7 Best Free VPN in India (2026) || Free & Privacy Friendly VPNs

Let’s be honest: most of us only use a VPN occasionally. Whether it’s bypassing government censorship or unlocking Netflix libraries from other countries, we want it to be fast and free.

But “free” doesn’t always mean free. Sometimes you’re paying with your data, bandwidth, or privacy. Over the past six years, I’ve tested dozens of VPNs on the market. Do you know most free VPNs failed my security audits? 

Well, this year, only 7 stood out. After weeks of fresh research and real-world testing, I’m going to share my honest thoughts on the 7 best free VPNs for 2026. 

My testing was based on speed, streaming performance, geo-block bypass capability, and most importantly, their ability to keep your browsing history off the dark web.At the end, I’ll also be sharing VPNs to avoid in 2026. Keep reading till the end!

7 Best Free VPNs in India [Comparison Table]

7 Best Free VPNs in India For 2026

1) Proton VPN

Proton VPN is our 1st choice for the best free VPN. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, a country known for its focus on privacy, ProtonVPN was founded in 2017. The creators of ProtonVPN are also the minds behind Proton Mail and Proton Drive, a secure email service. To offer enhanced online privacy for journalists and activists, they launched Proton VPN.

ProtonVPN’s free plan has all the essentials: blazing-fast speeds, top-notch security (think no-logs policy for ultimate privacy!), and an automatic kill switch. Basically, you can browse freely without worrying about your data leaking if the VPN connection drops.

Proton VPN Performance

• Baseline Speed: 200 Mbps
• Download Speed: 173 Mbps (13.5% decrease)
• Upload Speed: 190 Mbps (5% decrease)

Highlighted Features

1) Truly Unlimited Data

Porton VPN Free plan offers unlimited data connectivity. Users can browse and use the internet without data restrictions.

2) Free Server Expansion

Previously, the free plan allowed connections to servers in 5 countries: the United States, Poland, Romania, the Netherlands, and Japan. Now in mid 2025, Proton VPN has expanded its free network to 10 locations by adding servers in Mexico, Canada, Switzerland, Norway, and Singapore for broader global access.

3) Swiss-Based Jurisdiction

Proton VPN is headquartered in Switzerland, a country known for its strong privacy laws. Importantly, Switzerland is not part of any U.S. or EU intelligence-sharing alliances. That means the company is not legally obligated to share user data under government requests or international surveillance agreements.

4) Fourth No-Log Policy Audit

Proton VPN maintains a strict no-logs policy, which was reaffirmed in its latest independent audit conducted by Securitum in September 2025. The provider continues to support fully open-source apps and has now passed its fourth consecutive security audit. This reinforces its commitment to transparency and user privacy.

5) Broad Platform Support

Proton VPN supports all major platforms. Its apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS/iPadOS, and it can also be set up on certain router firmware. But the free plan allows only one device connection at a time.

Downsides

Even though Proton VPN offers access to 10 free server locations, you can’t manually choose a specific server. The app automatically connects you to the one with the lowest load, so speeds can vary.

Streaming performance isn’t guaranteed and can be inconsistent. The free plan also doesn’t include P2P-optimized servers, so it’s not suitable for torrenting.

Why Use ProtonVPN?

Proton VPN is one of the few free VPNs with a strict, independently audited no-logs policy. If you’re looking for a secure free VPN with unlimited data, broad device support, and reliable speeds for casual browsing, email, social media, and everyday use, Proton VPN is a solid choice.

2) Event VPN

You’ve probably heard of ExpressVPN, one of the most reliable paid VPNs in India. Event VPN is a free VPN launched by the ExpressVPN team on September 18, 2025. Its infrastructure is built on ExpressVPN’s network, ensuring a stable and secure connection. 

The app is currently available only for iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices. Event VPN runs on a 10 Gbps server network and includes major VPN features such as RAM-only servers, a kill switch, modern encryption, WireGuard protocol support, and a strict no-logs policy.

