My team and I tested 90+ VPNs to find the best ones for Hulu. We’ve shortlisted the ones that reliably unblock the platform and deliver fast streaming speeds. From these, ExpressVPN is my top pick. Its lightning-fast speeds are perfect for enjoying your favorite Hulu content, even in Ultra HD. Plus, it offers a large network of US servers (and some Japanese ones) to give you consistent access to the platform. It’s even backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN with Hulu risk-free. If you’re not happy with it, getting a refund is hassle-free. Try ExpressVPN With Hulu
The Best VPNs for Hulu — Full Analysis (Updated in March 2023)
1. ExpressVPN — Smooth Streaming and Tons of Servers to Access Hulu With Ease
ExpressVPN delivers incredibly fast speeds for the highest quality streams. I got an average of 68.29 Mbps, which is only a 7% drop from my base speed of 73.6 Mbps. This is more than double what you need for Ultra HD streaming. You can normally expect a 10–20% drop with a VPN, so this is really impressive. I didn’t experience any lagging or buffering when I watched Life & Beth during my extensive tests. I didn’t have issues accessing Hulu with any of ExpressVPN’s 24 US locations. I contacted its 24/7 live support anyway to ask which servers were best for Hulu, and the agent recommended Denver and Atlanta. Both of these servers worked to access Hulu on the first try (but so did all the others). So, even if you do run into issues, there’s support available around the clock to provide a working solution. ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer lets you watch Hulu on devices that typically don’t support VPNs, like smart TVs, streaming devices, and gaming consoles. Setting MediaStreamer up was really easy, too — all I had to do was enter a code into my Apple TV’s network settings. Within 5 minutes, I could watch Hulu US on my big screen. The only downfall is that it’s a bit more expensive than other VPNs — with plans starting at $6.67/month. However, ExpressVPN offers generous discounts and coupons to save you money on your subscription. When I signed up for a 12-month plan, I got 3 months of service thrown in for free. Considering that all the plans offer the same features, the best value is in its long-term plans — this will save you the most money. You can also try ExpressVPN with Hulu completely risk-free since it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you find it’s not for you, it’s easy to claim a refund. I tested this policy after 27 days by contacting support via their 24/7 live chat feature. The agent asked about my experience with the service, and then quickly approved my request. I saw the money back in my account within 3 days, so I was pleased they stood by the guarantee. Watch Hulu With ExpressVPN
2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers to Unblock Hulu Without Hassle
CyberGhost offers Hulu-optimized servers that help you get straight to streaming without issues. I found these easily within the app when I clicked “For Streaming.” This allowed me to connect and watch Hulu within seconds. You can also save and label your fastest Hulu servers for quick and easy access in the future. It also has a user-friendly interface, which is great for VPN beginners. In less than 2 minutes, I was able to install it and access Hulu on my Android phone. Using its 1-click connect, you can set it up with Hulu instantly since it automatically connects to your last-used server. Its Smart DNS feature is also really easy to use, and it has guides on how to set it up on its website. It offers a Hulu-specific Smart DNS, so in a few minutes, I was streaming Hulu directly on my Apple TV. The server speeds are superfast, so you can stream in Ultra HD. When I tested its servers in New York, Boston, and LA, my average speeds were around 61.28 Mbps, only a 16% drop. When I tested in Japan, my speed dropped to about 27 Mbps. The episodes took a few extra seconds to load, but there wasn’t any lag. The only downside to CyberGhost is that, unlike ExpressVPN, it doesn’t work in China, the UAE, or other countries with a lot of internet censorship. However, it does reliably work to overcome geoblocking in most countries. You can get CyberGhost for just $2.11/month when you sign up for its long-term subscription. This also comes with an extended money-back guarantee of 45 days. Its short-term plans are a little more expensive and only have a 14-day money-back guarantee, so I’d recommend signing up for a long-term one. The money-back guarantee is legitimate, and it was super easy to get a refund. When I tested this policy (after 23 days of use), I contacted support via 24/7 live chat to ask for my money back. After asking a few questions regarding customer satisfaction, the agent approved my request — there was no pressure to stay. The refund was issued in 5 days. Watch Hulu With CyberGhost
3. Private Internet Access — Tons of Servers to Watch Hulu From Anywhere
