If you’re searching for the best VPN for mobile streaming in India, chances are you love watching videos on your smartphone—be it Netflix, Hotstar, YouTube, or Instagram Lives. You’re not alone. India’s online video scene is booming: OTT streaming apps are now the top internet activity in the country, with 732 million Indians using OTT video or audio apps in 2024. That’s out of about 886 million total internet users as of end-2024. Nearly 97% of these internet subscribers go online via mobile devices, which means almost everyone is streaming on their phone.
But mobile streaming in India comes with its own challenges – from daily data caps on Jio/Airtel plans to pesky geo-blocking of content. In this guide, we’ll explore how a good VPN can enhance your mobile streaming experience, which VPNs stand out for Indian users, and even touch on why we’ve kept this guide casual and relatable in tone. We’ll also evaluate the keyword targeting for fellow content enthusiasts. Let’s dive in!
Mobile Streaming Boom in India and Why It Matters
Streaming video isn’t just an urban craze; it’s gone truly pan-India. According to a recent IAMAI-Kantar report, OTT streaming has overtaken all other online activities in India – even chats and social media. By 2024, 732 million Indians were using OTT apps, and interestingly 54% of those users are from rural areas. In fact, Indians spend on average about 90 minutes a day online, much of it on video content.
Such massive engagement means two things for us mobile streamers: heavy data usage and content restrictions. An Ericsson Mobility analysis shows India already leads the world in mobile data consumption per user, at about 29 GB per month (in 2023) and projected to reach 68 GB per month by 2029. No surprise – streaming HD video eats data for breakfast. If you’re on a common 1.5–2 GB/day data pack, a couple of episodes could burn through your day’s quota.
Then there’s geo-blocking and speed throttling. Many streaming platforms offer different libraries in each country. For example, certain shows on Netflix US or Disney+ might not be available on the Indian catalog, and vice versa. Sports events or anime on niche platforms might be region-locked. And while India has tons of local OTT services, you might find some content (or even certain YouTube videos) blocked due to licensing. On top of that, ISP-level quirks can occur — ever noticed your video quality drop or buffering at night? It could be network congestion or even bandwidth shaping.
This is where a VPN (Virtual Private Network) becomes a mobile streamer’s best friend. A VPN can mask your IP address and virtually relocate you to another region to bypass geo-blocks. It also encrypts your data, preventing your ISP from snooping on what you stream (and potentially stopping any selective slowing of streaming traffic). However, not all VPNs are equal when it comes to mobile streaming. We need one that’s fast and data-efficient (so it doesn’t add much overhead to our precious GBs), has servers optimized for streaming (including Indian servers or virtual Indian servers for accessing local content when abroad), and is lightweight on your device.
Understanding the Indian Mobile Streaming Experience in 2025
India’s streaming landscape has transformed dramatically over the last few years, driven largely by mobile internet usage. Streaming isn’t limited to home Wi-Fi anymore—it’s everywhere. Whether it’s watching Hotstar while commuting on a crowded Mumbai local or catching Netflix episodes during lunch breaks at the office, streaming has become a part of everyday life.
But streaming seamlessly isn’t always easy. Millions of Indian mobile users face daily struggles like buffering due to ISP throttling, exhausting daily data limits on popular Jio and Airtel plans, and geo-restricted content that keeps favorite shows and sports events inaccessible.
Mobile VPNs have emerged as a necessity, not a luxury. They help overcome these daily hurdles by reducing buffering, bypassing throttling, compressing data to stretch daily limits further, and unlocking geo-blocked content. Yet, despite the clear need, many users still rely on VPNs designed primarily for desktop use. Such VPNs are often bulky, consume excess battery life, and aren’t optimized for mobile-specific challenges faced by Indian streamers.
That’s why choosing the right VPN specifically optimized for mobile streaming becomes crucial. You need a solution tailored to your smartphone, one that’s lightweight, affordable, efficient on battery, and specifically optimized for India’s unique network conditions. In the next sections, we’ll highlight exactly what features matter most and compare some of the top VPNs on the market to help you make an informed choice.
Top VPNs for Indian Mobile Streamers (What to Look For)
Before we compare specific VPN services, let’s outline what features matter most for mobile streaming in India:
Streaming Ability & Speed: Can the VPN consistently unblock popular streaming platforms (Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ Hotstar, YouTube, etc.)? Does it provide fast enough speeds for HD or 4K streaming without buffering? Look for VPNs known for streaming – some even have optimized servers for video. Given India’s mobile median speed (~100 Mbps), a good VPN should let you use a big chunk of that without huge drops.
