Best VPNs for India
Short Answer:
The best VPN for users connecting from or to India is ExpressVPN. It was the first major provider to publicly remove its physical servers from India in response to the CERT-In logging law, demonstrating an ironclad commitment to privacy. ExpressVPN now provides virtual Indian servers that assign a local IP address while physically locating the data outside of Indian legal jurisdiction. This ensures users get the necessary access to local content (like Hotstar or regional banking) while maintaining a verifiable zero-logs status, backed by the lightning-fast Lightway protocol.
VPN Comparison Table: Top 5 VPNs for India at a Glance
| VPN Provider | Overall India Rating | Indian IP Strategy | Speed/Protocol for 4K | Unblocking Success Rate | Price (Approx. Monthly) |
| ExpressVPN | 9.8/10 | Virtual (UK/Singapore) – Private & Fast | Exceptional (Lightway) | Excellent (Hotstar, US Netflix) | $\$6.67$ |
| NordVPN | 9.7/10 | Virtual (UK/Singapore) – Fastest Virtual Option | Blazing Fast (NordLynx) | Excellent (Global Access) | $\$3.09$ |
| Surfshark | 9.6/10 | Virtual (Singapore/Netherlands) – Best Value | Very Fast (WireGuard) | Very Good (Unlimited devices) | $\$2.29$ |
| CyberGhost | 9.4/10 | Virtual (UK/US) – Optimized Streaming | Fast & Reliable (WireGuard) | Great (Optimized Servers) | $\$2.19$ |
| Private Internet Access (PIA) | 9.2/10 | Virtual (US) – Highest Server Count | Very Good (WireGuard) | Good (Massive Global Network) | $\$2.19$ |
Table of Contents (TOC)
Short Answer: The Top VPN for India
VPN Comparison Table: Top 5 VPNs for India at a Glance
Introduction: The New Era of Indian Digital Privacy
In-Depth Reviews: The Best VPNs for India
4.1. ExpressVPN: The Privacy Pioneer (Best Overall)
4.2. NordVPN: The Speed Champion for Indian Users
4.3. Surfshark: Best Value with Virtual Servers
4.4. CyberGhost: Optimized for Global Streaming
4.5. Private Internet Access (PIA): The Server Network Giant
Expert Deep Dive: The CERT-In Logging Law Explained
5.1. What the 2022 Mandate Requires
5.2. The Top Providers’ Response: Virtual Servers Defined
5.3. Why Virtual Servers are the Only Safe Option
Key Reasons to Use a VPN for India (Use Cases)
6.1. Securing Local Access (Banking, Government Sites)
6.2. Bypassing ISP Throttling and Censorship
6.3. Unlocking Global Streaming Content (US/UK Libraries)
6.4. Anonymity for Journalists and Activists
Crucial Criteria for a Top India VPN
7.1. Audited No-Logs Policy
7.2. High-Speed Protocols (Lightway, NordLynx, WireGuard)
7.3. Obfuscation/Stealth Technology
7.4. Reliable Kill Switch Functionality
How to Get and Use an Indian IP Address from Anywhere
8.1. Step-by-Step Connection Guide
8.2. Troubleshooting: Clearing Cache and Cookies
VPNs and Indian Law: What You Must Know
9.1. Is VPN Use Legal in India?
9.2. Warning: VPN Providers That Still Log Data (The Danger)
FAQs about VPNs in India
Final Verdict: Secure Your Connection Now
3. Introduction: The New Era of Indian Digital Privacy
India, one of the world’s fastest-growing digital economies, has recently become one of the most challenging environments for personal privacy. In April 2022, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issued a severe directive that fundamentally changed how Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) could operate within the country.
This mandate requires VPN providers with physical servers in India to collect and store extensive user data—including customer names, physical addresses, IP addresses, and usage patterns—for a staggering period of five years.
For any privacy-conscious internet user, whether you are a resident in India seeking freedom from monitoring, a journalist needing to secure communications, or a traveler wanting to access local Indian content (like Hotstar, Voot, or regional banking services), this law creates a serious problem. A true “no-logs” VPN simply cannot exist within Indian territory.
