There are over a billion active WeChat users, but despite being one of the world’s most popular instant messaging apps, this service has some real privacy issues. Below, we’ll explain how to protect yourself, hide your actual location, and keep the contents of your messages as secure as possible with the best VPNs for WeChat.
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) encrypt your internet connection and spoof your location, preventing government surveillance and allowing you to access your usual websites wherever you travel. Of course, there’s only so much you can do, given WeChat’s privacy policy, but we’ll discuss this later.
In a hurry? Here’s a quick guide to the best VPNs for WeChat but you can also scroll further down for a more in-depth review of each.
Best VPNs for accessing WeChat from anywhere:
- NordVPN: The best WeChat VPN. Secures your network activity and unblocks most messenger apps, even in China. Has a strict no-logging policy and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for WeChat. - Surfshark: Our top low-cost option. Boasts high speeds, strong security features, and a total lack of connection limits. Works flawlessly in China.
- IPVanish: Quick and lightweight, with a top-notch security offering. This zero-logs VPN lets you connect as many devices as you like and unblocks several popular streaming services, as well as WeChat.
- ExpressVPN: A fast, secure VPN that’ll let you privately browse WeChat from anywhere. Minimal setup required, and several mirror sites for Chinese users.
- CyberGhost: This beginner-friendly VPN offers reliable connections to 10,000+ servers and a great set of security tools. Great for making video calls.
- PrivateVPN: Works in China and offers a higher degree of privacy than most of its rivals. Great for streaming and allows 10 device connections at once.
- Private Internet Access: Versatile, easy to use, and effective at unblocking stubborn geo-blocked services. Expansive server network.
VPNs often claim to keep you safe and private online but many VPNs (especially free ones) leak information.
We regularly test the top 70 VPNs for security and this list only includes VPNs which keep you anonymous and don't track your activity. Plus we only recommend VPNs which offer a full-money back guarantee allowing you to try them risk free.
Best VPNs for WeChat compared
We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for WeChat.
No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | PrivateVPN | Private Internet Access |
Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | IPVanish.com | ExpressVPN.com | Cyberghost.com | PrivateVPN.com | PrivateInternetAccess.com | Ranking for WeChat | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Avg Speed (Mbps) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 74 Mbps | 100+ Mbps | Total number of servers | 7,425 | 3,200 | 2,400 | Undisclosed | 8,000+ | 200+ | 1,000+ | Simultaneous Connections | 10 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 8 | 7 | 10 | Unlimited | Activity logs | No identifying data | No identifying data |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $3.39 Up to 76% off 2 year plans + free Amazon Gift Card | $1.99 87% OFF + 3 months free | $6.49 Best MONTHLY deal | $4.99 SAVE: 61% + 4 months free on 2 year plans | $2.19 SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 2 months free! | $2.00 Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free | $2.19 SAVE 82% on the 2 yr plan + 2 months free |
Best VPNs for WeChat
You could spend forever mulling over the differences between rival VPN providers for WeChat. Rather than focusing on a single feature, we recommend finding a service that is a solid all-rounder. With this in mind, we tested providers in the following areas:
- Speed: To ensure you get the most out of WeChat, you’ll want a VPN that’s fast enough to support features like live streaming. To find which providers were quickest, we carried out multiple speed tests while connected to their US servers.
- Network suitability: We scored providers on the number of countries they supported, as well as their ability to access WeChat and a range of geo-restricted streaming platforms. We also checked whether they could evade detection in China, where WeChat is most popular.
- Security and privacy: To ensure your connection is protected from potentially malicious third parties while using WeChat, we looked for VPNs that performed well against our 16 different metrics.
- Ease of use: We don’t think VPN software should be difficult to use. We used ten different metrics to comprehensively assess the overall user-friendliness of each provider.
- Value for money: The best VPN providers have generous money-back guarantees and a range of subscription terms and offers. In all, we used eight metrics to gauge which providers offered the best overall value for money.
This is just a summary but you can read more about how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend in the methodology section below. For now, let’s take a closer look at the ones that impressed us.
Here’s our list of the best VPNs to access WeChat from anywhere:
1. NordVPN
unblocks wechatTested Jul 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 9.7 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 9.6 / 10 |
Network suitability: | 9.8 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 9.5 / 10 |
US speed testing: | 10.0 / 10 |
Value for money: | 9.5 / 10 |
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our #1 recommendation for WeChat. It offers unlimited bandwidth and has a network spanning 118 countries.

