Whether you need an Indian IP to unblock content or want to check out sites and services from overseas that aren't available in India, a VPN is the perfect tool for the job. A VPN will also improve your online privacy, and we'll take a look at the best VPNs for India in this guide.
There are seven top-notch VPN services that we'd recommend for Indian citizens and fans of Indian content. Each provider offers a money-back guarantee, too, so you can put them to the test without having to commit to a long-term contract. A handful of our selected VPNs also come with free trial periods – though you can visit our guide to VPN free trials for a more exhaustive list of services.
The best VPN for India
In a hurry? Check out our top 5 VPN picks for India in the list below. These VPNs offer users strong encryption, access to Indian IP addresses, and the ability to unblock all sorts of content. Keep scrolling, and we'll take a more in-depth look at each provider.
- ExpressVPN - The best VPN for India. With lightning-fast speeds and servers in Mumbai and Chennai, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- NordVPN - The best value VPN for India. Super-secure, packed with features, and boasting more than 30 servers in India!
- Private Internet Access - The best secure VPN for India. It has top of the line privacy features, keeps no logs, and OpenVPN encryption.
- PrivateVPN - The best user-friendly India VPN. With a whole host of useful security features at a great price, and apps for all platforms.
- Surfshark - The best multi-device VPN for India. For a low price, you get fast speeds, unblocking capabilities and fantastic customer support.
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During our research, we identified several key features that a VPN needs to have before we can recommend it to our readers in India. These include:
- Servers in India
- Lightning-fast speeds
- A zero-logs policy
- Strong encryption
- Apps for all platforms
- Good customer service
- Value for money
| TEST WINNER ExpressVPN | NordVPN | Private Internet Access | PrivateVPN | Surfshark | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Website | ExpressVPN | NordVPN | Private Internet Access | PrivateVPN | Surfshark |
| Ranking for India | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Performance | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 9 |
| Reliability | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 |
| Free trial | |||||
| Total servers | 3000 | 5300 | 3386 | 200 | 3200 |
| Payment | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency |
| Unblocks: | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu |
| Supported platforms | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android |
The best VPN for India in 2024 | In-depth analysis
We recommend using one of the VPNs listed below in India.
Want access to a premium VPN for free?
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for India. It’s quick and reliable, comes with premium features, and has coverage across India. ExpressVPN Demo ExpressVPN has made a name for itself by offering a high level of privacy and blisteringly fast speeds. Plus, the provider currently has three speedy servers based in India, located in Mumbai and Chennai – so you'll have no trouble accessing local sites and search results if you travel overseas. In addition to its servers in India, ExpressVPN currently boasts an expansive server network across 94 countries
– and they're all wickedly fast. You'll have no trouble hopping into voice calls or playing games online, and you'll also be able to enjoy HD streaming without interruptions. Plus, ExpressVPN can unblock many of the most popular streaming services like Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, HBO, and Disney+!! I sometimes come across folks wondering if ExpressVPN is worth the money – it's a bit pricier than other providers, after all – but I think that it is. ExpressVPN doesn't cut any corners and is a great example of an old adage: you get what you pay for! I've also always liked just how easy ExpressVPN is to use. VPN newbies will have no trouble getting it setup on their devices, seeing as the service is compatible with all platforms, and the ExpressVPN apps are incredibly intuitive – and sleek. This level of cross-compatibility between devices means that you'll be able to take your VPN protection with you wherever you go. So, no matter if you're at home, commuting, or relying on public Wi-Fi, you and your data will be secure. ExpressVPN has been consistently setting the bar when it comes to providing a secure VPN service – and that's largely thanks to its AES 256-bit encryption. As a result, you'll be able to browse the web without worrying whether your ISP or government is keeping tabs on your activity, and access geo-restricted sites from inside India with peace of mind. The OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols are available with ExpressVPN, and whilst WireGuard is a promising alternative (and of particular interest to streamers and gamers, thanks to its speedy nature), OpenVPN is the gold standard when it comes to security. I also like ExpressVPN's kill-switch (called Network Lock) – it'll cut your internet connection in the event of a VPN dropout, to prevent your original IP address from leaking, and it's even enabled by default. ExpressVPN protects against DNS leaks, too, and abides by an audited zero-logs policy, which is just what we like to see. As a final cherry on top, ExpressVPN makes its home in