How to watch Hotstar India in USA or UK with a VPN in 2024

Although Hotstar (or Disney+ Hotstar) is available outside India, the full library of TV shows and movies is not. The platform has geographic restrictions in place due to licensing reasons, which means that when you leave India, you won’t be able to access your usual full library of content. Luckily, there’s an easy way around this. We show you how to watch Hotstar India from anywhere with a VPN.

Virtual Private Networks (VPN) don’t just offer a gateway to your sought-after content; they upgrade your online experience by turbo-charging privacy and anonymity. The rigorously tested VPNs listed in this article can help you access Hotstar as if you were lounging in Mumbai or Delhi, even if you’re actually in the US, UK, Canada, or anywhere else! At the same time, they’ll keep your online data secure and safe from prying eyes.

Later on, we’ll give detailed reviews of the best VPN providers for seamless Hotstar India access, and explain how to use them. But, in case you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary:

Best VPNs for watching Hotstar India in the USA or UK:

1. Surfshark The best VPN for streaming Hotstar abroad. A security-first provider that makes it easy to watch Hotstar outside of India. Offers steady speeds, impressive strong streaming potential, no connection limit, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. ExpressVPN: A strong choice for watching Hotstar India. Boasts high speeds, real versatility, an excellent selection of security features, and knowledgeable 24/7 customer support.
3. CyberGhost: Some 30+ virtual servers in Mumbai, India, and over 10,000 globally. Very fast speeds for streaming Hotstar India lag-free. No-logs VPN with Windows antivirus.
4. PrivateVPN: An extremely fast service with fantastic everyday potential. With a strong security focus and no-logs policy, users can safely stream Hotstar India from abroad.
5. Private Internet Access: Servers in Mumbai that work with Hotstar India. Can also access Netflix US. Unlimited devices and plenty of security features.
6. ProtonVPN: 30+ servers in India for streaming Hotstar from the UK and US. Also works with Netflix. Very fast and has a genuine no-logs policy.
7. Hotspot Shield: Provides consistently high speeds and can reliably unblock some of the most popular streaming platforms like Hotstar abroad. Takes user security very seriously.

How to stream Hotstar abroad using a VPN

VPNs can seem a little intimidating, but they’re really quite simple to use. Follow the steps below to unblock Hotstar India from anywhere in the world in minutes.

Here’s how to watch Hotstar while traveling abroad:

1. Start by signing up for one of the VPNs below (we recommend Surfshark).
2. Download and install the VPN app on any device you’d like to stream on.
3. Log in and connect to an Indian server to get an Indian IP address. The location doesn’t matter, but you’ll usually find that the closer the server, the higher your speeds.
4. Visit the Hotstar website and log in or create an account if you haven’t already. Note that while much of the content is free to watch, you’ll need an Indian credit card if you intend to sign up for a premium account.
5. Finally, try to watch something. You should find that the video begins right away. If it doesn’t, clearing your browser’s cookies and refreshing the page should solve most issues.

How we selected the top Hotstar India VPNs

Although there are all kinds of technical differences between rival VPNs, these rarely impact the user’s experience in any meaningful way. That’s why, instead of spending hours comparing the pros and cons of a particular encryption protocol, we recommend choosing a versatile service that can handle most everyday situations. All of the VPNs we’ve listed here meet the following criteria:

• Has at least one server in India, but ideally, more to access Hotstar India
• Is fast enough for uninterrupted streaming and offers reliable connections
• Unblocks Disney+ Hotstar and similar services from abroad
• Protects your privacy with effectively uncrackable encryption
• Doesn’t log any data that could identify you
• Provides apps for all of the most popular operating systems

You can read more about how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend in our methodology section below. For now, let’s take a look at the ones that made the cut. 

Best VPNs for Hotstar India: Our hands-on review

We’ve tested and compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with Surfshark – our #1 choice for Hotstar India.

Best VPNs for watching Hotstar India in the US or UK

The following reviews are based on our extensive real-world testing and first-hand experiences. Let’s dive into the VPNs that impressed us.

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for streaming Hotstar India in the US, UK, or anywhere:

1. Surfshark

Dec 2024 unblocks hotstarTested Dec 2024

Surfshark is our top choice VPN for accessing Hotstar outside India. It’s a great wallet-friendly VPN that has more than 3,200 servers in 100+ countries, including India. Further, it can securely access streaming services like Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix. This VPN has no connection limit and provides steady, reliable speeds, meaning you can not only watch TV in the highest possible quality but also wherever and on whichever device you like.

This service uses 256-bit encryption to keep your traffic hidden from snoopers. That’s not all, though: there’s DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and the ability to connect automatically when on a public wifi network. Additionally, its NoBorders feature ensures that no matter where you go, you’ll be able to browse the web freely and securely. Surfshark doesn’t log any data that could personally identify you. Need help? Support staff can be reached 24/7 via email and live chat.

