While we have found that Hotstar has evolved into a comprehensive content platform, Unfortunately, the service is geo-restricted with a varying library of content depending on your country. The largest library is reserved for those with an Indian IP address. Fortunately, there’s a simple way to unlock Hotstar’s extensive Indian library no matter where you are worldwide – by utilizing a Hotstar VPN.
However based on our testing, not every VPN is capable of bypassing Hotstar’s restrictions effectively. In this article, we’ll delve into selecting the best VPN software specifically designed for Hotstar. Stay tuned to learn how to make the most out of your Hotstar experience, even when you’re abroad.
From our research, here is the best VPN software if you’re short on time. Here’s our summary list of the best VPNs for Hotstar:
- Surfshark: Our top choice Hotstar VPN. Plenty of speedy servers to choose from. No connection limit. Top-notch security and privacy features.
- ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is a veteran provider that excels at unblocking services like Hotstar. Solid speeds and a great range of security features.
- CyberGhost: Another budget-friendly option with fast servers in India so you can easily unblock Hotstar from abroad.
- IPVanish: Fast enough to stream Hotstar from abroad in high quality, plus strong security and a no-logs policy.
- Private Internet Access: Servers available worldwide. Decent speeds for streaming Hotstar. Unlimited devices and lots of security features.
- PrivateVPN: Small VPN provider with a few servers in India that can access Hotstar from anywhere.
- PureVPN: Quick and reliable VPN that works well with Hotstar and similar platforms. Has a 10 device limit and 24/7 customer support.
- ProtonVPN: High-speed provider with plenty of servers in India. Boasts a strong security toolkit and exceptional streaming ability.
TRY THE TOP VPN FOR HOTSTAR RISK-FREE
Surfshark is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for Hotstar with no restrictions for a month - great if you want to binge your favorite show or are going on a short trip.
There are no hidden terms - just contact support within 30 days if you decide Surfshark isn't right for you and you'll get a full refund. Start your Surshark trial here.
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:
- Download and install a VPN that works with Hotstar. Surfshark is the most reliable option.
- Open your VPN and pick a server in India.
- Clear your browser cache and cookies to remove location information from previous sessions.
- Open Hotstar and stream your favorite content from any country in the world.
A VPN runs all the internet traffic flowing to and from your device via an encrypted tunnel. Most paid VPN providers offer a wide variety of server locations; it’s up to you to decide which server the traffic will be routed through. If you select a server in India, the Hotstar website and mobile app will assume you’re geographically located there and grant you access to premium content. Using a VPN also makes it very difficult for your internet service provider (ISP), hackers, government surveillance agencies, and others to monitor your digital footprint.
See also: Best VPN for India
Hotstar VPNs – Our hands-on review
We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with Surfshark – our #1 choice for Hotstar.
| No value | Surfshark | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | IPVanish | PrivateVPN | PureVPN | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Website | Surfshark.com | ExpressVPN.com | Cyberghost.com | IPVanish.com | PrivateVPN.com | PureVPN.com | protonvpn.com | Ranking for Hotstar | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Avg Speed (Mbps) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 39 Mbps | 400 Mbps | 100+ Mbps | Devices Supported | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Chromebook, Routers | Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Chromebook | Activity logs | None | No identifying data | No identifying data | No logs stored | None | Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited | 8 | 7 | Unlimited | 10 | 10 | Free: 1, VPN Plus: 10 |
| Best deal (per month) | $2.29 Save 85% on a 2 year Starter plan | $6.67 SAVE: 49% + 3 months free | $2.03 SAVE 84% on the 2 year plan | $2.75 SAVE 78% on the 2 yr plan | $2.00 Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free | $1.96 84% off the 2-yr standard plan + 4/mo free | $4.99 SAVE 50% on a 2-year plan |
The best VPNs for Hotstar
Based on these criteria, here is our list of the best VPNs for Hotstar
1. Surfshark
Unblocks HotstarTested Apr 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark is an excellent choice for anyone looking to watch Hotstar abroad. It has servers in 60+ 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.
Security is one of Surfshark’s biggest strengths. It uses AES 256-bit encryption, protection against WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks, and a kill switch (which stops all traffic if your VPN connection drops suddenly) to keep your activities private at all times. You can sign up anonymously with cryptocurrency and a disposable email address but as Surfshark doesn’t keep any logs, you can’t be traced either way.