the British Virgin Islands, taking it far out of the reach of more restrictive jurisdictions like the US and UK. You probably won't run into any difficulties whilst using ExpressVPN, but if you need help getting an app setup or need advice about which server to connect to, you can get in touch with an excellent customer service team via email or live chat. They're around 24/7 to assist, and have been able to answer all of my questions over the years – even the really technical ones! Some VPNs come with a free trial, and unfortunately ExpressVPN isn't one of those services, but you'll still be able to take ExpressVPN for a spin without risking your money. A 30-day money-back guarantee gives you plenty of time to put the provider's features to the test and unblock all sorts of sites and services in India. And if you're not happy with any aspect of the service, simply claim your money back – no quibble, no questions asked. NordVPN is the best value VPN for India. It offers users a superb network with high-speed servers and strong encryption, and plenty of Indian IP addresses. Nord Demo NordVPN is a zero-logs VPN that is perfect for the privacy-conscious and has a large roster of VPN features. NordVPN’s apps come with a kill-switch, DNS leak protection, VPN into Tor, double-hop encryption, and XOR obfuscated servers. There are currently more than 30 NordVPN servers in India (in Chennai and Mumbai, to be exact), and no shortage of Indian IP addresses for you to use. Connecting to a server in India couldn't be simpler – all you'll need to do is navigate to the country on the NordVPN map, or the country list, and hit connect. However, if you're looking to do some geo-hopping and would rather join a server overseas, NordVPN has you covered! The service boasts servers in 60 countries
– so you'll have no trouble unblocking pretty much any site or service you can imagine. NordVPN is particularly adept at unblocking the world's most in-demand streaming services. Whether it's Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, or Hulu, you'll be able to browse through various international content libraries in a few clicks. Plus, all NordVPN subscriptions come with a free Smart DNS service, which can help you stream geo-blocked content directly to your smart TV. NordVPN is a super secure service with well-implemented encryption protocols. OpenVPN and IKeV2 are available, and NordVPN even has its very own protocol (based on WireGuard), called NordLynx. When I put NordLynx to the test, I found that it was incredibly speedy, as you'd expect, and connected without any issues. Servers supporting this proprietary protocol are great for unblocking streaming services and geo-restricted sites. If obfuscation (stealth) is more your thing, then you'll also be glad to know that NordVPN's XOR obfuscated servers can hide your VPN usage altogether. I consistently recommend NordVPN to VPN newbies and tech veterans because of its zero-logs policy. The VPN has even invited PwC, one of the Big 4 auditing firms, to comb through its logging policy – which is certainly not something that all VPN services can say. NordVPN doubles down on its commitment to privacy by making its home in Panama, a country without data retention laws and far beyond the reach of the invasive and data-hungry EU and US jurisdictions. Currently, NordVPN supports 6
simultaneous connections – which is about the industry standard. There are cheaper services offering more, however, so I'd like to see NordVPN follow suit. That being said, just about any device in your house will be compatible with the service, thanks to a variety of easy-to-use apps! This comes in especially handy if the whole family wants to unblock Netflix, or shore up their security, or if you simply have a vast collection of internet-enabled devices. Round-the-clock assistance is available to all NordVPN customers, too. The excellent customer service team is contactable via email and live chat, and can help you figure out which server is your perfect match (depending on what you'd like to do). You'll also be able to try NordVPN for yourself before committing to a length subscription with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Private Internet Access is the best secure VPN for India. It has an extensive history of providing security for customers and has backed up its zero-logs claim in court. PIA Demo Private Internet Access (known as PIA) is a veteran of the VPN market. Some prospective customers might be put off by the fact that PIA is based in the United States, but the VPN abides by a robust no-logs policy that has even been proven on court on multiple occasions – which makes it a trustworthy, and transparent, pick. PIA currently has one server located in India, and whilst other providers might have a broader selection, you'll still be able to get an Indian IP in no time. In fact, geo-hopping is a breeze with PIA, which boasts a vast network of servers across 84 countries
