How to Watch Netflix in China With a VPN (Updated 2023)
Last Updated by Kate Hawkins on March 07, 2024
Netflix doesn’t broadcast in China, making it difficult to keep up with your favorite shows and movies when you travel to the country. While it isn’t blocked, you won’t be able to access your Netflix account from China unless you’re using a top-quality VPN service.
Most VPNs don’t work in China, but I’ve found 3 premium VPNs that reliably connect to Netflix from inside the country. However, it’s difficult to download them when in China, as the services are blocked by China’s Great Firewall. Make sure you download and install your VPN before you travel, so you can always keep up with your Netflix viewing.
Overall, the best VPN for watching Netflix in China is ExpressVPN. Its top-tier security and privacy features ensure you reliably connect to Netflix, and its blazing-fast speeds are ideal for smooth streaming. Plus, you can try ExpressVPN with Netflix risk-free.
Watch Netflix in China with ExpressVPN
Quick Guide: 3 Easy Steps to Watch Netflix in China
- Download a VPN that works in China. With premium security and fast speeds, ExpressVPN is the top choice for secure, smooth Netflix streaming in China.
- Connect to a server outside of China, ideally in your home country that has access to Netflix.
- Open Netflix and start viewing. Stay connected to the VPN server while streaming to ensure you can watch Netflix uninterrupted.
Watch Netflix in China with ExpressVPN
Important: Make sure you download your VPN and note customer service contact information before traveling to China. Many VPN websites are blocked (unless they are government-approved services) so you won’t be able to download or troubleshoot the apps when you’re in the country.
The Best VPNs to Watch Netflix in China (Tested March 2023)
1. ExpressVPN — Top-Tier Security and Privacy, Plus Blazing-Fast Speeds for Netflix in China
Key Features:
- Works consistently in China for easy access to your local Netflix account
- Obfuscation on every server ensures you avoid China’s proxy detection
- Blazing-fast speeds across network of 3000+ servers for lag-free streaming
- Stream on 5 devices at the same time
- 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN’s high-level security and privacy features make it ideal for streaming Netflix in China. Layers of encryption and obfuscation mask your VPN traffic and true location, avoiding detection by China’s robust technology. During tests, ExpressVPN easily connected to Netflix from China, with UHD streaming on multiple servers — and without being blocked by the Great Firewall.
To successfully connect you to Netflix and keep your data and activity anonymous, ExpressVPN uses a range of premium features, including:
- AES-256-encryption to keep all traffic and information away from prying eyes and third parties
- Server obfuscation on all connections to disguise your VPN traffic as regular traffic, preventing blocks by China’s Great Firewall
- Data leak protection helps avoid accidental data leaks that expose your true identity and location, including IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks
- TrustedServer Technology on RAM-based servers, guaranteeing your data is never logged or stored — proven when Turkish authorities seized an ExpressVPN server and recovered no data
- Audited zero-log policy further confirms your data and activity is always secure when using ExpressVPN’s servers
I thought these top-tier features (especially constant server obfuscation) would slow my speeds, but ExpressVPN is easily the fastest VPN I’ve tested. Across its global network of 3000+ servers, ExpressVPN is consistently fast, with only a small drop from standard speeds. I didn’t notice a difference in my connection at all — it was like ExpressVPN wasn’t connected.
With these speeds, it’s easy to stream Netflix lag-free from anywhere, as well as torrent, game online, and browse without interruptions.
You can easily set up and connect to ExpressVPN’s servers on multiple popular devices, making it simple to start streaming on Netflix in just a couple of minutes. ExpressVPN also has a native app for compatible routers, so it’s easy to connect devices that don’t support VPNs (like game consoles and some smart TVs).
Customer support is also impressive, with an email response taking less than 30 minutes to respond to me — ideal if you have an urgent question while in China and are unable to use the live chat. ExpressVPN has a mirror site that is accessible at https://expressvpn.xyz/, and you can contact customer support at support@expressvpn.zendesk.com.
The only issue with ExpressVPN is its premium price tag — plans start at $6.67/month for a 1-year + 3 months subscription. While it’s a little more expensive, I’m happy to pay more for guaranteed connections to Netflix from inside China.