Surfshark has apps for Windows, Android, iOS, MacOS, and Linux. It can also be manually configured to work with supported internet routers.
Surfshark speed test data
| No value | Surfshark |
|---|---|
| Website | Surfshark.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 521 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 702 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 561 Mbps |
| Best deal (per month) | $2.29 Save 85% on a 2 year Starter plan |
Pros:
- No connection limit
- Unblocks Hotstar and similar services abroad
- Strong security features and a no-logs policy
- Accepts three different cryptocurrencies
Cons:
- Settings menu could be better organized
Our score:
BEST VPN FOR HOTSTAR:Surfshark is VPN powerhouse with plenty to offer. 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.
2. ExpressVPN
Unblocks HotstarTested Apr 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN ranks highly because of its choice of military-grade encryption standards and ability to stream a huge range of content. The service is speedy, reliable, and has minimal downtime. The company operates more than 3,000 servers spread across 94 countries. There are three locations in India so users shouldn’t face any problems when trying to unblock Hotstar.
ExpressVPN has a privacy policy of not storing any detailed traffic logs and the maintenance of your privacy online is of utmost importance to the company. Some metadata is retained and used to improve service quality levels, specifically the date (not time) of connection, choice of VPN server location, and total bandwidth used. Your real IP address won’t be recorded.
This service uses 256-bit AES encryption, along with perfect forward secrecy and a no-logs policy. It’s fair to say that its security standards are ironclad. An internet kill switch is included, which the company refers to as a ‘network lock.’ This feature will temporarily halt all web traffic if the connection drops.
ExpressVPN offers apps for both Android and iOS, as well as a desktop client for Windows and MacOS. Also has its own custom router firmware. Each account allows for five simultaneous connections.
ExpressVPN speed test data
| No value | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|
| Website | ExpressVPN.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 319 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 303 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 278 Mbps |
| Best deal (per month) | $6.67 SAVE: 49% + 3 months free |
Pros:
- Operates reliable servers in India
- Fast speeds for streaming Hotstar in HD
- Comprehensive security and privacy features
- A wide range of apps available – Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and certain Wi-Fi routers
Cons:
- Slightly higher cost than others
Our score:
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.
3. CyberGhost
Unblocks HotstarTested Apr 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost ships with a variety of nifty features including anti-tracking and ad-blocking. It’s also relatively inexpensive and won’t break the bank, making it a great choice for users on a budget. The service is fast and incorporates military-grade encryption parameters.
At the moment CyberGhost offers 10,000+ servers across 91 countries. India is included in the list with 30+ servers. We’ve seen the range of servers and countries expand considerably in recent times with no signs of slowing down.
CyberGhost uses 256-bit AES encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default, but newer versions of the app also include WireGuard support. An internet kill switch is included too, which will keep your connection secure even if the link to a server drops for some reason. Another reassuring factor is that CyberGhost adheres to an internal privacy policy of not storing any user logs.
Apps are available for both Android and iOS and there are desktop clients for Windows, MacOS and Linux. A subscription grants access to seven devices on a single plan.
CyberGhost speed test data
| No value | CyberGhost |
|---|---|
| Website | Cyberghost.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 449 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 269 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 167 Mbps |
| Best deal (per month) | $2.03 SAVE 84% on the 2 year plan |
Pros:
- Operates 30+ servers throughout India and unblocks Hotstar with no issues
- Streaming-optimized servers
- Budget VPN provider that doesn’t compromise on security and privacy
- Apps are easy to use, secure and offer good privacy protections
Cons:
- Not suitable for those that need control of advanced features
- Doesn’t work in China or the UAE
Our score:
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.
4. IPVanish
Unblocks HotstarTested Apr 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish is a favorite for users who want blazing connection speeds coupled with stringent privacy measures and strong encryption. In our testing, the service performed admirably when subjected to HD video quality streaming. Perhaps this shouldn’t be surprising given IPVanish has more than 1,900 servers spread across 60+ countries. Several servers are located in India and there are many other options within Asia.
Encryption standards are robust. IPVanish deploys AES 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, and WireGuard support. IPVanish is a completely logless service — there’s no storage of metadata related to timestamps, server preferences, or other user behavior.
Many users find IPVanish an excellent option for Kodi because it enables them to download the Android APK directly to their device. The interface is remote control-friendly for Kodi devices that lack a keyboard and mouse.
