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Contents
10 Best Free VPS Services in the China 2025
Disclosure: We’re reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, see our Disclosure page. Thanks.
1. Alibaba Cloud
Introduction:
Alibaba Cloud, a subsidiary of the Alibaba Group, is one of the most established cloud computing providers in China. It offers cloud infrastructure with services designed to provide high scalability and performance for enterprises, developers, and individuals. Its services range from VPS (Elastic Compute Service) to highly specialized infrastructure for cloud applications. The global network of Alibaba Cloud makes it an attractive option for businesses and individuals in China who need access to reliable and secure cloud infrastructure.
Key Features:
- Global Data Centers: Offers data centers around the world, with a focus on China and Asia.
- Elastic Compute Service (ECS): Provides scalable VPS with customizable resource allocation.
- Auto-scaling: Automatically adjusts the VPS capacity based on workload demand.
- Security Suite: Includes encryption, firewall, and DDoS protection.
- User-Friendly Console: An intuitive console interface to manage resources.
Plans and Pricing:
Alibaba Cloud offers flexible pricing with pay-as-you-go and subscription-based options:
- Pay-as-you-go: Ideal for users who need dynamic pricing based on hourly resource usage.
- Subscription Plans: A more cost-effective choice for long-term projects, with discounts for yearly commitments.
The cost varies significantly based on resource consumption and type of services (e.g., storage, bandwidth, CPU). Basic plans can start around $10/month for a small VPS setup, but prices can go higher depending on the chosen configuration.
Performance and Speed:
Alibaba Cloud provides highly reliable performance with fast speed and low latency. Its local data centers in China ensure low latency connections, crucial for businesses that rely on real-time processing. Additionally, it uses cutting-edge hardware and network technology to ensure seamless performance.
Scalability:
Alibaba Cloud supports horizontal and vertical scaling, meaning users can easily increase resources like storage, memory, and CPU as demand grows. Auto-scaling allows workloads to dynamically adjust without manual intervention, making it highly scalable for businesses of all sizes.
Security Features:
- Firewall Protection: Built-in firewalls to protect against unauthorized access.
- DDoS Protection: Robust protection mechanisms for mitigating DDoS attacks.
- Data Encryption: End-to-end encryption both at rest and in transit.
- Access Control: Role-based access control to manage permissions.
Support and Customer Service:
Alibaba Cloud provides 24/7 customer support via online chat, email, and phone. Additionally, it offers extensive documentation and a community forum for troubleshooting. For premium users, dedicated account managers are available.
2. Tencent Cloud
Introduction:
Tencent Cloud is another major cloud computing service provider in China. It offers a comprehensive suite of services, including VPS hosting, storage, databases, and more. With a strong focus on both local and international markets, Tencent Cloud is popular among Chinese businesses looking to deploy scalable and secure solutions.
Key Features:
- Cloud Virtual Machines: Offers flexible VPS options with adjustable resources.
- Global Network: Provides a global CDN (Content Delivery Network) for faster access to international markets.
- High Availability: Focuses on ensuring continuous uptime with disaster recovery options.
- Cloud Security: Advanced security tools like intrusion detection and real-time monitoring.
Plans and Pricing:
Tencent Cloud provides a mix of pay-as-you-go and subscription options. Prices typically range from $15 to $100 per month based on the configuration and region selected. Discounts may apply for long-term commitments and large-scale deployments.
Performance and Speed:
Tencent Cloud is known for its consistent performance, especially within China and Asia. With data centers in China and major international locations, it offers competitive speed for both local and global users. Low latency and fast load times are achieved through the integrated CDN.
Scalability:
Tencent Cloud provides seamless scaling options through its elastic cloud offerings. Users can expand their resources without downtime, thanks to the platform’s auto-scaling features.
Security Features:
- DDoS Protection: Comprehensive DDoS attack prevention.
- Data Encryption: End-to-end encryption protocols.
- Compliance: Meets Chinese regulations on data sovereignty and security.
- Access Management: Flexible user permissions and authentication layers.
Support and Customer Service:
Tencent Cloud offers 24/7 support via online ticketing, live chat, and phone. In addition to customer support, it provides comprehensive guides, tutorials, and community forums to assist users in troubleshooting.