Fortunately, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free as the service is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you change your mind about subscribing, you can get a full refund. I tested the process and it was very easy, with the 24/7 live chat agent arranging my refund in less than 2 minutes. Best of all, I had my money back in just 5 days.
ExpressVPN also unblocks: Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, Peacock, Discovery+, Showtime, BBC iPlayer, BritBox, Starz, Crunchyroll, fuboTV, Sling TV, DirecTV, YouTube TV, Kodi, and more.
ExpressVPN works on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Nvidia Shield, Xiaomi Mi Box, Google Chromecast, Roku, Android TVs, smart TVs, routers, and more.
Watch Netflix in China with ExpressVPN
March 2023 Update! ExpressVPN has dropped prices for a limited time to a crazy $6.67 per month for the 1-year plan (you can save up to 49%) + 3 months free! This is a limited offer so be sure to grab it now before it’s gone. See more information on this offer here.
2. PrivateVPN — Stealth VPN Ensures Reliable Connections to Netflix From China
Key Features:
- Works well in China, with reliable connections for Netflix
- Stealth VPN obfuscation helps access Netflix by masking VPN traffic
- Solid speeds on network of 200+ servers — minor buffering before streaming
- Watch Netflix on 10 devices simultaneously
- 30-day money-back guarantee
PrivateVPN’s Stealth VPN tool can avoid detection by the Great Firewall, making it easy to access your Netflix account when visiting China. Stealth VPN obfuscates the connection, making your VPN traffic appear to be standard internet traffic. Even with Deep Packet Inspection (DPI), your connection passes by China’s robust detection without being noticed. During tests, Stealth VPN provided easy connections to Netflix for streaming in multiple locations.
As Stealth VPN provides an extra layer of encryption, you may find it slows your speeds a little. Fortunately, PrivateVPN is reliably fast across its server network, with speeds fast enough for UHD streaming on Netflix. If your speeds are around 50Mbps or slower, you may notice an impact when connected to PrivateVPN — however, this should only be a few seconds of buffering before streaming, with minimal interruptions when watching your content.
Alongside Stealth VPN, PrivateVPN features a range of security and privacy tools to protect your data and activity from prying third parties. These include:
- AES-256-bit encryption on all connections, the same top-tier security used by financial institutions and the US military
- data leak protection stops IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks that compromise your anonymity
- automatic kill switch blocks access to the internet if the VPN connection is interrupted, maintaining your security
- zero-log privacy policy ensures your data won’t be logged or stored on PrivateVPN’s servers when you’re connected
In terms of its apps, PrivateVPN is very easy to set up and navigate, making it a solid choice for beginner VPN users. Native apps are available for many popular platforms, and router setup makes it possible to configure a VPN connection with a smart TV, game console, or streaming device.
I was impressed by PrivateVPN’s customer service — the VPN promises to reply to emails within 24 hours, but the longest I had to wait was 90 minutes, with the fastest response taking just 15 minutes. This is ideal when you can’t access the live chat feature, as PrivateVPN’s website is blocked in China. You can reach out to PrivateVPN’s email support at support@privatevpn.com.
My issue with PrivateVPN is its server network is small, with just 200+ connections available. In my experience, PrivateVPN’s network is sometimes difficult to connect to, particularly at peak traffic times — I occasionally had to wait several minutes to establish a working connection. However, as one of the most affordable monthly VPNs available (plans start at $2.00/month), I didn’t mind waiting to connect to Netflix.
You can try streaming with PrivateVPN in China risk-free for up to 30 days. If you’re not satisfied, you can get a full refund by contacting customer support by email. I had a prompt response confirming my cancellation request and had my money back within 5 days.
PrivateVPN also unblocks: Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Showtime, Discovery+, Canal+, Crunchyroll, Vudu, UKTV, 9Now, CBC, YouTube TV, and more.
PrivateVPN works on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Blackberry, Raspberry Pi, Chrome, Firefox, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Xiaomi Mi Box, Google Chromecast, Android TVs, routers, and more.
