5 Best FREE VPNs for India (Tested in 2024)
Reading time: 17 min
Updated on November 01, 2024
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Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Cybersecurity Editor
Finding a free VPN for India is difficult, as most apps no longer provide Indian IP addresses, and most free apps don’t offer reliable protection. Additionally, invasive government regulations make it challenging to find a VPN that even works in India.
After extensively testing the best options, I’ve shortlisted the best VPNs for India. The free VPNs I’ve chosen all offer reliable security and unlimited bandwidth, but the premium options are superior, as they provide Indian IP addresses and better performance.
Overall, ExpressVPN is the best choice for India. It offers airtight security, superfast speeds, and multiple virtual servers that let you get an Indian IP address. It’s not free, but ExpressVPN is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. This lets you get a full refund if you’re unsatisfied with the app’s performance. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Try ExpressVPN risk-free in India
Important! Many VPN providers have stopped hosting physical servers in India due to government regulations requiring them to store data. However, you can still get an Indian IP address without a physical server, and the 2 top VPNs here both offer virtual servers for this purpose.
Short on Time? Here Are the Best Free VPNs for India in 2024
- ExpressVPN — The best paid VPN for India, offering superfast speeds, local IP addresses, impenetrable security, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- CyberGhost — Provides optimized servers for streaming on Indian platforms, but it only includes a 14-day money-back guarantee on the 1-month plan.
- Proton VPN — Offers reliable online security and is completely free, but the free plan doesn’t allow manual server selection.
- Hotspot Shield — Ensures fast speeds with its Catapult Hydra protocol, but the free plan is ad-supported.
- hide.me — Includes 7 different server locations in the free plan, but its speeds are slower than its competitors.
2024 update: We no longer recommend TunnelBear for India, as it’s stopped offering its service in the country.
Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
The Best Free VPNs for India (Tested in 2024)
1. ExpressVPN — The #1 VPN for India With Unbreakable Security and Virtual Indian Servers
Key Features:
- Has servers across 105 countries, including multiple virtual options in India
- Maintains fast connection speeds to ensure lag-free streaming and browsing
- Secures online activity using AES 256-bit encryption and multiple other features
- Provides responsive support via 24/7 live chat and other channels
- Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN is the best VPN you can get for India. While it isn’t free, your purchase is protected by a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, you can ask for a full refund if you’re unsatisfied with the VPN’s performance — I got my money back within just 5 business days of the refund request.
Unlike free VPNs, ExpressVPN provides virtual Indian servers that let you get a local IP address, ensuring you can access local websites without issues. There aren’t any physical servers anymore because Indian law now requires VPNs to store and share user data with the government. Nonetheless, the virtual connections via the UK and Singapore are reliable.
During speed tests, ExpressVPN maintained consistently fast speeds. My download speed dropped an average of 15% across various servers, meaning the connection was always enough for UHD streaming and lag-free browsing.
Of course, the app also offers reliable safety. Alongside its AES 256-bit encryption, ExpressVPN includes the following to keep you safe:
- Threat Manager — blocks trackers and malicious sites while surfing the web.
- No-logs policy — ensures no logs of your activity are kept on ExpressVPN servers.
- Leak protection — stops DNS, IP, and WebRTC leaks that could compromise your identity.
- Kill switch — disconnects your internet if the VPN is unstable, keeping you anonymous.
- Ad blocker — keeps ads from loading, leading to smoother browsing.
ExpressVPN offers various plans, but I found that the app’s 2-year + 6 months free plan delivers the best value by providing a 82% discount. This lets you get ExpressVPN for just $4.99/month. It’s not the cheapest VPN, but its performance and security make it worth the cost.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
ExpressVPN works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Nvidia Shield, Xiaomi Mi Box, Chromecast, Roku, Android TVs, smart TVs, routers, and more.
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2. CyberGhost — Includes Optimized Servers for Lag-Free Streaming on Indian Platforms
Key Features:
- Provides a network of 11,670+ servers, containing multiple streaming-optimized virtual servers in India
- Offers AES 256-bit encryption, leak protection, and more to enhance security
- Allows up to 7 simultaneous connections
- Includes 24/7 live chat and multiple other support channels
- Has a generous 45-day money-back guarantee
CyberGhost’s network of 11,670+ servers includes virtual options in India, including optimized servers that work with local platforms like Netflix India, Hotstar, and Sony LIV. During tests, my colleague in India had no issues using the streaming-optimized Netflix server to access and stream their local Netflix library in UHD without buffering.
Connection speeds are also solid with CyberGhost, and I only experienced an average drop of 20% during my tests. While this isn’t as fast as ExpressVPN, I found that speeds on CyberGhost’s servers remained fast enough for lag-free UHD streaming, smooth browsing, and fast downloads.
