What Is the Best VPN Service Provider for Delhi in 2023?

Online users who reside in or are visiting Delhi, India should be aware of the country’s Freedom House 2020 Internet Freedom Score of 51/100 (0 = Least Free, 100 = Most Free), which marks a decline of internet freedom for the fifth straight year.

The Indian government increasingly arrested internet users for posts and shut down the internet in the country during times of supposed unrest. Indian federal and state governments continue to enforce internet censorship, using DNS filtering to block content.

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are not required by law to inform the public about which websites and services they are blocking. ISPs in the Kashmir Valley blocked 22 social media sites for a month in April 2017. Sites blocked included Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter.

The country also blocks torrenting, and India-based torrenters can face legal punishment for downloading copyrighted content, with the possibility of large fines as well as up to 3 years in prison.

While streaming services like Netflix are available in the country, the content on the localized versions of the streamers are much different from that available in other countries, as the guidelines of India’s Censor Board restricts it. Some streaming sites, like Hulu (U.S.) and BBC iPlayer (U.K.), restrict access to their content to residents of their home countries.

All of the above is reason enough to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) while in Delhi. A VPN encrypts your internet connection, keeping your online activities undercover from the government, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and hackers.

A VPN also has the ability to make it appear that you and your device(s) are connecting to the internet from another country. It does this by temporarily assigning a fresh IP address to your connected device. Since an IP address can be used to detect a device’s location, a fresh one can open access to geo-blocked content housed in the other country.

In this article, I’ll provide a close look at the top 6 VPN service providers that work reliably in Delhi and the rest of India, providing the best online protection for your online activities.

How to Use a VPN in Delhi

It’s easy to use a VPN in Delhi. Just follow these steps:

1. Subscribe to a VPN provider. (NordVPN is my recommendation.)
2. Install the provider’s app(s) on your device(s).
3. Sign in to the VPN service.
4. Select a VPN server located inside of India to protect your internet activities while inside the country or to access Indian content from outside of the country. To access content located in another part of the world, select a server in the country of your choice.
5. Enjoy your newfound internet freedom and content access!

Best VPN Service Providers for Delhi

The following 6 VPN services offer the best security, privacy and enhancement for your online travels while residing in or visiting Delhi:

1. NordVPN: Delhi internet users are strongly recommended to check out the services that NordVPN offers. An impressive global server network, excellent app support, comprehensive online protection and much more are all available for a reasonable price.
2. Surfshark: This provider’s large global server network delivers blazingly-fast, well-protected connections that provide undercover access to content in most areas of the world. Plus, it does all of this at a bargain-basement price.
3. ExpressVPN: A well-established VPN provider, ExpressVPN offers premium services for an admittedly expensive price tag. The provider’s huge global server network does a top-notch job of keeping your online travels undercover while opening access to geo-blocked content around the globe.
4. CyberGhost: Rookie VPN users, as well as users in search of easy-to-use VPN protection, will appreciate CyberGhost’s service offering. The provider’s easy-to-use apps provide reliable access to a massive global server network that includes servers optimized for streaming and file sharing.
5. IPVanish: IPVanish never limits the number of devices you can simultaneously connect to its proprietary, uber-private VPN servers. The provider’s expanding network provides fast and well-protected connections.
6. PrivateVPN: This provider’s global server network is tiny when compared to the other VPNs on this list. However, PrivateVPN owns and operates all of its servers itself, which adds privacy by keeping contractors away from your personal info.

When ranking the top 6 VPN service providers for Delhi, I considered the following factors:

• Provider works in Delhi and the rest of India
• Global server locations, with servers inside of India
• Security and user privacy protections
• Connection speeds
• Popular device support
• Customer support levels

Here is my list of the 6 best VPN service providers for Delhi residents and visitors.

1. NordVPN

Mar 2023

This #1 ranked VPN provider offers reliable access to geo-blocked content via well-protected, private connections.

NordVPN’s global server network includes an impressive 5,200+ servers located in 60 countries, including India. The provider’s network delivers reliable access to geo-blocked content around the globe.

The provider is currently working to move its server farms to a self-owned and self-operated model, providing additional privacy by keeping third-party contractors away from your personal information.

The provider uses military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch and DNS/IPv6 leak protection to keep its users’ online activities undercover. Malware protection and ad blocking are also available in many of NordVPN’s apps.

