Chinanetspeed - Premium Web Acceleration for China Users

New to China? What the internet really feels like behind the Great Firewall

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 02:04:37 -0700

Welcome to China. The food is incredible, the cities are buzzing, and the internet...well, it's awful. If you've just landed, you may have already tried Googling something only to be hit with the cold, hard silence of the Great Firewall.

Here's the reality: The internet in China works differently than anywhere else. What you're experiencing isn't a bug — it's a feature of a system designed to prioritize domestic content and services.

Whether you’re trying to work remote from Shanghai, stream Netflix, or just stay in touch with family back home, understanding the quirks of China’s internet will save you hours of frustration. This guide is here to help you survive the chaos, actually get things done, and maybe even enjoy being online in China.

What to Expect in China when using a VPN:

Yes, of course, you’ve got a VPN. And sure, it helps. But why are things still so… bad?

The holy grail of survivable internet in China — speed, stability, and reliable access to overseas websites — does exist, but it usually takes a painful combo of time, effort, and money to get there, especially if you came with a standard western VPN.

Chart of observed speeds in China to foreign testing sites

Here at Chinanetspeed, the best performance we’ve seen is 500 Mbps download* under ideal conditions. In reality, you should...Read More

Why You Can’t Rely on Google to find a China VPN

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 19:37:28 -0800

Finding a VPN that works reliably in China can be a challenge, especially if you’re relying on Google. We set out to identify the best VPNs by reviewing Google’s top search results, only to hit a wall of affiliate-driven rankings disguised as genuine recommendations. These rankings promote the same names—ExpressVPN, NordVPN, SurfSharkVPN—the VPNs with the highest affiliate commissions. Unfortunately, this approach pushes profits over privacy, leaving users with services that often don’t work in China.

We compiled a list of the VPNs most frequently mentioned on major review sites, along with actual user feedback. Notably, Reddit.com stands out as a trustworthy source, featuring real-time feedback from users in China. In contrast, most review sites push the same few brands, despite user reports that these VPNs fail to work in China.

We recommend the Asus family of routers for China Users, specifically the Asus RT-AC86U. All modern AC-routers will meet most users needs, but the Asus routers offer key compatibility with customizable firmware, which enables advanced features required for high-performance internet in China.

Our Pick: Asus RT-AC86U

November 2024 Update: The Asus RT-AC86U is currently priced at 899RMB, or $129USD. Along with its superior performance and English language options, we love the Asus family of routers for the advanced customization via a firmware called Koolshare_Merlin.

Inexpensive, but with limitations:

Mi Router 4A- Gigabit Edition

The Mi Router 4A - Gigabit Edition is currently available for just 129RMB, or $16USD. This makes the xiaomi an absolute steal when compared with other routers that cost five to six times as much! Sure, they've cut corners here and there (e.g. only two LAN ports, 220V only), but you'll save some major cash if you can get over the Chinese-only interface.

How We Picked

Strong online reviews & product widely available in China
Gigabit ports to handle up to 500Mbps speed
Foreigner-Friendly attributes (e.g. English interface, 110V/220V compatible power supply)

We started by first reviewing options recommended by our favorite networking review websites: wirecutter for general consumer recommendations and smallnetbuilder for when you really want to geek out over RF capability and maximum throughput rates. Unfortunately, many of their recommendations are not available for purchase in China (and vice versa, not all Chinese routers are reviewed by western media outlets). However,...Read More

Key Dates to Expect Bad Internet in China for 2022

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 23:58:21 -0800

Long-time internet users in China may notice that there are certain times of the year where the foreign internet will just NOT work. We’re talking about overseas websites here - domestic websites will always load quickly 365 days a year. But when foreign websites load slower than paint drying on the wall, it’s enough to make the most experienced laowai scream in anguish!

We put together a list of key dates to make it easier to understand and plan ahead for your online schedules.

Key Dates in 2022 to Prepare for China Internet

Q1 2022

4th -20th of February

Beijing Winter Olympics

Internet Forecast: Good

4th-5th of March 2022

Two sessions: National People’s Congress and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Congress

Internet Forecast: WARNING: Expect extended period of internet censorship and disruption

1 April 2022

EU + China Summit

Internet Forecast: Good

Q2 2022

est. late June 2022

BRICS Summit*

Internet Forecast:...Read More

INVITE FRIENDS & EARN CREDIT!

