Best Hulu VPNs in 2024: watch Hulu outside the US

Hulu is a popular streaming platform that is not available anywhere outside the US and Japan. If you want to stream Hulu and Hulu + Live TV abroad, you will encounter a message stating that the content you’re trying to access is not available in your region.

Fortunately, it’s possible to bypass geo-restrictions and enjoy full access to Hulu from anywhere. The best way to access Hulu outside the US is to use a VPN to change your IP address.

I joined Cybernews experts to research and select the top Hulu VPNs that can help bypass geo-blocks and watch everything that Hulu has to offer – popular movies, series, and live NFL games. After extensive research and testing, I've concluded that NordVPN is the best VPN for Hulu.

6 best Hulu VPNs in 2024

1. NordVPN – best VPN to unblock Hulu in 2024
2. Surfshark – budget-friendly VPN for watching Hulu
3. Proton VPN – cheap Hulu VPN starting at $3.59/month
4. ExpressVPN – fast VPN to unblock Hulu from anywhere
5. CyberGhost – Hulu VPN with streaming-optimized servers with over 11500 servers worldwide
6. PureVPN – Hulu VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections

How to watch Hulu outside the US

Whether you're traveling abroad or living outside the US, a VPN is your solution to streaming Hulu seamlessly. You can watch Hulu outside the US by following these simple steps:

1. Download and install a reliable VPN with US servers – I recommend NordVPN, now 74% OFF
2. Open the VPN app on your chosen device and connect to a US server
3. Visit www.hulu.com or open the Hulu app
4. Browse the library of content and enjoy

Why do you need a VPN to watch Hulu?

Hulu is one of the leading movie and TV streaming services available in the US and Japan. Due to strict geo-restrictions and licensing laws, internet users outside these regions are locked out. To get around this issue, you need a VPN providing US IP addresses, such as NordVPN. Once you set it up and connect to a server in the US, you are issued an American IP address and granted access to Hulu content.

Access Hulu from anywhere with NordVPN

Watch Hulu trouble-free anywhere with NordVPN and its vast array of 1970+ US servers. You’ll enjoy top-tier connection speeds and easy geo-block removal anywhere and on any device.

cybernews® score

4.9 /5

• Ultra-fast speeds
• 1970+ servers in the US
• 30-day money-back guarantee

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A VPN ensures that if you want to watch content on Hulu, you can bypass the following notification:

Hulu is not available in your region, or you may be using a VPN
Hulu is only available in certain regions. Depending on where you are located, you may not be able to access Hulu.

It’s worth mentioning that not any VPN can do the job. You need to pick a reliable VPN with plenty of US servers that is capable of performing a Hulu location trick. By this, I mean it must be able to override the specific geo-blocks that Hulu has in place.

Fortunately, most reputable VPNs come with 30-day risk-free trials, and so does Hulu. So, you can enjoy watching Hulu for free anywhere for a whole month. This provides you with an opportunity to test top VPNs and check if they work before committing full time.

The best Hulu VPNs in 2024 – detailed list

After reviewing 41 VPN providers, I’ve narrowed the list down to the best ones for accessing Hulu from anywhere. The criteria to make the top list included the ability to access Hulu, servers in the US and Japan, stable connection speeds for a lag-free streaming experience, and an overall price-to-value ratio. Discover the best VPNs that work with Hulu and many other streaming platforms.

1. NordVPN – best VPN for Hulu overall

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NordVPN is the best VPN for Hulu because it has over 6300 servers in 111 countries, including 1970+ in the US and around 130 in Japan. During NordVPN testing, I reached Hulu without any issues.

To access Hulu, I selected a US server in the NordVPN app on macOS. It connected to a New York server, and I accessed Hulu on the first try, streaming videos in the best available quality without lags. Similarly, connecting to the Tokyo server allowed access to Hulu Japan, although a separate account is needed for full content access.

