Are you looking for the best VPN to watch Hulu while traveling abroad? Look no further. After Netflix, Hulu is one of the most popular streaming video services today. Created through a collaboration of major US television networks like Fox, ABC, and NBC, Hulu offers an extensive collection of content, including shows from Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, FX, SyFy, PBS, Style, and Cartoon Network.
Unfortunately, Hulu’s region-locked nature can damper your viewing experience when you’re outside the United States. But don’t worry, we have the solution for you. From our years of experience, we have found the top VPNs that work seamlessly with Hulu, ensuring you can enjoy the best Hulu content from anywhere in the world. Don’t waste your time on VPNs that won’t do the job. Let’s find the perfect VPN for your Hulu streaming needs.
We’ll cover each VPN working with Hulu in detail later in this article. If you can’t wait, here is a summary from our research of the best VPNs for Hulu:
- NordVPN: The best VPN for unblocking Hulu. Provides blazing fast speeds, top-notch security features, and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: A reliable, inexpensive VPN that works great with Hulu and similar services. Connect as many devices as you like. MultiHop servers included.
- ExpressVPN: Consistently unblocks Hulu from abroad. Offers great streaming speeds and a solid set of security features. Excellent support available 24/7.
- CyberGhost: Fast speeds and works well with Hulu. Huge network of over 9,000 servers in 90+ countries. Use it on up to 7 devices at the same time.
- Private Internet Access: Solid US-based provider with secure apps and access to Hulu and Netflix. Servers in 80+ countries. Secure up to 10 devices.
- PrivateVPN: Great up-and-coming VPN which works well with Hulu and other popular streaming services. User-friendly apps and a strict no-logs policy.
- AtlasVPN: A fast US-based VPN that is perfect for streaming Netflix, Hulu, and more. Unlimited connections per account. Extra security including MultiHop.
- VyprVPN: Currently unblocks Hulu and many other streaming services. Fast for lag-free streaming. Protects privacy with a comprehensive no-logs policy.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that Hulu looks the other way on proxy users just because it’s not as popular as Netflix. All of the content is strictly limited to residents of the US and Japan. If you try to access video on Hulu from outside those two countries, the site will prevent you from watching.
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Hulu’s VPN ban is even more advanced than Netflix’s firewall. A VPN, or virtual private network, encrypts all the internet traffic heading to and from your computer and routes it through a VPN server in a location of your choosing. This can make it appear to Hulu as though you are located in the United States, which gives you access to all the shows.
But Hulu, along with many other online streaming services, now blocks connections from known VPN servers. IP addresses on these servers are shared by dozens and even hundreds of users at once. This adds a layer of anonymity but makes it pretty obvious to Hulu what’s going on. Trying to watch Hulu with a normal VPN, results in this message:
“Based on your IP address, we noticed you are trying to access Hulu through an anonymous proxy tool. Hulu is not currently available outside the US. If you’re in the US, you’ll need to disable your anonymizer to access videos on Hulu.”
For this reason, we have found that not just any VPN service will do. Most VPN providers cannot bypass Hulu’s strict firewall rules. The best VPNs for Hulu typically have a few servers each that can bypass the proxy ban. Just contact customer support to ask which servers can access Hulu.
Below we’ve curated the top six best Hulu VPNs based on the following criteria:
- Can access Hulu from outside the USA
- Fast speeds
- Logless US servers
- Fast customer support
- Secure, reliable connection
We go into more detail on our testing methodology for the best Hulu VPNs later in this article.
Best VPNs for Hulu – Our hands-on review
We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Hulu.
No value NordVPN Surfshark ExpressVPN CyberGhost Private Internet Access PrivateVPN AtlasVPN VyprVPN Website NordVPN.com Surfshark.com ExpressVPN.com Cyberghost.com PrivateInternetAccess.com PrivateVPN.com atlasvpn.com VyprVPN.com Ranking for Hulu 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Streaming services Hulu
BBC iPlayer
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Disney+
HBO MaxHulu
BBC iPlayer
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Disney+
HBO MaxHulu
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Disney+
HBO MaxHulu
BBC iPlayer
Netflix
Disney+
HBO MaxHulu
BBC iPlayer
NetflixHulu
BBC iPlayer
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Disney+
HBO MaxHulu
BBC iPlayer
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Disney+
HBO MaxHulu
BBC iPlayer
NetflixSimultaneous Connections 6 Unlimited 7 7 Unlimited 10 Unlimited 10 Devices Supported Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers Windows, MacOS, Linux (command line), iOS, Android, Smart TVs Routers Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android, QNAP, Anonabox, Blackphone, Routers Best deal (per month) $3.19
SAVE 61% + 3 month FREE$2.30
Get 2 Months FREE with a 2-year plan$6.67
SAVE: 49% on the annual plan$2.19
SAVE 82% on the 2 year plan + 2 months FREE$2.19
SAVE 82% on the 2 yr plan + 3 months free$2.00
SAVE 85% on the three year plan$1.82
SAVE 85% on a 2 year plan$5
SAVE 50% on the annual plan
Best VPNs for Hulu
From our research and testing, here’s our list of the best VPNs for Hulu:
1. NordVPN
Sep 2023
Unblocks HuluTested Sep 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN comes with its trademark SmartPlay DNS baked into the VPN that allows it to unblock a huge range of content providers, including Hulu. You can find out which servers to connect to by consulting the official NordVPN knowledge base or by asking the live chat support. NordVPN also works with Netflix in several countries including the US, along with other streaming services like BBC iPlayer and HBO. This is one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, so you’re all but guaranteed a seamless streaming experience.
