By using a virtual private network, you can access content from Hulu US and Japan from anywhere in the world. However, not all services are able to unblock the streaming site.
Hulu is one of the best streaming services around offering subscribers access to live sports, the best US and Japanese shows and great movies and you can unblock it anywhere with a VPN. However, out of the hundreds of VPN services on the market, the majority of them simply won’t work with Hulu. In fact, very few VPNs are able to unblock the streaming service, because Hulu is so good at identifying and blocking proxy IP addresses. If you have encountered the message below when trying to stream Hulu outside the US with a VPN or proxy service, then this is the reason why.
“Error playing this video. You appear to be using an anonymous proxy tool”
Our experts have reviewed hundreds of VPN services and one thing we always test for is whether or not they unblock popular streaming platforms including Hulu. During these tests we found that these are the 5 best VPNs for Hulu:
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ExpressVPN
– The best VPN for Hulu. Its excellent speeds and proven track record for unblocking all major streaming services make it ideal for Hulu. -
NordVPN
– Unblocks Hulu, no-logs, packed with features, fast speeds & servers everywhere – what more could you want from a Hulu VPN? -
CyberGhost VPN
– An excellent VPN for unblocking Hulu on iOS & Android, as well as Mac & Windows. The app is super easy to set up & use. -
ProtonVPN
– A great VPN if you want privacy and access to Hulu. It has a zero-logs policy, excellent speeds and unblocks Hulu all in one app. -
PrivateVPN
– The cheapest VPN for Hulu on our list. Don’t be fooled by the price, this VPN can unblock pretty much anything, including Hulu.
We recommend 5 other services below if you would like to more options.
How we test VPNs for Hulu
Before a VPN service makes it on this list, it has to pass our strict tests. Below is the exact criteria we used to search for our recommended VPNs for Hulu:
- Can it reliably unblock both Hulu Japan and Hulu US?
- Does it offer fast connections for streaming in HD and 4K?
- Does it provider users with outstanding customer support – including a 24/7 live chat and email support?
- Does it offer affordable rates and value for money?
- Can it unblock other streaming services like iPlayer and Netflix?
The Best VPNs for streaming Hulu in 2021
Below you can take an in-depth look at top 10 VPNs for hulu, to ensure you pick the service you prefer for streaming Hulu from anywhere:
ExpressVPN is our #1 choice for the best VPN for hulu. It’s fast, secure and it unblocks Hulu reliably – a real no-brainer to avoid frustration.
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Pricing
From
$6.67 –
$12.95 -
Speeds
- 52.48 Mbps
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Also unblocks
- Netflix
- iPlayer
- Amazon Prime
ExpressVPN is a service where you truly get what you pay for. While granted, it is slightly more expensive than some other services, it is also a cut above the rest. So if you want a service that runs on cutting-edge VPN software for all platforms, it is worth investing in this service. ExpressVPN has servers in 94 countries, and it is consistently rated as one of the fastest VPNs in the world.
On top of that, ExpressVPN can help you unblock streaming services from all around the world, including Hulu and Netflix – reliably and without any issues. With ExpressVPN your privacy is assured because this VPN has a zero-logs policy and strong military-grade OpenVPN encryption. A kill-switch, DNS leak protection, and obfuscated servers also help make this an excellent choice for newbies and VPN tech-heads alike.
There is literally nothing that this VPN is not good at. And it even lets subscribers enjoy the VPN on 5 simultaneous devices! If you want a mind-blowing and reliable VPN experience, we recommend testing this VPN with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
NordVPN is a well-known Hulu VPN. It has been a giant of the VPN world for a solid few years now and, using this service, you can understand why. This one is not to be missed out on.
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Pricing
From
$3.71 –
$11.95 -
Speeds
- 52.03 Mbps
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Also unblocks
- Netflix
- iPlayer
- Amazon Prime
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Hulu US Servers
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Hulu JP Servers
NordVPN is a service based in Panama that is an excellent service for unblocking popular geo-restricted content like Hulu, Netflix US, Prime Video, HBO Go, BBC iPlayer, etc. It is a no-logs VPN provider that is well-known for providing high-levels of privacy and advanced features such as VPN into Tor, double-hop encryption, and obfuscation. And it has super-fast server sin 59 countries, which makes it ideal for streaming in HD without any annoying buffering.