3. Huawei Cloud
Introduction:
Huawei Cloud is a major player in the global cloud market, providing VPS services with a strong presence in China. It is well-known for its powerful infrastructure solutions, particularly in AI, big data, and IoT. Huawei Cloud’s VPS offerings are highly customizable and cater to both small and large enterprises.
Key Features:
- Elastic Cloud Servers (ECS): Flexible VPS instances that can be easily adjusted based on needs.
- AI Integration: Built-in AI and machine learning services for businesses.
- Enterprise-Class Security: Data encryption, firewall protection, and access controls.
- Global Deployment: Multiple data centers across the globe for high availability.
Plans and Pricing:
Huawei Cloud offers several pricing models, with both pay-as-you-go and subscription-based options. For entry-level VPS, prices start at around $12 per month, but more powerful instances can cost upwards of $80/month, depending on the configuration.
Performance and Speed:
With data centers in major regions, Huawei Cloud ensures fast performance and low-latency connections, particularly in China. The service also boasts reliability with its high availability setup.
Scalability:
Huawei Cloud supports vertical and horizontal scaling. The cloud infrastructure is flexible, allowing users to easily expand storage, processing power, or other resources without affecting service performance.
Security Features:
- Real-Time Monitoring: Real-time security monitoring and alerts.
- DDoS Mitigation: Comprehensive protection against distributed denial-of-service attacks.
- Data Privacy: Strict compliance with Chinese data protection laws.
- Access Control: Role-based access control for team members.
Support and Customer Service:
Huawei Cloud provides 24/7 customer support through various channels like email, phone, and live chat. It also offers an extensive library of support documentation, including API documentation and user manuals.
4. Vultr
Introduction:
Vultr is a leading global VPS provider that has expanded its footprint in China, offering a variety of flexible hosting services. Known for its ease of use and performance-oriented VPS offerings, Vultr appeals to both developers and businesses.
Key Features:
- SSD VPS Hosting: All VPS instances come with SSD storage for faster read and write speeds.
- One-Click Apps: Ability to deploy various applications quickly with just one click.
- Global Data Centers: Vultr has a large network of data centers, including one in Beijing.
- IPv6 Support: Supports IPv6 to future-proof web applications.
Plans and Pricing:
Pricing starts as low as $5/month for a basic VPS with 1GB RAM and 25GB SSD storage. Higher plans range up to $160/month for more powerful configurations with dedicated resources.
Performance and Speed:
Vultr provides excellent performance, with SSD-based storage ensuring fast read/write times. Its network is designed for low-latency and high-throughput applications.
Scalability:
Scalability is easy with Vultr’s platform, which allows users to scale both vertically (adding more CPU, RAM, and storage) and horizontally (deploying additional instances).
Security Features:
- Firewall Protection: Integrated firewall for added protection.
- Private Networking: Secure private networking between instances.
- Data Encryption: End-to-end encryption for data in transit and at rest.
Support and Customer Service:
Vultr offers 24/7 support through live chat and ticket-based systems. They also provide a knowledge base and community forums for self-help.
5. Linode
Introduction:
Linode is another VPS hosting provider known for offering high-performance cloud hosting with multiple locations worldwide, including China. Linode provides great flexibility with its customizable VPS offerings, making it a favorite for developers and businesses.
Key Features:
- Customizable VPS Plans: Allows users to adjust resources based on specific needs.
- Kubernetes Support: Built-in Kubernetes cluster management for modern applications.
- High Availability: With backup and disaster recovery solutions.
- Advanced Networking Options: Including VPN, private networking, and load balancing.
Plans and Pricing:
Linode offers some of the most competitive pricing for VPS hosting. Basic plans start at $5/month with 1GB RAM, and higher configurations can go up to $100/month for larger VPS.
Performance and Speed:
Linode’s VPS comes with SSD storage, making it incredibly fast. Its global data centers, including Asia-Pacific regions, ensure low-latency and high-speed performance.
Scalability:
Linode allows users to easily scale their VPS by adding more resources or creating additional instances for horizontal scaling.
Security Features:
- DDoS Protection: Built-in DDoS mitigation.
- Backup Solutions: Regular automated backups for data recovery.