Watch Netflix in China with PrivateVPN
3. VyprVPN — Proprietary Chameleon Protocol Masks VPN Traffic for Netflix Streaming in China
Key Features:
- Works well in China — able to access Netflix in multiple locations
- Chameleon protocol obfuscates servers to avoid China’s Great Firewall
- Solid speeds across a network of 700+ servers suitable for streaming
- Supports up to 30 simultaneous connections
- 30-day money-back guarantee
VyprVPN’s proprietary Chameleon protocol is a top choice for streaming Netflix in China. Chameleon scrambles the data packet metadata of your traffic so China’s DPI can’t detect it as a VPN connection. This makes it possible to get through China’s network restrictions to access Netflix — just make sure you switch to Chameleon before connecting, as it isn’t the default protocol.
I thought Chameleon would slow my speeds, but was pleased to find VyprVPN is a reliably fast VPN service. During tests, my speeds weren’t quite as fast as ExpressVPN, but it was enough for UHD streaming on Netflix. You may experience more reduction if your home country is far from China. Try sorting VyprVPN’s servers by speed for the fastest connection.
Alongside solid speeds and Chameleon obfuscation, VyprVPN provides quality features that keep you secure while you’re streaming Netflix, including:
- military-grade encryption on all servers to protect your personal data from hackers and spies
- data leak protection stops accidental DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks from exposing your true location to Netflix
- split tunneling reduces unnecessary data traveling through the encrypted tunnel, keeping speeds fast
- audited zero-log privacy policy guarantees your data is never logged or stored on VyprVPN’s servers when you’re connected
You can use VyprVPN on multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, routers, and more. This makes it easy to secure your connections from anywhere so you can watch Netflix even when out and about. Setup and connections are easy, and I had no issues establishing and maintaining a secure connection, even at peak traffic times.
Customer support is great, especially email responses. I had an email back in less than an hour, which is very fast — anything less than 4 hours I consider prompt. This is ideal when visiting China, as you’ll get fast replies when you can’t access live chat. You can also access VyprVPN’s mirror site when in China, at www.vysupport.com.
The only issue with VyprVPN is its price. Plans start at $5.00/month for a 1-year subscription, which I find expensive for its limited feature set. You won’t find the ad or malware blockers, optimized servers, or customizable encryption levels you get with other services.
If you want to try VyprVPN for yourself, you can do so risk-free as the service is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. I contacted the live chat and had my refund processed in just a few minutes — I had my money back in 3 days.
VyprVPN also unblocks: Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Showtime, Discovery+, Canal+, Crunchyroll, Vudu, UKTV, 9Now, CBC, YouTube TV, and more.
VyprVPN works on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Blackberry, Raspberry Pi, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Xiaomi Mi Box, Google Chromecast, Android TVs, routers, and more.
Watch Netflix in China with VyprVPN
Comparison Table: 2023’s Best VPNs to Access Netflix in China
| Server Number | Server Countries | Speeds | Server Obfuscation | Lowest Price | Money-Back Guarantee | |
| ExpressVPN | 3000+ | 94+ | Very Fast | ✔ | $6.67/month | 30 days |
| PrivateVPN | 200+ | 63+ | Fast | ✔ | $2.00/month | 30 days |
| VyprVPN | 700+ | 80+ | Good | ✔ | $5.00/month | 30 days |
Watch Netflix in China with ExpressVPN
How I Tested and Ranked the Best VPNs to Watch Netflix in China
I ran a series of rigorous tests to find the best VPNs in 2023 for watching Netflix in China. Each VPN was ranked according to the following criteria:
- Works reliably in China: Each VPN has the necessary features to allow connections beyond China’s Great Firewall, ensuring you can access your Netflix account (and more) while you’re traveling to the country.
- Solid server network: A robust global network keeps speeds fast and reduces the chance of user congestion so you can always make a connection.
- Fast speeds for streaming: I ran speed tests on multiple servers to make sure all recommended VPNs are capable of reliably fast download speeds for smooth streaming on Netflix.
- Top-tier security features: Each VPN has military-grade encryption, data leak protection, and server obfuscation to mask your VPN traffic. This lets you easily connect to services outside of China by avoiding proxy detection technology.
- Guaranteed privacy: I read all privacy policies and independent audits for each VPN to confirm your data is never logged or stored by the service — guaranteeing your anonymity when securely connected to servers.
