The best India VPN 2024
Stay protected wherever you are with the very best India VPN
VPNs can enhance your privacy in just a few clicks, which is why they're so popular in India, but they're also the most effective way of accessing sites or apps that are blocked by the government – including TikTok, WeChat, PUBG Mobile, and more.
With the best VPNs, you'll also be able to spoof your location while traveling to tune in to content from back home, like IPL cricket and Hotstar, or access streaming platforms from around the world.
More than 270 million people in India use a VPN – and this number is on the rise. Whether you're looking to unblock international streaming content or escape digital censorship, finding the best India VPN has become essential.
Our team of in-house VPN experts has reviewed dozens of providers, and here I'll round up the top VPNs for India based on privacy, security, streaming performance, connection speeds, and ease of use. Check out my top 3 picks below if you're in a hurry, or keep scrolling for an in-depth look at each contender.
Top 3 India VPNs at a glance
1. NordVPN: the best VPN of 2024
NordVPN is my go-to VPN for spoofing my IP address—and you'll have no trouble unblocking sites, apps, and streaming services in just a few clicks. It's hard to overstate just how quick the provider is, too, so you don't have to worry about pages loading at a snail's pace.
All NordVPN plans come with ad-blocking tools, too, so you can go about your day-to-day browsing protected from pop-ups (and worse). Plus, if you fancy trying before buying, a 30-day money-back guarantee gives you the chance.
2. ExpressVPN: the best user experience
ExpressVPN comes in at a close second—but it's a great pick for folks who value simplicity. Its apps are a joy to use, no matter which device you're on, and come jam-packed with tools designed to protect your digital privacy.
I'm constantly impressed by ExpressVPN's unblocking power, too, as well as its server coverage in 94 countries. So, while it's on the pricey side, you're getting your money's worth. See for yourself with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. Surfshark: the best budget option
If you're looking for an inexpensive way to get an Indian IP address,. look no further than Surfshark. It's a low-cost service filled with premium features, and it's more than capable of unblocking streaming content from India and beyond.
If you have a lot of gadgets, or want to cover all of your family's devices, you'll be glad to learn that Surfshark plans come with unlimited simultaneous connections. Check it out risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Recent updates
This latest round of updates saw me streamline the article's layout, as well as double-checking all the VPN specs and info to make sure everything is as up-to-date as possible.
The best India VPNs in 2024
Why you can trust Tom's Guide
NordVPN: the best VPN overall
1. NordVPN
Huge server network and great performance in India
Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Number of Indian locations: 2 | Simultaneous connections: 6 | Server locations: 60 | Number of servers: 5,400+
✔️ You want the best VPN for streaming. NordVPN aced my last round of tests, unblocking major streaming platforms and local sites.
✔️ You're looking for an all-rounder. NordVPN combines awesome speeds, global coverage, and top-notch support at a reasonable price.
✔️ Privacy is paramount. With built-in antivirus, Double VPN, and Onion over VPN, NordVPN takes security seriously.
❌ You want a VPN for your phone. NordVPN has reliable iOS and Android apps, but the desktop version is more intuitive.
❌ You have a lot of devices. Unfortunately, you'll only get 6 simultaneous connections with NordVPN.
NordVPN is a big-name player in the VPN sphere - and it's easy to see why. You're getting a privacy-focused service that's lightning-fast and easy to use, with servers in and around India. Plus, you can take NordVPN for a test drive with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
NordVPN has been a favorite of mine for a long time, and one of the most well-known services on the block (thanks to all those YouTube sponsorships.) In addition to claiming the #1 spot here, NordVPN is the fastest VPN I've ever tested and super-secure, too.
NordVPN offers more than 5,000 servers in 60 countries to choose from, which should be more than enough to avoid VPN bans, blocked sites and apps, and any other iterations of censorship.
On the subject of unblocking, NordVPN is the best Netflix VPN you can get your hands on – and incredibly quick. In fact, during my latest round of tests, it reached blistering speeds of over 950 Mbps. Essentially, this means you can install NordVPN, connect to a server, and leave it running without noticing any slowdown on your machine.
