Today’s ExpressVPN test was prompted by its recent update for Chinese users, which added several new servers. Previously, there were only five, but now the number has increased to ten. Could this be a sign that ExpressVPN is paying more attention to the Chinese market?
Additionally, on March 6, 2025, ExpressVPN released an update for its Windows version (12.97.0). This update introduced Lightway Turbo and OpenVPN DCO to its protocol options. I wanted to test whether these enhancements would improve the VPN’s performance for users in mainland China trying to bypass restrictions.
- Introducing Lightway Turbo – You can now experience even faster VPN speeds with our cutting-edge optimization. Lightway Turbo is on by default if you’re connected to Automatic or Lightway – UDP protocols. To adjust your Lightway Turbo settings:
- Click
> Options > Protocol. - Click Enable Lightway Turbo to toggle it off/on.
- Click
- Enhanced OpenVPN Performance – Our upgraded OpenVPN Data Channel Offload (DCO) module gives you a smoother, faster connection. To switch to OpenVPN DCO:
- Click > Options > Protocol.
- Click OpenVPN – UDP.
- Click
ExpressVPN recommends servers for Chinese users
- Pick for Me
- USA – Los Angeles – 5
- USA – Santa Monica
- Japan – Yokohama
- France – Alsace
- Germany – Frankfurt – 3
- Singapore – Marina Bay
- Japan – Osaka
- Belgium
- USA – Houston
I tested all 10 of the recommended servers, including the “Pick for Me” option, which connects to a randomly selected server. The test was conducted using three different protocol settings: “Automatic” + Turbo (on), “Automatic” + Turbo (off), and Lightway-UDP (on). Each of these settings was applied across all 10 servers.
The results showed that under both “Automatic” + Turbo (on) and “Automatic” + Turbo (off), many of ExpressVPN’s servers appeared to connect successfully but were actually unable to access the internet, leaving the connection completely unusable. Furthermore, these servers would disconnect roughly every 15-20 seconds before automatically reconnecting. Despite showing a successful connection, they still failed to provide actual internet access. Almost all of the recommended servers exhibited this issue.
There were a few exceptions. When testing the “Pick for Me” option and the “USA – Houston” server, I briefly managed to establish a working connection amid repeated connection failures. During this short window, I was able to access YouTube and Google, confirming that the VPN had bypassed China’s internet restrictions. However, as I mentioned earlier, the connection was highly unstable—once it dropped, I was unable to reconnect successfully.
Overall, while ExpressVPN is undoubtedly one of the best VPNs globally, its performance in China is abysmal. Given its current state, I absolutely do not recommend it for anyone traveling to or working in China. If you expect ExpressVPN to help you access Google, YouTube, or other international websites while in China, you will be sorely disappointed—and frustrated beyond belief. Once you’re in China, your internet access will be heavily restricted, and at that point, finding a VPN that actually works is close to impossible.
