Best VPNs for Hulu in 2024: Unblock and stream from anywhere

Are you looking for the best VPNs for Hulu? Maybe you want to watch Hulu while traveling abroad? Or maybe you’re struggling to access the site on a work or school network where streaming platforms are restricted. Look no further; the VPNs we list here can help you access Hulu anywhere.

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 no matter where you are.

Unfortunately, like Netflix, Hulu takes steps to prevent people from connecting via VPN, and not all providers are capable of bypassing these measures. But, thanks to our years of experience and extensive testing, we have compiled a list of the top VPNs that work seamlessly and consistently with Hulu, ensuring you can enjoy the best Hulu content from anywhere in the world.

In this extensive guide to the best VPNs for Huly, we cover each provider in detail. However, if you can’t wait, we’ll start with a summary of our research.

Best VPNs for Hulu

1. NordVPN: The best Hulu VPN. Provides blazing-fast speeds, top-notch security features, and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Basic) works perfectly for Hulu.
2. Surfshark: A reliable, inexpensive VPN that works great with Hulu and similar services. Connect as many devices as you like. MultiHop servers included.
3. IPVanish: Quick, reliable, and great for streaming Hulu abroad. Allows any number of connections, provides 24/7 customer support, and is very easy to use.
4. ExpressVPN: Consistently unblocks Hulu from abroad. Offers great streaming speeds and a solid set of security features. Excellent support available 24/7.
5. PureVPN: Rapid speeds for streaming Hulu and other American and international platforms. A huge selection of worldwide servers.
6. 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.
7. ProtonVPN: Great for advanced users because of its privacy and security features. Has no issues bypassing VPN blocks on Hulu.
8. CyberGhost: A great VPN for Hulu with fast speeds. Huge network of over 10,000 servers in 100+ countries. Use it on up to 7 devices at the same time.
9. PrivateVPN: Great up-and-coming VPN that works well with Hulu and other popular streaming services. User-friendly apps and a strict no-logs policy.

How we choose the best Hulu VPNs

Don’t be fooled into thinking that Hulu looks the other way on proxy users just because it’s not as popular as Netflix. In fact, Hulu’s VPN ban is even more advanced than Netflix’s firewall. All of its content is strictly limited to residents of the US and Japan, and if you try to access video on Hulu from outside those two countries, the site will prevent you from watching. 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, as most cannot bypass Hulu’s strict firewall rules. Finding providers that can consistently access Hulu was our first challenge, but we also expect the VPNs we recommend to be able to do much more than that. In order to make our list of the top VPNs for Hulu, providers had to meet the following criteria:

• Can bypass VPN blocks to access Hulu from outside the USA
• Fast speeds for streaming in HD and UHD
• Plenty of servers in the USA and elsewhere
• Fast customer support, preferably with live chat
• A strict no-logs policy and 256-bit encryption
• Works with multiple devices and platforms
• A selection of VPN protocols, including Wireguard
• Competitive pricing with a money-back guarantee

We go into more detail on our testing methodology for the best Hulu VPNs later in this article. First, let’s take a closer look at the providers that impressed us.

Best VPNs for Hulu 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 Hulu.

Best VPNs for Hulu

From our extensive research and testing, here’s our list of the best VPNs for Hulu:

1. NordVPN

Oct 2024 Unblocks HuluTested Oct 2024

NordVPN is our top recommendation for getting a US IP address that works for watching Hulu from anywhere in the world. The VPN has more than 1,900 servers spread across 16 cities in the US, which makes it easy to connect and stream your favorite shows and movies on Hulu whether you are on vacation, at work, or on campus.

Besides having plenty of US servers, NordVPN also has servers in 111+ other countries, which makes it a fantastic option for accessing regional services from all around the globe.

The NordVPN app makes it easy to find the server you need. You can select the location you require from the map or use the server list to connect to the exact US city where you need an IP address (this makes it perfect for bypassing blackouts on regional games).

Bear in mind that NordVPN does not specifically label streaming servers in its apps. Instead, NordVPN uses special DNS routing to ensure that all of its server locations work with popular streaming services like Hulu.

We tested various server locations to watch Hulu, Netflix USA, YouTube TV, HBO Max, NBC, ABC, and CBS. We were able to stream all of those platforms without any problems. Just bear in mind that you may need to clear your cookies to get NordVPN working with Hulu.

NordVPN is packed with features that make it an ideal choice for streaming Hulu and gaining watertight online privacy. The apps come with a kill switch to cut your internet if the VPN drops out, a choice of protocols, robust encryption, and multi-hop connections. You also get access to Tor over VPN, which means you can access the Dark Web without your ISP finding out.

The split tunneling option lets you decide which apps should route through the VPN and which can use your regular internet connection. For example, you can stream Hulu through the VPN while simultaneously accessing local services via your standard connection.

To enhance security further, NordVPN includes an auto-connect feature that automatically activates the VPN when you join a public wifi network. This prevents you from accidentally exposing your data over an unprotected network and helps to protect you against Evil Twin hotspots set up by hackers.

NordVPN lets you pick between OpenVPN and its proprietary NordLynx protocol, which is optimized for faster streaming. We recommend sticking to NordLynx when watching Hulu. If you need stronger privacy levels (to bypass censorship in countries like the UAE, Iran, or China), you may decide to switch to OpenVPN and use the obfuscation feature.

