Top 5 best VPN for India: Hotstar & JioCinema tested 2026

India boasts the world’s second-largest internet user base, yet it faces a digital paradox: Online privacy here is under siege. Since the enforcement of strict CERT-In data logging directives, the landscape for the Best VPN for India has shifted dramatically. Major providers like NordVPN and ExpressVPN famously pulled their physical servers out of the country to protect user anonymity.

So, how do you safely get an Indian IP address to stream Cricket from abroad? Or, how can locals stay truly hidden from government surveillance? The answer lies in “Virtual Servers”.

At Safelyo, we’ve rigorously tested over 30 providers to identify the top solutions for 2026 that successfully bypass these logging laws. Whether you need privacy inside India or streaming access from outside, here are your safest bets.

Quick Summary: Top VPNs for India (2026)

1. How we tested these VPNs for India (Methodology)

At Safelyo, we don’t just rewrite marketing claims. To ensure our recommendations are safe for the strict digital environment of 2026, we subjected over 30 Virtual Private Networks to a rigorous testing process. This process evaluated their security protocols and encryption standards specific to the Indian market.

Here is exactly how we evaluated them:

1. Virtual Server Verification

We used advanced latency tests and traceroute tools to verify the physical location of the servers. If a VPN claimed to have an “Indian Server,” we checked if the ping time correlated with a physical location in Singapore or the UK. We also verified if it was falsely routing through a physical server still inside India, which would be a privacy risk.

2. The "JioHotstar" Challenge

We tested each VPN against India’s toughest streaming platforms: JioHotstar, SonyLIV, and Zee5. We logged in from test locations in the US and Europe to verify their unblocking capabilities against geo-restricted content and see if they could stream video in HD without buffering.

3. Privacy & Leak Tests

We ran tests on IPLeak.net and DNSLeakTest.com to ensure that while connected to an Indian IP, our real location wasn’t leaking via DNS flaws or WebRTC leaks. This is critical for users trying to stay anonymous, and we also checked for advanced features during this testing phase.

4. Speed Performance

We conducted speed tests using the Ookla Speedtest tool. We measured the drop in download speeds when connecting to virtual Indian servers from three different continents to ensure the connection is fast enough for gaming and 4K streaming.

5. Policy Analysis

We read the fine print. We specifically looked for updated privacy policies regarding the CERT-In 2022/2026 directives to confirm the provider has a legal framework in place to refuse data logging requests from Indian authorities.

2. Why did good VPNs leave India?

Before we list the apps, we need to address the massive shift in the Indian VPN market. If you have noticed that your favorite VPN no longer has a “Physical New Delhi” server, don’t panic. That is actually a good thing.

Here is the story behind the data privacy battle:

The CERT-In directive (The privacy killer)

In 2022, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) enforced a controversial cybersecurity directive. It mandated that all VPN providers operating physical servers within Indian borders must collect and store user data for five years.

This data includes your real name, physical address, phone number, and even your reason for using the service. Essentially, this law significantly weakened the privacy guarantees VPNs are meant to provide.

The Exodus: A Badge of Honor

Faced with a choice between complying (spying on users) or leaving, the most trustworthy providers chose to leave. Industry giants like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark immediately shut down their physical Indian servers.

This wasn’t an act of abandonment; it was an act of integrity. By removing their hardware from Indian soil, they ensured that they could honor their strict No-Logs Policies. If a VPN still has physical servers in India today, you have to ask yourself: Are they logging my data to satisfy CERT-In?

The Solution: Virtual Servers

So, how do you still get an Indian IP address? The solution is virtualized servers. Top providers now use a clever technical workaround. When you connect to a “Virtual India” location:

1. Software Layer: Your device gets an Indian IP address, so websites like Hotstar think you are in Mumbai.
2. Physical Layer: Your data is actually routed through a secure server located in Singapore, the UK, or the Netherlands.

The Result: Since the physical server is outside India’s jurisdiction, the CERT-In data logging laws do not apply. You get the local access you need with the privacy you deserve.

