Top VPNs for India in 2024: Privacy, Speed, & Access

Why Do You Need a VPN in India?

India’s digital landscape is rapidly evolving, with more than 820 million active internet users in the present day. With internet access growing rapidly alongside privacy, security, and freedom concerns, VPNs have become essential for various reasons. First, they allow users to bypass geo-restrictions on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu, enabling access to a wider range of content that would otherwise be unavailable in India. VPNs also address issues related to censorship and blocked websites, which have become increasingly common in India and affect social media platforms and messaging apps. By encrypting your connection, VPNs help bypass these restrictions, ensuring uninterrupted access to online services.

India VPN Data Laws

Privacy concerns in India have intensified, especially after the Indian government introduced data retention laws in 2022. These laws require VPN providers to store user data, including personal information and IP addresses, and report them to the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In). Non-compliance can result in fines, bans, or imprisonment. These regulations also extend to data centers, cloud services, and crypto exchanges, with full enforcement mandated in June 2022.

VPN providers have strongly opposed India's new logging law, with many refusing to collect user logs as it goes against their policy. If the government maintains its strict stance, providers face difficult decisions. Several VPN providers, including NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark, have already started removing their physical servers from India to avoid compliance, mirroring actions taken in countries like Russia and China. 

Is Using a VPN in India Safe?

Yes, there is no current ban on VPNs in India. However, if you’re using a physical server located in India, your VPN will be forced to log your data. Only use virtual servers in India from trusted VPNs.

What are Virtual Servers?

Virtual servers work just like physical servers, with the main difference being that they aren’t physically located in the specified country. They still offer the same capabilities, such as providing an Indian IP address, without being in India.

What to Look for in a VPN

No-logs policy

With India’s stringent data retention laws, a no-logs policy is non-negotiable for privacy-conscious users. This policy ensures that the VPN provider does not store any data about your online activity, such as websites visited, IP addresses, or connection timestamps. Reputable VPNs often back their no-logs claims with independent audits, adding an extra layer of assurance.

Speed and server network

Speed is critical, especially if you’re streaming, gaming, or conducting video calls. A good VPN offers high-speed servers with minimal latency, ensuring a smooth online experience. Additionally, a broad server network allows you to connect to multiple locations worldwide, including optimized servers for India. Such servers are crucial for accessing Indian content when abroad or maintaining high speeds for local connections. 

Strong encryption

Encryption is the backbone of a VPN’s security. AES-256 encryption is considered the gold standard, making it nearly impossible for hackers or unauthorized entities to decipher your data. This level of encryption is particularly vital when using public Wi-Fi or accessing sensitive information online. 

Bypass for geo-restrictions

Accessing geo-restricted content is one of the most popular reasons for using a VPN. Whether streaming international shows on Netflix, unblocking YouTube videos, or accessing global gaming servers, your VPN must excel at bypassing these restrictions.

Ease of use

A complex interface can discourage users, particularly beginners, from utilizing a VPN effectively. The best VPNs offer intuitive apps with straightforward navigation, one-click server connections, and helpful onboarding guides. Features like split tunneling, kill switches, and custom server lists should be easy to access and configure, ensuring that both tech-savvy users and novices can optimize their experience.

Cross-platform support

Given the variety of devices people use today—smartphones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, and even gaming consoles—a good VPN should support multiple platforms. Most top-tier VPNs provide dedicated apps for popular operating systems like Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux, as well as browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Additionally, look for providers that allow multiple simultaneous connections under one subscription, enabling you to secure all your devices at once.

Customer support

Reliable customer support can be a lifesaver when encountering technical issues or connectivity problems. Look for VPN providers that offer 24/7 live chat support, email assistance, and extensive knowledge bases with FAQs and tutorials. Fast and knowledgeable customer service ensures that you can quickly resolve any issues without disrupting your workflow or online experience.

VPN Recommendations for India 

1. NordVPN

NordVPN stands out for its robust privacy features and extensive server network. With over 6000+ servers across 111 countries, including virtual servers for India, NordVPN ensures fast and reliable connections, whether you’re streaming, gaming, or working remotely. Its proprietary NordLynx protocol offers blazing-fast speeds while maintaining top-notch security. Advanced features like Double VPN, which encrypts your data twice, and Threat Protection, which blocks ads and malware, make NordVPN a favorite among privacy enthusiasts. Their strict no-logs policy, independently audited multiple times, ensures your data remains private.

Get NordVPN Here

2. ExpressVPN

Known for its premium performance and ease of use, ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for users in India. With over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, including virtual servers for India via the UK and Singapore, it provides seamless access to global content. Its unique TrustedServer technology ensures that no data is ever stored on hard drives, enhancing user privacy. ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer feature allows you to access streaming services on devices that don’t support VPNs, like gaming consoles and smart TVs. Its user-friendly interface, fast connection speeds, and excellent customer support set it apart.

Get ExpressVPN Here

3. Surfshark

Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN with an impressive array of features. It supports unlimited simultaneous device connections, making it ideal for families or heavy device users. Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites, providing a safer browsing experience. Surfshark offers virtual servers for India via Singapore, the Netherlands, and London. Their network includes 3000+ servers in over 100 countries, ensuring reliable performance for streaming and gaming. Surfshark’s NoBorders mode helps bypass internet restrictions in countries with heavy censorship. Its easy-to-use apps are available across all major platforms.

Get Surfshark Here

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost caters to both beginners and advanced users with its intuitive interface and specialized servers. It has over 11,000 servers in 100+ countries, including servers optimized for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. CyberGhost’s Smart Rules feature allows you to automate VPN connections based on specific conditions, such as launching a particular app. Its strong AES-256 encryption and no-logs policy ensure maximum privacy. The VPN also includes an automatic kill switch and DNS leak protection for added security.

Get CyberGhost Here

5. Private Internet Access (PIA)

Private Internet Access (PIA) boasts one of the largest server networks, with over 35,000 servers in 91 countries. It provides customizable encryption settings, allowing users to balance security and speed. PIA’s MACE feature blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites, enhancing your online experience. Open-source apps and a strict no-logs policy give users confidence in their privacy. PIA is particularly favored for torrenting due to its reliable speeds and dedicated P2P servers. It supports up to 10 simultaneous device connections.

Get Private Internet Access Here

Conclusion

VPNs are indispensable for addressing India’s unique digital challenges, including geo-restrictions, government surveillance, and cybersecurity threats. Using a VPN in India—whether for streaming, privacy or bypass censorship—is a recommended practice. VPN users need to take into consideration the risk of data logging when connecting to a physical server in India, and consider only using virtual servers in India for trusted VPNs.

When selecting the right VPN, understanding what to look for in a VPN is crucial. Features like a no-logs policy, fast speeds, strong encryption, and cross-platform support ensure that you choose a service that meets your needs. Reliable customer support and additional tools, such as kill switches and ad blockers, enhance the overall experience. Our recommendations for the best VPNs for India include providers like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access (PIA). 

For additional information on VPNs, explore our in-depth reviews, use our comparison tool to evaluate services side by side, and visit our blog to learn about the VPN industry and how this tool can enhance your security and help you bypass geo-restrictions.