Private Internet Access has the largest server network of any VPN in this list. It has 53 US locations and 29,650 servers all over the world, so you have access to lots of global content (plus, a less congested network for better speeds). It also has streaming-optimized servers in the US and Japan to access both Hulu services. I had no issues watching Hulu when I tested its US East dedicated streaming server. Its speeds are fast and reliable for enjoying your favorite Hulu shows without interruption. While testing its Atlanta, Chicago, and Washington locations, I found an average of 32 Mbps. While it wasn’t as fast as ExpressVPN, I could still stream shows in HD without a problem. Additionally, PIA enables users to connect Unlimited devices simultaneously. This is ideal if you have a big household or use a number of devices to stream Hulu. When I tested it, I used the VPN on both my Android and Windows laptop to watch Hulu. This didn’t cause any slowdown or interruption in my streaming on either device. I did have to spend a bit more time finding the best server for Hulu with PIA. However, since its server network is so huge, it didn’t take me long to find a fast, reliable connection. Your best bet is to just stick to one of the streaming servers. PIA’s longest plan only costs $2.03/month, and it often offers a few months for free. The long-term and middle-tier plans also include PIA Anti-Virus and Boxcryptor. Plus, its shortest plan works out to be more expensive, so I recommend one of the longer-term ones. With its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try PIA with Hulu for free. I tested out this guarantee after using it for 22 days by using the 24/7 live chat feature. The agent asked why I wanted to cancel, but approved my request immediately. I had my money back after 6 days. Watch Hulu With PIA
4. NordVPN — NordLynx Protocol to Maintain High Speeds for Smooth Hulu Viewing
NordLynx is NordVPN’s proprietary protocol and it’s fast enough for UHD Hulu streams. It’s based on the speedy WireGuard protocol. My speed on the US servers (while watching Pure) only dropped 15% at most, regardless of my location in the UK. On the Japanese server, I could still stream Naruto buffer-free without any issues. NordVPN has 17 locations in the US so it’s easy to obtain a new IP to use with Hulu. The servers are organized by location in the user-friendly app — it only took a few moments while testing NordVPN to find the US and Japanese servers to start watching Hulu. SmartPlay is integrated into the app to help unblock a variety of content. In short, it changes your DNS and masks your IP without having to take any extra steps. SmartDNS is another service that lets you unblock content on devices that don’t support the native app. Bear in mind though, it doesn’t provide all the security benefits of the VPN. Unfortunately, some of the servers took a while to connect. For example, a Japanese server didn’t change my IP address for about 12 seconds. However, it connected quickly the second time, and there are alternative servers to choose from. Plans for NordVPN begin at $3.29/month. I suggest getting a long-term plan for the best value. The shorter plans are pricer but don’t come with any extras. Subscriptions are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can easily get a refund if it doesn’t work out. Using the 24/7 live chat I put my request in for a refund and cancelation — I was reimbursed within 6 days. Watch Hulu With NordVPN
5. Surfshark — Smart DNS to Watch Hulu on Devices That Don’t Support the App
With Surfshark’s smart DNS, you can unblock Hulu content on devices that don’t support the native app. DNS information is provided on the Surfshark website, and it only took me about 5 minutes to set it up on my LG smart TV. It doesn’t give you the same security features as the full app, but it does help to bypass geoblocks. There are 25 US server locations, as well as Japanese servers for both Hulu versions. Handmaid’s Tale loaded without any difficulties using the US server, and speeds were decent (no more than a 16% drop). All servers provided a stable connection in my Surfshark tests and changed my IP address successfully. You get unlimited device connections — ideal to watch Hulu on multiple devices in your household. I connected my smart TV, Windows Laptop, Android phone, and more without any loss of connectivity or slowdowns. This is great if you tend to stream on the move, too, since you can leave other devices connected at home. Sadly there aren’t any streaming-optimized servers. Despite this, all the US and Japanese servers I tried worked with Hulu. You won’t struggle to find a suitable server for a new IP. Surfshark plans start from $2.30/month. I definitely recommend a long-term plan for the most savings. You won’t gain anything extra from the more expensive ones. You can try Surfshark for free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. If it isn’t right for you, getting a refund is pretty easy. I logged on to the 24/7 chat and canceled my subscription. After a few simple questions, the refund was confirmed and credited to my bank account after a week. Watch Hulu With Surfshark
6. IPVanish — Unlimited Device Connections to Watch Hulu on All Your Devices
