The best India VPN in 2024

Best India VPNs in 2024

Whether you're outside India wanting to access local content or within India looking for a secure connection, a VPN can be highly beneficial. For those abroad, a VPN allows access to Indian content like Bollywood movies and regional TV shows, bypassing geo-restrictions. It also provides access to Indian markets and services.

In India, VPNs help bypass government censorship and access restricted platforms like TikTok and PUBG Mobile. They enhance privacy, especially on public Wi-Fi, prevent ISP throttling for smoother streaming, and ensure secure online transactions and safe torrenting.

In this article, you will find the best tested VPNs for India that still working in 2024. I'll show you how to use a VPN, highlight the best options, and guide you on enhancing your online experience with improved security, privacy, and access to restricted content.

How to choose the best India VPN?

When selecting a VPN for India, start by ensuring it has servers in India or near the country. This is crucial for accessing local content and maintaining a stable connection. Many VPNs use virtual servers located outside India to comply with data retention laws. These servers still provide you with an Indian IP address, allowing access to local content while maintaining your privacy.

Next, focus on privacy and security. Opt for a VPN with a strict no-logs policy and strong encryption like AES-256. Reliable protocols such as WireGuard or OpenVPN are essential for protecting your data from surveillance and breaches. Features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection further enhance security.

Speed and server optimization are also vital. Choose a VPN with fast, stable connections and optimized servers for streaming and gaming to avoid buffering and lag. High-speed performance ensures a smooth online experience.

Lastly, consider ease of use and customer support. The India VPN should have user-friendly apps compatible with multiple devices and provide excellent customer support via live chat or email. Flexible subscription plans are also a plus.

The best VPNs in India – detailed list

After completing thorough testing of 43 VPN services along with a team of experts, I’ve compiled a detailed list of the 5 best India VPNs down below. They were selected as they have virtual servers in India or in nearby locations, stand out for their security features, and can offer top-notch unblocking capabilities.

NordVPN – best India VPN in 2024

4.5

Excellent

Expert review in a nutshell:

• Security and privacy
  5/5
• Speed and data
  5/5
• Servers
  4/5
• Use cases
  4/5

Current deal:

Now up to 74% OFF + 3 months for free!

Visit NordVPN

NordVPN is the best VPN for India, offering 14 virtual servers located in Mumbai. In addition to its Indian servers, NordVPN boasts over 6400 servers in 111 countries worldwide, providing extensive coverage that ensures reliable and fast connections for users both within and outside India.

Read NordVPN review

Pros:

• 14 virtual servers in Mumbai, India
• Independently audited no-logs policy
• Bypass government censorship
• Unblocks Hotstar, JioCinema, Netflix India
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

• Free plan is not available
• Limited device connections (maximum 10)

I was impressed by NordVPN’s commitment to privacy and security, which is crucial for navigating India's strict data retention laws. It uses AES-256 encryption, which ensures maximum security. The VPN maintains a strict no-logs policy, is audited by third parties, and includes essential features like a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and obfuscated servers.

These features are particularly useful for bypassing government censorship and ensuring that VPN usage remains undetected. For users in India, NordVPN’s obfuscated servers hide the fact that they are using a VPN, providing an additional layer of privacy.

Unique features like Meshnet allow users to connect their devices securely over the internet, which is beneficial for gaming and remote work. Another feature I appreciated is Threat Protection, which blocks ads and malware, ensuring a safer browsing experience.

In speed tests, NordVPN retained up to 82% of initial download speeds (159 Mbps DL) and 44% of upload speeds (103.6 Mbps UL), making it one of the fastest VPNs for India. The VPN uses the NordLynx protocol, built around WireGuard technology, which ensures quick and secure connections. While testing NordVPN, I connected to Disney+ Hotstar and had an excellent quality buffer-free streaming experience. The performance was impressive, and I enjoyed uninterrupted streaming sessions.

NordVPN is exceptional at unblocking streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video without buffering or lag. It supports up to 10 simultaneous connections, which is adequate for most users but slightly less than Surfshark's unlimited connections.

