for years now despite claiming it does. None of the workarounds work either
Source: Reddit.com
The Shady Business of VPNs: How False Recommendations Are Driven by Profits, Not Privacy
How can this be? Surely our old friend Google wouldn’t steer us wrong, right?
Unfortunately, the VPN industry is riddled with shady vendors and dubious practices that make it hard to separate trustworthy providers from those using every trick to win customers. Many VPN companies pay hefty affiliate commissions - even up to 100% of your 1-month subscription - incentivizing reviewers and sites to rank them at the top even if they’re not the best options. These biased recommendations slip past Google’s algorithms, creating a search landscape where profits trump honesty, and users are misled into choosing services that may not protect their privacy or deliver on performance.
Source: nordvpn.com
Our friends over at New York Times further reported on the shady nature of VPN industry - especially since only three companies control the entire VPN market - led by ExpressVPN corporate parent, Kape Technologies:
In the last five years, Kape has also bought several other popular VPN services, including CyberGhost VPN, Zenmate and, just last month, ExpressVPN in a $936 million deal. This year, Kape additionally bought a group of VPN review sites that give top ratings to the VPN services it owns.
Yes, you read that right—many VPN review websites are owned by the very companies they’re promoting, creating an illusion of independent endorsement. This setup is not just misleading; it’s an intentional strategy to capture potential customers at every turn. VPN companies know that users are more likely to trust a "review" from what seems like an impartial site.
But if you dig a little deeper, you'll often find that these "unbiased" sites are directly tied to the VPNs they rank at the top. Ownership disclosures are often buried or hidden altogether, and some companies even set up multiple review sites to ensure they dominate search results. With just a few more clicks, you'll see how tangled this web of influence is—and how difficult it becomes to find honest advice in an industry driven by commissions and ownership stakes.
For further reading:
Who Owns Express VPN, Nord, Surfshark? VPN Relationships ExplainedPN Relationships Explained
We'll leave you with a final thought from someone who understands online security better than most— even Edward Snowden says just say NO to ExpressVPN.