It was the fastest VPN in our tests, with an average download speed of 199.51 Mbps. It was more than 74 Mbps faster than the combined average speeds of the other tested providers, and is an excellent choice for high-resolution video calling using WeChat.
NordVPN works perfectly with a wide range of secure messaging apps, and even offers obfuscated servers — and a dedicated obfuscation protocol — specifically designed for beating governmental censorship.

This service has a particularly impressive set of security features. First, there’s an internet kill switch, automatic malware scanning, and AES 256-bit encryption, as well as DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection.
NordVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous device connections and has apps available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. If you’d like to secure every device on your network, it can be manually installed on a wide range of network routers. The provider follows a strict no-logs policy and accepts three cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple). Help is available over live chat, 24 hours per day.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want the best possible speeds for uninterrupted WeChat video calls
- You need reliable obfuscation to access WeChat in highly restrictive places like China
- You value privacy with support for crypto payments and RAM-only servers
- You’re looking for a VPN that performs across all major messaging apps
- You want excellent cross-platform support and easy setup on routers
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You’re a mobile-first user who wants ad/tracker blocking included by default
BEST VPN FOR WECHAT:NordVPN is our top choice. Secure your online activity and avoid deep packet inspection while traveling. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
unblocks wechatTested Jul 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 9.4 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 8.9 / 10 |
Network suitability: | 9.5 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 9.5 / 10 |
US speed testing: | 9.3 / 10 |
Value for money: | 9.7 / 10 |
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark is the best budget VPN for WeChat. It has speedy servers in 100+ countries and works with a huge number of platforms, from Netflix to Facebook.

Better still, this VPN allows you to connect all of your devices with a single account and delivers exceptionally high speeds. In our tests, it averaged 189.28 Mbps overall. This makes it more than fast enough for video calling or live streaming with WeChat. It also works with Telegram, Signal, and WhatsApp.
Surfshark protects you against DNS and IPv6 leaks, hides your activities with AES 256-bit encryption, and ensures you never inadvertently browse without protection using a kill switch. Additionally, it boasts a NoBorders mode that can bypass even the most stringent web blocking. Customer support is available around the clock and staff will be more than happy to help if you have issues browsing in China.

Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy and has verified this with multiple audits. Plus it accepts Ethereum, Ripple, or Bitcoin for even greater anonymity.
Surfshark users can install macOS, Android, iOS, Windows, and Linux apps. It can be manually configured before use with supported network routers.
Buy this VPN if:
- You need a budget-friendly VPN that supports unlimited connections
- You want consistently high speeds for video calling and WeChat streaming
- You prefer a VPN that balances usability and strong security features
- You value cryptocurrency payment options
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You require an ultra-minimalist interface without upsell prompts
TALK PRIVATELY ANYWHERE:Surfshark is an affordable VPN with a ton of privacy features and very fast speeds. Still not convinced? There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Take a look at our comprehensive Surfshark review.
3. IPVanish
unblocks wechatTested Jul 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 8.4 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 9.4 / 10 |
Network suitability: | 5.8 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 8.9 / 10 |
US speed testing: | 8.3 / 10 |
Value for money: | 9.6 / 10 |
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish is a veteran provider with more than 2,400 servers in over 140 locations. While connected to its US servers, we recorded speeds of between 170.48 Mbps and 175.71 Mbps. These consistently quick speeds make IPVanish suitable for everything from WeChat video calls through to multiplayer gaming.
Usefully, IPVanish unblocks a wide variety of geo-restricted services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus. Best of all, there’s no limit on the number of devices you can connect at the same time.

