5 Best Free India VPNs for Streaming, Privacy, and More in 2025

Getting an Indian IP address with a free VPN isn't as simple as it used to be. Recent cybersecurity regulations require VPNs to store user data locally, leading many providers to shut down their Indian servers. Most remaining free options have questionable privacy policies, weak security features, or speeds too slow for streaming or even casual browsing.

My team and I tested over 45 services to find the best free VPNs for India. We evaluated their security features, privacy policies, connection speeds, server networks, and other key factors. The VPNs on this list are safe to use, but like all free services, they do have limitations, such as restricted server access or limited monthly data allowance.

That's why I recommend ExpressVPN for India. It's not free, but you won't face any of the restrictions that come with free VPNs. You get virtual Indian servers for secure access to local content, plus a vast network that works seamlessly with popular global sites. Plus, its fast speeds and strong security ensure a safe and smooth online experience. It’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it risk-free and get a refund if it’s not for you. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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Short on Time? Here Are the Best Free VPNs for India in 2025

Best Free VPNs for India — Full Analysis (Updated in 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — Fast Virtual Indian Servers for a Smooth Online Experience

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested January 2025

Available on:

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www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN is hands down the fastest India VPN we’ve tested. It consistently outperformed both free and paid competitors — we only saw a 4% speed drop on its virtual Indian servers. Even the fastest free VPN we tested showed a 15% speed loss on similar connections, and most performed far worse. However, ExpressVPN enables you to browse, stream, and game without the slowdowns typical of free VPNs.

It’s an excellent choice for streaming too. During our tests, its India (via Singapore) server worked seamlessly with Hotstar, JioCinema, Prime Video India, Zee5, and more. ExpressVPN could also securely access streaming services like BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, Max, and 15+ Netflix libraries without problems. The connection was stable, and there were no slowdowns as we streamed 1000 Babies in HD on Hotstar.

ExpressVPN's virtual servers gave us reliable connections

In terms of privacy, ExpressVPN goes a step further than most providers. Instead of having physical Indian servers, it uses virtual servers located in secure overseas locations to provide Indian IP addresses. This means you can get a local IP while keeping your data safe from India’s strict data retention laws. Plus, its privacy claims are backed by independent audits from Cure53 and KPMG — something free VPNs usually don’t offer.

The only downside is that ExpressVPN isn't free. However, you can get a few months free when you sign up for an annual plan. Plus, every subscription comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can try ExpressVPN risk-free and get a full refund if you're not satisfied. I tested this myself and had the money back in my account within 2 days of requesting a refund via 24/7 live chat.

Useful Features

• Lightway protocol. ExpressVPN's proprietary protocol delivers fast, stable connections even over long distances. It's lightweight and uses minimal battery, perfect for mobile gaming and streaming. During our tests, we maintained low ping (under 25ms) while playing BGMI on its virtual Indian servers. This is great if your ISP suffers from high ping issues due to poor routing.
• TrustedServer technology. ExpressVPN uses RAM-only servers that wipe all data with each reboot, ensuring your browsing stays private. Being based in the British Virgin Islands means it's not required to comply with Indian data retention laws or government data requests.
• Strong security. Beyond standard features like AES 256-bit encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and a kill switch, the VPN features additional features as well. Its built-in Advanced Protection lets you block any combination of ads, trackers, and malware — especially useful to safeguard you from growing cyber threats in and out of India.
• P2P-friendly. Unlike free VPNs that often block torrenting, ExpressVPN supports P2P traffic across its entire server network. You can share and download files quickly and safely.

2. Proton VPN — Unlimited Data for Continuous Browsing and Streaming

Available on:

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Try Proton VPN >

protonvpn.com

What I like the most about Proton VPN's free plan is that it gives you unlimited data. You can keep the VPN connected without worrying about hitting data caps or dealing with ads. During our Proton VPN tests, we streamed HD content, browsed social media, and watched YouTube videos without any interruptions. The speeds stayed stable even during peak hours when most free VPNs slow to a crawl.