When I tested NordVPN with the Hulu + Live TV subscription, I had no trouble streaming NFL Sunday Night Football, top movies, and popular series.

Compared to other VPNs, NordVPN stands out for its consistent performance. For example, Surfshark sometimes required multiple tries to connect. NordVPN's performance is exceptional – it’s the fastest VPN on this list. Using the NordLynx protocol, it retains 90% of the initial speed, on average.

To test the speeds, I connected to a NordVPN server in the US and accessed Hulu. I used 1 ms ping and 500 Mbps download/upload baselines. I observed 107 ms ping (the best result out of all 6 providers). The download speed was 454 Mbps, while the upload was 437 Mbps – 90.8% and 87.4% speed retention, respectively.

NordVPN offers AES-256 encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS leak protection for secure streaming. Unlike ExpressVPN, whose ad-blocking feature often doesn't work with Hulu, NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature blocks ads, enhancing the viewing experience. NordVPN is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers, and streaming sticks. The SmartDNS feature ensures Hulu access abroad on smart TVs.

If you pick NordVPN to help you watch Hulu, you can get it for as low as $3.09/month, which is much cheaper than ExpressVPN. The subscription covers up to 10 devices simultaneously and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. A free 7-day trial is also available for Android users to test the service before committing.

2. Surfshark VPN – premium Hulu VPN for a budget-friendly price

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Surfshark is a great choice for accessing Hulu because it has 3200+ servers in 100 countries, including 600+ in the US and 62 in Japan, ensuring unblocked access to Hulu globally.

Similarly to NordVPN, I connected to the fastest US server using the WireGuard protocol. It connected to a server in New York, and I accessed Hulu immediately on the first try. The streaming quality was great. However, when I connected to another server in Boston, Hulu displayed an error message. Reconnecting to the New York server resolved the issue.

Surfshark delivers lag-free streaming with the WireGuard protocol. During Surfshark testing, it retained around 86% of the initial internet speed. While ExpressVPN also offers good speeds, its Lightway protocol did not perform as consistently as Surfshark’s WireGuard.

Nonetheless, I was still able to stream Hulu in HD and without interruptions. During in-house tests, Surfshark maintained the average 469 Mbps download speed and 333 Mbps upload speed (93.8% and 66.6% speed retention) when connected to Hulu. The VPN also had a 114 ms ping time – good enough for streaming.

When comparing our top VPNs – Surfshark vs NordVPN – Surfshark definitely wins at pricing. You can purchase Surfshark plan for as little as $2.19/month and enjoy unlimited simultaneous connections. By upgrading to Surfshark One, you can also get an ad blocker (CleanWeb), a dedicated IP, and antivirus protection. You can test the tool with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial before committing to a purchase.

3. Proton VPN – inexpensive VPN for unblocking Hulu

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Proton VPN is a solid, privacy-focused option for accessing Hulu and other streaming platforms like Netflix, Max, YouTube TV, and BBC iPlayer. While Proton VPN doesn't offer streaming-optimized servers specifically, its network of 8300+ servers in over 112 countries still makes it reliable for unblocking Hulu and enjoying buffer-free streaming. Plus, with Proton VPN's strong privacy features, you can stream securely from anywhere.

Proton VPN delivers impressive speed performance with an 85% speed retention rate, making it a great choice for streaming on Hulu and other platforms. During my tests, Proton VPN reached download speeds of 452 Mbps and upload speeds of 448 Mbps, far outpacing many competitors. While it may not quite match the ultra-high speeds of providers like NordVPN, which retains 90% of the initial speed, Proton VPN's performance is still strong enough for smooth, buffer-free streaming.

In terms of latency, Proton VPN consistently provides low ping times, keeping streaming responsive and lag-free. Additionally, Proton VPN offers robust encryption, multiple tunneling protocols, and a reliable kill switch to prevent data leaks, ensuring your connection remains secure. It supports up to 10 simultaneous connections and is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Whether you're prioritizing speed or security, Proton VPN strikes a solid balance for streaming on Hulu.