This VPN puts in a strong showing when it comes to security too. It offers 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and there’s even the option to block local connections. Users can scramble their OpenVPN traffic, which helps prevent you from being detected by services that usually block VPN users. IPVanish follows a strict no-logging policy, so your privacy is in good hands.

IPVanish provides lightweight, easy-to-use apps for Android, Windows, macOS, and iOS. It works with Linux systems and supported network routers via manual installation. Need help? Customer support is available 24/7 over live chat.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want a fast and lightweight VPN that supports unlimited devices at once
- You want to use OpenVPN scrambling to bypass VPN blocks
- You’re tech-savvy and value granular settings in a VPN client
- You need an affordable no-logs VPN with strong privacy fundamentals
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You need a VPN that reliably works inside China
- You want to pay anonymously using cryptocurrency
PRIVACY-FIRST VPN:IPVanish doesn’t keep any logs and comes packed with strong security features. Further, it offers consistently high speeds, unlimited bandwidth, unlimited connections, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
For more info, read our full review of IPVanish.
4. ExpressVPN
unblocks wechatTested Jul 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 8.4 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 9.3 / 10 |
Network suitability: | 9.6 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 9.2 / 10 |
US speed testing: | 5.4 / 10 |
Value for money: | 8.4 / 10 |
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN offers reliable performance and access to servers in 105+ countries, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to use messaging apps safely. What’s more, this service excels at accessing geo-restricted content, so you’ll be able to regain access to your usual services while traveling.

In our speed tests for this article, ExpressVPN achieved consistently fast download speeds of between 127.69 Mbps and 130.02 Mbps. As a rough guide, this is fast enough for streaming 4K video on five devices simultaneously.
This VPN keeps you safe by blocking ads and malicious websites automatically. It also offers uncrackable encryption, a kill switch, and IPv6 and DNS leak protection. No additional setup is needed to use this service in China (provided you install it before you arrive), and support is available 24/7 over live chat.

Most importantly, ExpressVPN refuses to log any data that could identify you. It’s based in the British Virgin Islands, a location with no mandatory data-retention laws, so there’s no need to worry about governmental interference, either.
ExpressVPN has apps for iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, and macOS. Additionally, it has custom firmware that makes it easier to install on supported network routers.
Buy this VPN if:
- You rely on WeChat and need a proven VPN that offers consistent access
- You want broad platform support, including apps for routers
- You value jurisdiction outside the 14-Eyes alliances
- You want a premium VPN that works in heavily censored countries
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You’re on a tight budget (ExpressVPN is expensive)
- You want task-specific servers
FAST CONNECTIONS:ExpressVPN reliably unblocks WeChat and other popular chat apps. It offers robust security, an audited no-logs policy, and knowledgeable support. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
5. CyberGhost
unblocks wechatTested Jul 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 7.7 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 9.1 / 10 |
Network suitability: | 5.3 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 8.9 / 10 |
US speed testing: | 5.8 / 10 |
Value for money: | 9.5 / 10 |
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost has a vast network of over 10,000 servers in 100+ countries, including China. This, coupled with its fast speeds — it averaged 133.97 Mbps in our tests for this article — make it a solid choice for using WeChat, streaming, or just browsing.
This service’s security features include DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and effectively-uncrackable 256-bit AES encryption. There’s also a feature that sends your data via a random port (which helps you avoid VPN-detection measures on public Wi-Fi networks).

CyberGhost doesn’t store any data that could identify you. Privacy-conscious users can sign up almost completely anonymously by paying in Bitcoin. Additionally, live chat-based support is available around the clock.