Online security is airtight thanks to strong encryption and a true zero logs policy. The company also has specialized servers for certain use cases, including anti-DDoS, ultra-fast streaming, double VPN, and Tor over VPN. A single subscription allows you to connect up to six devices at the same time.
Apps are available for Linux, Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.
NordVPN speed test data
No value | NordVPN |
---|---|
Website | NordVPN.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 268 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 174 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 147 Mbps |
Best deal (per month) | $3.19 SAVE 61% + 3 month FREE |
Pros:
- Unblocks Hulu from almost anywhere
- Fast enough servers for HD streaming quality
- High-grade privacy and security built into apps
- Strict no-logs policy
- Works with most popular streaming sites, e.g. Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video
Cons:
- Desktop app may take some getting used to
Our score:
BEST HULU VPN:NordVPN is our #1 choice. Works well with Hulu. Strong security features and allows up to 6 devices to be used simultaneously from one account. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark is a great cord-cutting tool for accessing Hulu and other streaming services from abroad. If you share your VPN with friends or family, you never have to worry about going over the device connection limit–Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections. It also works with Netflix US and UK, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, among other video streaming services.
Surfshark works in China. Users have access to 24/7 live chat support. The service has no data retention, keeps no logs, and allows P2P filesharing. Kill switches are available on both the mobile device and desktop apps.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.
Surfshark speed test data
No value | Surfshark |
---|---|
Website | Surfshark.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 205 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 193 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 168 Mbps |
Best deal (per month) | $2.30 Get 2 Months FREE with a 2-year plan |
Pros:
- Great at access popular streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer
- Solid speeds and unlimited bandwidth
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Offers 24/7 live chat
Cons:
- Relatively small global server network
- Occasional slow server
Our score:
BEST BUDGET VPN:Connect as many devices to Surfshark as you want and start unblocking Hulu with ease. Comes with a strong security offering and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Surfshark review.
3. ExpressVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN, which offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee, always has a few servers that work with Hulu. To find out which, just go to their website and ask a customer support representative on the live chat. Live support is available 24/7, every day of the year. ExpressVPN connections are extremely stable and bandwidth is more than enough to stream Hulu shows in top video quality. Several server locations are available across the United States. Note that we did have to disable IPv6 in order for it to work. Find instructions on how to do that below.
All ExpressVPN subscriptions come with MediaStreamer, a smart DNS proxy service that’s used by default whenever you connect to a VPN server, but can also be used separately to unblock Hulu and other streaming services.
ExpressVPN works with just about every other streaming service we have tested including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Now, SlingTV, Amazon Prime and plenty more.
ExpressVPN speed test data
No value | ExpressVPN |
---|---|
Website | ExpressVPN.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 253 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 193 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 133 Mbps |
Best deal (per month) | $6.67 SAVE: 49% on the annual plan |
Pros:
- Unblocks Hulu from almost anywhere with high-quality streaming speeds.
- Also works with most other popular streaming services including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Now and more
- Top-class security and privacy protection features
- Easy to use apps
Cons:
- Not as cheap as some other providers below
- May not provide enough flexibility for advanced users
Our score:
QUICK AND RELIABLE:ExpressVPN is great for Hulu and similar services thanks to its strong security features and consistently high speeds. It even offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of ExpressVPN
4. CyberGhost
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost has been ramping up its unblocking efforts lately. It is now able to unblock a wide range of streaming channels, including Hulu. The desktop app even allows you to choose from a list of streaming servers based on what streaming services it can unblock rather than based on location alone. In order to unblock Hulu, you need to select the optimized servers for Hulu in the streaming sections in the apps. You’ll also get top-notch encryption, a no-logs policy, and extremely fast download speeds all for a budget price.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Linux, Firestick, and Android.
