Like most major streaming services, Hotstar is region-locked, meaning its content changes depending on the user’s location. This can cause problems, for instance, if you’re traveling in another country and want to continue streaming your favorite shows. That said, this kind of geographic restriction is easy to get around, provided you use the right VPN.
These services not only encrypt your traffic, keeping your activities hidden from snoopers, but they also change your IP address. As this is what most geo-blocked services use to find out which country you’re in, connecting to a VPN allows you to quickly and easily spoof your location. In other words, by using an Indian server, you can unblock websites like Hotstar, YuppTV, and Jio TV abroad.
How to watch Disney+ Hotstar from abroad using a VPN
So how exactly do you get started watching Hotstar abroad? It’s really quite simple, just follow the steps below to set up a Hotstar VPN in no time.
Here’s how to watch Hotstar from anywhere with a VPN:
- First, you’ll have to decide which VPN to use — we recommend NordVPN.
- Download your provider’s app and install it on any device you stream on regularly.
- Log in and connect to a server in India. The city you choose doesn’t really matter but usually, you’ll notice faster speeds the closer your chosen server is to your location.
- Visit the Hotstar website and log in (or create an account if you haven’t already). Note that this may require you to have a payment method linked to a local address.
- Finally, try playing a video. Most of the time, it should play without any issues. However, if not, you can fix the most common problems by clearing your cookies and refreshing the page.
We know how difficult it can be to choose your first VPN. Instead of getting hung up on the nitty-gritty details of each service, though, it’s often better to pick one that does everything well enough for your needs. Otherwise, you run the risk of paying for a VPN that only really excels in one area, like speed or unblocking ability. With this in mind, we decided that all of the services we’re recommending should meet the following criteria:
There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
- Offers at least one Indian server, though preferably more
- Is fast enough to live stream video without any stuttering
- Can securely access Hotstar and similar services from abroad
- Keeps you safe with advanced security features and a privacy-first logging policy
- Provides apps for all major operating systems and devices
If you’re short on time, take a look below for a quick guide to the best VPNs for Hotstar. Don’t worry: we’ll also be covering each of these in more detail later.
Best VPNs for watching Hotstar abroad:
- NordVPN: Our top choice for a Hotstar VPN. Fast and reliable, NordVPN makes it as easy as possible to browse and stream securely. Doesn’t keep any logs at all. Has a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: The best low-cost VPN for watching Disney+ Hotstar abroad. A speedy VPN that puts its users’ privacy first. Has no problems unblocking Hotstar abroad, and has all the tools required for you to watch safely. No connection limit.
- ExpressVPN: A security-conscious service with excellent unblocking ability and speeds that are fast enough for HD live streaming.
- CyberGhost: This novice-friendly service has strong speeds and even stronger unblocking ability. There are plenty of powerful security features, too, all of which come pre-configured.
- IPVanish: With fast connections, half a dozen Indian servers, and no bandwidth or connection limits, this service is ideal for streaming Hotstar online. Keeps no logs.
- PrivateVPN: Boasts very high speeds and the ability to unblock all kinds of services abroad. Comes packed with security features and keeps your activities private with a zero-logs policy.
- Hotspot Shield: A solid everyday VPN with reliable speeds and plenty of powerful security features built-in. Also easily unblocks Hotstar and similar services from outside of India.
The 7 Best VPNs for Hotstar
Now we’ll take a closer look at the best VPNs for watching Hotstar abroad:
1. NordVPN
Jan 2023
Unblocks HotstarTested Jan 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- Background
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our first choice. It offers access to 30+ servers in India, and over 5,000 others in a further 60+ countries. This alone makes it an attractive choice for watching Hotstar online but when you take its high speeds and above-average streaming ability into account, NordVPN’s value really becomes clear. There are very few major streaming services this VPN can’t unblock, and with a six-connection limit, you’re free to watch wherever you are.
