Having the best Hulu VPN is going to let you use the incredible streaming service no matter where you are in the world. While many streaming services are worldwide anyway, nearly all of them have region-locked content for some unknown reason. Being able to make sure you can keep up to date with shows like How I Met Your Father and Single Drunk Female is important, let's not kid ourselves.
Hulu goes one further though, and can only technically be used within the US. That would be a massive issue, but the internet occasionally does good things, like letting us use the best VPN for Hulu to just ignore that little fact. When you're actually using a VPN for Hulu, all you really need to do is switch to a US server and then go from there.
While the process is undoubtedly very easy to get used to, not all VPNs are amazing. Some of them lack integral features that'll help you not only watch shows on Hulu at high speeds but also keep you safe from any potential online threats. It may seem a little paranoid, but the internet, despite sometimes being amazing, is kind of a security risk if you're not careful.
With all of that in mind, let's get stuck into what we believe are the best VPNs for Hulu so that you can start streaming some good old-fashioned, all-American shows.
Best Hulu VPNs
1. Surfshark
Server Locations: 100 Countries
Protocol: OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, WireGuard
Encryption: AES-256
Other Features: Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, Unlimited Connections
Surfshark is up there as one of the best streaming VPNs as it can easily unblock services like Hulu without having to mess around with anything complicated. As it can cost as little as $2 per month if you're willing to pay two years upfront too, you hardly have to pay anything for the service either.
Its Camouflage Mode hides the fact you're using a VPN and makes you look like every other user. This means no dodgy company can make an online profile of you and you won't stand out like a sore thumb when accessing Hulu while traveling abroad.
You never need to worry about exceeding a device limit as well, as Surfshark supports unlimited connections. This means that when you're on holiday with your loved ones, parents, siblings, or children, they can watch from their tablets and smartphones while you stream on your laptop with no issues at all. In fact, it has apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Linux, and when you're back at home, you can pop it on your router so it also works with Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV too.
Although you'll focus on the US for Hulu, there are over 100 different server locations, many of which also work with Netflix, Amazon Prime, and, in the UK, BBC iPlayer. It even works when you're roaming about in China, but you'll want to be careful given the country's stance on VPN usage.
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2. ExpressVPN
Server Locations: 94 Countries
Protocol: OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, Open source Lightway
Encryption: AES-256
Other Features: Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, Quick ON/OFF, Independent Audits
ExpressVPN is a little pricier than its rivals, but that extra money goes towards making it one of the best at unblocking geo-restricted platforms. It refreshes its thousands of servers more than most other providers, so you don't need to go hunting for one that works with the services you want to use.
The best way to access Hulu while you're away on vacation, however, is with ExpressVPN MediaStreamer. A perk of the VPN, this feature uses smartDNS to spoof your location instead of the virtual private network. This means it doesn't encrypt your traffic but does make you look like an ordinary user. And when you're back at home, it's way more versatile for platforms that don't support a VPN natively, like consoles and smart TVs.
It supports up to five different devices, giving you and four loved ones the chance to carry on with your Hulu shows at the same time. Thanks to the availability of over 3,000 servers spread throughout 160 locations across 94 countries, you can rest assured that you’ll be getting the highest possible quality wireless connection available.
You can use it on pretty much any Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android devices as well, and it's even primed to work with routers that protect your whole household. It has full 24/7 live chat, so you don’t have to worry about anything going wrong if something isn’t working, or if you feel like you’re not getting the best possible value of your subscription. An excellent service then, all things considered.
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3. NordVPN
Server Locations: 60 Countries
Protocol: OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, NordLynx (WireGuard)
Encryption: AES-256
Other Features: Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, Quick Connect, Malware Protection, Phishing Protection
NordVPN uses ‘SmartPlay technology’ to bypass the geo-restrictions of any given streaming service, including Hulu, to allow you to watch the content you want from any country you may be in - which is pretty handy when you’re abroad in a different country, relaxing by the side of a pool, or in your hotel room.
NordVPN is compatible with PCs, laptops, and smartphones running Windows, MacOS, iOS, or Android, with eighty different server locations across the world so that you can use it while abroad. With the security features available, such as a double VPN feature, kill switch, no dedicated logs, 256-bit encryption, a dedicated IP address, and access to Onion, you can put your mind to rest knowing that everything you’re doing online is safe and secure.
