Last Updated on 2024年4月6日 by wallzhihu
Crossing the digital boundaries of 2024, we are facing a brand new network challenge. With the widespread use of smartphones, mobile VPNs have become the norm for bypassing firewalls. However, for PC users who prefer larger screens and powerful processing capabilities, choosing the right computer VPN has become a hot topic. Whether it's a desktop computer or a laptop, using a computer VPN is more convenient and direct than on a smartphone.
Focus of this article:
- We will explore the best VPN services for PC users in 2024 for bypassing firewalls.
- Comparing the pros and cons of free computer VPNs and paid computer VPNs, especially in terms of their performance in bypassing firewalls.
- Analyzing the speed-to-value ratio of various computer VPNs to help you find the most suitable option.
- Pointing out some computer VPNs that should be avoided at all costs, as well as the potential risks and drawbacks of self-built VPNs.
Latest Firewall Bypass Policy Analysis:
- Recently, China has implemented the so-called “white list policy” due to the centennial celebration of the Communist Party, the pandemic, and the tense situation between China and the United States. This policy restricts the use of many firewall bypassing software.
- We have received news that previously popular domestic firewall bypassing software such as Lantern VPN and PandaVPN are no longer usable.
My Testing and Recommendations:
- After actual testing, StrongVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark are currently the effective Western VPNs that can still bypass the firewall in China, and they perform excellently in terms of security.
- For users who insist on using domestic VPNs, we recommend FlowVPN, which has a Chinese interface. Although its stability may not be as good as Western VPNs, it is still a good option under certain circumstances.
With the continuous changes in the online environment, choosing a suitable computer VPN has become especially important. This article not only provides the latest evaluation of computer VPNs in 2024 but also brings you the most urgent analysis of the current firewall bypass policy. We hope that through this article, we can help you find a secure and reliable network channel in this ever-changing digital era.
The Zhihu Wall Statement (Hoping Everyone Can Freely Enjoy the Clear Sky Beyond the Wall):
The statement is as follows: This website is different from others. There won't be any pop-up ads recommending VPNs, and we won't collect any emails from you. This is because I don't directly benefit from the VPN providers I recommend. I'm not their employee, and they haven't paid me to say anything positive about them. I conduct speed tests on over a hundred VPNs, drawing from my years of experience working in both China and the US. If a VPN works well, I'll recommend it based on speed tests. If it doesn't, I'll clearly state that. My goal is to help everyone freely enjoy the clear sky beyond the wall.
How are free computer VPNs for bypassing firewalls?
Many internet users search for free computer VPNs and often come across several software claiming to be free VPNs. Think about it, using a VPN requires setting up servers overseas, which costs money. Who would spend a fortune setting up overseas nodes just to let many users use it for free? So, generally speaking, free VPNs are just a gimmick. The good ones will let you try it for a day before deciding to purchase, while the bad ones will let you use it endlessly while secretly collecting your email, account passwords, and other personal information. And think about it carefully, if it's really free, then it's impossible to have money to hire engineers. As the firewall continues to update, the old nodes cannot be repaired, which means that even if there are truly free VPNs that can successfully bypass the firewall in the world, their lifespan is not long. I advise everyone not to use them. There are too many drawbacks to free VPNs to detail: you can refer to the dangers of free VPNs.
Windows PC VPN (Desktop VPN) Latest Testing – Breaking Through the Great Firewall on Zhihu
Below is updated VPN information as of April 2024:
Nowadays, there is an abundance of VPN options available in the market, both paid and free. Each claims to be the top-tier VPN, but the reality is often different. With continuous upgrades to internet firewalls, reliable VPNs that can still be used in mainland China are becoming increasingly scarce, and those that offer stability and fast speeds are even rarer. To assist you in finding a VPN that remains accessible in mainland China and offers faster speeds, we have conducted professional evaluations on hundreds of mainstream VPN software, providing detailed installation guides for each one.
1 Best VPN in China: StrongVPN
Key Features:
- Multi-platform support: StrongVPN supports platforms such as Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and FireTV.
- Unlimited bandwidth and high-speed connections: StrongVPN offers high-speed, unlimited bandwidth connections, allowing users to smoothly browse and download content.
