ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN in China: Which is Faster?

ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN in China: Which is Faster?

ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN in China is a comparison that has grown increasingly relevant for anyone seeking reliable internet access behind the Great Firewall. With China’s sophisticated internet censorship and VPN-blocking technology, not all VPNs can reliably connect—or deliver fast enough speeds for streaming, browsing, or work. Here’s an in-depth look at how ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN perform in China, with a focus on their speed, reliability, and user experience.

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The Challenge of Using VPNs in China

Online censorship in China—famously known as the Great Firewall—significantly restricts access to foreign websites including Google, Facebook, YouTube, and many news outlets. VPNs are popular tools for bypassing these restrictions but China continually updates its detection methods, blocking encrypted connections and blacklisting VPN servers.

Therefore, the ability of a VPN to work in China is already a notable achievement, but sustained speed and reliability are just as important for everyday users who expect consistent performance whether they’re streaming, video calling, or simply browsing.

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Performance and Speed: ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN in China

ProtonVPN’s Performance Behind the Great Firewall

ProtonVPN, developed by the team behind ProtonMail, is renowned for its commitment to privacy, security, and transparency. In China, ProtonVPN deploys specialized obfuscation techniques, such as its “Stealth protocol,” which tries to hide VPN traffic within regular HTTPS traffic and avoid detection by deep packet inspection.

Speed: User reports and independent speed tests have shown mixed results for ProtonVPN in China. While the Stealth protocol allows some users to access blocked content intermittently, speeds often lag behind those of its competitors. Connections can sometimes be unstable, particularly during peak censorship periods like Chinese national holidays or key political events. Streaming high-quality video and holding video meetings can be challenging, with noticeable buffering and occasional disconnections.

Reliability: ProtonVPN’s reliability in China isn’t always guaranteed. Ongoing cat-and-mouse games between China’s censors and VPN providers mean ProtonVPN’s connections might stop working sporadically. Users need to regularly update apps and connect to newly recommended servers to maintain access.

ExpressVPN’s Performance in China

ExpressVPN is among the few providers whose accessibility and speed in China have consistently ranked above others. The service utilizes proprietary obfuscation methods—and, crucially, does not require users to select a special “China” mode. Instead, it automatically detects censorship and routes traffic via obfuscated servers.

Speed: According to numerous benchmark reports and user feedback, ExpressVPN tends to outperform most other VPNs in China when it comes to speed. Download speeds remain relatively high, and users reliably access streaming services in HD or even 4K, depending on their base internet connection. Latency for activities such as video calls and online gaming is also lower and more stable than with ProtonVPN.

Reliability: ExpressVPN is praised for its consistent uptime. It regularly updates its technology to stay ahead of government crackdowns. Even if certain servers are blocked, the app quickly suggests alternative servers that usually restore access.

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Ease of Use and Customer Support

A VPN’s speed is only part of the user experience. When dealing with active blocks or speed drops, having clear guidance and responsive support is vital.

– ProtonVPN offers a clean interface and extensive documentation. However, support responsiveness can be slower, which may leave users frustrated if they get stuck in China’s restrictive environment.
– ExpressVPN, by contrast, stands out for its 24/7 live chat support. They regularly publish updated guides for users in China and have a proven track record of quickly addressing censorship-related problems.

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Security and Privacy Considerations

Both services use industry-standard encryption and strict no-logs policies. However, while ProtonVPN’s open-source approach appeals to privacy advocates, ExpressVPN’s network and legal jurisdiction (based in the British Virgin Islands) are optimized for international users—especially those in places with heavy censorship.

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Conclusion: Which VPN Is Faster in China?

If speed is your top priority for bypassing Chinese internet restrictions, ExpressVPN outpaces ProtonVPN. It offers higher download speeds, more stable connections, and better reliability for streaming, browsing, or online calls. While ProtonVPN has made significant strides in obfuscation technology, it currently cannot match ExpressVPN for speed and stability in China.

However, the cat-and-mouse nature of internet censorship means the situation can change. It’s always wise to check current user reports and VPN updates if you’re planning travel to or living in China. For now, ExpressVPN remains the top choice for speed and overall usability behind the Great Firewall.

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