The Best VPNs for India are no longer those with physical servers on the ground. Instead, they are the providers who chose to protect user data by promptly removing their physical infrastructure and deploying virtual servers. These virtual locations provide a functional Indian IP address for regional access, but the actual data logging and network operations are safely housed in privacy-friendly jurisdictions like the UK or Singapore.
In this guide, we, as experienced VPN experts, focus exclusively on the providers who have successfully navigated this complex landscape, offering you the fastest, most reliable, and most importantly, the most secure connection available for India in 2025.
4. In-Depth Reviews: The Best VPNs for India
4.1. ExpressVPN: The Privacy Pioneer (Best Overall)
| Metric | Detail |
| Indian IP Strategy | Virtual (via UK/Singapore) |
| Key Advantage | Unshakeable commitment to no-logs policy; first to exit India. |
| Protocols | Lightway (proprietary), OpenVPN |
| Streaming Access | Excellent, reliable access to Hotstar and international libraries. |
ExpressVPN is our top-rated VPN for India primarily because of its decisive action following the CERT-In law. Within weeks of the directive, ExpressVPN removed all physical server presence from India. This bold move solidified its status as a privacy champion.
Virtual Server Excellence: ExpressVPN’s Indian IP addresses are now supplied by virtual servers physically located in the UK and Singapore. This means your connection appears to originate from India for access purposes, but your data is processed and stored under the stringent privacy laws of the UK or Singapore, countries known for strong user rights.
Speed and Technology: The proprietary Lightway protocol is exceptionally fast and lightweight, which is crucial for maximizing connection stability and speed, especially when tunneling data over longer distances required by a virtual server setup. For accessing Indian services like Hotstar from abroad, or for Indian residents connecting to a global server, ExpressVPN delivers minimal speed loss and buffer-free 4K streaming.
Expert Take: ExpressVPN is the gold standard for India, proving that privacy and functional access do not have to be mutually exclusive. Its virtual server strategy is the most mature and reliable we tested.
4.2. NordVPN: The Speed Champion for Indian Users
| Metric | Detail |
| Indian IP Strategy | Virtual (via UK/Singapore) |
| Key Advantage | Unmatched speed via NordLynx; unique security features (Meshnet). |
| Protocols | NordLynx (proprietary WireGuard), OpenVPN |
| Streaming Access | Excellent overall global and local unblocking capability. |
NordVPN is a close second, excelling in raw connection speed and advanced features. Like ExpressVPN, it quickly eliminated its physical presence in India and now offers Indian IP addresses via highly secure virtual servers based in privacy-friendly jurisdictions.
NordLynx Protocol: NordVPN’s in-house protocol, NordLynx (built around WireGuard technology), consistently achieves some of the fastest speeds in the entire industry. This is a massive benefit for Indian users suffering from ISP throttling or for anyone engaging in high-bandwidth activities like gaming or torrenting.
Advanced Features for India: NordVPN offers obfuscated servers—specialized servers that disguise your VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic. This is vital for users in India facing high levels of internet censorship or Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) from their ISPs, allowing the VPN connection to bypass blocks more effectively. The Android and iOS apps are intuitive and feature-rich, making secure connection simple.
Expert Take: If your absolute priority is retaining as much original internet speed as possible while maintaining a no-logs policy, NordVPN’s NordLynx-powered virtual servers are the best technical choice.
4.3. Surfshark: Best Value with Virtual Servers
| Metric | Detail |
| Indian IP Strategy | Virtual (via Singapore/Netherlands) |
| Key Advantage | Unlimited simultaneous connections; best budget option. |
| Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN |
| Streaming Access | Reliable for Hotstar; excellent for unlocking global content. |
Surfshark is the best budget-friendly option for Indian users, especially those in large households or with multiple devices. Despite its low price, it maintains a premium feature set and, critically, fully supports the virtual server strategy for India.
Unlimited Connections: The key differentiator for Surfshark is its allowance for unlimited simultaneous device connections on a single subscription. This means your entire family can use the Indian VPN IP on their phones, laptops, and smart TVs without juggling logins, offering unparalleled value.
Performance and Simplicity: Surfshark utilizes the modern WireGuard protocol to deliver fast and stable speeds, necessary for a pleasant streaming experience. Their virtual server locations in Singapore and the Netherlands are strategically chosen for stable connectivity to India. The app is clean, easy to navigate, and features the essential Bypasser (Split Tunneling) feature, allowing you to route only your browser through the Indian IP while keeping other apps on your local IP.