NordVPN offers competitive pricing, with plans starting at $3.09/month, which is way cheaper than ExpressVPN. I also appreciated the 30-day money-back guarantee, which allows users to test the service risk-free. Additionally, the 7-day free trial on mobile devices is a great feature for those wanting to try out the service before committing.

Surfshark – budget-friendly VPN for India

4.0

Very good

Expert review in a nutshell:

• Security and privacy
  4/5
• Speed and data
  5/5
• Servers
  3/5
• Use cases
  4/5

Current deal:

Now up to 86% OFF + 3 months FREE

Visit Surfshark

Surfshark is another great VPN for India since it offers 50 virtual Indian servers. Additionally, Surfshark has over 3200 servers in 100 countries, providing vast coverage that allows users to access content from various regions easily. This extensive network ensures reliable connections both within India and internationally.

Read Surfshark review

Pros:

• 50 virtual servers in Delhi and Mumbai, India
• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Camouflage Mode to hide VPN usage
• Unblocking capabilities for Hotstar, JioCinema, Netflix India
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

• Doesn’t offer a free trial for Windows
• Smaller server network compared to contenders

Surfshark prioritizes privacy and security, which is vital given India's strict data retention laws. It employs advanced AES-256 encryption, ensuring data protection. Surfshark ensures your online activities remain private and secure with a no-logs policy, independently audited, and features like a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and obfuscated servers. I found these features particularly useful for bypassing government censorship and maintaining privacy.

I was impressed with features like CleanWeb, which blocks ads and malware, enhancing browsing safety. The Surfshark One bundle includes antivirus protection, offering comprehensive security for users in India.

In my speed tests, Surfshark retained 94% of its original download speeds (183.9 Mbps DL) and upload speeds (222.7 Mbps UL), showcasing its impressive performance. Using the WireGuard protocol, Surfshark offers quick and secure connections. During Surfshark testing, I could easily access Indian Netflix, providing a seamless, buffer-free streaming experience.

Surfshark excels at unblocking major streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video without any buffering. Unlike ExpressVPN and CyberGhost, which support up to 8 a and 7 connections, Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, making it perfect for families or users with multiple devices. This flexibility was particularly beneficial for me when streaming on various devices simultaneously.

Starting at just $2.19/month, Surfshark is an affordable option with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to try it risk-free. The service also includes a 7-day free trial on mobile devices, which I found very convenient for testing its features before committing. This pricing structure makes Surfshark an excellent value for the extensive features it offers.

IPVanish – good India VPN for unlimited devices

3.5

Good

Expert review in a nutshell:

• Security and privacy
  4/5
• Speed and data
  4/5
• Servers
  3/5
• Use cases
  3/5

Current deal:

Now up to 83% OFF + 3 months FREE!

Visit IPVanish

IPVanish is another good VPN for India since it offers 10 virtual servers located in Mumbai, providing reliable options for users in India. In addition to its Indian servers, IPVanish has a global network with over 2400 servers in more than 55 locations. This extensive coverage ensures decent connectivity for users needing to access content from various regions, though it doesn't match the extensive reach of NordVPN or Surfshark.

Read IPVanish review

Pros:

• 10 virtual servers in Mumbai, ensuring local access
• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Independently audited no-logs policy
• WireGuard protocol for smooth browsing and streaming
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

• Second-year prices get higher
• No obfuscation feature, limiting bypassing of strict censorship
• Less intuitive user interface

IPVanish employs industry-standard AES-256 encryption, ensuring that your data is secure. It follows a strict no-logs policy, which has been independently audited, giving confidence in its commitment to user privacy. IPVanish includes a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling, covering essential security needs.

However, it does not have obfuscated servers. This can be an important feature for users in countries with strict internet censorship. In such cases, NordVPN and Surfshark, which offer obfuscated servers, are better choices.

IPVanish demonstrated excellent performance in speed tests, retaining up to 97% of initial download speeds (190 Mbps) and 32% of upload speeds (77 Mbps). These speeds make IPVanish one of the fastest VPNs available, providing a stable and fast connection for various online activities, including streaming and browsing. While testing IPVanish, I connected to Disney+ Hotstar and experienced smooth streaming without any buffering issues. The VPN uses the WireGuard protocol, known for its efficiency and security, ensuring quick and secure connections.