Plus, this VPN permits torrenting and has a kill-switch, which means you can also trust it for downloading. With NordVPN, users can run the software on up to 6 devices simultaneously, and the VPN is ideal for providing privacy both at home and on public Wi-Fi. You can test it risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. Outstanding value for money.
CyberGhost is the perfect choice if you want value. It has plenty of US servers, great speeds for streaming & a slick app – great to unblock Hulu on all devices
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Pricing
From
$2.25 –
$12.99 -
Speeds
- 22.03 Mbps
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Also unblocks
- Netflix
- iPlayer
- Amazon Prime
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Hulu US Servers
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Hulu JP Servers
If you want a cheap VPN to watch Hulu abroad, CyberGhost VPN is a superb option. This provider has servers where you need them, and they all provide fantastic speeds for streaming on Hulu. CyberGhost also has apps for all platforms, and it lets its subscribers use the service on up to 10 devices simultaneously. This really makes CyberGhost the perfect option for anybody that has a lot of devices – or for families.
CyberGhost may not have as many VPN features as some of the other fully-featured providers on our list, but if you want to unblock a lot of streams and protect your privacy without many overly techy features; this VPN is ideal for beginners.
We love that CyberGhost provides a 45-day money-back guarantee, which means you can unblock Hulu on vacation for free if you want.
ProtonVPN is a privacy lover’s VPN that also works with Hulu, provided you have the pro plan. If you do you get access to hulu and the speeds to stream it in HD.
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Free option
Yes
Pricing
From
$3.29 –
$5.00 -
Speeds
- 54.91 Mbps
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Also unblocks
- Netflix
- iPlayer
- Amazon Prime
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Hulu US Servers
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Hulu JP Servers
ProtonVPN is a no-logs VPN service from the nice people who re-invented privacy-focused email with their famous ProtonMail service. ProtonVPN is also known for its excellent free tier, which is good enough that you may not even feel the need to upgrade to a Pro plan.
Although it has a free server located in the US, ProtonVPN only guarantees that Pro users will be able to access Hulu – which seems fair enough to us!
ProtonVPN allows up to 10 connections at once (plan-dependant), offers VPN through Tor, robust kill switches in all its (open source) apps, and effective IP leak protection.
PrivateVPN is the cheapest option on our list. Thanks to its combination of features, it has built a reputation as the master of unblocking streaming services and this includes Hulu.
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Pricing
From
$1.89 –
$7.12 -
Speeds
- 27.89 Mbps
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Also unblocks
- Netflix
- iPlayer
- Amazon Prime
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Hulu US Servers
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Hulu JP Servers
PrivateVPN is a Swedish VPN service that is constantly praised by its loyal subscriber base. The service is dedicated to providing access to a multitude of streaming services, and it is successful thanks to its dedicated dynamic IPs. While PrivateVPN is extremely budget-friendly, it performs just as well as many vastly more expensive services on the market.
The software is available for all platforms and it can be used on up to six devices at the same time. True to its name, Private VPN has a zero-logs policy, and it implements strong OpenVPN encryption that guarantees you will never leak data about what you are doing online to your ISP or the websites you visit. With PrivateVPN, you can get to unblocking Hulu, Netflix US, or any other streaming service quickly.
And the VPN always provides exceptional customer service and reliability. Servers are located in 60 countries, and this VPN is perfect for both desktops as well as mobile devices. It’s worth testing risk-free using its money-back guarantee.
VyprVPN is a great all round choice for Hulu. With this service you get a dedicated server network and access to Chameleon technology – perfect for unblocking.
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Pricing
From
$2.50 –
$12.95 -
Speeds
- 22.91 Mbps
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Also unblocks
- Netflix
- iPlayer
- Amazon Prime
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Hulu US Servers
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Hulu JP Servers
Once based in the US, this professional VPN service (together with its parent company, Golden Frog) has moved to Switzerland, and gone 100% fully-audited, no-logs. It’s also notable for owning its own server network, meaning that no trust is required in third-party server providers.
VyprVPN runs servers from eight locations around the United States, all of which are effective at unblocking Hulu. And if you want to access Hulu from somewhere like China, then you’ll appreciate its Chameleon stealth technology, which is good at defeating VPN censorship.