- Advanced encryption technology: StrongVPN utilizes protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP, SSTP, and IPSec to ensure the security of user data. Additionally, StrongVPN offers robust AES-256 encryption.
- Server locations: StrongVPN has deployed over 950 servers globally, covering 60 countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Australia, and Singapore.
- Multi-device usage: Users can use StrongVPN on multiple devices simultaneously to protect their data.
- 24/7 customer support: StrongVPN provides round-the-clock customer support through email, live chat, or phone contact.
- User-friendly Chinese installation interface: StrongVPN offers a user-friendly installation interface in Chinese.
Pricing:
StrongVPN offers various subscription plans, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their needs. Below are the pricing options for StrongVPN:
- 1 Month: $10.00 per month
- 12 Months: $5.83 per month (totaling $69.99)
- 24 Months: $4.17 per month (totaling $99.99)
歡迎參考: StrongVPN中國安裝教學【含2024年最新優惠及測速影片】
2 Best VPN China: fastest and the most stable- ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN's core features include:
- Compatibility Across All Platforms: Whether you're using Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android, ExpressVPN provides dedicated applications for seamless integration.
- Ultra-High Security: With state-of-the-art AES-256 encryption, ExpressVPN ensures the utmost security for your data.
- Privacy Protection: ExpressVPN not only hides your real IP address but also offers its private DNS service for added privacy.
- Global Coverage: With over 3,000 servers across 94 countries, ExpressVPN ensures you have the best connection experience no matter where you are.
- Great Value Pricing: Purchase now and enjoy a special discounted price for three months!
Pricing Details:
- 1 Month: Only $12.95 per month
- 6 Months: $9.99 per month (totaling $59.95)
- 1 Year: $6.67 per month (totaling $99.95)
歡迎參考: ExpressVPN 中國實測【含2024年最新優惠及測速影片】
3 Surfshark VPN – Affordable VPN for China with Unlimited Device Connections
Key Features:
- Multi-platform Support: Surfshark VPN is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, FireTV, Chrome, Firefox, and more.
- Unlimited Device Connections: Users can connect to the VPN on an unlimited number of devices with a single Surfshark account.
- Hide IP Address: Surfshark VPN hides users' IP addresses and utilizes its proprietary DNS service to protect network privacy.
- Standard Encryption Technology: Surfshark VPN employs AES-256-GCM encryption to safeguard users' data from theft or interception.
- Ad and Malware Blocking: With the built-in CleanWeb feature, Surfshark VPN blocks ads and malicious software attacks.
- Fast and Unlimited Bandwidth: Surfshark VPN's servers are deployed in multiple regions worldwide, offering fast and unlimited bandwidth connections.
Pricing:
Surfshark VPN offers various subscription plans to meet your needs.
- 1 Month: $11.95 per month
- 12 Months: $5.99 per month, totaling $71.88 (66% discount)
- 24 Months: $2.49 per month, totaling $59.76 (85% discount)
Why Choose Surfshark VPN?
- Military-grade Encryption Technology: Protect your data and prevent unauthorized access.
- Strict No-logs Policy: Surfshark VPN does not log your online activities or personal information.
- Global Server Network: With over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries/regions worldwide, Surfshark VPN provides fast and secure connections.
- Unlimited Device Connections: Connect to the VPN on an unlimited number of devices with one account.
- 24/7 Customer Support: Enjoy round-the-clock customer support to answer your questions and resolve your issues.
- Subscribe to Surfshark VPN now for a secure, fast, and unrestricted online experience!
歡迎參考: Surfshark VPN(沖浪鯊) 中國安裝教學【含2024年最新優惠及測速影片】
4 FLOWVPN – China-based VPN with a Two-Day Free Trial and Abundant Additional Features
Exceptional Speed Performance: Flowvpn Review – February 2024 Testing
- While originating from China, this VPN's stability slightly lags behind its competitors from Europe and America.
- In addition to supporting Alipay payments, it provides a complete Chinese interface and customer service, along with an extensive two-day free trial period.
- Price and package plans vary according to individual needs, making it both affordable and high-performing, especially suitable for student users.
- The VPN offers a two-day free trial period, allowing users to thoroughly test its features and performance to make informed decisions.