. You'll be able to check out new shows and movies on Netflix US as well as access international news sites, gaming lobbies, and even local Indian streaming services. I'm always pleasantly surprised by how speedy the PIA servers are, too. I was able to download files in a blink and stream in HD, and that's no doubt thanks to the provider's unlimited bandwidth and data. There are no sneaky monthly caps to worry about with PIA, and you'll even be able to put a stop to ISP throttling by connecting to a PIA server! I've had plenty of opportunities to test PIA over the years, and particularly enjoy that the service comes set up with OpenVPN UDP by default. What's more, you can easily switch protocols and check out the super-speedy WireGuard if you want! The PIA apps allow for a ton of customization (though VPN newbies or casual users won't have to worry about these settings), and its battle-tested encryption comes in particularly handy if you're going to be torrenting or downloading apps that are banned in India. I was also happy to see that PIA offers DNS leak protection and a kill-switch, which means your privacy is protected even if your VPN connection suddenly drops. As I mentioned earlier, PIA is based in the United States – and this isn't wholly encouraging. The US is home to the infamous NSA and CIA, after all. PIA's zero-logs policy should alleviate anxieties, however. Simply put, this court-confirmed policy means that even if the NSA came knocking with a warrant, and wanted PIA to hand over all of its user logs, there wouldn't be anything to hand over in the first place! PIA is compatible with all devices and supports a generous Unlimited
simultaneous connections. You can share your subscription with friends and family, protect all of your gadgets, and even banish ads and trackers thanks to the service's very own ad blocker! As you'd expect from one of our recommended VPNs, PIA is easy to use, and installs in an instant – you'll just need to follow along with the on-screen prompts and log in with your credentials. Then, you'll have access to a web free of oppressive government restrictions. If that sounds like your idea of a good time, you can scoop up a PIA subscription and a 30-day money-back guarantee. PIA is one of the more budget-friendly providers in our list, and you'll get even more value for your money if you opt for an annual subscription. PrivateVPN is the best user-friendly India VPN. A budget service that's chock-full of great security features, and offers lots of customization. PrivateVPN Demo PrivateVPN is another fantastic VPN pick for India, and has servers in Mumbai and Bangalore which can be used to acquire an Indian IP address. In addition, PrivateVPN is a budget-friendly service that's been impressing us here at ProPrivacy. With PrivateVPN, you'll have access to servers in 63 countries
. That's a smaller selection that you'll find with some other big name providers, but PrivateVPN is still young – so expect to see those numbers gradually tick up. All of PrivateVPN's servers are fantastically fast, however. I never have trouble with buffering or low-quality streams when using the service to unblock streaming sites, and PrivateVPN can also keep up with VoIP calls and online gaming. If you're an avid streamer, though, you'll be glad to learn that PrivateVPN provides access to 15 Netflix libraries, unblocks BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime, and can even access Indian streaming services, like Hotstar. PrivateVPN implements OpenVPN encryption to keep third-party snoopers from pawing through your data – which is vitally important if you're looking to get around government imposed restrictions. If you fancy mixing things up, there are a number of alternative protocols to play with, including L2TP/IPSEC and IKEv2. PrivateVPN tells us that WireGuard is in beta, too – so watch this space for updates! In addition to dedicated stealth servers, I like PrivateVPN's Auto-connect and Kill-switch features, which work well in tandem. If your VPN connection drops, the kill-switch will cut your internet and prevent IP leaks, and once the VPN is online again, Auto-connect will get things back up and running in a blink. Currently, PrivateVPN is based in Sweden – which isn't the privacy safe-haven it used to be, thanks to data retention laws. However, PrivateVPN has reassured us that it remains in the country to keep control over, and full access to, its central data centre, and we can certainly understand that. Ideally, PrivateVPN will follow in the footsteps of other leading services and invest in a third party audit in the near future. You'll be able to install PrivateVPN on any device you own – and that includes Linux! PrivateVPN supports 10
simultaneous connections, too, which isn't hugely generous, but should be enough to cover all your most frequently used gadgets. PrivateVPN prides itself on its ease of use, and getting the app installed is a streamlined experience that'll make sense to even the most novice of users. If you need some help, however, you can always get in touch with the 24/7 customer support team. These folks are actually in-house developers, so don't be afraid to throw some seriously technical questions their way via email or live chat. A PrivateVPN subscription doesn't cost the earth, and you're getting a long list of features and staggering unblocking power. To play it safe, take advantage of the provider's 30-day money-back guarantee and try it for yourself, on your own devices, without having to risk a penny. Surfshark is the best multi-device VPN for India. Offering unlimited simultaneous connections and fresh-feeling apps for all platforms. Surfshark Demo Surfshark VPN has only been around for a few years, but in that short amount of time, it has taken the VPN market by storm with a blazing fast speed performance and servers in over 100 countries