IPVanish offers unlimited simultaneous connections per account, so you can watch Hulu on as many devices as you like. I tested this feature out by watching 3 different Hulu shows on my Windows laptop, iPhone, and iPad at the same time. I was impressed that there were no slowdowns or lag. It’s also good if you have a large household, so you can share your account and use it at the same time. Its speeds were fast and consistent while watching Hulu. I didn’t experience any buffering, and I didn’t have to wait long for the show to load between episodes. I tested the speeds of 3 of its US servers in New York, Chicago, and Denver, and my download speed never dropped below 38.7 Mbps. You only need 5 Mbps for HD streaming, so these speeds are more than enough. The one downside to IPVansih is that it doesn’t have streaming-optimized servers, so it took me a bit of time to find one that worked. Luckily, it offers 24/7 customer support, so you can simply drop them a message and ask which servers work best with Hulu. Whenever I contacted them to ask this, I was able to access Hulu on the first try.+ The longest plan is a pretty good deal at $2.49/month, and it comes with ransomware and malware protection software as a bonus. This isn’t included in its short-term plans, so you get more for your money if you sign up for the long-term one. With its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try IPVanish out risk-free. It was super easy to get a refund when I used the guarantee after 28 days. I didn’t even have to talk to its 24/7 live chat or give a reason for canceling. I just had to log in to my account, go to “Subscriptions,” and click “I wish to cancel my subscription.” After just 4 days, I got my money back. Watch Hulu With IPVanish
7. PrivateVPN — Small, but Reliable Network to Enjoy Hulu in Ultra HD
PrivateVPN has reliable servers and good speeds. During my tests, every US location worked with Hulu and my download speeds averaged 47.22 Mbps, a 35% drop. I watched 3 episodes of Only Murders in the Building and didn’t get stuck at a loading screen once the entire time. You need 25 Mbps to stream in Ultra HD, so PrivateVPN’s speeds were more than fast enough. Simple Mode is an interface setting that makes it super easy for you to use the app with Hulu. With this setting, all I had to do was choose a US server and click “Connect.” The app chose the best security protocol and settings, and I could start streaming right away. However, if you’re an experienced user, you can switch to Advanced Mode to fully configure the VPN’s settings yourself. Unfortunately, its global server network is not as extensive as those of the other VPNs on this list. However, I found that its locations in the US and Japan were fast and reliable. Even when I was experiencing slow loading times with one server, I just switched to a different location, which assisted in boosting my speeds. PrivateVPN’s long-term plan only costs $2/month. It also has 1-month and 3-month plans, and all of them have the same features and offer 10 device connections. The only difference is the price, so I opted for the longest-term plan, which has 85% off right now and is the best value overall. You can try PrivateVPN risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, and it’s one that you can trust. I made sure they upheld the guarantee by contacting support and asking for a refund. The agent asked why I wanted to cancel, and after giving my reason, they quickly approved my request. I received the refund in my account within a week. Watch Hulu With PrivateVPN
8. Proton VPN — Create a Hulu Profile for Quick Access to Your Favorite Shows
Proton VPN’s customizable profiles make it quicker and easier for you to access Hulu (or other streaming platforms). For example, I created a profile called “Hulu” and set it up to connect to the fastest US server automatically. This saves having to search through a long server list — you just click your Hulu profile, and you’re ready to start streaming. It offers 14 US server locations and more than 25 in Japan, so you’ll always be able to find a reliable connection to watch Hulu. I tested 5 US locations and had no issues accessing my Hulu account with any of them. Its US-NY#517 server let me binge-watch Salem — there were no interruptions in my connection the entire time. It also generously offers 10 device connections. To test this, I connected my laptop, smartphone, and tablet to the VPN. During this time, I noticed it took around 10 to 20 seconds to load a show, but I didn’t encounter any buffering after it loaded. I was a little disappointed that Proton VPN doesn’t offer 24/7 live chat support. I had to use a contact form to ask about Hulu servers. It took 18 hours to get a response, which isn’t great. But, I had no issues accessing Hulu to begin with. Plus, its website has an extensive knowledge base. Proton VPN offers a paid and free plan. However, its free plan doesn’t support streaming, so you can’t use it for Hulu. Its paid plans start from $4.99/month and give you unlimited access to its server network, more device connections, and faster speeds. Since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try Proton VPN Plus with Hulu risk-free. However, you only get a refund for the days of the plan you haven’t used, so you won’t get all your money back. I tested its policy by filling out a contact form and got my money back after 8 days. Watch Hulu With Proton VPN
Quick Comparison Table: Hulu VPN Features
Below is a table that compares the features of each of the Hulu VPNs in this list. Here you can see each VPN’s lowest price, how many devices you can connect to at the same time, and the average speeds I got while testing. I also included streaming-optimized servers, which are designed to boost streaming speeds and sometimes to unblock specific platforms, like Hulu. Smart DNS is another great feature that will allow you to unblock Hulu on devices that don’t normally support VPNs, like gaming consoles, some streaming devices, and smart TVs. Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free
Tips on How to Choose the Best VPN for Hulu
