Best VPNs for Hotstar so you can access it from outside India in 2025

Hotstar has evolved into a comprehensive content platform. Unfortunately, the service is geo-restricted with a varying library of content depending on your country. The largest library is reserved for those with an Indian IP address. Luckily, there’s a simple way to unlock Hotstar’s extensive Indian library, no matter where you are worldwide – by utilizing a Hotstar VPN.

A VPN runs all the internet traffic flowing to and from your device via an encrypted tunnel. If you select a server in India, the Hotstar website and mobile app will assume you’re geographically located there and grant you access to premium content. Using a VPN also makes it very difficult for your internet service provider (ISP), hackers, government surveillance agencies, and others to monitor your digital footprint.

However, based on our testing, not every VPN is capable of effectively bypassing Hotstar’s restrictions. In this article, we’ll delve into the best VPN software specifically designed for Hotstar, explain how it works and how to use it, and review the best providers for the job. You can read detailed reviews of each VPN later on, but if you’re short on time, we’ll start with a quick summary.

The best VPNs for Hotstar:

1. NordVPN Our top VPN pick for streaming Hotstar. Boasts high speeds, strong security tools, and reliable servers in India. Also offers a risk-free money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best budget choice Hotstar VPN. Plenty of speedy servers to choose from. No connection limit. Top-notch security and privacy features.
3. Total VPN: Servers in India and 84+ other countries. Works well with Hotstar as well as Netflix. Affordable one-year subscriptions.
4. ProtonVPN: High-speed provider with plenty of servers in India. Boasts a strong security toolkit and exceptional streaming ability.
5. ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is a veteran provider that excels at unblocking services like Hotstar. Solid speeds and a great range of security features.
6. IPVanish: Fast enough to stream Hotstar from abroad in high quality, plus strong security and a no-logs policy. Cheapest monthly subscription available with no commitment.
7. CyberGhost: Beginner-friendly option with fast servers in India, so you can easily unblock Hotstar from abroad.
8. PrivateVPN: Small VPN provider with a few servers in India that can access Hotstar from anywhere.
9. Private Internet Access: Servers available worldwide. Decent speeds for streaming Hotstar. Unlimited devices and lots of security features.

How to watch Hotstar abroad with a VPN

Setting up VPN software might sound complicated, but it’s actually very easy to do. Just follow the instructions below, and you can stream Hotstar abroad in no time.

Here’s how to watch Hotstar online outside India:

1. Download and install a VPN that works with Hotstar. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Open your VPN and pick a server in India. This will grant you an Indian IP address.
3. Clear your browser cache and cookies to remove location information from previous sessions.
4. Open Hotstar and stream your favorite content from any country in the world!

Hotstar VPNs compared

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Hotstar.

Our criteria for Hotstar VPNs

There are plenty of VPN providers available, but they don’t all offer the same level of service. We took the guesswork out of it for you by rounding up the best providers for the job by testing them in the following key areas:

• Speed: To find the fastest providers for streaming Hotstar without endless lag and buffering, we carried out several speed tests while connected to their servers in India.
• Streaming ability: We scored providers on how many server locations they had in India, as well as the number of countries they supported. Most importantly of all, we tested them with Hotstar and other popular streaming platforms.
• Security and privacy: We evaluated each VPN against 16 different criteria to find those most able to keep user’s safe online while connected to servers in India.
• Ease of use: To make getting access to Hotstar as easy as possible, we only recommended providers that scored highly across 10 different metrics.
• Value for money: Nobody wants to spend more than is necessary on a VPN subscription. We found the best value providers by evaluating them against eight different metrics.

You can read more about how we test the VPNs we recommend and the results of those tests in our methodology section below. First, let’s take a look at the ones that made the cut. 

The best VPNs for Hotstar

Here is our list of the best VPNs for Hotstar:

1. NordVPN

Sep 2025 Unblocks HotstarTested Sep 2025

NordVPN is our top recommended VPN for Hotstar. It operates 7,900 servers in over 126 countries, including India, for accessing Hotstar abroad. We’ve also had great results using this VPN with other popular platforms. Want to stream Netflix, Disney+, or Sony LIV? No problem! Users can connect up to 10 devices at the same time, and support staff are available 24 hours per day over live chat, just in case you need them.