On the security side of things, NordVPN offers specialty Onion servers over VPN and Double VPN, as well as powerful encryption and a useful kill switch, you can browse and stream safely in the knowledge that your personal data is secure.
If you're a mobile user, however, it's worth noting that the NordVPN iOS and Android apps translate a bit awkwardly to smaller screens. This becomes especially apparent if you're switching locations a lot and using the map-based interface. It works better on PC, in my opinion, and is a bit of a blip on an otherwise outstanding service.
Just like Surfshark, NordVPN manages to pack a lot of functionality into very modest prices – and the free Meshnet feature even allows you to get past the (slightly restrictive) limit of 6 simultaneous connections and create your very own private network capable of supporting 60 devices.
Feature | Comments | Rating |
---|---|---|
Design | A fun interface that can feel crowded | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Ease of use | The map-like design is a great novelty, despite being fiddly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Performance | The quickest VPN on the market | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Unblocking | Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and more | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Security and privacy | Packed with privacy features and built-in antivirus | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Customer support | 24/7 customer support is reliable and quick | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Price | A ton of value packed into modest prices | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
ExpressVPN: the best VPN user experience
2. ExpressVPN
A standout service ideal for VPN beginners
Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Number of Indian locations: 2 | Simultaneous connections: 5 | Server locations: 94 | Number of servers: 3,000+
✔️ You're looking for tried and tested security. ExpressVPN leads the market when it comes to quality features and robust security.
✔️ You want to stream international content. From sports, to movies, to new TV shows, ExpressVPN can unblock it all.
✔️ You want a VPN you can set and forget. ExpressVPN apps are easy to use, even for newbies, thanks to an auto-connect feature.
❌ You're on a budget. You'll get your money's worth with ExpressVPN, but there's no denying it's a pricey option.
❌ You need an antivirus solution. ExpressVPN isn't a one-stop-shop, like NordVPN, and lacks native antivirus software.
ExpressVPN does it all – it's super secure, speedy, unblocks virtually everything, and boasts server coverage in India and beyond. You can try it too with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
If you're after one of the most secure VPNs, ExpressVPN is an excellent choice. With its wide range of protocols to choose from and its seriously powerful encryption, you can rest assured that your sensitive information (like passwords, email addresses, and payment details) is always kept under lock and key.
ExpressVPN is one of the best streaming VPNs, too. You’ll be able to stream India-exclusive content if you travel overseas on holiday or for business, and when you're back home, you can take your pick of streaming services from around the world. ExpressVPN has no trouble unblocking Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Peacock, and then some, and you'll also be able to find inexpensive (or free) ways to watch cricket matches and other sporting events.
That’s no good without excellent connection speed, though, and ExpressVPN doesn’t disappoint when it comes to performance. In my testing, the service delivered class-leading speeds across all servers I tried, and even has two dedicated server banks in India; one in Mumbai, one in Chennai.
What brings this all together, though, are Express’s excellent apps. It supports a huge range of devices from Fire Sticks to routers and even has apps for pretty much every operating system including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android – all of which work smoothly and look great. ExpressVPN really makes it easy to make the most of its service.
If I had to find a fault, it’d be that you can only use ExpressVPN on five devices at the same time. You can install the app on all your devices and log in and out as you wish, however – you don't have to commit to a set five.
Though it's on the expensive side, you're getting heaps of quality for the price. Plus, if you need help getting set up or picking a server, the ExpressVPN customer support team is available 24/7 via live chat.
Feature | Comments | Rating |
---|---|---|
Design | A sleek, stylish design that looks great on all devices | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Ease of use | Ideal for VPN newbies | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Performance | Not the speediest VPN on the market, but still reliable | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Unblocking | Servers in 90 countries, including India, mean there's plenty to access | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Security and privacy | An audited no-logs service with 256-bit encryption | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Customer support | Get in touch with friendly agents 24/7 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Price | Plans are pricey, but packed with features | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Surfshark: the best cheap VPN
3. Surfshark
Great value with lots of Indian servers
Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Number of Indian locations: 3 | Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Server locations: 100 | Number of servers: 3,200+
✔️ You have a lot of devices. Share the love with unlimited simultaneous connections.
