The Best India VPN in 2024

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The best India VPNs will enable you to unlock geo-restricted content in the subcontinent while securing your connection and blocking tracking by the government, hackers, and your ISP.

In 2022, India’s Computer Emergency Response Team brought in new VPN rules that required providers operating in India to collect a wide range of information on users and to store this for five years. Following this, many companies stopped providing physical servers in India. The good news is you can still reach the country using virtual servers and use international servers while in India.

Following our comprehensive testing methodology, I’ve found, tested, and reviewed the best India VPNs based on criteria such as speed and security, and I’ve highlighted services that can provide an Indian IP address and that offer secure connections outside of the country for people in India.

The Best India VPNs Tested By Our Experts

NordVPN – Best India VPN for Speed

Starting from $3.09/month
24-Month Plan + 3 Months Free
VISIT SITE

Surfshark – Best India VPN for Unlimited Connections

Starting from $2.19/month
24-Month Plan + 3 Months Free
VISIT SITE

ExpressVPN – Best VPN India for Security

Starting from $6.67/month
12-Month Plan + 3 Months Free
VISIT SITE

PureVPN – Best VPN for Indian Virtual Servers

Starting from $2.14/month
24-Month Plan + 4 Months Free
VISIT SITE

Proton VPN – Best Indian VPN for Unlimited Data

Starting from $3.59/month
Save $154 with 24-Month Plan
VISIT SITE

CyberGhost – Best India VPN for Streaming

Starting from $2.19/month
24-Month Plan + 4 Months Free
VISIT SITE

Best Cheap VPN for India

Starting from $1.17/month
Save $500 On 60-Month Plan
VISIT SITE

NordVPN – Best India VPN for Speed

NordVPN logo

Starting Price $3.09/month
Free Version/Trial 7-day Android trial
Key Features Fast Connections, Advanced Encryption, Web Protection
Server Network 6,400+ servers in 111+ countries
Max Devices 10
Why We Picked It

NordVPN is an excellent premium VPN provider for India. It offers fast connections, robust security, and the broadest server network I’ve seen.

Features
  • Unblocking Streaming Channels – NordVPN is best known for its ability to unblock streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. The service provides fast, secure connections, which have minimal impact on your internet speed, and it’s equipped to help you get access to any content you want while bypassing geographical restrictions.
  • Kill Switch and Compatibility – There’s also a kill switch, which ensures there’s no data leakage if your connection drops. You can use the software on six devices, across Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.
  • Advanced Encryption – NordVPN offers enhanced security with its advanced SHA-512 hash function encryption, which is a step above AES-256. This turns all your personal data and login credentials into 512 binary digits, which will look like meaningless information to hackers and other third parties – making it impossible to steal your data. I rate NordVPN as the safest VPN in India.
  • Owned and Operated Server Network – Another benefit of using NordVPN is that, unlike other VPN companies that outsource their server handling, it owns all of its servers and runs on RAM, so no logs are created or maintained. This means that there’s no scope for third-party intrusion, even during servicing and maintenance.
  • Web Protection – Protect your device against malware, viruses, hackers, and data theft with just one simple app. For added protection from digital threats, you can also opt for its free add-on – Nord Threat Protection, which is one of the best Windows antiviruses.
Indian Virtual Server Fleet

NordVPN has 6,400+ servers in over 111 countries, but it shut down its physical Indian servers in response to the Computer Emergency Response Team law, which requires the collection of names, addresses, and phone numbers. The company still has a virtual server available for India though.

Pricing

NordVPN cheapest plan costs $3.09/month with a two-year subscription.

That said, NordVPN provides more features in its higher-tier plans. You’ll get a data breach scanner, a cross-platform password manager, and more in the Complete plan. You can also try NordVPN with its 30-day guarantee.