歡迎參考: Flow VPN 中國實測【含2024年最新優惠及測速影片】
Conclusion on Computer VPN Speed and Cost-effectiveness – StrongVPN Ranked the Best
VPN Cost-Effectiveness Comparison April 2024, Latest Update Last Week, April 3 – April 10 th
When choosing a VPN, we typically consider core factors such as security, stability, speed, and cost-effectiveness. Many recommendations on the market may exaggerate facts, but each VPN I recommend is based on actual testing conducted by myself. In order to provide valuable information directly and succinctly, here are my test results and recommendations without excessive padding.
Why Can You Trust My Tests?
- I always adhere to principles of objectivity and fairness in testing.
- My tests are based on real-world usage scenarios, not theoretical maximum speeds.
- Despite limitations in my WiFi speed, I ensure that the VPNs tested meet satisfactory speed standards and effectively bypass censorship.
VPN Cost-Effectiveness Analysis:
- To clearly illustrate the cost-effectiveness of different VPNs, I have created a chart where the horizontal axis represents the subscription duration and the vertical axis represents the monthly price (in US dollars).
- One-year subscription: StrongVPN is the most economical choice, with an average monthly cost of around $3.
- Two years or longer subscription: Surfshark offers the best value, with an average monthly cost of around $2.
- Monthly subscription: FlowVPN is the lowest-cost option at $6 per month.
From a long-term perspective, I personally recommend that if you plan to purchase for a year, then StrongVPN undoubtedly offers the best value for money. However, if you plan to purchase for more than two years, then Surfshark will be your best choice.
Wallzhihu-VPN speedtest 2024 April last week April 3 – April 10 th
In this year's on-site testing in Shanghai, I conducted detailed evaluations of StrongVPN, ExpressVPN, and several other VPNs. To ensure the fairness and objectivity of the results, I specifically selected multiple nodes from different countries for repeated testing. Here are the observations and conclusions I drew based on these tests:
- Testing in the United States:
- In the United States, especially in California nodes, ExpressVPN performed significantly better than StrongVPN, demonstrating its high-speed connectivity capabilities.
- I plan to conduct comprehensive testing on more nodes in the United States in the future to provide a more comprehensive assessment.
- Testing in Asia:
- In tests conducted in Japan, StrongVPN's average speed was slightly higher than ExpressVPN, demonstrating its superior performance in Asia.。
- Testing in other regions:
- ExpressVPN has more global nodes, particularly in Oceania and some other regions, and its performance generally surpasses that of StrongVPN.。
Overall Comparative Analysis:
- Taking everything into consideration, both have their strengths. In terms of pricing, StrongVPN demonstrates a higher value for money.
- For gamers who prefer playing games on US servers, ExpressVPN might be the preferred choice.
- For users who need to regularly access the Asian region (such as Japan, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan) or frequently use platforms like Facebook and YouTube, StrongVPN might be more suitable.
Speed Comparison Overview:
- In Europe and the US: ExpressVPN > StrongVPN
- In Asia: StrongVPN > ExpressVPN
- In other regions: ExpressVPN > StrongVPN
Application Recommendations:
- For gamers who frequently play games on US servers, ExpressVPN may be the better choice.
- For users who browse Facebook, YouTube regularly, or need to connect to Asian regions such as Japan, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, StrongVPN would be more suitable.
Price Consideration:
My personal recommendation, based on value for money, is as follows:
StrongVPN > FlowVPN > ExpressVPN > Surfshark
1 VPN Speed Comparison Across Different Countries (including North America, Europe, Oceania, Asia, Canada, South America, Africa)
2 VPN Speed Comparison in the Asia Region (Japan VPN speed test, Singapore speed test, Taiwan region speed test, South Korea region speed test)
3 VPN Connection Success Rate Comparison Across Various Regions to Bypass the Great Firewall (including North America, Europe, Oceania, Asia, Canada, South America, Africa), conducting 1000 tests per VPN with randomly selected nodes, with a confidence interval of 95%.
4 ExpressVPN, FlowVPN, Surfshark, and StrongVPN's success rates in connecting to Netflix across major continents globally.