NordVPN’s commitment to privacy and security is underpinned by its no logging policy, fully audited apps and servers, diskless servers that run in RAM, and the availability of obfuscated servers for connecting in countries that have strict internet censorship.

Nord’s obfuscation feature can also help you to connect via networks that have blocked ports associated with VPNs – to help you unblock Hulu at work, for example.

For users seeking enhanced security, the Double VPN feature routes your traffic through two different servers, adding an extra layer of encryption and protection.

However, keep in mind that using Obfuscation or Double VPN is likely to slow down your connection, so we’d recommend using these features only when additional security is required.

We thoroughly tested NordVPN’s US servers for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. These checks ascertained that NordVPN is completely reliable for privacy purposes. The VPN tunnel prevents local networks, ISPs, government agencies, websites, and hackers from tracking your activities.

To compare how NordVPN performs for watching Hulu, we tested its US servers throughout the day (morning, noon, and evening). We used a normal broadband connection to give you an idea of how the VPN is likely to perform under normal home settings. If you want to learn about NordVPN’s top speeds, you can check out our full NordVPN speed tests (carried out using a dedicated test server in Ohio) in our detailed NordVPN review.

Our US-specific tests revealed only minimal speed reduction, with an average download speed of 40 Mbps compared to our base speed of 45.43 Mbps without a VPN.

*Note that our baseline speed was slightly higher at noon (43.07 Mbps), which explains why the VPN was a touch faster during this test.

Overall, these results are hugely impressive. The minimal impact on our baseline speed means that NordVPN is perfect for watching Hulu – as well as for torrenting, gaming, and making private video calls.

NordVPN is available on a wide range of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. The apps are intuitive, well-designed, and easy to navigate, making it simple for both beginners and advanced users to get the most out of the service. Linux users must set up the VPN manually using the command-line interface, a setup guide is available.

If you need to stream Hulu on devices that don’t support VPN apps natively, such as smart TVs or gaming consoles, you can set up NordVPN on a compatible router. The company provides clear setup instructions on its website, and pre-configured routers are available from FlashRouters.

BEST HULU VPN:NordVPN is our #1 choice. Works well with Hulu. Strong security features and allows up to 6 devices to connect simultaneously. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

unblocks huluTested Oct 2024

Surfshark is a cost-effective VPN for streaming Hulu and other popular US services. The VPN has a massive network of more than 3,500 servers in 100+ countries, including streaming-optimized servers in 25 US cities. This allows Surfshark to provide optimal streaming speeds, making it ideal for binge-watching your favorite Hulu shows on vacation.

Surfshark provides access to a vast global network, including over 600 servers across 22 major US cities. This extensive coverage will let you stream Hulu in HD from anywhere in the world. It also makes it a fantastic VPN for bypassing blackouts.

In our tests, the US servers also worked to watch Netflix, ESPN, Peacock, YouTubeTV, HBO Max, and Pluto TV. This makes it a fantastic all-rounder for streaming US platforms abroad – or on restrictive networks such as at work or in school.

Surfshark also lets you connect an unlimited number of devices with a single account. This allows you to share your account with friends and family. It also means you can watch different Hulu shows on various devices – no need to compromise.

Surfshark even lets you access shared static IP addresses for no additional cost. This is useful if you need to maintain the same IP address each session (prevents services from flagging you for suspicious activity).

We tested Surfshark’s US servers by streaming content on Hulu and other American platforms. The results were impressive: we experienced no buffering or lag. This gives you a precise idea of how the VPN will perform under normal home settings.

The results in the table above reveal a top speed with only a 5.5% reduction from our baseline speeds (without a VPN). This is a remarkable result, considering the relatively low cost of a subscription. And average download speeds of 39.2 Mbps mean that Surfshark is perfect for streaming Hulu in HD without buffering.

These speeds also make Surfshark a reliable choice for accessing US game servers, torrenting, and video conferencing in countries where VoIP services are blocked.

Despite being easy on your pocket, Surfshark is packed with features that protect your digital footprint and let you bypass blocks.

The rotating IP feature will automatically change your IP address at set intervals, adding an extra layer of privacy by making it more difficult for websites to keep tabs on your activities. For streaming Hulu, you may prefer to stick to a US server that is optimized for streaming (you can check with the live chat support agents at any time to see which US server is best).

If you want a dedicated static IP reserved for your use only, you can pay a little extra to get one ($3.75 per month). This feature is not specifically needed for streaming Hulu (but can be useful if you want an IP address that never changes and that nobody else uses).

Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature uses DNS-based filtering to block ads, trackers, and malware. This not only enhances your online security but also speeds up page load times and helps save your mobile data.

You also get an auto-connect feature that will protect you every time you encounter unknown wifi networks. This ensures that you never forget to use the VPN when using hotspots and means that you will always be protected against Evil Twin hotspots set up by hackers.

Surfshark takes user privacy extremely seriously. The VPN has been fully audited and maintains a rock-solid no-logs policy. The VPN runs on a self-owned network of diskless servers and offers a choice of secure protocols (OpenVPN and WireGuard) with robust AES or ChaCha20 encryption.

The No Borders mode (obfuscation) helps conceal VPN use when traveling to countries where using a VPN could be enough to raise suspicions – such as the UAE, Egypt, Turkey, Iran, or China.