CyberGhost also offers airtight security. It has a strict no-logs policy to ensure your browsing activity is never stored, and it also includes the following for added safety:
- AES 256-bit encryption — secures your browsing activity against prying eyes.
- Leak protection — stops you from leaking identifying information like your IP address.
- Kill switch — blocks internet traffic if the VPN connection is unstable, ensuring you remain anonymous.
You can try CyberGhost completely free for up to 45 days, as it has a lengthy money-back guarantee on its long-term plans. If you decide to commit to your purchase, you can get excellent value with the app’s 2-year + 4 months subscription, which lets you get CyberGhost for just $2.03/month.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
CyberGhost works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Raspberry Pi, Chrome, Firefox, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku, smart TVs, routers, and more.
Get Black Friday Deal and Cyber Monday Deal from CyberGhost! You can subscribe to CyberGhost for as low as $2.03 per month + get an extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 84%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
3. Proton VPN — Offers Free Servers Across Several Countries
Key Features:
- Offers access to 5 different server locations — the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Japan, and the US
- Provides good speeds for lag-free browsing
- Ensures safety via AES 256-bit encryption, a no-logs policy, and more
- Delivers unlimited bandwidth to ensure there aren’t any interruptions
- Works on 1 device with the free plan
Proton VPN’s free plan includes 5 server locations — the Netherlands, the US, Poland, Romania, and Japan. Another helpful feature available for free is Alternative Routing, which tries different routes to ensure Proton services are always accessible. This is useful in countries like India that have heavy regulations on VPN use.
Speeds are fast on Proton VPN’s free plan, with an average drop of 30% compared to baseline values. Note that you can’t manually choose a server on the free plan. Thankfully, I found that Proton VPN usually connected me to the fastest available server whenever I used it.
You’ll get reliable security with Proton VPN. It offers AES 256-bit encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and the following for protection:
- Stealth protocol — disguises your VPN traffic as regular traffic and helps overcome censorship.
- Leak protection — stops you from leaking your IP address and other sensitive information.
The free plan only allows 1 device connection, but setting Proton VPN up on a router lets you secure all your devices simultaneously.
You can start using Proton VPN for free after signing up on its website and downloading the app. If you decide to get a paid subscription, Proton VPN is available for $2.99/month with the 2-year plan.
Proton VPN works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Opera, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, smart TVs, routers, and more.
4. Hotspot Shield — Maintains Consistently Fast Speeds With the Catapult Hydra Protocol
Key Features:
- Offers servers in the US, UK, and Singapore with the free plan
- Maintains fast connection speeds with its proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol
- Uses AES 256-bit encryption to protect traffic against prying eyes
- Provides email support and setup guides to free users
- Allows use of the free plan without even signing up
Most free VPNs are slow, but Hotspot Shield maintains consistently fast speeds in India with its Catapult Hydra protocol, even on the free plan. I extensively tested its free server options in the US, UK, and Singapore, and my connection speed didn’t drop more than 25%.
Hotspot Shield provides good security features to ensure you stay safe and anonymous in India, including the following:
- AES 256-bit encryption — stops governments and third parties from spying on what you do.
- Leak protection — prevents DNS, IP address, and other leaks that may compromise your privacy.
- Always on — reconnects the VPN automatically if the connection drops.
One downside to Hotspot Shield’s free plan is that it’s ad-supported. Every ad you watch provides 15 minutes of connection time, meaning it’s best to watch multiple ads at once before connecting. Thankfully, the free plan offers unlimited data, meaning you can use it as much as you want as long as you watch enough ads.
If you’re pleased with Hotspot Shield’s free plan, the paid subscription delivers even better performance and costs just $2.99/month with the 3-year plan.
Hotspot Shield works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Raspberry Pi, Chrome, Firefox, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Nvidia Shield, Chromecast, Android TVs, routers, and more.
5. hide.me — Provides Unlimited Data With Its Free Plan
Key Features:
- Offers 7 different server locations with the free plan
- Ensures unbreakable security via AES 256-bit encryption
- Delivers decent connection speeds for smooth browsing
- Comes with unlimited bandwidth on the free plan
- Provides live chat and other support options to free users
While the app used to have a 10GB/month limit on the free plan, hide.me now provides unlimited data with its free subscription. Plus, the free version offers servers in 7 locations — the Netherlands, the UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, Finland, and the US.
Speeds are reasonably fast on hide.me’s free plan, but you should note that the connection is slower on long-distance connections. My connection was up to 40% slower than baseline values on some far-away servers, but it was still fast enough for smooth browsing and lag-free streaming.