CyberGhost speed test data
No value | CyberGhost |
---|---|
Website | Cyberghost.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 392 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 244 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 253 Mbps |
Best deal (per month) | $2.19 SAVE 82% on the 2 year plan + 2 months FREE |
Pros:
- Works well with Hulu and some other streaming sites
- Streams HD quality video
- Apps are easy to install and use
- Fast
- Cheap
Cons:
- Doesn’t work reliably in China or UAE
Our score:
VALUE & PERFORMANCE:CyberGhost has a simple set up. Good privacy policy, fast connection speeds for reliable streaming and solid security. 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
5. Private Internet Access
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a service that is based in the USA. It is a solid no-logs VPN provider that has an excellent reputation on websites like Reddit and TrustPilot. Apps are available for all popular platforms, which means you can easily use it to gain online privacy and freedom on any device you happen to own. It also lets you install and use the VPN on up to 10 devices simultaneously.
To ensure fast speeds, the VPN provides the popular WireGuard tunneling protocol. It also has over 10,000 servers in over 80 countries. This includes servers in 20 US cities to let you access Hulu, Netflix, and other popular services. In terms of security, this VPN provides OpenVPN with AES encryption, it also has a kill-switch, DNS leak protection, and malware filtering. What is unique, is that this VPN lets you customize the encryption strength depending on your needs.
Live chat support is available if you need help with using or setting up the VPN, and you can test the VPN or compare it to our other recommendations thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Private Internet Access speed test data
No value | Private Internet Access |
---|---|
Website | PrivateInternetAccess.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 93 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 58 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 200 Mbps |
Best deal (per month) | $2.19 SAVE 82% on the 2 yr plan + 3 months free |
Pros:
- No logs policy
- Lots of encryption options
- Works with Hulu and Netflix US
- Fast WireGuard protocol
- Kill-switch
Cons:
- Based in America
Our score:
STRONG ON SECURITY:Lots of customizability. Over 10000 servers in 80+ countries. Servers in 20 US cities. No logs policy. Lots of advanced features, including a kill-switch. Allows torrenting and includes a Shadowsocks proxy. Connect 10 devices at once. 30-day money back guarantee.
Read our full PIA review to find out more.
6. PrivateVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN is a Swedish provider that has super-fast servers in over 60 countries. When it comes to unblocking streaming sites, it stands right alongside the more established players. We were able to watch Hulu on a couple of servers after sending a quick query to the support team. Even though PrivateVPN doesn’t operate as many servers as others on this list, the servers it does have are extremely quick and won’t leave you staring at a buffering icon. We’ve also been able to access Netflix in every country we’ve tested it in so far, including the US.
PrivateVPN doesn’t compromise online privacy or digital security. The company stores no logs of user activity nor IP addresses on its servers. It uses the same strong encryption that you’ll get with the veteran providers.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.
PrivateVPN speed test data
No value | PrivateVPN |
---|---|
Website | PrivateVPN.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 94 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 57 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 62 Mbps |
Best deal (per month) | $2.00 SAVE 85% on the three year plan |
Pros:
- Unblocks Hulu at decent streaming speeds
- Also unblocks Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer
- Keeps no user identifiable logs whatsoever
Cons:
- May need support assistance in locating the best server to choose
- Small number of servers
Our score:
GREAT SPEED:PrivateVPN is a good family choice. Unblocks Hulu and is generally good for browsing and torrenting. Allows up to 6 devices. Could do with more servers and lacks 24/7 support. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full PrivateVPN review.
7. AtlasVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.atlasvpn.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
AtlasVPN is a reliable service that was recently acquired by Nord Technologies, the parent company of our top choice. This puts it in extremely good hands and means that it now falls under the jurisdiction of Panama which is good for privacy. The VPN might not have as many bells and whistles as our top recommendation, but it is very effective when it comes to accessing US services from abroad.
The VPN only has servers in 44+ countries, but it does have servers across the USA in six cities. In our tests, we found it able to access Netflix US, Hulu, Disney Plus, Prime Video, and HBO Max. This makes it a fantastic all-rounder.
The apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android to let you stream US TV on all the different devices you might own. What’s more, this VPN lets you use its service on an unlimited number of devices consecutively. This means you can share your account with friends and family which makes it superb value for money. You can compare it to our other recommendations yourself using its 30-day money-back guarantee.
AtlasVPN speed test data
No value | AtlasVPN |
---|---|
Website | atlasvpn.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 297 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 158 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 356 Mbps |
Best deal (per month) | $1.82 SAVE 85% on a 2 year plan |
Pros:
- Fast WireGuard protocol for streaming
- Works with many US streaming services
- Easy to use
- Apps for all platforms
- No logs policy
Cons:
- No OpenVPN option
Our score:
FAST CONNECTIONS:Atlas VPN is an excellent streaming VPN. It is fast thanks to its WireGuard implementation. Excellent apps for all platforms. Also allows torrenting. Servers in 44+ countries. 30-day money-back guarantee to trial the service. No logs policy.
Find out more by reading our AtlasVPN review.
8. VyprVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.VyprVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
VyprVPN took a brief hiatus from being able to unblock Hulu and other streaming channels, but we’re happy to say it’s now back in action. We didn’t have any issues finding a server that works with Hulu, but customers can also ask VyprVPN’s live chat support which servers to use. VyprVPN can also access US Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.
