8 Best VPNs for Hotstar (Access Hotstar From Anywhere)

Launched in 2015 and a part of the Disney+ streaming brand since 2020, Hotstar is an on-demand streaming service created for the Indian market and people of Indian origin who live outside of the country. It features a massive selection of content ranging from sports and original programming to third-party content from networks like HBO and Showtime.

But, Hotstar employs region-locking to restrict access to its services. It’s only available in India, Indonesia, Singapore, Canada, the UK, and the US. Even so, the complete service is only limited to even fewer markets. With that said, what can online users from other regions do to unblock Hotstar outside India?

The only way to watch Hotstar from anywhere in the world is to use a VPN. By connecting to a remote VPN server, you can switch up your IP address to trick Hotstar’s geo-blocking system that you’re requesting access from India. This will allow you to enjoy the full content library available to users from that market.

Best VPNs For Hotstar in 2024

1. NordVPN – The best VPN for Hotstar overall.
2. Surfshark – Fast streaming and affordable plans.
3. AtlasVPN – A great budget choice.
4. PrivateVPN – Great Hotstar VPN choice.
5. ExpressVPN – One of the best VPNs for streaming.

Why Do You Need a VPN to Unblock Hotstar?

Similar to other major streaming platforms, Hotstar must adhere to strict copyright and broadcasting restrictions. It can’t offer content in any area it doesn’t have a license for. To make sure it keeps in line with these rules and restrictions and avoid any fines, Hotstar applies regional limits.

There’s no way to go around these geo-blocks without using any tools, the best of which is a VPN. A VPN is a necessity if you want to access and stream on Hotstar. Plus, with a VPN by your side, you won’t only be able to access Hotstar’s India content library but all other online streaming services, including Netflix, the BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and many others.

Additionally, a VPN’s convenience spans much further than just helping you obtain access to streaming sites. For instance, it enables you to avoid Internet censorship and ensure maximum security and privacy when you’re traveling or connecting to unfamiliar networks in public places.

8 Best VPNs for Hotstar – detailed list:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN offers more than 5200 servers across 59 countries worldwide. Unfortunately, NordVPN currently doesn’t offer any India-based servers. This is a bit of a drawback if you also want to use it in India. 

That said, this shouldn’t be a deal-breaker in the context of this page, as NordVPN still has an outstanding network that spans all over the globe and covers most Hotstar markets. So, it can guarantee reliable access and stable connections for Hotstar outside of India.

With that in mind, the service offers above-average streaming speeds. More importantly, their network speeds are stable and consistent, ensuring a smooth streaming experience free from annoying buffering. This is also thanks to the excellent NordLynx protocol, which is up to 2x faster than other protocols. In addition to this protocol, you can also use IKEvs/IPSec and OpenVPN.

You can rely on security features such as Threat Protection, Double-VPN, kill switch, split tunneling, among many others. Plus, their apps have a SmartPlay feature. This tool allows you to automatically find the most suitable server for Hotstar and provides a more intuitive streaming experience.

Besides being arguably the best Hotstar VPN service, NordVPN also stands for one of the best value-for-money VPN services in the market. This is because their extensive network and abundant security features are available at very affordable monthly rates, especially if you opt for one of their long-term plans. 

2. Surfshark

Surfshark numbers over 3,200 servers in 100 countries. More specifically, they support an excellent server network in all of Hotstar’s featured markets. This includes India as the most sought-after Hotstar market. Namely, you can choose between a virtual Indian server location and physical servers in Mumbai and Delhi.

Besides the excellent server network, Surfshark’s service is marked by great server features. Taking their India servers as an example, you can rely on private DNS on every server. You can also use the servers to safely and private torrent content. Moreover, all of its servers support Camouflage Mode, a feature that hides the fact that you’re using a VPN.

It’s also worth mentioning that Surfshark is one of the fastest VPNs on the market, as speed is one of the essential aspects of a reliable streaming VPN. It has at least one 1 Gbps port available on every server and is regularly adding 10 Gbps ports to its servers.

Security-wise, it’s good to know that this service offers strong encryption features, ad-blocking, and a kill switch. There are also a few additional advanced features, most notably Bypasser and CleanWeb.

Lastly, Surfshark is one of the only handful of trusted VPNs that allow you to connect an unlimited number of devices. Coupled with its comprehensive app selection and affordable prices, this VPN undoubtedly delivers fantastic value.

3. Atlas VPN

If you are looking for the best VPN for Hotstar – Atlas VPN is your best choice. With its high-speed servers, Atlas VPN is optimized for streaming so you can enjoy Hotstar wherever you are without interruptions. 

Although this VPN has a slightly smaller selection of servers compared to most other services on this page, it still has a solid network of 750 servers in 45 locations worldwide. All of its servers support the WireGuard protocol and come with private VNS.

