If you’re traveling to, or living in, India you may want to consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). The problem is that the Indian government recently introduced new restrictions that require VPN providers to store data that could identify users for up to five years.
Don’t worry, though: there are a couple of ways to ensure you remain anonymous while using a VPN in India. Firstly, you’ll need a service that does not have servers physically located in India. Additionally, your provider should follow a no-logs policy so that even if your data was requested, there’d be nothing to share.
Below, we’ll cover each of the best VPNs for India in more detail, but if you haven’t got the time to read through the whole article, below are our top picks.
Best VPNs for India:
- NordVPN: Our top choice for an India VPN. Strong security and digital privacy features and a reliable network of servers that deliver good speeds for streaming and downloading. Easy to use apps. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Best budget option. Offers strong unblocking ability, good speeds, and a sweeping range of security features. Allows you to connect all of your devices at once.
- ExpressVPN: Fast servers, great security and privacy features. A solid choice but not the cheapest option on this list.
- CyberGhost: Beginner’s choice with easy-to-use apps. A low-cost service with fast speeds and good security.
- IPVanish: Budget network that owns its servers outright. Offers virtual servers in India. Favored by Kodi users and torrenters for its consistent speeds.
- Atlas VPN: A newer provider that already boasts extremely high speeds and powerful security features. Protect as many devices as you like.
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How to choose a VPN for India
From a quick look online you may already be aware that there are a lot of options when it comes to choosing a VPN. For our ranked list of the best VPNs for India we’ve carefully chosen VPN service providers that can meet the criteria below. If you would like to know more about how we conduct our VPN research and analysis you can take a look at our full VPN testing and ranking methodology.
- Value for money
- Doesn’t keep usage logs
- Strong encryption parameters
- Speed and stability
- Suitable for torrenting
- Apps for Android and iOS
Best VPNs for India
Whether you’re just looking for a VPN to stream Indian TV abroad or you need more online security whilst in India, the VPNs in the list below can help. Let’s take a closer look at our top picks:
1. NordVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our top recommendation for an India VPN. It reacted quickly to the government’s law change and removed all of its Indian servers, but still offers more than 5,000 in 59 other countries. Of course, thanks to its strict “zero logs” policy, it couldn’t have revealed any info about you regardless. Still unsure? It’s possible to pay via Bitcoin, Ripple, or Ethereum, meaning paper trails are kept to a minimum.
This VPN uses 256-bit AES encryption as standard and gives users the option of connecting to special obfuscated servers that are designed for use in places with strict online censorship. There’s also a kill switch, leak protection, and built-in tracker-blocking. Users can secure up to six devices at a time.
This VPN excels at securely accessing services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, and its commitment to blazing speeds means it’s an excellent choice for any data-intensive task. Apps are available for Linux, Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.
Pros:
- Blazing fast speeds for HD streaming
- Anti-censorship servers
- Enjoy A high degree of anonymity with no logs and cryptocurrency payments
- Top-tier encryption standards with leak protection
- Apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Linux, and Android
Cons:
- Can’t favorite specific servers
Our score:
BEST VPN FOR INDIA:NordVPN is our top choice. A solid performer in India. Great at beating digital censorship. A top choice for security and privacy. Use up to 6 devices at once with great internet connection speeds. Try it risk-free with a 30-day money back guarantee.
Read our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark is a great low-cost option with more than 3,200 servers in 60+ countries. Notably, it has virtual servers that can get you an Indian IP address while keeping you safe from the country’s sweeping new data-logging laws. Additionally, unlike most other VPNs, Surfshark has no VPN connection limit, so you’re free to browse on whichever device you prefer.
This service uses DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection, a kill switch, and 256-bit AES encryption to keep your traffic hidden from snoopers at all times. There’s also a built-in ad-blocker, a malware-scanner, and a strict zero-logs policy that keeps your activities private at all times. There’s even a censorship-evading NoBorders mode built-in that’s helpful for any international traveler. Should you require any assistance, you can reach support over live chat, 24/7.
Surfshark offers Android, MacOS, iOS, Linux, and Windows apps. If you’d like, you can manually configure it for use with your home router instead.
Pros:
- Great unblocking ability
- Top-notch security features
- No VPN connection limit
- No-logs policy
- Pay with cryptocurrencies
Cons:
- Customer support could be better
Our score:
BEST BUDGET PICK:Surfshark is an easy-to-use VPN that lets you bypass Indian internet blocking and access the web freely. More importantly, it keeps you safe while doing so. This service also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of Surfshark here.
3. ExpressVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN is one of our favorite VPN services because of its reliability, commitment to user’s online privacy, and blazing fast speeds. While this provider no longer has servers in India, it has some that can still get you an Indian IP address, meaning you’ll still be able to use Disney+ Hotstar and the like abroad.
Security features include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, IP6, and WebRTC leaks. Further, ExpressVPN keeps no traffic logs whatsoever other than the choice of server location, total amount of data transfer, and date (not time) of connection. This VPN is based out of the British Virgin Islands and as such, doesn’t have to comply with Indian data-retention law. Better still, it can help you browse the internet freely whether you’re in India, China, or anywhere else.
ExpressVPN apps are available for iOS, MacOS, Windows, Android, and Linux. It also has custom router firmware that makes it easy to set up your home router.
Pros:
- Solid speeds for browsing and streaming
- High-grade encryption, security and privacy throughout
- Keeps no traffic logs of personal data
- Great support
- Includes a money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Not the cheapest option in this list
Our score:
TICKS ALL THE BOXES:ExpressVPN holds its own. A fast and reliable choice with real everyday usage potential. Great privacy features and keeps no logs. 30-day money back guarantee.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
4. CyberGhost
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN that nonetheless provides top-tier speed and security. The company has an internal policy of not storing any user data which will please privacy advocates.
Currently, this VPN has around 8,000 servers to choose from across 90+ countries. Notably, there are still virtual servers in India; these work with popular services like Hotstar and Netflix India but because they’re not actually located in the country, you can use them without putting your privacy at risk.
Its security standards are among the best on the market. Specifically, CyberGhost uses 256-bit AES encryption, an internet kill switch, leak protection, and automatic wifi protection to keep your data safe and secure at all times.
CyberGhost supports both Android and iOS as well as PC, Linux, and MacOS.
Pros:
- Budget priced provider with impressive streaming speeds
- Strong encryption and solid privacy policy
- Works with Indian streaming services
- Apps are easy to install and use – a good option for beginners
Cons:
- Could offer more control over advanced features
Our score:
PRIVACY-FOCUSED:CyberGhost has a simple set up. Another affordable choice. Good on privacy. Streams HD video reliably. Has a generous 45-day money back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
Get Deal >5. IPVanish
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish owns and operates all of its server locations across the globe (unlike most other VPN services which prefer to rent). Hence it’s in total control of all the data passing through its systems with greatly minimized risk. There are a handful of virtual servers in India, meaning you’ll be able to continue using India-only services even while traveling abroad.
This VPN comes with 256-bit encryption on the WireGuard protocol and includes both DNS leak protection and a kill switch. You can even block local devices such as printers from communicating with your device, or scramble OpenVPN traffic to potentially evade VPN-detection systems. There are no connection limits, either, so a single account allows you to protect all of your devices at once.
While the company is based in the United States, it does not store any traffic or metadata logs, meaning user activity is safeguarded and secure. Apps are available for iOS, Android, MacOS, and Windows. Manual configuration is needed for Linux systems and supported routers.
Pros:
- Completely logless service won’t compromise your privacy
- Impressive 4K streaming speeds achieved during testing
- Strong encryption makes apps secure
- No connection limit
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer a cryptocurrency payment method
Our score:
GOOD FOR TORRENTING:IPVanish offers strong privacy and security with a no-logs policy plus additional protection against DNS leaks. Popular with Kodi and torrent users. 30-day money back guarantee on annual plans.
Read our full review of IPVanish.
6. Atlas VPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- FireTV
Website: www.atlasvpn.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Atlas VPN swiftly removed its servers from India shortly after the government announced its new legislation. Unfortunately, it hasn’t yet introduced virtual replacements, though you can still choose from more than 750 servers in 45 other countries. With extremely high speeds, no connection limit, and the ability to stream Disney+, HBO Max, and more, this VPN certainly has plenty to offer.
It fares very well on privacy too. That’s because Atlas VPN keeps no logs, prevents DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks, and secures your traffic with 256-bit encryption. There are also specific servers that’ll change your IP address periodically, and a built-in breach monitor that’ll let you know the moment your account details are leaked online. Finally, this provider offers free 24/7 live chat just in case you run into trouble.
Atlas VPN has its own iOS, Android, MacOS, and Windows apps.
Pros:
- Good set of security tools
- Fast and reliable speeds
- Real streaming potential
Cons:
- No virtual Indian servers
- Doesn’t work with routers or Linux
Our score:
SECURE AND VERSATILE:Atlas VPN allows you to browse safely in India because it keeps no logs, boasts a powerful security toolkit, and delivers some of the highest speeds around. Best of all, this VPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of Atlas VPN.
