The Best India VPN 2024: Paid & Free VPN Service Options
Whether you want to protect yourself against the Indian government’s surveillance or access geoblocked content, you’ll need a VPN. In this guide, we help you find the best India VPN so you can protect your privacy when surfing the Indian web.
Written by Arjun Ruparelia (Writer)
Reviewed by Sandra Pattison (Writer, Editor)
Facts checked by Igor Kurtz (Fact-checking editor)
Last Updated: 2024-09-30T20:59:10+00:00
All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.
Key Takeaways: What Is the Best India VPN?
- NordVPN — Premium protection and a wealth of features. NordVPN’s two-year plan offers 73% off on the first two years with three months free.
- Surfshark — Affordable protection for the whole family. A 86% discount is available for users who choose Surfshark’s extended subscription options.
- ExpressVPN — Seamless security for the tech-shy. New ExpressVPN subscribers get up to 49% reduced rates on long-term commitments.
- CyberGhost — Customizable VPN with automation features
- PrivadoVPN — Best free VPN for India, but no free Indian IP address
Facts & Expert Analysis:
- India VPN Law: The Indian government passed a law in April 2022 that requires VPN providers to log customer data. Any VPN company that complies with this law must share user data with the government on request.
- Virtual Indian Servers: Before you select a VPN, check whether it has physical servers in India. Any that do must abide by India’s VPN law. Only use VPNs with virtual Indian servers or no servers in India.
- Indian IP Address: The best VPN for India doesn’t need to have servers in the country, but it gives an edge for accessing local networks. Unfortunately there is no free VPN option with Indian IP addresses.
- Best VPN Choice: NordVPN is one of the most secure VPNs and it has virtual Indian servers.
The best India VPN (virtual private network) is one that encrypts your connection, keeps your data private and helps unblock geoblocked websites. India’s tightened internet policy and increased surveillance call for caution. If you’re in India or plan to travel to India, equip yourself with one of the best VPNs to ensure your online security and privacy.
We found the five best India VPNs so you don’t have to look through each VPN’s server list. None of the services in this guide have physical VPN servers in India — those that have Indian servers use virtual servers. We also explain the features of these services so you can pick a VPN that suits your needs and budget.
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07/18/2022
Since our last review, India has implemented a new law requesting all VPNs to log and retain user data for five years. Responses from VPN services have been coming in thick and fast, with all the VPNs on this list indicating that they’ll remove their physical servers from the country. Most of them are resorting to virtual Indian servers.
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11/02/2023
Updated the article to reflect ExpressVPN’s expansion of server presence from 94 to 105 countries.
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02/21/2024 Facts checked
Article rewritten to reflect changes in India’s VPN laws and the VPN services’ feature sets.
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07/08/2024 Facts checked
We updated the article to present PrivadoVPN as the best free VPN for India.
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10/01/2024
We updated these rankings to reflect current VPN performance, features and pricing. We also updated NordVPN’s information to explain its new virtual servers for India.
How to Choose the Best VPN in India
Using an unencrypted internet connection in India leaves you vulnerable to surveillance. If you want to retain your privacy, you need a VPN with virtual servers in India or servers in another country.
Achieve Online Privacy and Security Even as a VPN Novice
- Comprehend the essential role a VPN plays in safeguarding your digital life
- Gain a deep understanding of how VPNs function under the hood
- Develop the ability to distinguish fact from fiction in VPN promotions
| VPN Server Network | Virtual servers in India if you need an Indian IP address |
| Security & Privacy | OpenVPN or WireGuard protocol, AES-256 encryption, no-logs policy and obfuscated servers |
| Unblocking Capabilities | Large server network and streaming-optimized servers |
| Speed | Fast connection speeds for buffer-free streaming |
Here is more detailed information about each factor considered:
- Indian servers or nearby servers: You need an Indian server if you want to use an Indian IP address. Most VPNs have a virtual server in India to get around the Indian VPN regulations. A server close to India can help you stay secure as well without a significant drop in connection speed.