What is more, Atlas VPN doesn’t limit the number of connections per subscription plan. In other words, you can use Atlas VPN on an unlimited number of devices and invite your friends or family to share this experience together. You can also utilize split tunneling to access Hotstar while keeping the rest of your connection on your real IP address.

But that’s not all, since with Atlas VPN you’ll have streaming-ready servers, a tracker blocker that blocks malware and ads. Plus, you can use this VPN on iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, and Mac. 

Since Atlas VPN is also one of the most affordable VPNs in the market, you won’t be overpaying for the services you’ll get. That means that top-notch privacy and security can come easily. A 30-day money-back is guaranteed. 

4. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN comes with all of the features you would look for in a top VPN for Hotstar. It offers above-average speeds, providing you with the possibility of enjoying HD-quality content without any annoying lag or buffering times. 

Moreover, it has an “unlimited bandwidth and data transfer” policy. So, you’re not limited on how much content you can watch. In terms of device support, it offers apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. You can connect up to ten devices on a single subscription plan. The apps are very streamlined and easy to use, but also feature an “advanced mode”, where you can tailor more VPN experience more hands-on.

PrivateVPN has an excellent network with servers in over 200 locations across 63 countries worldwide. With so many places at your disposal, you can conveniently access every Hotstar library and easily switch between locations as many times as you want to.

As price is a significant factor for many VPN users, we should mention that PrivateVPN is one of the most affordable options. Plus, keep in mind that you can use it for much more than just streaming on Hotstar. You can unblock a long list of other streaming services, browse in complete safety and anonymity, or torrent without any privacy concerns.

5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is one of the fastest, most feature-rich VPNs in the industry. It has thousands of servers in 160 server locations across 94 countries. As far as their India-based servers go, you can choose between two options. You can connect to Indian servers via Singapore or the UK. 

All of ExpressVPN’s servers support OpenVPN (TCP vs. UDP), IKEv2, and the service’s pioneering Lightway protocol. Lightway is available on all major software platforms and is a speedy and very reliable protocol. This makes it a superb pick for streaming content on Hotstar and other platforms.

Additionally, ExpressVPN is one of the top VPNs in terms of overall privacy protection. It’s based in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands and doesn’t store any user activity logs. It uses TrustedServer technology and employs best-in-class 256-bit encryption.

ExpressVPN is generally one of the best all-around VPNs, as it’s equally adept for streaming, torrenting, and gaming activities. All of this does come with a slightly higher subscription price, but you can take advantage of a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with the service’s offer within the first 30 days of your plan.

7. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access is known for having the most extensive server network in the VPN industry. There’s no precise information on how many servers it has, but we know that it covers 84 countries with several dozen thousand servers. 

PIA’s connections sometimes suffer from stability issues but are generally very fast. This speedy performance is partly thanks to PIA’s support of the widely popular and very capable WireGuard protocol. All of its servers are exclusively RAM-based, and many server locations support 10 Gbps ports. Also, the service doesn’t limit how much data you spend.

This VPN is one of only a few providers that offer open-source apps, delivering admirable transparency. It is also very customizable, as it allows you to configure custom DNS settings, port forwarding, proxies, and more. Looking at other essential features, PIA’s apps come with a kill switch, support split tunneling, and have built-in ad blocking.

The service offers excellent cross-platform support, as you can use it on a long list of devices. The only possible drawback from a privacy protection perspective is the fact that PIA is based in the US. This means that it is obliged to share identifiable data if a government agency comes knocking on its doors.

8. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has a huge server network that numbers over 7,000 unique servers in 90 countries worldwide. This includes 29 servers in Mumbai, India. However, we should mention that these are virtual servers, so they aren’t really physically located in the city.

The service has apps for all major platforms, including Chrome and Firefox browser extensions, so that you can stream Hotstar on any supported device of your choice. All of their paid subscription plans allow you up to seven simultaneous connections with unlimited bandwidth and traffic.

Speaking of subscriptions, CyberGhost can be a very budget-friendly VPN if you opt for a long-term plan. Moreover, its six-month and two-year plans also offer an industry-leading 45-day money-back guarantee.

This VPN is an excellent choice for streaming on many other platforms as well, as it comes with many useful features. The most notable ones include DNS and IP leak protection, automatic kill switch, and dedicated IP addresses. It supports a handful of protocols, including the WireGuard protocol.

CyberGhost was audited in 2022 by a reputable agency, which determined that this VPN is safe, private, and entirely trustworthy. To add to this, CyberGhost is based in Romania, which has very favorable user data retention laws.

8. PureVPN

PureVPN has an outstanding server network spanning nearly 80 countries and numbering over 6,500 servers. This includes over 45 servers only in India alone. PureVPN combines both physical and virtual servers, with those in India being of the latter variety.