Even with unlimited data, we never experienced bandwidth throttling

The VPN offers 6 free locations, including the US and Japan. However, you can't choose specific servers — the app automatically picks one for you. There's a Change Server button, but you never know which location you'll get connected to next. During our tests, we landed on US servers most often and were able to stream Netflix US and Disney+ in HD without issues.

Proton VPN takes your security seriously, crucial given increasing cyber threats and India’s invasive privacy regulations. Its Swiss location keeps it away from data retention laws, and its no-logs policy has been independently verified. The apps are open-source and regularly audited, so you know exactly what's running on your device.

The lack of Indian servers does limit what you can do. You won't be able to get an Indian IP address to stream Hotstar or SonyLiv. P2P traffic isn't supported on free servers either, so torrenting is off the table. However, you can test all premium features risk-free with Proton VPN's 30-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

• Reliable speeds for a free VPN. During our tests, we experienced around 26% speed loss on average — noticeable but not bad considering we were connecting to distant servers. We could still stream HD content and browse smoothly without buffering or loading delays.
• Router compatibility. Unlike most free VPNs, Proton VPN supports router installation. This means you can protect all your home devices at once without installing the VPN on each one, though keep in mind that using non-Indian servers might affect the services you access.
• Split tunneling. You can choose which apps use the VPN and which don't. This can improve connection speeds since not all VPN traffic is encrypted.

3. hide.me — Customizable Security to Optimize Your Connection in and Out of India

Available on:

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Try hide.me VPN >

www.hide.me

One of my favorite things about hide.me is that it lets you fine-tune just about every VPN setting. You can switch between popular protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, plus choose between IPv4 and IPv6 connections (IPv6 gave us lower ping for gaming). During our tests in India, WireGuard gave us the fastest speeds, while OpenVPN worked better on patchy connections.

I tested 4 different servers for leaks and never found any

The VPN gives you 8 free server locations to choose from, though none are in India. Unlike most free VPNs that pick servers for you, hide.me lets you manually select your location. We connected to US servers and safely streamed Netflix US and Disney+ without issues, but it didn’t work with Indian platforms like Hotstar or SonyLiv.

Advanced security features protect your data from tracking and surveillance, whether you’re in India or abroad. It uses perfect forward secrecy to generate new encryption keys every session, preventing anyone from decrypting your past traffic. During my tests, hide.me’s leak protection kept my data IP and DNS from being exposed.

The main drawback is server congestion and capped speeds. Connecting to free servers dropped our speeds by up to 80%. If your baseline internet connection isn't fast enough, you'll struggle with HD streaming and gaming. Even basic browsing could be frustrating during peak hours when servers are most congested.

Useful Features

• Torrenting support. Unlike most free VPNs that block torrenting completely, hide.me allows P2P traffic on its free servers. We tested this with several popular torrent clients, though it’s very slow.
• Verified privacy practices. hide.me operates from Malaysia, outside the reach of strict data retention laws that affect many VPNs in India. Its no-logs policy has been independently audited, proving it doesn't store any identifiable user data.

4. Hotspot Shield — Hydra Protocol for Speedy and Stable Connections

Available on:

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Try Hotspot Shield >

www.hotspotshield.com

Hotspot Shield is a solid free option if you want speedy connections. Its proprietary Hydra protocol is designed to deliver fast connections, even on its long-distance servers. During our tests, we connected to its free US server, which is located over 5,000 miles away from our speed-testing location. Despite the distance, we only experienced a 35% speed drop.

Its security features work well on Indian networks. In addition to military-grade encryption and leak protection, its Auto-protect feature automatically secures your connection when you're on public WiFi. This is particularly useful at airports, cafes, and shopping malls across India, where public WiFi networks are often unsecured and monitored.

