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

Hotstar is one of the biggest providers of Indian TV shows and movies, but it’s only available in a handful of countries. The good news is that you can easily unblock Hotstar from outside of India, the UK, Canada, or Singapore; you just have to connect to a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

A VPN runs all the internet traffic flowing to and from your device via an encrypted tunnel. This changes your IP address, which is what Hotstar uses to determine your location. In other words, connecting to an Indian VPN server will make Hotstar believe that’s where you are, allowing you to watch as normal, even while traveling abroad. Using a VPN also makes it very difficult for your internet service provider (ISP), hackers, government surveillance agencies, and others to monitor your digital footprint.

However, based on our testing, not every VPN is capable of effectively bypassing Hotstar’s restrictions. We’ve performed hands-in testing for more than 50 leading VPNs to find out once and for all which VPNs are best for Hotstar. You’ll find our top picks below, but don’t worry: we’ll cover these in more detail shortly.

The best VPNs for Hotstar:

1. NordVPN Our top VPN pick for streaming Hotstar. Boasts high speeds, strong security tools, and reliable servers in India. Also offers 24/7 support and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best budget choice Hotstar VPN. Plenty of speedy servers to choose from. No connection limit. Top-notch security and privacy features. Works with just about any major streaming platform.
3. Total VPN: Servers in India and 84+ other countries. Works well with Hotstar as well as Netflix. Affordable one-year subscriptions. Strong on security.
4. ProtonVPN: High-speed provider with plenty of servers in India. Boasts a strong security toolkit and exceptional streaming ability.
5. ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is a veteran provider that excels at unblocking services like Hotstar. Solid speeds and a great range of security features.
6. IPVanish: Fast enough to stream Hotstar from abroad in high quality, plus strong security and a no-logs policy. Lets you protect every device you own.
7. CyberGhost: Beginner-friendly option with fast servers in India, so you can easily unblock Hotstar from abroad. Lots of customizable security tools. 
8. PrivateVPN: Small VPN provider with a few servers in India that can access Hotstar from anywhere. Very strong on privacy, with a strict no-logs policy.
9. Private Internet Access: Servers available worldwide. Decent speeds for streaming Hotstar. Unlimited devices and lots of security features.

TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Hotstar.

How to watch Hotstar abroad with a VPN

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

Here’s how to watch Hotstar online outside India:

1. Download and install a VPN that works with Hotstar. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Open your VPN and pick a server in India. This will grant you an Indian IP address. Select this location and double click to get connected.
3. Clear your browser cache and cookies to remove location information from previous sessions.
4. Open Hotstar and stream your favorite content from any country in the world!
5. Still having problems? In that case, we’d suggest reaching out to your VPN’s customer support team. Most major providers offer 24/7 support over live chat.

Top Hotstar VPNs: Compared

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

Our criteria for Hotstar VPNs

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

• Speed: Our experts ran multiple speed tests while connected to each VPN’s servers in India. Note that we used a 250 Mbps connection as that’s the US broadband average and most accurately reflects the kind of speeds our readers can expect.
• Streaming ability: We scored providers on how many server locations they had in India, as well as the number of countries they supported. Most importantly of all, we tested them with Hotstar and other popular streaming platforms.
• Security and privacy: We evaluated each VPN against 16 different criteria to find those most able to keep user’s safe online while connected to servers in India.
• Ease of use: We prioritize VPNs that make day to day operation as simple as possible. For instance, they might offer streaming-optimized servers, 24/7 customer support, a total lack of connection limits, or just intuitive, newcomer-friendly apps.
• Value for money: Nobody wants to spend more than is necessary on a VPN subscription. Our team carefully considered each service’s price, how often it goes on sale, how versatile it is, and whether there’s a student discount.

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

The best VPNs for Hotstar

Here is our list of the best VPNs for Hotstar:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2025 Unblocks HotstarTested Nov 2025

NordVPN is our top recommended VPN for Hotstar. It operates over 8,000 servers in over 120 countries, including India, making it a strong choice for unblocking Hotstar abroad. Of course, it also works flawlessly with Netflix, Sony LIV, and BBC iPlayer, giving you plenty of options for things to watch. Users can connect up to 10 devices at the same time, and support staff are available 24 hours per day over live chat, just in case you need them.

