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I never knew using a VPN was so easy. A few clicks and I was up and going on my Mac! Fast, really fast. I can’t believe how simple it was to install Betternet on my Mac. I’ve had other VPNs that are really slow, so I’m ecstatic with how fast Betternet is. Cities Where You Need a Mac VPN in China Different locations in China currently have different levels on internet censorship. For instance, Beijing is currently behind the ‘Great Firewall of China,’ so anyone who lives there or is travelling through will have problems accessing many foreign sites. Download the secure VPN client for ProtonVPN for free. Available as Windows VPN, MAC VPN and Linux VPN clients and also as Android VPN and iOS VPN client. Free Download – VPN China for PC, Windows 7,8,10 and Mac This is the VPN app that helps you to connect with best countries proxy server with just one click. Unblock all the restricted websites and apps that are blocked in your country.
Since 2017, the large majority of VPN providers’ websites have been blocked in China. Besides, Google Play doesn’t work either, and the App Store doesn’t let users located in China download any VPN apps.
Because of this, many people find themselves in the conundrum that to purchase a VPN in China, you first need a VPN.
Nonetheless, if you are already in China and need to download or purchase a VPN, there are still ways of doing so. In this article, we will explain how to do it and provide links accessible from China for some VPNs.
All of the VPNs that we mention in this article have good performance in China, but if you want to find out which VPN is best for you, I recommend reading this article first.
Download VPNs in China – Table of Contents
Important: We test these links periodically to check if they have been blocked and if they are still accessible from China. However, if you find that a link doesn’t work, please leave us a comment at the end of the article and we’ll update it as soon as possible.
How to download a VPN in China
The majority of VPN provider websites are blocked in China. Even so, the main providers have created “mirror” websites (exact copies of the website with a different URL) that are accessible.
Below is a list of the links to the mirror sites of some of the main VPNs:
Go to Express VPN’s website
Go to VyprVPN’s website
Go to Nord VPN’s website
Go to Ivacy’s website
Go to Surfshark’s website
Go to Astrill’s website
Go to StrongVPN’s website
Go to VyprVPN’s website
Go to Nord VPN’s website
Go to Ivacy’s website
Go to Surfshark’s website
Go to Astrill’s website
Go to StrongVPN’s website
Keep in mind that these websites are also often blocked by the Great Firewall of China. If the link doesn’t work, let us know in the comments section and we’ll change it as soon as possible.
Important: Remember that Gmail is also blocked in China and you need an active email account to be able to register a VPN service. Make sure that you can access your email account in China before purchasing a VPN.
Windows and Mac
Downloading a VPN for Windows or Mac in China isn’t a problem as long as you can access the VPN provider’s website:
- Access the website of your chosen VPN
- Purchase a plan based on your needs
- Access your account
- Download the software for Windows or Mac from its website
- Install the software on your computer
- Connect your VPN and freely access the Internet in China!
Android
Downloading a VPN on Android isn’t very complicated. Because Google Play doesn’t work (unless you have an active VPN), you need to download the .apk file.
- Access your chosen VPN provider’s website and purchase a plan
- From your phone, access the VPN provider’s website
- Download the .apk file
- When the download finishes, open the file (avoid using Google Play to open the .apk file)
- Open the app and connect the VPN
- Use WhatsApp, Google Play and any other app blocked in China!
iOS
Downloading a VPN onto an iOS device in China can be a bit tedious, but if you follow a few simple steps, it isn’t hard.
- Access your chosen VPN provider’s website and purchase a plan
- Look up or ask for the manual configuration settings for the VPN (preferably LTP2 or IKEv2)
- Go to Settings–>General–>VPN–>Add VPN Setting and add the configuration that your VPN provider has given you.
- Activate the recently configured VPN
- Go to the App Store
- Look for and install the VPN app
- Disconnect the manually configured VPN and use the app
- Use all of the apps that you want in China!
Important: If you can’t find the app even with the VPN connected, it’s possible that you will have to change the country of the App Store, and to do so, you will have to create a new Apple ID.
Download ExpressVPN in China
Windows and Mac
- Go to Express VPN’s website through the link that we provide
- If you still haven’t done so, purchase a plan with ExpressVPN
- Sign on to your ExpressVPN account
- In your personal account, you will find the link to download the software and the activation code
- Download the program, install it and activate it with the code
Android
- Sign on to your ExpressVPN account
- Look for the download link for the .apk file (in Configure ExpressVPN) and download it (don’t use Google Play)
- Once the app is installed, open it and activate it with the code that you will find in your account
iOS
First of all, you will have to configure the VPN manually. To do so, use this configuration:
- Type: L2TP
- Description: ExpressVPN
- Server: You will find the list of servers in your account in the manual configuration section
- Account: your username (email)
- RSA SecurID: This has to be deactivated
- Password: The password for your account
- Secret: 12345678
- Send All Traffic: This has to be activated
Once you have manually connected the VPN, download Express VPN’s app from the App Store.