This chart provides a detailed overview of the success rates of four VPN services – ExpressVPN, FlowVPN, Surfshark, and StrongVPN – when connecting to Netflix across major continents globally. Each small graph in the chart corresponds to a VPN service, where the horizontal axis represents the continents (Asia, Europe, Australia, Africa, and South America), and the vertical axis represents the percentage of successful connections. It can be observed that these VPN services perform better in Asia, Europe, and Australia, with higher success rates, while the success rates in Africa and South America are relatively lower. This may reflect differences in network conditions and infrastructure across different regions. Overall, this chart provides users with a clear visual reference to help them choose the appropriate VPN service based on their geographical location and needs.
How to Choose the Right PC VPN?
Ultimate VPN Guide: Features to Look for in 2024 – Updated April
In the quest for online privacy and security, selecting the right VPN service is paramount. As we navigate the digital landscape, the need for robust protection against cyber threats and the desire for unrestricted internet access has never been more critical. This comprehensive roundup, updated for March 2024, highlights essential VPN features that cater to the savvy netizen's demands:
- Advanced Encryption: Top-tier VPNs deploy state-of-the-art encryption standards, such as 256-bit AES, to shield your data during transmission from hackers and cyber threats.
- Simultaneous Connections: Enjoy the flexibility of connecting multiple devices under one VPN service. Whether it’s smartphones, computers, or tablets, secure them all at once.
- No-logs Policy: A steadfast commitment to not track any of your online activities, including browsing history and real IP address, safeguarding your privacy rights.
- Global Server Network: With servers strategically located worldwide, you’re guaranteed optimal connection speeds and unrestricted internet access anytime.
- Ad-blocking & Malware Protection: Surf with an added layer of security thanks to built-in ad blockers and malware protection, ensuring a safer and cleaner browsing experience.
- Unlimited Data & Bandwidth: Experience consistent network performance with unlimited data and bandwidth, making throttling a thing of the past.
- Multi-platform Support: Whether you’re on a desktop or mobile device, enjoy a seamless VPN experience across all platforms.
- P2P Support: Optimized for P2P connections, catering to the needs of users who engage in P2P file sharing.
- High-speed Connections: Benefit from high-speed and stable connections globally, balancing security without compromising on user experience.
- 24/7 Customer Support: Access round-the-clock customer support to address any technical queries you might have.
Choosing the Right VPN: What Else to Consider
- Pricing: Select a VPN service that fits your budget and meets your needs.
- Money-back Guarantee: Opt for providers offering a money-back guarantee for peace of mind.
- Free Trials: Choose services that offer free trials, allowing you to test before you commit.
Armed with this knowledge, you're now ready to select the VPN service that best aligns with your requirements, ensuring your online activities remain private and unrestricted.
Recommended PC VPNs for Bypassing Firewalls – Detailed Tutorials
Based on the characteristics mentioned above, we have narrowed down the selection to ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and StrongVPN. All three of these VPN services are compatible with computers and possess the aforementioned features.
VPN for Windows Recommendation 1 StrongVPN【The best price and support Alipay】
| free trial | Alipay | Access without the need for circumvention tools | Chinese customer support | Device compatibility | Unconditional refund policy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 5 | ✅ |
StrongVPN is among the recently emerged VPN services from Europe and America. Compared to the largest player in Europe and America, ExpressVPN, StrongVPN is considerably cheaper, starting at just $3.5 per month (12-month package – $3.5 per month, totaling $43.99). ExpressVPN, on the other hand, costs close to $6 per month. Additionally, StrongVPN supports Alipay, while ExpressVPN does not. Moreover, both have engineering teams continuously updating and repairing nodes. If you're primarily looking to browse YouTube or Facebook, I personally recommend using StrongVPN. The StrongVPN website claims it is the “best multimedia VPN” and recommends services like Netflix, Hulu, ABC, HBO, and Sky Go.
StrongVPN offers applications for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV, as well as Chrome browser extensions and setup guides for routers, Fire TV, Kodi, and more. With over 950 P2P-friendly servers in 46 cities across 35 countries/regions, StrongVPN allows connections through L2TP, SSTP, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and even the latest WireGuard protocol. They provide 24/7 customer support via email and live chat, along with a 30-day money-back guarantee. While nothing extraordinary, the specifications are decent enough and should suffice for most users.