Event VPN Performance

In India

• Baseline Speed: 200 Mbps
• Download Speed: 192 Mbps (4% decrease)
• Upload Speed: 80 Mbps (60% decrease)

In Singapore

• Baseline Speed: 200 Mbps
• Download Speed: 195 Mbps (2.5% decrease)
• Upload Speed: 102 Mbps (49% decrease)

Highlighted Features

1) Highest Number of Free Servers

Event VPN gives you access to 35+ servers worldwide. The list includes all major locations such as the US, UK, Singapore, and Canada. It currently offers one of the highest numbers of servers available among free VPNs.

2) Indian Server Available

It’s the only VPN on our list that provides access to an Indian server. This ensures good speeds for users in India. But the server is virtual, as the Indian government mandates that VPN providers with physical servers in India must comply with data logging policies.

3) Built on ExpressVPN Infrastructure

ExpressVPN ranks among the best paid VPNs and is considered one of the top gaming VPNs in India. Event VPN is built on ExpressVPN’s top-tier security infrastructure, which includes ChaCha20-Poly1305 encryption, post-quantum WireGuard, 10Gbps servers, and RAM-only servers. This ensures the highest security standards along with fast speeds.

4) No Data Cap

Similar to Proton VPN, Event VPN offers unlimited data. You can stream and browse without worrying about data limits.

5) Good Download Speeds

I experienced only a 4% speed drop on the Indian server and just 2.5% drop connecting to the Singapore server. So, you won’t face major issues while downloading files, streaming in 4K, or browsing consistently.

Downsides

Unfortunately, Event VPN is currently available only for macOS and iOS. Plus, you cannot download the app on a MacBook running a macOS version lower than 15.0, which limits accessibility for many users.

The app displays ads every time you connect or disconnect from the VPN. This can become frustrating, especially for users who switch servers frequently.

Event VPN integrates with three major tracking platforms: Google AdMob, Firebase (Google), and Braze. While the VPN itself claims to follow a strong privacy policy, the app’s integration with these tracking services raises privacy concerns.

Why Use Event VPN?

Event VPN is currently a good choice for Mac, iPhone, and iPad users. It offers the most generous free plans available, including decent speeds, streaming support, and an Indian server option. But the free plan benefits may change in the future, as the company could introduce limitations to stay competitive with other VPN providers.

3) Windscribe

Looking for a reliable freemium VPN? Windscribe, launched in 2016, remains a solid option. It offers free access to servers in 10 countries and supports major protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2. The VPN is available on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux.

It also includes the R.O.B.E.R.T. feature, which lets you block specific IPs and domains, along with split tunneling for added flexibility. In July 2024, Windscribe introduced a newly audited VPN stack code called FreshScribe. This updated infrastructure shifts from centralized servers to a distributed core for authentication and configuration, reducing VPN-induced latency and improving connection speeds.

Windscribe VPN Performance

In Hong Kong

• Baseline Speed: 200 Mbps
• Download Speed: 187 Mbps (6.5% decrease)
• Upload Speed: 145 Mbps (27.5% decrease)

In USA

• Baseline Speed: 200 Mbps
• Download Speed: 176 Mbps (12% decrease)
• Upload Speed: 57 Mbps (71.5% decrease)

Highlighted Features

1) Unlimited Device Access

Windscribe VPN is available on all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It also allows unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can use it on as many devices as you like at the same time.

2) No Email Verification

You can use Windscribe without email verification. But the free data limit is reduced to 2 GB per month instead of the standard 10 GB per month available with email verification.

3) Independently Audited Privacy Policy

Windscribe has a clear no-logs policy and stores minimal data only to track your monthly data usage. Its desktop and mobile apps were independently audited in 2022. In 2024, its new VPN stack, FreshScribe, also underwent a full independent audit to improve reliability and security.

4) R.O.B.E.R.T. Feature

The R.O.B.E.R.T. feature provides basic malware and ad blocking. It’s a customizable, server-side tool that also blocks trackers and specific domains or IP addresses.