The company owns and operates its own global network of servers, ensuring users have the bandwidth they need to stream in HD without buffering. The company uses some of the strongest encryption out there, and it provides a solid no logs policy. Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.
VyprVPN speed test data
No value | VyprVPN |
---|---|
Website | VyprVPN.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 373 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 192 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 79 Mbps |
Best deal (per month) | $5 SAVE 50% on the annual plan |
Pros:
- Unblocks many popular streaming sites including Hulu
- Connection speeds are fast and stable
- Strong security and privacy credentials
Cons:
- Power users would prefer more configuration options
- Not the cheapest option on this list
- No cryptocurrency payment method.
Our score:
UNLIMITED DATA USAGE:VyprVPN is user friendly. Excellent speed and uptime as all servers are owned by VyprVPN. Not the cheapest option. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full VyprVPN review.
Our Hulu VPN testing methodology
Comparitech aims to publish the most accurate, useful, and comprehensive VPN reviews and recommendations on the web. To do so, we evaluate every VPN based on real-world experience, expert analysis, and a battery of tests.
When it comes to Hulu VPNs, we specifically examined:
- Ability to access Hulu from abroad: Our international team of testers has run more than 3,000 real-world streaming tests this year alone to find out which VPNs can reliably unblock Hulu outside USA on both desktop and mobile.
- Speed: To play videos in HD or 4K without buffering, you need a fast VPN. We speed test VPN connections to server locations worldwide and only recommend the highest performers.
- Safety and privacy: It’s not enough to be able to stream Hulu; your activities have to be properly hidden from snoopers too. That’s why our top VPNs include powerful 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy among other security and privacy features.
- Simultaneous connections: We look for VPNs that can secure at least five of your devices at the same time. Ideally, there’d be no connection limit and manual setup instructions for a wide range of routers (since these allow you to protect every device on your network while only counting as one connection).
- Pricing: Plenty of VPNs charge more than is really justified. We personally try each service to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. That’s not all, though: we also go out of our way to highlight any deals or discounts that are available so that you pay as little as possible. We also look at money-back guarantees and expect to see at least 30 days.
- Leak protection: Windows 10 users in particular are vulnerable to IPv6 leaks that can reveal your real location and IP address, which in turn can tip off Hulu to your real location. We test every VPN for IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks, among others.
- Customer support: We contact each recommended VPN’s customer support desk as a secret shopper to gauge response times and quality. We prefer to recommend Hulu VPNs that have live chat, especially if they’re available 24/7.
Additionally, we assess each VPN’s encryption scheme, logging policy, and ability to unblock other streaming services. Find out more about how we analyze VPNs on our methodology page.
How to watch Hulu from abroad with a VPN
We have found you can use a VPN to change your virtual location and trick Hulu into thinking you have an IP address in another country. Once you know which server to connect to, unblocking Hulu with a VPN is easy.
Here’s how to watch Hulu with a VPN:
- Sign up for and download a VPN that works with Hulu. NordVPN is the most reliable option.
- Install the VPN app from your provider’s website or official app store
- Run the VPN app and choose a server or server location that can unblock Hulu. If you’re unsure, ask your VPN’s customer service or consult its website
- Open Hulu in a web browser or the Hulu app and start streaming!
If you still encounter an error message, you might need to tweak some settings on your device. IPv6 leaks are a common issue. See instructions on how to disable IPv6 on Mac and Windows below. You might also try clearing your browser cookies and cache. For other issues, contact your VPN’s customer support.
See also: Hulu vs Netflix vs Amazon vs Disney
Can I use a free VPN to watch Hulu?
While you might get lucky and stumble onto a free VPN service with a VPN server that unblocks Hulu, the only reliable way to unblock it is with a paid VPN from the list above. Based on our testing, free VPN providers don’t have the resources to change their VPN server IP addresses and domains when they get blacklisted by a service like Hulu. So even if you find a magical free Hulu VPN, it probably won’t last long.
Furthermore, free VPN providers tend to use slow, congested servers. Expect a lot of buffering and possible disruptions in service. Many free VPN service providers cap the maximum bandwidth or the total amount of data allotted per day or month, meaning you could get cut off in the middle of a show.
Finally, no VPN is truly free. Many free VPNs monitor users’ web traffic and mine the data, inject advertisements, place tracking cookies into your browser, and sell the information they dig up to advertising companies. Some have even been caught redirecting users to the wrong sites to make a quick buck. As the adage goes, if you don’t buy the product, you are the product.
How to get around Hulu home location error
To curb account sharing and allow access to local channels, Hulu asks users to set a home network within 30 days of signing up for the service. It also limits which types of devices will work when you try to watch from outside of your home.
For example, a Firestick or game console might only be able to stream Hulu when they’re connected to your home network. If you share your password with a family member in another home, they won’t be able to stream on their own game console or Firestick.
