How to fix the Hulu proxy error

Hulu is a popular streaming service but, unfortunately, it’s only available in the US. Copyright and licensing restrictions dictate that Hulu must ensure its content is inaccessible from abroad. It does this by looking at your IP address and its corresponding geographical location. For this reason, you may come across a Hulu proxy error like this:

Error playing this video. You appear to be using an anonymous proxy tool. Disable it to play videos on Hulu.

The Hulu proxy error will typically appear because you’re using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access Hulu or because you’re accessing the streaming service from outside the US (or for both of these reasons). While the Hulu proxy error can be caused by a VPN, it’s also true that it can be fixed by using one. The key is finding a VPN service that works with the Hulu streaming platform.

We cover the best VPNs for fixing the Hulu proxy error further below. First, here’s a quick overview of each in case you’re looking to get back to streaming Hulu straight away:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for fixing the Hulu proxy error. Roughly 2,000 US servers. P2P and Onion Over VPN servers available. No-logs VPN with 24/7 support included.
2. Surfshark: Best value VPN. Offers approximately 600 US servers. Works well with Hulu as well as Netflix. Unlimited simultaneous connections. Packed with security features.
3. IPVanish: Works great with Hulu and other popular streaming platforms, including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. It has speedy servers available in 20+ US locations, great value subscriptions and robust security.
4. ExpressVPN: Plenty of US servers for accessing Hulu. Servers in 94 countries in all. No bandwidth throttling and doesn’t keep any identifying logs. Excellent customer support.
5. CyberGhost: Fastest VPN we’ve tested. Stream Hulu in HD and 4K. 9,000 servers worldwide (1,300 in the US). 24/7 support. Windows security suite with antivirus.
6. PrivateVPN: Works with Hulu, Netflix, and more. Servers in a dozen US cities including New York and Los Angeles. No-logs VPN with user-friendly apps and free remote help.
7. Private Internet Access: Good speeds for streaming Hulu. Servers in over 50 US locations. Secure up to 10 of your devices at once. No-logs service with 24/7 support.

How to fix Hulu proxy error

While the Hulu proxy error is certainly frustrating, it’s actually quite quick and easy to fix. We’ve provided step-by-step instructions which should have you streaming Hulu in a matter of minutes.

Here’s how to fix the Hulu proxy error:

1. Sign up with a VPN service that works well with Hulu. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Download and install the VPN app that’s compatible with your streaming device. All of the VPNs listed in this post let you connect multiple devices simultaneously
3. Open the VPN app before connecting to a server in the US. This is necessary if you want to get a US IP address and unblock Hulu from any location.
4. Go to Hulu and select your preferred content. You should no longer see the Hulu proxy error. If you’re still getting it, there are a few things you can try.
5. Clear your cookies. Hulu may remember your old IP address. Failing this, connect to a different server before clearing your cookies again. If you’re still having trouble, it’s worth contacting your VPN’s customer support for further assistance.

Best VPNs to fix Hulu proxy error

There are many VPNs on the market but not all of them are suitable for use with Hulu. Indeed, some are far too slow for streaming while others fail to unblock the streaming platform entirely. The best VPNs for fixing the Hulu proxy error all meet the following requirements:

• Servers (and IP addresses) that work with Hulu
• Unlimited bandwidth for lag-free streaming
• Secures data with AES encryption
• Multiple simultaneous connections per account
• Live chat and email support 24 hours a day
• Risk-free with a money-back guarantee

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for fixing the Hulu proxy error:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024

NordVPN has long been the best VPN for unblocking Hulu. By connecting to one of its servers located in the US, you’ll be able to fix the Hulu proxy error. Overall, this VPN offers well over 5,000 servers worldwide, some 2,000 of which are in the US. Aside from Hulu, NordVPN works with Netflix in countries including the US. NordVPN had an average download speed of 369 Mbps in our latest speed tests. As such, it’s more than fast enough for streaming Hulu.

With NordVPN, there’s plenty of choice as to the type of server to which you connect. There are standard servers that are speed-optimized as well as specialty servers. The latter includes those optimized for P2P. Double VPN provides improved security and privacy. This is a no-logs service and has been independently audited by Deloitte to prove it. It uses 256-bit AES encryption and also offers a kill switch and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. 24/7 support is available via live chat and email.

You can secure up to six devices at once via NordVPN apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. Alternatively, you can use a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. Manual configuration is required to use it with routers.

BEST VPN TO FIX HULU PROXY ERROR:NordVPN is our top pick. It works with Hulu, Netflix, Prime Video, and more. Some 2,000 US servers and specialty P2P and Double VPN servers. Audited no-logs policy and has 24/7 support. Thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it risk-free.

Read our full NordVPN review.