– including India! If you're on the hunt for an Indian IP address, or want to connect to a server in the country to access sites like Hotstar, then you're in luck! Surfshark currently has servers in Mumbai, Chennai, and Indore, as well as locations in nearby countries like Thailand and the UAE. In addition, Surfshark has its very own obfuscated (stealth) servers that can conceal your VPN usage entirely – which may come in handy if India continues to block VPNs. Whenever I fire up Surfshark, I'm impressed by the overall quality and speed of the service, which ranks consistently well in our daily speed tests. Unblocking content is a breeze for Surfshark, too. Whether you want to check out what's new on Netflix, catch live sports on DAZN, or enjoy family-friendly movies on Disney+, the service has you covered. Plus, Surfshark includes a free Smart DNS service with every subscription, which can help unblock certain sites and services via your smart TV. Surfshark doesn't pull punches when it comes to security, implementing tough OpenVPN encryption, and preventing any government surveillance. As a result, you'll be able to browse the web freely – without blocks and censorship measures, and without fear that your every digital move is being tracked. The WireGuard protocol is also available to Surfshark users looking to boost their speed, and those more interested in bypassing restrictions can check out the Shadowsocks proxy. I'm glad to see that Surfshark sticks to a no-logs policy, and I'm even happier to see that the provider has had this policy inspected by independent testers, Cure53. Surfshark is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, too, and so are not required to store user data by law. All in all, a Surfshark subscription can boost your online privacy and peace of mind for an astoundingly low price. Like all of our top VPN picks for India, Surfshark comes with some nifty extra features for its subscribers. Split tunneling allows users to pick and choose which services and apps are routed through the VPN tunnel and which aren't, and the service will even shoo away ads, trackers, and malware. I find that this ad-blocking feature comes in particularly handy if you're sharing your subscription with less tech-savvy individuals – and there's no reason not to share the love with unlimited simultaneous connections! You'll be able to install Surfshark on any Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, or Linux device, and a 30-day money-back guarantee gives you time to take the service for a test drive before sticking to a subscription. For any burning questions, reach out to the superb Surfshark customer service team, who are at hand 24/7 via live chat and email. VyprVPN is a great all-round pick for India. It's a service with good speeds and strong levels of privacy, and even runs its own network of servers. VYPR Demo VyprVPN is a Swiss-based provider and a superb all-rounder. I think it's self-evident that when a government is hellbent on surveilling its own citizens, those citizens need battle-tested VPN tools – and that's where VyprVPN comes into the picture. For those in need of an IP address in India, VyprVPN has a nice choice of servers in Mumbai, which makes unblocking regional services like Hotstar a cinch. If you'd rather do some globe-trotting and connect to a server elsewhere – you'll be spoiled for choice. VyprVPN boasts an expansive network of servers in 70
locations and is one of a handful of VPNs to extend its coverage to Africa. You'll also be able to unblock virtually any content, site, or streaming service out there! This includes the sought-after Netflix US and BBC iPlayer sites. Additionally, VyprVPN runs on a fast Tier-1 network of proprietary servers that are all owned by its parent company, Golden Frog. This means that VyprVPN can provide lightning-fast connections that make streaming, P2P activity, and conference calls a breeze – no buffering or sluggish loading times in sight. As you'd expect from a premium service with a long-standing reputation, VyprVPN supports OpenVPN encryption across all of its apps – and this is what we like to see, as OpenVPN remains the gold-standard in encryption. WireGuard is a superb alternative, however, and given its lightweight and speedy nature, is particularly useful to those folks who plan to do a lot of streaming or online gaming. P2P activity is supported by VyprVPN, and the service also prevents DNS leaks, so you can browse, download, and hop over censorship attempts without leaving a trail. VyprVPN also has useful privacy features such as a kill-switch and advanced obfuscation (stealth mode) which they call Chameleon. This ensures that your ISP and local network administrators are never able to track your web browsing habits. This feature in particular makes it a great option if you want to unblock services restricted in India such as TikTok or other blocked mobile apps. It’s also worth reiterating that this provider owns, manages, and fixes its entire network - they know exactly who’s got access and what they’re doing - and, in my opinion, that’s a safer way of doing things. Sleek VyprVPN apps are available for pretty much every platform out there – including smart TVs and routers. It only takes a minute or two to download and install the app on the device of your choice, and once you've logged in, you're free to explore the web without boundaries. I'm impressed that VyprVPN is offering users a whopping 10