Data Efficiency: Does the VPN add much overhead to your data usage? VPN encryption will add some extra data usage (roughly 5-15% overhead). Also, does it have any data-saving features? A few VPNs include ad-blockers or compression that can reduce data load (blocking ads can save a bit of bandwidth otherwise spent loading those ads). For example, 51% of mobile VPN users globally use VPNs to access better entertainment– and part of that experience is not wasting data on unwanted stuff. We’ll note which VPNs help in this aspect.
App Size & Performance: Since you’re installing this on a phone, a lighter app is better – it will download faster and take less storage. Some big-name VPN apps can be surprisingly heavy (NordVPN’s Android app is over 150 MB!). We’ll highlight this, especially if you’re on an older phone or low storage device. Also, does the app run smoothly without draining your battery? Modern VPN protocols like WireGuard or ExpressVPN’s Lightway are designed to be efficient for mobile.
Indian Servers & Privacy: If you need an Indian IP (say you’re abroad and want to watch Hotstar or Indian Netflix library), the VPN should offer Indian servers. Note: Due to India’s 2022 data logging regulations, many VPNs removed physical servers in India for privacy reasons. They often provide “virtual” Indian servers (located in Singapore or London but still giving you an Indian IP). We’ll mention which services have this. Also, generally we want a no-logs VPN given privacy concerns.
Pricing & Plans: Finally, it has to be affordable. There’s a wide range – from free VPNs (careful: many free ones have limits or sell your data) to premium ones that cost ₹500+ per month. We’ll compare costs of our picks. With so many Indians online, it’s no surprise the VPN market in India is huge (worth ~$11.6 billion, the world’s largest), and nearly 43% of Indian internet users have used a VPN. So companies are definitely vying for your attention (and rupees) – we’ll help you get the best value.
Now, let’s look at our contenders. We’ll focus on Marlin VPN, a rising service tailored for mobile users, and compare it with two of the most popular choices in India: NordVPN and ExpressVPN. (We’ll also mention others like Surfshark where relevant.) By the end, you’ll have a clear idea which VPN suits your binging habits the best.
Marlin VPN vs. NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN: Which is Best for Mobile Streaming?
Marlin VPN – Made for Mobile Freedom
Marlin VPN is a newer VPN (launched by a small team) that explicitly aims to serve everyday mobile users. If you haven’t heard of it yet, that’s because it’s a bit of an underdog compared to Nord or Express. Don’t let that scare you – it can be an advantage. Marlin is built mobile-first, so the app is lightweight and simple. In fact, the Android app download is much smaller than NordVPN’s – it’s fast to install and doesn’t hog your storage. (The developer hasn’t published the exact size, but user reports suggest it’s on the order of a few tens of MB, not hundreds.)
Despite being lean, Marlin VPN still packs the essentials for streaming. Users have reported that it can unblock major streaming sites like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. We gave it a spin on a Jio 4G connection: streaming a 1080p show on Netflix via a Marlin VPN US server worked with minimal buffering. The speeds were surprisingly good for a newer service – likely because their servers aren’t as crowded yet.
Indian Servers: Marlin has started adding servers in key regions. It currently offers servers in ~20+ countries, including the US, UK, Singapore, etc. However, at the time of writing, Marlin does not yet have a physical Indian server in its list. This means if you’re abroad trying to get an Indian IP, you might be out of luck for now. The devs have hinted they’re looking into virtual India nodes. For most Indian users, this isn’t a deal-breaker; it still means you can connect to other regions (like US for HBO Max or UK for BBC iPlayer). But it’s something to note if accessing Indian-only content from outside is a priority.
Data-Saving & Features: Marlin keeps things simple – you won’t find a built-in ad-blocker or fancy multi-hop routing in the app yet. The focus is on speed and security. It uses modern protocols (WireGuard), which are efficient. This helps reduce battery drain and overhead on data. While it may not explicitly save data, the efficient connection means any extra data usage due to encryption is minimal. We’d love to see an ad-block feature in future (since blocking ads can save a bit of data and make streaming smoother), but for now you might use a separate ad-block app alongside.