For security, hide.me includes a kill switch, AES 256-bit encryption, and a strict no-logs policy to ensure you remain safe while surfing the web in India.
You can easily start using hide.me for free by signing up with your email and downloading the app. If you’re happy with its performance, you can get even faster speeds and more features with hide.me’s paid subscription, which will cost you just $2.29/month if you get the 2-year + 3 months plan.
hide.me works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Raspberry Pi, Chrome, Xbox, Firefox, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, Nvidia Shield, Chromecast, Android TVs, smart TVs, routers, and more.
Comparison Table: 2024’s Best Free VPNs for India
| Completely Free | In-app Ads | Indian IP Address | Server Countries | Connection Speed | |
| ExpressVPN | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | 105 | Fastest |
| CyberGhost | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | 100 | Fast |
| Proton VPN | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | 5 | Fast |
| Hotspot Shield | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | 3 | Good |
| hide.me | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | 7 | Decent |
Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
3 Easy Steps: How to Set Up a VPN for India
Step 1: Subscribe to a Top VPN
Start by getting a subscription to a reliable VPN. ExpressVPN is my top choice, as it has local virtual servers in India and a network covering 105 countries.
Choose an ExpressVPN subscription that suits your requirements. I suggest the 2-year + 6 months free plan, as it lets you get ExpressVPN for just $4.99/month after the 82% discount.
Enter your email address once you’ve chosen a subscription plan to start signing up for ExpressVPN.
Choose your preferred payment method and pay for ExpressVPN to begin your subscription.
Step 2: Install the VPN
Log into ExpressVPN’s web portal after subscribing, download the setup for your device, and copy the activation code.
Install ExpressVPN and finish the setup by entering your activation code and following the remaining steps.
Step 3: Use the VPN
Launch ExpressVPN once it’s installed and connect to your preferred server. If you want to access local Indian servers, search “India” in ExpressVPN’s server browser and choose the Indian virtual server.
Click the connect button to connect to ExpressVPN’s virtual server in India and secure your connection.
Warning! Avoid These Free VPNs for India
SuperVPN
SuperVPN is available on Android and iOS for free, but it’s not a trustworthy option. It claims to have a no-logs policy, but a data breach exposed various identifying user information, like original IP addresses, email addresses, and location data.
Betternet VPN
Betternet keeps significant logs of user data, including billing information, device information, location data, and more. So, it’s not worth getting if you value your privacy.
How I Tested and Ranked the Best Free VPNs for India in 2024
I tested the best VPNs in 2024 against the following criteria to find the top free choices for India:
- Security — I picked VPNs offering impenetrable security via AES 256-bit encryption and other useful safety features.
- Connection speeds — I chose VPNs that maintain fast connection speeds to ensure uninterrupted browsing and streaming.
- Server variety — I selected free VPNs offering multiple servers to pick from to help avoid overcrowding.
- Device compatibility — I found VPNs that provide native apps for all major platforms.
- Bandwidth limit — I picked VPNs with unlimited bandwidth, ensuring there aren’t any interruptions.
- Customer support — I chose VPNs with responsive support that’s available to help at any time.
- Free/Money-back guarantee — I only selected VPNs that offer free plans or money-back guarantees that let you try them without risk.
FAQs: Free VPNs and India
Is there a free VPN that offers servers in India?
Are VPNs legal in India?
Why do I need a VPN for India?
Using a top VPN in India has many benefits, including the following:
- Airtight security. A VPN encrypts your connection and keeps third parties from spying on your traffic.
- Complete privacy. Top VPNs never keep logs of your activity, ensuring your browsing stays private.
- Throttling prevention. VPNs mask your traffic, meaning ISPs can’t throttle your connection while accessing specific services.
- Bypassing censorship. VPNs ensure you can bypass censorship and access important platforms and websites.
How can I watch cricket from outside of India?
Which free VPN works with Netflix India?
What’s the best free VPN for watching Disney+ Hotstar?
Is there a good free VPN Chrome extension for India?
What is the best VPN for PUBG and BGMI in India?
Secure Yourself With a High-Quality VPN for India
In conclusion, all the VPNs listed above are reliable options for India. The free apps have unlimited data and reliable security, but you should note that they have slower speeds, fewer server options, and don’t let you get Indian IP addresses.
For the best experience, you should get a premium VPN for India. The top premium VPNs are not only fast and secure, but they also offer virtual Indian servers that let you get an Indian IP address, ensuring you can access local services.
ExpressVPN is the best overall VPN for India. Its lightning-fast connection speeds, unbreakable security, and multiple virtual Indian servers make it my top choice. Also, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free. The app has a 30-day money-back guarantee that lets you get a full refund if you’re unsatisfied with its performance.
Summary — Top Free VPNs for India in 2024
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
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