simultaneous connections! This is far more than other, pricier, VPN alternatives, and should be enough to cover all of your gadgets, so you can take your VPN protection with you on the go. The VyprVPN customer service team are on standby 24/7 to help untangle any questions or quieries you might have, and the service also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means that you'll have a month to trial VyprVPN in your own time before deciding if the service is right for you. And if it's not, simply claim your money back! CyberGhost is the best streaming VPN for India. It's a pleasure to use on Android, iPhone, and PC. It also provides decent speeds and can access US Netflix. CyberGhost Demo If you're looking for a provider that balances ease of use with an inexpensive price tag, CyberGhost might be the VPN for you! CyberGhost is a Romanian provider that's available for all platforms and boasts an expansive network of servers located across 91 countries
. With that kind of global coverage, CyberGhost is ideal for unblocking all sorts of content that might otherwise be hidden behind geo-restrictions. CyberGhost has no trouble accessing the most sought-after streaming services, either, including Netflix US and BBC iPlayer. What's more, CyberGhost's speedy servers can more than handle HD streaming or P2P activity. There are 28 CyberGhost servers in Mumbai, India – which is a pretty impressive amount! I also like that CyberGhost has a number of dedicated servers to suit specific needs. CyberGhost users can take their pick of streaming, torrenting, or privacy specific servers, and the VPN even has its very own data center. These special servers, known as NoSpy, were designed with ultimate privacy in mind, and can only be operated and controlled by the CyberGhost team. This means that the team can keep them free from third party interference, and I'd recommend checking them out if you're after a super-secure connection with a little extra bandwidth to boot. CyberGhost supplements its OpenVPN encryption with DNS and IP leak protection, so you can be sure that your identifiable data is kept out of the hands of prying third parties – like your ISP or government. An automatic kill-switch is another important feature included in all CyberGhost subscriptions, and I particularly like that it's enabled by default, so you don't have to go hunting through the settings menu yourself. The WireGuard protocol is available, too, and a built-in ad and malware blocker keeps the sites you visit from being riddled with pop ups and potential phishing scams. Currently, CyberGhost is based in Romania – a country with no mandatory data retention laws, and one that's not a part of the 5 or 14 Eyes surveillance alliance. This is great news for user privacy, as is the fact that the provider upholds a strict no-logs policy that prevents it from collecting any of your browsing habits, identifiable data, or communications. I'd like to see CyberGhost invest in another public audit, however, as its most recent audit took place ten years ago in 2012. CyberGhost supports 7
simultaneous connections. This is in line with the industry average, and I've always found the VPN's apps to be easy to install and even easier to use. They look great, are intuitive, and can be installed on any device. You'll even be able to extend your CyberGhost coverage to your console or smart TV! CyberGhost proves that a VPN doesn't have to cost a fortune to be effective! A generous 45-day money-back guarantee is available to subscribers who want to try before they commit, and if you'd rather not part with a penny, there's a 24-hour free trial, too. Either way, be sure to reach out to the CyberGhost customer support team if you need help picking a server or tackling India's infamous internet restrictions. 1. ExpressVPN
Pricing
Pros
Cons
Servers in India
Unblocks
Speeds
Available for
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Website
Easy access to just about anything
Super security
Try before you buy
Pricing
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Servers in India
Unblocks
Speeds
Available for
Simultaneous connections
Website
Global coverage
No more snooping
A versatile provider
Pricing
Pros
Cons
Servers in India
Unblocks
Speeds
Available for
Simultaneous connections
Website
All around the world
Private by name and nature
Secure your network
Pricing
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Cons
Servers in India
Unblocks
Speeds
Available for
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Website
Speedy streaming
Protecting your privacy
Help is at hand
Pricing
Pros
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Servers in India
Unblocks
Speeds
Available for
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Website
Take your pick
No more limits
Important extras
6. VyprVPN
www.vyprvpn.com
Pricing
Pros
Cons
Servers in India
Unblocks
Speeds
Available for
Simultaneous connections
Worldwide coverage
Setting the security standard
Cover your bases
Pricing
Pros
Cons
Servers in India
Unblocks
Speeds
Available for
Simultaneous connections
Website
Bye-bye geo-blocks
A full roster of features
Time on your side
How does ProPrivacy review VPNs?
There's no shortage of VPNs available on the market these days – and whilst it's great to have this kind of choice, it's also a little daunting. How can you tell which providers are reliable and which aren't worth your time (or money)? The ProPrivacy team has been putting VPNs to the test since 2013 in order to answer those questions. We're constantly inspecting big-name providers, as well as up-and-coming services, to ensure their security features and commitment to privacy are up to scratch – and that's doubly important for users in India who want to access sites and services that've been restricted by the government.
