Astrill vs ExpressVPN in China
Astrill is the better choice for China this week. It is rated "working", while ExpressVPN is "hit or miss".
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Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Astrill | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Status in China | Working | Hit or miss |
| Price | From ~$12.50/mo | From ~$8/mo |
| Protocols | StealthVPN, OpenWeb, WireGuard | Lightway, OpenVPN |
| Best for | Anyone who needs a VPN that just works in China and is willing to pay for it. | People who already pay for ExpressVPN and want to try it alongside a more reliable option. |
| Good | Consistently reported working by expats. China-specific protocols. Good speeds. | Polished apps. Good support. Often works. |
| Not so good | Most expensive mainstream option. Dated apps. | Reliability has dropped. Frequently blocked during sensitive dates. |
Each VPN in detail
Astrill VPN
Yes. Astrill is the VPN most consistently reported as working in mainland China, mainly thanks to its StealthVPN and OpenWeb protocols.
ExpressVPN
Sometimes. ExpressVPN still works for many people in China using the Lightway protocol, but reliability has dropped and it can be down for days during sensitive periods.