WeChat is extremely popular, both in and outside of China, with almost a billion daily users. However, talk of companies like TikTok being banned in the US has caused many people to question whether Tencent’s apps are compromising their security. Luckily it’s easy enough to protect yourself and still be able to safely access WeChat from anywhere, you just need to use a VPN.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) encrypt your data, ensuring that it can’t be read without the correct, impossible-to-guess decryption key. As such, your activities are kept hidden from foreign governments, hackers, your employer, or anyone monitoring the public wifi hotspot you’re connected to. In this article, we’ll talk you through the best VPNs to use for WeChat, explain how to use them, and answer some common VPN questions.

In a hurry? Take a look below for a quick guide to the best VPNs for WeChat, or scroll further down for a more in-depth review of each.

Best VPNs for accessing WeChat from anywhere:

Best VPN for WeChat

You could spend forever mulling over the differences between rival VPN providers, but instead, we recommend finding a service that is a solid all-rounder. Below, you’ll find the criteria we used to determine which VPNs are best for WeChat:

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.

  • Offers access to a large network of high-speed servers
  • Can reliably bypass region-locking on services like Hulu
  • Uses numerous advanced security features to keep your activities private
  • Does not log any data that could identify you
  • Provides apps for all major operating systems

This is just an overview, but if you want to find out more about how we test our VPNs check out the methodology section below. For now, let’s look at the ones that made our list in greater detail.

Here’s our list of the best VPNs to access WeChat from anywhere:

1. NordVPN

unblocks wechatTested Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our number one recommendation fro WeChat. It offers unlimited bandwidth and access to over 5,500 speedy servers in 60+ countries, making it an excellent choice for high-resolution video calling. As well as allowing you to safely chat on WeChat, this VPN will also let you access services like Skype and Facebook while in China. Up to six devices can be connected at once.

This service has a particularly impressive set of security features. First, there’s a kill switch, automatic malware scanning, and 256-bit AES encryption, as well as DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection. There are also obfuscated servers designed to give you even greater privacy. NordVPN follows a true no-logs policy and accepts three cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple). Help is available over live chat, 24 hours per day.

NordVPN has Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS apps. If you’d like to secure every device on your network, it can also be manually installed on a wide range of wireless routers.

BEST VPN FOR WECHAT:NordVPN is a fantastic service that boasts one of the strongest security offerings on the market. With high speeds and a strict no-logging policy, this service is a great choice, whatever your needs. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Thousands of high-speed servers
  • Exceptional unblocking ability
  • Takes user security very seriously
  • Zero logs provider
  • Accepts cryptocurrency payments
  • 24/7 knowledgeable support team

Cons:

  • Desktop apps can’t disconnect in one click

Our score:

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark has a network of roughly 3,200 servers in 100+ countries. Its speeds are exceptional, so you’ll be able to stream or video call without any noticeable stuttering. Better still, this VPN even works if you’re in China. While most of its rivals have a strict connection limit, Surfshark lets its users secure any number of devices simultaneously.

This VPN protects you against DNS and IPv6 leaks, hides your activities with 256-bit encryption, and ensures you never inadvertently browse without protection with its kill switch. Additionally, it boasts a NoBorders mode that can bypass even the most stringent web blocking. Surfshark doesn’t keep any logs and allows you to pay in Ethereum, Ripple, or Bitcoin for a second layer of anonymity. It also offers a 24/7 live chat-based help desk in case you have any issues.

Surfshark users can install macOS, Android, iOS, Windows, and Linux apps. It can be manually configured before use with supported network routers.

TALK PRIVATELY ANYWHERE:Surfshark pays particular attention to privacy, with a no-logs policy and plenty of security features built-in. It’s fast and lets you secure every device you own from a single account. Still not convinced? There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Fast, reliable servers in over 100 countries

  • No connection limits

  • Works in China

  • Powerful security features

  • Accepts Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple

  • Certain features require an additional monthly fee to use

Take a look at our comprehensive Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN is a provider based in the British Virgin Islands, which has no mandatory data-retention laws. It has thousands of servers covering 94 countries, and all its apps come with automatic kill switches, IPv6 leak protection, and DNS leak protection.

This VPN can unblock WeChat, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Skype, and many other popular chat apps from abroad. ExpressVPN uses 256-bit encryption to protect your data as it travels over the internet and has a great track record of keeping no logs. It offers fast speeds, high reliability, and 24/7 live chat support if you run into any difficulties while using it.

This VPN provider also allows torrenting on all servers, works in China, and has browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. While plans are pricier than some of its competitors, it includes a 30-day money-back guarantee which lets you try before you buy.

ULTRAFAST CONNECTIONS:ExpressVPN reliably unblocks WeChat and other popular chat apps. It offers high speeds, 256-bit encryption, a robust logging policy, and knowledgeable support. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Apps have sound security and privacy features

  • Can unblock most geo-restricted content at HD speeds

  • Can install at the router level for Smart TVs

  • Accepts Bitcoin via BitPay for all plans

  • 24/7 live chat support

  • Slightly higher cost than others

  • Fewer advanced configuration options than other VPNs

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost has a vast network of over 9,000 servers in 90+ countries, making it a solid choice whether you’re using WeChat, streaming, or torrenting anonymously. It’s very fast too and has no bandwidth limits, so you can do what you like, as much as you like. Better still, this VPN lets you protect up to seven devices simultaneously.

This service’s security features include DNS and IPv6 leak protection, an always-on kill switch, and effectively-uncrackable 256-bit AES encryption. There’s also a hybrid ad-blocker and malware scanner, plus a feature that sends your data via a random port (which helps you avoid VPN-detection measures on public wifi 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 apps are available for macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux. To use this VPN with your wireless router, you can install it manually.