Even more impressive, NordVPN’s Indian servers were the fastest we tested. After a full day of testing (using a base speed of 246 Mbps), NordVPN had an average speed of 230.42 Mbps. In case you’re wondering, that’s quick enough to stream over a dozen 4K videos simultaneously. Suffice it to say, you’re not going to have any issues, even if lots of people are sharing your home internet connection. The chart below shows the results of NordVPN’s speed testing at three different times of day:

This provider takes your security very seriously. Aside from its effectively unbreakable encryption, customizable kill switch, and leak protection, it boasts censorship-beating obfuscated servers, automatic ad and tracker-blocking, and a Meshnet tool that can facilitate secure file transfers. Most importantly, NordVPN follows a no-logs policy and has been audited several times. It even accepts cryptocurrency or gift cards, giving you multiple ways to sign up anonymously.

NordVPN apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Alternatively, you can follow manual configuration instructions to get it running on most routers.

BEST VPN FOR HOTSTAR:NordVPN is our number one VPN recommendation. It’s a versatile, speedy service that’s great for Hotstar. Whether you’re hoping to stream, torrent, or play games, it’s a great choice. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

For more info, check out our full review of NordVPN.

---

2. Surfshark

Unblocks HotstarTested Sep 2025

Surfshark is an excellent choice for anyone looking to watch Hotstar abroad. It has servers in 100+ countries, including the US, UK, and India, so you can access your usual content library from anywhere. Better still, this service is fast enough to stream live video without any noticeable lag or buffering. Unlike most of its rivals, Surfshark allows you to connect as many desktop and mobile devices as you like.

Surfshark is more than up to the task of streaming Hotstar abroad. There are two Indian server locations. These are extremely quick, with an average overall speed of 201.21 Mbps – well above what you’ll need for uninterrupted playback. It was extremely consistent, too, with less than 1 Mbps of variance across multiple tests.

Security is one of Surfshark’s biggest strengths. It uses AES 256-bit encryption, protection against WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks, and a kill switch (which stops all traffic if your VPN connection drops suddenly) to keep your activities private at all times. You can sign up anonymously with cryptocurrency and a disposable email address, but as Surfshark doesn’t keep any logs, you can’t be traced either way.

Surfshark has apps for Windows, Android, iOS, MacOS, and Linux. It can also be manually configured to work with supported internet routers.

BEST BUDGET VPN FOR HOTSTAR:Surfshark is our top low-cost option for streaming Hotstar. It has excellent unblocking capabilities, no connection limit, and solid speeds, not to mention a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

---

3. Total VPN

Unblocks HotstarTested Sep 2025

Total VPN works seamlessly with Hotstar and plenty more besides. During testing we were also able to access Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Disney Plus.

Speeds certainly felt fast while connected, but we carried out three tests just to make sure. As you can see from the results chart below, Total VPN’s speeds were indeed quick, ranging from 181.05 Mbps to 195.47 Mbps.

In all cases, Total VPN was more than fast enough to stream Hotstar in UHD. You’d have no problems gaming or torrenting in India at the same time either.

Total VPN’s apps are straightforward to use, with much of the key functionality happening behind the scenes. The provider automatically encrypts traffic using 256-bit AES encryption; protects against IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks; and uses the speedy WireGuard protocol by default. Users can choose between servers in 85+ countries and switch between connection protocols when needed — while using networks where VPNs are blocked, for example.

Subscriptions are great value, costing the equivalent of $1.59 a month for a one-year plan. Subscribers get free access to the Total AdBlock ad-blocking software and TotalAV antivirus software.

USER-FRIENDLY APPS:Total VPN is secure by default and makes it easy to access servers in India suitable for Hotstar. Its low-cost subscriptions include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Total VPN review.

---

4. ProtonVPN

Unblocks HotstarTested Sep 2025

ProtonVPN is a freemium provider, but you can’t use its Indian servers without a paid plan. On the plus side, this is far from the only benefit. You’ll gain access to the full network (13,000+ servers in 122+ countries), remove the speed limitation, and increase the connection limit to 10. Bored of Hotstar? No problem: it also works with other popular platforms like Amazon Prime Video and JioCinema. If you run into any problems, just let staff know; they’re available 24/7 and will be more than happy to help.

ProtonVPN’s paid plans give users access to unrestricted speeds, so we thought it important to see what exactly you’re paying for. In our tests, it delivered an average speed of 147.27 Mbps, though there was a fair bit of variance between tests. All the same, ProtonVPN remains fast enough for streaming Hotstar, even at its slowest. Here are the full results:

Of course, this doesn’t mean much if the service can’t keep you safe. Luckily, ProtonVPN uses uncrackable encryption, prevents IPv6 and DNS leaks, and automatically stops sending data if your connection drops. There’s also a toggleable feature that blocks ads and trackers outright. ProtonVPN refuses to log any data that could identify you. To enhance its privacy credentials even further, it allows anonymous registration, has been independently audited, and operates Secure Core servers that are stored far from the reach of the Indian government.

