How to watch Indian TV channels in the USA with a VPN

When you travel to the US, many of your favorite websites and services from home become region-locked. Indian TV channels are subject to licensing and distribution agreements. As a result, Hotstar, Voot, and Zee5 are all inaccessible from the US. Although frustrating, it’s possible to bypass geographic restrictions and watch Indian TV channels in the USA using a Virtual Private Network service.

A VPN allows you to connect to a server in India and receive an Indian IP address in the process. This makes it look like you’re streaming from India, bypassing geo-blocking. At the same time, all of your internet traffic is encrypted, so browsing and streaming are more secure, as hackers and snoopers can’t read your data. VPNs are popular with streamers and privacy enthusiasts alike.

This guide explains how to stream Indian TV in the USA with a VPN and covers the best services for the job. If you’re in a rush, you can view our shortlist below.

The best VPNs for watching Indian TV channels in the USA:

1. Surfshark: Best VPN for Indian TV channels in the USA. Servers in Delhi and Mumbai. Fastest speeds for streaming. Unlimited simultaneous connections.
2. IPVanish: Best value VPN for watching Indian TV channels. Impressive server speeds and highly secure with encryption, leak protection, and a no-logs policy.
3. ExpressVPN: Servers in 105 countries, India included. Unlimited bandwidth and powerful unblocking. Robust encryption as well as excellent 24/7 customer support.
4. CyberGhost: One of the largest server networks. Unblock Hotstar, among other popular streaming platforms. No-logs service, which allows seven simultaneous connections.
5. PrivateVPN: One of the most reliable unblockers. Works well with Indian TV channels. Free remote help and installation. A genuine no-logs policy protects your privacy.
6. PureVPN: Much improved server speeds puts it among the fastest VPNs. Servers in India for watching Indian TV. Option of a password manager and dark web monitoring.
7. Proton VPN: Privacy-friendly VPN which accepts anonymous cash payments. Rapidly growing network and impressive speeds. Secure with Double VPN servers included.

How to watch Indian TV channels in the USA with a VPN

Between VPNs, encryption, and location spoofing, you might worry that you’ll need a lot of technical know-how to use a VPN. Fortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Even if it’s your first time using a VPN, unblocking Indian TV channels in the US couldn’t be more straightforward.

Here’s how to use a VPN to stream Indian TV channels from the USA:

1. Sign up with a VPN that offers servers in India. We particularly recommend Surfshark.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the VPN on your streaming device.
3. Log in to the VPN app using your newly-created credentials and connect to a server in India for an Indian IP address.
4. Visit your preferred Indian TV channel, be it Netflix India or SonyLIV. You should now be able to stream without further restriction.
5. Not working? Clear your browser’s cookies to ensure the Indian TV channel you’re accessing forgets your previous IP address and location. Failing this, try connecting to a different VPN server.

Our criteria for VPN testing

There’s no shortage of VPNs available today; separating them is no easy task. The good news is that you don’t need to because we’ve only selected the best VPNs for watching Indian TV channels in the USA. All of these services have the following in common:

• Servers in India for providing Indian IP addresses
• Fast and unthrottled connections for lag-free streaming
• Strong encryption to ensure the security of your data
• No logging of any identifying information
• Option to connect multiple devices simultaneously
• Live chat and email support available 24 hours a day

Best VPNs to Indian TV channels in the USA

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for streaming Indian TV channels from the US:

1. Surfshark

Nov 2024

Surfshark has servers in Delhi and Mumbai, allowing you to easily get an Indian IP address and start watching Indian TV channels from the USA. In fact, you can use this VPN to access even more geo-restricted content thanks to its global network of over 3,000 servers across 100 countries, including over 600 US servers in 22 US cities. Surfshark is the fastest VPN we’ve tested, averaging 665 Mbps, which makes it ideal for streaming Indian TV anywhere.

This also is one of the stronger unblocking VPNs available, making light work of Netflix India (it works with 30+ Netflix libraries), Hotstar, and Prime Video India. Surfshark doesn’t limit the number of devices you can connect simultaneously. You can expect strong encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and even MultiHop servers. A no-logs service, Surfshark has 24/7 support available via live chat and email.

Connecting to a Surfshark server requires downloading its app for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, or Apple TV. You can use a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge if you prefer. Surfshark is compatible with select routers, but manual setup is required.

