How To Watch Indian TV Channels for Free in 2024
- Quick Guide: How To Watch Indian TV With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps
- How To Watch Indian TV Shows Online for Free
- Where Can I Watch Indian Dramas Online?
- Best VPNs for Watching Indian TV in 2024
- Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for Watching Indian TV Online
- How To Watch Indian TV Channels on Any Device With a VPN
- FAQs on Watching Indian TV
You can watch Indian TV for free on platforms like JioTV, YuppTV, and Hotstar, but the offering depends on your location and the device you’re using. Many premium platforms in the US and the UK also offer Indian content but require a subscription.
A premium VPN can safely access Indian TV channels and shows from anywhere since it has virtual servers for India and worldwide. However, most VPNs’ can't provide an Indian IP address since they removed their servers from the country due to data collection rules.
After my team and I tested 32 VPNs, I recommend ExpressVPN for watching Indian dramas online. It provides fast servers, Indian IP addresses, and consistently works with popular Indian streaming platforms. It also has strong security features to keep your data private while streaming. Additionally, with its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.
Quick Guide: How To Watch Indian TV With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps
- Download a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN for its impressive speeds and easy-to-use apps for all major devices. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it without risk.
- Connect to a server. Choose a nearby server to minimize speed loss and stream Indian TV shows in HD.
- Start streaming. Now, it's possible to safely watch Indian platforms, like Hotstar and YuppTV, from anywhere.
Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Watching Indian TV in 2024
- Editor's ChoiceExpressVPN
The fastest VPN with virtual Indian servers to watch Indian shows from anywhere in UHD.Checked out by 7000+ users last month - CyberGhost
Optimized servers make it easy to watch Indian dramas online, even if you're a beginner. - Private Internet Access
Unlimited connections are great for households with multiple streaming devices.
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
How To Watch Indian TV Shows Online for Free
JioTV offers a wide selection of Indian channels and shows for free, but it requires an active Jio SIM card. To get a Jio SIM card, you need to be in India and provide a valid photo ID proof such as an Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, or driving license.
Other platforms with free content, like Hotstar, also come with limitations. For example, on TVs, it doesn’t offer all of the free content available on the phone app anymore. The phone apps are also riddled with ads, which can get quite annoying. However, the best VPNs for streaming come with built-in ad-blockers, so you can watch with fewer distractions.
The best option for watching Indian TV for free is to sign up to YuppTV that offers a wide range of Hindi content and Bollywood movies. Here's how:
1. Install a VPN
Download your chosen VPN from the official website or app store, then follow the installation instructions to set it up. I recommend ExpressVPN for its fast connections and virtual servers in India to safely stream YuppTV without compromising speed. I also liked how easy it is to install on any device, including Android TV, Apple TV, and FireStick.
2. Connect to a Server
Open the VPN app and create an account if you don’t have one. Log in using your credentials to activate the service, then connect to a virtual Indian server. This will give you an Indian IP address and encrypt your data to hide your streaming activity from third parties.
3. Open YuppTV
Open your web browser and go to the YuppTV website. It offers a variety of Hindi TV and Bollywood movies, and sports. You can watch selected live TV channels for free with ads, or pay ₹99/month to watch all its content.
4. Start Watching
Now, you can start watching your favorite Indian TV shows and channels. A VPN keeps your connection secure and private while streaming live TV, catching up on missed episodes, or watching the latest Bollywood movies.
Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.
Where Can I Watch Indian Dramas Online?
Depending on your location, you can watch Indian serials and TV shows on several streaming platforms. Some of these platforms are geo-restricted, meaning they’re only available to watch from a specific country.