Proton VPN’s split tunneling feature allows you to conserve bandwidth by selecting which apps or services route through the VPN, offering more control over your connection. This can be especially useful for streaming Hulu or other services while leaving non-essential apps on your local network. Unlike ExpressVPN, which doesn’t offer dedicated IPs, Proton VPN provides more flexibility for accessing geo-blocked content.

Although Proton VPN may not be as feature-rich as some other providers, it’s competitively priced considering its premium performance and privacy focus. Proton VPN's subscription plans still offer great value, with prices starting at $3.59/month. If you’re prioritizing privacy, security, and speed over low-cost long-term commitments, Proton VPN is a strong option.

In addition to its competitive pricing, Proton VPN also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to test the service risk-free. While CyberGhost may offer similar streaming capabilities at a slightly higher price, Proton VPN’s balance of privacy features and speed retention makes it a worthy investment for those wanting reliable access to Hulu and other streaming platforms.

4. ExpressVPN – fast and stable connection to unblock Hulu

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ExpressVPN easily unblocks Hulu, offering un undisclosed number of servers in 105 countries, including the US and Japan. In comparison, CyberGhost provides streaming-optimized servers, which is a slight advantage for targeted unblocking.

During ExpressVPN testing, I connected to the recommended US server in New Jersey using the Lightway protocol and accessed Hulu without issues. ExpressVPN provides stable speeds, retaining around 77% of the initial speed during my tests. The Lightway protocol ensures lag-free streaming, though it’s slower than NordVPN’s NordLynx.

Although ExpressVPN’s ping time was 208 ms (the worst result), it did really great in terms of average speeds once connected to Hulu. The VPN retained 92.6% of download speed (463 Mbps) and 89.8% upload speed (449 Mbps), on average.

ExpressVPN offers AES-256 encryption, a reliable kill switch, and a Threat Manager to block ads and trackers. However, its ad-blocking feature wasn't effective for Hulu during my tests. In contrast, NordVPN’s Threat Protection successfully blocked Hulu ads, enhancing the streaming experience.

ExpressVPN is compatible with the most popular devices. The provider also offers a router app and MediaStreamer to help you stream content on devices that don’t even have a compatible VPN app. However, Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, making streaming Hulu for multiple devices more flexible. ExpressVPN supports 8 devices at once.

With the starting price of $6.67/month, ExpressVPN is not the cheapest provider, but you can take advantage of a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option with comparable features, Surfshark or CyberGhost might be better alternatives.

5. CyberGhost – reliable Hulu VPN with optimized servers

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CyberGhost effectively unblocks Hulu with 11500+ servers in 100 countries, including 1400+ in the US and around 100 in Japan. It offers many options for accessing Hulu. Moreover, during CyberGhost testing, it retained around 86% of the initial internet speed – one of the best results during my assessment.

When I assessed CyberGhost’s performance with Hulu, the ping time was 111 ms. The average download speed was 464 Mbps (92.8% speed retention), while the average upload speed was 447 Mbps (89.4%). A great result.

I connected to the optimized server for Hulu in New York using the WireGuard protocol. The connection was stable, and streaming was smooth, with high video quality and no interruptions. However, the ad-blocking feature did not work during my tests. If blocking ads on Hulu is a priority or you need advanced features like NordVPN’s Threat Protection or Surfshark’s CleanWeb, you might consider those providers instead.

CyberGhost offers dedicated apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS devices. CyberGhost can also be set up on routers and works with various streaming devices. Features include NoSpy servers for enhanced security, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection for better privacy.

CyberGhost is an affordable option compared to other providers on this list. You can get this VPN for as low as $2.19/month and simultaneously cover up to 7 devices. Better yet, there’s an extra-long 45-day money-back guarantee and a free trial.