ProtonVPN apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS. It’s also possible to run this service directly on a router, though you’ll have to follow manual setup instructions.

STREAM AD-FREE:ProtonVPN takes the stress out of streaming Hotstar safely. Boasts automatic ad-blocking, high-speed connections, and lots of security features, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ProtonVPN review.

---

5. ExpressVPN

Unblocks HotstarTested Sep 2025

ExpressVPN ranks highly because of its choice of military-grade encryption standards and ability to stream a huge range of content. The service is speedy, reliable, and has minimal downtime. The company operates more than 3,000 servers spread across 105+ countries, so users shouldn’t face any problems when trying to unblock Hotstar.

ExpressVPN is another veteran provider boasting reliable Indian servers and solid performance. Our experts recorded an average speed of 114.77 Mbps, which is fast enough for most households’ requirements. We were able to stream live TV shows, make video calls, and torrent flawlessly while connected, so it’s highly versatile. It was slightly slower in the mornings, but even then, ExpressVPN was still perfectly capable of streaming Hotstar. Here’s a breakdown of its results:

ExpressVPN has a privacy policy that does not store any detailed traffic logs, and maintaining your privacy online is of utmost importance to the company. Some metadata is retained and used to improve service quality levels, specifically the date (not time) of connection, choice of VPN server location, and total bandwidth used. Your real IP address won’t be recorded.

This service uses 256-bit AES encryption, along with perfect forward secrecy and a no-logs policy. It’s fair to say that its security standards are ironclad. An internet kill switch is included, which the company refers to as a ‘network lock.’ This feature will temporarily halt all web traffic if the connection drops.

ExpressVPN offers apps for both Android and iOS, as well as a desktop client for Windows and MacOS. Also has its own custom router firmware. Each account allows for eight simultaneous connections.

SECURE AND PRIVATE:ExpressVPN is a solid choice thanks to its high-speed connections, great unblocking ability, and strong security. Also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our review of ExpressVPN.

---

6. IPVanish

Unblocks HotstarTested Sep 2025

IPVanish is a favorite for users who want fast connection speeds coupled with stringent privacy measures and strong encryption. In our testing, the service performed admirably when streaming HD and 4K video. Perhaps this shouldn’t be surprising, given IPVanish has more than 2,200 servers spread across 100+ countries around the world. Several servers are located in India, and there are many other options available in Asia.

IPVanish is a solid option for anyone looking to stay up to date with their favorite shows abroad. Following three tests at different times of day, it delivered an average speed of 174.61 Mbps. That makes it the fourth fastest VPN on our list. There was just over 11 Mbps of variance, which is not enough to cause a noticeable dip in performance. The chart below contains IPVanish’s full test results:

Encryption standards are robust. IPVanish deploys AES 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, and WireGuard support. IPVanish is a completely logless service — there’s no storage of metadata related to timestamps, server preferences, or other user behavior.

Many users find IPVanish an excellent option for Kodi because it enables them to download the Android APK directly to their device. The interface is remote control-friendly for Kodi devices that lack a keyboard and mouse.

Apps are available for both iOS and Android, and there are desktop clients for Windows and MacOS. One paid account allows for unlimited simultaneous connections.

UNLIMITED DEVICES:IPVanish is great for families and multiple connections. Easy to use with Hotstar and preferred by users who need high standards of user privacy and security. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

---

7. CyberGhost

Unblocks HotstarTested Sep 2025

CyberGhost offers a variety of nifty features, including anti-tracking and ad-blocking. It’s also relatively inexpensive and won’t break the bank, making it a great choice for users on a budget. The service is fast and incorporates military-grade encryption parameters.

CyberGhost’s biggest claim to fame may be its streaming-optimized servers, but even the general-purpose ones are pretty quick. Following a day of testing, it had an average speed of 143.09 Mbps — which is more than fast enough for streaming 4K video on five devices simultaneously. Performance was fairly consistent too, with just over 7 Mbps of difference between its highest and lowest results. Below, you can see how it fared at various times of day:

At the moment, CyberGhost offers 10,000+ servers across 100+ countries — including India. We’ve seen the range of servers and countries expand considerably in recent times with no signs of slowing down.

CyberGhost uses 256-bit AES encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default, but  apps also include WireGuard support. An internet kill switch is included too, which will keep your connection secure even if the link to a server drops for some reason. Another reassuring factor is that CyberGhost adheres to an internal privacy policy of not storing any user logs.