NordVPN’s privacy protections include a fully-audited no-server-logs policy and a cryptocurrency subscription payment option.

NordVPN’s connection speeds ranked among the top 3 speeds in my most recent download speeds testing. The provider’s connections can easily handle HD video streaming, online gaming, file sharing and other online activities. No data caps and no bandwidth limitations to worry about here.

The provider’s apps provide support for the Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows platforms. (NordVPN’s macOS app now boasts native support for Apple’s new M1 Macs.) Chrome and Firefox browser extensions make an appearance, as does compatibility with various routers.

Up to 6 devices can connect at once using the same login credentials.

Customer support is available around the clock, and options include 24/7 live support chat, email support and a support library.

BEST VPN FOR DELHI:NordVPN’s comprehensive VPN services for a reasonable price puts it at the top of this list. The provider’s fast, encrypted connections deliver comprehensive access to geo-blocked content via a large selection of apps for popular devices. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

This bargain-basement VPN provider offers top-notch online protection and enhancement without breaking the bank.

Surfshark’s impressive global server network is made up of 3,200+ servers spread among 65 countries, including India. The provider’s entire global server network is 100% run directly from RAM, never writing any data to a physical hard drive, ensuring that all data is erased from the server each time it is restarted.

All of your Surfshark-connected internet activities are protected using banking-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch and DNS leak protection. You can also take advantage of the provider’s ad and cookie blocking capabilities.

A “Multi-Hop” server option allows you to route your internet connection through a pair of VPN servers, doubling up on encryption and anonymity.

Privacy protections include a cryptocurrency subscription payment option and a strict no-server-logs policy.

Surfshark’s connection speeds were the fastest I saw in recent testing. Streaming, gaming and sharing large files are no problem with this VPN. No data caps or bandwidth limitations to ruin a good time.

Apps are available for the Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows and Amazon Fire device platforms. (Surfshark’s macOS app now offers native support for M1-powered Macs.) Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available, as is extensive router compatibility.

An unlimited simultaneous connections allowance provides unlimited device protection on a single account.

24/7 live agent chat, a contact form and a searchable knowledge base are all there when you need it.

BEST BUDGET-PRICED VPN OPTION:Surfshark provides unlimited, fast and well-protected connections at a low price, making it an attractive VPN option for budget-minded users with numerous devices or users to protect. “Multi-Hop” doubles your encryption and protection. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

This provider’s premium services come at an admittedly premium price. However, the provider still offers a good return on investment.

The provider’s comprehensive global server network boasts more than 3,000 servers, which are located in India and 93+ other countries. The server network offers reliable access to geo-blocked content around most of the globe.

ExpressVPN uses military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and IPv6 and DNS leak protection to keep your online antics undercover. The provider’s Lightway protocol (now available to all users) is designed for improved security and performance.

Privacy protections include a strict no-server-logs policy and a Bitcoin subscription payment option. The provider runs all server operations directly from RAM, never writing any data to the hard drive. All server data is totally wiped whenever the server is rebooted.

The provider’s download speeds are some of the fastest around, often competing for the top spot in my connection speed testing. ExpressVPN connections provide more than enough bandwidth for HD streaming, online gaming and file sharing. Unlimited bandwidth and data are a staple.

ExpressVPN offers native app support for the Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Linux and Windows device platforms. You can also keep your browser sessions private thanks to the provider’s Chrome, Edge and Firefox extensions.

Comprehensive router compatibility keeps all of your connected devices protected through a single point of access. (The company recently updated its router firmware, improving its user interface and performance.)

Up to 5 devices can connect simultaneously on a single set of login credentials.

Live support chat, a trouble ticket system, email support and a searchable knowledge base are available around the clock.

FLEXIBLE VPN PROTECTION:Delhi internet users who are looking for top-notch online protection and don’t mind paying a bit more for it will appreciate ExpressVPN. Fast and well-protected connections, a large global server network, reliable access to geo-blocked content around the globe and more are available. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

If you’re new to the VPN scene, or are simply looking for an easy way to protect your online activities, you’ll appreciate CyberGhost.

CyberGhost offers a global server network that includes 7,200 servers in 90 countries (India included). The provider has streaming- and downloading-optimized servers stationed around the globe.

The provider’s online protection includes banking-level 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak prevention. The provider can block both ads and trackers, and can also force web servers to serve up secure versions of their pages, if available.

