If you want to unblock Hulu worldwide, you’ll need a premium VPN. A lot of proxies or cheaper VPNs really struggle to circumvent Hulu’s geo-blocks, so you’ll need strong apps with smart DNS and high-speed servers. But you don’t have to test every VPN to see which is best. We did the research for you. Here are the best Hulu VPNs in 2023:
- NordVPN: Best all-around Hulu VPN
- Surfshark: A Hulu VPN with affordable prices
- CyberGhost: A VPN provider that offers servers with fast speeds
- ExpressVPN: A great VPN with obfuscated servers
- Private Internet Access: A Hulu VPN with robust security
- AtlasVPN: A VPN provider with good speeds and affordable subscription packages
All the VPNs above have their own unique features to maintain your online safety and overcome geo-blocks. However, we recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for Hulu, thanks to its extensive server network, fast streaming speeds, and powerful unblocking features that will let you watch all your favorite TV shows and movies on Hulu.
Read our in-depth article below to find out more about some of the best VPNs for Hulu and choose the right one for you.
If you’re tired of turning on a proxy to access Hulu just for the site to block your access anyway, you came to the right place. Streaming Hulu outside the US is tough, but with the right VPN, you can watch Hulu without even worrying about lag.
What’s best, you don’t have to stake your wallet or time to try VPNs in hopes of finding the best Hulu VPN. We did the research for you, testing dozens of apps to find the perfect pick for streaming Hulu. While many premium VPN services fit the mold, NordVPN stands out as the best Hulu VPN.
Which VPN Is Best to Watch Hulu?
NordVPN is by far the best VPN for Hulu. But it’s not the only premium VPN you can pick. Any app that has decent unblocking features (like dedicated IPs and smart DNS features) or solid US servers is a good pick. Here are our top 5 best VPNs for Hulu:
| Feature | #1 NordVPN | #2 Surfshark | #3 CyberGhost | #4 ExpressVPN | #5 PIA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of servers | 5,000+ | 3,200+ | 9,000+ | 3,000+ | 33,000+ |
| Number of countries | 60 | 100 | 90 | 94 | 84 |
| Smart DNS features | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Connection speed on a US server | 95% of the normal speed | 92% of the normal speed | 29% of the normal speed | 93% of the normal speed | 60% of the normal speed |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2, NordLynx (based on WireGuard) | OpenVPN, IKEv2, Wireguard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec, Lightway | OpenVPN, Wireguard, L2TP/IPsec, PPTP |
| Price | $3.99/month | $2.49/month | $2.19/month | $6.67/month | $2.19/month |
| Purchase | Get NordVPN | Get Surfshark | Get CyberGhost | Get ExpressVPN | Get PIA |
While helpful, this table can’t cover every detail about the best VPNs for Hulu. For that, we’ll go more in-depth into each of the options above (plus mention a sixth affordable option to stream Hulu). We’ll talk about how these VPN services help you access Hulu and their unique streaming and security features.
1. NordVPN: The best VPN for Hulu overall
Features:
- SmartPlay DNS to unblock streaming services
- AES encryption, no logs, automatic kill switch, Threat Protector
- Reliable servers in the US, where Hulu’s best library is
- Great speed test results, making it one of the best VPNs for Hulu
- Works with OpenVPN, IKEv2, and NordLynx protocols
NordVPN is our go-to pick for unblocking almost all streaming platforms, and it’s not hard to see why. It has SmartPlay DNS, a seamless tech that will change your DNS address when trying to access geo-blocked streaming services for a better chance at unblocking them. It also has a large server variety, with many high-speed servers in the US, the best place to connect to when watching Hulu.
Best of all, you won’t have to worry about buffering when streaming Hulu with NordVPN. We ran numerous speed tests of all the VPN services in this article, and NordVPN constantly came up on top. When connected to a nearby VPN server, we still maintained 96% of our download speed. Even when connecting to VPN servers on a different continent, we still maintained 60-70% of our speed. On a base connection of 100 Mbps, that’s more than enough to stream anything on Hulu.