- Security and privacy: VPNs with secure VPN protocols, ciphers and security features allow you to surf the Indian web safely and anonymously. Likewise, a no-logs policy tells us that the VPN doesn’t collect any personal data.
- Fast connection speeds: Encryption slows down your connection speed, but this reduction is minimal when you use one of the best VPNs on the market. Fast connection speeds are vital for buffer-free streaming.
- Obfuscated servers: Obfuscated servers conceal the fact that you’re using a VPN and prevent VPN blocks.
- Specialty servers: Double VPN, streaming-optimized and P2P servers are a great extra feature. A VPN can still offer excellent performance without these servers, but they’re nice to have for additional security or an improved streaming experience.
The 5 Best VPNs for India & Indian IP Address
After our tests, we found five VPN services with servers in and around India. We discuss these services below, starting with our top pick — NordVPN.
The Best VPN for India: Comparison Table
| VPN | Price | India servers | Encryption | Security | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $3.09 per month (two-year plan + three months) | * | AES-256 | Kill switch Specialty servers Malware blocker Dark web monitor | 95% |
 | $2.19 per month (two-year plan + three months) | * | AES-256 ChaCha20 | Kill switch Malware blocker Invisible LAN RAM servers | 90% |
 | $6.66 per month (15-months plan) | * | AES-256 ChaCha20 | Kill switch Malware blocker RAM servers | 94% |
 | $2.19 per month (two-year plan + two months) | * | AES-256 ChaCha20 | Kill switch Malware blocker RAM-only servers | 70% |
 | $1.99 per month (two-year plan + three months) | * | AES-256 ChaCha20 | Kill switch Ad blocker | 80% |
1. NordVPN — Best VPN for India
Very Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
NordVPN is best VPN for India. NordVPN has extensive security features, specialty servers, the ability to unblock all streaming apps, fast connection speeds and a large server network.
In 2024, NordVPN decided to implement virtual servers, including an option for India. This means you can acquire an Indian IP address to stream Indian TV channels when you’re traveling abroad or want to do so securely within the country. Plus, NordVPN is a top-notch VPN that offers excellent performance at a budget-friendly price.
NordVPN Hands-On Testing
The home screen has a widget that contains the “quick connect” button, a list of specialty server types, Meshnet devices and countries where NordVPN has a server. The app places everything in a compact widget, which makes finding the right server a breeze.
The kill switch, split tunneling and VPN protocol settings are accessible by clicking the cog wheel at the bottom left. There’s also a world map behind the widget that you can drag around to find a suitable location. This allows you to easily find the location closest to India where NordVPN has a server.
Notes From the Lab: NordVPN Speed Test Results
NordVPN tops our list of the fastest VPNs. During our speed tests, NordVPN only slowed down our connection by 21% even when connected to a faraway server in Australia. You’re unlikely to experience any buffering when streaming video in high definition.
Notes From the Lab: NordVPN Security Analysis
NordVPN also passed our DNS leak tests.
You can choose from four VPN protocols when using NordVPN — OpenVPN (UDP and TCP), IKEv2 or NordLynx (NordVPN’s take on WireGuard). Moreover, NordVPN has a strict no-logging policy that has been validated by an independent audit, so you never have to worry about the Indian government getting access to your private data.
| OpenVPN — UDP | AES-256 |
| OpenVPN — TCP | AES-256 |
| NordLynx | AES-256 |
| IKEv2 | AES-256 |
Two built-in features offering additional security make NordVPN the best VPN with antivirus: CyberSec and threat protection. CyberSec is an ad and malware blocker, whereas threat protection functions like an antivirus by scanning files for malware and deleting them before the download completes. Neither is a replacement for an antivirus, but they do offer extra protection.
NordVPN Pricing & Value
Given its feature set and performance, NordVPN offers some of the best value on the market. The best deal (the two-year plan) costs $3.09 per month. Shorter-term plans include the annual plan for $4.99 per month and the monthly plan for $12.99 per month.
- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
2. Surfshark — Best Budget India VPN
Very Fast
Very Fast
Good
Surfshark is one of the few VPNs on the market that allows you to connect with unlimited devices. Like with the other VPNs on this list, you also get unlimited bandwidth, which means it can deliver top-notch performance even when multiple users — your friends, family or colleagues — are all using the same VPN account simultaneously.
The VPN has an obfuscation feature called “camouflage mode,” but it’s only available when using the OpenVPN protocol. When using one of Surfshark’s virtual Indian servers in Delhi or Mumbai, you can use obfuscation to conceal VPN usage and bypass censorship to access websites that are geoblocked in India.
Surfshark Hands-On Testing
The Surfshak app has a detailed home screen. It shows you the newly assigned IP address, the protocol in use, connection time and more. There’s also a button next to the search bar that reveals each server’s latency — a useful feature since Surfshark servers generally have high latency.
The left-hand pane shows recently used servers and a complete list of server locations. The home screen also lets you switch between various server types, including static IP, MultiHop and dedicated IP. Overall, we like how Surfshark makes all the relevant information and options easily accessible.
Notes From the Lab: Surfshark Speed Test Results
Surfshark offers excellent speeds averaging more than 90 Mbps on a 100 Mbps internet connection. You’re unlikely to experience any buffering when streaming content online. However, Surfshark’s high latency makes it a poor choice for gaming.
Notes From the Lab: Surfshark Security Analysis
Surfshark also passed our DNS leak tests.
Surfshark is one of the most secure VPNs around. The VPN offers three protocols — OpenVPN (TCP and UDP), WireGuard and IKEv2 — though availability varies based on the operating system. In addition to secure VPN protocols, Surfshark offers various security features like MultiHop servers, IP rotation and CleanWeb — Surfshark’s powerful ad and malware blocker.
| OpenVPN — TCP | AES-256 |
| OpenVPN — UDP | AES-256 |
| WireGuard | ChaCha20 |
| IKEv2 | AES-256 |
Surfshark Pricing & Value
Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN. The two-year plan (the best value) costs $2.19 per month. If you prefer a shorter-term commitment, consider the annual plan or the monthly plan. All of these plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try Surfshark risk-free. If you want to learn a little more about Surfshark before you commit, read our Surfshark review.
- Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker. Plans renew: $231.75 for one year, $417.15 for two years
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Yes
- Everything in Starter, plus Antivirus protection, Identity protection, Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts, Online Alias Plans renew: $239.25 for one year, $430.65 for two years.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Everything in One, plus Data removal Plans renew: $269.25 for one year, $404.65 for two years
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
3. ExpressVPN — Best Easy-to-Use VPN for India
Very Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
ExpessVPN checks all the right boxes — it offers fast connection speeds, great security and virtual Indian servers. The service’s latest third-party audit in April 2022 confirmed that ExpressVPN is completely leak-proof. ExpressVPN lets you choose between three protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2 and Lightway — ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol.
The server network includes servers in more than 100 countries, including virtual Indian servers via Singapore and the U.K. All of these servers are obfuscated, which means streaming sites like Netflix are less likely to detect VPN usage and block you. The platform has a strict zero-logging policy and uses RAM-only servers, so you never have to worry about data privacy.
ExpressVPN Hands-On Testing
ExpressVPN’s home screen is clean. It has a one-click connect button and the option to access the server list right underneath. If you’re in India, you don’t have to search for an Indian server manually. You’ll see India as the recommended server location. You’ll also see a “smart location” — a server location that offers the best performance based on your physical location.
Notes From the Lab: ExpressVPN Speed Test Results
ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs around. It offers consistently fast speeds and low ping, especially on nearby servers. If you plan on using ExpressVPN to stream Indian content or play games, you’re unlikely to experience lags or buffering.
ExpressVPN Pricing & Value
ExpressVPN is an expensive service that offers superior performance. For the best deal, consider ExpressVPN’s the annual plan, which costs $6.66 per month. You can also opt for the six-month plan or the monthly plan. You can try ExpressVPN yourself using its 30-day money-back guarantee. Learn more about this premium service in our extensive ExpressVPN review.