Pros

  • Offers multi-factor authentication
  • Robust 256-bit AES encryption
  • 1TB of encrypted cloud storage via virtual servers
  • 3 months of free service with every plan
  • An extensive fleet of 5,000+ servers

Cons

  • User configuration could be easier
NordVPN
9.5
Review

Surfshark – Best India VPN with Unlimited Connections

Surfshark VPN logo

Starting Price $2.19/month (or ₹180/month)
Free Version/Trial 7-day trial for iOS, Mac, Android
Key Features Unlimited Connections, Double VPN, Camouflage Mode
Server Network 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries
Max Devices Unlimited
Why We Picked It

Surfshark offers fast, secure connections and has a substantial global server network, including virtual servers in India. It also offers unlimited connections and is one of the most affordable options around.

Features
  • VPN Security – Surfshark takes data security and privacy to a whole new level with its RAM-only servers that wipe your server activity every time it’s reset – leaving nothing for third parties to spy on.
  • Security Audits – Its data security processes have been confirmed in independent audits by Cure53. So how safe is Surfshark? Very. These audits proved that Surfshark’s infrastructure and security are perfectly capable of keeping your personal data private even on browsers.
  • Camouflage Mode – If you want to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN service from your network provider and anyone who might want to track you, you’ll appreciate Surfshark’s camouflage mode. Here, your online traffic will be routed through obfuscated servers which mask your VPN traffic as regular traffic. This qualifies it as one of the best mobile VPNs in a country where VPNs are restricted.
  • Double VPN – To add another layer of security, you can also use the Multi-Hop feature and make your online traffic pass through two servers, making it almost impossible for anyone to trace your actual IP.
Indian Virtual Server Fleet

Surfshark has 50 virtual servers for two locations in India, for anonymous Indian internet access – with the physical servers based in Singapore, the Netherlands, and London. In addition, there’s a network of 3,200+ servers spread over a massive 100 countries worldwide.

Pricing

You can’t go wrong with any Surfshark plan – all of them are highly competitively priced. That said, the best bargain is clearly the 2-year + 2 months plan that costs $2.19/month.

There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee that will ensure you don’t lose a penny in the testing phase.

Pros

  • An intuitive kill switch
  • Available in over 99 countries
  • Works on unlimited devices
  • Private DNS protection for better security

Cons

  • Some customer service complaints
Surfshark
9.5
Review

ExpressVPN – Best VPN India for Security

ExpressVPN VPN logo

Starting Price $6.67/month
Free Version/Trial 7-day iOS and Android trial
Key Features Proprietary Protocol, Threat Protection, Split Tunneling
Server Network 3,000+ servers in 105+ countries
Max Devices 8
Why We Picked It

ExpressVPN is among the most secure VPNs for India you can buy. The provider has a large, highly secure server network, has passed independent security audits, and has its own proprietary protocol, meaning you can always rely on it to keep yourself protected.

Features
  • Usability and Support – ExpressVPN stands out for its ease of use. Not only is the interface fairly simple, but it also offers 24-hour live chat and email support. Whether you need help setting up or troubleshooting, ExpressVPN will always be there.
  • Server Network – It also has one of the largest networks of servers. Available in 105+ countries, you can pick any location that works best for you. The service also comes with a Smart Location tool to find the fastest server connection for you.
  • Proprietary Protocol – Besides keeping your activities private, though, ExpressVPN will also keep you safe. The service’s custom Lightway protocol ensures your VPN connection remains secure.
  • Threat Manager – Threat Manager stops whatever website or app you’re on from communicating with malicious sites and trackers. When there’s no connection between the two, there’s no chance of data theft.
  • Split Tunneling – ExpressVPN also offers split tunneling so you can choose which apps or websites go through the VPN and which connect directly to the internet. For instance, if you’re looking for location-specific search results, you need to turn on the VPN to get the best result. Turning it on and off isn’t convenient, and that’s where the split tunneling feature comes into play. All of this contributes to making ExpressVPN the best VPN app in India, based on my research.
Indian Virtual Server Fleet

ExpressVPN offers virtual Indian servers in Singapore and the UK for users who want to privately access the internet as if they were in India, and the firm notes it is compatible with services such as Hotstar and Netflix.

Since 2022, the law has required VPNs with servers in India to collect large amounts of customer data, including names and validated IP addresses, so ExpressVPN stopped operating physical servers in the country to ensure the privacy of its users. Beyond this, the provider offers 3,000+ servers in a further 105 countries.

