When you try to access streaming platforms like Disney+ Hotstar or SonyLIV from outside India, you’ll see a page that tells you the service isn’t available in the country you’re in. It’s because the platforms are geoblocked and you’ll need an Indian IP address to access them. However, if you don’t know how to get an Indian IP address using a VPN, we’ve got your back.
Key Takeaways:
- If you want unrestricted access to Indian websites, you’ll need an Indian IP. You can get one using a VPN.
- We recommend ExpressVPN because it’s fast, secure and gets into most streaming platforms. However, if you’re looking for a low-cost alternative, Surfshark and CyberGhost are good choices.
- It’s best to stay away from free VPNs because they’re usually slow and insecure.
A VPN (virtual private network) with Indian servers can assign you an Indian IP address, which will help you access geoblocked Indian content and websites or your Indian bank account. Once you have an Indian IP address, you can get your adrenaline pumping with The Family Man on Amazon Prime Video India, or kick back with a beer watching Scam 1992 on SonyLIV.
The problem? Many major VPNs like NordVPN removed their Indian servers following the introduction of a new law by the Indian government requiring VPNs to collect and store user data for a minimum of five years. Other services like ExpressVPN came up with an alternative. ExpressVPN removed its physical servers, but now offers virtual servers via the U.K. and Singapore to bypass the law.
In this guide, we talk about three major services that have virtual servers in India. We also give you an overview of their performance, so you can take your pick.
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08/31/2022 Facts checked
Since our last update, the Indian government has introduced a new law requiring VPN service providers to log user data. Most major service providers have removed physical servers from India in response. We’ve updated this article to reflect these events.
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You can spoof your location using a VPN. You need to sign up with a VPN (virtual private network), download and install its app and connect to a server in India to get an IP address in India. Most major VPN services now offer virtual servers, but they can still help you acquire an Indian IP address. Note that for this to work, you should allow the website to access your location when asked on the browser.
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Most major VPN services including ExpressVPN, Surfshark and CyberGhost give you access to Indian servers, though they are virtual servers. All major VPN services removed physical servers from India following the implementation of a law that required VPN services to log user data.
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There used to be secure and trustworthy VPNs with free servers in India, such as TunnelBear and hide.me. Unfortunately, that’s no longer the case. There are now no secure free VPNs with Indian servers.
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Windscribe is the best free VPN for India, but it doesn’t have a free server in India, so you won’t be able to access geoblocked Indian TV channels online like India TV.
Quick Guide: How to Get an Indian IP Address With a VPN
It’s fairly easy to set up a VPN and get an Indian IP address, but if you haven’t used a VPN before, we have a three-step guide to get you started.
- Download and Install a VPN
Sign up with a VPN that has Indian servers — we recommend ExpressVPN. Download the VPN app and install it on your device.
- Connect to a Server in India
Launch the VPN app after installation and you’ll see a list of VPN servers. Search the list and connect to a server in India.
- Access Indian Streaming Services
Once you’ve acquired an India IP address, you should be able to access geoblocked Indian TV channels and streaming services. You’ll also be able to access the Indian libraries of streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video or watch live cricket on Hotstar.
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What Are the Best VPNs With Indian Servers?
Most major VPNs now have virtual servers in India. However, there’s more to look for in a VPN than Indian servers, like speed, security and reliability. Below are our top three VPNs with Indian servers.
- ExpressVPN — Lightning-fast speeds and excellent streaming ability
- Surfshark — Low-cost and user-friendly VPN
- CyberGhost — Massive server network
We’ve recommended the three VPNs based on their feature portfolios and overall performance. They offer fast speeds for buffer-free streaming, excellent security to keep your data safe and the ability to get into most streaming platforms. We discuss the things we look for (and you should, too) in a VPN before recommending them below.
Security & Privacy
You’ll want to keep your data secure when you’re online, especially for data-sensitive tasks like online banking. This is why you should look for a strict no-logs policy and security features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection.
It’s also important for your VPN to have a strong encryption and security protocol. Ideally, look for AES-256 encryption combined with protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2 or WireGuard.
Speed
Once you’re connected to a VPN server, your traffic will be routed through that intermediary server. Therefore, your data will take longer to travel, causing your speeds to decline. This mechanism will always cause a slight reduction in your speed when you use a VPN, especially when using virtual servers.
However, the reduction in speed will be minimal when you’re using one of our fastest VPNs. In some cases, you might even see an improvement in your connection speed if your ISP had been throttling your bandwidth.
Streaming Services
Indian streaming services like Disney+ Hotstar, SonyLIV and Voot are geoblocked outside India. You’ll need a VPN that can effectively bypass these geoblocks. What’s even harder is getting past the Netflix VPN ban if you’re trying to access Netflix India. Choosing one of our best VPNs for streaming ensures that you’re able to bypass geoblocks on the most popular streaming services.
The 3 Best VPNs With Indian IP Addresses
Now that you know how you can get an Indian IP address, let’s talk a little bit about the best VPNs for the purpose, so you’re in a better position to pick one.