StrongVPN Review – April 2024 Testing
In addition to conducting our own tests, we have provided actual screenshots of our testing results (connecting to Japan) for reference. Unlike many bloggers who make exaggerated claims, we present concrete evidence to prove that StrongVPN can indeed access the internet in China (speed test screenshots from 2024).
StrongVPN's Features Overview:
- Extensive Platform Support
- Up to 12 Simultaneous Connections
- Ability to Unlock Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus
- 250GB SugarSync Storage with Annual Plan
- Over 8000 Servers
- Connectivity through L2TP, SSTP, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and even WireGuard Protocols
- 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
- 24/7 Customer Support
- StrongVPN's Robust Privacy Policy: Your data is not tracked or stored while using the VPN service
- The pricing of StrongVPN is cheaper compared to ExpressVPN and Surfshark, along with other European and American VPN services. In recent speed and node quantity tests, StrongVPN has surpassed ExpressVPN. It supports Alipay payment, ensuring convenience for users. The stability of StrongVPN is highly commendable.
With a starting price of just $3.5 per month (12-month plan – $3.5 per month, totaling $43.99), StrongVPN offers competitive rates. For just $43.99 per year, it provides better speed than ExpressVPN, as evidenced in the evaluation below.
StrongVPN Troubleshooting and Common Issues for Chinese Users
In addition to specially designed nodes for the Great Firewall of China, StrongVPN also provides detailed troubleshooting and solutions for common issues frequently encountered by Chinese users. You can refer to the following webpage for more information:
StrongVPN Troubleshooting and Common Issues for Chinese Users
StrongVPN Summary:
StrongVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) provider established in 2005, renowned for its security and privacy protection. Here is a detailed overview of StrongVPN:
- High-level Encryption: StrongVPN utilizes state-of-the-art 256-bit AES encryption technology to ensure the security and privacy of user data. Additionally, it supports various encryption protocols such as OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPSec, SSTP, and WireGuard to cater to different user needs.
- Servers and Locations: StrongVPN boasts over 950 servers in more than 30 countries and regions, allowing users to easily connect to servers in different countries to access region-restricted content.
- High-speed Connections: StrongVPN offers high-speed and stable connection speeds, ensuring smooth browsing, video streaming, and file downloading experiences for users.
- No-logs Policy: StrongVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not record user network activities, ensuring user privacy is protected.
- Simultaneous Device Connections: StrongVPN supports connections for up to 12 devices simultaneously, allowing users to use VPN services on multiple devices.
- Cross-platform Support: StrongVPN supports various operating systems and devices, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. Additionally, it provides browser extensions for browsers such as Chrome and Firefox.
- Customer Support: StrongVPN offers 24/7 customer support, including live chat and email support. They also have a detailed help center providing various tutorials on VPN setup and usage.
- 30-day Money-back Guarantee: If users are unsatisfied with StrongVPN's service, they can request a refund within 30 days of purchase.
In conclusion, StrongVPN is a VPN provider focused on security and privacy protection, making it suitable for users with high demands in network security and privacy protection.
VPN for Windows Recommendation 2: ExpressVPN【Purchase One Year, Get Three Months Free】
| VPN technology | Free trial | Alipay | Visit in China | Chinese support | Device support | Unconditional refund policy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VPN | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | 5 | ✅ |
ExpressVPN as the world's largest VPN company, leverages its extensive resources to provide real-time updates. With a massive network consisting of over 3,000 servers, ExpressVPN offers fast, secure, and reliable services. It can unlock Netflix and almost all overseas content, support torrents, and absolutely does not keep user logs, all while being user-friendly. In short, it's a top-quality VPN that excels in almost every aspect.
Whenever the firewall is blocked, ExpressVPN is quick to repair nodes. Currently, its success rate for bypassing censorship in China stands at an impressive 95%. Being a European and American company, it boasts exceptional stability and is considered a top-tier VPN, albeit with a slightly higher price tag. Its features include:
- Presence in over 94 countries/regions with at least 160 locations worldwide
- Large user base
- Quick repair of nodes whenever the firewall is blocked
- Free refund within 30 days
- 24/7 customer service available for 7 days a week
- Applications available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and other operating systems
- Compatibility with devices like Apple TV, Fire TV, PlayStation, Chromebook, and Kindle
- Multiple payment methods, including Bitcoin
- Industry-standard encryption
・ExpressVPN offers dedicated nodes exclusively for users in China.
