How to watch Hotstar from anywhere with a VPN

Like most major streaming services, Hotstar is region-locked, meaning you can’t access its content unless you are in India. This kind of geographic restriction is common and can be very frustrating for citizens who travel outside of India and want to access their usual services and continue streaming their favorite shows. Luckily, it is easy enough to bypass this kind of restriction, you just need a VPN with servers in India.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) 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, changing it by connecting to a VPN allows you to quickly and easily spoof your location. In other words, by using an Indian server, you can gain an Indian IP address from anywhere and unblock websites like Hotstar, YuppTV, and Jio TV abroad.

In this article, we’ll explain exactly how to use a VPN to watch Hotstar from anywhere and list the best VPNs for the job. We’ll go into more detail about each of the providers we recommend later on, but in case you’re short on time here’s a quick summary.

Best VPNs for watching Hotstar abroad:

1. Surfshark: Our top choice for a Hotstar VPN. A speedy VPN that puts its users’ privacy first. Servers in India with no problems unblocking Hotstar abroad. Has no connection limit and all the tools required for your safety. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. ExpressVPN: A security-conscious service with excellent unblocking ability and speeds that are fast enough for HD live streaming.
3. 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.
4. CyberGhost: This novice-friendly service has strong speeds and an even stronger unblocking ability. There are plenty of powerful security features, too, all of which come pre-configured.
5. 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.
6. 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.

How to watch 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:

1. First, you’ll have to decide which VPN to use — we recommend Surfshark.
2. Download your provider’s app and install it on any device you stream on regularly.
3. Log in and connect to a server in India this will give you the Indian IP address you need to access Hotstar from anywhere.
4. 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.
5. 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.

How we found the top VPNs for Hotstar

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. With this in mind, we looked for providers that met the following non-negotiable criteria:

• 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

This is just an overview, but you can read more about how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend in our detailed methodology article. 

The best VPNs for watching Hotstar anywhere

At Comparitech, we personally use and test every VPN before recommending them to you. The following reviews are based on our first-hand experiences. Let’s take a closer look at the ones that made the cut. 

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for watching Hotstar abroad:

1. Surfshark

Nov 2024 Unblocks HotstarTested Nov 2024

Surfshark is our top choice for Hotstar. Users can choose from over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries, including India. Connections are extremely fast and reliable, and this VPN works with all manner of streaming services, from Hotstar to Netflix to Amazon Prime Video. Best of all, unlike many of its rivals, Surfshark has no connection limits; in other words, you can protect every device you own with one account.

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 VPN FOR DISNEY+ HOTSTAR:Surfshark's 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.

Take a look at our comprehensive Surfshark review.

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2. ExpressVPN

Unblocks HotstarTested Nov 2024

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.

For more information, check out our complete ExpressVPN review.

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3. IPVanish

Unblocks HotstarTested Nov 2024

IPVanish has more than 2,000 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.

Check out our in-depth IPVanish review for more details.

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4. CyberGhost

Unblocks HotstarTested Nov 2024

CyberGhost has a truly expansive network, with around 9,000 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.

Interested? Check out our full review of CyberGhost.

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5. PrivateVPN

Unblocks HotstarTested Nov 2024

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.

Still not sure? Why not check out the complete PrivateVPN review?

6. Hotspot Shield

Unblocks HotstarTested Nov 2024

Hotspot Shield has over 1,800 servers in 80+ countries (India included). Its high speeds and unlimited bandwidth make it an excellent choice for watching Hotstar abroad, but that’s far from the only service it can securely access. In fact, this VPN even lets you stream Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer safely. Five devices can be connected at once. Hotstar, YuppTV, and Jio TV abroad.

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.

Read the full Hotspot Shield review.

Watching Hotstar online with a VPN: FAQs