3. Detailed reviews: Best VPNs for India in 2026

Finding the Best VPN for India isn’t just about speed anymore. It’s about trusting a provider that respects your data enough to leave the country. After extensive testing of over 30 providers, we have selected the top 5 distinct winners. These VPNs have successfully navigated the CERT-In regulations by adopting Virtual Indian Servers – giving you the local IP you need without the privacy risks you hate.

2.1. #1 – Surfshark

Surfshark is one of the first providers to shut down its physical servers in India and replace them with virtual locations in Singapore, the Netherlands, and London. During my testing, I successfully used Surfshark’s “India – Mumbai” virtual location to watch the IPL highlights from a hotel room in New York. The stream started in HD instantly without any “VPN detected” errors.

Why it’s the best for India:

• Virtual servers: When you select “India” in the Surfshark app, you get an Indian IP address, but your data is physically routed through a server in Singapore or London. This means Indian authorities cannot demand your logs because the hardware simply isn’t there.
• Pricing: Let’s be honest, we all love a good deal. Surfshark costs less than a few cups of masala chai per month. For the features you get, including the remarkable ease of use across unlimited devices, it’s a steal for Indian families.
• Streaming & Camouflage: During my tests, Surfshark unblocked JioHotstar (formerly Disney+ Hotstar) and SonyLIV on the first try. More importantly, its “Camouflage Mode” makes your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic. This feature is crucial if you are using Jio or Airtel fiber and want to avoid ISP throttling.

PROS

CONS

2.2. #2 – ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN was arguably the most vocal critic of the CERT-In directives and acted swiftly to launch “India (via Singapore)” and “India (via UK)” servers. I tested their Lightway protocol, and the connection stability is impressive. Even when switching from Wi-Fi to 5G, the VPN connection didn’t drop, ensuring my download of a Bollywood movie wasn’t interrupted.

Why it’s a top pick:

• Unmatched speed: In my speed tests, ExpressVPN consistently topped the charts. This is vital for streaming live sports like Cricket on JioHotstar, where a 5-second buffer means you miss a wicket.
• Transparency: The app clearly labels its servers (e.g., “India (via Singapore)”), so you know exactly where your data is being routed.
• Reliability: Unlike cheaper options, ExpressVPN offers superior customer support to help with unblocking issues and refreshes IP addresses frequently to maintain high speed.

PROS

CONS

2.3. #3 – NordVPN

While NordVPN focuses heavily on privacy, they do offer virtual Indian server options now if you need to access local banking apps safely while traveling. Operating from the privacy-friendly jurisdiction of Panama, NordVPN ensures that no data retention laws can touch your browsing history.

Why it’s crucial for privacy:

• Double VPN & Obfuscation: NordVPN offers “Obfuscated Servers”, which are essential for bypassing heavy internet restrictions or firewalls often found in corporate offices or university campuses in India.
• Diskless servers: They don’t just promise privacy; they engineer it. Their RAM-only servers wipe all data upon every reboot.
• Meshnet feature: This is a hidden gem. You can use Meshnet to route traffic through your home device. For example, you can share your Netflix account safely with your family by routing their traffic through your IP, bypassing the “household” restrictions.
• Security & Encryption: It utilizes next-generation encryption to protect your activities from digital censorship and surveillance.

PROS

CONS

2.4. #4 – Proton VPN

It is the only safe, free VPN for India I recommend because it has a strict no-logs policy and is backed by Swiss privacy laws.

The Catch (Read carefully):

• Unlimited Data: Unlike other free VPNs that cap you at 500MB, Proton VPN Free gives you unlimited bandwidth. This is perfect for reading news sites or accessing blocked content safely.
• The Caveat: The free version does NOT include Indian servers. You will be connected to servers in the USA, the Netherlands, or Japan.

Verdict: It is excellent for privacy and bypassing censorship inside India, but you cannot use the free version to watch Hotstar outside India. For that, you must upgrade to the Plus plan.

