Almost all of us use the internet daily. But how many of us give a thought about protecting our online privacy? Whatever we do online is publicly visible unless we use a VPN service. VPN has become vital for millions of users worldwide. It is a useful tool for the safe transfer of files over the internet. Moreover, it lets users reach websites that have location-specific restrictions. However, the public use of VPNs is a topic of scrutiny. This article will focus on some key issues around best VPNs. We’ll take a closer look at its benefits and the top VPNs, free VPNs in India, and the fastest VPN in India.
So, if you are looking for a VPN that is fast, reliable, and affordable, here is a complete guide. From the meaning of a VPN, its benefits, and the best ones available, you can get all the details right here.
What Is A VPN?
A VPN or Virtual Private Network allows users to connect securely to another network over the internet. VPNs can be used to access geo-blocked websites and dodge censor blocks while surfing the net. Besides, VPNs also come in handy to hide your online browsing activity from spying eyes on a public Wi-Fi.
A VPN will connect your smartphone, PC, or tablet to a computer (server) somewhere on the internet. So now, you will use that computer’s internet connection to browse the internet. Thus, if the server is located in another country, it will seem that you are from that country. Hence, you will be able to access online content that is otherwise restricted in your location.
When you connect your device to a VPN, the device behaves like it’s on a local network, the same as the VPN’s. As a result, all of your network traffic is sent to the VPN over a secure connection. Since your device acts as if it’s on the network, you can safely access the local network’s resources. Moreover, you can do so even when you’re sitting halfway across the world. Further, you’ll be able to use the internet like you are present at the VPN’s site.
Why Use A VPN In India?
Say you’re at an airport and using the public Wi-Fi to do some online banking. If you’re not using any VPN, your bank details like card number or pin could easily be stolen online. And the worst part? You won’t even get a whiff of it until you check your bank balance.
However, when you use a VPN, your transactions are secured.
It’s not illegal to use free or paid VPNs in India. In fact, there is no specific law around using any VPNs in India. Hence, as long as you’re not using a VPN for any illegal activity, there’s nothing to worry. It’s worth saying that VPNs have a bad name due to their use in online acts that are rated illegal in India. Accessing Government blacklisted internet content and torrent sites for spreading pirated media is the most common use case of VPNs in India. However, it’s not the use of VPN but copyright breach that can land you in lawful trouble in India. Legal punishments include a hefty penalty and three years in jail.
But if you’re using the internet in India, you should use a VPN. It doesn’t mean that we’re cheering you on to access websites that can slap charges of copyright breach on you. Due to ransomware and malware risks lurking in every corner of the internet, it’s safe to use a VPN in India.
Benefits Of Using VPN In India
What can you get out of using VPN in India? Like many other countries, you can use free or paid VPNs in India for many things.
Given how cybersecurity is a huge concern today, using a VPN is crucial. The biggest pro is that a VPN keeps you secure while you browse online. Most VPNs in the market make your real internet address anonymous. Further, they offer 256-bit advanced encryption standards to protect you from random online trackers.
Using a VPN in India is all the more crucial if you’re a regular gambler. Every time you make deposits or payouts on gambling sites, your bank details run a risk of online theft. But with a VPN, sensitive data like card details and passwords are secured from being stolen. Further, a VPN’s secure network lets you reach legit geo-specific websites that may be banned in India. Hence, you’re able to view content or read articles from a wide range of publications and sites on the web.
What Exactly Can I Use A VPN For?
VPN can be really useful for many tasks (that aren’t illegal!).
So, here’s a list of some of the use cases of VPN:
- Online gambling: It’s alright to use a VPN service for online betting and gambling sites as long as they are not banned in India. However, many online casinos and betting sites have strict terms against the usage of VPNs. It is due to cases of bonus abuse. So, steer clear of VPN misuse if you don’t want your betting account shut down by operators.
- Networking on-the-go: Business travelers use VPNs to access their business networks securely. Further, you can set up your own VPN and access it while on-the-move.
- File downloads: You can run BitTorrent on a VPN for a fast download of torrent files.
- Online dealings: A VPN is ideal when you’re using public Wi-Fi for work that involves sensitive data. It’s all the more crucial when you engage in online transactions.
- Online media streaming: A VPN is the way to go if you want a smooth streaming service on YouTube, Netflix, and the like.
- Online video games: Using a VPN service for online gaming prevents your ISP from slowing down your connection.
Best VPN For India 2020
Looking for the best VPN in India? Here’s a list of the fastest VPN in India with VPN server price (India):
1. ExpressVPN: This VPN server combines speed and ease-of-use at a VPN server price of INR 634 per month. With over 3,000 servers and 24/7 support, it is the fastest VPN in India. Also, it offers offshore privacy protection and full 256-bit encryption. In India, the company’s key servers are located in Mumbai and Chennai. There is another alternate one that is routed via the UK.
