Is Astrill VPN Good for China? It Works – But It's Costly!

Is Astrill VPN good for China? Whether you’re a resident or just passing through, it’s a valid concern.

The Great Firewall blocks popular platforms like Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and many news sites. That’s why a reliable service is essential for staying connected and informed.

Astrill VPN is often praised for working well in China, thanks to its specialized protocols for bypassing deep packet inspection. But is it consistent and secure enough for everyday use?

Stay with me as we explore how Astrill performs in China and whether it suits you. Ready? Let’s dive in.

Is Astrill VPN working in China?

​Astrill VPN is recognized for its effectiveness in bypassing China’s internet censorship. Its proprietary protocols, OpenWeb and StealthVPN, are designed to obscure VPN traffic, allowing unrestricted internet access.

However, users have reported varying experiences with Astrill’s performance in China. Many of the reported issues revolve around speed and connectivity.

However, Astrill VPN has a higher price tag than other VPN services. Additionally, it does not offer a money-back guarantee, which may be a consideration for potential users. ​

So…

Is Astrill VPN good for China? Yes, it is!

Below are the reasons why Astrill VPN is a solid choice for China. 

1) StealthVPN and OpenWeb protocols

Astrill’s proprietary StealthVPN and OpenWeb protocols are engineered to evade deep packet inspection. They are compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android operating systems.

StealthVPN is particularly useful in China because it mimics regular HTTPS traffic. OpenWeb, on the other hand, is optimized for fast browsing and streaming without sacrificing privacy.

The vendor regularly updates these protocols to adapt to changes in China’s firewall detection systems. Users can easily switch between them depending on speed or censorship conditions.

2) Military-grade encryption

Astrill uses AES-256-bit encryption to secure all data passing through its VPN tunnels. This standard is considered virtually unbreakable by brute-force attacks or unauthorized interception.

Its inclusion ensures that even if your data gets intercepted, it remains unreadable to third parties. This is the same level of protection used by the military, government institutions, and banks worldwide.

Strong encryption is essential for hiding VPN traffic from China’s surveillance systems. Accordingly, Astrill VPN is a solid daily driver for this country.

3) Multi-hop VPN servers

With multi-hop functionality, Astrill routes your traffic through multiple VPN servers in sequence. This method adds a second layer of encryption and anonymity to the connection.

Multi-hop is valuable for users who prioritize maximum privacy while navigating high-censorship environments. It also protects against potential surveillance at both entry and exit nodes.

Its inclusion helps to bypass China’s censorship by making traffic patterns harder to trace. Each hop alters the traffic’s path, confusing systems that track and filter connections.

4) DNS/IP leak protection

Astrill includes built-in DNS and IP leak protection to maintain your online anonymity. It blocks any device traffic that accidentally attempts to bypass the VPN tunnel.

It’s vital for China, where exposure to one’s IP address can cause service disruptions. It ensures that no information leaks outside the encrypted connection.

5) Adequate server coverage around China

Astrill offers thousands of VPN servers in neighboring countries like Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea. These locations provide excellent latency and fast access to regional content blocked in China.

Close geographical proximity means faster connection speeds for users in mainland China. This also helps avoid network congestion and delivers a smoother browsing experience.

6) Proactive kill switch

The VPN features a kill switch that activates instantly if the connection to the server fails. This prevents any data from leaking out in an unencrypted form.

It’s a crucial tool for journalists, activists, or business users who can’t afford data exposure. Moreover, Astrill allows users to customize when and how the kill switch engages.

7) Solid no-logging policy

Astrill operates under a strict no-logs policy, which restricts recording a user’s online activities. This includes browsing history, connection timestamps, and bandwidth usage.

Nothing will be available to hand over to third parties or authorities without data logging. This is an essential feature for those seeking privacy while using a VPN in China.

8) Unlimited simultaneous connections

Astrill allows unlimited device connections under a single account at the same time. This is ideal for families or teams working across laptops, phones, and tablets.

Users don’t have to log in and out repeatedly, even when using the VPN across multiple platforms. It’s a highly convenient feature for digital nomads and frequent travelers in China.

How to download and use Astrill VPN in China

Before traveling to China, consider downloading and installing Astrill VPN. But if you’re already in the country, follow these simple steps: 

1. Go to https://getastr.com. This is Astrill VPN’s mirror website, which is accessible in China.
2. Select the Download option on the Menu bar and choose your preferred device.
3. Download and access the installation file from your Downloads folder. 
4. Run the file and grant additional permissions when prompted to do so.
5. Run the service and create an account to start using Astrill VPN.

It’s that simple. But…

Need a cheaper Astrill VPN alternative? Get NordVPN

NordVPN is a solid alternative to Astrill VPN, especially for users based in China. Its network comprises over 11,000 servers across 110 countries, ensuring broad global coverage.

This extensive infrastructure is crucial for bypassing internet restrictions like the Great Firewall. The vendor also frequently updates its servers to avoid detection and maintain uninterrupted access.

The provider uses 256-bit encryption for privacy and supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and NordLynx protocols. The last one is its in-house WireGuard-based solution optimized for speed and security.

Obfuscation technology comes built-in, which hides VPN traffic, making it appear like normal internet use. This feature is particularly effective for connecting from highly restricted regions.

NordVPN also includes security tools like malware and ad blockers, which help improve browsing safety. Moreover, a kill switch and split tunneling ensure total control of your traffic flow.

The VPN allows ten simultaneous connections suitable for personal use or small households. Long-term plans are affordable, and the vendor offers 24/7 live support.

NordVPN

Skip Astrill’s high price and stay protected in China with NordVPN’s secure service.

Check price Visit website

Verdict – Is Astrill VPN good for China?

You’ve now seen what Astrill VPN brings to the table. It’s built for heavy-duty censorship evasion, from proprietary protocols to multi-hop encryption.

While it’s pricier, the features justify the cost for users who prioritize privacy and stability. That said, NordVPN is a cheaper alternative that works reliably in China.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. If reliability and anonymity are your top priorities, this VPN won’t disappoint.