- Unlimited GB
- 8
- Yes
4. CyberGhost
more than 95 countries, including India.
Fast
Very Fast
Fast
CyberGhost offers an extensive server network with more than 10,000 servers, more than 30 of which are in Mumbai. The VPN offers excellent security, paid dedicated IP addresses and servers optimized for streaming, gaming and torrenting.
If you choose to pay for a dedicated IP address, there’s no link between it and your account. This is especially helpful if you’re located in India because it ensures that no one can trace your online activity back to you. The app also includes features like an ad and malware blocker and a VPN automation feature called “smart rules.”
CyberGhost Hands-On Testing
CyberGhost has a detailed desktop interface. It lists servers by category, which makes finding an optimal server easier. You can also filter the server list by streaming, gaming, torrenting, NoSpy or the optional paid dedicated IP servers.
The VPN even goes so far as to indicate a server’s distance from your current location as well as the server load so you can pick a server that’s likely to deliver the best performance. However, the settings are dispersed across multiple sections, so finding the option you need may take a few extra clicks.
Notes From the Lab: CyberGhost Speed Test Results
CyberGhost isn’t as fast as other services on this list. However, though you may experience buffering when streaming content in 4K, CyberGhost is fast enough to deliver a buffer-free experience when streaming in standard quality.
Notes From the Lab: CyberGhost Security Analysis
Our tests revealed no DNS, IP or WebRTC leaks with any of these protocols, even with DNS leak protection turned off.
CyberGhost offers three VPN protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard and IKEv2), though availability varies by device. Plus, CyberGhost has a strict no-logs policy, so you can rest assured that it won’t share any private data with the Indian government.
| OpenVPN | AES-256 |
| WireGuard | ChaCha20 |
| IKEv2 | AES-256 |
The app has a built-in ad and malware blocker, though instead of filtering traffic at the browser level, it blocks ads at the network level.
CyberGhost Pricing & Value
CyberGhost is a low-cost service. The best deal (the two-year plan) costs $2.19 per month. Shorter-term plans include the six-month plan and the monthly plan.
If you want to try CyberGhost before committing for the long term, you can use its money-back guarantee. The two-year and six-month plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee, while the monthly plan comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee. We dive deeper into CyberGhost’s offerings in our comprehensive CyberGhost review.
- *The 2-year plan includes 4-months free which breaks down the 56.94 t0 $2.03 per month. *The price under the 2-year plan is billed yearly after the first two years.
- Unlimited GB
- 7
- Yes
5. PrivadoVPN
PrivadoVPN is the best free VPN to use in India. Its free plan offers access to servers in 10 countries: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This means that you can get an IP address from any of those countries for free.
Although PrivadoVPN is free, it doesn’t compromise on security and privacy. It offers vital security features, including a kill switch and multiple protocols, while abiding by a strict no-logs policy. PrivadoVPN is also great for streaming, unblocking the likes of Netflix and BBC iPlayer with ease.
PrivadoVPN Hands-On Testing
PrivadoVPN has apps for Windows, Android, iOS and macOS devices. The apps are pleasing to the eye and well-organized. The homescreen houses a large power button to help you connect to the fastest server and an option to sift through the servers.
Notes From the Lab: PrivadoVPN Security Analysis
We tested PrivadoVPN for DNS leaks, so you can rest assured that you’re safe even if you don’t know which VPN protocol you’re using. The app has DNS leak protection to encrypt all DNS requests. This feature ensures that your ISP can’t see which websites you visit or what you do on those websites.
PrivadoVPN is a secure VPN, though it leaves Mac users in the dark by not showing the protocol in use.
| OpenVPN | AES-256 |
| WireGuard | ChaCha20 |
| IKEv2 | AES-256 |
PrivadoVPN Pricing & Value
Although it has a free plan, it does not include Indian servers. To access an Indian server and to remove data limits, you’ll need to purchase a subscription. PrivadoVPN’s best deal is the two-year plan which costs $1.99 per month (two-year plan + three months) per month. It also has a monthly plan at $10.99 per month (one-month plan) and a yearly plan at $2.99 per month (15-months plan) per month.
