Alex Mitchell
Husain Parvez
Freely browsing the web can be challenging for Indian users. Between often arbitrary censorship, internet shutdowns, and surveillance, many websites and apps are inaccessible or potentially dangerous.
For that, VPN is the best solution for users who want to bypass these restrictions or want to protect their privacy. A VPN preserves your anonymity and unlocks blocked content by connecting with a secure server and routing your traffic via an encrypted tunnel.
While you can find free VPN services, you can also get a free VPN connection via a free trial offered by a paid VPN. Free trials are often a great way to access a quality service on a specific budget.
After spending over 80+ hours researching, I have reviewed 30+ VPNs and carefully selected the Best FREE VPN for India. My in-depth, well-researched article includes both free and paid options, showcasing the pros and cons of each service. This may help you make an informed decision. Read the full article to discover exclusive and trusted insights. Read more…
Best Free VPN for India
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#1 Best Overall
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| VPN Provider | ExpressVPN | NordVPN | Private Internet Access | Surfshark |
| Number of servers: | 2,000+ | 6400+ | 35000+ | 3200+ |
| No. of Server Countries | 105 | 111 | 91 | 100 |
| 24/7 support | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Max connections | 8 | 10 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Our Review |
Excellent – 9.8
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Excellent – 9.7
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Good – 9.6
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Good – 9.5
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| Free trial | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Link | Try Free Now | Try Free Now | Try Free Now | Try Free Now |
1) ExpressVPN
Best Overall with Indian Server
ExpressVPN is a remarkable option among VPNs. I could connect securely with a single click, making it perfect for beginners. During my evaluation, I discovered that its trial period was a great way to explore its paid plans without commitment. The OneClick feature helped me establish a secure connection almost instantly, a huge benefit.
With a presence in 105 countries, ExpressVPN offers access to a variety of virtual and physical servers to bypass restrictions and unblock streaming services. The ExpressVPN application is compatible with different operating systems. You can use it on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS devices. There is also a server-level application to protect all your devices, but you can only use the VPN with up to 8 devices simultaneously.
Besides offering fast connections and unlimited bandwidth, ExpressVPN is one of the safest options. It is one of the best VPN providers that uses AES-250 encryption to protect your anonymity. ExpressVPN also operates its encrypted DNS servers, but it doesn’t save data on hard drives.
Features:
- Split Tunneling Options: It allowed me to route traffic through VPN or avoid it using split and inverse split tunneling.
- VPN Kill Switch: ExpressVPN provided me with a system-level VPN kill switch, which ensured my connection stayed secure if interrupted.
- Multiple Protocols: This VPN offered me multiple protocols, such as Lightway, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, for flexible, secure connections.
- Indian IP Address: I found it great to get an Indian IP address using virtual servers in order to access local content.
- Lightway Protocol: This unique protocol offered me a fast and secure connection with a wolfSSL cryptography library.
- No-Log Policy: The strict no-log policy ensured my data was not recorded or verified by third-party audits.
- Customer Support: According to the support team, 24/7 live chat is available for quick assistance anytime you need.
Pros
Cons
How to Get It Free?
You can sign up for a 30-day free trial that unlocks all the ExpressVPN features and allows you to test the service. You will have to pay initially but you can claim refund anytime within the 30 day period.
30-Days Money-back Guarantee
2) NordVPN
Best for Protecting Your Privacy
NordVPN is one of the best VPNs in India that provides privacy protection. I reviewed this VPN, and it offers a strong reputation, clear privacy rules, and over 6,400 servers in 111 countries. It allowed me to access streaming sites easily, and the P2P servers are great for secure file sharing.
Depending on your needs, you can use a static or dedicated IP address, for instance, if you want to access IP-restricted networks. It offers an extra layer of protection by using NordVPN’s double VPN feature. This mode changes your IP address twice to make your online activities harder to track for your Internet service provider and other entities.
NordVPN uses the same AES encryption standard as most VPN providers. It’s an effective solution to protect your data and hide your activities. The client works on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. You can also get a router-level app or download the NordVPN app to protect your PlayStation, Xbox, Chromebook, Firestick, or Raspberry Pi, among other devices. It helps you to protect up to 10 devices at once.
Features:
- Fast Connection Speeds: NordVPN provided me with the most effective, fast connection speeds for seamless online browsing.