Pricing

Compared to other options on my list, ExpressVPN is relatively expensive with a single plan that starts at $6.67/year with an annual subscription. However, it remains one of my top recommendations due to its rich catalog of features and proven security.

You’ll get one of the largest fleets of servers plus a built-in password manager for airtight security for your device and accounts. I recommend getting the annual package since it’s the most value for money.

Its 30-day money-back guarantee means you lose nothing if you decide to discontinue the plan.

Pros

  • One of the fastest VPN services
  • Boasts ample positive reviews
  • Has one of the best password managers
  • A wide knowledge base with blogs and tutorials
  • Excellent split tunneling for more control over data

Cons

  • No multi-hop connections
ExpressVPN
9.2
Review

PureVPN – Best VPN with Indian Virtual Servers

PureVPN logo

Starting Price $2.14/month
Free Version/Trial 7-day trial
Key Features P2P Optimization, Geo Unblocking, Server Network
Server Network 6,500+ servers in 65+ countries
Max Devices 10
Why We Picked It

PureVPN is a robust, low-cost VPN for India. The firm offers numerous servers based in Chennai, ensuring you can quickly get a connection with an Indian IP address.

Features
  • Server Network – PureVPN helps you avoid online censorship in India by hiding your IP address and allowing you to access hundreds of entertaining and helpful websites via encrypted VPN servers. It has a massive network of over 6,500 servers across over 65 countries, including dozens of servers close to you in India.
  • Encryption and Connections – Thanks to its robust AES 256-bit encryption, PureVPN ensures you are safe while browsing. In addition, you can connect up to ten devices simultaneously, meaning you can share a single subscription with your entire family.
  • VPN Apps – PureVPN helps you access your favorite mobile apps through intuitive Android and iOS apps, and it also supports Windows, Mac, Linux, and other devices, ensuring you can cover both home and mobile devices. PureVPN is often rated as the best VPN for Android in India.
  • Unblocking Streaming Channels – Beyond this, if you want to access Indian content while traveling, you can use PureVPN to connect to a virtual Indian server and watch your favorite Sony LIV or ZEE5 streams.
  • Security and Privacy Features – The service also offers Peer-to-Peer (P2P) optimized network connections and is great for getting around bandwidth throttling. In addition, PureVPN provides robust security and privacy features, including an Internet Kill Switch (IKS) and DNS leak protection, alongside its no-log policy. All of these VPN app features make this a strong contender for best PC VPN overall.
Indian Virtual Server Fleet

PureVPN offers 69+ virtual Indian VPN servers based in Chennai for anonymized Indian internet use. The firm reports it is compatible with platforms like Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max in India, ZEE5, Hotstar, and Sony LIV, and it promotes that it has a zero-logs policy and is able to anonymize traffic.

With 6,500+ servers in 65+ countries, the most popular server locations for users in India are apparently the UAE, the UK, and the USA.

Pricing

PureVPN has a cost-effective two-year plan that costs $2.14/month and nets you three additional months on top of what you pay for.

With over 69 high-speed virtual servers for India that allow you to browse the internet in privacy and avoid government-led surveillance programs, PureVPN is an ideal choice for people in India that want to remain anonymous at home and while travelling. Try it risk-free today with the 31-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

  • Great pricing
  • Cheap add-ons
  • Intuitive interface
  • Reliable kill switch
  • Futureproof 20Gbps servers
  • Among the top VPNs for adult content

Cons

  • Fewer features for Mac users
PureVPN
9.2
Review

Proton VPN – Best Free India VPN with Unlimited Data

ProtonVPN logo

Starting Price $3.59/month
Free Version/Trial Free plan
Key Features Free Plan, Double VPN, Large Server Network
Server Network 6,500+ servers in 112 countries
Max Devices 10
Why We Picked It

Proton VPN offers the best free VPN for India. While all free VPNs have limitations, the free plan includes unlimited bandwidth and access to servers in multiple countries, making it better than nearly all alternatives.