5) Streaming and P2P support

Despite being a free VPN, Windscribe can unblock several streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. It also supports P2P servers, making it suitable for torrenting.

Cons

One potential drawback is its user interface. The UI looks quite basic by 2026 standards compared to competitors, and it hasn’t changed much over the years.

Another consideration is its jurisdiction. Windscribe is based in Canada, which is part of the 14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. This may be a concern for highly privacy-conscious users.

Why Use Windscribe?

Windscribe is a good option for users who want free access to US servers and unblock streaming platforms. It’s a good free VPN with P2P support and an integrated ad blocker. But speeds can occasionally be inconsistent.

4) ZoogVPN

ZoogVPN is a free VPN service launched in 2013. It’s based in Greece, which is outside the 14 Eyes Alliance, a potential privacy advantage. The app is available on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, routers, Android TV, Blackberry, and more.

The free plan provides access to five server locations (out of 142 total): the US, Netherlands, UK, Singapore, and Germany, with manual server selection. It supports multiple protocols, including PPTP, OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, and IKEv2, along with 128-bit encryption and a stated no-logs policy. 

ZoogVPN also includes a Shadow protocol, similar to VPN obfuscation, designed to bypass censorship in restrictive regions like China, Iran, the UAE, Turkey, and Qatar. However, advanced features such as split tunneling, an ad blocker, a kill switch, and the Shadow protocol are limited to paid users.

ZoogVPN Performance

In Singapore

• Baseline Speed: 200 Mbps
• Download Speed: 75 Mbps (62.5% decrease)
• Upload Speed: 60 Mbps (70% decrease)

In USA

• Baseline Speed: 200 Mbps
• Download Speed: 149 Mbps (25.5% decrease)
• Upload Speed: 27 Mbps (86.5% decrease)

Highlighted Features

1) No Account Required

A key advantage of ZoogVPN is its no-sign-up policy. Users can simply install the app and connect, bypassing lengthy email verifications and personal detail submissions.

2) Beginner-Friendly UI

ZoogVPN offers a simple and easy-to-use interface. You just need to sign up and install the app. The homepage clearly displays buttons to connect/disconnect and allows you to choose your preferred server location with ease.

3) Audited Zero Log Policy

This VPN provider has a clearly stated privacy and no-logs policy. It stores minimal data only to monitor data usage and does not collect IP addresses or browsing activity. In 2026, its Android app underwent the Google Play MASA security audit and received a verified badge.

4) Shadow Protocol

This advanced security feature combines obfuscated proxy and VPN technologies. They bypass censorship in heavily controlled countries such as China, Iran, the UAE, Qatar, Turkey, and Russia.

5) Expansion of Free Server Locations

ZoogVPN previously offered only three free server locations: Amsterdam (Netherlands), London (UK), and Washington (USA). It has now added Singapore and Germany, so the total number of free server locations is five.

Downsides

The first issue I noticed with ZoogVPN is that it displays too many ads, which can be annoying for users. Plus, I don’t get advanced VPN features like split tunneling, a kill switch, or an ad blocker on the free plan.

Streaming doesn’t work reliably, and free users only get basic 128-bit encryption instead of 256-bit AES encryption. During testing, upload speeds dropped by around 90%, which is not ideal for slow or large file transfers.

Why use ZoogVPN?

ZoogVPN is ideal for beginners who want quick VPN access without a lengthy sign-up process. Also, if you’re in a country that actively blocks VPN connections, its Shadow Mode can help you get online in restricted regions.

5) PrivadoVPN

PrivadoVPN, a Swiss company, was launched in April 2019. It initially focused on enterprise solutions for Windows and Android. In December 2019, responding to the growing demand for online privacy, the company introduced a free, high-quality VPN service.

Its free plan offers 10 GB of data per month and access to 13 server locations, allowing users to browse and stream content. It covers the essentials well, including secure traffic tunneling, a no-logs policy, IP address masking, and overall online privacy protection. Another advantage is that it supports unlimited simultaneous device connections.

