On April 28, 2026, LetsVPN (快连VPN) officially announced it would cease all operations in mainland China. After 20 days of around-the-clock efforts to maintain connectivity, the company admitted it could no longer provide stable service against China's intensified internet censorship.
If you're one of the millions of LetsVPN users now scrambling for an alternative, you're not alone. The shutdown marks the latest in a wave of VPN exits from China — following MinorityVPN (少数派), PandaVPN (熊猫), and others.
We've tested dozens of VPNs from inside mainland China to find the ones that actually still work. Here are the 5 best LetsVPN alternatives in 2026.
Why Did LetsVPN Shut Down?
LetsVPN — once known for its tagline "永远都能上" (always connected) — released a public notice on April 28, 2026 stating:
- Their technical team worked nearly every hour for 20 consecutive days
- Despite extensive efforts, they could not reliably bypass the Great Firewall
- All mainland China payment channels have been closed
- Refunds will be processed starting from April 8, 2026
The company also expressed regret that it could no longer help Chinese users access AI services or support cross-border e-commerce — highlighting how the Great Firewall now impacts not just information access but economic connectivity.
Quick Comparison: Top 5 LetsVPN Alternatives
| VPN Service | Monthly Price | China Reliability | Servers | Simultaneous Devices | Money-Back Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | From $8.32/mo | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 3,000+ in 105 countries | 8 | 30 days |
| NordVPN | From $3.39/mo | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 6,400+ in 111 countries | 10 | 30 days |
| Surfshark | From $2.19/mo | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 3,200+ in 100 countries | Unlimited | 30 days |
| Astrill VPN | From $12.50/mo | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 300+ in 56 countries | 5 | 7 days |
| Mullvad VPN | €5/mo flat | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 600+ in 46 countries | 5 | 30 days |
Our Top 5 LetsVPN Alternatives
1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall LetsVPN Replacement
Best for: Users who want the most reliable China connectivity with fast speeds
ExpressVPN has been one of the most consistent VPNs for China users for years. Its proprietary Lightway protocol with built-in obfuscation makes it exceptionally difficult for the Great Firewall to detect and block.
Why It's a Great LetsVPN Alternative
- Proven China track record: Works reliably even during major crackdowns
- Lightway protocol: Purpose-built for speed and stealth
- Automatic server selection: Finds the best working server for your location
- 24/7 live chat: Get help anytime — critical when connections drop
- Pre-configured for China: Download the app before you arrive
Key Features
- 3,000+ servers in 105 countries
- Lightway protocol with obfuscation
- Split tunneling on Android and Windows
- 8 simultaneous device connections
- No-logs policy (independently audited)
- Kill switch on all platforms
Pricing
- Monthly: $12.95/month
- 6-month: $9.99/month
- 12-month: $8.32/month (+ 3 months free)
Pros
- Most reliable VPN for China in our testing
- Excellent speeds for streaming and video calls
- Easy-to-use apps on all platforms
- Independently audited no-logs policy
Cons
- More expensive than some alternatives
- Limited to 8 simultaneous connections
- No dedicated IP option
2. NordVPN — Best Value for Former LetsVPN Users
Best for: Users who want strong security features at a competitive price
NordVPN's obfuscated servers are specifically designed to work in restrictive countries like China. With over 6,400 servers worldwide and competitive pricing, it offers excellent value for LetsVPN refugees.
Why It's a Great LetsVPN Alternative
- Obfuscated servers: Dedicated servers designed to bypass the GFW
- Double VPN: Extra encryption layer for sensitive activities
- Threat Protection Pro: Built-in ad and malware blocking
- Affordable long-term plans: Much cheaper than LetsVPN was
- NordLynx protocol: WireGuard-based for fast speeds
Key Features
- 6,400+ servers in 111 countries
- Obfuscated server technology
- Double VPN and Onion over VPN
- 10 simultaneous connections
- Threat Protection Pro (ad/malware blocker)
- Meshnet for private networking
Pricing
- Monthly: $12.99/month
- 1-year: $4.59/month
- 2-year: $3.39/month
Pros
- Excellent price-to-feature ratio
- Obfuscated servers work well in China
- Large server network for fast connections
- Built-in threat protection
Cons
- Obfuscated servers only available on OpenVPN
- Occasional connection drops during peak censorship
- Desktop app can be resource-heavy
3. Astrill VPN — Most Popular Among China Expats
Best for: Long-term China residents who need rock-solid daily connectivity
Astrill VPN has been the go-to choice for expats living in China for years. Its StealthVPN and OpenWeb protocols are specifically engineered for the Chinese internet environment. While more expensive, its reliability in China is unmatched.
Why It's a Great LetsVPN Alternative
- StealthVPN protocol: Purpose-built for China
- OpenWeb protocol: Fast browser-based VPN for everyday use
- China-optimized servers: Servers specifically tuned for mainland connections
- Long history in China: Operating successfully since 2009
- Smart mode: Route only international traffic through VPN
Key Features
- 300+ servers in 56 countries
- StealthVPN and OpenWeb protocols
- Smart mode (split tunneling for China)
- 5 simultaneous connections
- VPN sharing via WiFi hotspot
- Port forwarding support
Pricing
- Monthly: $25/month
- 6-month: $16.67/month
- 1-year: $12.50/month
Pros
- Most reliable VPN inside China alongside ExpressVPN
- StealthVPN protocol rarely gets blocked
- Smart mode is perfect for daily use in China
- Excellent for streaming international content
Cons
- Significantly more expensive than competitors
- Smaller server network
- No independent security audit published
- 7-day money-back guarantee (shorter than others)
4. Surfshark — Best Budget LetsVPN Alternative
Best for: Price-conscious users and families who need unlimited device connections
Surfshark offers the best value proposition for former LetsVPN users. With unlimited simultaneous connections and prices starting at just $2.19/month, one subscription can cover your entire household.
