Hulu VPN blocked? Best VPNs that work with Hulu

After Netflix, Hulu is one of the most popular streaming video services available. Three major US television networks–Fox, ABC, and NBC–joined forces to create Hulu. It includes a wealth of content from other networks including Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, FX, SyFy, PBS, Style, and Cartoon Network. However, because Hulu is region-locked you will need the help of a VPN for Hulu to watch while traveling abroad.

If you want to access the best Hulu content from anywhere you need a VPN – however, most won’t work with Hulu.

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.

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, 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 – at a glance

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.

Best VPNs for Hulu

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Hulu:

1. NordVPN

Jun 2023 Unblocks HuluTested Jun 2023

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

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.

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2. Surfshark

unblocks huluTested Jun 2023

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

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.

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3. ExpressVPN

Unblocks HuluTested Jun 2023

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

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 

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4. CyberGhost

Unblocks HuluTested Jun 2023

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

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.

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5. Private Internet Access

unblocks huluTested Jun 2023

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

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.

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6. PrivateVPN

Unblocks HuluTested Jun 2023

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

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.

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7. AtlasVPN

unblocks huluTested Jun 2023

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

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.

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8. VyprVPN

Unblocks HuluTested Jun 2023

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

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.

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How to watch Hulu from abroad with a VPN

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:

1. Sign up for and download a VPN that works with Hulu. NordVPN is the most reliable option.
2. Install the VPN app from your provider’s website or official app store
3. 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
4. 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. 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:

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 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 on both desktop and mobile from abroad.
• Speed: In order to play videos in HD or 4K without buffering, you need a fast VPN. We speed test VPN connections to server locations worldwide.
• 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 encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy among other security 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.
• 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.

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.

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.

Hulu VPN unblocking FAQs

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!

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:

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.