Expert Take: Surfshark is the smart choice for users who want premium privacy protection and a top-tier Indian IP without the premium price tag. Its value proposition is unmatched.
4.4. CyberGhost: Optimized for Global Streaming
| Metric | Detail |
| Indian IP Strategy | Virtual (via UK/US) |
| Key Advantage | Dedicated, optimized servers for specific streaming platforms. |
| Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN |
| Streaming Access | Excellent; servers are labeled for platforms like “Netflix US.” |
CyberGhost is the ideal VPN for users in India who prioritize accessing international streaming libraries. Like the rest of the list, CyberGhost operates virtual Indian servers from secure, non-Indian jurisdictions (including the UK and the US).
Streaming Optimization: CyberGhost’s primary strength is its enormous network of over 9,000 servers, many of which are explicitly labeled and optimized for specific streaming services (e.g., “Streaming – Netflix US,” “Streaming – BBC iPlayer”). For an Indian user looking to bypass geographic restrictions and consume global content, this removes all the guesswork.
Beginner-Friendly: The application is highly user-friendly and great for beginners. It features a generous 7 simultaneous connections allowance and backs its service with a lengthy 45-day money-back guarantee, allowing Indian users ample time to test its virtual server reliability.
Expert Take: If you are an Indian user whose main goal is accessing the global buffet of streaming content with zero fuss, CyberGhost’s specialized servers are purpose-built for you.
4.5. Private Internet Access (PIA): The Server Network Giant
| Metric | Detail |
| Indian IP Strategy | Virtual (via US) |
| Key Advantage | Largest server network globally; highly customizable security settings. |
| Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN |
| Streaming Access | Solid, consistent performance on local and international platforms. |
Private Internet Access (PIA) is respected for its transparency, open-source apps, and massive scale. Following the CERT-In law, PIA adopted a virtual server setup, placing the physical hardware outside of India’s mandatory logging zone (often using servers in the US).
Network Scale and Transparency: PIA boasts one of the largest server networks in the world, minimizing server congestion and ensuring high speeds. Furthermore, PIA’s apps are 100% open-source, allowing anyone to audit the code—an invaluable layer of trust for users concerned about government mandates.
Customization: PIA’s apps are highly customizable. Users can fine-tune their encryption levels (AES-128 vs. AES-256) and connection type, giving advanced users in India the power to tailor their security profile based on the perceived threat. It also features a built-in ad and malware blocker (MACE).
Expert Take: PIA is an excellent, transparent choice, particularly for users in India who want to tailor their security settings and benefit from one of the most stable, massive global networks available.
5. Expert Deep Dive: The CERT-In Logging Law Explained
To truly understand why the virtual server strategy is critical, an expert must explain the regulatory shift that occurred in India in 2022.
5.1. What the 2022 Mandate Requires
In April 2022, the Indian government’s cyber agency, the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), issued new rules under the Information Technology Act. This law requires any VPN provider operating within India’s jurisdiction (i.e., operating physical servers on Indian soil) to:
Collect and store names, physical addresses, email IDs, phone numbers, and usage patterns of all customers.
Maintain this data for a minimum of five years.
Provide the data to CERT-In or relevant authorities upon request.
This mandate effectively eliminates the possibility of a true, zero-log VPN operating legally within India. A no-logs VPN, by definition, collects none of this data and therefore cannot comply.
5.2. The Top Providers’ Response: Virtual Servers Defined
The leading privacy-focused VPNs realized that compliance was impossible while upholding their core commitment to user privacy. Their solution was unanimous: remove the physical servers and use virtual servers to continue providing an Indian IP address.
Definition: A virtual VPN server provides an IP address associated with a specific country (e.g., India) but the physical hardware and the logging/control mechanisms are located in a different country (e.g., the UK or Singapore).
The Benefit: This strategic move ensures the VPN provider’s no-logs policy remains intact. The service is legally protected by the laws of the host country (UK/Singapore), which do not have mandatory data retention laws like the CERT-In directive.
5.3. Why Virtual Servers are the Only Safe Option
For the discerning user, relying on a VPN that uses virtual Indian servers is now non-negotiable for privacy:
Legal Security: The provider is not bound by Indian data retention laws.