ExpressVPN In the China region, there are four to five dedicated nodes optimized for firewall updates. Whenever the firewall undergoes updates, ExpressVPN prioritizes updating the server IP settings of these nodes to counter firewall blocks.
ExpressVPN demonstrates excellent speed performance, as evidenced by the ExpressVPN review conducted in April 2024.
Welcome: ExpressVPN China Real Test [Includes 2024 Latest Offers and Speed Test Videos] >>> Click here to go to ExpressVPN <<<
VPN Split Tunneling
VPN Split Tunneling is a VPN connection feature that allows users to maintain connections to both their VPN and local network simultaneously. This enables users to differentiate and manage traffic that needs to go through the VPN connection from traffic that requires direct access to local network resources.
Through VPN Split Tunneling, users can selectively route specific network traffic through the VPN connection to external networks while routing other traffic directly through the local network. This helps improve network efficiency while reducing the impact of VPN connections on network speeds.
The implementation of VPN Split Tunneling involves splitting traffic routing tables. Users can configure specific applications or traffic to pass through the VPN connection, thereby ensuring privacy and security, while allowing other traffic to pass directly through the local network.
However, it's important to note that using VPN Split Tunneling also comes with some risks. Routing critical network traffic through the local network may pose security risks. Therefore, when using VPN Split Tunneling, users need to carefully assess the risks and benefits and selectively choose which network traffic needs to be routed through the VPN connection. Additionally, it's essential to ensure that the VPN service provider offers adequate security and privacy protection measures to mitigate the risks of network attacks and data leaks.
VPN for Windows Recommendation 3: Surfshark【Save 81% Now + Unlimited Devices】
| VPN technology | free trial | Alipay | Visit in China | Chinese support | number of device | unconditional redemption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VPN | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | infinite | ✅ |
Surfshark is a relatively new player in the VPN market, having rapidly gained traction over the past two years and achieving significant exposure. While it offers lower prices compared to ExpressVPN, Surfshark's advantage lies in allowing an unlimited number of devices to connect simultaneously. This makes it suitable for families or groups of friends who wish to bypass geo-restrictions to watch Netflix together. In contrast, other providers like ExpressVPN and NordVPN typically limit connections to five devices. Whether you're looking to save money, have moderate VPN usage, or wish to share the service with friends or family, Surfshark could be your top choice.
In addition to conducting our own tests, we provide actual screenshots of our testing results for reference. Unlike many bloggers who make exaggerated claims, we present concrete evidence to prove that Surfshark can indeed access the internet in China.
Surfshark's performance is excellent – Surfshark Review: April 2024 Testing
- With over 3,200 servers spanning across 160+ locations in 65 countries, Surfshark boasts an extensive network.
- It offers applications for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux, as well as extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
- While Surfshark's prices are cheaper than ExpressVPN, its node speed and quantity may not match up.
- The most economical option is the two-year plan, priced at $2.30 per month.
- Payment options include credit cards, PayPal, cryptocurrencies, Amazon Pay, and Google Pay.
- As a European and American VPN provider, Surfshark offers greater stability compared to domestic VPN vendors.
- Moreover, it allows an unlimited number of devices to connect simultaneously.
- Although Surfshark does not support Alipay, it does provide Chinese-language interfaces and customer service.
- Pricing and plans depend on individual usage needs.
- Customer service is available 24/7.
Welcome: Installation Guide for Surfshark VPN in China [Includes 2024 Latest Offers and Speed Test Videos]
VPN Mirror Site
April 2024 Update: Common Mirror Sites for Purchasing VPNs for Bypassing Internet Restrictions
Mirror Sites: Your VPN Purchase Channels
What are Mirror Sites? Mirror sites are VPN purchasing websites established to circumvent China's firewall blocking. Due to the continuous upgrading of the firewall, these sites are sometimes blocked. In response to this situation, major VPN providers constantly rebuild new mirror sites.