✔️ Speed is everything. Surfshark is one of the quickest VPNs money can buy – and ideal for streaming.
✔️ You're looking for low-cost quality. Surfshark plans are budget-friendly without sacrificing features, speed, or security.
❌ You do a lot of torrenting. While you certainly can use Surfshark for P2P sharing, ExpressVPN is the best torrenting VPN.
❌ You rely on your kill switch. It probably won't happen in real life, but I was able to break the Surfshark kill switch. NordVPN fared better.
Surfshark is an awesome all-rounder that ticks all of the right boxes. Its huge server network gives you the freedom to hop from country to country, and avoid VPN blocks and censorship. See for yourself with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
If you're in the market for a budget-friendly VPN, then Surfshark could be your match made in heaven. The service boasts premium performance at a fraction of the price of some of its rivals, and I'm consistently impressed by just how much it manages to pack into one (incredibly cheap) plan.
Surfshark has a healthy network of 3,200 servers in 100 countries, including three locations in India – Mumbai, Chennai, and Indore. So, wherever you are in India, you'll have no trouble connecting to a server that's relatively close by and capable of delivering excellent speeds.
Speaking of speed, Surfshark really delivers in this aspect, blowing a lot of my other VPN picks out of the water. It managed to hit 950 Mbps during my latest tests, using WireGuards, which is more than enough to handle HD streaming, online gaming, and video calls, without any hiccups.
There's more good news if streaming is your thing, too, seeing as Surfshark can unblock the likes of Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu from within India, as well as regional networks like Hotstar.
While its apps aren't quite as customizable as ExpressVPN or IPVanish, there's still a lot to like about Surfshark. You'll get a kill switch that keeps your sensitive information out of the hands of snoopers if your VPN connection drops, split tunneling, and even a full GUI for Linux users.
Simply put, Surfshark is one of the best cheap VPNs out there, and with unlimited simultaneous connections, you can install the VPN on all of your devices with just one plan.
Feature | Comments | Rating |
---|---|---|
Design | A fresh and intuitive design | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Ease of use | All apps are easy to navigate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Performance | A super-speedy service that can keep up with HD streaming | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Unblocking | Unblocks everything, and can sidestep censorship | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Security and privacy | Kill switch has its issues, but otherwise robust | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Customer support | Help is available 24/7 with lots of support articles | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Price | The best budget provider on the market | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Other quality VPNs I've tested
4. Proton VPN
Powerful privacy from the Swiss provider
Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Number of Indian locations: 2 | Simultaneous connections: 10 | Server locations: 63 | Number of servers: 1,500+
✔️ You want a free India VPN. The free Proton VPN plan is awesome, and doesn't come with any bandwidth caps.
✔️ You want a super secure VPN. Proton VPN doesn't play when it comes to privacy, with open source apps and an audit no-logs policy.
✔️ You're a Linux user. Proton VPN is one of a handful of services to offer a Linux GUI.
❌ You want to stream for free. Unfortunately, Proton VPN's free tier can't unblock streaming sites – you'll need to upgrade to access Netflix.
❌ You're looking for speed. ProtonVPN performs decently, but NordVPN is much quicker.
Proton VPN is a unique service – free to try, stuffed with features, and totally dedicated to safeguarding your privacy. It's a great pick for security-conscious users in India (and elsewhere), and you can try it, risk-free, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
As one of the most secure VPNs, Proton VPN has made a name for itself with a privacy-focused offering that's come on leaps and bounds in the last year or so after an extensive makeover. There's a new look to match a new and improved performance – and it's great to see the developers committed to constantly refining the service.
Proton's security offerings include an audited zero-logs policy, strong encryption and an always-on feature that'll make sure you stay connected to the VPN even if your connection happens to drop. It's a simple safeguard, but one that could prove invaluable in a pinch.
