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5 Best VPNs for Hulu That Work in 2024
Our experts have reviewed 53 VPN providers, which were put through extensive rounds of testing. To learn more about that process, here’s how we review VPNs, where we explain our criteria and our policy of being fully transparent.
Hulu is a geo-restricted streaming service available in the US and Japan only. Even though some of its content is available on third-party services worldwide (such as Disney+), the streaming platform itself doesn't work unless you have an American or Japanese IP address. On top of that, many ISPs throttle those who stream a lot of media, which is their way of preserving bandwidth and cutting costs.
That said, there is a way to access Hulu from outside the US. What you need is a VPN that works with Hulu. More precisely, the best VPN for Hulu will help you obtain an American IP and unblock the streaming app. Aside from that, it will help you use Hulu when traveling outside the US/Japan. Also, a VPN will encrypt your data, helping you bypass ISP-induced selective throttling.
In this guide, we'll talk about the 5 best VPNs for Hulu, help you compare different options, show you how to watch Hulu with a VPN, explain why a VPN is needed, explain how to choose the best one, and assist you in case your VPN doesn't work with Hulu. Lastly, we'll finish with a round of helpful FAQs.
Best Hulu VPNs - Our Shortlist
- NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Hulu in 2024
- Surfshark – Speedy Hulu VPN with Unlimited Connections
- ExpressVPN – Privacy-First VPN That Works with Hulu
- CyberGhost VPN – Streaming-Friendly VPN With Lots of Servers
- PIA – Highly Customizable VPN for Hardcore Streaming Fans
How to Watch Hulu with a VPN
To watch Hulu with a VPN, you need to subscribe to a powerful VPN and connect to its US- or Japan-based servers. Here's what to do:
- Subscribe to a VPN that works with Hulu (we recommend NordVPN).
- Download and install the VPN app on the device(s) you'll use to watch Hulu.
- Launch the app and sign in to your VPN account.
- Connect to a server in the US or Japan.
- Log in to your Hulu account (it’s best to use Hulu’s website).
- Now you can watch any TV show and movie without restrictions!
To make sure Hulu cannot detect your true location, you must always be connected to your VPN before you open the streamer’s app or website. To learn more about unblocking Hulu, check out our article on how to watch Hulu outside the US.
The Best VPNs for Hulu in 2024
Finding the best VPN for Hulu requires you to follow the criteria laid out in our guide on the best VPNs for streaming, with a special focus on the streaming app in question. In other words, your VPN should unblock Hulu with ease from any location. To make that happen, it must offer servers in the US and Japan, but also plenty of servers across the world.
Next, you'll need fast speeds and stable performance. Obfuscation is needed to hide your VPN data and evade anti-VPN systems. A kill switch is also handy, helping you prevent data leaks. Aside from that, look for strong protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard), solid encryption (AES-256, ChaCha20), and a no-logs policy (an audited one, preferably).
Also, ensure you get enough simultaneous connections to cover all your devices alongside native apps for all your devices. Lastly, you'll want a good price and plenty of value, and you'll want to rely on a generous money-back guarantee to make your investment risk-free. There should also be reliable, 24/7 live chat support in addition to other customer support resources.
Based on the criteria mentioned above, here are the 5 best VPNs for Hulu in 2024:
1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Hulu in 2024
NordVPN is the best VPN for Hulu in 2024, bringing an endless list of features to make streaming as easy as possible. It unblocks Hulu in an instant, as well as dozens of other streaming apps. You'll find around 2,000 US-based servers, 130+ in Japan, as well as 6,000+ servers in 60+ countries in total.
On top of that, NordVPN is among the fastest VPNs available today - offering extra-fast speeds across nearby and remote servers. It also offers a group of obfuscated servers and a kill switch, so anti-VPN systems and data leaks won't be something to worry about.
Known for its high-end privacy, NordVPN offers military-grade AES-256/ChaCha20 encryption, VPN protocols such as OpenVPN and NordLynx (WireGuard), and an often-audited no-logs policy. You also get private DNS, leak protection, ad-blockers, anti-malware, and more.
NordVPN supports 6 simultaneous connections and works on computers, phones, tablets, streaming devices, and routers. Its 2-year plan starts at $3.39/month and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Lastly, you'll get to count on 24/7 live chat customer support.
PROS
- Unblocks Hulu from anywhere.
- Extra-fast performance.
- Highly suitable for streaming.
- Works on any device.
- 24/7 live chat support.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
CONS
- Not all servers are obfuscated.