Of course, it’s no slacker when it comes to security, either. There’s 256-bit encryption, protection against IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks, and a customizable kill switch, as well as automatic ad-blocking and malware-scanning. In fact, users can even connect to special obfuscated servers for another layer of privacy. NordVPN doesn’t store any logs and allows users to pay in three different cryptocurrencies. Support staff is on-hand around the clock over live chat.
NordVPN has MacOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android apps. It can also be manually configured for wireless routers, in case you’d like to secure every device on a network.
BEST VPN FOR HOTSTAR :NordVPN is our top pick. It combines speed and security, and offers access to more than 30 Indian servers, making it a natural choice for watching Hotstar online. This zero-logs provider even comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Plenty of high-speed Indian servers
- Great for Netflix, Hotstar, and more
- Impressive security offering
- Keeps no logs whatsoever
Cons:
- Desktop apps take two clicks to disconnect
Our score:
Read the full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
Unblocks HotstarTested Jan 2023
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Security is this VPN’s specialty. As well as 256-bit encryption, it offers a customizable kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a combined malware-scanner/ad-blocker. Further, there’s a NoBorders feature capable of bypassing especially strict country-wide censorship. Surfshark doesn’t keep any traffic logs at all, and as such, can’t reveal details of your activities under any circumstances. If you’re having problems, you can make use of the 24/7 live chat helpdesk.
Surfshark offers both desktop (Windows, Linux, MacOS) and mobile (iOS and Android) apps. Manual installation is required for use with supported network routers, however.
BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is a great budget choice for Hotstar. Its security offering is among the best around and it’s known for its exceptional streaming capabilities. Further, this VPN has a strict no-logs policy, solid speeds, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Fast enough for streaming live TV without any issues
Able to securely access plenty of streaming services from abroad
Puts your security and privacy first
Settings menu is a little unorganized
Take a look at our comprehensive Surfshark review.
3. ExpressVPN
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
ExpressVPN has a network of 3,000+ servers in 94 countries, meaning it’s a great choice not just for Hotstar, but also for services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer. Additionally, with strong speeds and unlimited bandwidth, you’ll be able to stream as much as you like, without any noticeable lag or buffering. Better still, your subscription allows you to secure up to five devices at once.
This service boasts top-notch security. For instance, it uses 256-bit AES encryption and a kill switch to keep your activities hidden at all times. There’s also DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection, split tunneling, and the ability to block local connections outright. Most importantly, ExpressVPN doesn’t log any data that could identify you. 24/7 customer support is available via live chat and email.
ExpressVPN users can install apps for iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, and Linux. Alternatively, there’s custom firmware for supported home routers.
GREAT FOR STREAMING:ExpressVPN is speedy and reliable. It works well with Hotstar and is secure enough for you to stream with confidence. What’s more, it comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Consistently high speeds
Excellent streaming ability
Strong security focus
Accepts Bitcoin payments
One of the best all-round VPNs
Slightly more expensive than some other options
For more information, check out our complete ExpressVPN review.
4. CyberGhost
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost has a truly expansive network, with around 7,000 servers in 91 countries. Of these, 30 or so are in India, which means you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a high-speed, low-load server. This VPN works with Hotstar and offers servers designed to help you securely access a wide range of platforms including Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu. Users can connect seven of their devices at any one time.
Here’s the good news: all of CyberGhost’s security features are enabled by default. That’s right: you don’t have to dig around in the settings to activate the kill switch, 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, ad-blocking, or malware-scanning features. Crucially, CyberGhost doesn’t store any personally identifiable data. While the apps are very beginner-friendly, you can reach customer support 24/7 over live chat or email.
CyberGhost provides user-friendly apps for Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, and Linux. If you’d like to install it on your internet router, you’ll have to configure it manually.
EASY TO USE:CyberGhost is fast and novice-friendly, with pre-configured security features and streaming-optimized servers. As such, it’s ideal for anyone looking for a no-fuss VPN that just works. A 45-day money-back guarantee is also included.