With so many options, you never have to worry about overcrowded servers or Hotstar access issues, as you can always easily switch to a new IP address. With that in mind, the service allows you to connect up to ten devices simultaneously so you can enjoy streaming with your friends and family members. 

PureVPN offers faultless security and privacy. Like a few other reputable VPNs, it’s also based in the British Virgin Islands and doesn’t keep any logs. It offers DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and supports the WireGuard protocol.

PureVPN can unblock any streaming geo-restriction it comes across. So, whether you just want to access Hotstar or want to enjoy different Netflix versions, Disney+, or any other platform, you can rely on PureVPN to get the job done.

We have to note that, while PureVPN is an excellent choice for streaming, it might not be the best VPN if you’re primarily looking for security and privacy. This is because it supports a limited choice of protocols and only offers certain security features at an additional cost.

How Hotstar Detects VPN Servers

Hotstar uses an IP detection mechanism to detect and block all suspicious behavior that indicates that you’re using a VPN or proxy. To put it in simple terms, a VPN prevents you from being detected. It doesn’t prevent itself from being detected. So, while Hotstar won’t learn your real IP address, the VPN itself might not be able to go through the geo-block.

Having this in mind, in some instances, you might experience the “Hotstar VPN detected” error. If this happens, the site will prompt you with a message to turn off any proxy or VPN services and try again. This issue can come up if Hotstar has blacklisted the particular VPN IP address you’re using to gain access to their site. 

If you get this message when trying to access the Hotstar platform, you can resolve it by choosing a different server in the same country. That said, the VPNs we’ve featured on this page pay attention to these issues and frequently change up their IP addresses to stay one step ahead of streaming sites.

Because of this, you shouldn’t run into such problems when streaming on Hotstar. If by some chance, this does happen to you from time to time, purchasing a static IP address in the target area can help you eliminate this issue.

How to Choose a VPN for Hotstar?

The VPN market is saturated with hundreds of services, but not all of them are worth your time and money. Not all VPNs can provide the same quality of service, and you need to consider a variety of factors when choosing a VPN for Hotstar. The essential features you should look for in a VPN for Hotstar are:

• Number of Servers – a VPN for Hotstar should have a well-spread-out server network with servers in key locations to access the site. Most importantly, this includes server locations based in India.
• Fast and Stable Speeds – network speed and reliability are key for a Hotstar VPN. Ideally, you should look for a VPN that can support 4K streaming with no buffering or lag. 
• Unblocking Power – in addition to the two previous crucial factors, a top-quality Hotstar VPN should also be excellent at unblocking Hotstar and other streaming sites. 
• Reliable Customer Support – the last thing you want to happen is for your connection to drop when streaming. But, if this occurs, you should be able to rely on the VPN’s support service to promptly and efficiently resolve any issue.
• Advanced Security Features – some VPNs, like NordVPN, come with advanced features such as obfuscated servers, SmartPlay, and dedicated IP addresses. Look for these, and similar features to ensure the best VPN service with a minimal chance of Hotstar detecting your service.
• Ease of Use – lastly, it’s also important to remember that you’re doing all of this to access entertainment content. So, the process of setting up and using a VPN shouldn’t be a big hassle or negatively impact your overall experience. Keep this in mind, especially if you’re a beginner VPN user.

How to Watch Hotstar With a VPN from Anywhere?

If you’ve never used a VPN before, setting it up and using it to unblock online streaming sites might sound too complex and technically demanding. The reality is that this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Setting up and using a VPN for Hotstar is very simple and straightforward. Plus, with these additional tips, you’ll be able to enjoy streaming on Hotstar with a VPN without any effort. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Hotstar with a VPN:

1. Choose one of our recommended VPN services and download the appropriate app for your device.
2. Complete the installation process and open up your app.
3. Connect to a server in one of Hotstar’s supported countries (It’s best to choose a server in India for full content access).
4. Load up Hotstar and enjoy streaming from anywhere in the world.

How to Connect VPN With Hotstar?

If you want to use your VPN with Hotstar without any issues, you’ll need to follow a few fairly simple steps. Here’s how to connect to Hotstar with a VPN:

1. Connect to an Indian server (or server in a country that enables you access to Hotstar).
2. Open Hotstar in your browser (or download the Hotstar app)
3. Select your Hotstar plan.
4. Proceed with registration and payment.

We should note a couple of important caveats that you need to know. To purchase a premium Hotstar subscription for Indian users, you will need an Indian phone number and an Indian payment method. Getting a virtual phone number is straightforward, but obtaining the latter can be tricky.

Hotstar VPN Isn’t Working – What Can I Do?