Proton VPN is also one of the best streaming VPNs (though not quite as good as the likes of ExpressVPN.) During my tests, I was able to access multiple Netflix locations, plus BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more. Basically, don't expect to run out of new content at any point in the near future.
Proton VPN's main draw, however, is its suite of security features. The most eye-catching are the Secure Core servers, located in physically secure places in privacy-friendly countries (namely Switzerland, Sweden, and Iceland.) Connecting to a Secure Core server routes your traffic to one of these locations before moving on to your chosen country, which is especially handy if you plan to join a vulnerable server location like India or Turkey.
The Proton VPN apps have a unique look and feel, although some of the more advanced features might make VPN newbies wary. Still, it's great to see that the service doesn't forget its Linux users with a full GUI.
If you're tempted, but not ready to commit to a subscription, you can try Proton VPN for free. It offers one of the best free VPNs thanks to it being ad-free and totally unlimited. While it does have its limitations (like fewer servers and no unblocking power), it's still a great way to try before buying.
Feature | Comments | Rating |
---|---|---|
Design | A unique style with a standout dark mode | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Ease of use | VPN newbies might be put off by some techy features | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Performance | No slouch, but not a chart-topper | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Unblocking | A paid plan can access most big-name services | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Security and privacy | Protected by Swiss law and an independent audit | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Customer support | Plenty of guides to explore | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Price | On the expensive side, though new users can try the free plan | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
5. IPVanish
Reliable and configurable India VPN
Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Number of Indian locations: 2 | Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Server locations: 75 | Number of servers: 2,000+
✔️ Speed is a priority. Few VPNs are as quick (and reliable) as IPVanish.
✔️ You want real value. You'll get unlimited simultaneous connections with a single IPVanish plan.
✔️ You need proven privacy. IPVanish is an audited service packed with features.
❌ You're a huge Netflix fan. IPVanish is hit and miss when it comes to unblocking Netflix libraries.
❌ You want a bargain. IPVanish is one of the more expensive providers on my list.
IPVanish is a well-established service and a solid pick for users in India. However, despite its speed, it can't keep up with the competition.
As soon as you open IPVanish you can tell it means business – the black and green scheme is eye-catching and reminiscent of the 2000s hacker aesthetic, and the rolling graphs are another nice touch.
But IPVanish isn't just a pretty face. The VPN has two dedicated server locations in India (New Delhi and Mumbai), so you'll get a great connection regardless of where you are in the country. Or, if you feel like checking out what's available overseas, there are more than 2,000 servers in 75 locations to choose from.
IPVanish offers speeds rivaling others on this list, reaching speeds of over 950 Mbps when I put it to the test. That puts the service up there with the likes of NordVPN and Surfshark, and means you'll have no trouble hopping into online games or video calls, and any HD video you check out won't be interrupted by buffering.
IPVanish can be limited, though. While it used to be one of my go-to services for streaming, it had trouble unblocking Disney+, Amazon Prime, and Netflix Canada during my most recent tests. Still, it can unblock US Netflix and BBC iPlayer perfectly well, and for many, that'll be all you need.
There are a lot of awesome privacy features baked into IPVanish, like a kill switch, leak protection, and an auto-connect tool for iPhone users. There's even a Scramble tool that'll cloak your VPN traffic, which is handy if your network bans or restricts VPNs.
IPVanish sits in a unique niche in the market; it has features you won't find elsewhere, but I'd like to see more frequent updates to its apps to ensure it keeps up with the best and brightest.
Feature | Comments | Rating |
---|---|---|
Design | Can be complex, but easy on the eyes | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Ease of use | Other providers are more straightforward | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Performance | A super-fast service | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Unblocking | Unblocks most, but not all, platforms | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Security and privacy | Packs an audit, kill switch, and leak protection | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Customer support | Live chat can untangle technical questions | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Price | Reasonable, although renewals are pricey | ⭐⭐⭐ |
How to choose the right VPN
If you want to avoid government restrictions, you'll need to pick a VPN with powerful privacy features. I'd recommend prioritizing AES-256 encryption (which is unbreakable in practice), a kill switch to protect you if your connections drops, and split tunneling so you can choose what apps use the VPN and what don't.