The split tunneling feature lets you route specific apps through the VPN while using your regular internet connection for other activities. You also get a kill switch and DNS leak protection, which makes Surfshark an impressive all-rounder.

In the image below, you can see how Surfshark performed in our leak tests. We experienced no IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks, which means that the security provided by this VPN is proven to be suitable for all sensitive use cases that require privacy.

Surfshark offers easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV, allowing you to get a US IP address on any device. The apps are intuitive and user-friendly, with the most important settings located in a single menu, making them easy to access.

While some competing VPNs organize features into multiple tabs, Surfshark’s straightforward layout is easy to navigate, even for beginners.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Connect unlimited devices to Surfshark at once and start unblocking Hulu with ease. Comes with a strong security offering and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. IPVanish

Unblocks HuluTested Oct 2024

IPVanish is a US-based VPN provider that has everything you need to watch Hulu from abroad – or on restrictive networks within the US – such as at work or on campus.

The VPN has more than 2,400 servers in 50+ countries. These provide access to more than 40,000 IP addresses around the world. Thousands of IPs are available across 20+ US cities, which makes it an exceptional option to access US search results and services from abroad.

IPVanish is rare in that owns all of its servers, which are diskless and have been fully audited along with its apps. This enhances performance and security while ensuring you get the best reliability for watching Hulu and other US services.

You can pick the best server for your needs based on server load figures. This makes it easier to find a reliable server for streaming TV shows without worrying about server congestion causing buffering.

You can choose a server manually in the drop-down menu or allow the VPN to pick the fastest server automatically. You can also open up each server location and pick a specific server. This feature allows you to select the same IP address each session.

To evaluate IPVanish’s performance with Hulu, we conducted speed tests at three different times of day while connected to a US server. We tested using a normal home broadband connection with a baseline of 45.43 Mbps without the VPN. This helps to give you an idea of how the VPN will perform on a normal home network.

Our tests revealed that IPVanish US servers delivered an average download speed of 38.5 Mbps. This minimal drop left us with plenty of power for HD streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

We were also happy to see that speeds remained stable throughout the day, which means it will offer ideal conditions for watching Hulu no matter where you travel or what time you want to stream.

Besides checking how IPVanish’s speeds compare to other leading providers, we also tested the US servers to watch Hulu, Netflix US, Disney+, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video. These US streaming tests reveal that IPVanish has upgraded its service considerably over the last couple of years.

Not only is its WireGuard implementation and server speed impressive – but the US servers also work to stream all the US platforms we tested. This makes IPVanish an awesome option for streaming on vacation – or at work if your employer has blocked Hulu and other popular TV services.

IPVanish offers a variety of useful features, including split tunneling, obfuscated servers, and a kill switch.  An auto-connect feature ensures that your connection is always secured when you join public wifi networks, making it a solid option for remote working or avoiding the three hackers when using free internet hotspots.

We were particularly impressed by the “Attempt to reconnect” feature, which works in conjunction with the kill switch to automatically re-establish your VPN connection. This ensures that your device can continue torrenting if the kill switch becomes engaged for any reason.

As with our other recommendations, we decided to test IPVanish US servers for leaks. The results were excellent, with no leaks detected. This means your true IP address and online activities will always remain hidden from your ISP and government snoops.

IPVanish also offers a choice of protocols, including the fast and secure WireGuard option. For users who need extra privacy, the Scramble feature works to conceal OpenVPN traffic. This allows you to get connected and to use the VPN in countries with strict firewalls.

IPVanish is compatible with a wide range of devices, offering apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. It can also be manually configured on Linux and compatible routers, with detailed setup guides available on the IPVanish website.

24/7 live chat support is available for you to get help with using the VPN, and you can use the VPN on an unlimited number of devices, which makes it excellent value for money because you can share your account with friends and family.

PERFECT FOR STREAMING:IPVanish is fast, reliable, and security-conscious. It works with a wide range of streaming platforms, including Hulu. Doesn’t log your activities and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee on long-term plans.

Still have questions? Find answers in our complete IPVanish review.

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4. ExpressVPN

Unblocks HuluTested Oct 2024

ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands. It is known for its reliability and extensive server network, offering RAM-only servers in over 105 countries, including multiple locations across the United States.

This vast network makes it an excellent choice for accessing Hulu and other US-based streaming services from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re looking to watch Hulu, Netflix US, Disney+, Prime Video, or any other US TV service, ExpressVPN has all the features you need.

You can pick from servers in 12 different US cities, which makes it a solid option for bypassing blackout games or accessing regional TV stations.

We tested ExpressVPN’s US servers to see how well they performed with Hulu, and the results were outstanding. Our tests revealed that its US servers work seamlessly with Hulu, Netflix US, HBO Max, and other major US streaming platforms.

ExpressVPN also throws in a free Smart DNS feature (Media Streamer) with every subscription. This allows you to unblock US streams on devices that won’t let you install a VPN directly (such as smart TVs or game consoles).

To get a clear picture of ExpressVPN’s capabilities compared to other leading VPNs, we conducted speed tests on a home broadband connection at three different times of the day. The average download speed across these tests was 38.7 Mbps, which, while not the fastest VPN in this list, is still extremely impressive.

These results make ExpressVPN a great option for HD streaming, gaming, torrenting, and making video calls.

ExpressVPN does not have as many advanced features as some of our other recommendations. That said, it includes everything necessary to gain online privacy and stream Hulu without being tracked.