Besides, it has 148 virtual locations spread across 94 countries. Hence, ExpressVPN lets you unblock content from any corner of the world. It has an app with a built-in auto kill switch. ExpressVPN works across Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Chrome, Linux, and Firefox.
2. NordVPN: It uses a double VPN protocol giving extra security to your data. Further, it has a firm no-logs policy. It means that your online activity won’t be recorded. Besides, all of NordVPN’s apps feature an auto kill switch. With a base in Panama, NordVPN has over 5,400 servers across many countries.
The no-logs policy comes with 256-bit encryption at a pretty feasible price. Besides allowing P2P traffic, NordVPN allows seamless torrenting at a great speed. It has a monthly VPN server price of INR 265 and can support up to six devices. You can use it on Windows, iOS, macOS, Firefox, Linux, and Chrome.
3. Surfshark: With only INR 173 per month, it offers a secure and safe VPN service. Starting in 2018, Surfshark has managed to keep up with the VPN giants at a low price. Its interface is simple and agile. Despite its newness, Surfshark now has over 1,000 servers across its network.
Even with a no-frills outlook, Surfshark offers everything that you would get from the top dogs. For instance, all its servers support P2P traffic with strong encryption. Besides, you can get access to video streaming platforms of multi-regions and more.
4. TunnelBear: It is one of the fastest free VPNs in India. But it comes with several downsides. First, it has a monthly data limit of 500MB per month. Hence, you can only use it when a VPN is an absolute need for extra protection. Moreover, you won’t be able to keep it on at all times because of the low data cap. Hence, you cannot use TunnelBear for streaming and torrenting. In such cases, going for a paid VPN provider is a wiser option.
On the upside, TunnelBear is very user-friendly with 24/7 live chat support. It has over 20 servers supporting desktop as well as mobile clients. Further, you can use it on Windows, Android, Mac, and iOS devices.
5. Windscribe: It is one of the best free VPNs options you can find in India. First, it has a generous data allowance limit of 10 GB per month. Further, you can pick from ten remote server locations, including the UK, Canada, US, Germany, and Hong Kong.
Windscribe has a stellar privacy policy that comes with quite some perks. For instance, it doesn’t store visited sites, IP stamps, or connection logs. On active connection with a server, Windscribe will keep your username, the amount of data relayed, and the server to which you’re connected. Besides, there’s a built-in firewall and ad-blocker. Overall, it is super secure. Windscribe supports Mac, Windows, Android, Linux, and iOS devices.
FAQs about India VPN
1. Where do I get a VPN?
You’ve to subscribe to a VPN service provider to get a VPN. Prices will differ based on the range of services offered.
2. Are free VPNs safe?
Free VPNs may not be reliable due to these reasons:
- Slows down internet speed
- May not block online ads and pop-ups
- Often fail to unblock content
- May redirect you to random websites
- A free VPN service may allow governments to gather user data
3. What should I look for in a VPN in India?
For optimal security, here are the things that you should look for in a VPN in India :
- Offers 256-bit encryption
- Has a stern no-logs policy
- It comes with an auto kill switch
- Delivers unlimited bandwidth and high-speed access
- Operates a global server network
4. What exactly is a no-logs VPN?
A no-log VPN implies that the VPN provider does not “log” or collect any data relayed through the network. It can include personal details, the online sites you visit, and the content you download. It may also have your internet search history. Thus, your identity is hidden even from your VPN provider.
5. What is a kill switch in a VPN?
VPN connections may drop even with the best VPN provider in place. Such gaps can reveal your real IP address. However, a VPN kill switch comes to the rescue. In case of drops, the kill switch will shut down your internet connection until the VPN link is restored.
6. Do I need a VPN service at home?
When you’re logging in to the internet from home, you do it over a private Wi-Fi. Ideally, your home Wi-Fi should be password-secured. Hence, it keeps outsiders from prying on your online activity. Thus, you don’t need to log in to a VPN service first. However, it only works if a unique and complex password guards your home Wi-Fi.
Conclusion
Most people argue why to bother about a VPN if you’re not doing something illegal. Indeed, there is nothing to worry about if your online activities are clean. But, using a VPN is not always about shielding “illegal” acts online. Had it been so, VPNs wouldn’t have been created in the first place. It’s because VPNs were initially made to securely connect business networks over the internet and protect sensitive data from internet spies. But the nature of this miracle tool makes it appear as if it’s only apt for illegal activities. But in truth, using a VPN has far more benefits than just ducking location curbs to access no go websites.
Whether you want free VPNs India or paid ones, there are many options in hand. But make sure that security and speed get priority regardless of the provider you choose.
