StrongVPN
Full Disclosure - Astrill deleted my affiliate account after I published the blog post about not offering the free trial to customers in China. That was in 2016 and I haven't used Astrill since then. That was in 2016 and I haven't used Astrill since then. Astrill VPN app provides secure VPN connection using military grade encryption based on OpenVPN and OpenWeb protocols. We support both UDP and TCP connections.
Beware of Astrill. As of October 15, 2016 all links on the Tips for China website that were pointing to Astrill will now land on this page instead. It appears that Astrill has banned my affiliate account without telling me. I don't know when this happened or what the reason is, but when I log into my Astrill account the affiliate account is gone. Astrill gives users from China and across the globe the secure network tunnel that they need to enjoy the internet to the fullest and do whatever they like completely anonymously. Some of Astrill's leading services are the high speed connectivity, the vast VPN technologies and the easy plug and play systems. Astrill works with p2p and torrents on specific servers. Every A strill VPN p2p server is marked with a golden star symbol next to them. If you want to connect to torrent websites and download p2p files, you must be connected to these servers. Does Astrill VPN work in China? Yes, Astrill VPN is still one of the few VPNs that works in China.
StrongVPN was rated #3 on this page once upon a time. Although their apps and user interface was the worst I have ever seen, they did have 1 selling point. That was the Hong Kong servers, which had good peering to China Telecom (PCCW network).
However, those Hong Kong servers disappeared one day, later they were replaced with inferior servers with poor routing to China Telecom. Now there is no reason to use StrongVPN in China.
PureVPN
This is probably the worst VPN that I have ever tested in the history of this website. Terrible apps, even worse support, and extremely unstable performance. They also handed over log files to the FBI to assist in an investigation.
Even if you are not using it in China, stay away from PureVPN.
Private Internet Access (PIA)
I tested PIA after seeing this YouTube video from Linus Tech Tips. At the end of the video, he recommended using PIA in China, and claimed to be using it himself in Shenzhen, where he shot the video.
When I tested PIA (extensively) around the time that this video was released, I was unable to get even a single working connection. I tried every protocol available and sent a support ticket for further troubleshooting steps.
Determined to get a connection, I took things 1 step further. I got all of their server IPs by entering the hostnames into the OpenDNS CacheCheck website, and then batch pinged every single IP using a special software I have. Every one of their server IPs was blocked in China.
My only conclusion from this is that Linus Tech Tips is a liar. He was likely roaming with a foreign SIM card when he connected to PIA for his video.
Don't get me wrong, PIA seems like a great VPN service. It's just not one that works in China.
Chinese based VPNs
It's illegal to operate a VPN service in China and these are the ones that will be targeted by the government the most.
When choosing a VPN, always choose one that is incorporated outside of China.
How to Download & Install Astrill on iPhone?
1. You can download iOS version of Astrill application from https://www.astrill.com/download/ios and then click on Apple Store icon.
You can also directly go to Apple App Store/iTunes and search for Astrill VPN, as mentioned in the screenshot below:
2. Then tap on Cloud/Download button to proceed with downloading and installation of the App.
Astrill Website Blocked In China
3. After the downloading & installation is complete, tap on Open to load the application.
4. Then you will have to input the Astrill account's login credentials.
Chinese based VPNs
It's illegal to operate a VPN service in China and these are the ones that will be targeted by the government the most.
When choosing a VPN, always choose one that is incorporated outside of China.
How to Download & Install Astrill on iPhone?
1. You can download iOS version of Astrill application from https://www.astrill.com/download/ios and then click on Apple Store icon.
You can also directly go to Apple App Store/iTunes and search for Astrill VPN, as mentioned in the screenshot below:
2. Then tap on Cloud/Download button to proceed with downloading and installation of the App.
Astrill Website Blocked In China
3. After the downloading & installation is complete, tap on Open to load the application.
4. Then you will have to input the Astrill account's login credentials.
5. After a successful login, you will be able to see a Welcome Note from Astrill.
6. Then a notification message will prompt up for installation of new VPN profile, tap NEXT and tap Allow:
7. You will have to provide your 4-digit iphone passcode or touch ID if touch ID is enabled:
8. Tap on the drop-down list for changing Server/Country:
9. Then you will be able to select any of the preferred server, as mentioned in the screenshots below:
10. To connect with the selected server, kindly press on the red button(labelled as OFF); so that the button can be switched ON:
Astrill Website For China
11. After processing the connection will be established successfully.
Access Astrill Website In China
EXTRA SETTINGS
INVITE BUTTON:
-. The Invite button can be used for sending the invitation of Astrill VPN to your Friends.