You'll find this option under Advanced settings

The free plan offers access to 5 server locations, which are pretty reliable. Connecting to a server took no more than 3 seconds in our tests. Additionally, when we connected to Hotspot Shield’s nearby Singapore server for gaming, we had a decent ping of 48ms. This let us play PUBG without any noticeable lag.

The free plan now comes with unlimited data, which is a major improvement over its old 500MB daily limit. However, there's a trade-off — Hotspot Shield collects some anonymous usage data and shows ads in the free version. This data isn't personally identifiable, but it's something to keep in mind if privacy is your top priority.

Useful Features

• No signup needed. Hotspot Shield is super easy to set up and use — you don’t even need to create an account. Simply install the app, click Proceed with Basic, and you’re all set.
• Built-in speed test tool. This lets you check your download and upload speeds for the server you're connected to without leaving the app.

5. PrivadoVPN — Free VPN That Offers an Indian IP Address

Available on:

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Try PrivadoVPN >

https://privadovpn.com/

PrivadoVPN is the only trustworthy free VPN we tested that offers virtual Indian servers. During our tests, we could easily get an Indian IP address without paying. While this didn't work with streaming platforms like Hotstar or JioCinema, we could safely access Indian banking sites and some other services.

The VPN gives you decent global coverage with its free plan. You get servers in 13 locations, including the US, UK, Canada, and the Netherlands. During our tests, PrivadoVPN successfully streamed Netflix US and Canada, plus Hulu — though Disney+ and other services didn’t work.

We used its Miami server to watch Hulu

Using PrivadoVPN is straightforward. The Auto Connect feature lets you choose between connecting to your last used server, the best available location, or a random server. You can also customize the Best Location setting to prioritize either distance or latency.

The main limitation is the tight data cap. You only get 10GB of monthly data on the free plan, which you can burn through quickly when streaming or gaming. Plus, while having Indian servers is great, they don't work with popular local streaming platforms.

Useful Features

• Solid performance across servers. We only lost 15% speed when connected to Indian servers, while distant locations like the US and Canada showed a 29% drop. These are good results for a free VPN, letting you browse and stream without major slowdowns.
• APK download. If you can't access the Play Store, you can download the Android APK directly from PrivadoVPN's website.

Quick Comparison Table: Free India VPN Features

Here's a quick comparison of the best free VPNs for India. The table shows key details like speeds, data allowances, and whether you can get an Indian IP address. You'll also find information about free trials and money-back guarantees to help you test these VPNs risk-free.

I've also included whether you need to create an account to use these VPNs. This information should help you pick the right VPN for your needs.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Our Methodology for Testing Free VPNs for India

Our testing focuses on what matters most to VPN users, whether they’re in India or abroad. We evaluate each VPN's speeds, security features, and ability to provide reliable Indian IP addresses. We run extensive speed tests across different times of day, verify streaming capabilities with popular Indian and international platforms, and ensure all security features work properly.

Privacy and security are our top priorities when testing free India VPNs. We thoroughly examine each provider's privacy policy, jurisdiction, and logging practices, paying special attention to how they monetize their service. We also test their performance with banking sites and payment platforms to ensure they work reliably for daily use. For a detailed breakdown of our testing process, check out our VPN testing methodology page.

Expert Tip: Most Free VPNs for India Aren’t Safe

Using the wrong free VPN for India could seriously compromise your online privacy. With the government's data retention requirements, many free VPNs either can't or won't properly protect your information. I extensively tested each VPN on this list to verify it maintains strict security standards.

Common issues with unsafe free VPNs include:

• Selling your browsing data. Many free VPNs secretly track your online activities and sell this information to advertisers or third parties. During our research, we found several popular free VPNs that logged everything from browsing history to device information and location data.
• Poor security implementation. We've tested numerous free VPNs that leaked IP addresses or had DNS leaks, exposing users' real locations. Some even lacked basic encryption, making your data vulnerable on public WiFi networks.
• Hidden malware. Several free VPNs, especially those heavily advertised on social media, contain spyware or crypto miners. These can steal your passwords, banking details, and other sensitive information directly from your device.

