Astrill VPN
Specialist VPN for China with StealthVPN and OpenWeb protocols designed to bypass the Great Firewall. Expensive but reliable in the most restricted countries.
Travelers to China and other heavily censored countries who need guaranteed access
Our Verdict
Specialist VPN for China with StealthVPN and OpenWeb protocols designed to bypass the Great Firewall. Expensive but reliable in the most restricted countries.
Rating Breakdown
Why Trust This Review
Our team has spent 40+ hours hands-on testing Astrill VPN across real-world scenarios. We follow a rigorous methodology with weighted scoring criteria. Our reviews are editorially independent and never influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn affiliate commissions when you purchase through links on this site. This never influences our ratings or recommendations. Our reviews are based on independent, hands-on testing. We believe in full transparency about how we make money. Read our full disclosure →
Pros & Cons
Pros
- StealthVPN and OpenWeb protocols designed specifically for China
- One of the most reliable VPNs in heavily censored countries
- Dedicated server infrastructure for restricted regions
Cons
- Significantly more expensive than mainstream VPN services
- Only 5 simultaneous device connections on standard plan
- No free trial or always-available money-back guarantee
- Interface feels dated compared to modern VPN apps
Full Review
Overview
Astrill VPN is a niche VPN primarily known for its exceptional performance in China. While it is significantly more expensive than mainstream VPNs, Astrill has invested heavily in protocols and infrastructure specifically designed to bypass the Great Firewall and other sophisticated censorship systems.
Key Strengths for Travelers
Astrill offers two proprietary protocols optimized for censorship bypass: StealthVPN and OpenWeb. StealthVPN works at the network level for full device protection, while OpenWeb is browser-based for faster speeds when only web access is needed. The service has a strong reputation among expats and frequent travelers to China.
Pricing Analysis
Astrill is one of the most expensive VPNs on the market at $12.50/month on a yearly plan and $30/month for monthly access. A 2-year plan brings it down to $10/month. There is no free trial, but a 7-day trial is sometimes available. VIP add-ons for dedicated IPs and extra features cost additional.
Who Is It Best For
Astrill is for travelers who specifically need reliable VPN access in China and are willing to pay a premium for it. It is not the best general-purpose travel VPN due to its high price.
The Bottom Line
If you need a VPN that works reliably in China, Astrill is one of the safest bets. The premium price is justified if bypassing the Great Firewall is your primary requirement.
Alternatives to Astrill VPN
Frequently Asked Questions
Astrill charges premium prices because it invests heavily in infrastructure specifically designed to bypass the Great Firewall of China and other sophisticated censorship systems. The StealthVPN and OpenWeb protocols require significant ongoing development to stay ahead of censorship updates.
Written by
Marcus has spent over a decade in SaaS integration and business automation. He specializes in evaluating API architectures, workflow automation tools, and sales funnel platforms. His reviews focus on implementation details, technical depth, and real-world integration scenarios.
Co-written by
Emily brings 7 years of data-driven marketing expertise, specializing in market analysis, email optimization, and AI-powered marketing tools. She combines quantitative research with practical recommendations, focusing on ROI benchmarks and emerging trends across the SaaS landscape.