Did you know that a recent law passed in India, the CERT-In law, now requires VPN operators to log sensitive user data? This move, intended to combat fraud and cybercrime, has had severe implications for VPN companies and users. VPNs with a “no-log” policy must now record some logs or leave the country, and users connecting to an India server will no longer be able to keep their IP addresses secret.1
As a country with a rich culture, thriving tech industry, and a huge population of welcoming people, India’s recent shift in online privacy regulations is concerning. But fear not, I’ve done the research to find the best VPNs for India that can keep your data secure, your internet fast, and your online activities private. Whether you’re looking to bypass content restrictions, safeguard your sensitive information, or simply enjoy unrestricted access to the internet, I’ve got you covered.
Key Takeaways
- India’s new CERT-In law requires VPNs to log user data, compromising privacy
- VPNs with a “no-log” policy must now record some logs or leave the country
- Users connecting to an India server can no longer keep their IP addresses secret
- Finding the right VPN is crucial for secure, fast, and private internet access in India
- Virtual servers located outside India can help bypass the CERT-In law
The Need for a VPN in India
VPNs (or Virtual Private Networks) are handy security tools that route your internet connection through a secure server, where it’s encrypted, boosting your digital privacy and anonymity. As you can imagine, with India tightening internet regulations and imposing data surveillance, VPNs have become must-have solutions for citizens looking for a way to safeguard their sensitive information.
Concerns over Online Privacy
We don’t encourage breaking the law, but if you want unrestricted access to any content — even the ones blocked in your country — NordVPN is a service you can turn to. We know this ourselves because on our recent trip to China, we were able to use NordVPN to bypass content restrictions. It was one of the three VPNs we tested that worked in China.
Bypassing Content Restrictions
We don’t encourage breaking the law, but if you want unrestricted access to any content — even the ones blocked in your country — NordVPN is a service you can turn to. We know this ourselves because on our recent trip to China, we were able to use NordVPN to bypass content restrictions. It was one of the three VPNs we tested that worked in China.
How We Evaluated the Best VPNs for India
Next, we retested the VPNs, putting ourselves in the shoes of a VPN user in India. We checked their ability to unblock websites, their speed, and the user-friendliness of their apps. We also made sure these VPNs worked on a wide range of operating systems, from mobile devices to desktops. Finally, we noted whether or not they work on Linux after seeing that Linux’s market share in India is significantly higher than in most other countries.
Security and Privacy Features
Let’s talk about the more technical aspect of NordVPN and why it’s one of the best and most privacy-friendly VPNs right now. One of our favorite VPN features for privacy is multihop, also known as Double VPN. This is for those who want absolute privacy, whether for work or for activism. Essentially, Double VPN connected us to two VPN servers, each adding a layer of encryption to make our traffic uncrackable. We often use it when we’re doing investigative journalism, and with the Indian government stepping up internet surveillance, it may prove useful for some users.
Server Locations and Virtual Servers
Because of the CERT-In law, your safest bet is to connect to a server located in one of the neighboring countries of India, like Singapore, Malaysia, or the United Arab Emirates. We also found a few reputable VPNs with India servers, but rather than physical servers, they use virtual servers. Virtual servers can provide India IP addresses while physically located somewhere else, usually Singapore. These virtual servers effectively sidestep the CERT-In law, while offering great speeds because they’re located near or around India.
Streaming and Unblocking Capabilities
India is a democracy, but according to the reputable nonprofit organization, Freedom House, it’s only partly free in terms of online freedom. In particular, the organization mentions recent instances of internet filtering and censorship. We don’t encourage breaking the law, but if you want unrestricted access to any content — even the ones blocked in your country — NordVPN is a service you can turn to.
Speed and Performance
Speaking of fast servers, we tested the VPN speed of NordVPN. To make our results more accurate, we connected to a server in Utah roughly 2,000 miles away from where we live. That’s the same distance between New Delhi and Singapore, the location of NordVPN’s India virtual server. We’re happy to report that even at that distance, we got an average download speed of 227 Mbps on our 250 Mbps internet connection. That’s a nine percent decrease. The average fixed broadband internet speed in India is 62 Mbps, so if we apply the same percentage decrease, we get 56 Mbps, which is still a great speed for downloads and streaming.
NordVPN – Best Privacy-Focused VPN
Let’s talk about the more technical aspect of NordVPN and why it’s one of the best and most privacy-friendly VPNs right now. One of our favorite VPN features for privacy is multihop, also known as Double VPN. This is for those who want absolute privacy, whether for work or for activism. Essentially, Double VPN connected us to two VPN servers, each adding a layer of encryption to make our traffic uncrackable. We often use it when we’re doing investigative journalism, and with the Indian government stepping up internet surveillance, it may prove useful for some users.
A NordVPN subscription, which starts at $3.79 per month, gives you access to all NordVPN apps on up to 10 devices, and all NordVPN features. One of our favorite VPN features for privacy is multihop, also known as Double VPN. This is for those who want absolute privacy, whether for work or for activism. Essentially, Double VPN connected us to two VPN servers, each adding a layer of encryption to make our traffic uncrackable.
Fast Servers and Specialty Servers
Speaking of fast servers, we tested the VPN speed of NordVPN. To make our results more accurate, we connected to a server in Utah roughly 2,000 miles away from where we live. That’s the same distance between New Delhi and Singapore, the location of NordVPN’s India virtual server. We’re happy to report that even at that distance, we got an average download speed of 227 Mbps on our 250 Mbps internet connection. That’s a nine percent decrease. The average fixed broadband internet speed in India is 62 Mbps4, so if we apply the same percentage decrease, we get 56 Mbps, which is still a great speed for downloads and streaming.