Download VyprVPN in China
Windows and Mac
You can easily download the software on its website in the VPN apps section by selecting your operating system.
Android
Download the .apk file that you will find in the VPN Apps section and select Android. The download link is found just below the “Get it on Google Play” icon.
iOS
First of all, you will have to manually configure the VPN with the following settings:
- Type: L2TP
- Description: VyprVPN
- Server: us1.vpn.goldenfrog.com (a list of servers is available on Vypr’s website)
- Account: the email address for your VyprVPN account
- Password: the password for your VyprVPN account
- Secret: thisisourkey
Once you have manually connected your VPN, you can download the VyprVPN app directly in the App Store.
Download NordVPN in China
Windows and Mac
You can easily download the software on its website in the VPN Apps section by selecting your operating system.
Android
Download the .apk file that you will find in the VPN Apps section by selecting Android. The download link is found just beside the “Available on Google Play” icon.
iOS
First of all, you will have to manually configure NordVPN:
- Go to NordVPN’s webstite
- At the end of its website, click on tutorials
- Click on IKEv2/IPsec, which is below the iOS section
- Follow the instructions step-by-step
Once you have manually connected your VPN, you can download the NordVPN app directly from the App Store.
Download Ivacy in China
Windows and Mac
You can easily download the software from its website by going to the VPN Apps section and selecting your operating system.
Android
We couldn’t find the .apk file on its website. As a result, you have two options:
- Download the app from an app repository that does work in China, such as apkplz.net
- Configure the VPN manually and then download the app from Google Play. For more information, you can click here (you will need an active VPN).
iOS
First, you will have to manually configure Ivacy with the following parameters:
- Description -> Ivacy VPN
- Server -> opt-cn1.dns2use.com
- Remote ID -> opt-cn1.dns2use.com
- Local ID -> Leave blank
- Authentication -> Username
- Username -> Email address
- Password -> Ivacy password
Once you have manually connected your VPN, you can download the Ivacy app directly from the App Store.
Download Surfshark in China
Windows and Mac
You can easily download the software on its website by going to the apps menu and selecting your operating system.
Android
The .apk file can be downloaded easily from its website. Just go to the apps menu and select “Android” and you will see a button that says “Download .APK.”
iOS
First, you will have to manually configure Surfshark. Unfortunately, to do so, you are going to have to download files from a website that is blocked in China.
Because of this, the only solution is for you to contact the technical department so that they can send you instructions and files to manually configure the VPN on iOS.
Once you have manually connected your VPN, you can download the Surfshark app directly from the App Store.
Download Astrill in China
Best Vpn For Mac Os
Windows and MacYou can download the app for Windows and Mac directly from its website in the applications section (downloads) by selecting your operating system.
Android
The .apk file is easy to download from their website, Just go to the Download menu, select Android App, and tap the Download Astrill VPN button.
iOS
First of all, you will have to manually configure Astrill by using the following settings:
- Type: L2TP
- Description: Astrill L2TP
- Server: lakv.asn247.net (a list of servers is available in the members area)
- Account: the email address of your Astrill account
- Password: the password of your Astrill account
- Secret: way2stars
Once you have manually connected the VPN, you can download the Astrill app directly from the App Store.
Download StrongVPN in China
Windows and Mac
You can easily download the software on its website in the VPN Apps section by selecting your operating system.
Android
Click here to download the .apk file.
iOS
First, you will have to manually configure StrongVPN. A list of instructions on how to do this is found at the bottom of the iOS page.
Once you have manually connected the VPN, you can download StrongVPN’s app directly from the App Store.
VPNs that can’t be downloaded in China
There are some VPNs that we usually recommend that at this time don’t offer the possibility of accessing their website from China. Therefore, you won’t be able to purchase them or download their apps easily if you’re already in China.
- VPN Area
- PureVPN
- TorGuard VPN
- TunnelBear VPN
[Photo Credits (Creative Commons CC0): Pixabay.com]
The iOS has been leading the market with its robust security features that is unbeatable and hacker-proof, but it’s not like that is free from flaws; there are sources claiming that Apple faces huge security flaws. That is where VPN for Mac indulges in; users have already started searching for the best VPN Mac.
