How to Watch Netflix in China (Despite the VPN Ban)
Netflix is currently not available in China and this can make it quite difficult for those visiting the country to access entertainment. The good news is with the right tools you can overcome the restrictions of the Great Firewall and the VPN ban from Netflix.
How to Access Netflix in China
- Download IvacyPrime from the mirror website here
- Connect to a server located in the US or any other country
- Access Netflix’s app or visit https://www.netflix.com/
In-Depth Analysis of the 5 Best Netflix VPNs in China
Here are 5 Netflix VPNs that deliver the best value, described in detail after comparing their costs, payment plans, and performance in China:
| Rank | VPN | Highlights | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Ivacy | Netflix Mode in IvacyPrime | $2.25/mo |
| 2. | Surfshark | US Servers in NoBorders Mode | $1.99/mo |
| 3. | ExpressVPN | Fast Speeds for Netflix in China | $6.67/mo |
| 4. | PureVPN | Browser App for Netflix US | $2.91/mo |
| 5. | CyberGhost | Netflix Servers in All Apps | $2.75/mo |
1. Ivacy
Netflix Mode in IvacyPrime
Famed as the best tool among Chinese residents, the IvacyPrime app offers a “streaming” mode to binge-watchers and entertainment-geeks around the world.
Open the listing and click on “Netflix” to directly redirect yourself to the US version of the VoD in China. That’s all it takes to unblock the platform with Ivacy.
For more information, check out this full 2020 review of Ivacy!
2. Surfshark
US Servers in NoBorders™ Mode
The newcomer and inexpensive, Surfshark offers a NoBorder™ mode that enables Chinese residents to access obfuscated servers, which also work for bypassing the VPN ban on Netflix.
Just make sure that you shift the protocol from the outdated IKEv2 to OpenVPN (UDP) before activating the NoBorder™ mode and connecting to a server in the US.
For more information, check out this full 2020 review of Surfshark!
3. ExpressVPN
Fast Speeds for Netflix in China
Based in BVI, ExpressVPN delivers unmatched unblocking capabilities and super-fast speeds for streaming on Netflix while in China. All of its servers provide maximum security online.
You can use their “Los Angeles 3” or “New Jersey 2” servers for unblocking the Netflix US version in China. Bear in mind though that pricing for ExpressVPN starts at a high $8.32/mo.
For more information, check out this full 2020 review of ExpressVPN!
4. PureVPN
Browser App for Netflix US in China
Headquartered in Hong Kong, PureVPN is the only provider in the marketplace that unblocks Netflix US anywhere in the world, including China with their dedicated browser extension.
Just install the add-on for your Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox browser. Click on the “Popular Websites” option and select “Netflix” from the list to unblock it in China without hassles.
For more information, check out this full 2020 review of PureVPN!
5. CyberGhost
Netflix Servers in All Apps
CyberGhost is among the few VPNs that offer specialized servers for streaming via Netflix US and UK, while making available advanced features like Wi-Fi Protection, Ad/Tracker Blocking, and Kill Switch.
To access these specialized servers, enter “Netflix” into the search bar, available on the top left corner of the Windows client. Android and iOS versions list these servers in the recommended “Streaming” listing.
For more information, check out this full 2020 review of CyberGhost!
Why Netflix Is Not Available In China
China has had a big history of banning websites and content that find their base in the Western World. However, the site is not banned in the country.
Distributors partnered with Netflix have not yet come to an agreement to launch a dedicated version for Chinese residents, urging netizens to rely on VPN services.
There is a native site for each country i.e. Netflix US, Netflix UK, Netflix CA, and Netflix NZ with their own listing of movies/TV shows. Sadly, there is no Netflix CN.
Wrapping Things Up
Ivacy remains our top recommended VPN for unblocking Netflix in China for just $1.99/month. Its reliable, secure and IvacyPrime app can serve you well for this task.
However, if you are in search of an affordable alternative, do consider signing up with Surfshark. It offers a NoBorder mode that also allows streaming on Netflix US and 15 other libraries!