Apps are available for both iOS and Android and there are desktop clients for Windows and MacOS. One paid account allows for unlimited simultaneous connections.
IPVanish speed test data
| No value | IPVanish |
|---|---|
| Website | IPVanish.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 277 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 237 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 352 Mbps |
| Best deal (per month) | $2.75 SAVE 78% on the 2 yr plan |
Pros:
- Operates servers in New Delhi that unblock Hotstar at good speeds
- Preferred by Kodi and Firestick TV for its remote-friendly apps
- Strong encryption makes apps secure
Cons:
- Customer support is a little slow
- Apps don’t work in China
Our score:
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. Doesn’t work with as many other streaming services as some of its rivals. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of IPVanish.
5. Private Internet Access
Unblocks HotstarTested Apr 2024
Apps Available:
Private Internet Access is one of the better VPNs for traveling because it has servers located across more than 90 countries. Although it doesn’t have servers that are physically located in India, it does provide virtual Indian servers. As such, you’ll have no trouble accessing Hotstar and all of your favorite Indian TV shows while abroad. With average speeds of 117 Mbps in testing, PIA is fast enough for 4K streaming.
One of the advantages PIA has over many other VPN services is that it doesn’t impose a connection limit. As such, you can secure all of your devices at once. These devices benefit from a range of essential security features including 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. We’re impressed by the many features available (such as split tunneling) and PIA’s very thorough no-logs policy.
If you’d like to use Private Internet Access, you’ll need to download and install an app for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, or Amazon Fire TV. Alternatively, Chrome and Firefox extensions are available. Manual setup is needed for use with routers.
Private Internet Access speed test data
| No value | Private Internet Access |
|---|---|
| Website | PrivateInternetAccess.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 93 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 58 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 200 Mbps |
| Best deal (per month) | $2.03 SAVE 83% on the 2 yr plan |
Pros:
- Server network covering 90+ countries
- Fast enough for streaming Hotstar without lag
- Connect as many devices as you like simultaneously
- Packed with features including an ad blocker
Cons:
- Struggles to work in China
- Unable to access some streaming services in testing
Our score:
LOTS OF FEATURES:Private Internet Access offers servers in 90+ countries, virtual servers in India included. Works with Hotstar and even some Netflix libraries. Strict no-logs policy and unlimited simultanoues connections. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our review of Private Internet Access.
6. PrivateVPN
Unblocks HotstarTested Apr 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN has a smaller network of servers than others on this list, but it compensates for this relative disadvantage by delivering incredible speeds. Servers in India are included, so users looking to access Hotstar won’t be disappointed.
In our user review, PrivateVPN streamed 1080p video flawlessly when tested across three different server locations. Online games were similarly quick so it’s clear the service checks all the boxes when it comes to a seamless experience.
PrivateVPN uses either 128-bit or 256-bit encryption, a customizable kill switch, and perfect forward secrecy to help keep your activities private. An automatic kill switch and DNS leak protection are included too. Best of all, PrivateVPN keeps no logs whatsoever.
A basic plan allows for five simultaneous connections. There are apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.
PrivateVPN speed test data
| No value | PrivateVPN |
|---|---|
| Website | PrivateVPN.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 94 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 57 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 62 Mbps |
| Best deal (per month) | $2.00 Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free |
Pros:
- Unblocks Hotstar with servers in Bangalore and Chennai
- Good speeds for streaming
- Keeps no logs whatsoever
- Very fast speeds
Cons:
- Support staff are good, but only operate during European business hours
- May need support assistance in locating the best server to choose
Our score:
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.
7. PureVPN
Unblocks HotstarTested Apr 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PureVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 31 DAYS
PureVPN is a low-cost service with plenty to offer. For instance, it operates servers in over 60 countries including India and delivers far higher speeds than many of its competitors. During our latest testing this VPN averaged almost 400 Mbps, which is fast enough for everyone in your home to stream 4K video simultaneously. Users aren’t limited to just Hotstar either; they can also access platforms like Netflix, JioCinema, SonyLIV, and TaTa Play. Live chat-based customer support is available 24/7, though sometimes staff can take a few minutes to respond.
Great news for security-conscious subscribers: PureVPN keeps you safe using industry-approved encryption and a kill switch, as well as DNS and IPv6 leak protection. Censorship won’t be an issue either as this provider offers automatic obfuscation, meaning you can easily sidestep online restrictions and communicate safely during trips abroad. PureVPN follows a strict no-logging policy. Better still, it’s been independently-audited four times, so you don’t have to take the company’s word for it.