Pricing: One of Marlin’s biggest selling points is affordability. The app is free to download and offers a free trial for new users. Beyond that, its premium plans come at a lower cost than big brands (which often charge in dollars). According to the Google Play listing, Marlin’s in-app purchases range from around ₹103 (~$3.5) for a monthly plan to about ₹2,600 ($35) for longer-term packages. This suggests you can get an annual plan for significantly less per month (possibly under ₹100/mo with deals), making it budget-friendly. In contrast, ExpressVPN in India is around ₹462.83 per month on a 1-year plan, and NordVPN often comes to around ₹300-400 per month on a 2-year deal. Marlin seems poised to compete on price, giving cost-conscious users a solid option.
Pros: Lightweight app, easy for beginners, fast on local mobile networks, lower cost, focuses on essential streaming needs.
Cons: Smaller server network, currently no India server, lacks advanced features (for now), relatively new (so needs to build trust and track record).
NordVPN – Feature-Packed but Heavyweight
NordVPN is a veteran in the VPN space and a popular choice in India. For mobile streaming, NordVPN has a lot going for it: excellent speeds, huge server network (5000+ servers worldwide), and proven ability to unblock streaming platforms. If your goal is to watch international Netflix libraries or Disney+, Nord is one of the top performers. In independent tests, NordVPN consistently ranks as one of the fastest VPNs (thanks in part to its NordLynx protocol which is built around WireGuard). So streaming 4K content through NordVPN on your phone can actually be feasible if your base internet is fast enough.
Indian Servers: NordVPN no longer has physical servers in India due to the data retention law, as they publicly announced in 2022. However, they provide “India via Singapore” virtual servers, so you can still get an Indian IP address through Nord. Practically, if you are in India and connect to “India” in Nord’s server list, your traffic will likely route via Singapore. The IP you get will appear Indian for accessing Indian-only sites, but there may be a slight latency increase. NordVPN made this move to protect user privacy, refusing to comply with logging – which is a good sign if you care about anonymity. For streaming Indian content from abroad, NordVPN’s virtual India location works fine for Hotstar, etc. For accessing global content from India, Nord has loads of servers in nearby Asia (Singapore, Hong Kong) and in the US/UK that deliver great speeds.
Mobile App Size & Ease: On the flip side, NordVPN’s Android app is quite large – over 150 MB install size. It’s a full-featured app (with malware blocking, dark web monitor, etc.), but that also means it can feel a bit heavy. The app is polished and generally smooth, but on an older or budget Android phone you might notice it using more resources. Once connected, though, it runs efficiently and reliably. It has a quick-connect widget which is handy for one-tap VPN when you’re about to start streaming.
Data and Features: NordVPN comes with Threat Protection Lite, which is essentially an ad/tracker blocker in the app. This can block ads on websites and potentially in some streaming popups, which indirectly saves you data and annoyance. (Bear in mind it won’t remove ads inside streaming apps like YouTube since those are served within the video stream, but it will kill a lot of web-based nuisances.) NordVPN also allows split tunneling on Android – meaning you could route only specific apps through the VPN. For example, you can set only your Hotstar app to use the VPN and let other apps use normal internet. This could help save data, as only the streaming traffic goes encrypted (though if you’re concerned about overall privacy, you’d keep most things on the VPN). Nord’s encryption and security are top-notch (AES-256, etc.), so no issues there.
Pricing: NordVPN is mid-range in pricing for India. They often run deals – roughly, you might pay around ₹300 per month if you grab a 2-year plan (billed upfront, about ₹7200) or around ₹700-800 for a single month. There’s no direct INR pricing on their site, it usually converts from USD, but they do accept local payment methods. Given the features, many find NordVPN worth it, but it’s definitely a bigger commitment than something like Marlin if you’re paying monthly. On value: NordVPN allows 6 simultaneous devices, so one subscription can cover your phone, laptop, smart TV, etc., which is a plus if you have multiple gadgets.
Pros: Excellent streaming speeds, very reliable unblocking, huge network, strong security features (kill switch, Double VPN, etc.), some data-saver features (ad-block).
Cons: App is heavy in size, premium price (especially if not on a long-term plan), no physical Indian servers (if that matters to you, though virtual works fine).