A speedy, novice-friendly service
Great for streaming
Solid privacy and security features enabled by default
May not offer enough control for advanced users
Interested? Check out our full review of CyberGhost.
5. IPVanish
Website: www.IPVanish.com
IPVanish has more than 1,900 servers in 60+ countries worldwide. With consistently high speeds, decent streaming potential, and reliable servers in both New Delhi and Mumbai, this VPN makes it easy to stream your favorite shows while traveling abroad. As if all this wasn’t enough, IPVanish lets you connect as many devices as you like.
This service uses DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and 256-bit encryption to keep your online activities hidden from snoopers at all times. There’s also the option to block local connections and a traffic scrambling feature that helps hide the telltale signs that you’re connected to a VPN. IPVanish follows a strict no-logs policy. Support staff can be reached 24/7 over email and live chat in case of any problems.
IPVanish users have the choice of Windows, MacOS, iOS, or Android apps. You’ll have to follow manual setup instructions to use it with Linux systems or routers.
STREAM WITHOUT LIMITS:IPVanish doesn’t restrict your speeds or the number of devices you can connect. In fact, it allows you to securely stream Hotstar on every device you own. Not convinced? There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee and no-logs policy.
Impressive speeds and reliable connections
Keeps no logs and includes powerful security tools
Has no connection or bandwidth limits
Has difficulty with some larger streaming services
Check out our in-depth IPVanish review for more details.
6. PrivateVPN
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
PrivateVPN has around 200 servers spread throughout 60 countries. What it lacks in network size, though, it makes up for in speed; this service is among the fastest we’ve tested and as such, is perfect for UHD streaming or torrenting. As well as Hotstar, this VPN lets you securely access Netflix, Prime Video, and more from abroad.
It’s clear that this service takes its users’ security seriously. To begin with, it refuses to keep any logs and accepts Bitcoin payments. Additionally, it offers 256-bit encryption, protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks, and a kill switch. There’s also a stealth mode designed for bypassing strict VPN-detection measures. Although live chat isn’t quite available 24/7, users are never more than a few hours away from getting help.
PrivateVPN apps are available for MacOS, iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux devices. Select network routers are also supported although manual installation is required.
SPEEDY YET SECURE: PrivateVPN is a zero-logs provider that’s great for Hotstar, Netflix, and more. It’s also exceptionally fast, allowing you to watch in the highest possible quality. This service comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Faster than many other providers
Works well with Hotstar and similar services
Major emphasis on security and privacy
Live chat is not around the clock
Fewer servers than some of its rivals
Still not sure? Why not check out the complete PrivateVPN review?
7. Hotspot Shield
Website: www.Hotspotshield.com
Editor’s Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.
This service helps keep you safe online using 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. It can also be configured to connect automatically any time you use public wifi networks, or to let specific apps through the VPN (for instance, to use local and foreign services simultaneously). Hotspot Shield doesn’t store any identifiable info beyond the duration of your session. Users can contact customer support at any time, day or night, via live chat.
Hotspot Shield offers Android, Windows, iOS, and MacOS apps. Users must manually configure this service for use with supported routers and Linux systems.
FAST AND VERSATILE:Hotspot Shield is a great choice for streaming Hotstar online, browsing safely on vacation, or torrenting anonymously. In fact, this speedy, security-conscious VPN works with all kinds of region-locked services and offers a 45-day money-back guarantee.
More than fast enough for live streaming TV
No issues with platforms like Netflix and Hotstar
Plenty of powerful security features built-in
Doesn’t support any anonymous payment options
Working to repair reputation after past privacy issues
Read the full Hotspot Shield review.
That said, regardless of where you are, you’ll have access to a huge range of content, from dramas to comedies. Here are a few of the most popular titles on Hotstar India:
- Anupama
- Ghum Hai Kisikey
- Imlie
- Bigg Boss
- Yeh Rishta
- The Empire
- Mahadev
- Mahabharat