Features
  • Free Plan – Proton VPN is best known for its generous free forever plan. You get access to unlimited bandwidth, customer support, and free VPN servers for five countries (US, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and Japan). Even on the free plan, you can block intrusive online ads for no additional cost.
  • Paid VPN Features – With the paid plans, you can protect up to ten devices at a time – the perfect plan for large Indian families. Additionally, you can also access 6,500+ servers from over 110 countries with record-breaking network speeds thanks to the VPN accelerators that optimize its servers by at least 400%.
  • Double VPN – For additional security, you can also use its double-hop feature. With this, your internet traffic will be routed through multiple VPN servers rather than just one, making it impossible for any outsider to track your activities.
Indian Virtual Server Fleet

Proton VPN operates Smart Routing servers for India, which are physically located in Singapore. It has a VPN accelerator, which can boost speeds by up to 400%, and works with Hotstar, Sony LIV, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix. It also has over 6,500 servers in 112 countries around the world.

Pricing

Proton VPN has a strong free plan, giving you access to multiple servers and a strict no-log policy. However, the free plan only protect one device. For simultaneous connections, 6,500+ servers in 112 countries, unlimited bandwidth, and more premium features sign up for a paid subscription.

The cheapest plan costs $3.59/month with a two-year subscription. You can further test Proton VPN with its the 30-day guarantee.

Pros

  • Comes with an ad blocker
  • Ideal for online streaming
  • New encryption key protects every session
  • Data protected by Swiss privacy laws

Cons

  • Limited customer support
ProtonVPN
8.5
Review

CyberGhost – Best VPN in India for Streaming

CyberGhost VPN logo

Starting Price $2.19/month (or ₹175/month)
Free Version/Trial 24-hour trial for Windows and macOS, 3 days for Android, 7 days for iOS
Key Features Gaming and Streaming Optimization, Audited Security, Support
Server Network 11,700+ servers in 100+ countries
Max Devices 7
Why We Picked It

CyberGhost is a fast, affordable VPN service. Given its impressive server network and first-rate unblocking capabilities, I rate it as the best VPN for streaming in India.

Features
  • VPN Security – With 256-bit AES encryption and WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 security protocols, CyberGhost scrambles your data and internet traffic making it incomprehensible to attackers. Even if someone manages to break into their servers, it’ll be impossible for them to make any sense of the data they find.
  • Gaming and Streaming Performance – You can optimize your connection for activities like gaming and streaming and select the fastest server available from a shortlist drawn from CyberGhost’s large server network. It’s renowned for being a top choice for streaming due to its unmatched speeds and connection stability and is often named as the best VPN for gaming India-wide. Many also name it as the best VPN for TikTok in India and a good way of getting around the Indian TikTok ban.
  • Security – CyberGhost has an independently audited no-logs policy, proving its security and privacy claims. With its headquarters based in Romania, your personal details are further protected by strong Romanian privacy laws.
  • Support – To top it off, CyberGhost also has super friendly customer support. You can reach out to them via email or live chat – and they offer support in multiple languages.
Indian Virtual Server Fleet

With a global network of 11,700+ servers in 100 countries, CyberGhost operates 29 virtual servers for Mumbai and works with Disney+, Hotstar, PhonePe, and ShareChat.

Because none of its servers are physically located in India, it can ensure user information remains private and anonymous, with no logs, 256-bit AES encryption, and RAM-only servers, which don’t retain data.

Pricing

With a two-year subscription, CyberGhost costs $2.19/month / ₹175/month. This also comes with an impressive 45-day money-back guarantee.

The monthly plan also boasts a generous 14-day guarantee. This is notable as most VPN providers don’t offer a money-back guarantee at all with monthly plans.

Pros

  • Comes with an online ad blocker
  • Doesn’t retain any customer data
  • Available in over 110 countries
  • Uses bank-grade 256-bit AES protection

Cons

  • Privacy policy needs more clarity
CyberGhostVPN
8.7
Review

IvacyVPN – Best Cheap VPN for India

Ivacy VPN logo

Starting Price $1.17/month
Free Version/Trial 7-day trial for $0.99
Key Features Split Tunneling, Performance Optimization, Affordable Price
Server Network  5,700+ servers in 70+ countries
Max Devices 10
Why We Picked It

Ivacy is the cheapest VPN for India on my list. It nevertheless has a strong set of features, including a substantial server network and servers for India.