PureVPN has its own apps for iOS, Mac OS, Android, Windows, and Linux. There’s also support for dozens of different types of router firmware so you can easily protect your entire home network.
Pros:
- Won’t be stopped by the government’s digital censorship
- Superfast servers in India
- Works with Hotstar and many similar services
Cons:
- Tracker-blocking not included as standard
- Support response times have room for improvement
Our score:
EASY TO USE:PureVPN is perfect for novice users thanks to its powerful security tools, fantastic streaming ability, and high speeds. It’s affordable too, and offers a 31-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
Read our full PureVPN review.
8. ProtonVPN
Unblocks HotstarTested Apr 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.protonvpn.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
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 (almost 4,000 servers in 85 countries), remove the speed limitation, and increase the connection limit to 10. Bored of Hotstar? No problem: it also works with other popular platforms like Amazon Prime Video and JioCinema. If you run into any problems, just let staff know; they’re available 24/7 and will be more than happy to help.
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.
Pros:
- Speedy Indian servers
- Goes above and beyond on privacy
- Ideal for streaming
Cons:
- Secure Core servers could be faster
- Doesn’t let you stream with the free servers
Our score:
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.
Our methodology for assessing VPNs for Hotstar
There are hundreds of VPN services, but that doesn’t mean all of them offer comparable products. When you analyze factors like network size, security, speed, reliability, customer support, and more, there’s a high degree of variation. We research these features and use a range of metrics to rank our recommended VPNs. The following criteria are the key areas we’ve used to evaluate the best VPNs for Hotstar.
- Streaming ability – To be able to successfully watch Hotstar from abroad, a VPN must have strong streaming capabilities. All the VPNs on this list can securely access a wide range of streaming services.
- Servers in India – Operating servers in India (or offering virtual servers with an India IP address) is a must for any VPN to unblock Hotstar.
- Security – Strong encryption ensures third parties cannot snoop on the activity of the VPN user. A VPN kill switch and DNS leak protection are must-haves to ensure no identifying data leaves your desktop or mobile device.
- Logging policy – A secure VPN service must be log-less, meaning it does not record and save information about your activity. IP addresses are also not logged. Ideally, the provider collects no information and therefore cannot be hacked or coerced into giving up information about customers. Read more here on each VPN’s logging policy.
- Bandwidth limit – Some VPNs have data caps or bandwidth limits that throttle or halt downloads up to a certain limit. We have only selected VPNs with unlimited bandwidth so you can stream Hotstar to your heart’s content.
- Speed – For uninterrupted streaming these VPNs all rank above average in our speed tests. This ensures no buffering or delays when watching your favorite content on Hotstar, regardless of location.
- Value for money – We assess a number of things when looking at value, including subscription cost, the money-back guarantee and the number of simultaneous device connections supported. We only recommend VPNs for Hotstar that provide excellent value for money to our readers.
- Apps and devices: You can watch Hotstar on your mobile device, including iPhones and Androids. You can also watch on your laptop or PC. Because of this, we check that the VPN you choose is also compatible with these devices. We only recommend providers that have easy-to-use apps for popular operating systems, and allow a generous number of simultaneous connections.
These tests form part of a wider program of VPN testing and analysis our team performs as part of our product research process.
Should I use 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, 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 experience a paid VPN service offers.
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, 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 waiting for a workaround or trying a different service.
What else can I do with a VPN?
The use of a VPN opens up a plethora of options and use cases. This article is meant to showcase how you can spoof your location to access Hotstar, but a VPN can also help you securely access Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, ESPN, and more.
A VPN can also be used to blog online safely, access public wifi, and indulge in torrenting.
See also: How to watch Indian TV abroad
How much does Hotstar cost? Can I watch for free?
If you want to watch Hotstar outside of India, you can sign up for a free Indian Hotstar account, allowing you to watch a selection of movies and TV shows for free. However, the content library on the free plan is limited, so you might want to upgrade to Hotstarr Premium, which costs £5.99 monthly for UK viewers. In the US, Hotstar is priced at $9.99 monthly.
How to watch Hotstar abroad VPN FAQ
Where is Hotstar available?
Disney+ Hotstar is available in India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. However, Hotstar is available in Singapore, Canada, and The United Kingdom. You can also watch in the United States via Hulu.
