The digital world demands complete online privacy and security which has become a critical issue for Indian internet users throughout 2020. The combination of cyber threats with government surveillance and content restrictions has caused Indians to make VPNs essential tools for securing their digital activities. Users who choose the best VPNs In India will receive complete privacy protection in addition to unrestricted access and secure wireless connections that maintain their anonymous status. During the past several years India has experienced significant digital population expansion which makes it a leading international internet market.
The rapid expansion of the internet has stirred up multiple privacy-related issues combined with security risks alongside digital rights problems. The Indian population has adopted VPN services in record numbers because users look for trustworthy tools to defend their internet activities from surveillance.
In 2025 the guide examines every available VPN option for Indian users to evaluate their functionality against several requirements while dissecting costs and performance metrics. And help you select the optimal VPN services that meet your web requirements.
Why Should We Use VPN?
Existing conditions in India require internet users to adopt VPN technology thus understanding these circumstances forms the base for choosing the best VPNs In India
Enhanced Privacy Protection
As millions of other people, Indian users have to face the harsh realities of Internet Service Providers tracking users’ online browsing. The data can be shared with ad agencies, government portals, and probably accessed by hackers if you use it via a VPN. Encryption of Internet connections through VPN protection makes tracking by ISPs and other unauthorized third parties completely impossible.
Bypassing Geographical Restrictions
Lot of streaming platforms and websites apply geo-restriction that blocks access to content according to the location of the user. best VPNs In India hides its true location and connects through servers in foreign countries to access the library of global content without interruption.
Security on Public Wi-Fi Networks
Wi-fi networks in cafes, airports, hotels, etc., are very vulnerable to getting hacked. All the sensitive data such as passwords and financial information is easy for any malicious person to get when one connects to these networks. A VPN creates a secure tunnel for the data and protects it from hackers who might want to indulge themselves with other people on the same network.
Protection Against Price Discrimination
Various kinds of price discrimination exist online. For example, an airline, retail outlet, or booking platform might display a lower price when accessing it from a user in a particular country. Some users of top VPNs in India take full advantage of a VPN change in virtual location to drive liabilities down in airfares, accommodation, subscriptions, and other online purchases.
Avoiding ISP Throttling
In India, some ISPs purposely slow or throttle certain types of internet traffic, such as streaming or gaming data. For such instances, a VPN comes to the rescue where your ISP cannot ascertain the nature of your internet traffic and hence may provide you with faster and more reliable connections for the activity.
Data Encryption and Security
With the rising sophistication of cyber threats, safeguarding your data now holds greater importance than ever before. The best VPNs In India utilizes military-grade encryption to shield your data, making it inaccessible to anyone trying to intercept the information while it is en route.
App Usage Privacy
Mobile apps can be highly intrusive and collect a lot of user data like location and usage patterns. Using a VPN can restrict the amount of such intrusive applications can get personal on your mobile device. It adds a little more extra privacy in your mobile experience.
Unrestricted Internet Access
In a time when digital censorship is proliferating around the world, a VPN does just that-it allows free access to any website on the internet. It is especially of value to researchers, journalists, activists, and everyday people looking for unrestricted access to information.
List of 10 Best VPNs in India
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs in India you can have because it is fast and secure. The Lightway protocol of this virtual private network works optimally even on poor connections in India. This makes it a good choice for downloads, streaming, and gaming. Its operations are governed by a very strict no-logs policy, and all activities take place in privacy-protective British Virgin Islands. It works up RAM-only servers, which have an automatic wash for every reboot.
ExpressVPN excels at unblocking every major streaming platform you can imagine – Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ Hotstar, and SonyLIV, making them quite useful friends for entertainment fans. While it’s more expensive than some other offerings out there, many customers find that the up-front investment pays off in the end for the uncompromising quality and reliability.
How To Use
- Get on an ExpressVPN subscription from the official website.
- Get the ExpressVPN app on the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Install the app and log in with your credentials.
- Choose a location for the server (an Indian server will be a reasonable choice for local content; international servers for worldwide access).
- Hit the big power button to connect to the VPN.
- The status indicator of the app will denote whether your connection is secure.