We also consider NordVPN as the best VPN for streaming Hulu because of its great security features. It encrypts your online traffic with AES 256-bit encryption, which is often used by banks and the military. It offers an automatic kill switch that disconnects you from the internet when your VPN malfunctions and a very effective Threat Protector that blocks online threats and malware from ever reaching your device.
Additionally, NordVPN offers some great protocols to improve your streaming experience and safeguard your data. Because it is based on WireGuard, the NordLynx protocol has strong security. For instance, it is less vulnerable to attacks from malicious actors because of its short codebase. In addition, it provides fantastic speeds and is built to establish connections to VPN servers more quickly compared to other VPN protocols.
We have run extensive tests on NordVPN and have discovered it has some of the best security and privacy features in the VPN market. It is one of the best no-log VPNs, meaning it doesn’t store any of the information reaching its servers. If you want the best VPN for Hulu that is reliable and guaranteed to unblock Hulu (and plenty more streaming platforms), there’s no better VPN.
If you are unsure about how good its features are, you can always use Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee to try NordVPN for free.
- Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
- Perfect for privacy and streaming
- Trusted by many, with over 14 million users
2. Surfshark: Affordable VPN with good connection speeds for streaming Hulu
Features:
- Decent connection speeds, according to our tests
- Proven to unblock Hulu and other tough-to-access streaming platforms, like Netflix US
- Keeps no logs and includes a kill switch
- Can stream 4K HD content without buffering
- Good policies to avoid server overcrowding
- OpenVPN, IKEv2, Wireguard protocols
Surfshark is a top VPN provider and one of the best Hulu VPNs. It had the second-best performance in our speed tests, so you know you can access Hulu and maintain good connection speeds. We only lost 10 Mbps when connected to nearby VPN servers.
Best of all, the performance on faraway servers (especially the ones in the US) was really good. We were able to maintain 69-78 MBps when connected to servers all across the United States on a 92 MBps base connection. So if you get Surfshark, you should have no problem streaming Hulu. Especially since Surfshark guarantees to solve the BYA-403-011 Hulu error, which shows up whenever you try to use a weak proxy to access Hulu.
During our thorough Surfshark review, we also found that the VPN provider has very good policies to avoid VPN server overcrowding. For example, if they notice some servers are more sought-after (like servers in the US or UK), they will add more bandwidth to them to ensure a smooth experience for all users.
Additionally, we consider Surfshark as one of the best VPNs for Hulu as it provides robust security features like a no-log policy, a kill switch that cuts off your internet access if the VPN stops working, and an ad-blocker that stops ads that could carry malware to your device.
One of the top streaming protocols is WireGuard, which Surfshark also offers. It effortlessly overcomes geo-restrictions and unblocks several streaming services, including Hulu, while maintaining excellent speed and stability.
Not to mention, you can use Surfshark on as many devices as you want. Unlike most VPNs, Surfshark doesn’t limit you to five or six devices, so you can share the small cost with your friends or family. And remember, you can always get a free trial with Surfshark to check it out before committing to any plan. Like most entries on this list, Surfshark offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Very user-friendly and works with Netflix and torrents
- 30-day money-back guarantee. No questions asked!
- Cheap with many extra options
3. CyberGhost: High-speed servers dedicated to streaming
Features:
- Dedicated VPN servers to stream Hulu
- High-speed connection to watch Hulu without lag
- Automatic kill switch and Security Suite package
- Over 9,000 servers spread across 91 countries, a lot of them dedicated to streaming
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- OpenVPN, IKEv2, Wireguard protocols
CyberGhost is one of the most affordable Hulu VPNs. The service offers high-speed servers dedicated to streaming, which you can use to access Hulu, as well as other sites like Netflix, Disney Plus, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and more. Best of all, CyberGhost even features servers dedicated to watching Hulu, so you’ll be able to unblock the site without worry.
Plus, CyberGhost has no bandwidth limits. In our speed tests, we maintained a speed of 81 MBps when connected to a nearby server. And that’s with a base speed of around 92 Mbps. CyberGhost didn’t perform as well as NordVPN on faraway servers, though. When connected to places like South Africa or Los Angeles, we only maintained 20-30 Mbps. That’s not ideal, but it should still be enough for streaming Hulu with a strong internet connection.