Surfshark provides easy-to-use Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Linux apps. If you’d prefer, it can be manually installed on supported network routers.

BEST VPN FOR HOTSTAR:Surfshark is our top choice. Has a major focus on privacy and allows you to safely watch Hotstar and similar services on any device you like. Great value, allows unlimited connections, and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Check out the full Surfshark review.

2. ExpressVPN

unblocks hotstarTested Dec 2024

ExpressVPN has a network of more than 3,000 servers in 100+ countries, including India, Canada, the UK, and the US. Further, it offers high speeds and can unblock all kinds of streaming services. Users can securely access online streaming platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer, not just Hotstar. Up to eight simultaneous connections are permitted per account.

This VPN comes with a wide range of security features. Your traffic is kept private using DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection, and 256-bit encryption, There’s also a kill switch (that stops data transmission the moment you lose connection to the VPN). Most importantly, ExpressVPN doesn’t log any personally identifiable information. Bitcoin payments are accepted, in case you’d like to sign up as anonymously as possible. If you run into any problems, you can reach customer support via the 24/7 live chat service.

ExpressVPN apps are available for iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, and Linux systems. Additionally, users can install custom firmware directly onto supported routers or manually configure a router VPN for network-wide protection.

FAST AND RELIABLE:ExpressVPN offers a large network, fast speeds, and best in class security features, making it the perfect choice for watching Hotstar abroad. What’s more, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Still, have questions? You’ll find all the answers in our complete ExpressVPN review.

3. CyberGhost

unblocks hotstarTested Dec 2024

CyberGhost has nearly 30 virtual servers located in Mumbai, India. These servers are optimized for P2P torrenting and can also be used to access and stream Hotstar India. This VPN has one of the largest server networks around, with over 10,000 servers in more than 100+ countries. As such, you can also use CyberGhost to stream the likes of Netflix US. It’s one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, so it’s ideal for this purpose.

It’s also worth noting that this is a highly secure service whether you’re browsing, streaming, or torrenting. All internet traffic is routed through a 256-bit AES encrypted tunnel while there’s also an automatic kill switch and protection from DNS leaks. A no-logs service, CyberGhost even offers Windows users a security suite with antivirus. Last but not least, 24/7 support is available via live chat and email.

Connect up to seven devices at once via CyberGhost’s apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. To use CyberGhost with a compatible router, you’ll need to manually configure the connection.

IMPRESSIVE STREAMING SPEEDS:CyberGhost is one of the fastest VPNs around, and has some 30 virtual servers in India. Works with Hotstar, Netflix US, and more. No-logs VPN with antivirus for Windows. Includes a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Still have questions? You’ll find all the answers in our complete CyberGhost review.

4. PrivateVPN

unblocks hotstarTested Dec 2024

PrivateVPN doesn’t have the largest network, with only around 200 servers spanning 60+ countries. Despite this, it remains an excellent choice for anyone who streams regularly, thanks to its powerful streaming capabilities and exceptionally high speeds. As well as Hotstar India, PrivateVPN lets you safely stream Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu as you travel. Users can secure up to 10 devices at once.

This VPN boasts an impressive range of security and privacy protections. There’s a kill switch, 256-bit encryption, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks, plus split tunneling functionality. Finally, a stealth mode allows you to bypass even the strictest online blocking. PrivateVPN doesn’t keep any logs at all. Support staff are on hand 22 hours per day over live chat and email in case of any issues.

PrivateVPN users can install iOS, MacOS, Windows, and Android apps. Alternatively, you can manually configure the service for use with Linux systems and supported internet routers.

GREAT FOR TV:PrivateVPN is a great choice for streaming Hotstar India thanks to its higher than average speeds and unlimited bandwidth. What’s more, this service offers a wide range of advanced security features, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and a no-logs policy.

Why not read our complete review of PrivateVPN?

5. Private Internet Access

Unblocks HotstarTested Dec 2024  

Private Internet Access has servers in Mumbai, India, which allows you to access and stream Hotstar India from the USA, UK, or indeed anywhere. Its impressive server network actually covers over 90 countries, so it’s a great option if you regularly travel abroad and need to bypass content restrictions. According to our latest speed tests, PIA averages 117 Mbps, which is fast enough for streaming in high-resolution lag-free.

This is a highly secure service thanks to its use of 256-bit AES encryption. It also provides DNS leak protection, a kill switch, an ad blocker, and MultiHop servers. You’ll be able to use Private Internet Access on as many devices as you like simultaneously because there’s no connection limit. Need help? PIA provides live chat and email support 24 hours a day.

Connect to PIA’s Indian servers via apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. You also have the option of using a browser extension (available for Chrome and Firefox). Manual configuration is required to use PIA with a router.