Why I have particularly mentioned “BEST,” because the VPN industry has tremendously penetrated at a mass scale, but sadly, very few are living up their stated claims; don’t worry! We will let you know shortly.
Before we get started, you need to confirm which VPNs are interested to be highly compatible with your favorite Mac device.
Best VPNs for Mac
Choosing a VPN for Mac is a troublesome task, because not all VPN have dedicated apps and even the iOS App Store does not allow the apps to be made available on their store. But considering the VPN trends, the majority of the providers have apps for MacOS.
Before choosing one, do check the given services the usability, otherwise you will end up searching for how to set up a VPN on Mac.
Whichever VPN you will go with, it all ends up to your need of the VPN; only a handful of them unblock streaming websites, while the rest don’t bypass online restrictions.
After careful analysis, we have compiled a list of our favorite recommended yet best Mac VPNs that you can easily connect to remain safe online.
List of Best VPN for Mac
Rank | Provider | Top Features | Price | Details |
1 | ExpressVPN Recommended |
| Exclusive 49% Discount | |
2 | NordVPN |
| $2.99per month | Visit Provider Read Review |
3 | Private Internet Access VPN |
| $3.49per month | Visit Provider Read Review |
4 | CyberGhost VPN |
| $2.75per month | Visit Provider Read Review |
5 | Surfshark |
| $1.99per month | Visit Provider Read Review |
Why we have chosen these VPNs, check out our short description; you will be convinced soon.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a market leader and the best recommended VPN for Mac. Why? This VPN offers fastest speeds operating on 256-bit AES encryption and a transparent no log policy. It provides a Mac app that comes with a split tunneling feature which gives the control in your hand to divert your traffic through the VPN and the usual internet connection.
It unblocks Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu, HBO, BBC iPlayer and much more.
Pros:
- Good Mac app
- Blazing fast connections with no bandwidth restrictions
- Super fast connections with no bandwidth or data restrictions
- Easy installation of MacOS/OSX apps
Cons:
- Nor affordable by many
- Only three simultaneously connections provided
CyberGhost VPN
To use a VPN on your Mac, CyberGhost offers an easy to use app where you can choose servers according to your pricing plans. It provides more than 3,752 servers and has access to Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, among others.
It’s compatible with
- macOS Mojave (10.14)
- macOS High Sierra (10.13)
- macOS Sierra (10.12)
Pros:
- Solid MacOS app
- HD video smooth transition and fast downloading speeds
- Easy to use with a one-step connection
Cons:
- Does not unblock all streaming sites
NordVPN
Having 5251 servers in 60 countries is a bonus for Mac users as you can choose any server and start attaining anonymity online. It has a clear no-log policy which provides a kill switch, DNS leak protection, anti-DDoS, double-hop VPN, and Tor over VPN.
Through the OpenVPN protocol you will get:
- CyberSec
- Obfuscated servers
- Custom DNS
- TCP/UDP protocols
NordVPN has two different apps; one for its website where OpenVPN protocol is used, and one is available on the App Store. This app uses IKEv2 instead of OpenVPN which is a secure protocol.
Pros:
- Cost-effective
- Dedicated Mac apps work well
- Vast server network
- Live chat support available
Cons:
- iOS app doesn’t work in China
Private Internet Access VPN (PIA)
Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN is a renowned US-based security service and one of the oldest VPN service. The VPN offers 3235+ Servers in 33 Countries and provides multiple encryption protocols to keep user activities safe online. The service doesn't track your IP and timestamps, while it offers a secure Kill Switch feature that protects your internet connection.
PIA offers MacOS support on multiple upgrades that include macOS 10.13, 10.12, 10.11 and 10.10. Users can stream the web with multiple VPN Gateways.
Pros:
- No log Policy
- Affordable Pricing Plans
- Blocks Targeted ads malware
- Good Mac app
Cons:
- No servers for streaming
- Live Chat Support is missing
- No Free Trial
IPVanish VPN
IPVanish falls last in the list with 1,100+ servers. But don't go by its name as the security tool offers 256-bit AES encryption along with DNS leak protection, IPv6 leak protection, kill switch, and traffic obfuscation.
It’s better for torrenting as it has P2P supported servers and a functional configuration of Kodi as well.
Pros:
- Apps work well with MacOS/OSX
- Multiple security features
- Provides multiple connections
Cons:
- App doesn’t work in China
Why install a VPN on Mac?
iOS devices and MacOS have the strongest security protocols compared to Android but there are still a handful of users that opt for a VPN. Ever wondered why?