Apps are available for both Android and iOS, and there are desktop clients for Windows, MacOS, and Linux. A subscription grants access to seven devices on a single plan.

BEGINNER FRIENDLY:CyberGhost has a simple set up. Works well with Hotstar. Good option if you are looking for a fast, reliable connection and an easy-to-use interface. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

---

8. PrivateVPN

Unblocks HotstarTested Sep 2025

PrivateVPN has a smaller network of servers than others on this list, but it compensates for this relative disadvantage by delivering incredible speeds. Servers in India are included, so users looking to access Hotstar won’t be disappointed.

In our user review, PrivateVPN streamed 1080p video flawlessly when tested across three different server locations. Online games were similarly quick, so it’s clear the service checks all the boxes when it comes to a seamless experience.

First, the good news. PrivateVPN is more than capable of streaming Hotstar without interruption, lag, or buffering. However, it was the slowest provider in this list, with an average speed of 59.77 Mbps. This is plenty for most tasks, though you may struggle when multiple people in your home try to perform data-intensive tasks at the same time. The chart below shows this VPN’s speed test results across a full day:

PrivateVPN uses either 128-bit or 256-bit encryption, a customizable kill switch, and perfect forward secrecy to help keep your activities private. An automatic kill switch and DNS leak protection are included too. Best of all, PrivateVPN keeps no logs whatsoever.

A basic plan allows for 10 simultaneous connections. There are apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

GREAT SPEED:PrivateVPN is a good family choice. Unblocks Hotstar. Also good for secure and private browsing and torrenting. Could do with having more servers and lacks 24/7 support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our review of PrivateVPN.

---

9. Private Internet Access

Unblocks HotstarTested Sep 2025

Private Internet Access is one of the better VPNs for traveling because it has servers located across more than 91 countries. Although it doesn’t have servers that are physically located in India, it does provide virtual Indian servers. As such, you’ll have no trouble accessing Hotstar and all of your favorite Indian TV shows while abroad.

Private Internet Access is a lightweight service with competitive speeds, making it ideal for anyone hoping to stream Hotstar on a low-powered device like an Amazon Firestick. Now, it’s not the fastest VPN on the market, but with an average speed of 65.45 Mbps, it’s certainly quick enough for most day-to-day tasks. For instance, we were able to torrent, make video calls, and play games without any noticeable issues. Let’s see how well Private Internet Access fared throughout the day:

One of the advantages PIA has over many other VPN services is that it doesn’t impose a connection limit. As such, you can secure all of your devices at once. These devices benefit from a range of essential security features, including 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. We’re impressed by the many features available (such as split tunneling) and PIA’s very thorough no-logs policy.

If you’d like to use Private Internet Access, you’ll need to download and install an app for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, or Amazon Fire TV. Alternatively, Chrome and Firefox extensions are available. Manual setup is needed for use with routers.

PLENTY OF FEATURES:Private Internet Access offers servers in 91+ countries, virtual servers in India included. Works with Hotstar and even some Netflix libraries. Strict no-logs policy and unlimited simultaneous connections. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our review of Private Internet Access.

---

Using a free VPN to access Hotstar

Free VPN offerings are widely available, and the no-cost factor is very tempting. But that’s usually where the allure finishes.

The basic premise of paying for a VPN is to ensure you get access to servers optimized for speed, security, and reliability. Free VPNs skimp on this aspect; they’ll offer you a choice of one or two server locations and regularly subject you to bandwidth throttling and data caps. Expect poor encryption standards that don’t do much to protect your privacy online. And, in some cases, you run the real risk of having your data pilfered and sold to third-party advertisers.

At Comparitech, we don’t recommend using a free VPN to access Hotstar because you’ll receive a fraction of the service a paid VPN service offers, and might be putting your data at risk.

How to fix Hotstar ‘VPN detected’ error

If you try to use Disney+ Hotstar from abroad, you’ll see the following error: “This content is currently not available in your region“. Similarly, In the past, Hotstar would display the following error if it realized you were using a VPN: “Uh-oh, we cannot playback due to geographic restrictions. Disable VPN if it’s accidentally turned on.”

Nowadays, the service will simply refuse to show you any content without specifically telling you why. This can be confusing, especially since the page just appears to be loading endlessly.

Sometimes, VPN providers have specific servers that are optimized for unblocking a particular website. If this is the case, you can try switching servers; your VPN’s customer support team should be able to tell you which servers work with Hotstar. Unfortunately, failing this, there’s little you can do other than wait for a workaround or try a different service.

Watching Hotstar abroad with a VPN: FAQ