Surfshark is the Hulu VPN for you if you want a lot of bang for your buck. Not only does it work with Hulu, but also iPlayer, HBO Go & Netflix US – impressive considering the price.
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Pricing
From
$2.49 –
$12.95 -
Speeds
- 41.75 Mbps
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Also unblocks
- Netflix
- iPlayer
- Amazon Prime
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Hulu US Servers
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Hulu JP Servers
Surfshark is an impressive VPN that has only been around a few years. However, in that time it has quickly risen to be a consumer favorite provider.
Not only is Surfshark fast, but it manages to unblock a massive assortment of streaming services that many other services struggle with; this includes Netflix US and Canada, Hulu, HBO Go, Prime, Crunchyroll, BBC iPlayer, and much more. Where privacy is concerned, Surfshark is solid thanks to its no-logs policy and OpenVPN encryption. And this VPN comes with a kill-switch and obfuscation, which means it is suitable for torrenting and other sensitive tasks. We love that this VPN lets subscribers use the software on an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. And we are always impressed by this provider’s friendly and knowledgeable 24/7 live chat support.
It’s a highly recommended VPN that you can test yourself using its 30-day money-back guarantee.
IPVanish is a great VPN pick for Hulu, but where it really shines is its privacy. Expect a strict no-logs policy and more features than you can shake a stick at with this VPN.
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Pricing
From
$2.62 –
$9.99 -
Speeds
- 28.89 Mbps
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Also unblocks
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime
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Hulu US Servers
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Hulu JP Servers
IPVanish is a provider based in the USA, a country that has admittedly got a pretty bad record for surveillance. However, you can trust this VPN completely thanks to its watertight no-logs policy, which means that even if it is served a warrant by the authorities it will never have any records to hand over. With IPVanish you get servers in over 74 countries, and its US-based servers are known to work reliably with services like Netflix and Hulu.
We enjoy using this VPN across all platforms, and users can use the software on an unlimited number of devices simultaneously with just one subscription. Admittedly, there are cheaper VPNs on the market. However, if you want a reliable service that provides strong privacy features such as a kill-switch and obfuscation, this is a service well worth testing.
You can do so, thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.
SaferVPN is the prefect hulu VPN companion if you want to stream across different devices. You can SaferVPN on all major platforms and it works seamlessly on them all with Hulu.
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Pricing
From
$2.50 –
$12.95 -
Also unblocks
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime
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Hulu US Servers
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Hulu JP Servers
SaferVPN is a provider based in Israel that is widely considered to be a fantastic all-rounder. The VPN implements a no-usage-logs policy and only keeps some minimal connection logs to keep the service running smoothly.
The apps are available for all platforms, and the apps provide strong OpenVPN encryption to ensure that your web habits are always kept private. Plus, this VPN has a kill-switch on the Windows client, which makes it suitable for torrenting on your PC. When it comes to unblocking content, this service can help you stream Hulu without issues, and it unblocks other popular streaming services from around the globe.
An affordable VPN provider whose only downside is that it isn’t quite as fast as some of the other services in this guide. However, you can test it yourself thanks to its money-back guarantee.
StrongVPN is one of the faster VPNs for hulu on this list. With this service you’ll have no trouble unblocking Hulu and streaming content in HD.
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Pricing
From
$5.83 –
$10.00 -
Speeds
- 38.08 Mbps
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Also unblocks
- Netflix
- iPlayer
- Amazon Prime
-
Hulu US Servers
-
Hulu JP Servers
StrongVPN is a provider based in the USA that really does live up to its name. This VPN consistently appears in the top 5 fastest VPNs in the world, using real-time tests of three of its most important international servers.
This makes it a superb option for anybody who wants to unblock Hulu. And Strong VPN is known to provide access to Netflix US as well. However, it is worth noting that this VPN does not unblock the UK’s iPlayer. Where privacy is concerned, this service has a watertight no-logs policy – which means you can trust it not to have any data about what you do online. Plus, it has apps for all platforms that implement strong OpenVPN encryption. Sadly, a kill-switch is only available on Windows – which means that if you need to torrent or unblock censored political content or social media sites on another platform, you may want to shop elsewhere. However, if you are a Windows user, this VPN is a fantastic option.
You can test it for yourself using its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Which is the fastest VPN for Hulu?