The Network Lock (kill switch) feature blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, preventing any data leaks. Under the Advanced Protection settings, you can enable DNS-based filtering to block ads, trackers, and malicious sites. You can also block adult content, which is useful for setting up parental controls.

The split tunneling feature lets you choose which apps use the VPN and which can access the internet directly. You also get obfuscation by default when you connect using OpenVPN, which makes the VPN useful in countries like China or the UAE, where VPNs are often blocked.

ExpressVPN also offers two protocols: OpenVPN and its proprietary Lightway protocol. Lightway is designed for faster speeds and has been open-sourced and audited for transparency, making it an excellent choice for streaming HD content on Hulu.

ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, a jurisdiction with no mandatory data retention laws, which is excellent news for privacy-conscious users. The VPN has a strict no-logs policy that has been independently verified, and its Lightway protocol has now been open-sourced and audited by Cure53, which means you can use its proprietary protocol with confidence.

We thoroughly tested ExpressVPN for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks and found that the VPN tunnel provides airtight privacy, effectively concealing your online activities from local networks, ISPs, and government agencies.

ExpressVPN offers custom apps for a wide range of devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. It also provides a dedicated app for routers, allowing you to protect every device in your home via Wi-Fi. This is particularly useful for streaming Hulu on devices that don’t natively support VPN apps.

QUICK AND RELIABLE:ExpressVPN is a superb for streaming 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 

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5. PureVPN

Unblocks HuluTested Oct 2024

PureVPN is an excellent option if you’re looking for a cost-effective VPN that delivers impressive results. The VPN has over 6,000 servers in 65+ countries, including numerous locations across the US to watch Hulu. PureVPN offers the WireGuard protocol in all of its apps, which provides fantastic speeds for streaming American services from anywhere in the world.

During our tests, PureVPN’s US servers successfully unblocked Hulu, Netflix US, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and many other popular platforms. The PureVPN app makes it easy to find the best server for streaming by displaying the ping next to each location. This allows you to choose the US server with the best performance for your needs, enabling you to watch Hulu at work, on campus, or abroad without buffering.

For the best experience on Hulu, we suggest selecting from the streaming-specific servers. You can find these in the “shortcuts” section of the app, where you’ll discover a list of servers optimized for streaming on 64 different international platforms, including Hulu, Disney+ US, Amazon Prime US, and Netflix US.

We tested PureVPN’s US servers using a standard home broadband connection, and across all nine tests, we achieved an average download speed of 39.8 Mbps. Considering that our baseline average without the VPN was 45.43 Mbps (individual baselines were AM: 37.67 Mbps, Noon: 40.18 Mbps, and PM: 41.61 Mbps) this is a flawless result.

This kind of performance makes PureVPN perfect for users who demand the best possible speeds for streaming, gaming, torrenting, and doing other data-intensive tasks. It also makes PureVPN worth considering if you are paying for slower internet, as slower baseline speeds can suffer more if a VPN slows them down further.

PureVPN is committed to protecting user privacy. It has an independently audited no-logs policy that promises never to retain details of your activities.

The VPN also includes essential security features like AES-256 encryption, a customizable kill switch, and DNS leak protection. We tested the VPN ourselves and found that PureVPN does not suffer from IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks.

These results mean PureVPN offers watertight online privacy, making it a great choice for preventing ISPs, government agencies, and hackers on public wifi from monitoring your online activities. That means you can rely on it when remote working.

If you’re traveling to a country where Western services like Hulu are restricted, we recommend sticking to the OpenVPN protocol, as it includes obfuscation by default. Use this protocol anytime you need to bypass stubborn firewalls or want to prevent ISPs from knowing you are using a VPN.

PureVPN’s apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Firestick, and they are intuitive and packed with useful features. These include a kill switch, DNS leak protection, a choice of protocols (including OpenVPN and WireGuard), robust encryption, and tracker blocking.

The app is set to auto-select the best protocol, but we noticed that it often defaults to IKEv2. We generally recommend switching to OpenVPN or WireGuard for better security and performance.

Port forwarding is available, but you need to pay extra, so bear that in mind. If you want to seed torrents regularly, you may decide that the additional cost is worth it, but there are competitors that offer port forwarding at no extra cost, so keep your options open or test the VPN using the money-back guarantee to compare.

The split tunneling feature in PureVPN’s app allows you to choose which apps use the VPN and which connect through your regular internet. This is particularly useful if you want to stream Hulu while accessing local content or services without using the VPN.

HULU ON A BUDGET:PureVPN has a choice of servers in the US that work to stream a wide range of US streaming platforms including Hulu, HBO Max, and Netflix US. Strong encryption means you can use it to watch Hulu at work or on campus. International servers network in 65+ countries. Starts at $1.96 per month.

Find out more by reading our PureVPN review.

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6. Private Internet Access

unblocks huluTested Oct 2024

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a trusted VPN provider that has been around since 2010. The VPN is popular with Reddit users despite being based in America, largely because it has proven its no logging policy in court on more than one occasion. This means you can trust this provider never to keep logs of your activities.

PIA has a large network, with particularly good coverage of the US. You can connect to servers strategically located in more than 91 countries, including 20+ US servers that are optimized for streaming.

In our tests, PIA’s US streaming servers reliably accessed Hulu, Netflix US, and other popular US TV streams from abroad. We used the WireGuard protocol, which gave us a smooth and dependable streaming experience on all the US TV services we tested.