Instead, they might get an error message like this:
> “Your Hulu subscription allows you to use this type of device only on your home network. If you have moved or your internet service provider has changed, please update your Home Location in your Hulu Account settings on a computer.”
Or …
> Video not available in this location.
These errors can pop up for other reasons as well, such as Hulu not being able to identify your current network, using a shared wi-fi network, not checking in on your smartphone, or using a non-compatible VPN.
To fix this issue, you need to update your home network. If you’re on a VPN, this can be tricky, as your IP address probably changes every time you connect to the VPN. If your VPN has an option to use a dedicated or static IP address, opt for that because it won’t change.
Once you’re on the network or VPN server that you want to use to watch Hulu:
- Log out of Hulu
- Log back in on a streaming device like a Firestick, Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, smart TV, or game console.
- Open your Hulu account page on the smartphone app or desktop website
- Click Privacy and Settings
- Click Set or Change Home and set your new network
If you’re trying to watch Hulu on the go, such as on a laptop or mobile device outside of your home, you might also encounter the same error. You might need to check in to show Hulu that you actually live where the account holder lives, and aren’t just mooching off a friend’s account. You can check into Hulu by signing into the app while connected to your home network.
Note that you can only change your home network four times per year.
Hulu + Live TV is a single-home service, so you can’t use it outside of your home.
What is Hulu + LiveTV?
Hulu + LiveTV is an all-in-one streaming plan offered by Hulu that merges its extensive on-demand streaming library with live TV channels. This subscription plan provides access to a wide range of popular TV networks, allowing you to stream live sports, news, and entertainment channels directly from your Hulu account.
With Hulu + LiveTV, you can enjoy the convenience of watching your favorite shows and events as they air without the need for traditional cable or satellite TV subscriptions. It combines the best of both worlds by offering live TV channels alongside Hulu’s extensive on-demand content library, giving you more flexibility and options for your streaming needs.
Hulu + LiveTV includes an impressive selection of live TV channels, such as ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, ESPN, CNN, HGTV, and many more. These channels cover various genres, including sports, news, entertainment, lifestyle, etc. So whether you’re a sports enthusiast, a news follower, or simply looking for popular TV shows and movies, Hulu + LiveTV has you covered.
With the right VPN, you can enjoy the full benefits of Hulu + LiveTV, accessing a wide range of live TV channels and on-demand content from anywhere in the world. So whether you’re traveling abroad or want to expand your streaming options, a VPN for Hulu + LiveTV is an essential tool to unlock the full potential of this streaming service.
Why Do I Need a VPN for Hulu?
So, you’ve settled in for a Hulu binge, but suddenly, you’re faced with the dreaded “not available in your region” message. Frustrating, right? That’s where a Virtual Private Network (VPN) comes into play. Let’s break down why you might need a VPN for Hulu.
- Bypass Geographical Restrictions: Hulu has an extensive collection of content, but unfortunately, not all of it can be accessed from around the world. However, a VPN can help you overcome this obstacle by hiding your IP address, enabling you to watch movies and TV shows that may be restricted in your region.
- Avoid Bandwidth Throttling: Ever noticed slower streaming speeds during peak hours? Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) throttle bandwidth during high-traffic times. A VPN can prevent this by hiding your online activities, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted streaming.
- 2. Enhanced Privacy: Protecting your online privacy is super important when the likes of internet snoopers are lurking in the shadows. Fortunately, a VPN puts a shield between you and the outside world, encrypting your connection to ensure your ISP and hackers stay out of what you get up to online.
Hulu VPN unblocking FAQs
Which VPNs don't work with Hulu?
From our research, the following VPNs do not work with Hulu as of time of writing:
- Zenmate
- PureVPN
- Hotspot Shield
- Hola
- IPVanish
- Tunnelbear
- CactusVPN
- Private Internet Access (PIA)
- IronSocket
- Unotelly
- CactusVPN
- Buffered
Does Hulu allow VPNs?
Hulu’s terms of service do not specifically mention VPNs or proxies, but it does state the following that could be construed to cover VPN services:
You may not either directly or through the use of any device, software, internet site, web-based service, or other means remove, alter, bypass, avoid, interfere with, or circumvent any copyright, trademark, or other proprietary notices marked on the Content or any digital rights management mechanism, device, or other content protection or access control measure associated with the Content including geo-filtering mechanisms.
Hulu goes on to say that if you break this rule, the company will notify you and block access to the service. It does not mention account termination or suspension as far as we can interpret it. To date, we’ve heard of no such case where a Hulu user was penalized for using a VPN other than the aforementioned error message in the video player. VPNs are 100 percent legal in almost all countries.
How do I download Hulu the app from outside the US?