Additionally, CyberGhost has some top-notch security tools, like an automatic kill switch, and it also offers you the option to purchase its Security Suite package. This includes an antivirus that safeguards you against online dangers like malware, a Privacy Guard that allows you to control the information you share with apps, and a Security Updater that notifies you when software updates are necessary.
Moreover, CyberGhost delivers WireGuard, one of the best protocols for streaming content online. WireGuard offers fast speeds in combination with improved data security as it creates an encrypted tunnel for your online traffic.
Based on our CyberGhost review, the VPN provider is worth your money, despite the flawed performance in far locations. Besides their streaming-optimized servers, you also get connections dedicated to gaming, P2P file sharing, and more. All of this is for a fraction of what you’d pay on most premium VPNs, making it one of the best VPNs for Hulu.
And, of course, you can always change your mind about subscribing. CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee which you can use to get a free trial.
- Very user-friendly
- High quality for a low price
- Torrents and Netflix possible
4. ExpressVPN: Best Hulu VPN to use with smart TVs
Features:
- MediaStreamer, a smart DNS proxy service that helps you unblock Hulu
- High-speed connections
- AES 256 encryption, kill switch
- Large server network with 28 servers in North America
- Obfuscated servers to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN from Hulu
- Supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec, Lightway protocols
ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs to unblock Hulu. It has a built-in Media Streamer, which is a smart DNS service that changes your DNS address whenever you’re trying to stream anything. Along with obfuscated servers, to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN, ExpressVPN is one of the best options for watching Hulu.
With ExpressVPN, you also don’t have to worry about buffering. We maintained around 60-70% of our connection speed when using ExpressVPN’s US servers from the EU. So with a decent base connection, you should be able to watch Hulu shows and movies without lag. But, ExpressVPN is a pretty expensive VPN service, so that’s why it’s lower on our list.
However, ExpressVPN is very effective at protecting your data and shielding it from hackers by using AES 256 encryption. It follows a rigorous no-logs policy, meaning that no information about you is kept, and it features an immediate kill switch to safeguard your personal dT in the event that the VPN stops working.
ExpressVPN also employs the WireGuard alternative, the Lightway protocol. Many popular streaming services, including Hulu, can be unblocked thanks to this protocol’s ability to get around geo-restrictions.
Moreover, ExpressVPN is actually the best VPN to watch the Hulu app on your smart TV. ExpressVPN is the easiest VPN service to install on routers, which is a must since smart TVs don’t support VPN apps. Plus, if it ever fails at unblocking a platform, ExpressVPN’s support team is there to help.
Based on our ExpressVPN review, this provider is one of the more expensive VPN services. But it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN for free before committing to watching Hulu with it.
- Very easy-to-use VPN
- Perfect for anonymous browsing, downloading, and streaming (i.e., Netflix)
- 3,000+ servers in 94 countries
5. Private Internet Access: A secure VPN service to stream Hulu
Features:
- Very good connection speeds, especially on US and Japan servers
- Cheap compared to other premium VPNs
- No-logs policy, a kill switch, split tunneling, built-in ad blocker
- High-performing servers optimized for streaming
- OpenVPN, Wireguard, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP protocols supported
Private Internet Access (PIA) is one of the best Hulu VPNs. It comes with a decently large VPN server network and pretty good connection speeds. In our tests, we maintained 60-75% of our internet speed after connecting to servers in the US and Japan, which is perfect for unblocking Hulu.
If you have a decent base connection speed (at least 100 Mbps), you shouldn’t have any problem streaming Hulu with PIA. Plus, their US servers are optimized for streaming, so you know you’re getting the best possible experience when unblocking Hulu.
However, PIA’s true strength lies in its security and privacy features. They offer high-level encryption, a proven no-logs policy, a kill switch, and split tunneling, which creates two connections to use while you are online. With split tunneling, you can access foreign content and local websites at the same time. PIA also has a built-in ad blocker that will stop ads in their path to your device and ultimately protect you from malware and viruses.