- DNS Leak Protection: The built-in DNS leak protection helped me avoid unintentional exposure of my sensitive data online.
- Onion Over VPN: This feature allowed me to route my traffic through the Onion network for extra privacy and protection.
- Split Tunneling: I could use split tunneling to choose which apps run through the VPN for optimized performance.
- App-level Kill Switch: NordVPN’s app-level kill switch ensured my connection remained secure even if the VPN disconnected unexpectedly.
- Multiple Protocols: This VPN lets me browse securely with its support for security protocols like IKEv2/IPSec, OpenVPN, and NordLynx.
- Threat Protection: It lets me block trackers, malware, and ads even when I am not actively using the VPN client.
- Meshnet Feature: NordVPN’s Meshnet allowed me to create secure tunnels between devices for private file sharing and LAN parties.
- NordLynx Protocol: The NordLynx protocol relies on Wireguard to help establish fast and secure VPN connections with minimal code.
- Customer Support: I could access round-the-clock support, which is helpful to resolve any issues anytime you need.
Pros
Cons
How to Get It Free?
You can use NordVPN for free for 30 days by purchasing a subscription and taking advantage of the money-back guarantee. This VPN provider refunds your initial payment if you request a cancelation within the first month without asking any questions.
30-Days Money-back Guarantee
3) Private Internet Access
Best for Novice Users with Indian Server
Private Internet Access offers a user-friendly application that makes connecting to a secure VPN fast and easy. I would say that the one-click connection feature is the best way to ensure privacy. The interface is simple, making it helpful to check your secure connection at any time.
You can subscribe to access servers in 91 different countries. Some servers are as fast as 10 Gbps, which is ideal for streaming or sharing files. You can connect to Unlimited devices at once. With 10+ years of experience, this VPN is a reliable choice.
Private Internet Access won’t limit your bandwidth; you can find apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, consoles, routers, and smart TVs. The built-in antivirus offers users with higher security. Private Internet Access also provides a dedicated IP address if you need one.
Features:
- No Logging: After extensive research, I found that this VPN won’t log any of your browsing or usage information.
- Split Tunneling: It allowed me to use both standard and inverse split tunneling for better control over your traffic.
- VPN Protocols: For a secure and flexible VPN connection solution, I could use protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and Wireguard.
- App-level Kill Switch: I could rely on the app-level kill switch, which helps to avoid leaks when the connection drops.
- Multihop Feature: This feature allowed me to route your traffic through two VPN servers, adding an extra security layer.
- RAM-Only Servers: It is important to note that RAM-only servers store no data, ensuring that user activities are not logged.
Pros
Cons
How to Get It Free?
You can purchase a monthly or yearly plan and ask for a refund within 30 days.
30-Days Money-back Guarantee
4) Surfshark
Best for Gaming, Browsing, and Streaming
Surfshark stands out as a reliable VPN for accessing more streaming platforms. I evaluated the service and found that its 100-country server network makes it ideal for global streaming. The option to choose between free and paid plans allows you to match your needs and budget effectively.
Surfshark protects your privacy with features like the built-in blocker, AES-256 encryption, and unique encryption keys for each session. This VPN is located in Netherlands, a country with data retention laws, but Surfshark Is exempt due to its small size.
Features:
- Extensive Server Availability: Surfshark offers over 3,200 servers globally, allowing me to connect easily across various locations.
- P2P Support: This VPN’s P2P feature was great for torrenting and made it easy for me to share files.
- Ad-Free Experience: While using Surfshark’s free version, I was impressed by its clean, ad-free experience without interruptions.
- Split Tunneling: I could customize my traffic using split tunneling, helping me control what passes through the VPN.
- Multiple Protocols: This VPN uses protocols like OpenVPN, IKEV2, and Wireguard, ensuring me a secure and fast connection.
- App-level Kill Switch: According to my experience, the app-level kill switch ensures privacy in case of sudden VPN disconnection.
- Secure Core Architecture: Surfshark’s Secure Core Architecture helped protect my original IP by routing traffic through encrypted servers.
- VPN Accelerator: I noticed that the VPN Accelerator optimized source code, enhancing connection speed while maintaining high-level security protocols.
- App Compatibility: After extensive usage, I found that it’s compatible with all major operating systems, ensuring wide accessibility.
Pros
Cons
How to Get It Free?