BEST VPN TO WATCH INDIAN TV CHANNELS IN THE USA:Surfshark has plenty of servers in Delhi and Mumbai. What’s more, it’s the fastest VPN you can use for streaming Indian TV channels. Works with Hotstar and Netflix India. Unlimited simultaneous connections. Try it risk-free thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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2. IPVanish

IPVanish may not list servers in India on its website, but it has virtual servers in the country. It provides over 2,400 servers globally, with a particularly impressive North American presence (1,400+ in over two dozen cities). This makes IPVanish ideal not only for unblocking and watching Indian TV channels like Hotstar and Tata Play but also for securely accessing popular streaming services from the US. It ranks among the fastest VPNs, too, averaging 271 Mbps in tests.

When you connect to IPVanish servers, your traffic is secured with 256-bit encryption. You’re also protected from DNS and IPv6 leaks. A kill switch, available in all apps, cuts your internet traffic should the VPN drop, preventing your data from being accidentally exposed. IPVanish operates a no-logs policy that has been independently audited, so you can be sure it’s not keeping any data by which you can be identified.

Secure as many devices as you like simultaneously with the IPVanish apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux (command-line), Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. If you don’t mind setting it up manually, you can use IPVanish with compatible wifi routers.

BEST BUDGET VPN:IPVanish presents excellent value for money with its high-speed servers in India and the US, unlimited simultaneous connection limit, and strong security setup. Aside from a zero-logs policy, it offers 24/7 live chat support. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a high-quality all-rounder for streaming and secure browsing. With servers covering 105 countries, including India, you can travel abroad and still access your favorite websites and services as usual. ExpressVPN works great for watching Indian TV abroad and is compatible with Hotstar, SonyLIV, Zee5, and more. Thanks to its fast proprietary Lightway protocol and unlimited bandwidth, it can stream in the highest resolution without any annoying performance issues.

As part of your ExpressVPN subscription, you get access to some valuable extras, including an ad blocker and even a password manager. That’s on top of the 256-bit AES encryption, kill switch, and protection from DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. ExpressVPN doesn’t keep any identifying logs of its users. Its excellent support is available 24 hours a day via live chat and email, making it straightforward to resolve any issues.

ExpressVPN has apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Browser extensions can be downloaded for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, as can custom firmware for quick and easy setup with routers. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

SECURE STREAMING:ExpressVPN uses the highest level of encryption, has a very reliable kill switch, and works with Hotstar, Netflix, and more. Servers available in 105 countries. Unlimited bandwidth and excellent support which is available 24/7. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has long had one of the most extensive server networks around, including servers in Mumbai, India. With them, you can watch Indian TV channels such as Hotstar and JioTV. Over 10,000 servers covering 100 countries let you access a wider range of geo-blocked content. We had success with Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Prime Video. Speeds averaged 226 Mbps in testing, and CyberGhost even has servers optimized for specific streaming services.

This is one of the most secure VPNs, combining 256-bit encryption with DNS leak protection and an automatic kill switch. CyberGhost has no shortage of additional features for you to play around with, be it an ad blocker or split tunneling. A very thorough no-logs policy ensures your privacy is protected. A CyberGhost subscription allows for seven simultaneous connections and includes access to its 24/7 live chat and email support.

CyberGhost has desktop (Windows, Mac, and Linux) and mobile (Android and iOS) apps as well as an app for Amazon Fire TV. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available. With manual configuration, it’s possible to set up CyberGhost with a VPN-compatible router.

STREAMING-FRIENDLY:CyberGhost provides servers in India, fast speeds, and even servers optimized for specific streaming services. No-logs VPN with strong encryption and extras including an ad blocker and split tunneling. 24/7 support. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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5. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a smaller VPN provider with just over 200 servers. However, it tends to fly under the radar as an unblocking and streaming VPN, proving highly consistent. Its server network covers over 60 countries, including Indian servers in Mumbai and Bangalore. PrivateVPN has little trouble with Indian TV channels or the most popular international streaming services such as Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Netflix.

First-time VPN users may particularly appreciate PrivateVPN for its easy-to-navigate apps and the free remote help and installation it provides. Live chat and email support are available, albeit not 24 hours daily. Security-wise, data is protected through the use of robust 256-bit encryption. DNS leak protection and a kill switch are also included. PrivateVPN now allows up to 10 simultaneous connections per account, allowing you to secure all your devices simultaneously.

You’ll find PrivateVPN apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. However, it lacks an Apple TV app and browser extensions. If you don’t mind going through manual setup, you can use PrivateVPN with Linux and select routers.

POWERFUL UNBLOCKER:PrivateVPN sets itself apart from with its ability to bypass geo-blocking. This includes Indian TV channels and international streaming platforms. Secure with a genuine no-logs policy and even offers free remote help. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

6. PureVPN

PureVPN is now one of the fastest VPNs you can use for streaming, averaging 299 Mbps in our latest speed tests. As such, you can easily stream your favorite Indian TV channels from the US without interruptions. This is a torrent-friendly VPN, and speeds make other bandwidth-heavy activities, such as video calls and online gaming, stress-free. It is helpful that PureVPN has a generous network of more than 6,000 servers across 65 countries, including India.