Hulu is only available on US app stores, so if your device is registered on an app store outside the US, you will need to do one of the following:
- Change the location associated with your app store account
- Create a US app store account
- Download the Hulu APK from a third party (Android only)
We’ll show you how to download the Hulu app from outside the US on iOS and Android:
On iOS (iPhone, iPad, Apple TV)
- Open your VPN and connect to a server located in the USA
- We recommend making a new account rather than changing your existing one, as doing so will not affect your existing apps and purchases. Log out of your Apple ID and create a new one in the US.
- Or, if you insist on changing an existing account to the US: On your device, go to Settings > iTunes & App Store > View Apple ID > Country/Region > Change Country or Region
- Choose the US as your country
- For payment method, choose None (you will still need a US payment method to pay for Hulu)
- Agree to the terms and conditions
On Android
- Open your VPN and connect to a server located in the USA
- Go to payments.google.com
- Go to Settings > Edit
- Change your address to a US one. Make sure the zip code matches.
- Accept changes
- On your device, close the Play Store
- In Apps, find the Google Play Store
- Select Force Stop and Clear All Data
- Open the Play Store again and you should be able to download and install Hulu
If your device doesn’t have Google Play, you can take similar steps to change your registered location to the USA.
As a last resort, you can download the Hulu APK file onto your Android device from a third-party. You’ll need to allow apps from unknown sources in your device settings. Be wary of third-party APK sites, however, as many of them contain outdated or malicious versions of popular apps.
How can I pay for Hulu from outside the US?
Hulu doesn’t just require that your IP address be in the United States. Payment must also come from the US. If you live outside of the country without a domestic credit card or PayPal account, this can be tricky.
There are a couple of solutions that reportedly work, though in the interest of being transparent we didn’t test any of these out.
- A Hulu gift card
- A prepaid gift card from this website costs about $30. Please bear in mind that we have never tried the service that is linked, and you may decide to use some other outlet that sells Hulu gift cards via email – so do some research.
- StatesPay is another virtual credit card provider that costs $3.95 per month. In theory you should be able to just pay for the first month to set up the account and then use Hulu gift cards to make subsequent payments. The site is not accepting new sign ups as of the time of writing, however, so you might have to wait a while before the service is available again.
- Prepaid cards from Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover that are linked to a US address.
- Change PayPal country or create a new PayPal that is based in the US
Can I stream Hulu from my Smart TV with a VPN?
Chances are your smart TV does not support VPN apps. If that’s the case, then you’ll need to either stream from a device that does support VPN apps, such as the Amazon Fire TV Stick, or set up your VPN on your wi-fi router.
Will Using Hulu and a VPN Slow My Connection?
All VPNs will slow your connection to some degree due to the time it takes to send data through the VPN server and encrypt and decrypt data in transit. That being said, the VPNs we recommend above all provide more than sufficient bandwidth for streaming Hulu, so the average user will not notice much of a difference. Low quality and free VPNs are less likely to offer enough bandwidth for high-quality video streaming.
See also: What to do if your laptop is slow
How can I watch Hulu Japan?
If you want to watch Hulu Japan from outside of Japan, then you’ll need to connect your streaming device to a VPN server in that country. Just bear in mind that you must have signed up for Hulu in Japan to watch Japan-only Hulu content. This is because Hulu Japan is a completely separate service from Hulu USA.
The Hulu brand was sold to Nippon TV in 2016, and while it still uses the same logo and name, it is not related to Hulu USA in any other way. That said, Hulu does license some shows to Nippon TV as part of the ongoing deal.
All of the VPNs we have recommended have servers in Japan. However, we only test VPNs with the US version of Hulu. If you are abroad and have a Japanese Hulu subscription, you will need to test a Japanese server yourself to see if it unblocks Hulu Japan. (Spoiler: it should work perfectly!)
Can you watch live sports on Hulu?
You can watch live sports on Hulu if you have the Hulu + Live TV package. This is a $55 per month subscription that adds live TV channels to the basic on-demand streaming service. Sports channels include Fox Sports, ESPN, and NBCSN, among others.
If you’re outside of the US, then you can access live TV on Hulu the same way you would do so for on-demand Hulu: connect to a VPN server in the USA.
Why won't my Hulu let me log in?
If you’ve signed up for Hulu but can’t log in, check the following:
- Your email address and password combination are correct
- Your subscription is still active
- You are accessing Hulu from the US or using one of the VPNs recommended above to connect through a US server
- Your payment method is still valid, e.g., your credit card has not expired
- If you’re accessing Hulu through another streaming service or bundle, you might need to take extra steps to complete the activation process
- If you’re on a Live TV plan, you need to set your Home network on living room devices and check in at least once every 30 days. You can only stream on living room devices from your home network. You can only change your home network four times per year.
- Your Hulu app is updated.
- Location services are enabled on your device and/or browser.
- Clear your cookies and web cache.
I Can't Sign Up For Hulu. What are my next steps?