Popular Free VPNs That Don’t Work in India

India's cybersecurity regulations have dramatically changed the VPN landscape. The government now requires VPNs to store user data and share it with authorities when requested — including browsing history, IP addresses, and personal information. This directly conflicts with the core purpose of VPNs: protecting user privacy.

Many major VPN providers have responded by removing their physical servers from India rather than compromising user privacy. Some have completely stopped serving Indian users, while others now offer virtual servers to maintain service while keeping user data outside Indian jurisdiction.

Here are some notable VPNs that have left India:

• Avira Phantom VPN pulled its servers and stopped serving Indian users completely. The company stated that the new regulations made it impossible to maintain their privacy standards.
• TunnelBear no longer provides service to users in India, citing conflicts between the new laws and their privacy policy.
• Hola Free VPN. This isn’t a VPN we would usually recommend for those that need strong privacy protection. Even so, we tried testing it and found that it doesn’t work in India at all. The website is also blocked entirely.

FAQs on Free VPNs for India

Can I watch Netflix India and Hotstar with a free VPN?

Most free VPNs don't offer Indian IP addresses, making it impossible to stream Indian content. It's better to use a low-cost premium VPN with Indian servers to watch Netflix India and Hotstar. While not free, you can test it risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

The #5 VPN is the only free provider on our list that offers Indian servers, but in our tests, it didn’t work with Hotstar, Netflix India, or other streaming platforms. Its 10GB monthly data limit would also restrict your streaming time significantly.

What's the best free VPN with Indian servers?

The #5 VPN on this list offers truly free Indian servers, but it comes with significant limitations. During our tests, its Indian servers didn’t work with streaming platforms like Hotstar or Netflix India, and the 10GB monthly data cap restricts long-term use.

If streaming Indian content is your main concern, it's better to use a premium India VPN with a money-back guarantee. Our top pick offers virtual Indian servers that work consistently with streaming platforms and don't limit your data usage.

Can I use a free VPN for PUBG and BGMI?

Yes, but I wouldn't recommend it. It's better to opt for a low-cost premium VPN that offers a money-back guarantee.

It’s rare to find a free VPN that offers Indian IP address servers, which is necessary to play BGMI. Plus, free VPNs usually have a limited server network. That makes it difficult to find a server close to your location, resulting in higher ping times and potential lag during gameplay.

Is using a VPN legal in India?

Yes, using a VPN in India is completely legal. While the government has introduced strict data retention laws for VPN providers operating servers in India, there are no restrictions on individuals using VPNs for personal use.

However, it's important to note that using a VPN doesn't make illegal activities legal. Make sure you use your VPN in accordance with local laws and regulations. The VPNs recommended in this list follow strict no-logs policies and operate their Indian servers from secure overseas locations, helping you stay private while complying with the law.

Is there a good free VPN Chrome extension in India?

All the VPNs on this list offer Chrome extensions, but not all of them are available with free plans. For example, #2's browser extension can only be used after upgrading to a paid subscription.

However, if you’re looking to stream Indian content, I’d recommend the VPN Chrome extension offered by the #1 provider on this list. Plus, unlike most free VPN extensions that only protect your browser traffic, its extension works to secure all your internet traffic.

Get the Best Free VPN for India

Free VPNs often don’t have servers with an Indian IP address, so they can’t securely access Indian content and sites. Plus, they can be dangerous and lack important security features, failing to keep you safe. You’re better off using a premium VPN with robust encryption, a no-logs policy, and reliable Indian virtual servers.

All the free VPNs in this list are safe to use. However, ExpressVPN is my favorite for India because it has virtual Indian servers and strong security to keep you safe online. While it’s not 100% free, it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can try ExpressVPN risk-free and get a full refund if you don’t like it.

Can’t find a suitable free VPN? Here are the best premium alternatives…

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: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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