The best thing about PIA’s streaming-optimized servers is that you can watch your favorite US shows without the hassle of needing to find a server that works.

We tested PIA to see how it delivers performance-wise. We tested the US server using home broadband at three different times of day. The average download speed with PIA on the day of testing was 38.3 Mbps. These are superb speeds for tasks like streaming Hulu in HD.

Our tests also showed that PIA’s speeds remain pretty stable throughout the day, ensuring a smooth viewing experience whether you’re at home, at work, or on the go.

PIA is known for its extensive customization options, making it a great choice for advanced users who want to fine-tune their VPN settings. You can choose between AES-128 and AES-256 encryption levels; for streaming Hulu, AES-128 is recommended to maximize speed and reduce buffering.

PIA also allows you to select your preferred VPN protocol, offering choices like OpenVPN and WireGuard. You can also tweak advanced settings such as MTU size and port selection, which makes it easier to connect on stubborn networks that block ports.

PIA is committed to user privacy and is backed by a strict no-logs policy. We checked the policy and found it to be well-written and transparent. This is alongside security features like a system-wide kill switch and DNS leak protection.

PIA also offers split tunneling and port forwarding, which makes it a fully-featured VPN that is highly versatile and good in a number of settings, particularly for those who want to torrent as well as stream.

PIA provides a Shadowsocks proxy, which can be combined with its Multi-Hop feature. This allows you to route your traffic through two servers, adding an extra layer of encryption and hiding your VPN use from your ISP. This setup is especially helpful for accessing Hulu in countries with strict censorship.

To check that PIA is working as advertised, we ran leak tests on its US servers. The results showed no IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks, ensuring that your real location stays hidden and your ISP cannot track your online habits.

Besides being secure, we were blown away by how quickly PIA servers connect. This might only save you a couple of seconds compared to other options, but it makes the VPN experience better when compared with competitors like PrivateVPN, which seems to take ages to connect.

One of PIA’s strongest points is its affordability. it starts at just $2.03 per month, which is pretty mind-blowing considering the number of servers and features it has.

PIA also supports unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing you to share your account with your entire household using apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Firestick on any smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer you happen to own. Plus, you can install it on VPN-compatible routers using the guides on its website.

STRONG ON SECURITY:Lots of customizability. Over 10,000 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 unlimited devices at once. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PIA review to find out more.

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7. ProtonVPN

Unblocks HuluTested Oct 2024

ProtonVPN is a trusted VPN provider based in Switzerland, developed by the team behind Proton Mail at CERN. Known for its strong emphasis on privacy and security, ProtonVPN has earned a superb reputation, particularly among privacy advocates who require advanced security features and prefer using open-source VPN apps. ProtonVPN has also undergone independent audits, meaning you can fully trust its no-logging policy.

ProtonVPN has servers in over 85 countries, including numerous locations across the US that are optimized for streaming services like Hulu, Netflix US, and Disney+. During our tests, ProtonVPN worked seamlessly with all these platforms, delivering smooth and uninterrupted streaming.

The VPN’s user interface makes it easy to find the server you need. You can select a US server directly from the map or choose a specific city within the US, allowing you to stream American content or browse the web with a US IP address.

The server list also displays useful information, such as server load, helping you select the best server for smooth streaming. Streaming-optimized servers are marked with a play button (triangle symbol) for easy identification.

ProtonVPN also worked to access streaming services from other countries, including the UK, Australia, Germany, France, and Canada, making it an impressive all-rounder.

We tested ProtonVPN’s US servers for leaks and found the VPN to perform flawlessly. This makes it an awesome choice for preventing online tracking and bypassing restrictions, including watching Hulu without your ISP or employer knowing.

To evaluate ProtonVPN’s performance, we tested its US servers throughout the day using a standard home broadband connection. The results were impressive, with ProtonVPN achieving an average download speed of 38.4 Mbps on the paid plan.

This minimal drop from our baseline speed of 45.43 Mbps allowed for smooth HD streaming of Hulu without any buffering issues. These speeds make ProtonVPN a reliable choice for watching live TV, gaming on US servers, or handling other data-intensive tasks that require a US IP address.

ProtonVPN is exceptional when it comes to privacy, offering a strict no-logs policy, multi-hop connections, DNS leak protection, and a choice of protocols, including stealth options that help conceal your VPN usage from ISPs and government agencies.

ProtonVPN includes a kill switch that prevents data leaks by cutting your internet connection if the VPN drops, ensuring that your data is always protected. This feature can be easily toggled from the main dashboard. The permanent kill switch ensures that you can never use the internet without a VPN connection.

Additionally, ProtonVPN offers NetShield, a DNS-based filtering tool that blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites, further enhancing your online security. ProtonVPN also supports multi-hop connections, obfuscation, and Tor over VPN, providing multiple layers of protection against censorship and online tracking.

For the highest possible levels of data privacy, you can use its “Secure Core” servers, which are self-hosted in highly secure locations, such as underground bunkers. However, it’s important to note that Secure Core servers will slow you down, so they are not the best option for watching Hulu.

Port forwarding is available for torrenting at no extra cost, but ProtonVPN only opens one random port per session, so you’ll need to enter this port number into your torrent client each time.