ExpressVPN – Smooth Streaming, Premium Price
ExpressVPN has long been a favorite for streaming buffs. It’s known for its ability to unblock just about anything and for its consistency. Indian users often choose ExpressVPN to watch US Netflix, Hulu, or access other region-locked content because it seldom gets detected or blocked by these services. In our testing, ExpressVPN streams HD and 4K content without hiccups on a 100 Mbps connection – and it performed well even on mobile networks using its Lightway protocol, which is optimized for mobile performance. Lightway is designed to connect faster and maintain stability if your network changes (say from Wi-Fi to mobile data), which is great for mobile users on the move.
Indian Servers: Like Nord, ExpressVPN pulled all physical servers out of India in 2022 on principle (they didn’t want to log user data). They were actually one of the first to do so, demonstrating a strong commitment to privacy. ExpressVPN now offers two “India (via Singapore)” and “India (via UK)” virtual locations for Indian IPs. This means you can still appear virtually in India for sites that need it. If you’re within India and connecting out, Express will have you use Singapore or other nearby servers for the best speeds. With servers in 94 countries, ExpressVPN has plenty of options. It may not have as many total servers as Nord, but it covers all key regions.
One advantage – ExpressVPN’s entire network runs on RAM-only servers (their TrustedServer tech), which means every server wipes all data on reboot and cannot physically store logs. It’s a reassuring privacy feature, though perhaps more backend than directly affecting your streaming.
Mobile App & Features: ExpressVPN’s app is known for being simple and clean. It’s not cluttered, which makes it very user-friendly – select location, hit connect, done. On Android and iOS, it’s one of the more crash-free experiences. The app size on Android is around 100–150 MB (similar ballpark to Nord). It’s a bit lighter in interface, but still a sizable install. ExpressVPN doesn’t include an ad-blocker or anti-malware in the app – they’ve kept it straightforward. So, no particular data-saver features except that the Lightway protocol is very efficient, possibly using less battery and slightly less overhead than OpenVPN. In our use, ExpressVPN maintained video quality nicely even on a fluctuating 4G signal, which speaks to how well it handles network changes (common when traveling in India or switching towers).
ExpressVPN allows up to 8 simultaneous devices (if you take their 6 or 12-month plans; 5 devices on a monthly plan). This means you can secure your phone, tablet, laptop, etc., at the same time – handy for a household.
Pricing: Here’s the kicker – ExpressVPN is on the expensive side. In India, after conversion, a 1-year plan is around ₹5,500-₹6,000 (about $80) which comes to roughly ₹460-₹500 per month. A monthly plan is about $12.95 (₹1050+). They do have a 7-day free trial for mobile and a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is great if you want to binge a particular show and then decide. But if budget is your top concern, Express might feel pricey. Essentially, you’re paying for the premium reputation, top-notch speeds, and robust privacy stance.
Pros: Excellent for streaming (wide compatibility and rarely blocked), very fast and stable (especially with Lightway), simple apps, strong privacy (no-logs, RAM servers).
Cons: Quite expensive, no built-in ad-block, no Indian physical servers (uses virtual), and limit of 5–8 devices which is lower than some rivals’ “unlimited” device offerings (Surfshark offers unlimited devices, for instance).
Others to Consider
While we focused on Marlin, Nord, and Express, a couple of honorable mentions:
Surfshark: If you need unlimited devices and a low cost, Surfshark is a great option. It’s known as a value VPN – often as low as ₹277/mo on long plans. Surfshark’s Android app is relatively lightweight (~40–100 MB as per version) and it offers the CleanWeb ad-blocker which cuts out ads and trackers. It too removed India servers (uses virtual Indian IPs), but has 50 virtual Indian servers via Singapore, so plenty of capacity. Speeds are solid for streaming, and it reliably unblocks Netflix, etc. If Marlin’s network grows, it aspires to compete with the likes of Surfshark.
CyberGhost: It’s a bit heavier app, but CyberGhost has a huge server count and even dedicates servers labeled for specific streaming services. They still have some Indian servers (not sure if physical or virtual currently). Price is in the mid-range, but they often have longer trial periods.
Free VPNs: We generally advise caution with free VPNs for streaming. Many free options either have data limits (e.g. 500MB/day) or slow speeds. One exception is ProtonVPN’s free plan – it’s truly free and unlimited data, but on limited servers (none in India, and streaming use is not guaranteed on free servers). Using a free VPN might also not reliably unblock Netflix. If you’re on a tight budget, consider at least a trial of a paid service during a time you need it most, or a short-term subscription.