CyberGhost allows up to seven simultaneous device connections and has mobile (Android and iOS) and desktop apps (macOS, Windows, and Linux). To use this VPN with your wireless router, you’ll need to configure it manually.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want a simple, beginner-friendly VPN for using WeChat
- You want a longer money-back guarantee window (45 days) to trial the service
- You prefer a VPN with minimal manual setup and clean app interfaces
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You need a VPN that works in China (CyberGhost struggles)
- You want to use WeChat on Linux without manual VPN configuration
SECURE AND RELIABLE:CyberGhost is both highly secure and easy to use. It’s fast enough for flawless streaming, torrenting, or chatting, plus it has special servers for securely accessing stubborn platforms like Netflix. This VPN offers a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Interested? Find out more in our in-depth review of CyberGhost.
6. PrivateVPN
unblocks wechatTested Jul 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 6.7 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 8.6 / 10 |
Network suitability: | 7.1 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 8.6 / 10 |
US speed testing: | 1.0 / 10 |
Value for money: | 8.2 / 10 |
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN only has around 200 servers, but it offsets this by covering 63 countries and providing exceptional streaming capabilities. As well as WeChat, it works with services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus. The provider’s stealth VPN feature means it can even bypass China’s Great Firewall.

Speed-wise, PrivateVPN was slower than the above VPNs. It averaged 53.20 Mbps in our tests, which is nevertheless still more than fast enough for use with WeChat.
If you need a few extra Mbps, PrivateVPN is one of the few providers that allows users to drop the level of encryption used on their traffic to improve connection speeds.

This service uses 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks to keep your activities hidden at all times. That’s not all: it also boasts a stealth mode capable of hiding the fact that you’re using a VPN at all. Additionally, PrivateVPN has a strict no-logs policy. For even greater privacy, users can choose to pay in Bitcoin. If you run into any problems, you can reach support staff 22 hours per day via live chat or email.
PrivateVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections per account and comes with apps for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows. Users can follow manual setup guides to configure it with Linux systems or routers.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want a privacy-focused VPN that includes a stealth mode
- You value being able to reduce encryption to boost performance when needed
- You want to pay anonymously using Bitcoin
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You require an expansive server network
- You’re a Linux or router user who wants plug-and-play apps
WORKS IN CHINA:PrivateVPN has an effective stealth mode, and secure servers in 63+ countries. It’s great for streaming and also pays particular attention to user privacy, with advanced security features and a no-logs policy. Subscriptions include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Check out the complete PrivateVPN review.
7. Private Internet Access
Unblocks WechatTested Jul 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 6.5 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 9.6 / 10 |
Network suitability: | 4.0 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 9.3 / 10 |
US speed testing: | 1.6 / 10 |
Value for money: | 8.2 / 10 |
Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Private Internet Access (PIA) has thousands of RAM-only servers spread across 91+ countries. In several countries — such as the US, Canada, and the UK — it also has streaming-optimized servers, which make it a breeze to access platforms like Hulu, Crave, and BBC iPlayer.

In our speed tests, PIA averaged 70.30 Mbps. This is fast enough to support all WeChat features. Like PrivateVPN, it allows users to reduce their encryption for better speeds.
Of course, if you’re looking to chat safely, security features are a top priority. PIA includes 256-bit AES encryption, as well as IPv6 and DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and a simple togglable feature that blocks ads and malware automatically.