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.

  • Vast server network

  • Consistently high speeds

  • Pre-configured security

  • Accepts Bitcoin

  • 45-day money-back guarentee

  • Doesn’t work in China

  • More suited to beginners than power users

Interested? Find out more in our in-depth review of CyberGhost.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish is a veteran provider with more than 1,900 servers in 60 countries. One of the best things about this VPN is that it doesn’t limit the user in any way. For instance, its speeds are high enough for most purposes, it unblocks a wide variety of geo-restricted services, and, best of all, there’s no limit on the number of devices you can connect.

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. Need help? Customer support is available 24/7 over live chat.

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.

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.

  • Fast connections

  • No bandwidth limits

  • No-logs VPN with plenty of advanced security features

  • Connect as many devices as you like

  • Can’t bypass Chinese internet blocking

  • Doesn’t accept Bitcoin

For more info, read our full review of IPVanish.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN only has around 200 servers, but it offsets this by covering 63 countries and providing far higher speeds than many of its rivals. As such, it’s already a strong choice for anyone looking to video chat or stream safely. This VPN also boasts exceptional streaming capabilities and not only works with services like Netflix but can even bypass China’s Great Firewall. And you can have 10 simultaneous connections per account.

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. Most importantly, PrivateVPN refuses to keep any logs at all. 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 comes with apps for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux. Additionally, users can follow manual setup guides to install it directly on supported routers.

LIGHTNING FAST SPEEDS:PrivateVPN is extremely fast, making it a natural choice for anyone looking to stream or video chat. It also pays particular attention to user privacy, with advanced security features and a no-logs policy. A 30-day money-back guarantee is also included.

  • One of the fastest VPNs around

  • Strong on security, keeps no logs

  • Pay anonymously with Bitcoin

  • Connect 10 devices at once

  • Limited number of servers

  • Support isn’t available 24/7

Check out the complete PrivateVPN review.

7. Atlas VPN

Unblocks WeChatTested Jan 2023

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.atlasvpn.com

Atlas VPN is one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, averaging speeds of 247 Mbps. It won’t throttle your bandwidth which means you’ll be able to stream and play online games without lag or buffering. This VPN has strong unblocking and works not only with WeChat but also with the likes of Disney+, HBO Max, and Twitter. Overall, Atlas VPN has over 750 servers in several dozen locations.

With your Atlas VPN account, you’ll be able to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. This highly secure service offers 256-bit AES encryption, protection from DNS leaks, and a kill switch. In fact, there’s even an ad blocker and the option of connecting to MultiHop servers for two layers of encryption. Atlas VPN doesn’t keep logs by which you can be identified and has live chat and email support.

CONSISTENT UNBLOCKING:Atlas VPN lets you access WeChat securely. Also works with Netflix, Prime Video, and more. Connect an unlimited number of devices at once. Highly secure with MultiHop servers. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Very fast for streaming, torrenting, and online gaming

  • Works with WeChat and many streaming services, such as Netflix

  • Secure all of your devices at the same time

  • Smaller network of 750 servers

  • No browser extensions included

Read our full Atlas VPN review.

8. Private Internet Access

Unblocks WechatTested Jan 2023

Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com

Private Internet Access (PIA) has thousands of servers in over 80 countries around the world. As you might expect, this makes it a popular choice for people looking to stream. That said, it also performs admirably when it comes to torrenting and video calling, thanks to its above-average speeds. Notably, PIA allows up to 10 simultaneous connections — far more than the industry standard.

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. Live chat-based support is available around the clock.

PIA offers apps for macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux. Further, it can be manually installed on supported home routers.

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.

  • Generally fast connections with unlimited bandwidth

  • Impressive security features and privacy protections

  • Generous connection limit

  • Doesn’t work reliably in China

  • Doesn’t work with some major streaming services

  • App design could be improved

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 at least five 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 experiencing problems, try a different server, clear your cookies and cache before trying again, or contact your VPN provider for more assistance.

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. For starters, there are plenty of providers with disappointing speeds and lots of others that aren’t able to access other services you normally use back home. To ensure we only recommended the best of the best, we used the criteria below to weed out subpar candidates:

  • Server options: Nearby servers tend to provide the smoothest performance. 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 a far wider range of content.
  • Performance: Video calling isn’t the most data-intensive task, but you’ll still need decent speeds to avoid lag, stuttering, or buffering. That’s why we only recommend services that impress during our regular VPN speed testing.
  • Unblocking ability: Perhaps you’re traveling in a country where VoIP services like WeChat are inaccessible. Maybe you’d just like to watch TV shows from back home. Whatever the case, a VPN can help. We look for those that work reliably with a wide range of services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Stan, and Disney+.
  • Security and privacy: It’s probably not possible to keep your conversations private on WeChat but to protect the rest of your traffic, we look 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.
  • Ease of use: The services above are easy to use, even if you’re completely new to VPNs. They all support multiple operating systems and provide live chat-based support. Some even let you connect all of your devices simultaneously.
  • Price: If a service charges more than seems reasonable (based on the tools it offers), we simply won’t recommend it. Additionally, we provide info on any available deals, discounts, free trials, and money-back guarantees so that the price is always as low as possible.

This is actually only the first part of our testing process. If you’re interested in learning more, we have a post that explains how we test VPNs in more detail.

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. 

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. 

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.

If you use public wifi often, you’ve probably already heard about how insecure it tends to be. A VPN encrypts your data meaning that even if the hotspot is compromised, your activities will remain hidden. What’s more, because your data is routed elsewhere, you won’t be subject to any content blocking that the hotspot owner (or local government) has in place.