I also took the time to test all of the VPNs featured in this article. Before any service claimed a spot in my top seven, it had to meet the following key criteria:
- Robust security - We always look at a VPN's encryption, as well as its implementation, along with privacy features like kill-switches and DNS leak protection.
- An expansive server network - Allowing users to easily geo-spoof their location as well as gain an Indian IP address.
- Reliable speeds - A critical consideration for anyone hoping to stream in HD or hop into online games.
- Device compatibility - The best VPNs come with easy-to-use apps for all platforms, so you'll be able to enjoy round-the-clock security at home and on the go.
- Value for money - We don't want you to pay an arm and a leg for a VPN. Real value entails affordable subscription plans, multiple simultaneous connections, and support when you need it.
Want the full story?
The ProPrivacy review process is thorough and in-depth (and supported by the team's extensive first-hand experience with VPNs). So, if you'd like to learn more about how we put providers through their paces, head on over to our dedicated explainer.
Finding a free VPN for India
You might wonder if it's really necessary to pay a monthly (or yearly) subscription for a VPN – and there are free services available. However, the vast majority of these are better off avoided. Some free VPNs have no interest in safeguarding user privacy at all and will, in fact, collect and sell your data. This is exactly what you don't want from a VPN. And if a provider is actively compromising your security and selling your sensitive, identifiable information to the highest bidder, then it's a terrible service.
The stolen data will end up being used to create targeted ads or passed on to marketing firms to create a revenue stream. Plenty of free VPNs have been caught lying about the strength of their encryption protocols, and the very worst offenders are outright scams, stuffed with spyware.
It's not all doom and gloom, however. Trustworthy free VPNs are out there – but they often come with limitations. Expect bandwidth caps, monthly data allowances, and a limited selection of servers. But if you're looking for a service to shore up your security or digital freedom during an emergency (or if you want to put specific features to the test), then free VPNs are pretty handy.
The best free VPN for India: HotSpot Shield (free)
If you're set on using a free VPN, we recommend trying Hotspot Shield free. It's a superb service that offers free local servers in India, as well as overseas, and has a starring role in our free VPN guide. Unfortunately, the free plan comes with a relatively low data cap of only 500 MB per day – so if you're looking to stream or hop into online games with your VPN, you'll have to consider a premium option.
Remember, any reliable free service is going to be pretty limited, even if its privacy measures are robust. The provider ultimately wants you to pay for the full subscription. These free services are a great way of checking out what a VPN can do, however. To get access to a VPN with all the features and none of the restrictions, we'd advise that you take advantage of a VPN's free trial or money-back guarantee.
The ExpressVPN for Free Hack!
Did you know you can experience ExpressVPN's fully featured service without restrictions… for free!
If you're finding free VPNs too restrictive, why not test ExpressVPN premium service? Simply purchase a subscription using the button below and take advantage of the risk-free money-back-guarantee. Enjoy the service for up to 30-days, and when you cancel, you will receive a complete refund!
What is the fastest VPN to use in India?
Whether you're a gamer, torrenter, or an avid streamer, fast VPN servers are going to be one of your primary concerns when picking a provider. To give you an idea of the speeds you can expect from our top VPN picks, we run speed tests on them regularly – and you'll find an average of the results in the table below.
| ExpressVPN | NordVPN | Private Internet Access | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 9 | 8 | 8 |
| Performance | 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Speed | 100 | 568.0 | 254.93 |
| ProPrivacy.com SpeedTest (average) | 100 | 85.9 | 62.2 |
Check out our speed methodology process for more information about how we test VPN speeds.
Will a VPN improve my speeds?
Sadly not! This is a rather common misconception, though. Because a VPN must encrypt and decrypt your traffic, you should expect to experience a slight loss of speed when connected to a VPN server. This loss should only ever have a minor impact on the speeds provided by your ISP, however. What's more, the VPNs we've hand-picked in this guide are all fast enough to minimize this impact to the point that you'll hardly notice any speed loss at all!
Improve your online privacy with a VPN for India
In India, technology and mass surveillance go hand in hand. India has one of the most invasive biometric databases in the world: the Aadhaar card system. Altogether, about 90% of Indian citizens are enrolled in Aadhaar, which forces people to submit their biometric data. The biometric data citizens must hand over to the government includes photographs, fingerprints, and iris scans. On top of that, it is common for Indian ISPs and the government to snoop on citizens online.