Recently added security features include a password manager, antivirus protection, and a utility that scans your device for outdated and vulnerable apps. The provider’s ID Guard feature alerts you if your email address was uncovered in a data breach.

On the privacy end of things, a strict no-logs policy and an acceptance of Bitcoin as subscription payment have things covered.

CyberGhost provides plenty of download speed, easily handling gaming, streaming HD video, and any other online antics you might enjoy. You get unlimited bandwidth and data with your subscription.

The provider’s easy-to-use app support includes options for the Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Linux and Windows device platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available. The service is also compatible with a large number of routers.

Up to 7 devices can connect simultaneously on the same set of login credentials.

24/7 customer support includes always-available live support chat, email support, a trouble ticket system and a searchable knowledge base.

TOP-NOTCH BEGINNER VPN OPTION:Rookie VPN users will appreciate CyberGhost’s easy-to-use services. Streamers and file sharers will appreciate the provider’s optimized servers, included in its massive global server network. A 45-day, no-risk money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

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5. IPVanish

While IPVanish comes up a bit short in some service areas, it certainly excels in other areas.

With 1,900+ servers available in 53+ countries in IPVanish’s global server network, this server network is certainly not the largest around. However, the provider is promising to expand its server coverage throughout 2021.

Please note that IPVanish owns and operates all of its servers, keeping third-party contractors away from your data.

Banking-grade 256-bit AES encryption and a kill switch with an auto-reconnect option keep your internet connection secure. A “scramble” feature handily disguises your VPN activity, making it appear as normal browser traffic. The provider will soon be adding the WireGuard protocol to its protocol gallery.

The service lacks a truly private form of subscription payment, like Bitcoin. However, all servers are operated in a log-free manner, so that’s a definite plus. And, don’t forget about the fact that the provider owns and operates its server network.

IPVanish’s speeds are easily up to handling your favorite online activities, including streaming, downloading and gaming. No bandwidth throttling or data caps to worry about here.

Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, ChromeOS and Amazon Fire options are included among IPVanish’s app repertoire. You can also use the service on Linux devices, but it will require you to do a bit of manual setup. Unfortunately, no browser extensions are available, but router support is.

The provider’s unlimited simultaneous connections policy means that you’ll never run out of protection, no matter how many devices you own.

Customer support agents are always available thanks to 24/7 live support chat. Email support and a searchable knowledge base are also available.

ADDITIONAL LAYER OF PRIVACY:IPVanish’s small but growing self-owned and self-operated server network keeps third-party contractors away from your personal data. An unlimited concurrent connections policy protects all of your devices at once. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of IPVanish.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN may be lacking in the size of its network and its app support, but the rest of the provider’s services match up well with its competitors.

With 200+ servers spread thinly among nearly 65 countries, including India, PrivateVPN definitely has the thinnest network coverage of any provider on this list.

That said, those servers provide excellent online security thanks to the provider’s government-grade 256-bit AES encryption, automatic kill switch protection, and IPv6 and DNS leak prevention. A proprietary “Stealth VPN” option keeps your VPN activity undercover by disguising it as normal browser activity, hiding it from restrictive countries.

Privacy is also well-handled thanks to the provider’s no-server-logs policy and Bitcoin subscription payment option.

PrivateVPN’s high-speed connections are ideal for HD streaming, fast-moving online games and file sharing. No data caps or bandwidth limitations to cut the fun short.

App support is limited to the top 4 popular platforms, which includes the Android, iOS, macOS and Windows device platforms. Manual setup instructions are available to walk you through installing and using the service with Linux devices. No browser extensions are to be found, but the service is compatible with select WiFi routers.

Up to 6 devices can simultaneously connect on the same set of login credentials.

The provider says that its support chat is available 24/7, but I have often found the chat balloon to be red, indicating no one is available to chat. However, email support and an FAQ help section are also available.

“STEALTHY” VPN PROTECTION:PrivateVPN’s Stealth VPN feature keeps your VPN usage undercover, while its fast connections offer reliable protection for all of your online activities. The provider’s global server network is spread a bit thin, but it will likely be sufficient for some users. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

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Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Delhi

Delhi residents and visitors who are looking to prevent outsiders from monitoring their online travels should always carefully consider a VPN service provider’s features before making a decision. You will want to be sure that your VPN will provide the protection and enhancement you require.