6. PureVPN – a secure Hulu VPN for multiple devices

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With 6500+ servers in 65 countries, PureVPN offers good coverage for Hulu. Note that speed retention is around 67%, lower than NordVPN’s 90% and may cause minor buffering on slower connections.

PureVPN's Shortcuts feature simplifies accessing Hulu. When connected to the Hulu preset, the website launches automatically. I found a Hulu preset in the Shortcuts section, automatically launching the Hulu website when connected.

During PureVPN testing with the WireGuard protocol and a New York server, accessing Hulu was easy, and the video quality was solid. However, the initial lag improved significantly during Hulu streaming. I noticed that the original DNS information was leaking.

When I tested PureVPN with Hulu, I was impressed by the ping time it demonstrated – 107 ms. This is the same result I saw when testing NordVPN. Moreover, the VPN demonstrated similar download and upload speeds. On average, PureVPN retained around 95% of download (475 Mbps) and 87.6% of upload (438 Mbps) speeds.

PureVPN supports up to 10 devices per subscription and is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Key features include market-standard encryption, a reliable kill switch, and split tunneling. However, compared to NordVPN’s advanced Threat Protection or Surfshark’s CleanWeb, PureVPN's feature set is more basic.

If you pick PureVPN, you can purchase it for $2.14/month and safely test it out with the 31-day money-back guarantee. You can also try the full service for 7 days for only $0.99.

Best VPN for Hulu compared

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How we selected and tested these Hulu VPNs

I evaluated 41 VPNs with the Cybernews team to identify the best ones for unblocking Hulu. Over several weeks, I tested features like streaming optimization, compatibility, speed retention, and overall performance across multiple devices and operating systems.

Unblocking Hulu was the primary focus. I connected to servers in the US and Japan using optimized settings and modern protocols to ensure smooth 4K streaming without buffering. Devices used for testing included Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. I also checked the ease of setting up VPNs on routers and tested Smart DNS features on smart TVs and gaming consoles.

Key criteria included device compatibility, security features like a kill switch and leak protection, global server count, privacy measures, simultaneous connections, speed retention, ease of setup, Smart DNS capabilities, and value for money. Money-back guarantees and free trials were also considered essential.

Through this comprehensive testing, I identified the top VPNs for unblocking Hulu, ensuring high security and excellent streaming capabilities.

How to watch Hulu from anywhere

Follow these simple instructions to access Hulu even when you're outside the US:

1. First, you'll need to subscribe to a VPN service that works well with Hulu. I recommend NordVPN as an excellent choice for streaming due to its solid speeds and ability to bypass Hulu's geo-restrictions
2. Once subscribed, download the VPN app on your preferred device. You can get it from your VPN provider’s website or app store
3. Open the VPN app, and choose a server located in the USA. This will give you a US-based IP address, making Hulu think you're accessing the service from within the US
4. With your VPN connection active, visit Hulu.com or open the Hulu app on your device
5. Create or log in to your Hulu account, and you’ll now be able to stream all of Hulu’s content as if you were in the US
6. Registration is simple: you’ll be asked to provide an email address and create a password

Watch Hulu with NordVPN

Optional step: subscribe to Hulu without a US credit card

If you don’t have a US-issued credit card but want to subscribe to Hulu, you can use a Hulu gift card to bypass the payment restriction. Here’s how you can do it:

Method 1: redeem through a gift card link

1. Purchase a Hulu gift card. You can buy a Hulu gift card from websites like MyGiftCardSupply or Amazon
2. Go to the gift card redemption page. Visit Hulu's gift card redemption page (you need to be connected to a US VPN server)
3. Enter your gift card code. On this page, input the gift card code you received upon purchase
4. Create a Hulu account. After redeeming the card, you'll be prompted to create a new Hulu account. This method bypasses the US credit card requirement entirely

Method 2: redeem via account settings (for existing users)

1. Log in to your Hulu account. If you already have an account, log in to Hulu while connected to your VPN
2. Go to account settings. Navigate to your Account Settings
3. Redeem gift card. There will be an option to redeem a gift card in the Payment Information section
4. Enter your gift card code. Apply the gift card to extend your subscription or add funds to your account

By following this method, you can easily subscribe to Hulu without needing a US credit card and start watching your favorite shows from anywhere.