Trust Verification: It proves the provider is willing to sacrifice physical infrastructure and potential revenue to uphold its no-logs promise.
Privacy Protection: Your connection and activity are logged under a privacy-friendly jurisdiction.
Any VPN provider that still operates physical servers in India and claims to be “no-logs” is either breaking the law or, more likely, operating a misleading service that is collecting the mandatory data. We highly recommend avoiding these providers.
6. Key Reasons to Use a VPN for India (Use Cases)
The value of an India VPN extends beyond avoiding government logging; it is essential for security, access, and digital freedom.
6.1. Securing Local Access (Banking, Government Sites)
Indian residents frequently access sensitive online services, including regional banks, government portals, and investment accounts. Using a VPN, even when accessing local sites, encrypts your connection from end-to-end. This is crucial when connecting via public Wi-Fi hotspots, where your login credentials and session data are vulnerable to interception by nearby hackers. An encrypted connection protects your financial transactions and personal identity.
6.2. Bypassing ISP Throttling and Censorship
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in India are known to slow down (throttle) your connection speeds when they detect high-bandwidth activities like torrenting or heavy streaming, leading to infuriating buffering. Furthermore, the government has, on various occasions, issued directives to block access to specific social media sites or news portals.
Throttling: VPN encryption hides your activity from the ISP, preventing them from selectively throttling your connection based on usage. You get your full, paid-for speed.
Censorship: By tunneling your connection through a foreign server, you bypass local ISP firewalls and censorship blocks, regaining access to restricted content and information.
6.3. Unlocking Global Streaming Content (US/UK Libraries)
For many users, the most immediate benefit is the ability to unlock content from around the globe. By connecting to a VPN server in another country, you can:
Access US Netflix/Hulu/HBO Max: Connect to a US server to stream the largest content libraries in the world.
Watch BBC iPlayer: Connect to a UK server to access British television and sports.
Enjoy Global Sports: Unlock international sports broadcasts that are geo-restricted to specific countries.
6.4. Anonymity for Journalists and Activists
For users who engage in politically sensitive conversations, investigate corruption, or work as journalists or activists, anonymity is not a luxury—it is a necessity. A top-tier, no-logs VPN with an audited privacy policy is essential to protect communication, source identities, and private research from mass surveillance or targeted monitoring.
7. Crucial Criteria for a Top India VPN
When selecting a VPN for the unique requirements of the Indian digital space, these technical criteria are non-negotiable.
7.1. Audited No-Logs Policy
The threat of government logging in India makes independent verification essential. We only recommend VPNs whose no-logs claims have been proven true in real-world investigations or, more reliably, have been subject to a full audit by a reputable third party (like PwC or Deloitte). This ensures that even if a server were seized (highly unlikely with virtual servers), there would be no data to hand over.
7.2. High-Speed Protocols (Lightway, NordLynx, WireGuard)
Long-distance connections—which are inherent to the virtual server strategy—can suffer from latency. To compensate, a high-quality VPN must use modern, next-generation protocols:
NordLynx and Lightway: Proprietary, customized protocols that are extremely fast, secure, and maintain connection stability better than older options.
WireGuard: An open-source, lightweight protocol that provides excellent speed and is utilized by Surfshark, CyberGhost, and PIA.
7.3. Obfuscation/Stealth Technology
Obfuscation is the process of making VPN traffic look like normal internet traffic. This is critical in countries with high levels of censorship or where ISPs use advanced techniques (Deep Packet Inspection) to detect and block VPN connections. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark all offer highly effective obfuscation features.
7.4. Reliable Kill Switch Functionality
A Kill Switch is a non-negotiable security feature. If your VPN connection drops unexpectedly, the Kill Switch automatically halts all internet traffic, preventing your real Indian IP address from being exposed even for a second. The Kill Switch must be present and fully functional on all supported operating systems (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android).
8. How to Get and Use an Indian IP Address from Anywhere
8.1. Step-by-Step Connection Guide
Accessing an Indian IP address via a virtual server is simple:
Subscribe: Choose a top-tier provider that uses virtual servers, like ExpressVPN (our top recommendation).
Install: Download the official app for your device (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android).