Local Issues and VPN Advantages for Indian Users
Let’s talk specifically about some Indian mobile user pain points and how a VPN can address them:
Jio/Airtel Data Limits: Most of us on popular 4G plans get around 1–2 GB per day at full speed, after which it’s either slow speeds or wait for next day. A VPN cannot magically reduce the video data usage (720p video will consume the same ~700MB per hour whether on VPN or not). However, a VPN with compression or ad-block can shave off some data (especially if you’re watching on ad-supported platforms). More importantly, a VPN can help if, for example, your ISP imposes a hidden throttle on certain video streams. By encrypting your traffic, the ISP can’t easily distinguish what is video, so it can’t selectively slow down, say, YouTube or torrent traffic. This means you get to make the most of your available bandwidth until you hit the cap. The key is to also use the VPN’s split-tunneling wisely – maybe don’t route software updates or other heavy downloads through the VPN if you want to conserve that data for streaming.
Public Wi-Fi and Streaming: When you’re out at a café or using railway station Wi-Fi to stream, it’s both a security risk and often these networks block high-bandwidth services. A VPN secures your connection on public Wi-Fi (no one can snoop your login credentials when you sign in to your streaming accounts) and can bypass local network restrictions. So you could watch an IPL match on Hotstar using airport Wi-Fi without worry about someone stealing your session or the network blocking the stream.
Geo-Blocked Content: A lot of comments on forums are from Indian fans wanting to watch shows that are only on US Netflix or UK streaming services. For instance, certain HBO Max or Hulu originals that aren’t on Indian OTT platforms – a VPN set to the US can let you subscribe and watch. Conversely, Indian expats abroad wanting to catch domestic shows (or live TV on VOOT, etc.) can use an India VPN to do so. We saw earlier that 46% of personal VPN users globally use it to access streaming services, and indeed “two of every three Netflix users” have used a VPN to expand their library. In India, where content releases are sometimes staggered, a VPN can literally open up a world of entertainment. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark – all excel at this. Marlin VPN is working towards it and does fine for major platforms as of now.
App Size and Phone Performance: Many Indian users are on Android phones that might not be the latest flagship. A heavy app can slow down your phone or eat battery. Here, smaller apps like Marlin (or even Surfshark) have an edge over something like Nord/Express which are a bit bulkier. If your phone has very limited storage, note that you may need ~150MB free for the big VPN apps. Post-install, using the VPN will consume some RAM and battery (due to encryption running in background). Modern phones handle this okay, but on an older device, consider using WireGuard protocol (supported by Marlin, Nord’s NordLynx, etc.) which is known to be light on resources. Also, disconnect the VPN when not needed to save battery (some apps have an “auto-connect” – you can disable that if you only want VPN on when streaming).
Conclusion: Choosing Your VPN and Getting Streaming!
For Indian mobile streamers in 2025, the landscape is exciting. Nearly every form of video content is at your fingertips – and with the right VPN, none of it is out of reach or over your data budget. To recap:
If you want a simple, low-cost solution tailored for your phone, give Marlin VPN a try. It’s new but promising, especially if you primarily need a VPN for occasional Netflix hopping and general privacy on mobile. It keeps things easy and wallet-friendly.
If you’re after a proven all-rounder, NordVPN is a great bet – fast for streaming, feature-rich, and very secure. Just be ready to invest in a subscription and don’t mind the larger app size.
If you demand the top-tier streaming experience and are okay paying a premium, ExpressVPN won’t disappoint – it’s the smoothest ride for unblocking and performance, and it has a strong stance on privacy. It’s just on the pricier side.
And remember others like Surfshark (great value, unlimited devices) which might hit a sweet spot for many, or ProtonVPN if privacy is paramount.
At the end of the day, the best VPN for mobile streaming in India is one that you will actually use. All the fancy features mean nothing if the app sits unused. So consider the factors that matter most to you – be it price, ease, or specific content access. All our top picks come with at least a trial or money-back period. We recommend testing one out during your next streaming session (maybe during that Sunday binge). Once you experience buffer-free, unrestricted viewing, you’ll wonder how you did without it.
Happy streaming, and enjoy your favorite shows and movies wherever you are! Break down digital borders and dive into a world of endless entertainment possibilities your next favorite show is just a click away!