- Firewall and Access Control: Integrated firewalls and configurable access controls.
Support and Customer Service:
Linode provides excellent customer support with 24/7 availability through live chat, tickets, and phone support. The community forums are also a great resource for users seeking assistance.
6. DigitalOcean
Introduction:
DigitalOcean has emerged as one of the most popular VPS hosting providers globally, and its appeal has extended to users in China. Known for its simplicity and robust performance, DigitalOcean is particularly favored by startups, developers, and small businesses that need reliable cloud infrastructure at a cost-effective price. It provides a variety of virtual private servers (called Droplets) along with Kubernetes and managed databases, which can be customized to fit different needs.
Key Features:
- Simple and Intuitive Dashboard: DigitalOcean’s dashboard is user-friendly and helps users quickly deploy VPS and manage their resources without the complexity of larger cloud providers.
- SSD-Based VPS: All Droplets come with SSD storage, ensuring high-speed data retrieval and better performance.
- One-Click Apps: DigitalOcean offers a range of one-click apps that allow users to instantly deploy common applications like WordPress, Node.js, and LAMP stack.
- Managed Kubernetes: Built-in Kubernetes management for users who require container orchestration.
- Data Centers Worldwide: While DigitalOcean has a strong presence in the US and Europe, its infrastructure in Asia and China is constantly expanding to ensure low-latency services.
Plans and Pricing:
DigitalOcean offers highly competitive pricing with an attractive $5 per month plan for the most basic VPS configuration. This plan includes:
- 1GB RAM
- 1 CPU core
- 25GB SSD storage
- 1TB transfer
For users who need more resources, DigitalOcean offers various configurations up to $160 per month, which provides high-performance VPS with 32GB RAM, 8 CPUs, and 640GB SSD storage.
Performance and Speed:
DigitalOcean is known for its fast and reliable performance. The SSD storage used in their VPS instances ensures fast read/write speeds, making them ideal for projects with high traffic demands. Their data centers located across the globe, including regions in Asia, provide low-latency and efficient service for users in China.
Scalability:
DigitalOcean supports both vertical and horizontal scaling. Users can easily resize their Droplets to increase or decrease resources (such as CPU, RAM, or storage) as needed. Additionally, the service supports horizontal scaling by adding additional Droplets or load balancers to handle more traffic.
Security Features:
- Firewalls: DigitalOcean provides cloud firewalls to secure incoming and outgoing traffic.
- DDoS Protection: Though primarily provided at higher tiers, DigitalOcean offers automatic DDoS protection for its network.
- Encrypted Volumes: Users can opt for encrypted volumes to protect sensitive data at rest.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): DigitalOcean provides an additional layer of security through two-factor authentication.
Support and Customer Service:
DigitalOcean offers 24/7 customer support through live chat and ticket systems. Users can also access a rich knowledge base filled with tutorials, guides, and API documentation to resolve any issues independently. The DigitalOcean community is also active, providing forums for peer support and discussion.
7. AWS (Amazon Web Services)
Introduction:
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the most widely recognized cloud service provider in the world, and it has a significant presence in China. AWS offers a broad range of services, including virtual private servers through EC2 (Elastic Compute Cloud). Its flexibility, security features, and vast range of services make it a go-to choice for enterprises and developers looking for high-end cloud solutions.
Key Features:
- Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2): AWS’s EC2 service allows users to easily launch scalable VPS instances with varying configurations. It provides both on-demand and reserved instances.
- Global Network: AWS has a massive network of data centers globally, with multiple locations in China. This ensures low latency for local users and reliable global connectivity.
- AI and Machine Learning Services: AWS offers integrated machine learning tools and AI services to improve data analysis and enhance app performance.
- Data Storage: AWS provides various storage solutions, including S3 (Simple Storage Service) for file storage and EBS (Elastic Block Storage) for persistent storage.
- Auto Scaling: AWS automatically adjusts the number of EC2 instances based on real-time demand, ensuring cost-effectiveness.
Plans and Pricing:
AWS follows a pay-as-you-go pricing model, with the ability to select from various EC2 instance types based on CPU, memory, and storage needs. Pricing starts at around $3.50 per month for the smallest instance (t4g.nano) with 0.5GB of RAM. More powerful instances can cost upwards of $500 per month, depending on the configuration and usage.