Features
  • Unblocking Geo-Restrictions – IvacyVPN allows you to unblock any websites online, including the most popular streaming services, like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. It allows unlimited server switching, meaning you can always remain connected to one of its servers and watch your favorite TV shows and movies. You can also use it to listen to music on Spotify and bypass various geo-restrictions on the service.
  • Split Tunneling – IvacyVPN includes a split tunneling feature, which lets you simultaneously access foreign and local web services. With this feature, you get to decide which part of your internet traffic goes through the encrypted tunnels of your VPN, and you can use your regular connection for the rest.
  • Smart Purpose Selection – With its Smart Purpose Selection feature, you can quickly connect to the nearest, fastest server for your needs, whether you’re uploading, downloading, or streaming.
Indian Virtual Server Fleet

IvacyVPN has 5,700+ servers in 70+ countries, including the UK, the US, the UAE, and India, via virtual servers based in Singapore. It reports that its VPN services work with Sony LIV, JioCinema, Hotstar, Netflix US, Spotify, Hulu Plus, and Eros Now and have 99.9% uptime.

Pricing

You can subscribe to IvacyVPN’s five-year-long plan for as little as $1.17/month, making it one of the most cost-effective VPN services on the market. You can even pay with cryptocurrency for a completely private purchase.

Besides being budget-friendly, IvacyVPN will keep you safe from WiFi hotspot owners, internet snoopers, your ISP, and the Indian government. Plus, it comes with a month-long guarantee, so you can try its services risk-free.

Pros

  • DNS and IPv6 leak protection
  • Diverse and numerous server locations
  • Reliable customer support
  • Affordable

Cons

  • The interface could look better
IvacyVPN
8.7
Review
Methodology

How We Review and Test VPN Services

20 VPNS TESTED

25 DATA POINTS MEASURED

300+ HOURS TESTING

500+ USER REVIEWS READ

To provide our readers with accurate and well informed recommendations, we tested 20 leading VPN services to find the best in the market. Our methodology consists of the following criteria:

  • Security Features: We made sure that the provider uses standard security features and a secure tunneling protocol.
  • Privacy Policies: We looked for VPNs that come with a no-logs policy, and verify the extend to which user privacy is upheld.
  • Speed: We run speed tests three times a day and draw an average of the result to see how much of the original broadband speed is retained.
  • Compatibility: We ensure the VPN provider offers multiple simultaneous connections and is compatible with the most popular operating systems.
  • Geo-unblocking: We test whether the VPN service can unlock different libraries (content available in different countries) on the most popular streaming platforms.
  • Customer Experience: When researching products and services, we read real user experiences and test out their customer support channels ourselves.
  • Price and Value for Money: We set out to recommend reasonably priced products that offer value for money.

How Does a India VPN Work?

A VPN works by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your online identity. It does this by routing your internet connection through a remote server run by a VPN host.

This server acts as a filter for your data, turning it into a code that makes it difficult for anyone to track your activities or steal your information. The VPN server also masks your Indian IP address.

This makes it appear that your internet activity is coming from the VPN server instead of your device to protect you from being monitored by the Indian government, your ISP, hackers, and others while you surf the web. The best VPN services allow you to access the internet either via an Indian VPN server or servers located in other countries.

Why Do I Need a VPN in India?

One in five people use a VPN in India, and it’s a key service for ensuring you can use the internet securely and remotely. Here are a few reasons you absolutely need a VPN while browsing the internet:

  • Access Politically Sensitive Material – The Indian government limits access to websites that advocate against or have anti-government or separatist information. If you want to access these websites, you’ll need to use a VPN. However, it’s important to note that accessing this content may be illegal.
  • Access Geo-Blocked Content – If you wish to access content from other countries, like UK, US, and more, a reliable VPN will help you to bypass the geo-blocks. So you can enjoy streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, or BBC iPlayer.
  • Protect Your Online Privacy – VPNs core purpose is to enhance user online security by encrypting their online traffic. A VPN will hide your IP address and keep your location and identity private, protecting you against cybercrime and government monitoring.