Crucially, this service doesn’t keep any logs whatsoever. It accepts Bitcoin and a wide range of other cryptocurrencies, giving you more ways to sign up anonymously.
PIA allows you to protect every device you own simultaneously, and offers apps for macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux. Further, it can be manually installed on supported home routers. Live chat-based support is available around the clock.
Buy this VPN if:
- You need a customizable VPN that supports unlimited connections
- You want to choose your encryption to balance between speed and security
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You need a VPN that consistently works inside China
- You’re looking for a VPN with the fastest download speeds
PLENTY OF CHOICE:PIA has thousands of speedy servers, solid unblocking ability, and very powerful security features, meaning there really isn’t much it can’t do. What’s more, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full PIA review for more info.
How to use WeChat with a VPN
It’s easier than you might think to protect your activities from snoopers with the right VPN. Just follow the simple steps below, and you will be messaging privately on WeChat in no time.
Here’s how to use WeChat with a VPN:
- First, sign up for one of the VPNs above (we recommend NordVPN).
- Next, install the VPN app on any device you use often. Usually, you’ll be permitted around 10 connections at once, but this number varies from one provider to another.
- Log in and connect to your chosen server. WeChat is available nearly everywhere, so the location doesn’t really matter, but you’ll usually find that the closer your chosen server, the higher your speeds.
- Finally, open the WeChat app or web client and log in. You should now be able to chat as normal, regardless of your physical location.
- If you are experiencing problems, try a different server, clear your cookies and cache before trying again, or contact your VPN provider for more assistance.
WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE?
NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for WeChat with no restrictions for a month. This makes it perfect for anyone hoping to stay in touch with friends during a short trip abroad.
There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for WeChat
It’s trickier than you might think to find a VPN that’s suitable for WeChat. Plenty are too slow and others can’t access services you normally use back home. To ensure we only recommended the best, we tested providers in the following areas:
Network suitability
We started by scoring providers on the number of countries they had a presence in. The more locations your VPN supports, the more likely it is that there’ll be a server nearby. Additionally, having a presence in more countries means that you can theoretically access more content.
Next, we scored them on their ability to access WeChat and a range of other popular services such as BBC iPlayer, Stan, and Disney+. Finally, we checked whether they worked in China — most VPNs fall foul of the government’s advanced VPN detection methods.
The scores for the above were weighted and then combined to generate an overall score out of 10 for each provider.
NordVPN scored an impressive 9.8 out of 10. It works consistently in China and has servers in 118 countries. Furthermore, it has no problem accessing even the most stubborn of streaming platforms. ExpressVPN and Surfshark are also excellent options for WeChat users around the globe.
Speed
Video calling isn’t the most data-intensive task, but you’ll still need decent speeds to avoid lag. To find suitable providers, we carried out multiple speed tests while connected to each provider’s US servers.
We took measurements using the desktop version of the Ookla speed-testing app (which is more accurate than the browser-based version), and rate-limited our base connection speed to 250 Mbps in order to better emulate the experience of the average user in the US.
To make a side-by-side comparison easier, the results for each provider were averaged and converted to a score out of 10 relative to the other tested VPNs.
NordVPN was the fastest provider overall. It’s the ideal option for even the most demanding of online tasks. Surfshark also scored highly, and is similarly capable of providing fast speeds for streaming, gaming and torrenting. Neither provider will have any problems with WeChat features like video calling or live streaming.
Security and privacy
Your conversations aren’t private on WeChat, though we can help you secure the rest of your traffic by looking for VPNs with 256-bit encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch. A no-logs policy is another must-have, and we welcome any additional security tools a service might offer.
Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | PrivateVPN | PIA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs |
IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs |
Encryption | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher |
Authentication | SHA-384 | SHA-512 | SHA-256 | SHA-512 | SHA-256 | SHA-256 | SHA-256 |
Keys | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 2048-bit | 4096-bit |
Perfect Forward Secrecy | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
DNS leak protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
IPv6 leak protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Private DNS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Torrenting allowed | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Kill switch | All platforms | Mobile app-level | All platforms | Mobile app-level | All platforms | Some platforms | All platforms |
HQ outside 9 eyes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Obfuscation | Stealth | Stealth | Stealth | Automatic | Stealth | Stealth | Stealth |
Supported protocols | Own protocol | Secure protocols only | Secure protocols only | Own protocol | Secure protocols only | Secure protocols only | Secure protocols only |
Anonymous payment options | Multiple | Multiple | None | Multiple | Multiple | One | Multiple |
