5 Best Free VPNs for China in 2025: Reliable & Safe 

If you’re traveling or living in China, chances are you’ve bumped into the Great Firewall. It blocks sites like Google, YouTube, Facebook, and many news outlets. Yikes! But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. You can still access the web freely with a good VPN.

VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, help you surf the internet safely. They hide your location and make it look like you’re browsing from somewhere else. Smart, right?

Now, not all VPNs work in China. And many get blocked. But we’re here with the 5 best free VPNs that still work in China in 2025. Yes, free!

1. Proton VPN – Safe & Unlimited

Proton VPN is a favorite among users in China. It’s strong, secure, and best of all—no data limits. Unlike others, you can browse all day without running out of free data.

• Pros: Unlimited data, strong encryption, no ads
• Cons: Only 3 free countries to choose from (US, Japan, Netherlands)

It also works great on both mobile and desktop. If you’re looking for a no-cost option that’s safe and private, Proton VPN is gold.

2. Windscribe – Great for Beginners

Windscribe packs a punch. It gives you 10GB of free data each month—pretty generous! The app is easy to use, making it ideal for VPN newbies.

• Pros: User-friendly, decent speed, built-in ad blocker
• Cons: 10GB limit might run out fast with streaming

To get the full 10GB data, all you need is a verified email. Try to use it mainly for messaging and browsing to stretch that limit.

3. TunnelBear – Fun & Secure

This one has a bear. Literally. TunnelBear’s app is full of cute animations—but also offers real protection. User-friendly? Very. Secure? Yes. Free? Of course!

• Pros: Fun and simple app, strong encryption
• Cons: Only 500MB of free data per month

500MB isn’t much, but it might be enough if you just want access to news or chat apps for a short trip. Plus, you can earn more data by tweeting about TunnelBear. 🐻

4. Hotspot Shield – Fast Speeds

Hotspot Shield offers one of the fastest free VPNs around. The free plan gives you 500MB per day. That adds up to about 15GB per month!

• Pros: Daily data allowance, fast connection
• Cons: Shows some ads, only one virtual location on free plan

This VPN is great if you use a little each day. It’s speedy and supports streaming in small doses. Just remember to close those pop-ups.

5. Atlas VPN – Strong Security

Atlas VPN might be new to the game, but it’s impressive. The free version gives access to three locations and comes with strong data safety features. Oh, and it works in China!

• Pros: Easy to use, no logs policy, works well with streaming services
• Cons: Limited server choices on the free plan

If you want a lightweight but safe VPN, Atlas VPN checks the boxes. It’s a solid pick for beginners and regular users both.

Final Tips for Using Free VPNs in China

Before you travel, download and install your VPN outside of China. Many VPN websites are blocked there. You’ll also want to keep your app updated and switch servers if one isn’t working.

Note: Free VPNs come with some trade-offs—like slower speeds or limited data. If you want the best experience, consider investing in a paid version. But for light users or short visits, these freebies work just fine!

With one of these VPNs, the Great Firewall doesn’t have to ruin your internet fun. Surf safe, stay connected, and enjoy your time in China!