Note: Each Hotstar library will have different content. The largest library is available to those using an Indian IP address.
What can I watch on Hotstar?
Hotstar has a huge library of sports, movies, and TV shows. Better still, its content is available in eight different languages (English, Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil, Marathi, and Kannada).
Here are a few of Hotstar’s most popular TV shows and movies:
- Aarya
- Chhappad Phaad Ke
- Kanpuriye
- City of Dreams
- Taare Zameen Par
- Geetha Govindam
- Superstars
- Bahut Hua Sammaan
Why doesn't my VPN work with Hotstar?
Sometimes, streaming services upgrade their VPN-detection features. This can lead to brief periods of time where a previously-working VPN will not be able to access them. However, usually, such issues are resolved in a matter of hours. If problems persist, it’s best to contact your VPN provider directly and let them know about the issue.
Can I use an Indian proxy server to access Hotstar?
Hotstar has pretty advanced VPN-detection measures built-in and many paid VPNs don’t work with it. For this reason, it’s highly unlikely that a proxy server (especially a free one) would work. Further, these services do nothing for your digital privacy. There’s also no telling what they do with your browsing data; they could even be selling it without your knowledge.
Can Hotstar ban me if I use a VPN?
Hypothetically, you could be banned for using a VPN. Realistically, though, this is extremely unlikely. First and foremost, VPNs are privacy tools, used by millions of people all around the world; if Hotstar banned every user who left their VPN on while streaming, it’d never turn a profit. The most likely worst-case scenario is that you are unable to watch unless you turn the VPN off.
Is it legal to watch Hotstar in Europe with a VPN?
VPNs are legal in almost every country in the world. In other words, unless you’re using one for nefarious purposes, there’s really no reason you’d get into any trouble. Additionally, while it may be against a streaming service’s terms of use, it’s not illegal to access geo-restricted content using a VPN. This means that you can stream Hotstar in Europe or anywhere else without fear of legal problems.
What is the streaming speed of Hotstar?
Although Hotstar doesn’t specifically list a minimum internet speed on its website, we can estimate based on what other streaming services say. For instance, Netflix recommends having at least a 5 Mbps connection to watch HD content. This is echoed by BBC iPlayer and NBC, so we can safely assume that this will be enough. Of course, reducing the video quality can bring your required speed down as low as 1.5 Mbps, so if you’re having trouble, it may be worth trying out standard definition playback.
Why does Hotstar buffer so much?
If you’re having issues with Hotstar buffering, you’re definitely not alone. Usually, excessive buffering is caused by slow or unstable internet speeds, but Hotstar users often find themselves waiting on a show to load even when their internet connection is perfectly fine. To make matters worse, Hotstar’s FAQ simply suggests a handful of basic fixes such as rebooting your router, despite the problem being on its end.
While we don’t have any clear reason as to why Hotstar buffers so often, there is a glimmer of hope. The service was acquired by Disney in 2019, and as such, will likely see an overhaul in the coming years, bringing it technologically in line with other Disney-owned platforms like Disney+ and ESPN+.
Will using a VPN stop my ISP from throttling Hotstar?
Using a VPN ensures your internet traffic is encrypted and routed through the VPN’s servers, hiding your online activities. This means that your ISP can’t see what you’re doing online and won’t throttle your connection as a result. The advantage of this is that you’ll enjoy faster speeds. The fastest VPNs also have unlimited bandwidth so you won’t experience much lag or buffering while streaming Hotstar.
How do I change country code in Hotstar?
If you want to watch Hotstar content from a country other than India, you’ll need to change your country code in the app. Here’s how:
1. Open the Hotstar app and tap on the menu icon (three lines) in the top left corner of the screen.
2. Tap on Settings, then select Your Account.
3. Under Country Code, select the country you want to watch content from.
Where can I find Hotstar live cricket scores?
There are a few ways to find live cricket scores on Hotstar. First, you can visit the Cricket tab on the Hotstar homepage. This tab will provide an overview of all the latest cricket news and updates, as well as a list of upcoming matches and their respective live streaming times.
If you’re looking for specific match scores, you can also visit the Scores section of Hotstar. This section contains a list of all the latest cricket matches, with each match featuring a link to its respective live stream page. Additionally, each match page includes up-to-date scorecards, commentary transcripts, and key highlights.