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

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

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

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

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

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2. Surfshark

Unblocks HotstarTested Nov 2025

Surfshark is an excellent choice for anyone looking to watch Hotstar abroad. It has over 4,500 servers in 100+ countries, including the US, UK, and India, so you can access your usual content library from anywhere. Better still, this service is fast enough to stream live video without any noticeable lag or buffering. Unlike most of its rivals, Surfshark allows you to connect as many desktop and mobile devices as you like. There’s also around the clock support via Surfshark’s live chat system.

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

Security is one of Surfshark’s biggest strengths. It uses AES 256-bit encryption, protection against WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks, and a kill switch (which stops all traffic if your VPN connection drops suddenly) to keep your activities private at all times. You can sign up anonymously with cryptocurrency and a disposable email address, but as Surfshark doesn’t keep any logs, you can’t be traced either way. This service recently introduced a content blocker, allowing you to stop adult content, gambling sites, hate speech, phishing sites, and a whole host of other topics from showing up while browsing.

Surfshark has apps for Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and Linux. Its website provides detailed setup guides explaining how to install this VPN on your router.

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

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

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3. Total VPN

Unblocks HotstarTested Nov 2025

Total VPN works seamlessly with Hotstar and plenty more besides. During testing we were also able to access Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Disney Plus. This provider has around 1,800 servers globally, covering 80+ countries including India. It permits up to five simultaneous connections, which is lower than we’d like but still more than enough for most users. There’s even 24/7 support over live chat just in case you run into any issues.

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

So what does this actually mean? Well, you’re unlikely to notice any performance problems when streaming Hotstar, even if you’re watching in 4K. These speeds are well above the recommended levels for playing online games, making video calls, or torrenting in India, so there’s really not much you won’t be able to do.

Total VPN’s apps are straightforward to use, with much of the key functionality happening behind the scenes. The provider automatically encrypts traffic using 256-bit AES encryption; protects against IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks; and uses the speedy WireGuard protocol by default. Total VPN doesn’t keep any logs of your online activity and offers its own protocol, Hydra, that’s capable of beating some forms of VPN-detection (though it can’t sidestep country-wide censorship systems, such as China’s Great Firewall).

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

Total VPN has its own apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS.

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

Read our full Total VPN review.

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4. ProtonVPN

Unblocks HotstarTested Nov 2025

ProtonVPN is a freemium provider, but you can’t use its Indian servers without a paid plan. On the plus side, this is far from the only benefit. You’ll gain access to the full network (15,000+ servers in 120+ countries), remove the speed cap, and increase the connection limit to 10. Bored of Hotstar? No problem: it also works with other popular platforms like Amazon Prime Video and JioCinema. If you run into any problems, just let staff know; they’re available 24/7 and will be more than happy to help.

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

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

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

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

Read our full ProtonVPN review.

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5. ExpressVPN

Unblocks HotstarTested Nov 2025

ExpressVPN is another fantastic option for anyone hoping to stream Hotstar from abroad. It has servers in roughly 105 countries, with its virtual Indian servers routing data via Singapore and the UK. This VPN works perfectly with most geo-blocked platforms, including Hotstar, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, and can even block ads automatically. Basic plans let you connect 10 devices at a time and include 24/7 customer support over live chat.

This provider is known for its performance, so we thought we’d see just what its Indian servers were capable of. With an average speed of 114.77 Mbps, ExpressVPN is fast enough for live streaming, torrenting, and making video calls. It was slightly slower in the mornings, but even then, ExpressVPN was still perfectly capable of streaming Hotstar. Here’s a breakdown of its results:

ExpressVPN doesn’t keep logs of your online activities or user IP addresses, plus it has been audited more than a dozen times, so we can safely say that it takes your privacy seriously. It uses unbreakable 256-bit AES encryption, alongside a kill switch, automatic ad and tracker-blocking, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. Crucially, this VPN obfuscates your data automatically as needed, allowing you to rely on it in countries like China or the UAE.

ExpressVPN’s main drawback used to be its higher price compared to competitors. To deal with that, the company recently introduced tiered pricing so users can pick the right mix of features and security for what they can afford. And if you’d rather not pay anything, their new free service, EventVPN, is available to try (though this is more for security and privacy, not for streaming Hotstar).

ExpressVPN offers apps for both Android and iOS, as well as a desktop client for Windows and macOS. There’s also custom router firmware, making it easier than ever to secure every internet-connected device you own at the same time.

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

Read our review of ExpressVPN.