So if you need to unblock Hulu and you want to be as safe and anonymous as possible, PIA is a decent choice. Its only downside is that it’s based in the US, a 5-eyes country. This means that certain countries around the world can log internet activity and share it with other nations.
Nonetheless, PIA does offer the OpenVPN and Wireguard protocols, which are both powerful tools that enhance security and can be used to bypass online censorship and geo-blocks and access several streaming platforms, including Hulu.
Our extensive PIA review reveals that this VPN service offers fast and stable servers, along with excellent security features. This makes it one of the best VPNs for Hulu and a great choice for any streamer wanting to access any content online.
- Strong focus on privacy and security
- Good price
- Fast and stable servers
6. AtlasVPN: A decent and very affordable Hulu VPN
Features:
- The premium version unblocks tough streaming platforms like Hulu
- Good connection speeds
- 256-bit encryption, kill switch, data breach monitor
- Dedicated servers for streaming
- Very affordable
- IKEv2 and Wireguard encryption protocols
AtlasVPN is a decent VPN service to stream Hulu, even if it’s not the best. In our tests, we maintained 60-80% speeds on nearby servers. The connection speed dropped as low as 30% on faraway servers, though, so AtlasVPN might not be the best choice if you have a weak base connection. That being said, they do offer dedicated servers for streaming, so you should be fine with at least 100 Mbps.
AtlasVPN also has decent security as it provides 256-bit encryption for your data, in addition to a kill switch and a data breach monitor that informs you if any of your information has been leaked online. AtlasVPN also has a clear no-logs policy, so none of your personal information is stored on its servers. Hence, it’s a good choice for the privacy-minded. However, it doesn’t have the largest server network, so it might have problems unblocking some sites.
Based on our extensive AtlasVPN review, it can unblock Hulu and other streaming providers, even though that is more achievable with a paid subscription. With its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try the features of its paid packages without committing and find out if this VPN provider is well-suited for you.
- Free servers
- Access to Netflix with Premium version
- Has some technical issues
How We Picked the Best VPNs for Hulu
Hulu is one of the few streaming platforms that take extra security measures to block VPN access. It’s not always clear what they’re doing to block proxies, but it’s hard to access the streaming platform sometimes, even with premium VPN services. That’s why the most important thing VPNs needed to do to land on our list was actually circumvent Hulu’s geo-block and help us access the site.
Beyond that, we also looked at:
- Speed test results: A VPN provider must not reduce your connection speed a lot, especially when using distant servers. A lag-free experience is essential when streaming content online.
- Servers in the US: Hulu is only available in the US and Japan, with the United States library being its best. A good VPN for Hulu will have plenty of US servers, especially ones optimized for streaming.
- Smart DNS and other unblocking features: Obfuscation technologies like SmartPlay or MediaStreamer improve your chances of unblocking Hulu.
- Price: You don’t have to spend a fortune on a VPN to watch Hulu or any other streaming platform. A premium VPN provider should offer a balance between affordability and security features.
Hulu’s Subscriber Agreement and Geoblocking Policy
Hulu’s subscriber agreement does not refer to VPNs. However, it does mention that Hulu’s services are not available outside the US, and access to these is not allowed. According to Hulu:
“Access to the Services from locations where we do not have rights, that are not offered on your Service Tier, or where we do not make the Services available is prohibited.”
Moreover, in its subscriber agreement, Hulu also says that it can use certain technologies to verify a subscriber’s location and that users may be required to allow their location to be accessed on the device they are using to watch the movie or TV show they want.
Should You Use a Hulu VPN?
Using a Hulu VPN to unblock the streaming service will allow you to watch your favorite Hulu content outside the US. But Hulu emphasizes in its subscriber agreement that it applies various methods to stop users from accessing the platform from other countries.
Hence, it is essential to always read the user agreement of a streaming provider you want to access before using a VPN service. A user agreement will tell you whether you are allowed to use services such as Hulu from another country. Violating the user agreement by using a VPN to unblock content on Hulu may get you into trouble, and there may be serious consequences.
What Can You Watch on Hulu?