This VPN uses secure protocols such as WireGuard and OpenVPN, which have a high level of encryption, securing traffic from threats. PureVPN passed all our leak tests and includes a very effective kill switch. As for extras, higher subscription tiers include a password manager and dark web monitoring, providing even more comprehensive protection. Additionally, PureVPN even operates a no-logs policy that has been independently audited.

PureVPN provides apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. Browser extensions are offered for Chrome and Firefox, and VPN-compatible routers are also supported.

IMPRESSIVE SPEEDS:PureVPN is an excellent option for streaming thanks to its high-speed connections and vast server network. Includes servers in India for watching Indian TV from the US. Strong encryption and a strict no-logs policy. 31-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PureVPN review.

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7. Proton VPN

Proton VPN has as many as 30 servers in India alone, all of which are located in the city of Mumbai. It also happens to have one of the fastest-growing VPN networks. This is now made up of more than 8,500 servers in 112 countries. Indian TV channels posed absolutely no problem, and aside from working well with Hotstar, it’s a popular choice for use with Netflix. We averaged 216 Mbps in our latest round of tests, and connections were stable even when streaming in 4K.

If you’re looking for a VPN with which you can stream anonymously, Proton VPN certainly fits the bill. Aside from 256-bit AES encryption, it operates a strict no-logs policy and even accepts anonymous cash payments. A healthy number of extras are included as part of the subscription, too. In particular, Proton VPN offers Secure Core servers that route data via two locations for an extra layer of encryption. You can find live chat and email support as well.

To use Proton VPN, you’ll need to download one of its apps, which are available for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Browser extensions can be downloaded for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Support is offered for routers, but manual setup is required.

SPEED AND SECURITY:Proton VPN has 30 servers in India and more than 8,500 globally. It’s a strong unblocker of content with speeds suitable for high definition streaming. No-logs provider with robust security including Double VPN servers. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Proton VPN review.

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Finding the best VPNs for watching Indian TV channels in the USA: our testing methodology

We’ve touched upon some of the key criteria we looked for as we assessed the best VPNs for watching Indian TV channels. Below, we’ll go into greater detail regarding our methodology and some of the tests we carry out:

• Servers in India: A VPN must have servers in India to obtain an Indian IP address. We also want to see that a VPN provides servers in the US so you can find nearby servers for the fastest possible speeds. All of the VPNs we’ve covered offer servers across dozens of countries, allowing for maximum flexibility.
• Speed: Streaming Indian TV channels in the USA requires a fast and consistent connection. Some VPNs will slow your speeds either through poorly optimized servers, heavy user load, or bandwidth throttling. We test each VPN’s server speeds nine times, ensuring a reliable average. This helps us identify the fastest VPNs on the market.
• Bypass blocks: A VPN may offer servers in India as well as fast speeds yet still struggle when it comes to unblocking. It’s only by testing a VPN’s servers with specific Indian TV channels and streaming services that we can know how reliable it is. Needless to say, we’ve only included those that work with the likes of Hotstar and Zee5.
• Security: We examine each VPN’s security setup, looking for a secure VPN protocol such as OpenVPN or WireGuard. The VPN should provide a high level of encryption (256-bit AES or ChaCha20) and provide a kill switch as well as protection from leaks. Part of our process involves stress-testing VPN kill switches and checking for leaks.
• Privacy: By reading a VPN’s privacy policy, we can find out just how privacy-friendly it really is. Many VPNs claim to operate no-logs policies yet still keep some logs. At a minimum, we’re looking for VPNs that don’t keep any identifying logs of users. This means we don’t want to see logging of your IP address or your browsing activity. As part of this, we’ve studied more than 120 VPN logging policies in all.
• Ease of use: In looking for much of the above, we’re able to test out each VPN’s apps. A VPN should make connecting to a server in India and unblocking Indian TV channels straightforward. A quick connect button allows you to connect to a server with a single click. We also select VPNs that provide live chat and email support, usually 24/7.
• Value for money: The best VPNs provide multiple subscription plans so you can find one that best fits your needs. This usually includes a one-month plan with the flexibility to cancel at short notice. You’ll also find one—or even two-year subscriptions where you can save significantly. We’ve included discount coupons for each VPN, and they all come with risk-free money-back guarantees.

If you’d like to know more specifics regarding our testing process, take a look at our VPN testing methodology post.

Watch Indian TV channels: FAQs