During testing, IPVanish successfully unblocked popular streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. However, it struggled with Hulu and Amazon Prime Video, unlike NordVPN and Surfshark, which managed these platforms seamlessly. IPVanish supports unlimited simultaneous connections, making it a flexible option for users with multiple devices.

IPVanish is reasonably priced, with plans starting at $2.19/month for unlimited devices. This is a competitive rate, though Surfshark offers more features at the same price. IPVanish includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to test the service risk-free.

ExpressVPN – great India VPN for torrenting and streaming

4.0

Good

Expert review in a nutshell:

• Security and privacy
  5/5
• Speed and data
  5/5
• Servers
  3/5
• Use cases
  3/5

Current deal:

Now up to 49% OFF + 3 months FREE!

Visit ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a solid choice for users in India, offering virtual servers that connect via the United Kingdom and Singapore, while providing extensive coverage with over 3000 servers in 105 countries. Although it doesn't have physical servers in India, its virtual servers ensure users can still access Indian content seamlessly. Additionally, you can use other locations to access content from various countries.

Read ExpressVPN review

Pros:

• Multiple virtual servers in India via the UK and Singapore
• RAM-only servers ensure that data is wiped with each reboot
• Threat Manager feature blocks trackers and enhances online security
• Excellent streaming performance, unblocking platforms like Hotstar, JioCinema
• Lightway tunneling protocol

Cons:

• Pricier subscription plans
• No physical servers in India
• Limited additional features

ExpressVPN stands out with its robust security features, essential for navigating India's data retention laws. It uses AES-256 encryption, ensuring maximum protection of user data. The VPN maintains a strict no-logs policy, is audited by third parties, and includes essential features like a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling.

These features are particularly useful for bypassing government censorship and ensuring that VPN usage remains undetected. Additionally, ExpressVPN's obfuscation feature makes it difficult for ISPs and government agencies to detect that a VPN is being used, providing an extra layer of privacy and security for users in India. I found the obfuscation feature particularly helpful for maintaining my privacy while browsing. Unique features like split Threat Manager enhance the user experience by blocking trackers and intercepting malicious activity, although it’s only available for macOS, iOS, and Linux users.

In speed tests, ExpressVPN retained around 82% of the initial download speeds (159.4 Mbps DL) and 32% of upload speeds (74.7 Mbps UL), making it a reliable option for streaming and torrenting. The proprietary Lightway protocol ensures quick and secure connections. During ExpressVPN testing, I connected to Indian Netflix and had an excellent quality buffer-free streaming experience.

ExpressVPN excels at unblocking streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video without buffering or lag. It supports up to 8 simultaneous connections, which is fewer than Surfshark's unlimited connections. However, its reliability and strong performance make it a good choice for streaming.

ExpressVPN is on the pricier side (in my opinion, NordVPN has the best price-quality ratio for India), with plans starting at $6.67/month, but it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial for mobile users.

CyberGhost – good VPN with virtual Indian servers

4.0

Good

Expert review in a nutshell:

• Security and privacy
  4/5
• Speed and data
  4/5
• Servers
  5/5
• Use cases
  3/5

Current deal:

Now up to 84% OFF + 4 months FREE!

Visit CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a dependable VPN for India, offering an undisclosed number of servers in Mumbai. Beyond India, CyberGhost boasts a vast network with over 11500 servers across 100 countries, ensuring broad coverage and reliable connections for both local and international users. This is the most servers on this list, although NordVPN offers more countries.

Read CyberGhost review

Pros:

• VPN with virtual Indian servers for accessing local content
• Wallet-friendly price
• NoSpy servers for enhanced privacy in India
• Unblocks streaming platforms like Hotstar and JioCinema
• Longest money-back guarantee (45 days)

Cons:

• Average speeds compared to competitors
• No Smart DNS, which can limit streaming options
• Apple have limited features

CyberGhost emphasizes privacy and security, which is crucial for users in India navigating stringent data retention laws. The VPN uses AES-256 encryption to protect user data. Additionally, CyberGhost operates under a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited, ensuring user activities remain private.

In addition to features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection, CyberGhost has unique ones like dedicated IP addresses and NoSpy servers, which enhance privacy and security. I found the user-friendly interface and compatibility with various devices to be a practical choice for users in India.