How to get an Indian IP address
It’s far easier than you might think to get an Indian IP address abroad. Below is a step-by-step guide.
Here’s how to get a real Indian IP address:
- Begin by signing up for one of the VPNs above (we recommend NordVPN though Surfshark and ExpressVPN are great choices too).
- Download and install the app on your preferred device.
- Sign in and connect to an Indian VPN server.
- That’s all there is to it! Your traffic is now encrypted and routed through a server in India, making it look like that’s where you’re browsing from.
India VPN FAQs
How do I stream Indian TV abroad?
Many Indian streaming services (such as Hotstar, SonyLIV, and JioCinema) are geo-restricted, meaning they can't normally be accessed from outside of India. However, if you're connected to an Indian VPN server, these platforms usually won't be able to tell that you're really located somewhere else, and will allow you to watch.
If you're having trouble unblocking a specific Indian streaming service, try clearing your browser's cookies and cache. This clears any saved data and forces the platform to re-check your location rather. Failing this, you might want to ask your VPN provider directly whether it has specific servers that work with your chosen service.
Can I use a free VPN for India?
There’s always the possibility of searching for a free VPN service. Such software isn’t hard to find - a cursory search on Reddit or Google will result in a plethora of options.
However, our recommendation is to avoid these traps. Such services are in the business of making money too - so while the product may come across as free, it isn’t nearly as simple as that.
When you log on to a free VPN, you’ll be bombarded with spammy referral links and tons of invasive advertisements. You run the real risk of contracting a malware infection that can lead to data loss and/or machine corruption. And, in some cases, free VPN providers have been caught mining their users’ data and selling it to third-party companies. That belies the whole notion of surfing the web securely and privately.
Are VPNs legal in India?
VPNs are not explicitly banned in India, and citizens can easily find and install VPN apps directly from their preferred app store. Having said that, the government has introduced new rules requiring VPN providers to keep logs that would compromise their users' anonymity. For this reason, most major providers have stopped hosting servers in India itself.
Additionally, in at least one instance, the government has completely prevented users from accessing the Google Play Store specifically because of how easy it was for people to circumvent state-sanctioned blocking. For this reason, it would be wise to have a VPN app installed just in case another round of censorship leaves you unable to contact friends and family during a crisis.
Can I bypass the India porn ban with a VPN?
Local internet service providers in India have been ordered by the government to block 800+ adult-themed websites, including Pornhub. This decision hasn’t gone down well with citizens of the country, as they’re already voracious consumers of pornography. India is the third-largest source of web traffic to Pornhub, but authorities have determined that such content threatens the morality and decency of ordinary Indians.
To overcome these restrictions, people in India have to change their IP address to one in either Europe or North America. The VPNs recommended in this article can do exactly that. Simply sign up, download the apps, and choose a server from any major European or North American country. Once the connection has been established, you’ll be able to access whatever sites you want regardless of government restrictions.
What is the future of Indian internet?
Advocacy and rights groups in India continue to work tirelessly to secure the future of the internet and ensure net neutrality. The rejection of Facebook’s Free Basics project was a watershed moment for such groups who argued that Zuckerberg was offering a watered-down version of the web that would eventually help his own company rather than assist ordinary Indians with access to digital skills and literacy.
Content blocking continues to exhibit an upward rise with Facebook receiving the maximum number of requests from India to block content. Content related to government criticism, political opposition, LGBT issues, and satire has attracted the most significant crackdowns.
Until there’s a more concerted effort to promote freedom of speech, it’s likely that clampdowns on the internet will continue in India.
How secure are Surfshark servers in India?
Surfshark no longer has servers in India, having removed them shortly before the country's repressive new rules came into force. As Surfshark uses uncrackable encryption and keeps no logs, the odds of user activity being exposed were pretty low but clearly, this provider isn't willing to take any chances when it comes to your privacy.
It does, however, have virtual servers located elsewhere in the world that can get you an Indian IP address. In other words, you'd get all of the benefits (such as being able to access India-only services) with none of the risk.
Do I need a VPN if I live in India?
There are a number of reasons why it’s important to use a VPN. This is the case whether you live in India or if you’re traveling abroad. For starters, some websites and services are geo-blocked while others may be government-censored. Speaking of the Indian government, they carry out extensive online surveillance of internet users in the country. If you want to access all online content and do so anonymously, you’ll need to use a quality VPN service.
We have already established the two primary concerns in this matter – privacy and security. Whether you’re a local, expat or a visitor on business or otherwise, you’ll want as many local server locations as possible for a fast and reliable connection.