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Surfshark – Best for Hiding VPN Activity
Surfshark took a quick and immediate stand when the new data logging law in India was passed. It immediately announced the closure of its servers in the country, and also, that the company will be setting up virtual servers with Indian IP addresses.6 Currently, Surfshark’s virtual servers in India offer IP addresses in Mumbai and Delhi. The servers are physically located in either Singapore, London, or the Netherlands, but if you use Surfshark’s quick connect feature (which has always connected us to the nearest available server), it’ll most likely connect you to the one in Singapore.
Virtual Servers in India
Surfshark’s virtual servers in India offer IP addresses in Mumbai and Delhi. The servers are physically located in either Singapore, London, or the Netherlands, but if you use Surfshark’s quick connect feature (which has always connected us to the nearest available server), it’ll most likely connect you to the one in Singapore.
Fast Speeds
Surfshark is one of the quickest VPNs money can buy – and ideal for streaming.
Private Internet Access VPN – Best for Content Unblocking
While India may be a democracy, its online freedom is only partly free, according to the respected nonprofit organization Freedom House.5 The organization highlights recent instances of internet filtering and censorship in the country. While we do not encourage breaking the law, if you seek unrestricted access to any content – even those blocked in your region – Private Internet Access VPN can be a valuable service to consider.
Unblocking Censored Websites
Private Internet Access VPN offers a robust solution for bypassing content restrictions and accessing censored websites in India. By connecting to one of their secure servers located outside of the country, you can effectively circumvent internet filters and enjoy unfettered access to a wide range of online resources.
Access to Streaming Services
In addition to unblocking censored content, Private Internet Access VPN excels at providing access to various streaming platforms, even those that may be geo-restricted in India. Whether you’re looking to stream the latest movies, TV shows, or live events, this VPN can help you overcome location-based restrictions and enjoy your content seamlessly.
Proton VPN – Best VPN for India with Dedicated IP Addresses
Proton VPN is a privacy-focused VPN service that stands out with its unique offering of dedicated IP addresses, making it an excellent choice for users in India. Unlike shared IP addresses, dedicated IPs provide an extra layer of security and anonymity by ensuring your internet traffic is not commingled with other users.
One of the key advantages of Proton VPN’s dedicated IP addresses is their ability to bypass content restrictions and access geo-blocked content. This is particularly useful in India, where certain websites and online platforms may be censored or inaccessible. With a dedicated IP, you can easily circumvent these restrictions and enjoy unrestricted access to the internet.
In addition to its dedicated IP capabilities, Proton VPN boasts a strong focus on privacy and security. The service uses robust encryption protocols, such as OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec, to protect your online activities. Furthermore, Proton VPN maintains a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that your personal information and internet usage data are never stored or shared.
With server locations in neighboring countries like Singapore, Proton VPN offers reliable and fast connections for users in India, even with the virtual server setup. The company’s commitment to user privacy and its innovative dedicated IP feature make it a standout choice for those seeking a secure and versatile VPN solution in the region.
ExpressVPN – Best for Streaming
When it comes to unblocking popular streaming platforms, ExpressVPN stands out as a top choice. This reliable VPN service boasts a great record of bypassing geo-restrictions, allowing users to access content from Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more, no matter where they are in the world.
Unblocking Popular Streaming Platforms
ExpressVPN’s extensive server network and advanced unblocking capabilities make it an excellent option for Indian users who want to enjoy their favorite shows and movies without any restrictions. Whether you’re in New Delhi, Mumbai, or any other city in India, ExpressVPN can reliably unlock access to a wide range of streaming platforms, ensuring you never miss out on the latest content.
User-Friendly Apps
In addition to its streaming prowess, ExpressVPN offers a comprehensive suite of user-friendly apps for a variety of devices, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and even Linux. With support for up to 5 simultaneous connections, you can protect all your devices and enjoy a seamless streaming experience across your entire household.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a VPN for India
When selecting a VPN for use in India, there are several crucial factors to consider to ensure optimal security, privacy, and performance. Let’s dive into the key aspects you should prioritize.
Server Locations
Due to the recent CERT-In law, connecting to a server located in one of India’s neighboring countries, such as Singapore, Malaysia, or the United Arab Emirates, is generally your safest bet. Some reputable VPNs also offer virtual servers with Indian IP addresses, which can effectively bypass the CERT-In requirements while still delivering great speeds since they’re physically situated near or around India.
Security and Privacy
For enhanced privacy and security, look for VPNs with advanced features like multihop, also known as Double VPN. This innovative technology connects your device to two separate VPN servers, adding an extra layer of encryption to keep your internet activities completely uncrackable, even in the face of heightened government surveillance.
Compatibility and Usability
Ensure the VPN you choose offers user-friendly apps across a wide range of devices, from Windows and macOS to iOS, Android, and even Linux. The ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously is also a valuable consideration, as it allows you to protect all your gadgets under a single subscription.
Conclusion
After thoroughly evaluating the top VPN options for India, I can confidently recommend NordVPN as the best overall choice. Its robust security features, including Double VPN and Onion Over VPN, make it an excellent pick for users seeking the utmost privacy protection. NordVPN’s fast servers, including virtual servers in India, ensure a seamless browsing experience, even with the CERT-In law in place.
While other VPNs like Surfshark and Private Internet Access also performed well in my tests, NordVPN stands out for its unwavering commitment to user privacy and its ability to consistently unblock restricted content. Whether you’re looking to bypass content restrictions, protect your sensitive information, or simply enjoy a fast and reliable VPN connection, NordVPN is the top-tier solution for users in India.
Ultimately, the choice of the best VPN for India will depend on your specific needs and priorities. But with NordVPN’s impressive combination of security, speed, and unblocking capabilities, it remains the clear frontrunner in my evaluation. Give it a try, and experience the difference a truly premier VPN can make in safeguarding your online activities.