See our guide to the best VPNs for travel for more tips and recommendations.

India’s VPN Data Law and Restrictions

In 2022 Indian government has introduced a new law stating that all VPN service providers in India must collect and store their user data for at least five years.

The law states that all VPN providers operating in India need to keep logs of user identifying features, including:

  • User name,
  • Real physical IP address,
  • User online activities and use patterns.

If the virtual private network service does not comply with the issued law, they might potentially face imprisonment for up to a year.

For this reason, numerous VPN companies eliminated their physical Indian servers, switching them to a virtual one. This is a very smart move as a virtual server still can provide an Indian IP address. However, since there is no hardware on the Indian soil, the provider is not forced to comply to local laws.

Is VPN Use Legal in India?

VPNs in India are not banned or illegal to use and natives can easily download, install, and use VPN apps on any of their devices.

However, the Indian government has issued a VPN related law in 2022 stating that VPN providers need to collect and store all users-related data. And since the main purpose of a VPN is to improve online security, many VPN services have pulled out their physical servers from the country.

However, while netzines can purchase VPN apps in the country, they might face an issue of specific providers not allowing to complete purchases from India. Alternatively, there was a case where the Indian government has blocked users from accessing Google Play store and downloading the apps altogether.

How to Get an Indian IP Address

Surfshark is one of the best VPNs for India and is free to use for a trial, thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Let’s get into how you can get an Indian IP address:

  • Step 1 – Go to the SurfsharkVPN site and choose your preferred subscription plan.
  • Step 2 – Create an account and download the app on your device (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, etc.).
  • Step 3 – Install and launch the Surfshark app.
  • Step 4 – Select an Indian server from the list of available countries.

Now, simply log into a streaming platform like Hulu or YouTube and start watching TV shows and movies in India or abroad.

Are Free India VPNs safe?

The safety of free VPNs varies significantly. Some free services lack proper security measures and may sell your data.

However, Proton VPN offers the same level of security on its free plan as on its premium plans, while Surfshark boasts a risk-free money-back guarantee that acts as a free trial.

If you’re considering a free VPN, it’s important to choose a reputable provider like Proton VPN that takes your privacy and security seriously.

Best Free VPN in India – Free Vs. Paid VPNs

If you’re looking for a reliable free VPN service in India, I recommend Proton VPN. With unlimited data and bandwidth, it’s one of the few free VPNs in India that won’t limit your internet usage, and I rate it as the best free VPN for Android in India.

Plus, it’s fast enough for seamless streaming, with an average speed of 66Mbps. While the free version of Proton VPN may not be able to unblock all geo-restricted content, like some region-locked Netflix titles, it does offer unlimited data and bandwidth, making it a good choice for bypassing content-based ISP throttling.

If you only need a VPN for occasional use, such as checking your email on public Wi-Fi, a free VPN like PrivadoVPN or Proton VPN might work for you.

However, a paid VPN would be a better choice if you want more robust security features, better streaming performance, additional features, and more flexibility.

What are the Downsides of Using a India VPN?

Using a VPN from a recommended provider is a great way to protect your privacy and security while using the internet and to bypass geo-restrictions and bandwidth throttling. On balance, there are some downsides to using a VPN, however.

Using a VPN will slightly decrease your internet speed, for example. VPNs are actually banned in some countries, as well, and quality services naturally come with a cost, while disreputable providers offering free services may snoop on your activity.

And while it will be far harder for governments, advertisers, ISPs, and malicious actors to track you when using a VPN, if you log into services or post information or files, then there will inevitably be some tracks left behind, even if your IP is obfuscated.

Surfshark
9.5
Review

FAQs

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Krishi Chowdhary
Tech Expert
Krishi Chowdhary
Tech Expert

Krishi Chowdhary has half a decade of experience writing buying guides and product reviews for numerous leading technology websites. He spent two years writing for Business2Community.com before joining Techopedia.com. He has a degree in Commerce and extensive experience in the technology industry. He's also the key driver behind TechReport.com's news content, delivering expertise insight into the latest tech and cybersecurity news daily.