There are hundreds of VPNs available on the market, but only a few of them actually work with Hulu. So, knowing which features to look for will help you pick the right one. Here’s the criteria I used for selecting the best VPNs for Hulu:
Fast speeds — This will have a major impact on how quickly you can load and play content on Hulu. For HD streaming, at least 5 Mbps is recommended. I used an online speed checking tool to ensure all of the VPNs on this list meet this requirement. Large server network — Your VPN should offer an extensive network of US or Japanese servers, depending on the library you wish to access. This ensures you’ll always have a reliable, speedy connection. I checked that all of my recommended VPNs have extensive US networks, and at least 1 Japanese location. Reliable unblocking ability — The best VPN for Hulu should be able to bypass tough geoblocks consistently. I tested all of the VPNs in the list to ensure that their US and Japanese servers reliably unblock the platform. Leak protection — Choosing a VPN with leak protection prevents IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks from happening. IPv6 leaks can reveal your real IP address, which makes it very easy for Hulu to see you’re using a VPN and block you. Windows users are particularly susceptible to this. Device compatibility — Check that the VPN is easy to install on your favorite devices, such as your mobile phone, computer, smart TV, gaming console, or router. I made sure all of the listed VPNs offer apps for the most popular operating systems. Reliable support — I made sure all the VPNs on the list offer dependable customer support. For quick assistance with your questions and concerns, it’s best to look for a VPN offering a 24/7 live chat feature. Alternatively, it should have responsive customer service through either email or a contact form. Trustworthy money-back guarantee — A money-back guarantee allows you to try the VPN and its features with Hulu, without risk. I made sure that all of my recommended VPNs have a trustworthy money-back guarantee, or a free trial, so that if you aren’t happy with it you can get a full refund.
These VPNs Don’t Work With Hulu
Some of the VPNs I tested were unable to access Hulu at all. These are the VPNs that I can not recommend for Hulu:
What if my VPN is not working with Hulu?
First, you should try switching to a different server. It’s possible that Hulu has blacklisted the IP you’re using, so you can see if another one works. That’s why it’s best to use a VPN with several servers in the US or Japan (depending on your Hulu account). This will give you plenty of alternatives, in case you encounter a connection that can’t get past that “Hulu Error Code: P-EDU101” block. If this doesn’t work, you can also try:
Clearing your cookies and cache. It’s sometimes easier to access Hulu with a VPN from a browser as opposed to the app. If you use a browser, go to settings, clear cookies and cache data, then load Hulu again. You can also just try a different browser — this has worked plenty of times for me in the past. Disabling IPv6 on your device. Although the VPNs on this list offer protection against IPv6 leaks, not every service does. Some VPNs effectively mask your IPv4 address but leave your IPv6 exposed. So to disable this, just navigate to your device or browser’s network and internet settings and then uncheck “Internet Protocol Version 6.” Clear your DNS cache. To prevent people from accessing geo-restricted sites (like Hulu), some countries will scramble your DNS entries from your ISP. The steps to “flush” your DNS will vary depending on your device, but on my Windows 10, I just had to open a command prompt and type “ipconfig /flushdns”. DNS flushing will allow your computer to adjust to its correct DNS settings. Manually configure your DNS/proxy settings. You may need to manually set your device’s DNS and proxy settings if your computer hasn’t done so automatically. To do this, you can usually find a step-by-step guide on your VPN’s website, or through customer support. Contact the VPN’s customer support. An agent will be able to advise which servers work best with Hulu. They might also have some more troubleshooting tips you can try for that VPN.
How can I fix the Hulu home location error with Hulu + Live TV?
You can fix the Hulu home location error by using a VPN that has dedicated IP addresses. This lets you use the same IP address every time you connect to the server, rather than randomly assigning you a new one (which regular VPN servers usually do). CyberGhost and Private Internet Access offer dedicated IPs. Hulu uses “home location” to determine what local channels you’ll get with the service. Once the location is set, you’ll be assigned certain channels (such as your local news) based on the IP address you used to sign up. You’ll get the following error message if you attempt to access Hulu + Live TV from a different IP address: Additionally, if Hulu can’t identify your network, you’re on a shared network, or if your VPN is not compatible — you may get the “home location” error. Hulu does this to prevent account sharing. You can also fix this by updating your network. Hulu lets you change your home location (and its associated IP) up to 4x per year. So if you get a dedicated IP with your VPN, you can update your home location to your new IP. Then, you will always have a static IP to access your Hulu account with.