What's more, many websites in India are blocked for religious or political reasons, and local network administrators such as schools, workplaces, landlords, and public Wi-Fi hotspots can easily snoop on internet users.
How does a VPN help?
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, stopping your ISP and other entities from tracking your web browsing habits. It also prevents your ISP from retaining your web history and metadata on behalf of the government.
By using a VPN for India, your true IP address will be concealed from the sites you visit, meaning they won't be able to track you across the web. In addition, by geo-spoofing your IP address you can pretend to be in a different country – which will allow you to bypass local censorship or access restricted foreign content like PornHub, BBC iPlayer, or Netflix US.
Other things you can do with a VPN for India
A VPN is a versatile tool that allows you to achieve full online freedom, secure your data, and unblock thousands of geo-restricted websites from all over the world. In this section, we've listed some more things you'll be able to do with your VPN.
Unblock mobile apps in India with a VPN?
The Indian government recently made a drastic move to block popular apps like WeChat, TikTok, and UC Browser. More than 200 apps, developed in China, were blocked by the government, rendering them inaccessible to users wishing to download them from India.
When you connect to a VPN server located outside of India, however, you'll have full access to all the apps the government has banned. Simply use your India VPN to connect to a server located in a country where the apps are not banned, and you're all set!
Unblock online games unavailable in India
In 2021, there was a reported 365 million online gamers recorded in India. Whether you are playing PUBG on your phone, Fortnite on a console, or CSGO on a PC, a VPN can help you broaden your online horizons, play against the best of the best from other countries, or even snag a bargain on Steam or other online gaming storefronts.
Bargain hunting with your VPN
It's true! Using a VPN, you can connect to Steam and other online stores from around the world and purchase games for lower prices. The price you pay for a title will often vary from country to country, so you'll need to shop around for a bargain, but we've also heard reports that many gamers use their VPN to connect to Argentina for lower-priced games.
Stay when safe torrenting
Each time you connect to your favorite torrenting site you run the risk of your IP address being leaked to other users and malicious actors. A VPN can help protect against this by encrypting your connection and masking your IP. This means that your ISP cannot tell what you're doing, because all your traffic is encrypted until it reaches you, which helps you avoid bandwidth throttling.
It also means when you connect to a P2P site, your fellow peers and anyone trying to snoop on your activities will only see the IP address of the VPN server you're connecting through, making it hard to trace what you are doing online back to you.
Proxy services vs VPNs?
It is possible to use Proxy websites and browser extensions to bypass website restrictions and censorship in India. Unfortunately, many popular services now implement proxy blocks – meaning that few proxies actually work.
Another great option for unblocking content is by using Smart DNS. Many popular VPN services such as ExpressVPN, now include a Smart DNS service for free, which means that you get both a VPN and Smart DNS as part of your subscription.
No matter whether you use Smart DNS or a proxy extension, it is worth noting that neither of them are as secure as a VPN. This is because a VPN provides strong encryption within a VPN tunnel, to prevent your ISP from tracking your browsing habits. So, if unblocking content and boosting your digital privacy is your main concern, a VPN will always be the best option.
Are VPNs illegal in India?
Simply put, no. Having and using a VPN is perfectly legal. In fact, there are countless businesses that use them on a daily basis – both inside and outside of India. It's what you do while connected to a VPN server that can be illegal and get you into trouble. For example, downloading copyrighted content remains a crime whether you're using a VPN or not.
The Indian government has taken to blocking certain popular websites, and at one point even the Google Play Store, in an attempt to make it harder for people to gain access to VPNs and circumvent state-imposed content blocks.
The good news is that VPNs in this guide all provide watertight privacy features so that you can do what you want without fear of being monitored.
A change in regulations – 2021
In November 2021, the Indian Government relaxed its tech regulations and allowed businesses to run their own VPN services.
Previously, companies in India were not able to use VPNs that were not expressly provided by Telecos – or make international calls via a VPN. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the government to relent, however, and now the Indian Department of Telecom (DoT) has moved to relax these guidelines, making it much easier for people to work remotely from home. The DoT previously relaxed the guidelines in March and April 2021, but it was a temporary measure – the recent relaxation of regulations is permanent.