NordVPN Coupon

74% off 2 year plans + 3 EXTRA months

Get Deal >

Discount applied automatically

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a highly reliable VPN for unblocking popular streaming services such as Hulu. Indeed, we’ve found it works well with lots of Netflix libraries, the US version of Netflix included. What’s particularly impressive is that Surfshark’s server network covers 100 countries — far more than most VPNs. There’s over 3,000 servers, some 600 of which are located in the US for quickly and easily fixing the Hulu proxy error. You can benefit from Surfshark’s fast, unthrottled connections when streaming.

Nord includes 24-hour customer support, although you may not need it because it’s very user-friendly. P2P and MultiHop servers are available and there’s even an ad and malware blocker. You can also expect essential security features including 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. A strict no-logs policy is included. All of your devices can benefit from the aforementioned features because Surfshark permits unlimited simultaneous connections.

Surfshark apps are available for the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. Browser extensions can be downloaded for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. While compatible with select wifi routers, manual configuration is required.

BEST VALUE VPN:Surfshark easily bypasses the Hulu proxy error with its generous offering of 600 US servers. It provides fast speeds for streaming without lag or buffering. Connect all of your devices at the same time. Extra security features such as an ad blocker. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

Surfshark Coupon

87% OFF + 4 months free

Get Deal >

Discount applied automatically

3. IPVanish

IPVanish worked perfectly when we tested it with Hulu. It was also able to access big-name platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, Max, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, and BBC iPlayer. Speeds are fast enough for streaming 4K video where available.

The provider owns the majority of its network hardware and has 1,300+ US servers spread across 20 US cities. You can choose between them by consulting the ping time and relative load listed next to each server.

Features include a kill switch; an ad, tracker and malware blocker; auto-connect for untrusted networks; and access to a SOCKS5 proxy. The split tunneling feature allows you to watch Hulu connected to a US server, while using other apps or domains with a regular connection. If you’re connecting from a restrictive country, the IPVanish Scramble feature can obfuscate traffic to bypass VPN blocks.

IPVanish has had its no-logs claims independently verified by auditors. It uses 256-bit encryption and gives users the choice of three different connection protocols. We conducted IP, WebRTC, and DNS leak tests to confirm that its built-in leak protection worked.

Subscriptions are available for one year, two years, or on a rolling monthly basis. Prices start at the equivalent of $2.19 a month and allow unlimited simultaneous device connections.

GREAT FOR STREAMING:IPVanish provides easy access to Hulu and a host of other streaming platforms. It’s fast, secure and reasonably priced. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is highly suitable for streaming content whether you’re at home or traveling abroad. With more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries, it’s well placed to unblock a wide range of content, Hulu included. ExpressVPN has long worked well with Netflix as well. This VPN uses its own open-source protocol, Lightway, which provides high-speed connections. It offers unlimited bandwidth and, as such, you can expect strong streaming performance.

When you connect to an ExpressVPN server, your internet traffic is routed through a 256-bit AES encrypted tunnel. A kill switch cuts your internet traffic if the VPN connection drops. This is a particularly useful feature if you’re using public wifi which tends to be vulnerable to security threats. Aside from DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection, ExpressVPN doesn’t keep any logs by which you can be identified. If you have any questions, there’s 24-hour live chat and email support.

ExpressVPN provides desktop (Windows, Mac, and Linux) and mobile (Android and iOS) apps. You can also find apps for Amazon Fire TV and Android TV as well as browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. ExpressVPN is particularly router-friendly with custom firmware.

QUALITY CUSTOMER SUPPORT:ExpressVPN has servers in 94 countries, the US included. Unblock Hulu and stream it lag-free thanks to unlimited bandwidth. Strong security thanks to high-end encryption. Excellent 24-hour support. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

ExpressVPN Coupon

SAVE: 82% + 6 months free on 2 year plans

Get Deal >

Coupon applied automatically

5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is the fastest VPN we’ve tested and it also works well with Hulu as well as Netflix US. You can therefore stream Hulu content in high definition and even 4K, all without having to contend with lag or buffering. What’s also particularly noteworthy about CyberGhost is its generous server network. This consists of roughly 9,000 servers in 90+ countries, making it one of the largest server networks of any VPN. Of these servers, nearly 1,300 are located in the US.

This is a no-logs service that allows you to secure up to seven of your devices at the same time. While very easy to use, live chat and email support is available around the clock. CyberGhost is one of the safest VPN services on the market thanks to security features including 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and an automatic kill switch. Unlike most VPNs, it even offers a Windows security suite complete with antivirus and anti-malware.

You can access CyberGhost via its Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV apps. However, you may prefer to use a browser extension, in which case you can download one for Chrome or Firefox. While there’s no app for routers, a connection can be manually configured.

