Do you know globally, 2 out of 5 users choose free VPNs to access geo-restricted streaming content? You might do the same, just installing any free VPN a friend recommends. Unfortunately, most free VPNs lack a strict no-log policy, meaning they might sell your data.
Even cybersecurity experts are concerned – 72% worry about VPNs compromising security. Free VPNs are opening you up to social engineering, ransomware, and malware attacks. So, don’t blindly trust any free VPN!
Here, from my weeks of research, I’ve compiled a list of the 4 best free VPNs for 2025. Are you ready? Scroll below. And don’t forget to read ‘My recommendations’ — there might be a hidden gem about VPN out there waiting for you.
4 Best Free VPNs in India (Comparison Table)
| Free VPN | Speed | Free Servers | Audited | Free data | Premium Plan Price | Link |
| Proton VPN | Download speed: 14.16 Mbps Upload speed: 23.74 Mbps | 5 | Yes | Unlimited | $3.59/month (2 years) | Try ProtonVPN |
| Windscribe | Download speed: 14.66 Mbps Upload speed: 21.1 Mbps | 11 | Yes | 10GB per month | $5.75/month (1 year) | Try Windscribe |
| ZoogVPN | Download speed: 185 Mbps Upload speed: 50 Mbps | 3 | No | 10GB per month | $2.49 /month (2 years) | Try ZoogVPN |
| Bitdefender | Download speed: 123 Mbps Upload speed: 43 Mbps | 3 | No | 200MB per day | $2.39/month (1 year) | Try Bitdefender |
Anything that comes free might have hidden costs. This is also true for free VPNs. There are hardly a few VPNs at zero charges that guarantee foolproof security and online privacy.
After years of experience using both free and paid VPNs, I’ve curated an updated list of the top 4 best-performing free VPNs in 2025. Are you ready to get your hands on it? Scroll down
4 Best Free VPNs in India For 2025
1) Proton VPN
| Privacy | No-log |
| Speed | Download speed: 185 Mbps Upload speed: 60 Mbps |
| Free Data | Unlimited |
| Free locations | 5 |
| Indian server available | No |
Proton VPN is our runner-up 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
- Download Speed: 185 Mbps (22% decrease)
- Upload Speed: 60 Mbps (75% decrease)
Highlighted Features
Truly Unlimited Data
Users can browse and use the internet truly free without data restrictions.
Advanced Security Features
Benefit from industry-standard 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a choice of secure protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, and Stealth).
Five Server Locations
The free plan lets you connect to servers in 5 countries. The servers include the United States, Poland, Romania, the Netherlands, and Japan.
Downsides
The free version of ProtonVPN restricts streaming and downloads. It does not support P2P-optimized servers for torrenting.
Why Use ProtonVPN?
The free plan is ideal for users who need unlimited data for daily browsing. If you want to access US websites and prioritize a fast, secure connection, this VPN is ideal.
2) Windscribe
| Privacy | No-log |
| Speed | Download speed: 88 Mbps Upload speed: 13 Mbps |
| Free Data | 10GB per month |
| Free locations | 11 |
| Indian server available | No |
Looking for a reliable freemium VPN? Windscribe is a good option to consider. Launched in 2016, this VPN focuses on keeping your browsing secure and private. It’s become quite popular since then.
Windscribe offers an extensive network across 69 countries. Their R.O.B.E.R.T. features enable users to block IP addresses or domains of their choice. The company claims to maintain complete transparency and a zero-log policy.
They have even developed new infrastructure by revamping their old VPN stack code. In July 2024, a new stack code, named FreshScribe, was independently audited and made available to all locations and users for enhanced reliability.
Windscribe has apps for pretty much everything: Windows, Android, Mac, iPhone, and even Linux. And guess what? Their free plan lets you use almost any VPN protocol you want, like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2.
Plus, it has this cool split tunneling feature and keeps no logs on your activity, so you’re in control and private. The best part? You get 11 server locations and a whopping 10 GB of free data per month to try it out risk-free!