Which devices can I watch Hotstar on?
Hotstar works with a wide range of devices which includes the following:
- Desktop: Windows XP and above, Mac OS 10.2 and above
- Mobile: Android 4.4 and above, iOS 10.0
- Browser: the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, and Safari
- Smart TVs: Samsung 2018 models and onward, LG with Web OS (4 and above)
- Set-top-boxes: Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV (4th Gen onward)
Unfortunately, there’s no support for Linux or games consoles (Xbox, PlayStation) as yet.
Why is Hotstar only available in India?
Hotstar is India’s largest premium streaming platform, offering over 100000 hours of drama and movies in 17 languages and coverage of every major sporting event. Hotstar is only available in India due to its exclusive content rights agreements with Indian broadcasters and movie studios. Hotstar also has exclusive partnerships with HBO and Disney, which allows it to offer its popular shows to Indian audiences. Hotstar has become one of India’s most popular streaming services due to its extensive library of content and ability to provide live streams of major sporting events such as the English Premier League or the Indian Premier League. Overall, Hotstar is an excellent streaming service that provides Indian audiences access to exclusive content that you won’t find anywhere else.
Which VPNs don't have Indian servers?
A large number of VPNs have removed their Indian servers due to India’s new data regulation laws which came into effect in June 2022. The rules dictated that any VPN services with servers in India must maintain logs. This includes user names, IP addresses, email addresses, and more.
Needless to say, no pro-privacy VPN is going to agree to this. That’s why the likes of NordVPN and IPVanish don’t have servers in India.
While you can use the likes of Surfshark and ExpressVPN to get an Indian IP address, you’ll only be connecting to a virtual server. As such, the server isn’t physically located in India and therefore isn’t subject to the invasive data retention laws of the country.
Can I watch the IPL on Hotstar?
No, you cannot watch the IPL on Disney+ Hotstar anymore. Although last year, Disney failed to retain the cricket streaming rights for Disney+ Hotstar, losing them to the Viacom18 group for a staggering $2.6 billion, it did manage to secure the linear television rights for Star Sports at an estimated cost of $3 billion.
Interestingly, Star India, which 20th Century Fox-owned then, had previously paid $2.6 billion for both streaming and linear rights five years ago. However, the cricket association opted for a different approach by splitting the rights into separate packages this time. This decision also allowed Viacom18 and Times Internet to acquire some international rights.
As a result of these changes, viewers looking to watch the IPL will need to turn to Viacom18’s platforms or other associated services for digital streaming, while those seeking to watch the matches on linear television can still rely on Star Sports. Therefore, staying updated with the latest information on the platforms and services that hold the rights to ensure uninterrupted access to IPL matches is crucial.
Will a VPN slow down my streaming speed?
A VPN can slow down your speed due to several factors, but the impact varies depending on the VPN provider and your connection. Here’s a breakdown of the factors that can affect your streaming speed when using a VPN:
- Encryption overhead: VPNs use encryption to secure your data, which can add a slight overhead to the processing time. This can cause a minor reduction in speed, but it’s usually not significant enough to cause a noticeable impact on streaming quality with a high-quality VPN.
- Server distance: The physical distance between your location and the VPN server you’re connected to can impact your streaming speed. The farther away the server, the more likely you will experience a decrease in speed. To minimize this effect, choose a VPN server closer to your location or optimized for streaming.
- Server load: The number of users connected to a specific VPN server can affect its performance. If a server is overloaded, it can slow down the connection for all users connected to that server. Therefore, reputable VPN providers typically maintain a vast network of servers to distribute the load and ensure optimal performance.
- Internet Service Provider (ISP) throttling: Some ISPs intentionally slow down specific types of traffic, like streaming, to manage network congestion. A VPN can help bypass ISP throttling by encrypting your traffic, making it difficult for your ISP to identify and throttle your streaming activities. In these cases, using a VPN might actually improve your streaming speed.
Choose a VPN provider known for its fast and reliable connections, extensive server network, and optimized streaming servers to ensure minimal impact on streaming speed. It’s also a good idea to test different servers and locations to find the best connection for your needs.
I bought expressvpn 1 year subscription after reading this article. I have a premium hotstar india account and i live in Canada. I can access hotstar india but unable to watch premium content. I get an error “Content unavailable. This content is currently not available in your region.”
Hi Vinay, have you tried checking with customer support? They might suggest the correct server for the purpose.