2. Surfshark – Speedy Hulu VPN with Unlimited Connections
Surfshark is a great Hulu VPN that brings full support for Hulu and many other streaming platforms. This streaming-friendly VPN offers 600+ servers in the United States, as well as 60+ servers in Japan. On the global level, it has 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, giving you plenty of options to secure and re-route your traffic while being able to unblock any website/digital service.
This VPN has always been known for its performance. Based on our recent tests, it's still on par with the fastest VPNs out there. It also has obfuscation, which you can enable on-demand, as well as a powerful kill switch across all its supported devices.
Surfshark also uses OpenVPN and WireGuard as its protocols, AES-256/ChaCha20 encryption, and features a no-logs policy, leak protection, and many other excellent features. A unique feature is its IP rotation, which helps you avoid even the most persistent digital trackers.
This VPN allows you to connect from an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. It offers apps for any device imaginable and costs $2.29/month for its 2-year plan. Lastly, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you'll be able to try out its services risk-free. In case of any questions or issues, you'll have Surfshark's 24/7 live chat support.
PROS
- 600+ Hulu-friendly US servers.
- Unblocks many streaming apps.
- Very fast performance.
- Very easy to use.
- 24/7 live chat support.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
CONS
- Can take a while to connect.
3. ExpressVPN – Privacy-First VPN That Works with Hulu
ExpressVPN is a long-standing and exceedingly reputable VPN that works with Hulu and dozens more streaming apps and sites. It covers 20+ locations in the US, as well as 4 in Japan, while offering 3,000+ servers in 105 countries worldwide, featuring one of the biggest networks out there.
According to our tests, ExpressVPN is among the fastest VPNs available, so you can enjoy buffer-free 4K streaming even if you don't have an ultra-fast baseline connection. Aside from that, all of its servers are obfuscated, and there's a kill switch on all supported platforms.
The provider also offers military-grade AES-256 encryption, protocols like OpenVPN and Lightway, data leak protection, and a no-logs policy. These features ensure that you're safe online and that no one can steal your data or access your online activity.
With ExpressVPN, you get 8 simultaneous connections and apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, and routers. You can get started for $6.67/month (1-year plan), and the VPN will cover your purchase with a 30-day money-back policy. As you can expect, 24/7 live chat support is also available.
PROS
- Unblocks Hulu every time.
- Lightning-fast performance.
- Servers in many US states.
- 24/7 live chat support.
- 30-day money-back policy.
CONS
- Limited customization.
4. CyberGhost VPN – Streaming-Friendly VPN with Lots of Servers
CyberGhost is an excellent streaming-friendly VPN that offers a large server network and unblocks dozens of streaming apps, including Hulu. If you subscribe, you'll gain access to a whopping 2,000+ servers in the US, 230+ in Japan, and 11,500+ servers in 100 countries.
CyberGhost VPN isn't the fastest VPN out there, but you can expect medium-to-fast Web connection speeds while using this provider. So, we recommend a fast baseline connection. Also, there's no obfuscation, but you do get a powerful kill switch that works in the background.
Let's not forget that you also get OpenVPN and WireGuard, paired with AES-256 and ChaCha20 ciphers, which means that your data will remain perfectly safe and private. There's also an audited no-logs policy and RAM-based servers, eliminating any chance of data logging.
CyberGhost offers 7 simultaneous connections and user-friendly apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, streaming devices, and even routers. It's currently priced at $2.19/month for its 2-year plan, which also has a generous 45-day money-back policy. In terms of customer support, you get 24/7 live chat support, installation guides, and more.
PROS
- More than 2,000 US servers.
- Specialized streaming servers.
- Works with 50+ streaming apps.
- 45-day money-back guarantee.
- 24/7 customer support.
CONS
- Slower than its competitors.
- No obfuscation.
5. PIA – Highly Customizable VPN for Hardcore Streaming Fans
Private Internet Access (PIA) is another robust VPN that manages to unblock Hulu every single time, as well as other major US-based streaming services. What's interesting about PIA is that it has servers in all 50 US states, as well as in Japan. It offers thousands of servers in 90+ countries in total.
You can expect medium-fast speeds from PIA. We highly recommend taking your time to optimize this VPN, as it brings a wealth of customization options. You'll find obfuscation here, as well as several types of kill switch, making PIA suitable for more advanced users.
This VPN is based on protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, paired with AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption ciphers. It also has a court-proven no-logs policy, open-source apps, and more. In terms of privacy protection, few VPNs can match what Private Internet Access offers.
