Does ExpressVPN work in China?
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.
Checked
Next check
ExpressVPN in China at a glance
- Status this week
- Hit or miss
- Price
- From ~$8/mo
- Protocols
- Lightway, OpenVPN
- Best for
- People who already pay for ExpressVPN and want to try it alongside a more reliable option.
Used to be the default recommendation for China. Still works for many people using the Lightway protocol, but reports on Reddit are mixed and it can go down for days during sensitive periods.
Good
- Polished apps
- Good support
- Often works
Not so good
- Reliability has dropped
- Frequently blocked during sensitive dates
How to set up ExpressVPN for China
- Install ExpressVPN before you travel. Its website is blocked in China.
- Leave the protocol on Automatic, or try Lightway UDP and then Lightway TCP if it will not connect.
- Try servers in Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore or US West first.
- Do not rely on it alone. Install a VPN that is working this week as your main or backup option.
More detail: how to set up a VPN before your trip and what to try if your VPN stops working.
Better options than ExpressVPN this week
- Does Astrill work in China? · From ~$12.50/moWorking
- Does Surfshark work in China? · From ~$2.50/moWorking
- Does Proton VPN work in China? · From ~$5/mo (paid tier)Hit or miss
Head-to-head
ExpressVPN in China: questions
- Why does ExpressVPN keep disconnecting in China?
- The Great Firewall regularly identifies and blocks ExpressVPN servers, especially around politically sensitive dates. Switching protocol and server location helps, but some weeks nothing gets through.
- Was ExpressVPN ever the best VPN for China?
- For years it was the default recommendation. Reports from travellers and expats have become much more mixed, which is why it is now a backup rather than our first choice.