Log In: Use your credentials to sign in.
Select Server: Search for “India” in the server list. The app will automatically connect you to the virtual server location (e.g., the UK server providing the Indian IP).
Verify: Visit a public IP checking tool (like ipleak.net) in your browser. It should show your location as being in India, while the hosting provider details may show the physical location (e.g., Singapore).
Access: You can now access local Indian content (Hotstar, banking) or securely browse the internet as if you were physically located in India.
8.2. Troubleshooting: Clearing Cache and Cookies
If you connect to the virtual Indian IP but still see old, geo-blocked content, your device is likely using old location data stored in your browser or app cache. To fix this:
Clear Browser Data: In your browser settings, clear all cookies and cached files.
Clear App Data: On mobile or streaming devices, go to Settings > Apps > [Streaming App] > Storage > Clear Cache and Clear Data.
Restart: Always restart your browser and application after clearing the data.
9. VPNs and Indian Law: What You Must Know
9.1. Is VPN Use Legal in India?
Yes. As of 2025, using a VPN in India is completely legal. The CERT-In directive targets the providers who operate servers in India, forcing them to log user data. It does not criminalize the act of an individual user connecting to a VPN service.
However, using a VPN to engage in illegal activities remains illegal. The VPN simply provides a layer of privacy; it does not grant immunity from local laws.
9.2. Warning: VPN Providers That Still Log Data (The Danger)
Some smaller or less reputable VPN providers have chosen to comply with the CERT-In law and continue to run physical servers in India. If a provider:
Still operates a physical server in India, and
Claims to be “no-logs,”
You should treat this provider with extreme caution. They are either violating Indian law (which could lead to a quick shutdown) or, more likely, they are logging the mandatory user data and are therefore not a true privacy solution. Always choose a provider like ExpressVPN or NordVPN that has publicly and physically exited the country.
10. FAQs about VPNs in India
Q: Why do the best VPNs for India use virtual servers instead of physical servers?
A: They use virtual servers to circumvent the 2022 CERT-In directive, which mandates that any physical server in India must log and store user data for five years. By using virtual servers hosted outside of India, the VPN can provide an Indian IP address while ensuring user data is protected by the privacy laws of the host country (e.g., UK or Singapore).
Q: Can I use a free VPN to get an Indian IP address?
A: We strongly advise against using free VPNs in India. They typically have poor security, are too slow for reliable streaming (often leading to buffering), and may themselves collect and sell your data. Furthermore, they are easily detected and blocked by services like Hotstar and global streaming platforms.
Q: Is there any risk of my Indian banking app blocking me if I use a VPN?
A: Reputable Indian banks will often flag connections from foreign IP addresses. By using a top-tier VPN with a dedicated Indian virtual IP address, you minimize this risk, as the connection appears local. However, due to the high sensitivity of financial transactions, some banks may still require two-factor authentication or an OTP confirmation for foreign physical server connections.
Q: Does using a VPN slow down my internet speed significantly?
A: All VPNs cause some speed loss due to the encryption process and the distance your data travels. However, the best providers (NordVPN, ExpressVPN) use modern protocols (NordLynx, Lightway) that minimize this loss to $10\%–15\%$. For users in India whose ISP is throttling their connection, a VPN can actually result in a net increase in usable speed.
Q: Which VPN is the best for Hotstar streaming in India?
A: ExpressVPN is the most reliable VPN for Disney+ Hotstar, especially for users outside of India who need a local Indian IP. Its virtual server location provides the necessary IP, and its Lightway protocol ensures the high speed needed to stream the content in 4K without interruptions.
11. Final Verdict: Secure Your Connection Now
The digital landscape in India has irrevocably changed. Privacy is no longer something that can be guaranteed by simply downloading any VPN app; it requires a provider with a specific, proactive strategy to circumvent regulatory overreach.
The battle for digital freedom in India is currently being won by providers who prioritize their users. The undisputed leader in this critical privacy fight is ExpressVPN.
By choosing ExpressVPN’s virtual Indian server strategy, you secure a verifiable no-logs policy, gain access to essential local Indian content, and unlock the entire global library of streaming entertainment. Don’t compromise your privacy or your speed—choose a provider that proved its commitment when the stakes were highest.