In speed tests, CyberGhost retained 74% of the initial download speeds (144 Mbps DL) and 32% of upload speeds (76 Mbps UL), offering average performance for streaming and browsing. While it may not match the speeds of NordVPN or Surfshark, it provides a stable and consistent connection. During CyberGhost testing, I accessed JioCinema and other streaming platforms without significant buffering issues, though there were occasional slowdowns. For better performance, consider NordVPN or Surfshark.

CyberGhost is effective at unblocking popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, though it may not be as fast as NordVPN or Surfshark. Its optimized servers for streaming ensure a smooth experience for accessing geo-restricted content. CyberGhost supports up to 7 simultaneous connections, which is the fewest on this list.

CyberGhost offers competitive pricing, with plans starting at $2.03/month, making it one of the most affordable options. It provides a 45-day money-back guarantee, the longest among all providers on this list, allowing users to test the service risk-free.

Best India VPNs compared in 2024

Winner

Get NordVPN, now 74% OFF!

NordVPN is the best VPN for India because it offers access to thousands of servers across 111 countries, including 14 virtual servers in India. To ensure top performance, all users can employ the proprietary NordLynx protocol, and there are numerous security and privacy features that make NordVPN a true leader in the industry and the best VPN in India. These include a reliable kill switch, Threat Protection, Dark Web Monitor, Meshnet, and Cyber Protection.

How I tested India VPNs

To compile this list of the best VPNs for India, my team and I have scrutinized 43 providers. Each VPN provider was tested both on mobile and desktop applications. Plus, I did it on different operating systems, including MacOS Ventura, Windows 11, Android version 11, and iOS version 15.7.1. Here’s what mattered to me most when selecting the final 5 of the best India VPNs:

1. Availability of servers. I’ve looked at how many servers each VPN has in India. While reputable VPNs are unlikely to have physical servers in India due to new data-logging regulations, I checked how many virtual servers each provider offers or how many servers are located in nearby locations like Singapore, Bangladesh, Pakistan, or Myanmar.
2. Security measures. I made sure to only include VPNs that use AES-256 and XChaCha20 encryption to ensure top-class privacy. During testing, I also assessed obfuscated servers and the reliability of kill switches.
3. Level of privacy. Since the Indian government is known to track user activities, I’ve picked VPNs that can help achieve complete online anonymity. For that, I made sure that every provider on this list follows strict no-logs policies, operates from a privacy-friendly location, and is independently audited by third parties.
4. Speed and performance. The Cybernews team performed thorough in-house tests to figure out which Indian VPN can offer a fast and stable connection. Most of the selected providers support the well-known WireGuard tunneling protocol. Using the fastest protocol of each provider, my team and I performed thorough speed retention tests.
5. Unblocking capabilities. Since users in India sometimes cannot access various popular social networking, streaming, and other websites, I’ve tested whether VPNs are capable of bypassing geo-restrictions. My selected providers can easily help you change your IP address to access any site.

Expert comment

Šarūnas Karbauskas

Security advocate and senior tech writer

A great VPN provider can work wonders when it comes to secure browsing and accessing geo-restricted content. What’s most important to me when choosing a provider is the server count. A close second is the provider’s security standard. That’s why I always count on VPNs that offer excellent security and maintain an impeccable reputation.

Hence, my personal recommendation is NordVPN. I appreciate its massive server fleet and robust security. Not to forget that this provider is refreshingly affordable, too.

Why do you need a VPN in India?

If you’re unsure whether you need a VPN for India, there are many reasons that should convince you. First of all, a VPN is irreplaceable when it comes to protecting your privacy online. Since the Indian government is actively trying to monitor everyone’s online activities, a reliable VPN can prevent your ISP from tracking your behavior online.

Another great perk of a VPN for India is that it’ll unblock social media and desired games. Some users report having issues when accessing platforms like Twitter, Reddit, and many others. Online games such as PUGB, Mafia City, and Rules of Survival may be unavailable in India, too. Hence, a reputable VPN can help you bypass all kinds of internet restrictions in India.