- You can now browse, stream, or download with enhanced privacy and security.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN presents an amazing balance between security, speed, and functionality for its Indian users. More than 5600 servers in more than 60 countries, including those optimized for India, ensure that NordVPN provides consistent performance no matter where you are located in the country. This service follows a strict no-logs policy and is based in Panama, which has no data-retention laws. Special servers for special functions set NordVPN apart: obfuscated servers to hide the fact that you are using a VPN, double VPN for even more encryption, and P2P servers for file sharing.
It has also been proven to be great at unblocking many streaming platforms, with excellent protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. The Threat Protection feature blocks malicious websites, unwanted ads, and tracking cookies to further develop a safer and more private browsing experience.
These features make NordVPN a top choice for anyone searching for the Best VPNs in India to enhance their online security and access restricted content.
How To Use
- To use Nord, an account will have to be created with an active subscription plan.
- Download NordVPN based on your device type.
- Install and run the app. Now log in using your account.
- On the server map or list, select your desired location.
- Click to connect or hit the Quick Connect button to connect to the best server available.
- In Settings, enable extra security settings like Threat Protection.
- In Auto-connect configuration settings, set up automatic connecting to the VPN whenever you go online.
3. Surfshark
Surfshark stands tall in the industry for its good pricing and plethora of premium features, making it one of the Best VPNs in India. This Amsterdam-based service has been verified for its privacy claims through independent security audits and holds a strict no-logs policy. Surfshark offers over 3,200 servers in about 100 countries (including virtual Indian servers), ensuring reliable access points for users across the subcontinent. One of its biggest advantages is unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing a single subscription to protect every device in your household.
For streaming, Surfshark reliably unblocks major platforms and delivers fair speeds for HD streaming, gaming, and downloading. Its CleanWeb feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware, enhancing security and improving browsing. Additionally, privacy-focused features like Camo Mode and NoBorders help bypass restrictions, making Surfshark a great choice for users in highly regulated environments. With its blend of affordability, security, and performance, Surfshark is a top contender among the Best VPNs in India.
How To Use
- You visit the Surfshark site and buy a subscription plan.
- Download the Surfshark app from your device’s app store or the official website.
- Install the application and log in with your credentials.
- Choose from a list of locations (use Indian servers for local content).
- Click “connect” to establish a secure VPN connection.
- Enable CleanWeb through the settings menu for enhanced protection.
- For customizing which apps can use this VPN connection, use the Bypasser feature.
4. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN stands out as one of the Best VPNs in India, prioritizing privacy with some of the strongest security measures worldwide. The service operates under a strict no-logs policy and emphasizes transparency regarding its ownership, funding, and activities. Additionally, all of its apps are open-source and independently audited, ensuring credibility in its security claims. With 800 servers globally, including virtual Indian servers, ProtonVPN offers reliable connections for secure and unrestricted internet access.
Security is a top priority, with AES-256 encryption, perfect forward secrecy, and secure VPN protocols safeguarding user data. What sets ProtonVPN apart is its Secure Core architecture, which routes traffic through multiple privacy-friendly jurisdictions before reaching its destination, effectively mitigating network-based attacks. For users who can’t invest in a premium VPN, ProtonVPN also provides a free tier with unlimited data, albeit with speed limitations.
How To Use
- Sign up for a ProtonVPN account at their online portal (you can either go for the paid or the free option).
- Obtain the appropriate application for your device.
- You will need to install that application and log in using your ProtonVPN account information.
- Choose the location of the desired server among the options made available.
- Click on the “Connect” button to proceed with the server connection.
- Activate other security features such as NetShield through the settings.
- Set the auto-connect feature on trusted and untrusted networks.
5. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is one of the best VPNs in India and is characterized as being user-friendly as well as feature-rich. An extensive and reliable coverage area is provided with more than 7,900 servers in 90+ countries, including those optimized for Indian users. There are also strict no-logs policies, and it operates as a base located in Romania outside the surveillance jurisdiction of top surveillance alliances. The difference with CyberGhost is its dedicated servers for specific purposes such as streaming, torrenting, and gaming. These servers are optimized to perform best on those specific activities.
Also known for its great ability to unblock streaming sites, it prides itself on strong security with AES-256 encryption, automatic kill switch, and DNS leak protection. It has a transparent privacy policy, quite a number of reports about transparency, and also a 45-day money-back guarantee, all of which vouch for user trust.
How To Use
- Follow the instructions on their official site to sign up for CyberGhost.
