Does Surfshark VPN work well in China? We have tested it in China and here is our Surfshark VPN review. We’ll talk about its VPN software, VPN app, speed, price, free VPN trial, customer service, and more. We’ll also show you how to make Surfshark VPN work in China if you find that it doesn’t.
Pros:
- Low VPN price.
- Can be used on unlimited devices at the same time.
- Offers 30-day money-back guarantee.
- 24/7 live customer support.
Cons:
- Connection speeds can vary, particularly when connecting to more distant servers.
- Might have to use manual setup to get it work in China.
Starting Price: $1.99/mo (with this discount link)
Free Trial: 30-day money-back guarantee
Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited
Surfshark VPN’s Website:
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About Surfshark VPN
Surfshark VPN is a well-known VPN service that is used by a lot of people all over the world. It has gotten a lot of very good reviews, even from respected sources such as PC Magazine.
Surfshark for China
The so-called “Great Firewall of China,” which blocks websites, also blocks VPN services. This is a big problem for people who want to use VPN in China. Because of this, many well-known VPN services don’t work at all in China. Even if you use one of the best VPNs for China, there is still a chance that your VPN connection could be blocked or interrupted. So, at this moment, there is no VPN service that can promise to work 100% of the time in China.
How does Surfshark deal with China’s VPN Blocking?
In fact, Surfshark VPN has developed some special technologies to get around the Great Firewall’s blocking of VPNs. For example, the NoBorders mode lets users access Surfshark in places like China where it is blocked. Surfshark’s VPN software or app will recognize when it’s being used in China and will automatically switch to NoBorders mode, showing a list of servers that work best in China.
Surfshark VPN also includes a feature called Camouflage mode, which is a special type of VPN obfuscation that makes your VPN connection look like a regular internet connection by removing any traces of VPN usage. This mode can help hide your VPN connection from the Great Firewall’s blocking.
In addition, Surfshark VPN has set up some special VPN servers that are designed especially for users in China.
Does Surfshark VPN work in China?
We tested Surfshark VPN in China and confirmed that it works here. However, we noticed that it can sometimes be difficult to connect to Surfshark VPN in China using its native software, similar to other VPNs. Fortunately, we discovered a solution: the most reliable way to use Surfshark VPN in China is to set up the VPN manually and connect to its special servers.
What should you do if Surfshark VPN stops working in China?
If you have trouble connecting to Surfshark in China, contact their customer support via live chat. The support team will provide step-by-step instructions and server details for reliable access. We recommend following their guidance for manual WireGuard setup, which is the most effective method for using Surfshark in China.
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Surfshark VPN’s Features
Surfshark’s Server Locations:
Surfshark offers 3200+ VPN servers in 100 locations across 6 continents, including locations that are best for China: Japan, Hong Kong, US West Coast etc. Based on our tests, Surfshark is also one of the best VPNs for Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong etc.
Surfshark’s VPN Protocols:
Surfshark supports multiple VPN protocols, including WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN.
Surfshark uses industry-leading AES-256-GCM encryption to provide a very high level of online security.
Surfshark’s VPN Restrictions
Surfshark VPN places no restrictions on bandwidth, server switches, or speed, allowing users to enjoy unlimited access.
P2P file sharing is fully supported, so you can use Surfshark for torrenting and other peer-to-peer activities without limitation.
A standout feature of Surfshark VPN is its support for unlimited simultaneous device connections. While most VPN providers limit users to 5 or 10 devices, Surfshark allows you to use a single account on as many devices as you need. This makes Surfshark one of the best choices for VPN sharing.
Supported Devices and Platforms for Surfshark VPN
Surfshark supports a wide range of operating systems and devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Fire TV Stick, Android TV, Chromebook, and Apple TV. In addition, Surfshark offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. You can also set up Surfshark on compatible routers to protect all devices connected to your home network.
Surfshark for Streaming:
Surfshark is widely used to unblock and access popular online streaming platforms, including YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, DAZN, Hotstar, AbemaTV, YLE Areena, and many others. It is recognized as one of the best VPNs for Netflix and provides secure access to regional content. While Surfshark works with most major streaming services, occasional issues may arise due to streaming platforms blocking VPN traffic; in such cases, switching servers or protocols often resolves the problem.
Surfshark VPN’ Privacy Policy:
Surfshark VPN operates under a strict no-log policy, meaning it does not monitor, track, or store your online activities while using the service.
Other Features of Surfshark:
- NoBorders Mode: Automatically activates to help bypass network restrictions and censorship; especially useful for users in China facing VPN blocking.
- Camouflage Mode: Obfuscates VPN traffic to hide your VPN use, even from your ISP; designed to help users in China and other restrictive regions bypass VPN detection.
- Split Tunneling (Bypasser): Choose which apps or websites use the VPN and which bypass it.
This lets users in China bypass domestic websites or apps. - MultiHop: Route your traffic through two VPN servers for extra privacy, which can help evade government surveillance in restrictive countries.
- Rotating IP: Changes your IP address every few minutes without dropping the VPN connection, making it even more difficult for VPN detection. Helpful for users in China as well.
- Kill Switch: Cuts off your internet if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
- CleanWeb: Blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites.
- Static and Dedicated IP: Options for a consistent or unique IP address.
- Pause VPN & Auto-connect: Temporarily pause VPN or automatically reconnect for convenience and security.
- Unlimited Devices: Use Surfshark on as many devices as you want with one account.
Features like NoBorders Mode, Camouflage Mode, and MultiHop are especially valuable for users in China to help bypass VPN blocking and censorship.