Hulu is officially only available in the US and Japan. To sign up for the US version, you’ll need an American form of payment, such as a credit card issued in the USA. If you’re not in the USA or Japan, you’ll also need a VPN to change your device’s IP address—and thus your location—to one of those countries. With a US IP address and American form of payment, you should have no problem signing up for Hulu.
How much of the streaming market does Hulu have?
It depends on whom you ask. Streaming services do not usually publicize exact subscriber counts, and a lot of different metrics could be used to measure Hulu’s market share. That being said, Hulu’s market share of US streaming subscriptions as of 2021 is estimated to be somewhere between 13 percent and 20 percent.
Is Hulu available in India?
No, Hulu is not available in India. If you’re in India and have a US payment method, you can sign up for American Hulu and access it through the VPN.
Is Hulu available in the UAE?
No, Hulu is not available in the UAE. It is only available in the USA and Japan. If you’re in the UAE and you have a US payment method, you can sign up for Hulu and access it through the VPN.
Is using a VPN with Hulu legal?
Yes, using a VPN with Hulu is legal. The only exception is if you are in a country in which VPNs are illegal but this is only a few countries in the world. However, using a VPN or any other proxy to bypass Hulu’s location restrictions does violate the service’s terms of use.
So using a VPN to access Hulu from abroad is against Hulu’s rules, but not strictly illegal. Hulu could suspend or terminate a VPN user’s account, but we’ve seen no precedent of this ever happening. Instead, Hulu just tries to block VPN users from watching when a VPN connection is detected.
What devices can I watch Hulu on?
Hulu is excellent in terms of accessibility, which means you can stream your Hulu account on a wide variety of devices. Below, we have included a comprehensive list of devices that are supported by Hulu via its app. The latest Hulu app lets you watch live TV, on-demand content, and premium add-ons on the devices listed.
- Android phones and tablets
- Android TV (select models)
- Apple TV (4th generation or later)
- Chromecast
- Echo Show
- Fire Tablets
- Fire TV and Fire TV Stick
- iPhones and iPads
- LG TV (select models)
- Nintendo Switch
- Mac and PC browsers/apps
- PlayStation
- Roku (select models)
- Samsung TV (select models)
- VIZIO SmartCast TVs
- Xbox
- Xfinity Flex Streaming TV Box
- Xfinity X1 TV Boxes*
Why does Hulu block VPNs?
Hulu is available in the US due to licensing agreements between Hulu and the content producers and copyright holders it works with. Hulu doesn’t have the legal right to broadcast video titles anywhere else. As a result, Hulu must prevent users in other countries from streaming by monitoring inbound IP addresses.
VPNs are extremely useful security tools but Hulu knows that some people use them to beat regional restrictions. For this reason, it must attempt to identify and block VPN traffic – even if this leaves legitimate subscribers unable to watch their account while traveling.
Luckily, Hulu’s VPN blocks aren’t completely foolproof, and the leading VPN providers in this guide have found a way to keep unblocking Hulu abroad.
What can I watch on Hulu?
There’s no shortage of content on Hulu. Depending on the package you choose, you’ll have access to live TV channels, on-demand TV shows and movies, or both. In fact, there’s even a bundle with ESPN+ and Disney+ for access to even more content.
It would take a long time to list the whole library so here are some of the most popular options available:
Live TV channels
TV shows
- The Handmaid’s Tale
- Bob’s Burgers
- Modern Family
- Brooklyn Nine-Nine
- How I Met Your Father
- The Golden Girls
- American Horror Stories
- The Simpsons
- America’s Got Talent
- Top Chef
Movies
- Ghostbusters
- Kindergarten Cop
- Napoleon Dynamite
- Looper
- Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem
- The Bob’s Burgers Movie
- Mousehunt
- Death on the Nile
- I Am Greta
- The United States vs. Billie Holiday
Can I stream in HD with a Hulu VPN?
Yes, with a Hulu VPN, you can stream in HD. The best Hulu VPNs offer high-speed servers and unlimited bandwidth to experience the highest quality streaming without buffering or lag. Most of our recommended VPNs have thousands of fast servers around the world to give you access to your favorite content from anywhere without compromising on speed or quality.
With any of the services above, you’ll be able to stream in HD and enjoy an uninterrupted viewing experience. Additionally, each VPN in this guide comes with military-grade security features like AES 256-bit encryption and strict zero-logging policies for your total privacy and security. So, you can stream without any worries and enjoy every minute of your favorite shows and movies.
Can I watch Hulu in Mexico?
Unfortunately, Hulu is not available in Mexico via a direct internet connection. However, there are still options for accessing content from the US streaming service while on vacation in Mexico.
To watch Hulu in Mexico, you will need to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN allows you to connect to a server in the United States or another country and access content as if you were physically located there. Once connected to a US-based server, all your internet traffic will be encrypted and routed through that server so that websites think you’re actually in the United States. This means that when you visit hulu.com, it will appear as if you are accessing it from within the United States, allowing you to stream shows usually blocked outside of the US while you’re temporarily out of the country.