Why It's a Great LetsVPN Alternative
- Unlimited devices: Share with family and friends
- NoBorders mode: Automatically activates in restrictive regions
- Camouflage mode: Obfuscation to bypass the GFW
- Very affordable: Fraction of what LetsVPN cost
- CleanWeb: Built-in ad and tracker blocker
Key Features
- 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- NoBorders mode for China
- Camouflage mode (obfuscation)
- CleanWeb ad blocker
- MultiHop (Double VPN)
Pricing
- Monthly: $15.45/month
- 1-year: $2.99/month
- 2-year: $2.19/month
Pros
- Unlimited device connections — unbeatable for families
- Very competitive pricing
- NoBorders mode works well in China
- Clean, intuitive apps
Cons
- Less consistent in China than ExpressVPN or Astrill
- Speeds can vary during heavy censorship periods
- Customer support response times can be slow
5. Mullvad VPN — Best for Privacy-First Users
Best for: Users who prioritize anonymity and don't want to create an account
Mullvad VPN takes a unique approach — no email, no account, just a randomly generated number. You can even pay with cash mailed in an envelope. For LetsVPN users concerned about privacy after the shutdown, Mullvad is the most anonymous option available.
Why It's a Great LetsVPN Alternative
- No account required: Just a number — no email, no personal info
- Accept cash payments: Maximum anonymity
- Flat pricing: €5/month, no upselling or confusing tiers
- Open source: All apps are fully open source
- WireGuard support: Fast, modern protocol
Key Features
- 600+ servers in 46 countries
- No-account system (number-only)
- WireGuard and OpenVPN support
- 5 simultaneous connections
- Built-in DNS leak protection
- Open-source apps
Pricing
- Flat rate: €5/month (~$5.50)
- No long-term discounts — same price always
Pros
- Maximum privacy — no personal data collected
- Simple, transparent pricing
- Fully open-source
- Strong WireGuard implementation
Cons
- Smaller server network than competitors
- Less reliable in China than ExpressVPN or Astrill
- No 24/7 live chat support
- No streaming optimization
How to Switch from LetsVPN: Step-by-Step
- Claim your LetsVPN refund: Submit a refund request through the LetsVPN app or website. All refunds are calculated from April 8, 2026.
- Choose a new VPN: Based on our testing, ExpressVPN and Astrill are the most reliable for China. NordVPN and Surfshark offer better value.
- Sign up and download BEFORE you need it: VPN websites are blocked in China. Set up your new VPN while you still have access (or use a friend's connection).
- Install on all devices: Download apps for your phone, laptop, and tablet. Most VPNs support iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac.
- Test the connection: Make sure it works before you rely on it. Try connecting to servers in Japan, Singapore, or the US.
- Save offline support info: Download your VPN's setup guides and note their support email — you may need it when you can't access their website.
What's Happening to VPNs in China?
The LetsVPN shutdown is part of a broader crackdown on VPN services in China throughout 2026:
- April 2026: LetsVPN (快连) ceases China operations
- Early 2026: MinorityVPN (少数派) shut down
- 2025-2026: PandaVPN (熊猫) ceased operations
- Ongoing: GFW upgrades using AI-powered deep packet inspection
The Great Firewall is becoming increasingly sophisticated, using machine learning to identify and block VPN traffic patterns. Only VPNs with significant resources to continuously update their obfuscation technology can keep up.
This is why we recommend sticking with established, well-funded VPN providers like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Astrill — they have the engineering teams and infrastructure to adapt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund from LetsVPN?
Yes. LetsVPN has committed to processing refunds for all users, regardless of whether your account had recent activity. All refund calculations start from April 8, 2026. Submit your request through the LetsVPN app or their website at letsvpn.world.
Which VPN is most like LetsVPN?
Astrill VPN is the closest equivalent to LetsVPN for China users. Like LetsVPN, it was specifically designed for the Chinese market with protocols optimized for bypassing the Great Firewall. However, ExpressVPN offers a more polished experience overall.
Will these alternative VPNs also get shut down?
The VPNs on our list are based outside China and have years of experience adapting to GFW upgrades. While no VPN can guarantee 100% uptime in China, ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Astrill have maintained service through multiple major crackdowns. They invest heavily in obfuscation technology.
Should I install a VPN before arriving in China?
Absolutely. VPN provider websites are blocked inside China. You won't be able to download apps or create accounts after you arrive. Always install and test your VPN before your trip.
Can I use a free VPN instead?
We strongly advise against free VPNs in China. They almost never work against the Great Firewall, and many free VPN apps have been found to contain malware or sell user data. Given the sensitive nature of VPN use in China, a trusted paid provider is essential.
What VPN protocol works best in China?
Obfuscated protocols are essential. ExpressVPN's Lightway, NordVPN's obfuscated OpenVPN, and Astrill's StealthVPN are the most reliable. Standard WireGuard and OpenVPN get detected and blocked quickly.
Bottom Line
LetsVPN's shutdown is a significant loss for China's internet users, but reliable alternatives exist. ExpressVPN is our top recommendation for its consistent performance and ease of use. Astrill VPN is the best choice for long-term China residents. NordVPN and Surfshark offer the best value, while Mullvad is ideal for privacy purists.
Whatever you choose, act now — don't wait until you're stuck without a VPN.
Last updated: April 29, 2026. We test VPNs from inside mainland China monthly. Prices and features are verified at the time of writing.
Disclosure: Omellody may earn a commission when you sign up through our links. This doesn't affect our rankings or recommendations — we only recommend services we've personally tested and trust.