To stream Hulu, you need a VPN with servers in the USA that aren’t blocked. You also need a VPN that has fast enough servers for streaming in HD without buffering.
To make sure our recommendations are suitable, we have only included fast VPNs in this guide. These VPNs have Tier-1 networks, which provide optimum speeds for your traffic.
We know that you can trust these VPNs because we run daily speed tests. The results of our server-based VPN speed tests are displayed in the table below, so that you can see what the fastest VPNs for Hulu are:
Will a VPN improve my streaming speeds?
For a VPN to work, it must encrypt your data and route it to the VPN server. This is how the VPN provides privacy and how it allows you to pretend to be in America to stream Hulu.
Doing these tasks incurs some loss of speed, which means your VPN will slow down your internet slightly. You may be wondering why we call these VPNs fast if they still slow down your internet.
The fact is that for a VPN to provide location spoofing services, it has to route your traffic further. There is no other way. The best VPNs do this while only impacting the speed of your internet a tiny, imperceptible amount.
Slow VPNs on the other hand may slow down your internet as much as 90% – which makes streaming content on Hulu impossible because of the constant interruptions.
Can it help in some circumstances?
Yes. ISPs sometimes engage in bandwidth throttling. ISPs do this to prevent network congestion, and if they notice you are streaming on Hulu, it is possible that they will restrict your speeds; particularly during peak times. In these circumstances, a VPN can help to speed up your internet!
The encryption provided by a VPN conceals your traffic from your ISP, and prevents it from knowing which online websites and services you use. This stops it from being able to throttle you when you do data-intensive tasks like HD streaming, gaming, or torrenting.
Your ISP can’t legally throttle everything, which is how a VPN can help. If your ISP can’t tell what you’re doing online, it can’t tell if it should be throttling you and you will get the fastest possible speeds.
Deals and discounts
ExpressVPN
Discount Coupon
when signing up for 1-year
An overall saving of 49%
How did we pick these Hulu VPNs?
There are hundreds of commercial VPN services on the market, and it’s important to understand that 99% of those do not unblock Hulu. To avoid disappointment (and avoid wasting your time as well as your cash) you need a VPN for Hulu that actually works.
Below we list the exact criteria we used to search for our recommended VPNs for Hulu:
- Our recommendations can unblock both Hulu Japan and Hulu US. To stream Hulu, it is essential that your VPN has servers that successfully unblock it. Our VPN picks all do!
- Fast connections for streaming. To stream Hulu in HD, you need a VPN with fast Tier 1 servers. A slow VPN will just buffer all the time. Our recommendations unblock Hulu at a pace to let you stream in HD.
- An outstanding customer support team means that you can ask questions at any time of the day. All of our VPN picks come with 24/7 live chat and email support.
- Affordable rates are always a deciding factor when selecting a VPN. Many VPNs are a rip-off, but our recommended VPNs for Hulu all do what you need at a fair price point. For more information, check out our cheap VPNs guide, but make sure they unblock Hulu before committing to one of those services.
Do I need a VPN for Hulu?
If you want to get a Hulu subscription from outside of the US or Japan, you are going to need a VPN. Hulu is only currently available in those two countries, and it has no plans to expand into Europe or elsewhere. This is a shame because Hulu is an excellent streaming platform that many international consumers are interested in. Luckily, with a VPN you can pretend to be in America to get a Hulu subscription from anywhere in the world.
What if I’m just on vacation?
Hulu uses geo-restrictions to prevent customers from streaming its content outside of America. This can be pretty frustrating, as you’ll need a VPN to stream Hulu from your hotel if you leave the US and travel overseas. Even if you’re a US citizen with a valid US Hulu account, the account will still lock up when you leave the country!
You can pretend to be back in the US with a Hulu VPN, however, and stream your favorite shows as you usually would even when traveling or on vacation.
How to watch Hulu with a VPN
Using a VPN to unblock Hulu is easy, particularly if you already have an account. Below we explain how to regain access to your account – or purchase a subscription if you haven’t got one yet.
- Choose a recommended VPN for Hulu from this list.
- Click on the link provided, sign up for the VPN service, and install the software.
- Once installed, open the VPN app and select a server in either Japan or the USA.
- Open the Hulu app or navigate to the Hulu website to stream.
- If you need to sign up and pay for Hulu from overseas, follow the steps below!