Additional security features | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | Yes |
If you’re not familiar with the terms used in the table above, don’t worry. We combined the scores for each metric to generate an overall score for each provider. The results are shown below.
NordVPN and Surfshark both scored 9.5 out of 10, suggesting that they are the best options for WeChat users concerned about their security and privacy. Each uses strong encryption to protect user-generated traffic, and has an audited no-logs policy. Furthermore, they only use RAM-only servers and can bypass blocks in countries such as China. PIA and ExpressVPN are the next-best options.
Ease of use
Our top VPNs are beginner-friendly, support multiple operating systems and provide live chat-based support. Some — as you can see in the table below — even let you connect all of your devices simultaneously.
Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | PrivateVPN | PIA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apps for all major platforms | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Novice-friendly design | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Ease of signup (reviewer to score) | 5 (easy) | 4 | 5 (easy) | 5 (easy) | 4 | 4 | 5 (easy) |
Router support | Standard | Standard | Standard | App | Standard | Standard | Standard |
Unblocking consistency | Great | Great | Great | Generally works | Great | Generally works | Great |
Task specific servers | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Network | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries |
Ease of cancellation | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy |
Interface | Well-organised | A little cluttered | Well-organised | Well-organised | A little cluttered | Well-organised | Well-organised |
Feature parity | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | All features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions |
Each of the above metrics was assigned a score based on its relative importance. These scores were combined to generate overall scores out of 10 for comparison.
NordVPN and PIA both scored 9.6 out of 10. They combine streamlined sign-up processes with user-friendly apps that provide access to task-specific servers. IPVanish and ExpressVPN are also solid choices for users with no VPN experience.
Value for money
If a service charged more than seemed reasonable, we didn’t recommend it. Once we’d found those with reasonably priced subscriptions, we also looked for any available deals, discounts, free trials, and money-back guarantees to keep the price as low as possible.
Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | PrivateVPN | PIA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Money-back guarantee | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Connection limit | 6+ | Unlimited | Unlimited | 6+ | 6+ | 6+ | Unlimited |
Subscription terms | 3 terms+ | 3 terms+ | 3 terms+ | 3 terms+ | 3 terms+ | 3 terms+ | 3 terms+ |
Sale frequency | Frequently running deals | Frequently running deals | Frequently running deals | Frequently running deals | Frequently running deals | Frequently running deals | Frequently running deals |
Monthly pricing | <$13 | <$10 | <$13 | $15+ | <$13 | <$10 | <$13 |
Lowest price | <$5 | <$5 | <$5 | $5+ | <$5 | <$5 | <$5 |
Free trial available | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Student discount | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
To enable a quick comparison between providers, we combined the results of our tests into a score out of 10 for each VPN.
Surfshark’s score of 9.7 out of 10 was highest overall. It provides great value for money via unlimited device connections and a two-year introductory. IPVanish also scored well, though its two-year plans are fractionally more expensive than Surfshark’s.
Best VPNs for WeChat FAQs
Can I access WeChat using a free VPN?
We strongly advise against using a free VPN with WeChat. For a start, these services usually only offer a handful of servers, which means that they’re quickly swamped with users, bringing your speeds down to a crawl. Additionally, free VPNs aren’t very versatile: they often struggle with region-locking and tend to fall foul of VPN-detection measures.
There’s also the security aspect to consider. It’s difficult to tell if you’re actually using a free VPN or simply one of the many Trojans looking to take advantage of your privacy concerns. Worse, many free services fail to include basic security features like encryption, meaning they’re often no safer than browsing normally. Some will even inject malware into your system. For these reasons, we recommend sticking with a reputable, no-logs VPN that puts its customers first.
Is WeChat safe to use?
To be clear, there are legitimate privacy issues regarding the use of WeChat, so people’s concerns are not unfounded. For instance, research indicates that the service actively surveils its users’ messages and in some cases, censors them entirely.
However, as this is one of the most popular messaging apps that is available in both China and the rest of the world, it still has its uses. For instance, it’s an easy app for communicating with less tech-savvy friends or relatives when they’re traveling in China, whereas more popular platforms like WhatsApp are blocked. However, it’s vital that you refrain from sending sensitive, incriminating, or anti-establishment material over WeChat. Remember: if there’s something you need to say anonymously, a VPN will also allow you to access Signal and Telegram within China.
Where is WeChat banned?
Previously, access to WeChat has been temporarily restricted in the US, Russia, India, and Iran, though none of these bans are still in place.
There are several countries that block all messaging and VoIP apps that aren’t approved by the government, and WeChat will almost certainly be blocked here, along with WhatsApp, FaceTime, Snapchat, and Facebook Messenger. Countries that restrict these types of apps include the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan, and Oman.