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 08:00:43 -0700

Enjoying life-changing internet? Get ready to do even more and let your friends in on the secret as well. Our referral program makes it easy and worthwhile to share life-changing internet with friends. The more people you introduce to Chinanetspeed, the larger your opportunity to earn more credit!

Share your unique link and earn ¥300 credit for each friend who signs up. Referral credit will appear in your account following each new paid subscription to Chinanetspeed.

Here's how it works:

Invite a friend (or friends) to join Chinanetspeed and you can receive up to ¥300 RMB for each referral!
Your referrals will receive a 30-day trial period (with paid equipment deposit), while you, as the referrer, will receive ¥300 RMB following their first paid subscription purchase
There is no maximum for referral bonus. Credit will only be available for use over two-year period. Credit is not redeemable for cash value

To refer a friend:

Once logged in, click on your unique referral link to copy
Share the link with any friends.
No referral link? Just have your friend enter your email address for referral bonus

MAJOR ANNOUCEMENT!

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 02:43:41 -0700

Hey there!

You guys have been on our minds lately and we thought we’d share some good news. Over the last few months, we’ve been working on some big changes, and we’re excited to finally let you in on the excitement!

We’re lowering our prices! Thanks to your support and our continued growth, you can enjoy faster internet for a better price! Here’s everything you need to know:

The new plans are available now! Existing users may continue with current plans until expiration or swap to a new plan on a prorated basis.

• NEW BOOST UNLIMITED PLAN - Unlimited data is finally here

We’re not fans of limitations on internet, data or otherwise, so we are pleased to make the switch to offering unlimited data! We'll utilize a "Fair Usage Policy" meaning we reserve the right to reduce international connection speed if data usage is excessive. For customers who require data beyond fair usage limits, we'll be sure to contact you to discuss alternative options!

• DOUBLE DATA FOR LITE USERS - up to 100GB per month

This is our most affordable plan and gives you a 2x increase to 100GB monthly data while paying the same price as before. After 100GB, add additional data using our new 100GB data pack! This is a great option for students or those on a fixed budget.

• FASTER SPEEDS - up to 200Mbps for all plans

In addition to the price changes, all plans will receive a free upgrade to our fastest available speed - up to 80Mbps or up to 200Mbps based on your existing hardware capabilities. We’ll be working to upgrade all folks to the 200Mbps hardware later this year.

We hope you’re as excited as we are for these new updates! We know you put a lot of trust in us, and we’ll keep working hard to improve our technology to help you achieve the fastest internet in China. Thanks for being our customer!

Happy surfing!
The...Read More

Speedtest Results: Sept 2019

Thu, 19 Sep 2019 01:16:01 -0700

Like many of our users, we spend hours reading reviews on the "best VPN for China", and recognize the frustration when thedelivered speedsare still not enough to watch a simple video or handle a work call over videochat.
As a result, we've taken it upon ourselves to test our own real-world performance using an impartial 3rd party and publish our results on a regular basis.
See for yourself how we compare to the competition!
VPN Speedtest Comparison - September 2019
Source: Greatfire.org
Our results - 2055kbps - September 2019
2055kbps vs 686kbps - up to 299% Faster!
We know speedtests are notoriously unreliable, but this is just one indicator we use to benchmark our performance. Contact us for more information!
Read More