1. ExpressVPN
More details about ExpressVPN:
- Pricing: $6.66 per month
- Provider website: expressvpn.com
Pros:
- Fastest VPN around
- Secure Lightway protocol
- Unblocks most streaming apps
Cons:
- Expensive
- Lacks dedicated IP addresses
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for getting an Indian IP address. Since India adopted stringent VPN data laws, ExpressVPN has removed its physical servers from the country. Luckily, you can still get an IP address via two virtual server locations.
ExpressVPN offers an unrivaled feature portfolio including fast speeds, strong security and a strict no-logs policy. It also comes with in-app split tunneling, a kill switch (called Network Lock), AES-256 encryption and its proprietary Lightway protocol. Learn more about its extensive feature set in our ExpressVPN review.
ExpressVPN comes with all the bells and whistles, but it’s also expensive. If you’re open to paying a higher price — provided the service exceeds your expectations — you can take it for a spin using its 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, you can claim a full refund.
- Unlimited GB
- 5
- Yes
2. Surfshark
More details about Surfshark:
- Pricing: $2.49 per month
- Provider website: surfshark.com
Pros:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- User-friendly interface
- Pocket-friendly
Cons:
- No user forum
Surfshark has 3,200+ servers across 65 countries, with virtual Indian servers located in Singapore, Netherlands and London. Though not as fast as ExpressVPN, it’s still fast enough to deliver a buffer-free streaming experience. It has AES-256 encryption and protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2 and WireGuard.
Surfshark also allows split tunneling, though only on Windows and Android devices and through the browser extension. It offers unlimited simultaneous connections as well, which neither ExpressVPN nor NordVPN offer.
It’s also a pocket-friendly service. If you’re on a budget, you should certainly consider Surfshark. Learn more about Surfshark in our Surfshark review, or try out Surfshark yourself. If you don’t like Surfshark, you can always use the 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Yes
3. CyberGhost
More details about CyberGhost:
- Pricing: $2.37 per month
- Provider website: cyberghostvpn.com
Pros:
- Massive server network
- User-friendly interface
- Automation features
Cons:
- Slow
CyberGhost has one of the largest server networks of any VPN, with over 8,900 servers spread across 91 countries. You can connect to one of its virtual server locations in Mumbai to acquire an Indian IP address.
With CyberGhost, you get an excellent mix of features and user-friendliness. It offers all the essentials — a kill switch, split tunneling and a large server network — and a few extras. For example, you get VPN automation features using “smart rules” and a powerful ad blocker.
The desktop interface is exceptional. It lets you sort servers based on server load and distance from your physical location. Given that CyberGhost is slower than other services, looking at the server load and distance to server might help you pick a server that will deliver optimal performance.
CyberGhost is the least expensive VPN on this list. If you’re looking to minimize costs while you try your first VPN, CyberGhost might be a safe bet to take. You can still always claim a full refund if you change your mind, using CyberGhost’s generous 45-day money-back guarantee on one of its annual plans.
Learn more in our full CyberGhost review.
- Unlimited GB
- 7
- Yes
Can I Use a Free VPN to Get an Indian IP Address?
Unfortunately, there are no longer any free VPNs with servers in India, at least not any that we trust. Free VPNs and proxy servers are usually a bad idea. They’re rarely secure and often too slow to deliver an enjoyable streaming experience. This is especially true if you’re using one of the worst free VPNs out there.
What Are the Dangers of Using VPNs for an Indian IP Address?
Freedom House rates India’s internet freedom as “partly free.” The report mentions that internet freedom has deteriorated for four consecutive years because of widespread internet curbs and a ban on Chinese apps like TikTok and WeChat.
Freedom House also cites reports that found evidence of the government having access to sophisticated spyware technology for monitoring activists, opposition figures, journalists and other parties of interest.
When you’re using an Indian IP address, you’ll be subject to the same laws, regulations and monitoring. Using a VPN will ensure that your identity remains anonymous and your data is encrypted so no one can access it.
However, with the recent introduction of a law that requires VPN service providers to log user data, many major VPNs have removed physical servers from India. They offer virtual servers instead as a way to dodge the logging requirement. Essentially, they can still assign you an Indian IP address, but without having to log your data. If you want to learn more, check our best VPNs for India guide.
Final Thoughts
Many major VPNs now have virtual Indian VPN servers. However, you shouldn’t choose a VPN based solely on the availability of Indian servers. A VPN should also be fast, keep your data secure and be able to bypass geoblocks effectively.
We recommend trying ExpressVPN because of its comprehensive feature portfolio. If you’re looking for something with a smaller price tag, consider Surfshark or CyberGhost.
For similar articles, check out our guides on how to get a Bangladesh IP address or Afghan IP address.
Have you used a VPN to get an Indian IP before? If yes, which VPN did you use? Were you able to bypass geoblocks on websites like Disney+ Hotstar or access Indian libraries on platforms like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video? Let us know in the comments section below, and as always, thanks for reading.
The post How to Get an Indian IP Address in 2023: Best VPN Server in India appeared first on Cloudwards.