Another plus is PIA's support for unlimited simultaneous connections. It's priced at $2.19/month for its 2-year plan. To prove that it has nothing to hide, it also has a 30-day money-back guarantee. It's also no surprise that 24/7 live chat is on offer, in addition to several other customer support resources.
PROS
- Servers in all 50 US states.
- Works with Hulu every time.
- Plenty of customization.
- 24/7 live chat support.
- 30-day money-back policy.
CONS
- Requires some VPN knowledge.
- Medium-fast performance.
Best VPNs for Hulu - Compared
Why Do You Need a VPN for Hulu?
You need a VPN for Hulu to be able to watch Hulu outside the US, access the platform while traveling, protect yourself from digital tracking, and optimize your Web connection. Here's more info:
- Unblock Hulu from Anywhere – To make Hulu unblocked, you need to make it seem like you're in the US or Japan, so you'll have to change your virtual location. You can do that by using a Hulu VPN to connect to a server in a US city or Japan.
- Watch Your Streaming Content While Traveling - When traveling outside the US or Japan, you'll lose access to Hulu until you return home. However, a VPN lets you obtain your home country's IP, so you won't have to worry about any geo-blocks.
- Connect Safely from Public Wi-Fi – With a powerful VPN, you'll be able to stream your favorite content even on unsafe public, hotel, or restaurant Wi-Fi networks without worrying about your privacy, as your data will be encrypted.
- Avoid Bandwidth Throttling – ISPs slow down your Internet when they notice large amounts of bandwidth usage, which happens when you're streaming movies or TV shows. However, if you use a VPN, your online activity will be hidden, and your ISP won't be able to see what you're doing. So, they won’t throttle your Web connection.
- Hide Your Browsing History – By default, your Internet provider sees everything you do online unless you use a VPN to encrypt your connection. The best Hulu VPN will also protect you from data leaks and secure your identity online.
- Hide Your IP Address - Every time you connect to a VPN server, your IP address will change. As a result, your original IP will remain hidden. Doing so will help you hide your physical location and prevent trackers from following you online.
- Block Ads and Trackers While Streaming - Many VPNs use special DNS servers to strip the ads you see online, which can improve your connection's performance. So, you'll get an ad-free experience while streaming without trackers profiling your viewing preferences.
How to Choose the Best VPN for Hulu?
To choose the best VPN for Hulu, you need to ensure that it gives you unlimited access to Hulu and other platforms, and you'll also want fast speeds and servers in the US/Japan. Here's what to keep in mind:
- Ability to Unblock Hulu - The best Hulu VPN must offer instant access to the streaming platform from anywhere in the world on any device/platform you might use.
- Server Network Size and Distribution - You need servers in the US and Japan to unblock Hulu. Also, you'll want a sizable global network to be able to bypass different kinds of geo-blocks.
- Speed and Performance - You need a VPN to watch Hulu, so it must offer fast download speeds, especially if you wish to stream in HD and 4K.
- Access to Obfuscated Servers - As mentioned earlier, obfuscation is quite useful for bypassing more rigorous geo-blocks, such as those employed by Hulu and other streaming apps.
- Privacy and Security - Don't accept anything less than OpenVPN and/or WireGuard, which must be paired with encryption ciphers such as AES-256 and ChaCha20.
- Simultaneous Connections - Do you plan to access Hulu on multiple devices? Get a VPN that supports many simultaneous connections, letting you cover your entire home at once.
- Pricing - There's no need to overpay for a VPN, especially since even top-rated VPNs offer affordable prices. You'll find the biggest discounts when getting multi-year plans.
- Money-Back Policy - Protect your investment by buying a VPN with a generous money-back guarantee. Most of today's VPNs come with 30-day policies.
- Customer Support - Don't waste any time trying to fix technical issues on your VPN. The best VPN will always be there for you by offering 24/7 live chat support.
Why Does Hulu Block VPNs?
Hulu blocks VPNs due to licensing issues. Like all other streaming services, Hulu provides content from a vast array of distributors who all have their own restrictions. Thus, Hulu must abide by those licensing contracts.
VPNs allow people from all over the world to access Hulu's content. Thus, Hulu strives to block VPNs in an effort to prevent its content from reaching unlicensed markets.
Hulu wants to ensure that only residents of countries that have purchased the required content licenses can access its programming. Most streaming services like Hulu want to expand to other markets to reap all the benefits that might bring, but there won’t be as much demand if people can already access the platform by using a VPN.
That said, not many VPNs can access Hulu and provide a pleasurable streaming experience, which is why our #1 recommendation is NordVPN. Based on our tests, NordVPN is among the rare VPNs to still offer unrestricted access to Hulu from any device.
