5 Best FREE VPN for India (2023)
Lawrence Williams
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. Read more…
Best Free VPN for India
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#1 Best Overall
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| VPN Provider | ExpressVPN | NordVPN | AtlasVPN | Private Internet Access |
| Number of servers: | 3,000+ | 5,000+ | 750+ | 29000+ |
| No. of Server Countries | 94 | 59 | 37 | 84+ |
| 24/7 support | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Max connections | 5 | 6 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Our Review |
Excellent – 9.8
 |
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 |
“Free VPNs in India come with restrictions. It’s best to invest in a paid VPN subscription, and most VPN providers offer money-back guarantees and free trials so you can test the service without risks.”
1) ExpressVPN
Best Overall with Indian Server
ExpressVPN is one of the most popular VPN providers. It offers paid subscriptions, but you can use this service for free, thanks to a free trial. This VPN provider stands out thanks to its positive reputation. It’s a great option for beginners because of its OneClick feature, which helps you to establish a secure connection in a single click.
With a presence in 94 countries, you can access 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 five 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, and doesn’t save data on hard drives.
Features:
- One-click connection for a fast VPN access.
- 24h live chat support.
- Split tunneling and inverse split tunneling are supported.
- System-level VPN kill switch (Network Lock).
- Multiple protocols: Lightway, OpenVPN, L2Tp, and IKEv2.
- Get an Indian IP address through virtual servers.
Pros
Offers a built-in Threat Manager feature that prevents your devices from connecting to unsafe websites.
Offers thousands of servers to choose from
Save with deals and annual plans
Cons
Costs more than other VPNs
The interface can feel crowded and hard to navigate
✔️ Lightway Protocol: ExpressVPN uses a unique open-source protocol to deliver safe connections. The Lightway protocol uses a wolfSSL cryptography library to protect your online activities. It offers Fast VPN connection. In early tests, 90% of beta users said the Lightway protocol resulted in a fast connection.
✔️ No-Log Policy: ExpressVPN has a strict no-log policy, and audits have confirmed that this India VPN provider doesn’t record your data. This VPN provided is in the British Virgin Islands, a country that doesn’t belong to any intelligence-sharing programs.
✔️ Dynamic IP Address: ExpressVPN assigns dynamic IP addresses as an additional layer of security. This feature makes your activities harder to track by changing your IP address regularly.
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-Day Free Trial
2) NordVPN
Best for Protecting Your Privacy
NordVPN is one of the best VPN India provides for users who want to protect their privacy. It’s a reliable VPN provider with a great reputation and transparent policies. You can access over 5,000 physical servers in 59 different countries, with some servers optimized for popular streaming sites for P2P.
Depending on your needs, you can use a dynamic 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 six devices at once.
Features:
- Fast connection speeds
- Simple interface with quick connection options
- Built-in DNS leak protection
- Onion Over VPN
- 24/7 customer support
- Split tunneling available
- App-level kill switch
- Protocols include IKEv2/IPSec, OpenVPN, and NordLynx
Pros
Reliable VPN with an emphasis on security.
NordVPN is in Panama, a country without data laws.
Most servers deliver a fast connection.
Cons
Not all servers support P2P.
Some users report issues with software updates.
✔️ Threat Protection: NordVPN’s Threat Protection tool keeps you safe even when you’re not using the VPN client. This feature blocks URL trackers, ads, and malware to protect your safety and privacy at all times.
✔️ Meshnet is a unique feature that most VPN providers don’t have. Instead of using a VPN server to establish a secure connection, Meshnet allows you to create a VPN tunnel between two devices. You can use this feature to share files privately or create secure LAN parties.
✔️ NordLynx: NordVPN uses the NordLynx protocol to establish fast and secure VPN connections. This protocol relies on Wireguard, a VPN protocol that uses less code compared to options like OpenVPN to optimize speed.
However, Wireguard isn’t as private as other protocols. NordVPN created the NordLynx protocol by adding a Network Address Translation system to make Wireguard safer.
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-Day Free Trial
3) AtlasVPN
Best Free VPN
AtlasVPN gives you access to a free VPN service tier. You can also opt for a paid VPN subscription to access hundreds of servers optimized for speed. It also provides servers to optimized to unblock streaming services or share files via P2P applications.
You can connect with as many devices simultaneously as you want, making AtlasVPN an ideal option. It is one of the best VPN for India which uses advanced security features to hide your activities from your Internet service provider, hackers, and advertisers. Besides implementing AES-256 encryption, this VPN provider has a built-in DNS leak detection tool and a data breach monitoring feature.