What if I don’t have a subscription?
If you don’t already have a subscription, there are some extra steps in order to get one. But a VPN makes all of this possible. To help, we walk you through the entire process step-by-step in our guide to unblocking Hulu abroad.
How do I pay for Hulu from overseas?
With a VPN, you can easily pretend to be in the US to sign up for a Hulu account. However, you still need to pay using a valid local payment method.
One option is to buy a Hulu voucher online. These are a code that will be delivered to your email address. Another excellent method is to use the virtual card provider US Unlocked. US Unlocked has the ability to “unlock” US-only shopping options to people living outside the US.
A US Unlocked virtual prepaid card comes with a valid US billing address. This will let you sign up and pay for Hulu (or any other US service that takes your fancy) from just about anywhere in the world!
You can find out more about virtual cards by visiting our guide. US Unlocked is by far the best of those services because it will easily allow you to pay for Hulu.
How does a VPN work?
A VPN is designed to provide you with online privacy. It works by encrypting your data and sending it to a VPN server. This ensures that local network administrators, Internet Service Providers, and government authorities are unable to track your data as it passes over the internet.
A byproduct of this system is that your actual location is concealed from the online websites and services you use. Thus, by connecting to a VPN server in the USA, Hulu believes that you are actually in the location of the VPN server. For more information, check out our unblocking Hulu guide.
If you’re new to VPNs, we recommend taking the time to familiarize yourself using our helpful guides:
Can I get a free VPN for Hulu?
No, there are no free VPNs that are capable of both unblocking and streaming Hulu. There are some free VPN services that we recommend available on the market, but these are often limited stripped back versions of premium VPNs designed to give users a taste in the hope they will upgrade. In reality, free VPNs can offer fast enough speeds for streaming, or server location for unblocking content like Hulu.
If you’re truly adamant about going with a free service, we’d recommend sticking to the providers featured in our best free VPNs list – they’re reliable, trustworthy, and won’t nab your data. You can also try one of the methods outlined below.
Take advantage of free trials
It is possible to get a limited time trial of a permium VPN that does work with Hulu. All you need to do is sign up for their free trial and then you can have full access to a VPN for a limited amount of time.
Want to know more? Check out our free VPN for Hulu hack for more information.
Cheap VPNs for Hulu
VPNs don’t need to cost the world, and it is possible to find a cheap VPN for Hulu, provided you know what you’re looking for. A number of the VPNs we feature above can be less than $3 a month, and they often become cheaper the longer that you sign up for.
If you would like to learn more, check out our best cheap VPNs list.
Does Hulu block VPNs?
Yes, Hulu will block an IP address if it discovers that it belongs to a VPN provider. Hulu doesn’t want its customers using a VPN to access its content outside of the US – the service spends an awful lot of time, money, and effort to block VPN IP addresses. If you suspect your VPN is being blocked, read on for some tips and tricks to get it working again.
My VPN isn’t unblocking Hulu – what should I do?
Hulu knows that people all over the world attempt to access its service using a VPN. Because of the licensing agreements, it has with copyright holders, it must make every effort to prevent this. As a result, Hulu actively blocks IP addresses known to belong to VPNs.
These concerted efforts mean that very few VPNs are able to unblock Hulu. This is why it’s so important to avoid disappointment and pick a service that can access the site. As it happens, all of the VPNs in this guide have proven that they can stay one step ahead of Hulu. They’re able to evade blocks and restrictions to provide you with unfettered access to the site and all its content!
However, if you find that you cannot access Hulu with a VPN that is supposed to work, you can follow the fixes below to get the VPN up and running.
Try a different server
It may be the case that Hulu has banned the particular VPN IP address that you’re using. By connecting to a new server, you get a new IP address and, provided it hasn’t been banned, you can continue accessing Hulu.
Contact your provider
If you are struggling to find a server to work with Hulu, try contacting your provider. We realize that this may sound like a cop-out, but all the providers on our list have excellent customer service via their website live-chat. Their representatives can quickly point you to a server that does work with Hulu to save you from having to find one through trial and error.
If none of these fixes work, don’t despair. We cover more tips and methods to get your Hulu VPN working again in our Hulu VPN ban: Troubleshooting guide.
FAQs
Below you will find a list of Frequently Asked Questions on Hulu and VPNs.