The same goes for accessing streaming platforms and your favorite Indian channels. If you’re outside India and still want to watch your favorite TV shows, simply connect to a server in India or nearby and enjoy the content you want.

VPNs with Indian servers

Since the requirement for VPN providers to collect and store user-related information has been put in place by the Indian government, many of them have decided to shut down their servers in India. Luckily, there are a few top-class VPNs with servers in India: whether they’re virtual India-based servers or physical servers in India or the neighboring countries:

How to get a VPN for India

1. Choose a reliable VPN that has servers in India. I recommend NordVPN, now 74% OFF
2. Download the app for iOS, Android, Mac, or Windows
3. Connect to an Indian VPN server
4. Start browsing Indian websites or streaming Indian TV

Unlock content with NordVPN's Indian servers

Is VPN legal in India?

VPNs are legal in India, but regulations from 2022 require VPN providers to store user data for at least five years. As a result, many VPN services have removed their physical servers from India. Instead, they use virtual servers located elsewhere, which still provide an Indian IP address to users while ensuring their privacy. To maintain security and privacy, choose a VPN with a strict no-logs policy, obfuscated servers, a kill switch, and leak protection​.

What's the best free VPN in India?

If you want to bypass geo-blocks and access content outside of India free of charge, there are several free India VPN options available. Even though they might be more limited in terms of features than premium VPNs, they can do the job. I recommend checking out these free India VPNs.

• Proton VPN. It has a free version that offers you 1 VPN connection, servers in 3 countries (United States, Netherlands, Japan), medium speed, and a no-logs policy. Alternatively, if you opt for a premium plan, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can enjoy all the premium benefits free of charge for over a month.
• Windscribe. This VPN has a free version with 1 device connection and 11 server locations available. It has medium speeds and a credible no-logs policy. However, it has a monthly data limit of 2GB, and to get access to its Indian servers, you will need to get a paid subscription.

VPN not working in India: how to fix it

There might be multiple reasons why you’re struggling with your VPN connection in India. One of the simplest reasons could be issues with your internet connection in general. If it’s not active or working properly, then with a VPN it’ll be the same. Try opening a website without a VPN and see if the issue persists. If it does, simply turn the Wi-Fi on and off or contact your ISP provider.

You might face issues with your VPN if you’re using outdated VPN software. Install the latest updates and try connecting again. It could also be the case of misconfigured VPN settings. Make sure you’re using protocols that are available in your location.

Overcrowded VPN servers can contribute to this problem, too. If there are too many people connecting to the same server at the same time, it’s only natural that it’ll be too much for the server to handle. Simply try connecting to a different server or even a different location to fix your VPN issue.

If none of the above seem to work, then you can always contact your provider’s customer support. It’s even better if they have 24/7 available support, like NordVPN does.

VPN data law and bans in India

According to the law, VPN services are not banned in India. However, in April 2022, the government announced a law (which came into effect in September 2022) that VPNs operating in India must collect and store the following information for up to 5 years:

• User names
• IP addresses
• Email addresses
• Data stamps
• Home addresses
• Other personal data

Also, if authorities ask for this information, the VPN service provider must comply. As a result, many companies have shut down their physical servers in India. Others have found a way to circumvent the system and established virtual servers, which the law does not apply to.

All of the VPNs mentioned on my list comply with strict no-logs policies. This ensures that providers don’t collect or retain any user data and don’t track or log your online activities, IP addresses, or timestamps.

As an extra layer of privacy, top-class VPN providers are independently audited. NordVPN, Surfshark, IPVanish, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost have all been audited.

Bottom line: what's the best VPN for India?

The best VPN for India is NordVPN. It has 14 Indian servers, doesn’t collect user-related information, covers 10 simultaneous connections, and easily unblocks most popular streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.

A VPN is essential for those in India to access restricted content and protect their online privacy, and it is equally useful for those outside India who want to access Indian content. When choosing a VPN for India, focus on servers in or near India for fast connections, robust security features like a no-logs policy, strong encryption, and high-speed performance for smooth streaming and browsing.

Additionally, prioritize VPNs with user-friendly apps and reliable customer support to ensure a seamless online experience. Choosing a VPN that excels in these areas will effectively enhance your internet usage by providing security, privacy, and unrestricted access to content

FAQ