These are the factors you should consider when choosing a VPN for Delhi:

• Speed: A provider’s connection speed determines how enjoyable and efficient your online activities are. Each VPN on my list offers fast connections, which I verify through regular rounds of speed tests.
• Server Network: You’ll want to use a VPN with servers in as many countries as possible, and a large number of servers in each location. This provides comprehensive access to content around the globe, while also helping ensure that no individual server will be hit with an overload of users using a single server at once (so your speeds will be faster).
• Value: Never spend a large amount of money on a VPN that doesn’t offer the features and functionality you require. Each VPN on my list is priced in line with the services it offers.
• Ease of Use: A VPN should offer apps that are easy to use, so you don’t have to waste time fiddling with a load of settings. They should also be available for as many popular platforms as possible. All of the VPNs I include on my list provide easy-to-use apps.
• Security and Privacy: No matter where you’re located, you’re always in danger when online. At the very least, require a provider to offer banking-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection. A no-server-logs policy is also a requirement, as it will ensure that there will be no trail left behind to reveal your online activities.
• Streaming: Video streaming is a popular online pastime among VPN users. I always check that a VPN I recommend provides access to geo-blocked streaming services, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu and other popular streaming services. (When it makes sense, depending on the subject matter.)

Check out more information about my VPN testing methodology.

Why Not Use a Free VPN?

Putting your online security and privacy in the hands of a free VPN provider is never a good idea. That is even more true when you’re in a country like India, where the government has a tendency to frown upon internet freedom.

Your privacy and online security is at risk when using a freebie VPN provider, and you will also find that using a free VPN is a less than enjoyable experience.

As for your privacy, many free VPNs keep the lights on by monitoring their users’ online activities, then selling that valuable information to advertisers and other interested parties. Yes, that includes overly restrictive governments, too.

Other free VPNs have been caught inserting tracking cookies and ads into their users’ browser sessions. (And those tracking cookies keep on doing their job, even after you’re disconnected from the VPN’s servers.)

As for not being an enjoyable experience, free VPNs sometimes force you to chill out in a virtual waiting room before being allowed to connect to a free server.

Then, once you’re given the sign to connect, you’ll find that you have a limited number of servers to choose from, or that the choice is taken out of your hands and you’re automatically connected to a server of the provider’s choice.

Then, after connecting, you’ll likely find that your connection speeds have slowed precipitously, and that you’re subject to daily or monthly data caps. This is because free VPN service providers want to save most of their bandwidth for use by their paying customers.

Trust me, it’s better all around if you spend a few bucks per month on a quality VPN so you won’t have to worry about any of the issues that I’ve listed above.

What Are the Additional Advantages of Using a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is arguably the most efficient way to protect your online security and privacy.

A VPN hides your online activities from prying eyes by encasing your internet connection in a tunnel of hardened encryption. This prevents hackers, your government and your Internet Service Provider (ISP) from watching what you do online.

ISPs like to track your online activities for two main reasons. First of all, by tracking its customers’ online activities, they can sell that information to advertisers and other nosy types. Plus, they like to block or throttle your internet connection if they notice you streaming from “unapproved” sources or see you sharing files (any files).

But, since a VPN’s encryption keeps your ISP from knowing what you’re doing online, you don’t have to worry about any blocking or throttling of your online activities.

A VPN’s encryption is also valuable when using an unprotected public WiFi hotspot, such as those found in public locations like hotels, coffee shops and more. Most public WiFi hotspots don’t require a password, which makes it easier for users to connect, but the lack of encryption makes it easier for hackers to monitor you while you’re connected.

A VPN also allows you to access geo-blocked content from other areas of the globe. It does so by temporarily assigning a new IP address to your connected device. When that IP address is located in another country, it makes it appear to the rest of the internet that you and your device are located in that country, opening up access to geo-blocked content in other countries.

SEE ALSO: How to Watch American Netflix in India, How To Get An Indian IP Address From Anywhere, How to Watch Indian TV Abroad and How To Watch Hotstar Abroad

Conclusion

Residents and visitors in Delhi and other locations around the world will appreciate a Virtual Private Network’s ability to protect and enhance all of their online activities.

My top choice for reliable all-around VPN protection is NordVPN, which provides top-notch service in every category.

NordVPN’s impressive global server network provides fast, well-encrypted connections that offer reliable access to geo-blocked content around the world. The provider’s support for popular device platforms keeps your devices protected, and its 24/7 customer support is always available in your time of need.

For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.

Delhi VPN FAQ