Windscribe VPN Performance
- Download Speed: 88 Mbps (63% decrease)
- Upload Speed: 13 Mbps (94% decrease)
Highlighted Features
Multi-device Access
Windscribe doesn’t limit connections to free users. So, you can use it on as many devices as you want with no extra charges.
No Email Verification
This VPN service is available without email verification. However, your data cap will be limited to 2 GB/month.
Independently Audited
Windscribe’s desktop, and mobile applications were independently audited in 2022. To add valuable features and provide a more reliable VPN connection, their new VPN stack code, FreshScribe, also underwent a full audit in 2024.
R.O.B.E.R.T. Feature
Windscribe’s ROBERT feature is a customizable server-side tool for domain and IP blocking. It blocks ads, trackers, malware, and selected domains.
Cons
One potential drawback is speed. I observed a significant speed reduction (over 50% in both download and upload speeds) even when connected to a nearby server. Plus, the jurisdiction is based in Canada. Canada falls under the 14-Eyes intelligence-sharing agreement, which may be a factor for privacy-conscious users.
Why Use Windscribe?
Windscribe is advantageous for users who prioritize streaming and P2P servers. Additionally, its integrated ad blocker makes it well-suited for private browsing.
3) ZoogVPN
| Privacy | No-log |
| Speed | Download speed: 185 Mbps Upload speed: 50 Mbps |
| Free Data | 10GB per month |
| Free locations | 3 |
| Indian server available | No |
We are featuring ZoogVPN for the first time. Launched in 2013 in Greece, its location outside the 14-Eyes Alliance provides a notable privacy advantage. The company has quickly grown to over 100,000 users, attracted by its easy-to-use VPN.
ZoogVPN offers broad device compatibility. It supports iOS, Android, Linux, routers, Windows, macOS, Android TV, Blackberry, and more. Security features include advanced leak protection and 128-bit encryption.
The free plan includes a Kill Switch for connection drop protection. Plus, its split tunneling feature offers selective app routing. So, you can do everyday browsing with a regular server and secure online banking through this VPN.
The Shadow protocol allows users to bypass internet censorship in regions like China, Iran, UAE, Turkey, and Qatar. However, the free plan limits Shadow protocol access to the London, UK server.
ZoogVPN provides three free server locations: Amsterdam, Netherlands; London, UK; and Washington, USA. You can select the server manually. The no-logs policy ensures user privacy.
ZoogVPN Performance
- Download Speed: 185 Mbps (23% decrease)
- Upload Speed: 50 Mbps (79% decrease)
Highlighted Features
No Account Required
A key advantage of ZoogVPN is its no-signup policy. Users can simply install the app and connect, bypassing lengthy email verifications and personal detail submissions.
Impressive Speeds
ZoogVPN delivers impressive speeds compared to other free VPNs. The high speed enables buffer-free streaming for both download and upload activities.
Shadow Protocol
This advanced security feature combines obfuscated proxy and VPN technologies. The protocol allows users to bypass stringent internet censorship in countries like China, Russia, and the UAE.
Downsides
A primary limitation of ZoogVPN is its lack of P2P server support. This prevents torrenting. Additionally, the app displays advertisements that can occasionally restrict VPN usage.
Why use ZoogVPN?
ZoogVPN is ideal for beginners seeking fast and secure VPN access without a lengthy sign-up process. It’s suitable for basic online tasks, but not for streaming or torrenting.
4) Bitdefender VPN
| Privacy | No-log |
| Speed | Download speed: 123 Mbps Upload speed: 43 Mbps |
| Free Data | 200MB per day |
| Free locations | 3 |
| Indian server available | Yes |
Bitdefender is a well-established VPN service provider founded in 2001. The company is headquartered in Bucharest, Romania, and Santa Clara, California, USA. It offers over 4,000 servers across more than 50 countries.
The VPN is compatible with various devices, including iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows. A paid subscription allows simultaneous connections on up to 10 devices, while the free plan is limited to a single device.
Bitdefender maintains a strong privacy policy and adheres to a no-logs policy. That means they do not retain user data. Security features include a kill switch and split tunneling. It supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard security protocols.
The VPN also incorporates an integrated ad blocker and web tracker prevention. These features help eliminate unwanted advertisements and protect your privacy by masking your original location and disabling trackers.