The VPN app also displays other useful connection details, such as your VPN IP address, protocol, and server load, allowing you to monitor and optimize your connection based on your specific needs.

ProtonVPN offers apps for all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. You can install and use the VPN on up to 10 devices simultaneously, allowing your entire household to stream different shows or access various services securely from multiple devices.

ADVANCED USERS:ProtonVPN is a feature-rich VPN that is perfect for people with advanced privacy needs. It comes with port forwarding, making it great for seeding torrents. Servers are available in over 85+ countries, including plenty in the US, to watch Hulu on vacation or at work.

Read our full ProtonVPN review.

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8. CyberGhost

Unblocks HuluTested Oct 2024

CyberGhost is a relatively simple, low-cost VPN based in Romania. It stands apart from other market-leading VPNs due to its massive network of over 10,000 servers worldwide, including many in the US optimized for streaming Hulu and other popular American services.

CyberGhost makes it particularly easy to watch Hulu from anywhere, thanks to its streaming-optimized servers. These servers are listed by country and platform, making it easy to find the server you need. This makes it an excellent option for beginners who prefer a simple VPN.

During our tests, CyberGhost VPN successfully unblocked Hulu, HBO Max, Netflix US, Peacock, Disney+, Prime Video, and other US-based streaming platforms such as ABC, NBC, and CBS.

We could stream our favorite shows in HD without buffering and had an enjoyable viewing experience thanks to its super-fast WireGuard protocol.

Note that if you can’t find a server listed for the exact streaming service you want to watch, it is worth testing another one from that country.

We found many of the servers to be cross-compatible, so we advise picking a streaming server in the US (or whichever country you require) because it should still work.

We tested CyberGhost’s US servers using a standard home broadband connection to gauge its performance with Hulu. Our baseline speed without the VPN was 45.43 Mbps on the day of testing.

When connected to CyberGhost, the average download speed was 35 Mbps, which made it the slowest VPN on this list. However, that is a testament to the impressive speeds of all our recommendations – rather than a criticism of CyberGhost VPN.

These speeds are more than enough for streaming Hulu in HD without any buffering or lag. If you experience any performance issues, you have the option to switch servers or use the WireGuard protocol, which is optimized for faster speed.

CyberGhost is designed with simplicity in mind. This makes it an excellent choice for users who want to watch Hulu abroad without a steep learning curve.

While it lacks some advanced features found in other VPNs, it includes all the essentials for secure and private browsing. It is also worth mentioning that the features you get are great considering the cost of a subscription, especially if you are an average home internet user who is unlikely to use advanced features.

Each CyberGhost subscriber gets a choice of protocols with rock-solid encryption, a system-level kill switch, leak protection, ad blocking, and the ability to adjust the MTU size, which can be helpful when connecting to the VPN on networks with unusual settings.

We also like CyberGhost’s “Smart Rules” function, which allows you to set the VPN to automatically connect when launching specific apps, such as Hulu or your torrent client. You can also configure Smart Rules to connect to the VPN when using unknown or unprotected wifi networks.

This helps to protect you against hackers when out in public and is particularly useful for remote workers who want to avoid security risks.

CyberGhost has a solid reputation for protecting user privacy. It has been independently audited and was found to have robust apps, policies, and servers. The VPN stores no records of user data, which means it never retains records of your activities or the servers you connect to. The company also publishes quarterly transparency reports, which give you an idea of the types of data requests it is receiving (but can’t comply with due to its no logs policy).

During our tests, CyberGhost effectively masked our IP address and DNS requests while connected to its US servers. The VPN tunnel reliably encrypted all traffic, and no leaks were detected. This makes CyberGhost an excellent choice for maintaining online privacy while streaming Hulu, perfect for unblocking Hulu at work or on campus.

CyberGhost offers specialist “NoSpy” servers. These servers are self-owned, self-hosted, and specially hardened to keep user data secure. You can use these servers anytime you want the highest levels of privacy.

The only real caveat is that CyberGhost does not offer obfuscation. Thus, if you are living in, or planning on visiting a country with strict internet censorship, you may prefer to opt for an alternative that offers scrambling technologies that prevent ISPs from preventing you from connecting or from detecting VPN use.

CyberGhost offers user-friendly apps for all major platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. This broad compatibility allows you to get a US IP address and stream Hulu on any device.

For those looking to protect all devices in their home, CyberGhost also provides detailed setup guides for routers that support OpenVPN, offering the flexibility to secure your entire home network with a single connection.

VALUE & PERFORMANCE:CyberGhost is easy to use. Rock solid privacy policy has been audited. Fast connection speeds for reliable streaming and solid security. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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9. PrivateVPN

Unblocks HuluTested Oct 2024

PrivateVPN is a smaller VPN provider from Sweden. It is known for its affordability, solid privacy features, and ability to access international streaming services.

The VPN runs on a proprietary network of servers controlled by its parent company, the Swedish server hosting company, Miss Group. This ensures that the VPN provider has full control over the setup and management of its servers – which is better in terms of privacy and performance.

Its base in Sweden means it benefits from the country’s lack of mandatory data retention laws. This allows PrivateVPN to maintain a strict no-logs policy. The caveat is that PrivateVPN has not yet paid for a full third-party audit of its infrastructure and policies. However, the VPN has an unblemished reputation for privacy – which is what matters.