Frustrated with your China Internet? Try Rebooting your Modem

Sat, 16 Feb 2019 15:35:42 -0800

We know how frustrating the internet in China can be - whether it's an urgent video call or even just getting your email to work, the internet connection always seems to slow when you need it most. Look no further than your telecom closet for the most likely culprit - the ISP modem. This mass-produced device has troubled internet users not just in China, but all around the world. Fortunately, giving this device a quick restart can fix -- and prevent -- most minor connection problems in China.
How to reboot your modem in three easy steps
1. Unplug the power cord from the modem
2. Wait 10 seconds,
3. Plug the power cord back into the modem
That's it! It can take 3-5 minutes before internet connection is re-established
NOTE: Don't confuse a modem with a wifi router! Here's where it can be confusing - many Internet Service Providers (ISPs like China Telecom, China Mobile, China Unicom) provide a free piece of equipment that combines modem features with wifi capabilities. It's usually stored in a telecom closet or hallway. See photo above to confirm!
A modem restart/reboot is different than a factory reset. Restarting a modem is unplugging / replugging the power cable. A factory reset restores your equipment to its original default settings, usually involving a small object to hold in the Reset button, such as a paper clip or pin.
Why do you need to reboot your modem?
Electronics are not built to constantly be running at all times, and power cycling (a fancy way of saying unplugging the power cord) helps with most issues. Like other electronics, when you leave your modem on for too long, it will tend to stop performing at its best after a while. Rebooting your modem can fix Internet connection problems, improve slow moving connections and resolve wireless issues, especially in China. By unplugging the power cord from the back...Read More

How to Test Your True Internet Speed in China

Tue, 05 Feb 2019 13:45:48 -0800

Internet users in China often turn to speedtest to understand how to improve their network performance. However, even the most popular speedtest vendors, such as Ookla Speedtest, offer only limited technical guidance for China users, as the latency issues simply do not exist in the rest of the world's internet.
Furthermore, ISPs themselves are guilty of poor behavior with speedtests, and have been known to falsly manipulate speedtests results, even among well-known U.S. internet providers!
In this article, we review how to correctly run a speedtest, what maximum speeds are possible in China, and what tools you can use to accurately diagnose your home internet connection.
Example of a high quality speedtest for China
How to correctly run a speedtest in China
Diagnosing most home internet connection speeds is a simple three-stop process:
Identify the maximum speed your internet plan allows (CN / ENG via China Telecom)
Test your theoretical internet speed to a CHINA server (CN / ENG via China Telecom)
Test your real-world internet speed to a FOREIGN server (ENG via Ookla Speedtest)
Step 1: Identify your internet plan
Starting up a new internet line? Taking over an account from your landlord? The very first step is to figure out what speeds you've paid for, and how much internet you can receive. Fortunately, China Telecom can identify your plan speed and subscription details by simply...Read More

Speedtest Results: Sept 2017

Wed, 05 Jul 2017 23:55:54 -0700

Like many of our users, we spend hours reading reviews on the "best VPN for China", and recognize the frustration when the delivered speeds are still not enough to watch a simple video or handle a work call over videochat.
As a result, we've taken it upon ourselves to test our own real-world performance using an impartial 3rd party and publish our results on a monthly basis.
See for yourself how we compare to the competition!
VPN Speedtest Comparison - September 2017
Source: Greatfire.org
Our results - 2055kbps - September 2017
2055kbps vs 633kbps - up to 324% Faster!
Note: Speedtests are notoriously unreliable, but it's just one indicator we use to benchmark our performance. Contact us for more details!
Read More

Chinanetspeed - Premium Web Acceleration for China Users

New to China? What the internet really feels like behind the Great Firewall

Why You Can’t Rely on Google to find a China VPN

Key Dates to Expect Bad Internet in China for 2022

INVITE FRIENDS & EARN CREDIT!

MAJOR ANNOUCEMENT!

Speedtest Results: Sept 2019

VPN Speedtest Comparison - September 2019

Our results - 2055kbps - September 2019

Frustrated with your China Internet? Try Rebooting your Modem

How to reboot your modem in three easy steps

Why do you need to reboot your modem?

How to Test Your True Internet Speed in China

Furthermore, ISPs themselves are guilty of poor behavior with speedtests, and have been known to falsly manipulate speedtests results, even among well-known U.S. internet providers!

In this article, we review how to correctly run a speedtest, what maximum speeds are possible in China, and what tools you can use to accurately diagnose your home internet connection.

How to correctly run a speedtest in China

Step 1: Identify your internet plan

Speedtest Results: Sept 2017

Like many of our users, we spend hours reading reviews on the "best VPN for China", and recognize the frustration when the delivered speeds are still not enough to watch a simple video or handle a work call over videochat.

As a result, we've taken it upon ourselves to test our own real-world performance using an impartial 3rd party and publish our results on a monthly basis.

See for yourself how we compare to the competition!

VPN Speedtest Comparison - September 2017

Our results - 2055kbps - September 2017