Features:
- Quick Connection option
- 750+ servers in 45 different countries
- Servers optimized for speed
- Split tunneling is available
- Protocols: IPSec/IKEV2 and Wireguard
- App-level kill switch
- Works with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Smart Tvs
Pros
The free tier is great for occasional VPN use
Premium pricing is reasonable
Advanced configuration options are interesting for experienced users
Cons
Does not offer any no-log policy.
Some users report technical issues.
✔️ SafeSwap is a noteworthy feature that rotates your IP address while maintaining a stable connection to a single VPN server. However, not all AtlasVPN servers work with this feature, but SafeSwap is a great way to enhance your privacy.
✔️ Multihop: AtlasVPN servers offer a multi-hop feature you can use to tunnel through multiple server locations. This practice makes your traffic harder to track. Multihop+ is a standout feature as it automatically picks the best server locations to optimize your speed.
How to Get It Free?
You can create a free AtlasVPN account and access all the features this VPN provider offers. Note that a premium account will give you access to more servers. You can use the premium service for a limited time thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee, and you’ll also get three months for free if you purchase a three-year plan.
30-Day Free Trial
4) Private Internet Access
Best for Novice Users with Indian Server
Private Internet Access offers a user-friendly application that allows you to establish a secure VPN connection in one click. Its simple interface makes it easy to check that you’re still using a secure connection.
You can subscribe to access servers in 84 different countries, and some servers are as fast as 10 Gbps, which is ideal for streaming or sharing files. You connect up to 10 devices at once.
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 is a plus for staying safe online, and you can get a dedicated IP address if you need one.
Features:
- Won’t log any usage information
- Over 10 years of experience
- Standard and inverse split tunneling
- Protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, Wireguard
- App-level kill switch
Pros
Easy to establish a fast connection for first-time users
Has Indian Server
A comprehensive third-party audit didn’t reveal any issues
Cons
Private Internet Access is a US-based VPN.
It’s not as secure and private as other services.
✔️ Multihop: The multihop feature is an interesting option that allows you to route your traffic through two VPN servers. Using an additional VPN server adds an extra step that makes your online activities harder to track.
✔️ RAM-Only Servers: Private Internet Access operates thousands of RAM-only servers around the globe. Because these servers don’t record any data on their hard drives, there are no logs of your requests and activities.
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
5) Surfshark
Best for Gaming, Browsing, and Streaming
Surfshark is ideal if you want a reliable VPN for unlocking more streaming libraries. It offers servers located in 65 countries and servers optimized for streaming. Depending on your needs and budget, you can choose between a free and paid tier.
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:
- Over 3200 servers are available
- App compatible with all the major OS
- P2P is available
- No ads for the free version
- Split tunneling is available
- Protocols: OpenVPN, IKEV2, Wireguard
- It offers an app-level kill switch
Pros
Offers secure and anonymous browsing.
Supports a wide range of apps.
Cons
It does not offer access to the Tor browser via VPN.
Weak social media presence.
✔️ Secure Core Architecture: Before your traffic leaves the Surfshark architecture, the VPN provider will route it through its private server network. It helps you to hide your original IP address. Plus, the VPN provider uses full disk encryption to make these servers safer.
✔️ VPN Accelerator: VPN protocols enhance your safety and protect your privacy, but they’re not always optimized for speed and can contain extraneous code. Surfshark also optimizes the source code of the VPN protocol in use and improve your speed.
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-Day Free Trial
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 serve primarily to maintain your online privacy and enhance security. They conceal your internet activities from your Internet Service Provider (ISP), potential hackers, and even government surveillance. They accomplish this by rerouting your internet traffic through an intermediary server, which also alters your IP address, thus helping you bypass geographical restrictions on certain content.
What features should I look for in a free VPN with servers in India?
When looking for a free VPN with servers in India, there are several features that you should consider to ensure that you are getting a 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.
FAQs
Best Free VPN for India
|
#1 Best Overall
|
|
|
|
|
| VPN Provider | ExpressVPN | NordVPN | AtlasVPN | Private Internet Access |
| Number of servers: | 3,000+ | 5,000+ | 750+ | 29000+ |
| No. of Server Countries | 94 | 59 | 37 | 84+ |
| 24/7 support | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Max connections | 5 | 6 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Our Review |
Excellent – 9.8
|
Excellent – 9.7
|
Good – 9.6
|
Good – 9.5
|
| Free trial | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Link | Try Free Now | Try Free Now | Try Free Now | Try Free Now |
Verdict:
- If you’re in the market for a free VPN provider, AtlasVPN can be a good option since this VPN provider has a free tier.
- However, ExpressVPN remains a better choice. This VPN provider has a true no-log policy and no legal obligations to record any data, thanks to its location in the British Virgin Islands. ExpressVPN is one of the few VPN services with virtual servers that give you access to Indian IP addresses.
- We highly recommend signing up for ExpressVPN’s free trial so you can test this service or use a free and secure VPN service for a while.