- Download the CyberGhost application for your device.
- Install the application and log in with your account’s credentials.
- Choose specialized streaming, torrenting, or gaming servers.
- You can also pick a country or city from the standard server list.
- Connect with a single click to set up a secure VPN tunnel.
- Configure Smart Rules to automate the initiation of your VPN connection as you desire.
6. Windscribe
Windscribe is a solid contender among the Best VPNs in India, offering a balance of privacy features, ease of use, and budget-friendly pricing. With servers in over 60 locations, including a virtual Indian server, it ensures reliable access for both local and international browsing. As a Canada-based service, Windscribe enforces a strict minimal logging policy and employs strong encryption standards to safeguard user data.
One of its standout features is the generous free plan, which provides 10GB of monthly data, expandable to 15GB through promotional activities. Additionally, it includes a built-in ad blocker and firewall for enhanced privacy. A unique aspect of Windscribe is its Build a Plan option, allowing users to purchase specific server locations for just $1 per month each, making it a highly customizable choice. While it performs well for streaming and general browsing, peak hours may slightly impact performance compared to premium alternatives. Despite this, Windscribe remains an excellent budget-friendly option for those seeking a reliable VPN in India.
How To Use
- Go to the Windscribe website and register for a free account (or buy Pro plan).
- Download Windscribe for your platform.
- Install the application and log on with your credentials.
- Choose a server from the provided list.
- Tap the power button to connect to the server.
- Adjust your R.O.B.E.R.T settings in the account dashboard.
- Enable firewall features for extra leak protection.
7. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private Internet Access offers an all-around VPN experience, focusing on transparency and user control. Offering excellent global coverage from over 30,000 servers in 84 countries (including servers optimized for Indian users), the service works under a verified no-log policy that has proven itself in several lawsuits, adding a touch of credibility in the eyes of privacy-conscious users. What makes PIA different is the level of customization it offers. The PIA app can be tailored by the user to fine-tune almost every aspect of their VPN experience.
Secure encryption protocols and MACE (a built-in ad, tracker, and malware blocker) have also been employed for further security enhancement. PIA’s open-source apps stand for independent verification of their security claims, and the 10 simultaneous connections policy gives good value for families with multiple devices. The service provides reliable performance when it comes to streaming, browsing, and downloading but is not guaranteed to unblock every streaming platform.
How To Use
- Buy a PIA subscription through its official web portal.
- Download the PIA app for your end device.
- Install the app and sign in using the account credentials.
- Select a location from the very wide list of servers.
- Connect to the server by clicking the power button.
- Change your settings for encryption, protocol, and all other settings through the major options menu.
- Enable MACE through the settings for ad and tracker protection.
8. Hide.me
Hide.me VPN, an extremely powerful VPN service has all the potentials to hold the best privacy policies with strong transparency and technical excellence. The servers are being set up in over seventy-five countries comprising of optimized servers for Indian users and exceptionally good global coverage. Its no-logs policy strictly operates while it is based in Malaysia under the jurisdiction of the government that is outside the major surveillance alliances. What makes Hide.me different from other virtual private networks is the transparency and technical sophistication.
This service under regular independent audits checks whether it continues to keep its privacy claim, and yet its services contain a wide range of advanced features typically only found in premium plans. Hide.me provides robust performance in streaming, gaming, and general browsing, but its pricing strategy may not appeal to budget-conscious users. The company also offers a free plan for 10GB of monthly data with access to five server locations, thus opening the door for casual users or for those wishing to try before deciding.
How To Use
- Do sign up for a Hide.me (free or premium) account on the Hide.me website.
- Go to the Hide.me VPN app page and download the app specifically for your device.
- After installation, log in using your access credentials.
- Choose one from the server locations available.
- One click is all it takes: connect to the VPN.
- From here, tweak features like Stealth Guard within Settings.
- Then, enable and auto-connect trusted and untrusted networks.
9. Hotspot Shield
This Hotspot Shield also ensures speed and protection within good use and healthy security of the network. It provides optimal global coverage to give customers a very easy way to access sites which they want to view, be it local content or international content, with more than 80 servers in countries like India, among other places. The technology behind this is the Hydra Protocol, which Hotspot Shield’s customers use. It gives them better speeds, which are faster than those attained by standard VPN protocols while still ensuring that the traffic is secure. The best about Hotspot Shield is how it has optimized activities like streaming and gaming.
