Key facts
| Built for restrictive networks | StealthVPN, OpenWeb, Smart Mode (Astrill pitches it at users in China) |
|---|---|
| Apps | iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, Routers |
| Devices at once | 5 at once, plus 1 router |
| Refunds | None: all sales are final |
| Price | from $12.50/month on a 2-year plan ($300 every 2 years) Checked Oct 8, 2026 · source |
| Install in China? | Hard once you're there. Astrill tells travelers to install, configure and test it before they land. The iPhone app isn't in every country's App Store. |
Set up before you fly
- Buy a plan at astrill.com before you travel.
- Install Astrill from the App Store. If it isn't listed in your country, Astrill has a guide to switching App Store country.
- Pick StealthVPN or OpenWeb, the protocols Astrill recommends for China.
- Connect once at home to make sure your login and protocol work.
- Buy a plan at astrill.com before you travel.
- Download the app from astrill.com before you travel.
- Pick StealthVPN or OpenWeb and test on both Wi-Fi and mobile data.
- Download the Mac app from astrill.com.
- Pick StealthVPN or OpenWeb and connect once at home.
- Download the Windows app from astrill.com.
- Pick StealthVPN or OpenWeb and connect once at home.
If it stops working
- Switch protocol between StealthVPN and OpenWeb. Astrill says OpenVPN is often blocked in China.
- Try another server location.
- Swap networks: Wi-Fi to mobile data, or the other way.
- Check the status board to see if others report problems.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Worked most consistently in 2026 hands-on use
- Its own StealthVPN and OpenWeb protocols, plus a Smart Mode feature pitched at users in China
- Router app covers devices at home
Cons
- Expensive at $300 for two years
- No refunds, even if it gets blocked
- Not in every country's App Store
Related guides
Alternatives
FAQ
Can I get a refund if Astrill doesn't work in China?
No. Astrill's refund policy, updated September 2026, says all sales are final, including when your internet provider blocks the VPN.
Can I download Astrill once I'm in China?
It's hard. Astrill itself advises installing, configuring and testing it before you land.
How many devices can I use?
Five connected at once, plus one router.
Add your report
Sources
- Pricing (Astrill), accessed Oct 8, 2026
- Refund policy (Astrill), September 2026
- VPN protocols (Astrill), accessed Oct 8, 2026
- Are VPNs legal? Travel advice (Astrill blog), April 2026
- Best VPN for China, hands-on (Unusual Nomad, affiliate links), October 2026
- Astrill (GreatFire Circumvention Central, user-submitted tests), accessed Oct 9, 2026
- Astrill in China (VPN Passport, affiliate links), accessed Oct 9, 2026