In January 2025, PrivadoVPN was removed from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store in India. Indian government regulations require VPN providers to store user data for five years, and this policy conflicts with PrivadoVPN’s no-logs policy. But we can still download the APK file directly from the official website and install it manually on our mobile.

Privado VPN Performance

In India

• Baseline Speed: 200 Mbps
• Download Speed: 91.6 Mbps (54.2% decrease)
• Upload Speed: 16.9 Mbps (91.55% decrease)

In USA

• Baseline Speed: 200 Mbps
• Download Speed: 4 Mbps (98% decrease)
• Upload Speed: 52 Mbps (74% decrease)

Highlighted Features

1) Indian Server

PrivadoVPN operates a virtual server in India (via Mumbai). This allows users to access Indian OTT platforms like Disney+ and complete services such as UPI payments while connected.

2) 13 Server Locations

The free plan provides access to 13 global server locations. PrivadoVPN has recently increased its free server count from 10 to 13, covering several major regions worldwide.

3) Headquartered in Switzerland

PrivadoVPN is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland. It operates under Swiss privacy laws, which are known for strong data protection standards. Switzerland is also not part of any major intelligence-sharing alliances.

4) P2P and Streaming Allowed

PrivadoVPN supports P2P on all its servers, so you can torrent without needing to connect to a specific server. At the same time, it can unblock major streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, SonyLIV, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer.    

5) Unlimited Device Access

Similar to Proton VPN, PrivadoVPN allows unlimited simultaneous connections. You can use it on multiple devices at the same time, including your mobile, tablet, laptop, Android TV, and more.    

Downsides

The biggest drawback of PrivadoVPN users is its speed performance. During testing on my 200 Mbps baseline connection, I experienced an 80–90% speed drop. Such a significant reduction makes streaming and torrenting unreliable. You’re also likely to experience high VPN-induced latency, which can affect overall browsing and video quality.

Why Use PrivadoVPN?

PrivadoVPN’s free plan is a good option for users who want to access Indian servers from outside India. It allows you to make UPI payments and stream Indian OTT platforms while connected.

6) Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield is another VPN I’m reviewing this year based on viewers’ requests. It’s a freemium VPN that was first launched in 2008 for Windows and macOS, and later expanded to support other platforms.

The VPN is operated by Pango Inc. (formerly AnchorFree Inc.), which was acquired by Aura in 2020. It is headquartered in California, United States, a jurisdiction that falls under the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. 

Hotspot Shield includes essential VPN features such as strong encryption, its proprietary Hydra protocol (along with other protocols), a kill switch, split tunneling, and IP leak protection.

Globally, Hotspot Shield has servers in 80+ countries and 35+ cities. However, free users get access only to limited, high-demand server locations. The VPN is available on Android, Windows, macOS, Smart TVs, and more, but the free plan allows connection on only one device at a time.

Highlighted Features

1) Exceptional Speed

Compared to Proton VPN or TunnelBear, Hotspot Shield offers faster connection speeds. This makes it suitable for streaming, gaming, and video calls without major interruptions.

2) Unlimited Data

Previously, Hotspot Shield offered a 500 MB per day data cap on its free plan. Now, you can unlock extra data by watching ads on their platform. So, they allow unlimited bandwidth usage.

3) Proprietary Hydra Protocol

Along with WireGuard and IKEv2 (IPSec), Hotspot Shield offers its company-developed Hydra protocol. It is designed to deliver enhanced security and faster connection speeds.

Downsides

The biggest drawback is privacy concerns due to its ad-supported model. To display ads, the VPN provider may share certain data with advertisers. In fact, free users are forced to watch ads every 15 minutes to continue accessing unlimited data.

Hotspot Shield is based in the United States. Hence, it is subject to federal data requests. Although it operates 115+ servers globally, free users are typically restricted to 1–4 server locations. They are often limited to the US, and sometimes the UK or Singapore, with automatic server selection.

Another concern is that the privacy policies differ for free and paid users. Additionally, the free plan does not reliably unblock streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, or Hulu.