On Hulu, you can watch a wide variety of movies and shows, including new releases like the Helstrom TV series, Monsterland, or Scandal. But Hulu’s large library isn’t limited to these new TV shows. Their popular movies and series include:
- Home Alone
- Blade Runner 2049
- The Proposal
- The Good Doctor
- American Dad
- Family Guy
- Yellowjackets
- Family Guy
- Grey’s Anatomy
- Modern Family
This is a strong lineup, especially for as little as $7.99/month. Not to mention, you can watch Hulu content along with Disney Plus and ESPN Plus for just $69.99 per year.
Hulu VPNs to Avoid
Hulu is tough to unblock, so there are a lot of VPNs out there that can’t help you access it. In general, you should steer clear of all free VPNs. Their limited server network is likely already on Hulu’s radar, so you won’t even get on the site. Even if you somehow do, the servers have limited bandwidth, so you’ll struggle watching anything without lag.
Moreover, when looking at a VPN service, free or paid, you should ensure it provides robust security features such as a strong encryption protocol like an AES 256 cipher, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy.
Below we give you some examples of VPNs you should avoid if you want to access Hulu that lack either security features or effective unblocking abilities.
| VPN Provider | Why you should avoid it |
|---|---|
| Secure VPN | Low speeds, very small server network (five server locations), cannot unblock any streaming platforms |
| PureVPN | It doesn’t unblock Hulu or other streaming platforms apart from Netflix US and has slow speeds and unstable servers |
| Tuxler VPN | Slow speeds, collects a lot of user information, lacks a kill switch |
| Hola VPN | Logs user data, not good at unblocking streaming sites, no secure encryption |
Conclusion: Watch Your Favorite Content With the Best Hulu VPN
The best Hulu VPN will give you access to the streaming provider’s amazing, ever-expanding library. If you want to watch Hulu and enjoy gripping thrillers like Yellowjackets, or timeless comedies like Home Alone, it’s the only platform you can enjoy them all in the same place. But since Hulu is only available in the US, you’ll need a VPN to change your IP address and make Hulu think you’re accessing the site from the United States. However, ensure you read Hulu’s subscriber agreement first.
With a VPN like NordVPN, you can get around geo-restrictions and access content from all over the world. Furthermore, your data will remain secure as it first passes through the VPN server before it reaches its destination.
In general, VPNs provide a lot of advantages, particularly the premium VPN service providers. Some offer top-notch security tools to keep you safe online. Others are reasonably priced and include strong protocols like WireGuard, which give you a seamless streaming experience.
However, not all VPNs are equally good at unblocking Hulu. You’ll need a service provider with smart DNS features, high speeds, and loads of servers in the US. Luckily, you don’t need to bother trying loads of services until you find the perfect VPN for Hulu. We tested dozens of apps, and NordVPN was the clear choice as the best Hulu VPN.
We’ve also tested and reviewed the top VPNs for other streaming providers and various devices. Take a look at the articles below for our detailed guides.
- The Best Free VPN for Netflix (Tried and Tested)
- Best Paramount Plus VPN: Watch Paramount+ From Anywhere
- Best VPN Providers: Our Top 5
If you’re still not sure which VPN to pick, our FAQ section below will help guide you.
Yes, a lot of VPNs work with Hulu. From our tests, NordVPN was the best option to consistently unblock Hulu, and maintain high speeds. But there are other good options. Find out more in our roundup of the best Hulu VPNs.
Yes, you can access Hulu through a VPN. But it can be a bit difficult, since Hulu is tough on VPN use. For detailed instructions on how to unblock Hulu, read our guide on accessing Hulu worldwide.
NordVPN is the best VPN to use with Hulu as it outperformed all other VPNs in our tests. It was able to consistently unblock Hulu all while maintaining high connection speeds. Plus, it has smart DNS features, and a large server network. But there are cheaper alternatives, which you can read about in our best Hulu VPNs roundup.
To bypass Hulu’s location restrictions, you’ll need to subscribe to a VPN and change your IP address to a location in the US. Then, you need a payment method from the US, and you can subscribe to Hulu and enjoy its shows. For a detailed guide, read our informational article on how to watch Hulu from anywhere in the world.