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6. IPVanish

Unblocks HotstarTested Nov 2025

IPVanish has what it takes to help you stream Hotstar from abroad. It owns and operates more than 3,200 RAM-only servers in 100+ countries, India included. Not only that, but this VPN excels at accessing stubborn geo-blocked streaming platforms; we’ve had great results using it with apps like Netflix, ITVX, BBC iPlayer, and more. Support staff are on hand 24 hours per day, and there’s no limit on the number of devices you can connect.

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

IPVanish boasts a strong set of security features, including 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. Better still, it’s completely logless, with no data stored whatsoever. This VPN recently enhanced its privacy package even further with the introduction of ad and tracker-blocking, a link safety checker, and multi-hop servers that encrypt your traffic twice.

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

Apps are available for both iOS and Android, and there are desktop clients for Windows and macOS. There’s also a new Advanced subscription tier that includes the VPN, secure file storage, and a cloud-based remote browser.

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

Read our full review of IPVanish.

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7. CyberGhost

Unblocks HotstarTested Nov 2025

CyberGhost is the only provider in this list with servers explicitly designed to unblock Hotstar abroad. All in all, its network covers 105+ countries, and even its general-purpose servers tend to be suitable for streaming (though there are also some optimized for torrenting and gaming). You’re allowed to connect up to seven devices at once, and in our experience, the apps are very easy to use. Of course, staff are ready to help with any problems using CyberGhost’s 24/7 live chat service.

Let’s take a look at this VPN’s performance. Following a day of testing, it had an average speed of 143.09 Mbps — which is more than fast enough for streaming 4K video on five devices simultaneously. Performance was fairly consistent too, with just over 7 Mbps of difference between its highest and lowest results. Below, you can see how it fared at various times of day:

CyberGhost keeps your activities hidden using 256-bit AES encryption and the OpenVPN protocol. However, it also supports WireGuard connections and offers a kill switch and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. This provider doesn’t keep any logs of your activities, so you can browse without worrying about who might be watching. There’s also ad and tracker-blocking functionality, as well as the option to create smart rules that govern when the VPN will activate automatically.

Apps are available for both Android and iOS, and there are desktop clients for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Alternatively, you can follow manual setup instruction to get this VPN running on your home router.

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

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

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8. PrivateVPN

Unblocks HotstarTested Nov 2025

PrivateVPN only has around 200 servers in 60+ countries (including India), but it compensates for this smaller network by doing everything it can to keep you safe. It owns its entire network outright and even acts as its own ISP, keeping user data out of the hands of any third-party organization. Not only that, but it has exceptional streaming ability, allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, and offers live chat-based customer support during European business hours.

To get an idea of this provider’s performance, we tested its Indian servers at various times during the day. PrivateVPN delivered an average speed of 59.77 Mbps, which is lower than some of the other providers we’ve seen, but still well above what’s needed to stream Hotstar in 4K, play online games, or torrent. Here are our full results:

PrivateVPN uses 128-bit AES encryption by default, but this can be raised to 256-bit for additional security at the cost of speed. It also boasts a strict no-logging policy, protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, and a customizable kill switch. There’s even a Stealth VPN mode that’ll let you browse and stream safely in places with extreme online censorship, like China.

This provider has its own apps for iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows. There are also manual setup instructions in case you’re interested in installing it on your router or Linux system.

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

Read our review of PrivateVPN.

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9. Private Internet Access

Unblocks HotstarTested Nov 2025

Private Internet Access is a reliable choice with more than 35,000 servers spread across 90+ countries. This includes several virtual Indian servers, so you’ll be able to access Hotstar and all of your favorite Indian TV shows while traveling abroad. Naturally, it works with platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer too. Users can connect as many devices as they own, and in the unlikely event that anything goes wrong, live chat-based customer support is available around the clock.

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

This VPN boasts a solid set of security features. These include 256-bit AES encryption (which experts agree is currently uncrackable), a kill switch, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. Private Internet Access also has a Stealth protocol, split tunneling and port forwarding functionality, and a tool called MACE that blocks ads and trackers automatically. Most importantly, this provider refuses to log any data that could be used to identify you.

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

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

Read our review of Private Internet Access.

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Using a free VPN to access Hotstar

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

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

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

How to fix Hotstar ‘VPN detected’ error

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

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

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

Watching Hotstar abroad with a VPN: FAQ