- Customer support: As it’s tough to access a VPN website from China, I checked that each VPN offers customer support in multiple ways — namely, that direct email is available and responses take less than 4 hours for any questions or queries.
- Value for money: There are different VPNs to suit all budgets, with various features that make them competitively priced. Plus, each service has a money-back guarantee so you can purchase your VPN with confidence.
Watch Netflix in China with ExpressVPN
FAQs on VPNs and Netflix in China
Why don’t some VPNs work in China?
China’s proxy detection and firewall technology are extremely robust, so only the best VPNs for China work in the country. Most premium VPNs struggle to get through China’s Great Firewall, and many services simply cannot connect due to strict network regulations. China uses different methods to prevent the use of non-government-approved services, like Deep Packet Inspection and blocking VPN websites. You’ll also find companies like Apple have agreed not to host non-approved VPNs on the Chinese App Store.
Fortunately, there are a handful of VPNs that consistently monitor and test their server networks to make sure you can make a secure connection from China.
Is it legal to use a VPN to watch Netflix in China?
Not exactly. Only the use of government-approved VPNs is legal in China, but the best VPNs to use in China aren’t on the approval list — these are services that will keep your data and online activity secure and anonymous, and won’t share your information with government bodies.
However, access to your Netflix account isn’t possible from China unless you use a quality VPN. During my research, I found that most foreign visitors arrive in China with a VPN already installed, and I haven’t found any evidence of government action against tourists. It would seem VPN rules are mainly for Chinese nationals — as long as you’re not using a VPN connection for illegal activities, you’re unlikely to face repercussions for connecting to stream Netflix.
It’s also worth noting that it isn’t illegal to use a VPN to watch Netflix, but if Netflix detects that you’re using a VPN or proxy you’ll only be able to view Netflix Original content. This is due to broadcasting and copyright regulations that only allow certain content to be shown in licensed locations.
Is Netflix available in China?
No, Netflix isn’t available in China — it doesn’t broadcast there at all. That’s why you’ll need to connect to a VPN server in your home country to access Netflix from China.
Netflix doesn’t currently have a licensing agreement with China, which is why you can’t even watch Netflix Originals when traveling to the country. The Chinese market is very difficult to break into, due to strict government legislation. It’s unlikely we’ll see a Netflix China in the near future, but you’ll always be able to access your Netflix account from China by using a top VPN.
What’s China’s version of Netflix?
iQiyi could be described as China’s version of Netflix, which offers a selection of movies, series, anime, and more. However, you’ll still need a VPN to watch content available on Netflix in China as iQiyi only hosts Chinese shows and movies. There used to be an agreement in place between Netflix and iQiyi to broadcast Netflix Original content, but that partnership has ended.
Can I watch Netflix in China with a free VPN?
No — it’s very unlikely you’ll find a free VPN that works in China. A free VPN simply doesn’t have the top-tier security and privacy features necessary for secure, reliable connections in China. You’ll only be able to access Netflix and avoid China’s proxy detection technology by using a premium VPN service.
Even the best free VPNs in 2023 aren’t suitable for use in China. If you even manage to make a connection, you’ll find a limited server selection, and low data caps mean you can’t stream Netflix how you want to. I also don’t recommend using free VPNs that are available in China, as these will have government approval — meaning they are very likely to log your data and activity, leaving you vulnerable.
Instead, I recommend subscribing to a premium VPN like PrivateVPN, which has a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, or if you don’t need the VPN once you return from China, you can get a full refund.
I tested the process myself and it was easy. I had an email response to my refund request the same day, and my money was returned within a week.
Get the top VPN for Netflix in China
Start Watching Netflix in China Today
As Netflix isn’t broadcast in China, it’s almost impossible to access the service when you’re traveling — unless you’re using a premium VPN. However, not all VPNs have the high-performance security and privacy features necessary to get past China’s Great Firewall.
After rigorous testing, I’ve found 3 top-tier VPNs suitable for watching Netflix in China. Of those, ExpressVPN is the top choice for secure, lag-free streaming. Its impressive server obfuscation can easily provide access to Netflix from inside China, and blazing-fast speeds ensure the best stream quality. You can try ExpressVPN with Netflix in China risk-free, as the service is backed by a 30-day guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, you can get a full refund with no questions asked.