Should You Use Hotspot Shield?

One thing is clear: Hotspot Shield operates its free VPN on an ad-supported model. Its privacy policy for free users raises concerns, and it may collect user data to run ads. Because of these privacy trade-offs, I would not recommend Hotspot Shield to my audience.

7) Bitdefender VPN

Bitdefender is a cybersecurity company, popular for its antivirus software since its founding in 2001. Over the years, it expanded its product lineup to include both free and premium VPN services. The company is headquartered in Bucharest, Romania.

Bitdefender operates more than 3,000 servers across 100+ countries, but free users get access to only three server locations. The VPN app is compatible with iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows devices.  But the free plan allows connection on only a single device at a time.

This VPN provider follows a strong privacy policy and maintains a no-logs stance. Security features include a kill switch and split tunneling, and it supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols. However, free users do not get unlimited bandwidth.

Bitdefender VPN Performance

• Baseline speed: 200 Mbps
• Download Speed: 123 Mbps (49% decrease)
• Upload Speed: 43 Mbps (82% decrease)

Highlighted Features

1) Indian Server

Bitdefender provides Indian servers and automatically connects you to the optimal server if you’re located in India. However, free users cannot manually select the Indian server.

2) Strong Privacy 

The VPN follows a decent no-logs and privacy policy. Its security features include an ad blocker, web tracker prevention, a kill switch, and other advanced protections.

3) Decent Speed

Bitdefender licenses its VPN technology from Aura, the parent company of Hotspot Shield. It uses the proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol, known for fast connections and strong security. In my testing on the Indian server, I observed around a 30% speed drop, which is relatively reasonable compared to many free VPNs.

Downsides

The biggest drawback I experienced with Bitdefender VPN is its daily data cap of 200 MB, which is insufficient even for basic browsing. Plus, its privacy policy mentions the collection of randomly generated device IDs, a practice that may raise concerns for privacy-focused users.

Another issue is the lack of clarity about whether its Indian servers are physical or virtual. In India, VPN providers operating physical servers may be required to store user data for up to five years, which could create additional privacy concerns.

Should You Use Bitdefender VPN?

Bitdefender VPN’s free plan comes with too many flaws. It even frequently reminds users to upgrade to the Premium version. Because of these restrictions, I wouldn’t recommend it as a reliable free VPN option.

But if you specifically need access to an Indian server for a particular website or short-term use, it can serve that purpose. Otherwise, you can consider other free VPNs.

How do you choose the right VPN?

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are valuable tools for protecting your online activity. However, with a vast number of free and paid options available, choosing the right VPN can be overwhelming. Let’s explore some key factors to consider:

Speed

Connecting to a VPN will surely affect your internet speed. Even premium VPNs cause a slight drop, but free VPNs, often overcrowded, experience a more significant decrease. Prioritize speed if it’s crucial for your needs.

Security and Privacy

The primary purpose of a VPN is to secure your connection. If a provider compromises your privacy, there’s no point in using it. Look for VPNs with a strict no-logs policy, decent security protocols, and standard encryption.

Data Logging Policy

A VPN’s logging policy indicates what user data they store. Ideally, you want a provider with a no-logs policy, meaning they keep no records of your activity or connection. Be cautious of services that keep connection logs (session data) or activity logs (browsing history).

Free Indian Servers

Many free VPNs offer limited server options. Since they’re free, they might compromise on service features. However, an Indian server is recommended for optimal speed. Connecting to servers in your home country (India) is recommended.

Unblocking Streaming Content

Major streaming platforms like Netflix offer regional content variations. Many users rely on VPNs to bypass these restrictions. Free VPNs like ProtonVPN may not support streaming, leading to buffering or hindering torrenting capabilities.