We find it telling that PrivateVPN was originally launched by activists. True to its origins, the VPN continues to support consumer rights to torrent privately. To this end, the VPN is one of the few that includes port forwarding at no extra cost. And despite being low cost, it offers everything you need to unblock Hulu at work, in school, or abroad without being tracked.

Our tests of its US server locations allowed us to watch Hulu, HBO Max, Netflix, ESPN, YouTube TV, ABC, and CBS. The international server locations also work to access over a dozen Netflix regions and international streaming services like the UK’s BBC iPlayer. This makes PrivateVPN an extremely reliable all-rounder.

One thing worth mentioning is that PrivateVPN has fewer servers than many of its competitors. Despite offering access to a smaller network, the VPN still gives you access to IP addresses in 63 countries, which is great coverage considering the lower cost of a plan. This includes servers in 12 US cities, which is plenty of choice for bypassing blackout games or accessing regional US services (bookies, TV streams, etc).

The app displays server load information next to each server, which helps you pick the optimal server for streaming Hulu.

To watch Hulu reliably, we discovered that it is necessary to pick one of PrivateVPN’s Dedicated IPs. We found the US-New York option worked best.

The support agents also suggested that it is easier to bypass streaming blocks using Firefox. So, if you have any issues using Chrome to watch Hulu with your VPN, we’d suggest following that advice.

Next, we tested PrivateVPN on a home broadband setup to see how it compares with its competitors. Having a smaller network raises concerns over the potential for server congestion and slower speeds. The good news is that our broadband-specific tests were great.

The VPN reduced our download speeds from 45.43 Mbps to 37.7 Mbps, which means it is still ideally suited to data-heavy tasks like streaming, torrenting, and gaming.

If you experience slow speeds while using PrivateVPN, you have the option to switch to a different US server (preferably using one of the dedicated IPs). You can also adjust the encryption level from AES-256-CBC to AES-128-CBCm, which should give you a little extra speed.

PrivateVPN has custom apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. These are designed with ease of use in mind. The settings menu is neatly organized, which means even beginners can find the features they need.

You can turn on a kill switch (Connection Guard) and set the Application Guard feature to shut down apps automatically if the VPN connection fails. This gives you an added layer of protection. However, it does mean that if you are out and the kill switch becomes engaged, your internet and any apps you choose to terminate will remain off until you return home.

This can be frustrating when you get home expecting to have finished a torrent download. If this is something that might annoy you, you may prefer to opt for a VPN that has an auto-reconnect feature that works in combination with the kill switch.

The advanced view also provides useful information. You can see your external IP address and the location of the server you are using and check which port is open to add it to your torrent clients.

If you use the dedicated IPs, you will find that all ports are open, this is useful for torrenting because you can forward any port from your client (some VPNs only open one random port each session).

PrivateVPN supports OpenVPN (UDP and TCP), PPTP, and L2TP protocols. Of these, we recommend sticking with OpenVPN for the best balance of speed and security.

Wireguard configs are available on its website but you will need to connect using a third-party client. Hopefully, they will add this protocol to the main clients soon.

A Stealth VPN protocol is available to get obfuscation over ports 22 and 443. This makes it easier to connect on restrictive networks – or in countries that use Deep Packet Inspection and block ports commonly associated with VPNs.

Connecting over ports 443 or 22 makes your traffic appear to be regular HTTPS traffic, which ensures you can watch Hulu, access VoIP, and use any other restricted services in countries with strict internet censorship. PrivateVPN even works in China, which is impressive.

PrivateVPN also includes built-in DNS and IPv6 leak protection. During our tests, these features prevented all leaks. This makes PrivateVPN a trustworthy option for maintaining privacy no matter where you need to connect to the internet.

One of PrivateVPN’s most attractive features is its affordability. Despite its low price, the VPN maintains a strong reputation for reliability and performance. It also includes port forwarding, which is a rare feature at this price point, making it popular with torrent users. Additionally, you can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, which is usually sufficient for most households or power users.

PrivateVPN offers comprehensive setup guides on its website, and its 24/7 live chat support is available to answer any questions you might have, making it easy to get started.

DECENT VALUE:PrivateVPN is a good choice for streaming and torrenting. Unblocks Hulu and other US services. Allows up to 10 devices. Offers free dedicated IPs you can use for streaming. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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Our Hulu VPN testing methodology

If you’re interested in understanding how our experts evaluate and recommend VPNs for accessing Hulu with a US IP address, this section will walk you through our detailed testing process. For a deeper dive, you can read our full methodology guide on how we test and review VPNs.

Speed Testing

To ensure a smooth streaming experience on Hulu, we measure the download speeds that users can expect when connected to each VPN’s US servers.

These tests simulate a typical user environment using a standard home broadband connection. On the day of testing, our baseline internet speed (without a VPN) averaged 45.43 Mbps. Below are the baseline speeds recorded during each session:

• Morning: 43.93 Mbps
• Noon: 47.38 Mbps
• Evening: 47.2 Mbps

These tests were performed on home broadband in Canada to analyze how VPNs would perform when accessing Hulu from abroad. Generally, the closer you are to a VPN server, the less lag you’ll experience. However, our top picks should work effectively for streaming Hulu from any global location.

In our tests, NordVPN, PureVPN, and Surfshark delivered the highest average download speeds, followed by ExpressVPN, IPVanish, and ProtonVPN. Surfshark got particularly strong results in the evening.