AWS also provides a free tier with limited resources that allow new users to get started without paying. This includes 750 hours per month of t2.micro EC2 instances for the first 12 months.
Performance and Speed:
AWS provides exceptional performance thanks to its extensive network of data centers and high-end hardware. EC2 instances can be configured for workloads ranging from small, basic websites to resource-intensive applications. Low latency and fast speeds are ensured through local data centers and AWS’s advanced networking capabilities.
Scalability:
AWS is known for its immense scalability. The EC2 service allows users to scale horizontally by adding more instances or vertically by adjusting the instance sizes. Auto scaling helps adjust the resources based on demand without downtime, making it highly suitable for high-traffic applications.
Security Features:
- VPC (Virtual Private Cloud): AWS offers the ability to create isolated networks with full control over your resources.
- Encryption: Data can be encrypted both at rest and in transit using industry-standard encryption techniques.
- IAM (Identity and Access Management): Fine-grained access control to resources with role-based permissions.
- Compliance: AWS adheres to major international and regional compliance standards, including those required for Chinese users.
Support and Customer Service:
AWS offers robust support through 24/7 phone, chat, and email services. However, AWS support can be expensive, especially at higher tiers, as its pricing is based on usage. AWS also provides extensive documentation, online forums, and a knowledge base to assist users.
8. Hetzner Online
Introduction:
Hetzner Online is a popular European-based VPS provider known for offering high-performance servers at competitive rates. While primarily serving European markets, Hetzner has expanded its services globally, including China. It is a great option for users looking for a balance between performance and affordability.
Key Features:
- High-Performance VPS: Hetzner’s VPS offerings are optimized for high availability and low latency.
- Data Center Locations: While their main data centers are in Germany and Finland, they provide fast and secure connections to China through peering arrangements with local providers.
- Robust Networking: Hetzner provides excellent bandwidth options with unmetered traffic on certain plans.
- Scalable Resources: Resources can be scaled up or down based on your requirements.
Plans and Pricing:
Hetzner’s VPS plans start at approximately $5 per month for basic configurations. Higher-tier VPS plans, offering more CPU cores, RAM, and bandwidth, are available at competitive prices. Pricing scales with the resources selected, with VPS configurations reaching up to $80 per month for large instances.
Performance and Speed:
Hetzner is known for its high-speed data processing and low-latency services, which are ideal for hosting gaming servers, web applications, or large-scale enterprise projects. Although Hetzner’s data centers are outside China, they offer excellent performance via their extensive peering agreements with global and local Chinese ISPs.
Scalability:
Hetzner provides flexible scaling, allowing users to adjust the size of their VPS as their resource needs grow. Both vertical and horizontal scaling are supported, providing flexibility in resource management.
Security Features:
- Private Network Options: Allows users to set up secure private networks.
- Firewall Management: Integrated firewall service for controlling inbound and outbound traffic.
- Backups: Regular automated backups to ensure data recovery in case of failure.
Support and Customer Service:
Hetzner offers email and ticket-based support, and their service is generally reliable. However, the support response time can be slower compared to larger providers. They also have a comprehensive FAQ and user forum.
9. Contabo
Introduction:
Contabo is a Germany-based hosting provider that offers VPS hosting services at competitive prices. While Contabo’s services are highly popular in Europe, the company’s global reach has expanded to cater to customers in China as well. Contabo is known for offering good performance and high storage at a fraction of the cost of other competitors.
Key Features:
- SSD VPS Hosting: All VPS instances come with SSD storage, which ensures faster data read and write speeds.
- Unlimited Traffic: Contabo offers unlimited traffic for its VPS plans, making it ideal for businesses that experience high traffic volumes.
- Customizable Resources: Flexible VPS options that allow users to scale up or down based on their project’s demands.
- Data Center Locations: Although based in Germany, Contabo’s VPS instances are accessible globally, and their infrastructure is optimized for low-latency performance.
Plans and Pricing:
Contabo’s VPS plans are extremely competitive, with prices starting from as low as $4.99 per month for basic plans with 4GB RAM and 60GB SSD. The most expensive plans go up to $60 per month, offering more resources, including higher RAM, CPUs, and additional storage.