My Recommendations

What would I recommend at last? Considering all the pros and cons, here are my top recommendations:

• Best free VPN for 2026: Proton VPN
• Best free VPN for beginners: Proton VPN
• Best free VPNs for streaming: Windscribe, EventVPN (Paid)
• Best free VPNs for gaming: Proton VPN, ZoogVPN, Windscribe (Paid)
• Best free VPNs for privacy: Proton VPN
• Best free VPN with unlimited data: Proton VPN
• Best free VPN for speeds: Proton VPN, Windscribe
• Best free VPN for torrenting: Windscribe (Jurisdiction within the 14 Eyes alliance)
• Best free VPn for multiple devices: Windscribe 
• Best free VPN for Android and iPhone users: Proton VPN
• Best free VPN for iPhone: EventVPN
• Best free VPN with Indian servers: Bitdefender VPN, Privado VPN (outside India)
• Best free VPN for China: ZoogVPN (Shadow protocol works)

Looking for the best VPN for travel? For secure browsing while traveling, a free VPN is generally not recommended. If you’re hesitant to invest in a paid VPN, consider one trick: 

Purchase a reputable paid VPN like NordVPN, Surfshark, or ExpressVPN before your trip. These VPN providers usually offer a 15 to 30-day refund policy. Utilize the VPN during your travels, and then request a refund upon your return. If you still prefer a free VPN, Proton VPN is a good option.

List of VPN Banned in India

Indian VPN laws mandate that VPN service providers retain user data. This data retention policy conflicts with the no-logs policy (zero data retention for maximum user privacy) maintained by reputable VPN providers. 

Consequently, the following popular VPNs are banned in India as of 2026. In fact, the first 4 VPNs were previously featured on our list as Best Free VPNs for 2024:

• Privado VPN – Data retention law conflict 
• Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 DNS – Blocked
• Ivacy – Banned
• Hide.me – Data retention law conflict 
• TunnelBear – Not available in India
• Atlas VPN– Discontinued April 2024, Merged with NordVPN 

VPNs to Avoid in 2026

You should avoid these VPNs due to criticisms regarding user data collection or poor no-logs policies. For quick reference, you can also visit this link. 

1) Critical Danger – Never Use

If you have installed any of the following VPNs, please delete them immediately.

2) Privacy Concerns – Not Recommended

You may use these VPNs only if you can’t find any other reliable options.

Testing Parameters

To test the best free VPNs mentioned in this article, I used certain predefined parameters. These parameters are essential to determine a good VPN service provider.

• Speed (Download/Upload speed and Ping)
• Data cap
• Server availability
• Security protocols (audited/not audited)
• No-log policy

I tested the download and upload speeds using Speedtest.net. For details on data limits, server locations, and privacy policies, I checked each VPN’s website directly.

Why Should You Trust Me?

With hundreds of recommendations out there, why trust mine? With a tech background since 2015, I’ve actively stayed informed about the latest technologies. I’ve also gained extensive firsthand experience using various SaaS tools and services to streamline my work.

Over the past three years, I’ve reviewed over 30 VPNs, including both free and paid options like Surfshark, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Proton VPN. I’ve also created detailed videos on topics such as the best gaming VPNs in India, anti-detect browsers, best anti-detect browsers for multi-accounting, etc.  

Finally, I maintain subscriptions to a few VPN services to stay updated, allowing me to evaluate the latest features and performance. This lets me confidently recommend the best free VPN for your needs in India.

Conclusion

Let’s recap! After testing over 30 VPNs, I’ve found 7 free options that shine in 2026. Each offers unique strengths, making it tough to pick just one.

Proton VPN is the best free VPN with unlimited data and access to five server locations, allowing unrestricted browsing. In comparison, Event VPN is a strong choice for iPhone users. It offers the highest number of free servers and infrastructure built on ExpressVPN’s network.

Windscribe ranks as the third most reliable option. It provides unlimited device connections, supports P2P and streaming, includes a built-in ad blocker, and even allows access without mandatory email registration.

So, which VPN has been most helpful to you? Have you discovered any under-the-radar favorites? Leave a comment below if you’d like me to test a VPN you recommend—I’m always happy to explore new options!

FAQs