Why Are You Seeing This Article? If you can see this article, you may already be overseas, or you may be using some form of circumvention software. In such cases, you can directly click on the mirror site links below to purchase a VPN. Under normal circumstances, you should not encounter any issues.
Encountering Problems?
However, some readers have reported encountering issues when using other VPNs (such as FlowVPN) to access mirror sites of certain European and American VPN providers. The reason may be that these VPN providers do not allow users to access their mirror sites while using other VPN services.
Solution:
If you encounter the above problem, a simple solution is to change the connection location of your current VPN. For example, connect your VPN to the United States (e.g., LA), and then try accessing the mirror site again. This way, you should be able to successfully access and purchase the desired VPN service.
If your current VPN still cannot access StrongVPN or ExpressVPN, you can first install FlowVPN. Since it offers a two-day free trial, you can register and use it to access StrongVPN or ExpressVPN for purchase. Once you've completed the purchase, you can then cancel FlowVPN, or you may choose to continue using FlowVPN.
Step One: Visit the official website of Flow VPN, create an account, and fill in your email address. Rest assured that your information will not be leaked.
Step Two: After accessing the official homepage of Flow VPN, proceed to download Flow VPN based on your specific needs (including macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android). Then, unzip the file and proceed with the installation process.
Step Three: Once the installation is complete, enter your account credentials to successfully use Flow VPN. The interface will display various server options; for example, connecting to the United States via a node in Singapore.
Common Issues with Computer VPNs
1 Why are most computer VPNs not working well?
Due to the continuous updates of the firewall, many VPNs have become ineffective. For more information on this matter, you can refer to the table I have created below: Common Computer VPNs that Should Be Avoided at All Costs.
2 If you open the VPN and find that you cannot browse overseas websites, how should you deal with it?
There are several ways to handle this:
- Contact customer service. They can help you directly test if there are any issues with the VPN node for bypassing the firewall. Sometimes it could be due to server failure or firewall updates.
- You might have forgotten to disable the firewall on your computer. For this issue, you can refer to how to turn on or off Microsoft Defender Firewall.
- It's possible that you have multiple VPNs running simultaneously, which can cause encryption conflicts and prevent internet access. Try closing multiple VPNs and then attempting to connect again.
- Try connecting to nodes in different locations. For example, if you were originally connected to Taiwan, try switching to Japan or the United States. If after trying multiple options you still cannot bypass the firewall, it's advisable to directly contact customer service.
3 Which nodes offer the fastest speed for computer VPNs?
Based on my speed tests, it's evident that the closer the distance, the faster the speed. Therefore, if you are in China, nodes in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea are the most convenient options.
4 Can computer VPNs be used on other devices such as smartphones and tablets?
The VPNs I recommend typically offer support for various devices and operating systems including Android, iOS, Linux, and more. In general, they can be used simultaneously across all supported devices.
5 Can I use VPN simultaneously on both PC (computer) and smartphone?
All VPN services typically allow connections for up to five devices simultaneously, so you can use them on both your PC and smartphone without any issues.
6 Why does my local network (Wi-Fi) speed decrease after I start using VPN on my computer?
This is expected because when you connect to a VPN and access overseas servers, your data has to be encrypted and decrypted, which takes time. Therefore, it slows down your internet speed. If you don't need to access overseas websites, it's better not to use VPN to avoid the slowdown.
Common PC VPNs That Should Never Be Used
As mentioned earlier, there are several drawbacks to using free VPNs. Here are a few VPNs that you should never use as they can waste your time and money at best, and at worst, lead to the leakage of your personal data, or even result in legal trouble. In the past, there have been cases where individuals were arrested by the authorities for using unknown VPNs, such as Lantern VPN.
Common PC VPNs That Should Never Be Used – 1. Galaxy VPN
Galaxy VPN, a popular free VPN for computers, was once usable for a period of time. However, as mentioned earlier, due to the Party's anniversary celebrations and updates to the Chinese firewall, Galaxy VPN has been confirmed unusable since the second half of 2020. Below are some comments from users on the Google app, confirming the author's statement.