COMPREHENSIVE SECURITY:Private Internet Access provides servers in Mumbai, India, so you can stream Hotstar from anywhere. Unlimited bandwidth and also works with Netflix US. Lots of security features make it a secure option. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

6. Proton VPN

Unblocks HotstarTested Dec 2024

Proton VPN has one of the fastest growing server networks in the VPN market. It now stands at more than 8,000 servers across 112 countries, India included. At present, you’ll find 30+ servers in India – far more than most VPNs. All of these servers are located in Mumbai. The fact that Proton VPN also ranks among the fastest VPNs we’ve tested makes it an excellent choice for watching Hotstar India from abroad. Indeed it also works well with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

This is one of the more private Virtual Private Networks available in that it operates a genuine no-logs policy. In fact, it also accepts payment in cash which is not something most VPNs can say. Security comes in the form of 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Proton VPN also features Secure Core servers which route your data through multiple servers for extra protection.

You can find Proton VPN apps for all of the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Android TV. Browser extensions can be downloaded for Chrome and Firefox. With manual configuration, you can set it up with a router.

PRIVACY-FRIENDLY:Proton VPN has a vast server network, including 30+ servers in India. Very fast speeds for streaming Hotstar India lag and buffer-free. No-logs VPN with strong security and privacy protection. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Proton VPN review.

7. Hotspot Shield

unblocks hotstarTested Dec 2024

Hotspot Shield provides access to 1,800+ servers in over 80 countries, India included. Its high speeds, unlimited bandwidth, and strong unblocking potential mean that it’s ideal for streaming Hotstar abroad. In fact, this service even lets you securely access stubborn platforms like Netflix US and Amazon Prime Video. Users can connect up to five devices simultaneously.

With 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks, Hotspot Shield keeps your activities safe from prying eyes. There are also features that allow you to automatically connect when on unsecured networks or allow certain websites to bypass the VPN entirely. Hotspot Shield doesn’t keep any identifiable data after your session ends, and as a result, you can browse securely at all times. This service’s apps are very easy to use, but if you need help, email and live chat-based support are available 24/7.

Hotspot Shield apps are available for MacOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. Also, select internet routers, and Linux systems are supported via manual configuration.

HIGHLY VERSATILE:Hotspot Shield is an excellent everyday VPN. It’s fast and reliable, making it ideal for streaming Hotstar or torrenting, but it also offers strong security, keeping you safe from snoopers. Best of all, this VPN includes a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Interested? Find out more in our full Hotspot Shield review.

Our Methodology: Choosing the best VPNs for Hotstar India

There’s a lot to think about when it comes to buying a VPN. Some are faster than others, for instance, and there are plenty of providers that just can’t unblock Hotstar abroad. Here are the most important things we looked out for when choosing the best VPNs for Hotstar:

• Servers in India: These are required to get an Indian IP address, which is what makes Hotstar think you’re still in India. We’d like to see as many servers as possible and, preferably, a few different locations to choose from.
• Streaming ability: The first challenge is finding VPNs capable of unblocking Hotstar abroad. However, this isn’t enough: we value services that can access a wider range of platforms, which is why we test them with Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, to name but a few.
• Speed: Streaming requires a stable connection and decent speeds. Luckily, we regularly run hundreds of tests to find out which VPNs are the fastest. Naturally, we prioritized speedy services, but the consistency of their performance is important too.
• Security and privacy: Above all else, VPNs are privacy tools. That’s why we require them to offer 256-bit encryption, a no-logs policy, leak protection, and a kill switch to be considered for our list. Of course, we prefer VPNs that offer even more advanced features like automatic wifi protection, custom protocols, or split tunneling ability.
• User-friendliness: All of the services above are simple enough for newcomers to use. What’s more, they all provide live chat-based assistance in case you have any issues. Some even allow an unlimited number of connections, meaning everyone in your family can share one account.
• Price: We thoroughly research VPNs to make sure we don’t recommend any that aren’t fairly priced. Additionally, to save you as much as possible, we’ll always provide details about any available offers, deals, discounts, or money-back guarantees.

While this might seem like a long list of requirements, it’s only the first part of our testing. If you’re interested, we actually have a post that talks all about how our team tests VPNs.

Watching Hotstar with a free VPN

We strongly advise against using a free VPN to watch Hotstar India in the UK or US. These services tend to have smaller networks than paid VPNs, which makes it less likely that they’ll offer Indian servers. Additionally, free VPNs usually have more users than their paid counterparts, which means you can expect slow speeds, long buffering times, and stuttering video, assuming you manage to access Hotstar in the first place.

Free VPNs can pose a real privacy risk too. Many of the apps you’ll find on the Google Play Store fail to use encryption, for instance, which means they’re effectively no safer than browsing normally. Equally troubling, major marketplaces are flooded with Trojans looking to take advantage of your privacy concerns. The best way to protect yourself online is to use a reputable VPN, ideally one that follows a strict no-logs policy.

Streaming Hotstar India abroad: FAQs

See also: Best VPNs for watching Hotstar abroad