Performance and Speed:
Contabo delivers reliable performance with SSD-powered VPS that ensures fast data processing and high uptime. The unlimited bandwidth is a significant advantage for users with high-demand applications.
Scalability:
Contabo offers great scalability, allowing users to expand resources easily. Although not as automatic as some cloud platforms, users can request scaling through their control panel.
Security Features:
- Firewall Protection: Contabo offers firewall configuration to secure VPS instances.
- Data Encryption: Offers encrypted backups for enhanced data security.
- Backup Options: Automated backup services for peace of mind.
Support and Customer Service:
Contabo offers 24/7 customer support via email and phone. While support is generally reliable, it is not as comprehensive as some larger providers. The knowledge base is limited, but the service is more affordable than other competitors.
10. UpCloud
Introduction:
UpCloud is a cloud hosting provider that specializes in high-performance VPS hosting. While it has a global customer base, UpCloud has focused on providing reliable and scalable cloud infrastructure, with an emphasis on performance and uptime.
Key Features:
- MaxIOPS: UpCloud’s proprietary MaxIOPS storage technology ensures lightning-fast data access speeds.
- Cloud VPS: Offers flexible cloud VPS instances with high-performance CPUs, SSD storage, and scalable configurations.
- Multiple Data Centers: UpCloud has data centers in Europe, the US, and Asia, including China, making it an ideal choice for global businesses.
Plans and Pricing:
UpCloud offers various plans starting from $5 per month for a basic 1GB RAM VPS with 25GB storage. Higher plans can cost upwards of $100/month for larger configurations.
Performance and Speed:
UpCloud’s MaxIOPS technology guarantees exceptional speed, ensuring low latency and quick data processing. Its strong global presence, including China, makes it an attractive choice for businesses operating in the region.
Scalability:
UpCloud offers vertical and horizontal scaling options, making it easy to scale as your business or project grows.
Security Features:
- Firewall and DDoS Protection: Built-in security tools to prevent unauthorized access.
- Encryption: Strong data encryption for sensitive data.
Support and Customer Service:
UpCloud provides 24/7 support through tickets, live chat, and phone support. It also has an extensive knowledge base for self-help.
Conclusion
In 2025, the VPS hosting landscape in China is characterized by a diverse range of options tailored to different needs, from basic web hosting to high-performance applications requiring substantial scalability and robust security measures. The best VPS services stand out by offering high-speed performance, global reach, cost-effectiveness, and superior customer support.
Local providers such as Alibaba Cloud, Tencent Cloud, and Baidu Cloud dominate the Chinese market by providing tailored services with optimal performance and low latency for users within China. These providers offer localized support, compliance with Chinese regulations, and a seamless integration with the Chinese internet ecosystem, making them the first choice for businesses and developers operating primarily within China.
On the other hand, DigitalOcean, AWS, Linode, and Hetzner are globally recognized providers that, while not exclusively focused on China, offer reliable and scalable VPS hosting solutions for businesses that require international infrastructure with competitive pricing. Their global data centers, high-performance virtual servers, and extensive community support make them attractive options for developers and enterprises looking for flexible and powerful cloud computing environments, even within China, thanks to their extensive peering agreements with local ISPs.
UpCloud and Contabo, while less mainstream in China, offer compelling alternatives, especially for developers and small businesses who prioritize performance and affordability. UpCloud’s advanced storage technology and Contabo’s cost-effective plans provide high value for users who are looking for a combination of performance, speed, and budget-friendly options.
The key to choosing the best VPS hosting service in China lies in understanding the specific requirements of your business or project. For local Chinese companies, local cloud providers like Alibaba Cloud and Tencent Cloud offer optimized infrastructure that complies with national regulations, ensuring smooth operation within the Great Firewall. For those with international needs, providers like AWS and DigitalOcean offer scalability, performance, and ease of use, though they may require more effort to optimize for the Chinese market.
In the end, businesses and developers must consider factors such as performance, scalability, pricing, security, and support to find the VPS provider that best aligns with their technical needs and operational goals. As cloud computing continues to evolve, so too will the range of services available, and choosing the right VPS provider in China in 2025 will remain a critical decision for ensuring the success and growth of digital infrastructure.