Common PC VPNs That Should Never Be Used – 2. Aurora VPN
Aurora VPN is another free PC VPN available on the market. Despite claiming to be free, users soon discover that it can only be used for free once, and that too for only two hours. After the two-hour mark, the data usage dramatically decreases. This confirms that free PC VPNs are just gimmicks; most of them have hidden agendas and are essentially profiteering schemes. Therefore, it is not recommended for users to install Aurora VPN. Since legitimate versions are already unreliable, and both paid and cracked versions pose security risks, users are advised not to attempt using them.
Using the aforementioned PC VPNs may lead to an inability to bypass firewalls at best and personal data leakage at worst, including sensitive information such as credit card details, website account passwords, and email addresses. Therefore, users are strongly advised against using the following VPN software.
3 PandaVPN
Due to PandaVPN and LanternVPN adopting the same protocol, namely proxy protocol, and lacking the encryption excellence of LightyearVPN, professional IP detection tools have revealed that the IP location after bypassing the firewall can still be traced. Whether similar cases to LanternVPN will emerge in the future remains uncertain. Therefore, this product is not recommended.
4 Lantern VPN
LanternVPN, formerly an open-source project, is a PC VPN that utilizes V2ray technology. It was once popular in China but gained notoriety in 2020 when individuals were arrested by the public security bureau for browsing Wikipedia using LanternVPN. Being an extremely risky VPN, its open-source nature, coupled with Chinese laws that penalize self-made computer VPNs, makes it highly dangerous. Users are strongly advised against taking the risk. Further details can be found on Wikipedia.
5 Lightyearvpn
LightyearVPN used to be highly praised by users for its incredibly affordable price and offering a one-day free trial. However, recently, due to the Party's anniversary, LightyearVPN has become unusable. Many people, relying on various bloggers' recommendations, ended up spending money but couldn't access the internet, resulting in a loss of investment. Therefore, I almost always recommend using European and American VPNs, especially those from reputable companies, as they offer more reliability and assurance.
6 Catnip VPN-貓膩VPN
The so-called Catnip VPN is essentially a compilation of various VPN services, claiming to provide “one-click access to foreign websites.” It is essentially an online VPN that is continuously updated, without any physical presence, and is only known as Catnip VPN. Essentially, it is unable to bypass the Great Firewall and provides no guarantees.
7 Computer VPN with XX Accelerator
There are many tools on the internet claiming to be accelerators, such as internet accelerators or network accelerators, among others. Their numbers are too numerous to list, and most of them are unable to provide internet access. Even if some do, they are quickly blocked by the firewall. Therefore, there is no need to waste time trying them out.
Blacklisted Computer VPNs
Why not setting up your own VPN system
The drawbacks of setting up a VPN on your computer include inferior security compared to established VPN providers, high maintenance costs, and potential lag in technological updates. While some individuals opt for self-setup VPNs due to concerns over the reliability of free VPN services and reluctance to pay for a subscription, their security expertise may not match that of reputable VPN companies. Moreover, maintaining security can be costly, especially when factoring in time commitments. Additionally, as firewall technology evolves, self-setup VPNs require constant updates to remain effective, a task that demands significant time and effort. Therefore, self-setup VPNs for computer usage are not recommended when considering the trade-offs.
Conclusion on Computer VPN (PC VPN)
After reading this article, I believe many of you have gained a better understanding of computer VPNs. With the Great Firewall becoming increasingly sophisticated, many outdated VPNs are no longer reliable. Based on my personal experience, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and StrongVPN are currently the most user-friendly computer VPN software available. These VPNs provide guaranteed security, speed, and customer service.
It's important to note that free VPNs can be extremely unsafe, as they may contain hidden mining software, damage hardware, or steal personal data. Exercise caution when using them.
Regarding self-setup VPNs, the maintenance costs are very high, and they often get blocked by the firewall. Moreover, if caught, setting up a VPN independently can result in severe penalties under Chinese law, far beyond a simple invitation for tea.
The VPNs I recommend have undergone my personal speed tests and are highly reliable. Feel free to try them out, especially considering the 30-day money-back guarantee. For comparisons on pricing and value, please refer to the paragraph above.
We will also provide more comprehensive VPN test reports in the “Detailed Guide to VPN Software and Chinese VPNs.”
If you have any thoughts or questions, please feel free to share them in the comments section. We welcome your feedback and engagement.