Overall, all VPNs tested maintained speeds between 31 and 43 Mbps, which is excellent for streaming Hulu in HD. Although CyberGhost VPN was slightly slower than the others, it still provided a superb streaming experience.

To simplify comparisons, we averaged the speed results and assigned each VPN a score out of ten. This allows you to easily compare performance and choose a VPN that meets your speed needs for accessing US streaming services like Hulu.

Streaming Performance

To evaluate how well different VPN providers handle streaming, we tested their ability to reliably access popular US platforms like Hulu. We then assessed their performance with other major international services to ensure wide-ranging compatibility. Our streaming experts rated each VPN based on video quality, buffering issues, and overall ease of use.

Our results have been compiled into a table that shows how each VPN performed in accessing US streaming services. For instance, NordVPN consistently offered smooth access to Hulu and other US platforms, making it one of the top choices for streaming. Surfshark and ExpressVPN also delivered excellent performance, especially for those seeking a cost-effective way to access American TV services.

Security & Privacy

A trustworthy VPN must put user privacy and data security first. To ensure we only recommend VPNs that are reliable, we evaluated each VPN against 15 essential standards that are critical for protecting online activities.

Our criteria include the absence of activity and IP logs, strong encryption protocols (AES-128 or higher), and features like DNS and IPv6 leak protection. You can see the full list of data points in the table below:

We rated each VPN based on how well they met our security benchmarks and then calculated an overall security score. Our approach lets us compare VPNs apples to apples, helping you choose a VPN that best safeguards your privacy while providing a US IP address to watch Hulu at work or on campus without being tracked.

Among the VPNs tested, NordVPN and Surfshark stood out for their advanced security features that go beyond what most competitors offer, making them top picks for privacy-conscious users. ProtonVPN, PIA, and IPVanish are also highly impressive for advanced users who want additional features, and PureVPN has good features considering the cost.

Ease of Use

To check how easy a VPN is to use, we not only test the apps but also consider ten key metrics. These include how easy it is to sign up, the consistency of features across different platforms, and the overall user experience. This comparison ensures you get a comprehensive view of each VPN’s usability before subscribing.

We rated each VPN based on these metrics and combined the results into an overall ease-of-use score. For instance, NordVPN provides a smooth, user-friendly experience, while CyberGhost is particularly easy to use for streaming US TV services due to its clearly labeled servers.

Value for Money

Everyone wants a VPN that provides strong privacy, fast speeds, and reliable streaming capabilities for a fair price. Fortunately, we’ve identified VPNs that offer everything you need to access the internet privately and watch Hulu abroad without breaking the bank.

To determine which VPNs offer the best value, we evaluated them based on eight critical factors, including money-back guarantees, connection limits, pricing, and the availability of free trials or student discounts.

We combined these scores to give you a clear understanding of how each VPN ranks in terms of value for money. Surfshark emerged as the best overall value, closely followed by IPVanish, CyberGhost and NordVPN.

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. Unblocking Hulu with a VPN is easy once you know which server to connect to.

Here’s how to watch Hulu from abroad with a VPN:

1. Sign up for and download a VPN that works with Hulu. NordVPN is the most reliable option and our top recommendation.
2. Install the VPN app from your provider’s website or official app store, run the app, and log in with your credentials.
3. Choose a server or server location that can unblock Hulu. You will need a US server for an American IP address. If you’re unsure, ask your VPN’s customer service or consult its website.
4. Open Hulu in a web browser or the Hulu app and start streaming!
5. If Hulu still isn’t working, try clearing your cookies and cache and reloading the video. If problems persist, you may need to reach out to your VPN’s customer support.

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 later in this article.

See also: Hulu vs Netflix vs Amazon vs Disney.

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. We recommend avoiding the risk and paying for a quality VPN instead.

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:

1. Log out of Hulu
2. Log back in on a streaming device like a Firestick, Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, smart TV, or game console.
3. Open your Hulu account page on the smartphone app or desktop website
4. Click Privacy and Settings
5. 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.

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.

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):

1. Disconnect and close the VPN app
2. Tap Windows Key+R to open the Run prompt
3. Type ncpa.cpl and hit Enter to open your Network Connections
4. Find the connection you are using, right click it, and select Properties
5. On the Networking or General tab, uncheck the box that says “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)”
6. Click OK to save changes and close the Window
7. 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
8. In the command prompt (black window), type ipconfig /flushdns and hit Enter.
9. Reconnect to the VPN, refresh the Hulu page, and enjoy the video!

How to disable IPv6 on Mac OSX:

1. Disconnect and close the VPN app
2. Open the Apple menu.
3. Choose System Preferences > Network > AirPort > Advanced
4. Click TCP/IP.
5. Click on the Configure IPv6 pop-up menu and select Off.
6. Click OK and Apply (to apply the change).
7. Reconnect to the VPN, refresh the Hulu page, and enjoy the video!

Is Hulu not working with your VPN? Try these steps

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:

1. Check with your VPN to find out which US server is optimized for streaming Hulu.
2. Restart your browser.
3. Try reinstalling the latest version of the VPN app.
4. Restart your device and re-launch the VPN. Now launch the Hulu app.
5. Clear your cookies and browser cache.
6. Disable GPS tracking on your device or update the GPS location in your browser.

Still having issues? We cover more troubleshooting tips in our guide to Hulu not working with VPNs.

Watching Hulu with a VPN: FAQs