Can I watch Hulu outside of the US without using a VPN?
If you’re looking for hours of streaming entertainment, Hulu is where it’s at! Packed with all your favorite movies and TV shows, Hulu is the perfect escape from everyday life. But unfortunately, the service is only available within US borders – which means if you’re traveling outside the country or simply want to watch your favorite content in another part of the world, you’ll need a VPN to access Hulu’s library. With a reliable VPN, you can enjoy Hulu’s full content catalog anywhere in the world. And that’s not all – with a VPN, your online activity is securely encrypted and hidden from ISPs and other snoopy third parties, so you can browse the web in complete privacy and security.
How to disable IPv6
Even when using the VPN providers on this list, there’s a chance you’ll still encounter an error message on Hulu instructing you to turn off your “anonymous proxy.” This is because the vast majority of VPN services still don’t protect against IPv6 leaks. While a VPN connection can route all your traffic requests through its own DNS servers and mask your IPv4 address, IPv6 addresses still get sent without being hidden. IPv6 serves the same purpose as IPv4, but contains a far wider range of possible IP addresses for internet-connected devices.
The solution is an imperfect but effective VPN block workaround for Hulu: disable IPv6. We say it’s imperfect because it would be better if everyone switched over to IPv6 because the IPv4 protocol is running out of unique IP addresses. Limiting yourself to IPv4 is bad for the long-term health of the internet, but it won’t affect much else.
How to disable IPv6 on a Windows PC (Windows 10):
- Disconnect and close the VPN app
- Tap Windows Key+R to open the Run prompt
- Type
ncpa.cpl
and hit Enter to open your Network Connections - Find the connection you are using, right click it, and select Properties
- On the Networking or General tab, uncheck the box that says “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)”
- Click OK to save changes and close the Window
- Tap Windows Key+R and select Command Prompt (Admin), then hit Yes when asked if it’s okay for the program to make changes to your computer
- In the command prompt (black window), type
ipconfig /flushdns
and hit Enter. - Reconnect to the VPN, refresh the Hulu page, and enjoy the video!
How to disable IPv6 on Mac OSX:
- Disconnect and close the VPN app
- Open the Apple menu.
- Choose System Preferences > Network > AirPort > Advanced
- Click TCP/IP.
- Click on the Configure IPv6 pop-up menu and select Off.
- Click OK and Apply (to apply the change).
- Reconnect to the VPN, refresh the Hulu page, and enjoy the video!
Hulu not working with your VPN? Try this
If you have subscribed to a VPN that isn’t working with Hulu, there is a large chance that its servers have already been blacklisted. Hulu works hard to block VPNs, which means that very few providers still work. As a result, you will need to cancel your subscription and subscribe to one of our recommended VPNs for Hulu instead.
If you have already subscribed to one of our recommended VPNs for Hulu, then you can follow the steps below to get it up and running:
- Check with your VPN to find out which US server is optimized for streaming Hulu.
- Restart your browser.
- Try reinstalling the latest version of the VPN app.
- Restart your device and re-launch the VPN. Now launch the Hulu app.
- Clear your cookies and browser cache.
- Disable GPS tracking on your device or update the GPS location in your browser.
It does. I just signed up for express vpn and got it working. One city might work while another does not.
Another one that does NOT work with Hulu is Bitdefender Premium VPN.
Express VPN does not work for Hulu (residing in BDA)
I am using ExpressVPN and currently reside in Germany. Unfortunately Express doesn’t work here either. Back to the drawing board.
Ask customer service which server to connect to. It works.
I used Avira Phantom Pro, and I’d say it is hit or miss. My connection isn’t the most stable, so if I’m watching Hulu and the internet cuts out, the VPN gets picked up. When trying to reload the video, I get a proxy warning from hulu. Originally, I could just clear the browsing data and restart the VPN and things were working. After this happening many times, none of the 3 US options offered by Avira for the US work with hulu. Essentially, it is useless for me now.
That said, if you have really stable internet and don’t think it will cut out while streaming, you may not end up with my problem.
I’m in Nicaragua and I have an iPad will any of these Vpns listed above be ok to use?
Express and Nord are your best bet when using the mobile app.
Express VPN is giving the anonymous proxy error on Hulu using iPhone. Any thoughts?
Ask customer support which server to use. Only a couple of them work
Just spoke with ExpressVPN on chat and their VPN doesn’t work with Hulu unless you are outside of the US. So for those of us who want to have all internet traffic go through a VPN, that isn’t an option.
I had the same problem with expressvpn like yours bob. it doesn’t work with hulu when i want all traffic go with vpn. do you have any recommendation?
I bought le vpn that was working fine until the end of august 2016. From last month, september 2016 on it does not work with hulu or netflix anymore.
Thanks for that info. I got 3 mos. but may try something else when it is done . I am using ipvanish