Country | Streaming Platform | Price | Free Trial | Content Offerings |
India | YuppTV | Free, but ₹99/month to watch all content | 14 days | Live TV channels, on-demand movies, TV shows |
JioTV | Free | Completely free | Movies, TV shows, live sports | |
MX Player | Free | Completely free | TV shows, movies, originals, web series | |
Hotstar | ₹299/year | 7 days | Indian TV shows, movies, sports, news | |
SonyLIV | ₹299/year | 7 days | TV shows, movies, live sports | |
ZEE5 | ₹499/year | 14 days | TV shows, movies, originals, news | |
Eros Now | ₹99/month | 14 days | Bollywood movies, music videos, originals | |
ALTBalaji | $3/month | N/A | TV shows, movies, web series | |
Amazon Prime Video India | ₹299/month | N/A | TV shows, movies, web series, sports | |
United States | JioTV | Free | Completely free | Movies, TV shows, live sports |
MX Player | Free | Completely free | TV shows, movies, web series | |
Hotstar | $49.99/year | 7 days | Indian TV shows, movies, sports, news | |
YuppTV | Free, but $9.99/month to watch all content | 14 days | Live TV channels, on-demand movies, TV shows | |
SonyLIV | $4.99/month | 7 days | TV shows, movies, live sports | |
ZEE5 | $49.99/year | 14 days | TV shows, movies, originals, news | |
Sling TV Desi Binge package | $10/month | 7 days | Live TV channels, on-demand movies, TV shows | |
Eros Now | $4.99/month | 14 days | Bollywood movies, music videos, originals | |
United Kingdom | JioTV | Free | Completely free | Movies, TV shows, live sports |
MX Player | Free | Completely free | TV shows, movies, web series | |
Hotstar | £49.99/year | 7 days | Indian TV shows, movies, sports, news | |
YuppTV | Free, but £6.99/month to watch all content | 14 days | Live TV channels, on-demand movies, TV shows | |
SonyLIV | £3.99/month | 7 days | TV shows, movies, live sports | |
ZEE5 | £49.99/year | 14 days | TV shows, movies, originals, news | |
Eros Now | £4.99/month | 14 days | Bollywood movies, music videos, originals | |
Global | Zenga TV | Free | Completely free | Live TV channels, movies, music |
The Viral Fever | Free | Completely free | Original web series, movies, TV shows |
Best VPNs for Watching Indian TV in 2024
These VPNs offer fast speeds, reliable connections, and compatibility with various Indian TV channels. Below is an overview of the best VPNs for watching Indian TV in HD from anywhere. Each one has fast virtual servers in India, solid support for streaming devices, 24/7 support, easy-to-use apps, and the ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously.
1. ExpressVPN — Fastest Speed To Watch Indian TV Channels From Anywhere Uninterrupted
Tested December 2024 Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
ExpresVPN's consistently fast speeds make it possible to stream Hotstar, YuppTV, JioTV, and more in HD from anywhere. Thanks to the lightweight nature of its proprietary Lightway protocol, it’s significantly faster than any other VPN we tested. My team and I only experienced a 6% speed loss while connected to virtual Indian servers.
I also like its simple design, which makes it easy to use on PCs, smartphones, TVs, and more — it even has native Android and Apple TV apps. Virtual servers in India are conveniently labeled to show their physical locations in Singapore or the UK. Using its Smart Location feature, you're automatically connected to the nearest server to maximize your speeds. You can also activate its built-in ad blocker to free up bandwidth from ads and background trackers.
Subscription plans are a bit expensive, starting at $4.99/month. However, ExpressVPN offers frequent deals and discounts on long-term subscriptions — I got 61% off and 3 months free when I signed up. There’s also a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free for Indian TV.
2. CyberGhost — Servers Optimized for Reliable Access to Disney+ Hotstar and Netflix India
CyberGhost dedicated servers provide secure access to Indian streaming platforms from anywhere. They’re regularly updated to maintain compatibility with services like Disney+ Hotstar and Netflix IN. Simply click For streaming and type "India'' into the search bar to find these optimized servers. Although it’s slightly slower than ExpressVPN, CyberGhost was fast enough for HD streaming during our tests, and its streaming servers had very consistent speeds.
