Comparing VPNs and Proxies for Use in China

If you’re planning to use the internet freely in China, you need to come prepared.

I learned that the hard way during a trip a few years back. I landed in Beijing, fired up my laptop, and tried to check Gmail. Nothing. Tried to open Google Docs. Nothing. Instagram? Forget it. The Great Firewall is no joke.

And that’s when I got serious about understanding the difference between VPNs and proxies, especially in the context of navigating China’s notoriously strict internet controls.

If you’re traveling there for business, studying abroad, or running remote ops from inside the country, here’s the lowdown — from someone who’s been through the frustration and finally figured out what works (and what doesn’t).

1 First Off, What’s the Actual Difference?

I used to think VPNs and proxies were basically the same thing — like cousins that let you browse Netflix in peace. Not exactly.

VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) encrypt your entire internet connection. They route all your traffic through a secure server in another country, hiding your IP and making it look like you’re browsing from somewhere else.
Proxies are more like middlemen. They only reroute traffic from a specific app or browser. There’s usually no encryption, and they don’t protect all of your data, just what’s going through the tool you’re using.

So if you’re just trying to mask your IP, proxies can do the job. But if you want real privacy and access in China? Keep reading.

2 Using VPNs in China: Pros, Cons, and Reality

I tried about five different VPNs before I found one that actually worked reliably in China. That’s the key — not all VPNs work there, even the big names you hear about.

What’s great about VPNs:

Full encryption keeps you secure (especially on public Wi-Fi).
Works across apps: browser, email, cloud storage, etc.
Allows access to blocked services like Google, YouTube, and Instagram.

What’s not so great:

The Chinese government aggressively blocks VPN IPs.
You often need to install it before arriving — once inside, many VPN websites are blocked.
Speeds can be slow or inconsistent, especially during peak hours or major events.

I ended up using ExpressVPN and V2Ray with Shadowsocks. ExpressVPN worked well on my phone most of the time, and V2Ray was more complex but worth it for stability. The key is to have backup options — because what works today might not work tomorrow.

3 What About Proxies in China?

Honestly? Proxies are kind of hit or miss in China. If you’re just trying to browse lightly or access specific sites, they might be fine. But for anything serious — like logging into your business accounts, accessing files, or streaming — they just don’t cut it.

When proxies can work:

Light browsing or research.
Using tools with built-in proxy support (some browsers, Telegram variants).
Accessing less-sensitive blocked sites.

But here’s the catch:

No encryption = no security.
Easily detected and blocked by Chinese filters.
Often slower and more unstable than VPNs.

I used a couple of free proxies just out of curiosity — they were sketchy, slow, and crashed constantly. It wasn’t worth the risk. Some paid proxies did better, but still didn’t compare to even a mid-tier VPN.

4 Mobile vs Desktop: Big Difference in Access

This was something I didn’t expect — VPNs behave very differently on mobile vs desktop in China.

On my laptop, some VPNs would barely connect. But on my Android phone, using the same VPN and server, everything worked fine. I’ve had friends using iOS say the opposite. The government’s filtering systems target platforms differently, so you’ll want to test both.

What saved me? Split tunneling, a feature in some VPNs where you let some apps use the VPN and others connect normally. Helped with speed and stability.

5 Free vs Paid: Don’t Even Bother with Free VPNs

If I could scream one thing from the rooftops: don’t trust free VPNs in China. They’re slow, unreliable, and some are flat-out shady — collecting your data and selling it. Seriously.

Paid services like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark invest in obfuscation tech (stealth modes that hide the fact you’re using a VPN). That’s what helps them work — and stay working — in restrictive environments.

Final Thoughts: What Should You Use?

So, VPN or proxy? Here’s my take:

For security, reliability, and serious use in China — VPN, hands down.
For light browsing or specific tasks — a proxy might work, but it’s risky.

I always travel with at least two VPNs installed, backups saved on a USB, and setup instructions saved offline. Sounds paranoid? Maybe. But when your business depends on reliable access, a little prep goes a long way.

If you’re heading to China and need access to the real internet, plan ahead, install your tools before you go, and make sure you’re using a VPN that’s battle-tested for that region.