PROS

CONS

2.5. #5 – Private Internet Access (PIA)

For the gamers trying to climb the ranks in BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India), high ping is the enemy. I tweaked the settings to use the WireGuard protocol with small packets, and the experience on BGMI was surprisingly smooth, with no rubber-banding during intense firefights.

Why gamers love it:

• Ping stability: PIA has a massive network of virtualized servers. While using a VPN might slightly increase ping due to distance, PIA’s network stability reduces “jitter” and lag spikes, which are far worse for gaming.
• Port forwarding: This is a rare feature that allows you to host gaming servers or optimize P2P connections, something most other commercial VPNs have removed.
• Customizable encryption: You can lower the encryption level to AES-128 (still safe for gaming) to squeeze out faster speeds and lower latency compared to the standard AES-256.

PROS

CONS

3. India streaming matrix 2026 (Tested)

Let’s get real: Most people buy a best vpn for JioCinema to watch cricket or Bollywood movies. However, streaming platforms have declared war on VPNs. In 2026, the landscape shifted massively with the merger of giants to form JioHotstar, creating one of the toughest geo-blocks to bypass.

We didn’t just read the marketing brochures; we relied on rigorous testing. We manually performed testing on each provider against India’s top OTT platforms using their virtual Indian servers. Here is the reality of what works and what doesn’t as of 02/2026.

The streaming compatibility chart:

Key takeaways:

• The winners: ExpressVPN and Surfshark remain the best options for unblocking content and are the only “green-across-the-board” choices. They refresh their virtual IP addresses frequently enough to stay one step ahead of JioHotstar’s detection algorithms.
• The NordVPN Hiccup: While NordVPN is a privacy powerhouse, we noticed it occasionally struggles with JioHotstar. You may need to clear your cache or switch cities (e.g., from virtual Mumbai to virtual Chennai) to get the stream loading.

4. Buying guide: How to choose based on your location

When choosing a VPN for India in 2026, there is no “one size fits all”. Your priority depends entirely on where you are physically standing on the map. The needs of a student in Mumbai are completely different from those of an expat in London.

Here is how to pick the right tool for your specific situation:

4.1. Scenario A: You are living in India (Privacy is Priority)

If you are connecting from within Indian borders (e.g., Delhi, Bangalore), your main threats are government surveillance, ISP tracking (Jio/Airtel), and bandwidth throttling.

• Look for “Obfuscation”: Among the security features, this is non-negotiable. Indian ISPs use Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) to block VPN traffic. Features like Surfshark’s Camouflage Mode or NordVPN’s Obfuscated Servers disguise your VPN data as regular HTTPS traffic, allowing you to bypass these blocks.
• Offshore Jurisdiction: Ensure the VPN company is headquartered outside of India and in Five Eyes alliances (e.g., Panama, British Virgin Islands). This ensures that even if the Indian government demands data, the company is legally unable to comply due to its strict no-logs policy, ensuring a safer user experience.
• Kill Switch: Internet stability in India can fluctuate. A Kill Switch ensures that if your VPN connection drops for a second, your real IP isn’t exposed to your ISP.

4.2. Scenario B: You are outside India (Content is Priority)

If you are an NRI or traveler in the US, UK, or Canada, your goal is to get an Indian IP address to access home content.

• Virtual server reliability: Your primary goal is reliable content access, so you need a solution capable of bypassing geo-restricted content while maintaining high speed. Ensure the provider explicitly states they use Virtual Servers. Physical servers are risky and mostly extinct.
• Streaming support: Not all Indian IPs work with JioHotstar or SonyLIV. Choose a VPN that actively refreshes its IP pool (like ExpressVPN) to avoid the dreaded “Proxy Detected” error screen.
• Speed: Streaming Live Cricket in HD requires significant bandwidth. Look for VPNs supporting the WireGuard protocol for the fastest speeds.

5. How to get an Indian IP address safely

Getting an Indian IP address while physically located in New York, London, or Dubai is surprisingly simple. You don’t need to be a tech wizard; you just need the right tool.