Add-on Services from Surfshark:
Surfshark offers add-on privacy and security tools through its Surfshark One and One+ packages, available with select plans. These bundles go beyond VPN protection to provide a more complete security solution.
- Antivirus: Real-time protection against viruses and malware, plus webcam protection.
- Alert: Monitors for data breaches and notifies you if your personal information is leaked online.
- Search: Private, ad-free web searches with no tracking or logs.
- Alternative ID: Create new email addresses and virtual phone numbers to keep your real identity safe online.
- Incogni (One+ only): Requests removal of your personal data from online databases and data brokers.
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Surfshark’s VPN Price & VPN Free Trial
Compared to other top VPN providers, Surfshark offers competitive pricing and a choice of three different packages: Starter, One, and One+. Below are the best prices you can get if you use our special discount link:
- Surfshark Starter includes core VPN features, starting at $1.99/month for a 24-month plan, $3.19/month for 12 months, or $15.45/month for a single month.
- Surfshark One adds Antivirus, Alert (data breach monitoring), and Safe Search (private search engine) to the Starter package. Pricing starts at $2.49/month for 24 months, $3.39/month for 12 months, or $17.95/month monthly.
- Surfshark One+ includes everything in One, plus Incogni, a personal data removal service. This plan starts at $3.99/month for 24 months, $6.09/month for 12 months, or $20.65/month monthly.
All plans include unlimited device connections, a 30-day money-back guarantee. Pricing and discounts may vary, so check the Surfshark website for the latest deals.
» Visit Surfshark VPN (with discount)
Surfshark’s VPN Software and VPN Apps
Surfshark provides free VPN software and VPN apps for many different platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, VPN routers and more.
Desktop Software:
Below are some screenshots of SurfShark VPN’s Desktop software. As you can see, under the “Locations” section, it allows users to select different VPN servers from different world-wide VPN locations:
Below is a screenshot of Surfshark VPN software’s VPN setting window:
Mobile Apps:
To use Surfshark VPN on mobile devices, you can download Surfshark VPN apps directly from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store by searching for “Surfshark.”
Manual Connection:
If you can’t connect with the Surfshark app in China, the recommended solution is to set up a manual WireGuard connection. Log in to your Surfshark account, generate a key pair, download the WireGuard configuration file, and use the WireGuard app (available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS) to connect. You can find detailed setup instructions on Surfshark’s website or contact customer support for assistance. Manual setup may require basic technical skills, but Surfshark’s support team can guide you step by step.
» Visit Surfshark VPN (with discount)
Surfshark’s Customer Support
Surfshark provides 24/7 customer support through live chat on its website. After logging in, you can access the “Chat with us” feature to get assistance. When you start a chat, you’ll first receive automated answers to common questions, but if your issue isn’t resolved, you’ll quickly be connected to a real support agent. In our experience, Surfshark’s live chat response time was very fast, and the support team was knowledgeable and helpful, especially when it came to resolving VPN connection issues in China. Here is a screenshot from our support session:
Surfshark VPN for China: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Surfshark VPN legal to use in China?
Using a VPN in China is a legal gray area. While VPNs are commonly used by businesses and individuals, the Chinese government heavily restricts their use and blocks many providers. It’s important to use VPNs responsibly and be aware of local regulations.
Does Surfshark VPN always work in China?
No VPN can guarantee 100% uptime in China due to the ever-changing nature of the Great Firewall. However, Surfshark is one of the more reliable options, especially when using manual WireGuard setup. If you experience issues, contact Surfshark support for the latest workaround.
What should I do if Surfshark stops working in China?
First, check if your app is up to date and try different servers or protocols. If you still can’t connect, contact Surfshark’s live chat support for manual setup instructions and special server recommendations.
Is manual setup difficult?
Manual setup (like WireGuard) may require a few extra steps, but Surfshark provides clear guides and customer support can walk you through the process.
Can I use Surfshark on my phone in China?
Yes, Surfshark supports Android and iOS devices. If the app cannot connect, you can set up a manual WireGuard connection on your mobile device using the official WireGuard app.
Does Surfshark support streaming in China?
Surfshark can unblock many popular streaming platforms, but access may vary depending on network conditions and server availability. If you have trouble, try switching servers or protocols, or contact support for advice.
Can I use Surfshark VPN to access ChatGPT and Gemini from China?
Yes, you can use Surfshark VPN to access ChatGPT and Gemini from China. However, make sure to connect to a VPN server located in a country where these AI services are available, as providers like OpenAI and Google restrict access in certain regions, including China. If you connect through a country where the service is not offered, you may still be unable to use ChatGPT or Gemini.
How many devices can I use with one Surfshark account?
Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can use one account on as many devices as you like.
What payment methods does Surfshark accept?
Surfshark accepts credit/debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, cryptocurrencies, and other regional payment options.
Does Surfshark offer a money-back guarantee?
Yes, all Surfshark plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
If you have more questions or need help, visit Surfshark’s website or contact their 24/7 live chat support.
Surfshark for China: Conclusion
Surfshark is a well-regarded VPN provider known for its global user base, positive reviews, and affordable pricing. It stands out by allowing unlimited simultaneous device connections under a single account. While using any VPN in China is challenging due to the Great Firewall, our tests showed that Surfshark can work reliably when set up correctly. The most effective method is to use manual WireGuard setup rather than the standard app, following instructions from Surfshark’s customer support. Once connected, we found Surfshark’s speed and stability to be impressive. Because of its strong performance and helpful support, we recommend Surfshark as one of the best VPN options for users in China.