All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you like PrivadoVPN, there’s no risk in trying the paid version out. If you want more information, head over to our PrivadoVPN review.
- 10GB
- 1
- *Billed $44.85 for the first 15 months, then $59.88 every 12 months. *Billed $53.73 for the first 27 months, then $95.76 every 24 months.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
Can You Use a Free VPN for India?
Yes, you can use a free VPN in India, but you should be careful about which one you choose. The problem with free VPN services is that most of them are untrustworthy and unreliable, as we explain in detail in our worst VPNs article.
Using one of these VPNs can leave your connection insecure, allowing the Indian government and the ISP to access private data. Some of these VPNs also collect personal data to sell. If you want to use a free VPN, stick to the top free VPNs.
The Best Free VPN for India: PrivadoVPN
PrivadoVPN is the best free VPN for India because it’s fast, secure and offers 10 free servers. The only drawback to using PrivadoVPN’s free version is that it doesn’t offer an Indian server, although it’s available only on the paid plan. However, you can use the VPN within India for protection for free.
Note: None of the free VPNs we recommend offer an Indian server.
How to Use a VPN to Get an Indian IP Address
NordVPN makes acquiring an Indian IP a breeze. The process involves three easy steps:
- Sign Up for NordVPN
Sign up for NordVPN and download the NordVPN app for your device. Try NordVPN risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee and 73% off the first two years. Install NordVPN on your device. Once installed, launch the app and log in.
NordVPN is one of the best VPNs for India. - Connect to an Indian Server
Search for India on the list of server locations. Connect to an Indian server to get an Indian IP address.
NordVPN started offering virtual servers in 2024, including in India.
Why You Need a VPN in India
Security is the primary reason why you need a VPN in India but not the only reason. VPNs can also help access geoblocked content. More reasons why you need a VPN in India include the following:
- The IT Act, 2000: Section 69 of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, and subsequent amendments give the Indian government the power to regulate and monitor online activity. The government can monitor, intercept and decrypt information transmitted through any computer resource if there’s reason to believe that such information is in the interest of India’s sovereignty or integrity.
- Geoblocked websites and apps: Another reason to use a VPN in India is to access websites blocked by the government, which has banned more than 55,000 websites in the past seven years. The government generally bans pornographic and Chinese websites and apps like TikTok. VPNs can help unblock these websites.
- Access content only available outside India: VPNs can also help access another country’s content library on websites like Netflix as well as unblock Indian streaming sites like Hotstar when traveling abroad.
Are VPNs Banned in India?
VPNs are not banned in India. You don’t have to worry about the police knocking on your door if you use a VPN.
The recent law applies to VPN service providers and requires them to log user data. As long as the service providers comply, they can offer VPN services in India. However, most VPN providers have moved their servers out of India and offer virtual Indian servers instead to maintain user privacy.
Final Thoughts
VPNs can protect you against the Indian government’s surveillance and help you access websites that are blocked in India. The top VPNs no longer have a physical server in India, but most of them have replaced their physical servers with virtual servers to help you acquire an Indian IP address.
We recommend NordVPN because it offers great security and privacy as well as virtual Indian servers. Experience the power of NordVPN yourself, risk-free, with the assurance that you can get your money back within 30 days if you’re not completely satisfied.
Have you ever used a VPN in India? Which VPN did you use? Were you able to unblock geoblocked websites? Let us know in the comments below, and as always, thank you for reading.
FAQ: Best VPN for India
Yes, it’s legal to use a VPN in India. The recently introduced law makes it obligatory for VPN providers to log user data but doesn’t make the use of VPNs illegal.
None of the free VPNs we recommend offer an Indian server. Though there may be other free VPNs that offer an Indian server, we do not recommend using them. Not only are they ineffective and slow, but they also often collect your data to sell it and infect your device with malware.
A VPN will allow you to use TikTok in India provided you select one that can effectively circumvent geoblocks. Though Snapchat was previously banned in India, the ban has been lifted. You can access Snapchat with or without a VPN.