Automatically unblocking major streaming services, smooth HD streaming transmission even at peak hours; this service covers all. Basic free plan Hotspot Shield has 500MB daily data and a single US server to add an exclusive invaluable touch and make it easily accessible to casual users. The main drawback of the Free version is limited speeds and ads, unlike the premium ones. The privacy policy of the service has greatly improved in the last couple of years but still collects more connection data than a few of its competitors.
How To Use
- Sign up for Hotspot Shield on their website (free or premium).
- Download the Hotspot Shield app for your device.
- Install the application and log in with your account credentials.
- Select a server location from the available options.
- Connect to the VPN by clicking the connection button.
- Enable Auto-Protection for automatic security on public Wi-Fi.
- Monitor your daily data usage if using the free plan.
10. TunnelBear
TunnelBear remains simple, secure, and fun for everyone. It has servers located in more than 40 countries, which provides decent global coverage, although physical servers are absent in India. Under the strictest no-logs policy, the company publishes a report of its independent auditor on a yearly basis to help with transparency and trust among users. TunnelBear focuses on being user-friendly in providing services by avoiding technical jargon. However, it has offered simple controls and cute bear-themed graphics in their place.
The monthly data provided is a free plan of 500MB augmented by some promotions, which light users may find appealing or potential trialists. Though TunnelBear is decent in securing users by providing strong encryption and other leak protections, its performance in terms of 4K streaming won’t match those of the better premium competitors.
How To Use
- Visit their website and create a TunnelBear account (free or paid options available).
- Download the TunnelBear app on your device. Install the application and log in with your credentials.
- Now, click on the map or country list for selection of countries.
- Connect to VPN by switching on and off the tunnel animation.
- Enable the features VigilantBear and GhostBear through the Settings menu if need be.
- Check your data usage each month if you are with a free plan.
How to Choose the best VPNs In India
- Security and Privacy: This requires VPNs that must-have AES-256 encryption, using secure protocols such as OpenVPN and WireGuard, as well as a very strict no-logs policy.
- Speed and Performance: Choose from the highest-speed servers in India with unlimited bandwidth for both streaming and browsing.
- Access To Geo-Restricted Content: Find out whether the VPN can unlock platforms like Netflix, Hotstar, or Amazon Prime.
- Device Compatibility: You might also need to look at the operating systems that are compatible with such VPNs: Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS, and others.
- Jurisdiction: Preferably, get a VPN that is outside the 14 Schools Association for better privacy protection.
- Customer Support: Opt for VPNs that can have a 24/7 live chat and available resources.
- Pricing: Go for those VPNs that offer affordable plans, free trials, and money back guarantee.
Conclusion
In 2025, using a VPN in India is no longer a luxury but an absolute necessity for safeguarding online privacy, accessing geo-restricted content, and ensuring secure browsing. Whether you’re looking for high-speed connections, military-grade encryption, or a way to bypass censorship and ISP throttling, the right VPN can enhance your internet experience while keeping you safe.
By exploring our carefully curated list of the best VPNs in India, you can find a solution that fits your needs—whether it’s for seamless streaming, anonymous browsing, or enhanced cybersecurity. Take control of your digital freedom today and choose a VPN that aligns with your lifestyle and privacy preferences.
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FAQs
Is Using a VPN Legal In India?
Yes, use of VPNs within India is legal for personal and business purposes. However, using a VPN to commit illegal acts still isn’t allowed under Indian law.
Which is the best VPNs In India for Streaming in India?
Express VPN and NordVPN are among the best VPN services for streaming in India. They have fast server connections, allowing the unblocking of major platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ Hotstar.
Will a VPN improve my Internet speed in India?
While it decreases speed slightly due to encryption, a VPN could improve performance when activities include streaming or gaming by bypassing ISP throttling.
Are Free VPNs Safe to Use in India?
Free VPNs are not much better because they log the users, show ads, and have limited security features. Go for one of the good-paid services like Surfshark and ProtonVPN to enjoy better privacy and performance.
How do I choose the best VPNs In India?
Aspects such as server locations, connection speed, privacy policies, encryption standards, and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions should be considered when choosing a VPN. Some of the popular choices for the wide variety of their overall features and reliability are Expressvpn, Nord VPN, and Surfshark.