How to Fix Hulu VPN Error Code BYA-403-011?
To fix the Hulu VPN error “BYA-403-011,” you need to reboot or reset your router. The “BYA-403-011” error indicates that Hulu has stopped working because it detected that you're using an anonymous proxy tool (a VPN).
If rebooting or resetting your router doesn't resolve this issue, try disabling your VPN. If the issue is fixed, you'll know that your VPN isn't doing a good job of hiding your location. So, you'll need to find a better VPN.
Hulu Not Working with a VPN – How to Fix?
When Hulu doesn't work with a VPN, you need to check if your connection works properly, followed by trying other VPN servers and protocols. Here's everything you can try:
- Check Your Internet Connection - Before you use Hulu with a VPN, make sure that your baseline connection works fine. Turn off your VPN and browse the Web. If things are slow to load, you should contact your Internet provider and report an issue with your Web connection.
- Restart Your Device / Restart the VPN - We recommend restarting your device, which will also restart your VPN software. It's also a good idea to restart your router, which can resolve different kinds of connectivity issues.
- Connect to a Different Server – If your VPN isn't working, you can try to connect to another US server to fix this issue. Your current server might be having some technical issues, causing your VPN to have difficulties working with Hulu.
- Use an Obfuscasted VPN Server - Obfuscation is useful for hiding your VPN traffic, which is how you can bypass geo-blocks more easily. This technique uses smaller data packets than usual so they can split past various VPN detection systems.
- Switch to Another VPN Protocol - OpenVPN is typically the most powerful option to unblock Hulu and similar digital services. However, it's not the fastest option. That's why we recommend going with WireGuard, which brings a nice compromise between speed and security.
- Clear Your Cache – Cookies and cached data reveal your previous (real) location. By clearing those types of data, you'll remove potential geo-traces that Hulu can use to determine your real location.
- Temporarily Disable Your Device's Firewall - Windows PCs are known to have strict firewall systems in place that can disrupt or block VPN connections. However, firewalls are quite important, so we recommend turning them off only temporarily.
- Temporarily Disable Your Device's GPS - Hulu and other streaming apps use GPS to detect your location, which most often happens on mobile devices. Disabling your GPS will force Hulu to turn to your IP address to detect your location, which is where your VPN comes into play.
- Update Your VPN Application - VPN providers tend to issue updates every couple of weeks, which helps them optimize their software and plug vulnerabilities. If you haven't updated your VPN in a while, you should visit its settings and check if there's anything new to install.
- Contact Customer Support – If none of the above-mentioned tips turn out to work, contact your VPN's customer support team to ask for help.
Can I Use a Free VPN for Hulu?
Yes, you can use a free VPN for Hulu, but we don't recommend using them. That's because free VPNs come with all kinds of incredibly strict limitations, making your streaming experience tiresome and not enjoyable at all.
More precisely, free VPNs come with limited server networks, slow speeds, and weak security features. As a result, most can't unblock Hulu. Even if you find a free VPN that works with Hulu, it'll most likely offer limited bandwidth, so you'll get to stream for a limited time only.
Also, free VPNs collect and log your data and can see everything you do online. Then, they sell that data to the highest bidder, which are marketing agencies most of the time. We've also seen free VPNs used as a tool to propagate malware, which has happened many times before.
If you wish to play it safe, go for a VPN free trial. That's how you'll get premium-level features for a limited time without any risk. We recommend NordVPN's free trial, which is a 7-day trial that needs to be activated on Android. You can use your credentials on other devices as well, and there's also a 30-day money-back policy for all its supported platforms.
Once you've gone through a few trials, check our guide to the best VPN providers. You'll find a lot of amazing options there, offering plenty of value for their low price.
Final Thoughts
Hulu is available in the US and Japan only, without any future plans to expand internationally. You'll also face Hulu's geo-blocks while traveling, which will force you to wait until you get back to watch your favorite content. On top of that, selective ISP throttling is an issue around the world. However, a capable Hulu VPN can provide a handy solution to all those issues - all at once!
We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for Hulu because it is proven to be able to bypass Hulu’s firewalls and VPN-detection technology. It brings servers in 60+ countries in total, ultra-fast speeds, and works on any device. With this impressive VPN, you can watch all the TV shows and movies you’d like from Hulu or any other streaming service.
That's all for our guide on the best VPN for Hulu in 2024. If you have any questions, feel free to share them via the comments section below. Thanks for reading!