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Does ExpressVPN Work in China?

2026 reports on ExpressVPN in China disagree. What its own China notice says, which protocols to try in order, and what it costs.

Checked Oct 8, 2026 5 sources

Key facts

Built for restrictive networksAutomatic protocol (usually Lightway), Lightway UDP and TCP, Automatic obfuscation
AppsiPhone, iPad, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Routers
Devices at once10 on the Basic plan
Refunds30-day money-back guarantee for new users
Price from $2.99/month on a 2-year plan, intro price ($83.72 for the first 28 months) Checked Oct 8, 2026 · source
Install in China?Install before you travel. If ExpressVPN isn't in your App Store, ExpressVPN suggests switching App Store country. On Android, it offers the app as a direct download.

Set up before you fly

  1. Subscribe and install ExpressVPN before you travel.
  2. If it isn't in your App Store, ExpressVPN's guide explains switching App Store country.
  3. Leave the protocol on Automatic and connect once at home.
  1. Subscribe and install ExpressVPN before you travel.
  2. Download the latest APK from ExpressVPN if Google Play isn't available.
  3. Use Automatic or Lightway TCP, the protocols ExpressVPN lists for Android in China.
  1. Install the Mac app and sign in before you travel.
  2. Leave the protocol on Automatic and connect once at home.
  1. Install the Windows app and sign in before you travel.
  2. Leave the protocol on Automatic and connect once at home.

If it stops working

  1. Update the app to the latest version.
  2. Change protocol in this order: Automatic, Lightway UDP, Lightway TCP, WireGuard, OpenVPN. This is the order ExpressVPN's China notice gives.
  3. Give it time. ExpressVPN says connections from China may take longer than usual.
  4. Check the status board to see if others report problems.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Low intro price of $2.99 a month
  • 30-day money-back guarantee for new users
  • Obfuscation turns on automatically

Cons

  • 2026 reports on China disagree
  • Its own China notice warns of slow connections
  • Price rises after the intro period

Alternatives

Astrill
Works Works in 2026 hands-on use · from $12.50/mo
Surfshark
Unreliable Works with fiddling in 2026 tests · from $2.49/mo
NordVPN
Unreliable Apps blocked; manual setup needed · from $3.49/mo

FAQ

Does ExpressVPN work in China?

Sometimes. In 2026 a hands-on test found it too inconsistent to recommend, while other reports say it's working. If you use it, update the app and try the protocols in the order ExpressVPN lists.

Can I get my money back if it doesn't work?

New users get a 30-day money-back guarantee.

What does it cost after the intro price?

The intro price covers the first 28 months. ExpressVPN's pricing page says it then renews at $99.95 a year.

Add your report

Did ExpressVPN connect for you in mainland China?

Sources

  1. Pricing (ExpressVPN), accessed Oct 8, 2026
  2. China connection status (ExpressVPN support), February 2026
  3. How to download the app (ExpressVPN), September 2026
  4. Best VPN for China, hands-on (Unusual Nomad, affiliate links), October 2026
  5. ExpressVPN in China (The Food Ranger, affiliate links), October 2026