You can create an account on the Surfshark website and select the free tier to access this free India VPN service. If you opt for a paid membership, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee.
30-Days Money-back Guarantee
What is a VPN App?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network application, is software that forms a secure, encrypted link between your device and the network you’re connecting to, often the Internet. It functions as a virtual “shield”, providing a secure pathway for your data to move through, well-protected from unauthorized access.
VPNs primarily maintain online privacy and enhance security. They conceal your internet activities from your Internet Service Provider (ISP), potential hackers, and even government surveillance by rerouting your internet traffic through an intermediary server. This alters your IP address, thus bypassing geographical restrictions on certain content.
How Did We Choose Best FREE VPN in India?
At BestVPNZone, we are committed to providing accurate, relevant, and objective information. After spending over 80 hours researching 30+ VPNs, I carefully selected the best FREE VPNs for India, highlighting both free and paid options with their pros and cons. My in-depth article offers exclusive insights to help you make an informed decision. When choosing a free VPN with servers in India, it is essential to consider several key features to ensure reliable and efficient service.
- Security and Privacy: The VPN should employ strong encryption protocols and have a no-logs policy, which means it should not keep any logs of your internet activities.
- Server Locations: Confirm the VPN has servers in India. The more servers, the better, as this often provides better speeds and reliable connections.
- Speed: While free VPNs can be slower than their paid counterparts due to more users sharing fewer resources, some free VPNs still offer good speeds. Look for a VPN known for maintaining satisfactory connection speeds.
- Data Limits: Free VPNs often come with data caps. The higher the data limit, the more browsing, streaming, and downloading you can do.
- Device Compatibility: The VPN should be compatible with the device and operating system you are using. Many VPNs support a range of platforms like Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and even Linux.
- Ease of Use: A user-friendly interface is important, especially if you’re new to using VPNs. It should be easy to connect to a server and change settings as needed.
- Customer Support: Even with a free VPN, decent customer support can be crucial. Check if the VPN provider offers help guides, email support, or even live chat.
- Reliability: The VPN should have a good track record of uptime, meaning the servers are not regularly going down or being interrupted.
How to protect online privacy using a free VPN in India?
Protecting your online privacy using a free VPN in India involves several steps:
- Select a Reputable VPN: Start by choosing a reliable VPN service that offers strong encryption protocols, a strict no-logs policy, and servers in India. It’s important to read reviews and do your research because not all free VPNs are secure.
- Download and Install the VPN: Once you’ve selected a VPN, download the application from the official website or a trusted app store to avoid counterfeit software. After downloading, follow the prompts to install it on your device.
- Connect to the VPN: Open the VPN application and sign in if required. Then, select a server in India (or elsewhere if you’re trying to access content not available in India) and connect to it.
- Secure Your Connections: Ensure all your online activities take place over this secure connection. Avoid disconnecting from the VPN when surfing the Internet.
- Update Regularly: Make sure to keep your VPN application updated to the latest version. Updates often include important security patches.
What Is the Data Law Regarding VPNs in India?
There have been efforts to ban VPNs in India in the past. As of 2022, the Indian government allows VPNs as long as they follow strict regulations regarding keeping data logs. India’s Computer Emergency Response Team issued new requirements for VPNs with a presence in India in September 2022:
- VPN operators must collect users’ names, email addresses, and IP addresses.
- They must store this information for five years, even if a user cancels their account.
- VPN services have to hand this information over in cybersecurity investigations.
- Using a VPN connection in India remains legal, but Indian-based VPN providers have to meet these strict regulations.
- This new law compromises privacy for end users since the VPN service provider has to keep track of their identity.
- ExpressVPN has responded to this new measure by shutting down its Indian servers. Users can still get an Indian IP address by using virtual servers.
- Other VPN providers have left India to avoid falling under the jurisdiction of this restrictive law. There are also some efforts to challenge this controversial new law in court.
Verdict:
In this review, you got acquainted with some of the best VPNs for India. All of them have their own strengths, but I have narrowed down the choices to help you decide.
- ExpressVPN is a superior choice with fast connections, AES-256 encryption, and a true no-log policy.
- NordVPN provides a robust solution with over 6,400 servers worldwide and excellent privacy features like double VPN.
- Private Internet Access offers a cost-effective option with strong encryption, and it allows unlimited device connections for seamless browsing.