There’s support for up to six separate devices and full explainer guides that will help even your grandmother understand exactly how to use a VPN (and also explain to her what a VPN actually is, so that you don’t have to spend the best part of six hours trying to tell her why she might need a Virtual Private Network). Ultimately, it's a simple-to-use and effective VPN service that can work great for Hulu content when you're not in the US.
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4. ProtonVPN
Server Locations: 61 Countries (3 free)
Protocol: OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, WireGuard
Encryption: AES-256, ChaCha20
Other Features: Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, Ad Blocker
Our penultimate entry on this list is ProtonVPN, which does come with some downsides compared to the rest of our entries, but also has a considerable set of upsides too.
With your $5 a month, you get access to 1,800 different servers across 61 different countries, with a maximum amount of 10 different devices that can use the VPN. That’s the highest number from this entire list and something that isn't possible to look past thanks to the sheer flexibility that ProtonVPN offers. That $5 a month isn’t a set number either, since you can pretty easily wait and get the VPN at a discounted price.
Did we mention there’s also a free option for the VPN? This will allow you to easily test out what exactly the service does for you and whether you’d rather go for it or a different VPN before you commit to a long-term subscription.
Okay, it may not have as many servers as the others, but with the option to use it for free and the ability to connect up to 10 devices, there is still plenty of reason to consider using ProtonVPN as your VPN service for Hulu.
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5. CyberGhost
Server Locations: 91 Countries
Protocol: OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, WireGuard
Encryption: AES-256
Other Features: Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, Ad Blocker
No, CyberGhost isn’t the natural evolution of the horror genre (although a ghost that’s also got cybernetics sounds like an extremely interesting plot for a lost Futurama episode). CyberGhost is a VPN that offers apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Linux, and Android, and comes with a whole host of options when it comes to safety.
With CyberGhost, you gain the ability to hide your internet activity, hide your IP addresses, make sure that nobody is keeping any logs on your activities, and maintain incredibly strong encryption so that hackers will have a very tough time trying to get into your personal details.
There’s also a 45-day money-back guarantee, support for up to seven different devices at any one time, and 24/7 access to a support team so that you can resolve any difficulties that you might have while trying to access your favourite shows and movies on Hulu.
If that wasn't enough, then perhaps access to 9,100+ servers in 91 countries is the cherry on top of the cake needed to convince you to check out this great VPN service.
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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
VPNs are by no means the easiest thing to understand. No need to panic though, as we've answered some of the most frequently asked questions about them below.
Are VPNs legal?
VPNs are only illegal in a few countries, such as China, Iraq, North Korea, and UAE. Policing and punishment for using a virtual private network in these countries vary, but we don't advocate breaking the law of the country you're in regardless.
Elsewhere, VPNs are entirely legal to use, but what you use them for might not be. Downloading copyrighted material is still illegal in most countries, no matter whether you're connected to a VPN or not.
Using a VPN to access geo-restricted websites and services isn't illegal, but it might be against the terms and conditions of the platform. For streaming services like Hulu, this is because it only has the licensing rights to air certain content in the US and not internationally. Punishment for getting caught doing this could result in a suspended account, but we've not heard of any cases of this happening.
What should I look for in the best Hulu VPN?
When looking for a VPN for Hulu, there are a few important factors to consider to ensure that you get the best experience possible:
- Server locations: Make sure that the VPN provider you choose has servers located in the United States, as this is where Hulu is based. Ideally, you should choose a provider with a large number of US servers to ensure fast and reliable connections.
- Speed and performance: Streaming video requires a fast and stable internet connection, so you need a VPN that won't slow down your internet speed. Look for a provider that offers fast speeds and low latency to minimise buffering and lag.
- Streaming capabilities: Not all VPNs are capable of unblocking geo-restricted content like Hulu. Choose a provider that specifically states that it can unblock Hulu and other streaming services.
- Security and privacy: VPNs are primarily used to protect your online privacy and security, so choose a provider that offers strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and other security features like a kill switch.
- User-friendly apps: Look for a VPN provider that offers easy-to-use apps for all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. This will make it easier to set up and use the VPN on all your devices.
- Customer support: Finally, choose a provider that offers reliable customer support in case you run into any issues or have questions about the service. Look for providers that offer 24/7 live chat or a responsive email ticket system.
So what VPN are you choosing from our list of the best Hulu VPNs? Do you feel satisfied with your purchase?