If you’re planning a trip to China or currently living there, you’ve probably wondered whether Proton VPN still works in the country. In short: No, Proton VPN does not work reliably in China as of 2025. But don’t close the tab just yet—there are still important considerations to keep in mind, especially if you’re committed to staying secure and accessing the open internet while behind the Great Firewall.
What Happened to Proton VPN in China?
China’s government employs extremely advanced internet censorship and surveillance techniques. Popularly known as the Great Firewall, this system blocks thousands of international websites and services, including the likes of Google, YouTube, Facebook, and many VPN providers.
Proton VPN was one of the last few major VPN services that managed to sporadically maintain access in China throughout the early 2020s. It used special obfuscation techniques and advanced technology to disguise VPN traffic. But as of early 2025, reports from users and independent tests confirm that Proton VPN is largely blocked and unreliable in China.
Why Proton VPN No Longer Works in China
There are a few key reasons Proton VPN no longer functions in China:
- IP Blocking: Chinese authorities have identified and blocked a large majority of Proton VPN’s IP addresses.
- Deep Packet Inspection (DPI): China uses sophisticated DPI techniques to detect and filter out VPN traffic, even when it’s encrypted or obfuscated.
- Failure of Obfuscation Protocols: Proton VPN’s obfuscation tools like Stealth or Secure Core have been ineffective in bypassing new filtering algorithms introduced in late 2024.
While some users might occasionally report getting through—usually during times of lower scrutiny or using novel configurations—these are exceptions, not the rule.
What Can You Use Instead?
All is not lost. There are still VPN providers that have more success operating inside China by using advanced obfuscation, rotating IPs, and stealth protocols. Based on the most recent data, the following VPNs are considered more reliable in China than Proton VPN:
- ExpressVPN: Known for high-speed connections and frequently refreshed IP addresses, ExpressVPN has a high success rate within China.
- Surfshark: It offers a “NoBorders” mode that is specifically designed for restrictive environments like China.
- VyprVPN: This service uses a proprietary “Chameleon” protocol that’s been effective against deep packet inspection.
Note: Even these VPNs can face outages or interruptions depending on ongoing government crackdowns. It’s essential to install and configure your VPN before entering China, as many VPN websites are blocked within the country.
Are Free VPNs an Option?
In a word—no. Free VPNs are almost universally blocked and fail to offer the encryption, speed, and reliability needed for use in China. Worse yet, some are known to log user data or sell your information, which can be especially dangerous in a country with strict surveillance policies.
The Bottom Line
As of 2025, Proton VPN does not reliably work in China, and unfortunately, that situation is unlikely to change soon. However, with some research and preparation, you can still find VPNs that allow some access to the outside web while inside the country.
Before your travel to China:
- Research VPNs known to work in restricted regions.
- Install and test your VPN before entering China.
- Keep the installation files on a backup device, in case reinstallation is needed.
- Join user forums for real-time updates on VPN functionality in China.
While Proton VPN has many strengths, bypassing the world’s most powerful censorship system in 2025 just isn’t one of them. If you’re looking for internet freedom in China, it’s time to look elsewhere—even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone.
Stay informed, stay safe, and, most importantly, stay connected.