In most cases, you can resolve this problem simply by choosing a different server in the same country. Alternatively, if this doesn’t work, it’s best to contact the VPNs support staff, and they’ll recommend the best course of action. 

Nowadays, Hotstar doesn’t give you any reason and only denies you access to its content. This can be confusing for those that aren’t tech-savvy, as you might not know how to approach the issue. But, if you wish to attempt to resolve this issue on your own, you can try out several different approaches. Here’s what you can do to get your Hotstart VPN to work:

• Switch to a Different VPN Server – the simplest and quickest way to resolve this issue is to connect to a different VPN server. This might help you get Hotstar off of your tail and provide you with instant access to the platform again. For this method, it’s useful to use a VPN that supports a good deal of Indian servers.
• Clear Your Cookies and Cache – another fairly basic fix to this issue is to clear your cookies and cache and try accessing Hotstar again. Cookies can be used to identify your location, so when you delete all of them, Hotstar can’t use this against you.
• Update Everything – in some cases, your Hotstar VPN might not be working simply because you’re using old software. Many top VPNs for Hotstar issue regular updates, so make sure to keep your app up to date with the latest releases. Moreover, consider updating your browser or the Hotstar app if available.
• Change to a Different Protocol – all of the VPNs featured above support at least a couple of protocols. Some even have unique in-house protocols. These have various speed, stability, and security traits, so naturally, they don’t all perform equally well. Changing to a more capable protocol like WireGuard can help you fix this issue.

With all of this in mind, if you pick a reliable top-rated VPN service, such as NordVPN, your chances of running into such problems will be minimal. The services we’ve listed above have a proven track record of being able to access Hotstar without any issues.

Best VPNs for Hotstar – Main Takeaways

Hotstar is undoubtedly one of the best streaming platforms in the world, as it offers you endless hours of entertaining and quality content. Unfortunately, viewers from most parts of the world are locked out and unable to enjoy everything that this service can provide. If you’re looking to stream your favorite shows and movies on Hotstar, a VPN is an indispensable tool to have by your side.

Any of the five VPNs on our list can provide you with reliable access to Hotstar anytime you want. That said, our pick for the best VPN for Hotstar goes to NordVPN. With a NordVPN Hotstar subscription combination, you can start streaming your favorite content right away without any restrictions!

VPNs for Hotstar FAQ

Can I use a free VPN for Hotstar?

We don’t recommend using a free VPN for Hotstar, as the tradeoff is not worth it. Free VPN services are generally less safe and secure than the paid versions. Plus, most free VPNs are downright scams set up only to harvest your traffic info and sell your data to the highest third-party bidder. 

Even if we were to set aside all of these concerning aspects, using a free VPN for Hotstar doesn’t make sense from a practical standpoint. The majority of free VPNs have trouble reliably unblocking Hotstar. And, even when they manage to access it, their speeds are so slow and unstable that it’s nearly impossible to watch content in HD quality.

With some of the VPNs that we’ve listed starting as low as just a few dollars per month, using a free VPN is not worth the privacy risk. By choosing one of our recommended Hotstar VPN services, you can have peace of mind knowing that your information and identity online are entirely safe and private.

Is It Legal to Watch Hotstar with a VPN?

Yes, there’s nothing illegal about using a VPN to access online content. This is if you’re not setting up your VPN to use it for other illegal purposes. It is against Hotstar’s ToS to use a VPN, and the platform does manage to block VPN users with relative success. But, you don’t have to worry about any legal issues.

The only exception to this might be if you’re in a country where VPN use is generally considered illegal or are their use is heavily frowned upon. For example, if you live in or are visiting a country like China, Russia, or the U.A.E, you might run into issues trying to use a Hotstar VPN.

Can Hotstar Detect a VPN?

Like many other streaming platforms nowadays, Hotstar can also detect users who connect through VPN services. It does so through various IP detection practices and promptly blacklists IP addresses coming from VPNs. That said, the chances of this happening are higher when you’re using less reliable VPNs.

Additionally, even if Hotstar detects that you’re using a VPN, it’s highly unlikely that it will ban you for it. In most cases, it will just require you to turn the VPN off, in which case you can try accessing it with a different Hotstar VPN. 

How to Watch Hotstar in the US?

If you’re wondering will a Hotstar India subscription work in the US, or any other country for that matter, the answer is yes. But, to watch content on Hotstar in the US, you will need a reliable VPN for Hotstar. Using this tool allows you to change your IP address and access Hotstar in regions where it’s restricted.

Can I Use a Proxy Server for Hotstar Instead of a VPN?

Like Netflix, the BBC iPlayer, and many other big streaming platforms, Hotstar has a pretty solid system for detecting suspicious connections. This is why many VPNs can’t access Hotstar reliably. So, using a proxy server, especially a free one, most likely won’t help you access Hotstar from abroad.