Server locations within India will also be useful, of course. If your VPN doesn't have any, you won't be able to watch cricket on Hotstar or other local TV networks.
When it comes to TikTok (and other banned Chinese apps), there’s a lot of debate over which VPNs can unblock what and whether they work at all. So, in case your chosen service doesn’t do what you need it to, you should look for a money-back guarantee – that way you’ll get a full refund with no questions asked.
ExpressVPN does all of this, and more, which is why I've named it the top VPN for India. There are plenty of solid alternatives to check out too, however, so you're bound to find a service that suits you.
How we test VPNs
Understanding how our team of experts tests VPNs is important. It lets you know that we really have got hands-on with these products, and that we’ve considered every feature, no matter how small. Some sites just give a rundown of specs found on a provider’s website – we endeavor to do quite a bit more than that.
First of all, we do check the provider websites, and note useful information like the number of servers and locations, whether you’re allowed to use every server for P2P, which encryption protocols are supported, the variety of operating systems it runs on, and tons more. We also check the pricing at this stage.
This initial scan gives us a baseline understanding of the service, and if there are any bold claims on-site we note them to make sure the customer isn’t being misled.
We’ll then dig into privacy policies. This is a very important piece of literature for any company, but for VPNs they need to be absolutely watertight. We’ll also go through the logging or zero-logging policy to look for gaps, and read any information available on independent audits.
Then it comes to testing the applications themselves. We test how easy it is to download and install, noting if any data collection options are clearly outlined to the user. We then inspect the default configuration to see what you have to ‘opt in’ for, and what features are available overall. We then play around with any additional features, such as ExpressVPN’s server speed test or NordVPN’s Double VPN. After we’ve gone through everything on the surface, the fun bit starts – trying to break things.
We throw all sorts of curveballs at these VPNs, like connecting to oddly configured networks, and killing processes to see if we can get the VPN to stop without activating the kill switch.
After we’ve had our fun, we check in with the support team to see if they’re helpful. Then, we’ll check a wide range of streaming sites to see if the VPN is able to access geo-blocked content, and we’ll run a series of speed tests over a few days and nights to get an accurate picture of what sort of connection speeds you can expect.
India VPN FAQ
What's the best India VPN?
Overall, I rate NordVPN as the best India VPN. You'll get plenty of servers, it's great for streaming, and it's super secure so you can browse the web safely.
If you're looking for something cheaper, Surfshark is a great VPN that's very affordable. For less than $2.50 a month, you'll get a set of premium features and unlimited simultaneous connections.
Is an India VPN legal?
Thankfully, there are no laws regarding VPN use in India, so you're free to use one wherever you go.
However, downloading or accessing illegal software, or files, remains illegal even with a VPN. So, make sure you stick to the law when using one.
Check out our guide to VPN uses for a more in-depth look at what you can and can't do with your VPN.
Does a VPN slow down Internet connections?
The short answer is 'yes, very slightly', but there's more to it than that.
If you're gaming, streaming or torrenting without a VPN, you may find that your Internet speeds fluctuate from fast to slow. That may be because of 'throttling', which means your Internet provider is slowing down your connection because of your activity.
A VPN hides your activity. That means your ISP can't see what you're doing, and can't choose to throttle you.
On games like PUBG Mobile and when torrenting, you're going to want the absolute fastest speeds, which a gaming VPN can you achieve.
Disclaimer
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:
1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).
2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.
We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
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Mo is VPN Editor at Tom's Guide. Day-to-day he oversees VPN, privacy, and cybersecurity content, and also undertakes independent testing of VPN services to ensure his recommendations are accurate and up to date. When he's not getting stuck into the nitty-gritty settings of a VPN you've never heard of, you'll find him working on his Peugeot 205 GTi or watching Peep Show instead of finally putting up those shelves.
- River HartTech Software Editor