FASTEST VPN:CyberGhost is the fastest VPN we’ve tested. Stream Hulu in 4K (also works with Netflix US). Some 9,000 servers across more than 90 countries. Provides antivirus and anti malware for Windows. Also operates a strict no-logs policy. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

CyberGhost Coupon

SAVE 84% on the 2 year plan + 4 months free!

Get Deal >

Discount applied automatically

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is particularly adept at bypassing restrictions of streaming services. Not only can you use it with Hulu, it works well with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and more. Speeds are more than fast enough for consistent streaming. Unlimited bandwidth makes PrivateVPN suitable for torrenting and online gaming. While it doesn’t have the largest server network (just over 200 servers), servers are available in a dozen US cities.

The PrivateVPN apps couldn’t be easier to use. It’s possible to connect to the fastest available server in a single click. Regardless, you’ll still have access to PrivateVPN’s live chat and email support as well as free remote help and installation. Security consists of 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Notably, PrivateVPN operates a true no-logs policy in that, unlike many other VPNs, it doesn’t even keep connection logs.

PrivateVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, all to unique IP addresses. You’ll find apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. If you prefer, you can manually configure PrivateVPN to work with select wireless routers.

POWERFUL UNBLOCKING:PrivateVPN can be used to access many popular streaming services, be it Hulu or Netflix. Fast, consistent connections. User-friendly apps, fast customer support, and strong privacy protection with its no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access provides high-speed connections, averaging 94 Mbps in our speed tests. This is fast enough for streaming Hulu in high resolution while not having to worry about performance issues. Servers are located across more than 80 countries. When it comes to US servers for fixing the Hulu proxy error, dozens of cities are covered including New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas. This makes it easier to find a fast server that’s closer to your physical location.

You can expect strong security with Private Internet Access which uses 256-bit AES encryption to secure your internet traffic. There’s also DNS leak protection and a kill switch as well as an optional add-on in the form of a Windows antivirus. Another optional extra is a Dedicated IP address. This is useful if you’re looking to avoid shared IP address blacklists, which may be why you can’t access Hulu in the first place. Last but not least, PIA operates a no-logs policy.

Protect all of your devices with PIA’s apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV (it allows up to 10 simultaneous connections). To use PIA with a compatible router, you’ll need to manually configure the connection.

STRONG ALL-ROUNDER:Private Internet Access is able to bypass the Hulu proxy error and provides good speeds for streaming in high resolution. Operates a no-logs policy and has servers in dozens of US cities. Use it on 10 devices at once. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

Methodology: How we found the best VPNs to fix Hulu proxy error

When it comes to testing VPNs, we have our own methodology that ensures we explore every avenue. This includes server speeds, security features, and user-friendliness of the VPN’s apps. Below, you can find out more about what we look for:

• Servers worldwide: Hulu is only available in the US which means that any VPN selected must have servers in that location. Fortunately, most VPNs have US-based servers. We look for each VPN to have servers across dozens of countries. This offers more flexibility when it comes to unblocking content and finding a fast server near you.
• Speed: Hulu recommends you have an internet speed of at least 16 Mbps for streaming 4K content. All of the best VPNs for fixing the Hulu proxy error far surpass this. We’ve found the fastest VPNs by looking for those that use speed-friendly protocols such as WireGuard. It’s no coincidence that all of these VPNs offer unlimited bandwidth as well.
• Unblocking: The priority is to find VPNs that are able to bypass the Hulu proxy error. However, we also looked for them to unblock other popular streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer. While some countries such as China censor social media platforms (Facebook and Twitter), the aforementioned VPNs are able to unblock them.
• Security: One of the main benefits of using a VPN is improved online security. The most secure VPNs encrypt your data, hiding it from hackers and snoopers alike. We look for a VPN to use encryption as well as offer DNS leak protection and a kill switch. Some even offer extras, be it a Windows antivirus or Double VPN servers.
• Privacy: It’s little good if a VPN offers the above security features but keeps identifying logs of its users. These may be shared with third parties or stolen by hackers. Any privacy-advocating VPN will operate a no-logs policy. We’ve studied more than 140 VPN logging policies in order to find those that best protect your privacy.
• Ease of use: You likely want to be able to quickly and easily fix the Hulu proxy error without extra hassle. With this in mind, we’ve identified VPNs that provide user-friendly apps for desktop and mobile. Most also offer convenient browser extensions. All can be set up in a minute or two and include live chat and email support should you need help.
• Value for money: Some VPNs fail to offer much of the above yet are actually more expensive. We believe that we’ve found the best balance in terms of features offered and value for money. In all cases, VPN discount coupons are available so you can get an even better deal. The VPNs also include money-back guarantees of at least 30 days.

Take a look at our VPN testing methodology post if you’d like to learn more about our process when it comes to analyzing VPNs.

Fix Hulu proxy error: FAQs