2026 Two Reliable Paid VPNs for Use in China: ExpressVPN vs. NordVPN

Think of a VPN as your travel umbrella: small, slightly annoying to pack, and utterly glorious the moment the skies open. In China the internet can turn from sunny to stormy without warning—download and test your VPN before you go, because standing in a downpour without one is a fast track to soggy frustration.

Introduction

Heading to mainland China in 2026 and want to keep access to Netflix, Spotify, social apps, news sites, or work tools? Don’t wing it—install and test your VPNs before you land. This cheeky guide compares ExpressVPN and NordVPN, covers streaming performance, practical tips, troubleshooting, router vs device setup, and includes useful long-tail search phrases people actually use.

Why these two?

They repeatedly perform well in real-world checks because they invest in obfuscation, modern protocols, nearby servers, and active support. Nothing’s foolproof against a changing firewall, but these two give you the best practical chance of staying connected and streaming your favorite shows.

ExpressVPN — The Dependable Veteran

Why pick it in 2026
ExpressVPN is the calm, reliable friend who actually reads the manual. It tends to be plug-and-play, which is perfect if you’d rather binge Netflix than wrestle with settings.

Core features

  • Lightway protocol: fast, low-latency, quick to reconnect.
  • AES-256 encryption and modern handshakes.
  • Built-in obfuscation to bypass deep-packet inspection.
  • Kill switch and split tunneling.
  • Broad device and router support, plus 24/7 live chat.
  • 30-day money-back guarantee.

Streaming and media

  • Netflix: Often unblocks multiple regional libraries and handles 4K streaming smoothly on good connections.
  • Spotify: Works reliably; use nearby servers to keep latency low for music apps and streaming.

Practical tips
Use servers near China: Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore.
If a server misbehaves, toggle Lightway or switch protocols.
Test streaming (play a show, open Spotify) before your refund window closes.

Strengths and quirks
Strengths: high out-of-the-box success, simple apps, excellent live support.
Quirk: pricier than some competitors—you pay for stability and convenience.

NordVPN — The Cost-Effective All-Rounder

Why pick it in 2026
NordVPN mixes speed, privacy features, and value. With NordLynx (WireGuard-based) and explicit obfuscated servers, it’s a strong performer—especially if you don’t mind tweaking settings to squeeze better results.

Core features

  • NordLynx (WireGuard-based): low overhead, fast throughput.
  • Obfuscated servers for restrictive networks.
  • AES-256, DNS leak protection, kill switch, split tunneling.
  • Optional Threat Protection and detailed setup guides.
  • 30-day refund window.

Streaming and media

  • Netflix: Regularly works for popular libraries; test specific regions since streaming blocks can vary by server.
  • Spotify: Smooth playback when connected to nearby, high-bandwidth servers—great for playlists and podcasts.

Practical tips
Enable obfuscated servers when connecting from mainland China.
Switch between NordLynx and OpenVPN if you see performance dips.
Keep a short list of server names that streamed well in past tests.

Strengths and quirks
Strengths: solid speed-to-price ratio, advanced options, frequent discounts.
Quirk: some trial-and-error may be needed to find the ideal server/protocol combo for a given ISP.

Feature face-off

Reliability in China: ExpressVPN slightly ahead for “works without drama”; NordVPN close when obfuscation is enabled.

  • Speed: NordLynx often wins on raw throughput; Lightway is resilient and stable.
  • Streaming: Both reliably unblock Netflix and Spotify with the right servers; ExpressVPN edges ahead for consistent 4K playback.
  • Usability: ExpressVPN = plug-and-play; NordVPN = tweak-and-optimize.
  • Support: Both offer 24/7 chat; ExpressVPN’s China-specific troubleshooting is frequently praised.

Pre-trip checklist

  • 1. Create accounts and verify email before travel.
  • 2. Download and install apps on all devices (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux).
  • 3. Log in and test connections and streaming on an unrestricted network; save working server names.
  • 4. Keep backup installers (.apk) and manual config files.
  • 5. Note refund deadlines and enable MFA if available.

Quick troubleshooting when the firewall acts up

  • Try another nearby server (Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore).
  • Toggle obfuscation/stealth or change protocols (Lightway/NordLynx/OpenVPN).
  • Switch between mobile data and Wi‑Fi.
  • Restart the app/device; reinstall if needed.
  • Use manual OpenVPN configs if the app fails.
  • Contact live chat for China-optimized suggestions.

Supported devices

Both support largely the same range of mainstream devices, including Windows, macOS, and Linux desktops; iOS and Android phones and tablets; common routers (via native apps or manual setup, including OpenWrt/DD‑WRT/Tomato); streaming devices like Amazon Fire TV and Android TV; and consoles/TVs protected through a router or hotspot such as PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. Both also offer Chrome/Firefox browser extensions, manual setup for NAS devices (e.g., Synology, QNAP), and multiple VPN protocols (NordVPN offers NordLynx/WireGuard), so nearly any networked device can be protected via client apps or at the router level.

Both support no logs.

Router vs device setup
Router: protects all home devices (great for smart TVs and consoles); more technical but convenient.
Device apps: quick, flexible; ideal if you move between hotspots.

Security and privacy notes
Both services use strong encryption and leak protection. Use MFA, strong passwords, and keep apps and OS updated.
Layer privacy practices: unique passwords, minimal data sharing, and cautious browsing.

Pricing snapshot (2026)
ExpressVPN: premium pricing—expect higher monthly cost but strong reliability.
NordVPN: generally cheaper on long-term plans and often runs promotions.
Both offer 30-day money-back guarantees—use them to test streaming and connectivity.

Final takeaway
Want the simplest, most likely-to-work option? ExpressVPN.
Want speed, features, and better value? NordVPN with obfuscation enabled.
Best practical plan: install both before you go—one main, one backup—and test Netflix and Spotify before the refund window closes.