Dropping these regulations is expected to take the pressure off of India's IT enabled Services (ITeS) and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO). Members of Indian Industry associations relayed to the Government that the regulations were harmful to the IT sector, and felt outdated considering the actions being taken by other nations to facilitate safe working during the pandemic.
Will VPNs be blocked in India?
The Indian government has recently faced pressure from the Committee on Home Affairs to block VPN usage entirely. The Committee claims that VPNs allow cybercriminals to operate freely, beyond the reach of authorities, and that the services are readily available to anyone online.
The proposed ban would have dire ramifications for Indian VPN users, of course, who rely on the technology to enhance their privacy and bypass imposing geo-restrictions. In fact, VPN usage in India has soared since 2020, with over 348 million registered installations. This is partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the increase in remote work, as well as increasingly frequent internet shutdowns. Similarly, VPNs saw a surge in popularity shortly after PUBG and TikTok were banned in India.
Unfortunately, it would be possible for the Indian government to issue a VPN block – plenty of countries have already done so; like China, Russia, and North Korea. All it would take is a mandate from the government requiring ISPs to block VPN protocols used by the various services. At ProPrivacy, we believe everyone has a right to digital privacy (it's basically our motto), so we'll continue to monitor the situation and provide updates wherever possible.
VPNs you should avoid
We've been careful to only include the best of the best when picking out our top VPNs for use in India. For this reason, we'd recommend sticking to them – especially if you're worried about inadvertently signing up with a dodgy provider.
Alternatively, if you're looking for a free VPN, follow the link to check out some secure options. The article also points out which free VPNs you should avoid at all costs – if you value your online privacy!
If you're in need of a completely unrestricted VPN with no limitations and unlimited downloads, but you're strapped for cash, we'd recommend that you take a gander at the world's best cheap VPNs. These lists will be a huge help to anyone deciding on a secure and trustworthy service.
However, to help rule out some of the more malicious options, we've listed the VPNs that are known to be dodgy. Don't give the following providers a second glance!
- Hola. This VPN is known to collect data from users to serve personalized adverts. It also sells user data to third parties. The software suffers from concerning leaks that destroy your privacy. And the VPN has been found to be fraudulently stealing and reselling its users' bandwidth.
- TurboVPN. This provider is not as bad as Hola. It does, however, have a highly questionable privacy policy, which means this VPN can't be trusted to protect your data properly.
- VPNMaster. This VPN is known to contain spyware and tracking libraries. This is the exact opposite of what you want – a VPN is supposed to be a tool for privacy, not corporate espionage.
- TouchVPN. This is a highly dubious service that provides even worse security than many free VPNs on the market. The VPN stores logs and IP addresses, meaning that the VPN is providing no privacy and is snooping on its users.
- IndiaVPN. This Android app VPN is known to be insecure and provides poor privacy levels due to a bad privacy policy that allows user data to be retained and resold.
Secure your data with a cloud backup
Using a cloud backup service is a great way to prevent your precious files from being lost. For more information and a list of the best cloud backup for India page for a list of the best services for the job.
FAQs
Conclusion
Now that we have covered all you need to know, let's review our top picks:
From $6.67/month
The best VPN for India. With lightning-fast speeds and servers in Mumbai and Chennai, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- ProPrivacy TrustScore:
- 10 out of 10
- Simultaneous connections
- 5
- Server locations
- 160
- Free trial
- No
From $3.69/month
The best value VPN for India. Super-secure, packed with features, and boasting more than 30 servers in India!
- ProPrivacy TrustScore:
- 9.9 out of 10
- Simultaneous connections
- 6
- Server locations
- 60
- Free trial
- No
From $2.19/month
The best secure VPN for India. It has top of the line privacy features, keeps no logs, and OpenVPN encryption.
- ProPrivacy TrustScore:
- 9.8 out of 10
- Simultaneous connections
- Unlimited
- Server locations
- 84
- Free trial
- No
From $2.00/month
The best user-friendly India VPN. With a whole host of useful security features at a great price, and apps for all platforms.
- ProPrivacy TrustScore:
- 9.7 out of 10
- Simultaneous connections
- 10
- Server locations
- 200
- Free trial
- No
From $2.30/month
The best multi-device VPN for India. For a low price, you get fast speeds, unblocking capabilities and fantastic customer support.
- ProPrivacy TrustScore:
- 9.6 out of 10
- Simultaneous connections
- Unlimited
- Server locations
- 100
- Free trial
- Yes