Best Free VPNs in 2024 for Speed and Security in India

6 min readSep 9, 2024

In today’s increasingly digital world, securing online privacy and data is more crucial than ever. VPNs are critical for Indian users to maintain privacy and gain access to content that may be prohibited or blocked.

However, with so many options available, choosing the right VPN- especially free- can take time and effort. This article’ll explore how to be safe and secure on an Indian IP address with a VPN free of cost in 2024, its features, and why you might want to consider a paid VPN instead.

Why Do You Need a VPN?

Before downloading a VPN in the flow of Internet intellectuals, it is necessary to know the fundamental reasons why you should find the best VPN in India server. Here are 5 reasons to use a VPN in India:

1. Bypassing Geo-Restrictions: Many online streaming platforms and websites restrict content access based on your location. This is especially relevant in India, where access to certain content may be blocked.

A VPN gets through these geo-restrictions by concealing your IP address and routing your Internet traffic through a server in another location. This makes it appear that you are browsing from a different location, giving you access to otherwise prohibited content.

2. Enhancing Online Security: Online threats like hacking, phishing, and malware are ever-present dangers. A VPN encrypts your Internet connection, making it difficult for cybercriminals to intercept your data. This is especially important to remember before utilizing public Wi-Fi networks, which are frequently insecure and a popular target for hackers.

3. Protecting Your Privacy: Governments and ISPs often monitor online activities, and in some cases, this data can be used against you. A VPN hides your browsing history and other digital footprint from prying eyes by masking your IP address and encrypting your Internet connection. This ensures that your online actions remain private and secure.

4. Avoiding ISP Throttling: If your ISP detects activities like streaming or torrenting, it may cut down your Internet speed. A VPN protects you from unwanted throttling by encrypting your traffic, making it harder for your ISP to see what you’re doing online. This can result in a more efficient and enjoyable browsing experience, particularly during peak usage times.

Best Features of VPNs

1. Strong Encryption: One of the core features of any good VPN is its encryption. Most reputable VPNs use AES-256 encryption, which is considered the gold standard in cybersecurity. This ensures that even if your data is intercepted, it is nearly impossible to decipher.

2. No-Logs Policy: A VPN’s no-logs policy means that it does not track or save information about your online activities. This is critical to safeguarding your privacy. Always look for VPNs with transparent logging policies, and choose one that has been independently audited to back up its promises.

3. Kill-Switch: A kill switch is a necessary feature that disconnects your Internet connection if the VPN connection fails. This protects your actual IP address and data from being revealed in the event of a VPN failure. While most expensive VPNs include this feature, several free VPNs also do.

4. Multiple Server Locations: The more server locations a VPN offers, the better. This allows you to choose the best server for your needs, whether bypassing geo-restrictions or simply finding a fast and reliable connection. Look for VPNs that offer a variety of servers across multiple countries.

5. Compatibility Across Devices: A good VPN should be compatible with various devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and even routers. This ensures that all your devices are protected, no matter which one you use to connect to the Internet.

Best Free VPNs in 2024 for Users in India

1. Symlex VPN:

Speed: Symlex VPN provides fast speed and uses dedicated servers for specific user purposes. It is known to provide the best VPN service in India.
Security: It includes robust security features like AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, split tunneling, and even a private browser for more security. It also has a no-logs policy and unlimited customer support. It offers trials for different packages.
Free Features: Access to 10 server locations is available on the free plan.
Limitations: A lot of features are not available on the free version.

2. ProtonVPN:

Speed: ProtonVPN offers good speeds with unlimited data, making it one of the best free VPNs for continuous use.
Security: It uses AES-256 encryption and follows a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your data is secure.
Free Features: The free VPN gives you access to servers in Japan, the Netherlands, and the US.
Limitations: The limited server locations might result in slower speeds during peak hours.

3. Windscribe:

Speed: Windscribe provides fast speeds and 10 GB of free monthly data, suitable for moderate Internet use.
Security: It includes robust security features like AES-256 encryption, a no-logs policy, and a firewall.
Free Features: Access to 10 server locations is available on the free plan.
Limitations: The 10 GB data cap can be restrictive for heavy users.

4. Hide.me:

Speed: It offers decent speeds and 10 GB of free monthly data, making it a reliable choice for most online activities.
Security: Features include AES-256 encryption, a no-logs policy, and advanced security protocols like OpenVPN.
Free Features: The free version provides access to five server locations.
Limitations: The limited server network can lead to slower speeds during high traffic.

5. TunnelBear:

Speed: TunnelBear offers reliable speeds with a limited 500 MB monthly data cap.
Security: Strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and features like GhostBear make it a secure option.
Free Features: The free version includes access to servers in over 20 countries.
Limitations: The 500 MB data cap is only suitable for light, occasional use.

Why Paid VPNs Are Better Than Free Ones?

While free VPNs offer essential protection and access to restricted content, they often have significant limitations. Here’s why you might want to consider a paid VPN instead of free VPN :

1. Better Speeds:

Paid VPNs typically offer access to a larger network of servers, which means less congestion and faster speeds. Speed is crucial for activities like streaming, gaming, or downloading large files.

2. More Server Locations:

Paid VPNs offer a more comprehensive range of server locations, giving you more options to bypass geo-blocks and access content(movies, series, or games) from around the world. This also helps find a server with the best possible speed and reliability.

3. Unlimited Data:

Free VPNs often come with data caps, severely limiting your ability to browse, stream, or download content. On the other hand, Paid VPNs usually do not have any limitations over data, allowing you to use the Internet without worrying about running out of data.

4. Advanced Security Features:

While free VPNs offer basic security, paid VPNs have advanced features like double VPN (routing your traffic through two servers for extra security), dedicated IP addresses, and enhanced malware protection. These features provide an added layer of security that free VPNs often lack.

5. No Ads:

Free VPNs often have a lot of ads to generate revenue, which keeps popping up and can be intrusive and annoying. Paid VPNs, however, are ad-free and offer a smoother and more enjoyable browsing experience.

6. Customer Support:

Paid VPN services typically offer 24/7 customer support, meaning you can get help quickly if you encounter any issues. This can be invaluable, especially if you’re new to VPNs or have specific technical needs.

Conclusion

While free VPNs can be a great starting point for new users or those with limited needs, they have significant limitations in terms of speed, data, and features.

If you’re serious about online privacy, security, and unrestricted access to content, a paid VPN is well worth the investment. Paid VPNs offer faster speeds, unlimited data, a wider range of server locations, and advanced security features that provide a more robust and reliable Internet experience.