Follow this quick 3-step guide to bypass geo-blocks instantly:

1. Get a VPN with Virtual Servers: First, sign up for a reliable provider. We highly recommend Surfshark for this because it offers specific static Indian IPs and is budget-friendly. NordVPN is a top-tier choice, too. Download and install the app on your device (Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS).
2. Search for “India”: Open the app and log in. In the search bar/locations menu, type “India”. You will likely see options like India – Delhi or India – Mumbai.
3. Verify & Connect.
4. Crucial Step: Look for a small tag or text that says “Virtual” or “via Singapore/UK” next to the location name.
   • Why? This confirms you are using a safe, virtual server that is immune to Indian data logging laws.
   • Click to connect. Within seconds, your digital location will shift to India.

Success: You can now open JioHotstar or your banking app. The website will treat you exactly as if you were browsing from a cafe in Mumbai.

6. Troubleshooting: VPN not working in India?

It is a common scenario: You have installed the VPN, connected to a server, but JioHotstar still shows a black screen, or the connection simply refuses to establish. Don’t worry; your VPN isn’t broken. You are likely facing ISP throttling or a “cached” location error.

Here is a quick checklist to fix the most common issues:

1. Switch Protocols (The Magic Fix)

If your VPN connection is unstable, go to your VPN settings. Switch from “Auto” to OpenVPN (TCP). This protocol is slightly slower but much harder for firewalls to block than the faster WireGuard or IKEv2 protocols.

2. Enable "Stealth" or "Obfuscation"

Major Indian Internet Service Providers like Reliance Jio and Airtel use Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) to identify and throttle VPN traffic.

• On Surfshark: Enable “Camouflage Mode” (which is usually active automatically with OpenVPN).
• On NordVPN: Go to specialized servers and select “Obfuscated Servers”.

This makes your encrypted data appear as regular HTTPS traffic, thereby bypassing the ISP block.

3. Clear your digital footprints

Streaming apps are smart; they store your location data in cookies. If you opened the app before turning on the VPN, it “remembers” you are in the USA or UK.

Fix: Close the app completely, go to Settings > Apps > Storage, and Clear Cache. Then, restart the VPN first before opening the app.

4. Swap virtual locations

Sometimes, the route via Singapore might be congested or flagged. Try a different virtual route. If “India (via Singapore)” is buffering, switch to “India (via UK)” or “India (via Netherlands)”. The IP remains Indian, but the traffic path changes.

7. Free VPNs for India: The dangerous trap

It is incredibly tempting to type “Free VPN India” into the Google Play Store and download the first app with a tricolor flag icon. Please, stop right there.

In the world of cybersecurity, the old adage holds true: If you aren’t paying for the product, you are the product. Most random “Free India VPN” apps lack essential security features and maintain cheap physical servers within India because they cannot afford the expensive infrastructure required for virtual routing. This leads to two critical risks:

1. Mandatory Spying: Because they use physical servers, they must legally comply with CERT-In directives. This means they are logging your real name, IP address, and browsing history for five years.
2. Data Auctioning: To keep the service “free”, many of these apps sell your bandwidth or user data to advertisers and third-party brokers.

The only safe alternative

If you have zero budget, we only recommend Proton VPN Free.

• The Good: It offers unlimited data, no ads, and is protected by strict Swiss privacy laws (No-Logs).
• The Trade-off: The free plan does NOT have Indian servers. You can connect to the US or Japan to protect your privacy while browsing inside India, but you cannot use it to get an Indian IP for streaming. If you need an Indian IP, a paid virtual server is the only safe path.

8. FAQs about VPN for India

9. Conclusion

The landscape for the Best VPN for India has fundamentally shifted in 2026. With strict data laws now the norm, “Virtual Servers” are no longer just a feature – they are the only path to true safety. You no longer have to choose between having an Indian IP and maintaining security. Most providers even offer a money-back guarantee, acting as a trial so you can find the right tool.

For the perfect balance of budget and secure virtual IPs, Surfshark is our top recommendation. If raw speed for buffering-free streaming on JioHotstar is your priority, ExpressVPN is unbeatable. Follow Safelyo for more VPN Guides and reach the master of privacy in this digital age.