The first thought is to improve your privacy as Mac security extends only till the data that is stored on the system. Once the information (data) is passed on the internet, it is no longer secured by Mac.
The Internet Service Provider ISP, anyone on the internet or a hacker could snatch the data from under your nose without you knowing it online. The information could be used against you in multiple ways such as ISP throttling your bandwidth to restrict P2P file sharing. Or a technical man-in-the-middle attack.
Apart from keeping Mac secure, best Mac VPN is also a tool to access geo-restricted content which is blocked by ISPs. By flipping the ON switch, you can easily connect to a server in the US and access US Netflix library without sharing your location to ISPs and any other mass surveillance agency.
Recommended VPN Protocols For Mac
A VPN protocol is the instructions to negotiate a secure encrypted connection between the two ends. A number of VPN protocols support a number of commercial VPNs, the most notable protocols to be used on a VPN Mac are:
- PPTP – The old VPN protocol, securing for years; though supported in MacOS, but not highly recommended.
- L2TP –This is implemented with the Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) authentication suite (L2TP/IPsec). It is certainly not secure to protect from NSA but generally regarded as being secure.
- IKEv2 – It’s a new yet popular because it is both fast and secure. How secure it is against the NSA, it is still unproven. Apple is a good fan of IKEv2, and MacBook users may prefer it to OpenVPN; thanks to its ability to reconnect when the connection is interrupted.
- OpenVPN – It’s an open source and fully audited protocol is regarded as the most secure and versatile VPN protocol, only if implemented well. We highly recommend you to go with OpenVPN whenever possible.
The much-advertised AES-256 is indeed a gold-standard cipher, thanks to all the best VPN for Mac like ExpressVPN for using this protocol.
How To Use a VPN on Mac – Manual Configuration
To make your Mac OS unbreakable and hacker-proof, we recommend the strongest protocol, “OpenVPN.” With Mac, the protocol is not built-in. Instead, you need to configure an OpenVPN client with the help of third party software available on the web.
Best Vpn To Use In China
This requires a manual configuration process that involves individual servers. Having a designated app is a lot easier inclusive of all the OpenVPN servers that have a Kill switch and DNS leak protection as well.
If your Mac VPN app isn't available on Mac, then you can use the following third party software to configure it.
- Built-in VPN support (L2TP)
- Tunnelblick (OpenVPN)
Setting Up L2TP VPN Connection Manually
Setting up L2TP/IPSec is a need of an hour because the protocol has built-in support for Mac that doesn't compromise speed. To configure the protocol, you require to follow the given instructions.
- Go to the Apple menu and select System Preferences and choose Network icon
- Click on the + in the bottom left to create a new network interface
- Choose VPN from the Interface drop-down list
- From the list and choose L2TP over IPSec
- In the Service Name field, type in the name, anything you like.
- Select Create and the VPN settings will appear
- Use the default configuration, in the Server Address field and type the VPN server address
- Type your VPN account username in the Account Name field
- Select the Authentication Settings
- Insert the VPN account password in the password
- If a shared secret is being used, select Shared Secret and type pre-shared key
- Select Certificate and find the VPN provider’s certificate
- Save changes by on Apply
- Open menu and select System Preferences to launch the Network icon and connect the VPN
- Choose the VPN connection in the Network box
- Click Connect
- Done
Setting Up a VPN with Tunnelblick on a Mac
Vpn Service For China
Tunnelblick is a VPN client recommended for Mac which works with OpenVPN protocol. OpenVPN configuration needs to be set, but the file for each server location you want to connect to, is available through the VPN provider.
Tunnelblick is a free software which once downloaded; double click on the .dmg file and turn on Tunnelblick icon; login on your Mac credentials to further continue with the downloading process and start using it.
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- Open Tunnelblick and select the button stating “I have configuration files.”
- Go on the downloaded folder of your .ovpn files and double-click.
- Install the configuration
- After the configuration is installed, select the Tunnelblick icon in the top right of your screen and Connect it.
- Enter Mac VPN credentials
- A Connection established notification will appear and you’re done.
Mac OS VPN Conclusion
Best Vpn For China Mac
You will find an abundance VPN for Mac at your disposal which you can try out without any fuss; if you’ve time. Or else you can try all the given options, they all worth your hard-earned bucks; all those come with a refund policy if you are not satisfied with either of them.
Vpn In China For Mac
Whichever you choose, make sure the VPN is outside of the five eyes, nine eyes, 14 eyes jurisdiction, so that you can fully trust the VPN provider and it’s log policies to remain hidden and safe on your Mac at all times.