The only downside is that CyberGhost's short-term plans are expensive and come with a shorter money-back guarantee of only 14 days. However, its long-term subscriptions are cheaper, at only $2.19/month. You also get an extended money-back guarantee to try CyberGhost for free for up to 45 days.
3. Private Internet Access — Unlimited Connections To Watch Indian TV on All Your Devices Simultaneously
Unlimited connections mean your entire household can safely watch different Indian shows without anyone being logged out or throttled. My team and I connected 9 devices simultaneously, and our connections remained stable during testing. Its virtual Indian servers are in Singapore and gave us speeds that exceeded the 25Mbps needed for UHD streaming. Also, with a vast network of servers worldwide, it's possible to use PIA to stream Indian dramas from anywhere without buffering.
The apps are loaded with settings, which might be overwhelming to beginners. However, PIA can stream platforms like Hotstar and SonyLIV without adjusting settings. You can also try it without risk for 30 days using its money-back guarantee.
Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for Watching Indian TV Online
My team looked at the availability of virtual servers in India and physical servers in other countries that offer Indian TV. We also tested each VPN’s speeds to determine if they can stream Indian TV channels live without buffering. Additionally, we selected providers with military-grade security features that are easy to install and use on multiple devices and have fast, reliable 24/7 support.
How To Watch Indian TV Channels on Any Device With a VPN
All of the VPNs shortlisted are compatible with the most popular operating systems, so you can safely watch Indian TV on different devices. Here’s how to install a VPN and watch Indian TV channels on any platform:
- Windows and Mac. Download and install your chosen VPN from the VPN's website. Once you make an account, log in and connect to an Indian server. Watch Indian TV channels through their respective websites or apps like Hotstar, SonyLIV, and Zee5.
- iOS and Android. Search the App Store or Google Play Store for your VPN and install it. Then create an account and connect to an Indian server to get an Indian IP address. Open your desired Indian TV streaming app and enjoy safe HD shows and movies.
- Smart TVs. Install the VPN app directly from the relevant app store and create your account. Connect to an Indian server, then open streaming apps like Hotstar or SonyLIV. For older Smart TVs use a VPN-enabled router or share a VPN connection from your PC. This routes your smart TV's internet traffic through the VPN.
- Amazon Fire Stick. Install the VPN from the Amazon App Store. After logging in and connecting to an Indian server, open the desired streaming service on your Fire Stick to start watching Indian TV channels safely.
- Routers. Configure your router with the VPN settings if your device doesn’t support VPN apps directly. This secures all devices connected to your network, including gaming consoles and streaming boxes like Roku or Chromecast.
FAQs on Watching Indian TV
What is the best app to watch Indian channels in the US?
The best app to watch Indian channels in the US is YuppTV. This service offers over 130 TV channels across multiple Indian languages. A premium VPN can access YuppTV securely from anywhere. Another popular choice is Sling TV, which offers various Bollywood add-on packages, including Zee TV and Sony Liv.
Is it legal to watch Indian TV channels with a VPN?
Watching Indian TV channels with a VPN is generally legal. VPNs are legitimate tools for enhancing privacy and security, but streaming services often prohibit their use because of content licensing agreements. That’s why only a few VPNs can safely access Indian TV from anywhere.
Why can’t I watch Indian TV shows with a free VPN?
Free VPNs often can't securely access streaming services that offer Indian TV shows and channels since they have fewer servers and limited IPs. They also typically cap bandwidth, leading to slow speeds and buffering. A premium VPN with a money-back guarantee is a more reliable option. If you don’t like it, you can get a full refund.
How can I watch Indian TV series on Hotstar for free?
You can watch Indian TV series on Hotstar for free by getting a trial of the service. Additionally, Hotstar's Indian version offers some free content not available in other regions. A VPN with virtual Indian servers can access Hotstar’s free content from anywhere without causing buffering.
To summarize, these are the best VPNs to watch Indian TV from anywhere...
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
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