Access Hulu with NordVPN

With 1970+ US servers, fastest speeds on the market, and advanced security and privacy features, NordVPN is the best VPN for Hulu. Out of all streaming VPNs tested for this review, NordVPN was the one that surpassed all competitors in nearly all categories.

cybernews® score

4.9 /5

• Global server fleet
• Fast speeds
• Stable connection

Visit NordVPN

Are there any free VPNs that work with Hulu?

While free VPNs are available, they often come with limitations. For better performance and privacy, consider freemium VPN options like Proton VPN, which offers a strong free version. Additionally, services like NordVPN and Surfshark provide 7-day free trials and a 30-day money-back guarantee. It allows you to test their full features without immediate commitment, ensuring they meet your needs for unblocking content and maintaining privacy.

• NordVPN – pricing starts at just $3.09/month. Android users can take advantage of a 7-day free trial, and all users are entitled to a 30-day money-back guarantee.
• Surfshark – pricing starts at just $2.29/month. All users can make use of a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Expert comment

Akvilė Tamašiūnienė

Content editor and security expert

When it comes to streaming, I prioritize a fast, secure, and budget-friendly VPN. While free VPNs might seem appealing, especially for Hulu, they often fail to unblock popular streaming services. And let's be honest, who doesn't want access to different country libraries?

Keep in mind, free VPNs usually don't offer strong encryption and have limited servers that can get overcrowded, leading to nowhere.

Instead, I suggest trying a free trial or taking advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee offered by premium VPNs like NordVPN. This way, you can ensure your data is safe, and the service effectively meets your streaming needs.

What can you watch on Hulu?

The content library on Hulu is quite expansive. To give you an idea of what you can expect, I’ve compiled a short list of some of the best shows and movies to watch on Hulu below.

Does Hulu have NFL games?

Yes, you can watch NFL games if you subscribe to the Hulu + Live TV plan. This plan grants you access to Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ content for $76.99/month with ads or $89.99/month without ads. You also get unlimited DVR and access to 95+ live TV channels. There’s a 3-day free trial you can use to test the service risk-free.

Hulu + Live TV offers access to such sports channels as ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, FS1, FS2, MLB Network, and NFL Network. This allows you to watch various NFL events, including regional games, Sunday Night Football, and Monday Night Football. You can also watch NFL RedZone with the Hulu Sports Add-on for $9.99/month. Note that this add-on is available to Hulu + Live TV subscribers.

To sum up, if you don’t mind paying the relatively steep monthly price, Hulu + Live TV is definitely an option worth the consideration for watching NFL games.

Final thoughts

With a Hulu subscription, you can stream a variety of movies, series, sports events, and other content. However, access to this service is highly restricted. Due to copyright laws and licensing restrictions, Hulu is only readily available in the US and Japan. Fortunately, there’s no reason why Hulu content can’t be enjoyed from anywhere in the world with the help of a VPN.

Using a trusted VPN, you can connect to a server in a different US state and basically change your IP address. This enables you to bypass geo-blocks. Plus, you get to enjoy enhanced anonymity, privacy, and security while streaming content or doing anything online. A VPN allows you to stream Hulu when you are abroad as well as stream content that might not be available in your state due to, for example, sports blackouts and certain broadcasting agreements.

After reviewing numerous VPNs together with a team of experts, I tested the top 6 providers. I concluded that NordVPN is the best Hulu VPN because it demonstrates great performance and has all the additions that make streaming effortless and safe. That said, all VPNs on this list – including Surfshark, Proton VPN, and the rest – will enable you to bypass Hulu restrictions and enjoy content.

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