Bitdefender VPN Performance
- Download Speed: 123 Mbps (49% decrease)
- Upload Speed: 43 Mbps (82% decrease)
Highlighted Features
Indian Server
Bitdefender is the only free VPN in our list that offers Indian servers. It automatically connects to the optimal Indian server based on your location.
Decent Privacy
The VPN maintains a decent no-log and privacy policy. Its security features include an ad blocker, web tracker prevention, a kill switch, and other advanced options.
Downsides
The biggest drawback I experienced with Bitdefender is its daily data cap of 200 MB. This is insufficient for even basic browsing. Plus, I experienced a significant speed reduction, exceeding 50%. So, the speed drop severely restricted the use of it properly.
Bitdefender’s privacy policy mentions the collection of randomly generated device IDs. This practice I find unnecessary for a VPN provider. Furthermore, they did not specify whether their Indian servers are physical or virtual. While physical servers generally offer superior speed, virtual servers can provide enhanced privacy.
Why Use Bitdefender VPN?
I couldn’t experience this VPN’s full potential because of inconsistent speed and data limit. If you particularly require an Indian server, then only Bitdefender VPN is useful.
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 inevitably 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 2025: Proton VPN
- Best free VPNs for streaming: Windscribe (10GB data limitations)
- Best free VPNs for gaming: ZoogVPN or Proton VPN
- Best free VPNs for privacy: Proton VPN
- Best free VPN with unlimited data: Proton VPN
- Best free VPN for speeds: ZoogVPN
- Best free VPN for torrenting: Windscribe (Jurisdiction within the 14 Eyes alliance)
- Best free VPN for Android and iPhone users: Proton VPN
- Best free VPN with Indian servers: Bitdefender VPN
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 with a 15 to 30-day refund policy before your trip. 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 VPNs 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 2025. In fact, the first 4 VPNs were previously featured on our list of the 4 Best Free VPNs for 2025:
- Privado VPN
- Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 DNS
- Ivacy
- Hide.me
- TunnelBear
- Atlas VPN (Merged with NordVPN in April 2024)
Additionally, you should avoid these VPNs due to criticisms regarding user data collection or poor no-logs policies:
- Urban VPN
- Speedify
- Hotspot Shield (Free version)
- Hola VPN
- Turbo VPN
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, and ExpressVPN. I’ve also created detailed videos on topics such as the VPN ban in India, the difference between Tor and VPNs, a VPN buying guide, 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 4 free options that shine in 2025. Each offers unique strengths, making it tough to pick just one.
For instance, Proton VPN provides unlimited data and access to five server locations, enabling unrestricted browsing. Conversely, Windscribe includes P2P support and an integrated ad blocker.
ZoogVPN allows access without email verification or account creation. Bitdefender VPN is notable for offering an Indian server.
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
Are VPNs legal in India?
Yes, VPNs are legal in India. However, the government has directed all VPN providers to store user data mandatorily, which contradicts the no-log policy of many premium VPN services. As a result, many VPN services often choose to operate only virtual Indian servers.
Do free VPNs work with Netflix India?
It’s not a sure thing. Some free VPNs can bypass Netflix India’s restrictions. Indeed, free VPNs often have a limited pool of IP addresses, and Netflix is good at detecting and blocking those used by free VPNs. If Netflix detects your VPN IP, you won’t be able to access the full library until the VPN refreshes its IPs.
Are free VPNs safe to use in India?
Free VPNs, regardless of your location, have limitations that can affect safety. While the recommended VPNs have strict privacy policies, they might come with limitations like restricted server options.
Is Free Unlimited VPN safe?
Not all free unlimited VPNs are safe. However, Proton VPN and Windscribe offer decent logging policies. So, you can consider these options based on your preferences.
Does a free VPN sell data?
Many free VPNs sell data. However, the six recommended VPNs above have no history of selling user data.
Do free VPNs track you?
Absolutely! Many poor-quality free VPNs don’t adhere to a strict no-log policy. This means they can collect your data, track your online activities, and sell it to third-party ad agencies.
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