Which devices can I use to stream Hulu with a VPN?
Hulu is supported by most modern devices. All the VPNs in this list have native apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and can be set up on routers. While setting a VPN up on your router will allow you to use it on any device on your home network, the setup process can be complicated. If you want to watch Hulu on a gaming console, streaming device, or smart TV, then you should consider a VPN that comes with Smart DNS. With this, you can manually configure the VPN to most WiFi enabled devices simply by entering a code in its network settings. When I tested this with ExpressVPN, I followed some simple instructions from its website — it took me less than 5 minutes to get Hulu on my smart TV. The devices that Hulu supports include:
Can I sign up for Hulu from outside the US or Japan?
Yes, it’s possible. You can access Hulu from the UK, Canada, Australia, Mexico, or anywhere, but you’ll need a VPN to do it successfully. Hulu requires a US or Japanese payment method, such as a credit/debit card or a local PayPal account. However, if you don’t have one, you can also pay with a prepaid gift card. I’ve found them on MyGiftCardSupply. Once you buy a Hulu gift card, connect your VPN to a US or Japanese server and visit the Hulu site. Follow the prompts to create your account, and use your prepaid gift card to make your payment. Afterward, you can begin streaming shows and movies on your new Hulu account. To download the app, you’ll first have to change your app store’s location and create a US or Japanese app store account. Then, you can download the Hulu app on your device. Just bear in mind that using a VPN to access Hulu in a country where it’s not available goes against its terms and conditions. However, you’re not likely to be banned from the service since Hulu goes after the VPN software rather than its paying customers. In places like China or Iran, VPNs that aren’t government-approved are illegal, so using one to get to Hulu could be breaking the law. We don’t condone illegal activity, so if you want to use a VPN to get around geoblocks, check the laws and regulations in your country first.
Will a VPN slow my streaming speeds?
It’s normal for a VPN to slow down your connection speed a bit — how much can depend on the encryption used and distance from the server. However, the decrease in speed is barely noticeable when you use a VPN with lightning-fast servers. You only need 5 Mbps to stream in HD. So I made sure that my recommended VPNs maintain speeds of at least 15 Mbps, even on distant connections.
Is using a VPN with Hulu legal?
For the most part, yes — but not in every country. In most countries, you can use a VPN to watch Hulu without breaking any laws. This is the case if the country you’re in does not ban VPNs. However, using a VPN with Hulu does go against Hulu’s Terms and Conditions. That being said, there have been no reports of Hulu banning a subscriber for using one, since VPNs are ultimately a tool to protect online privacy. That’s why sometimes certain VPN servers won’t work with Hulu — they’ve discovered that it’s a VPN IP and blacklisted it. In addition, VPN use itself is entirely illegal in certain countries with heavy censorship that either ban or heavily regulate VPNs (like China and Iran). I don’t condone using a VPN illegally, so I recommend that you check your local laws to prevent facing legal consequences if you’re not sure.
Can I watch Hulu with a free VPN?
You might be able to, but I don’t recommend it. It’s better to use a low-cost premium VPN that comes with a money-back guarantee instead. Free VPNs rarely work with Hulu — plus, they’re usually very limited on data and speeds, making it hard to do much streaming at all. Even worse, most free VPNs are unsafe. They usually make money by collecting and selling your data to third parties, and targeting you with annoying ads. Some have even exposed their users to malware. It’s simply not worth the trouble when you can get all of my listed VPNs with either a free trial or a reliable money-back guarantee. Watch Hulu With ExpressVPN
Get the Best VPN for Hulu Today!
Most VPNs are unable to bypass Hulu’s tough geoblocks, so the process of finding the right service is frustrating. Those that do work are oftentimes unreliable and super slow, making it hard to do much streaming at all. Luckily, my team and I found a selection of the best Hulu VPNs that give you fast and reliable access to the site. My favorite of these is ExpressVPN because of its blazing-fast speeds, reliable connections, and consistent ability to unblock Hulu. You can even try ExpressVPN with Hulu completely risk-free since it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you find it’s not for you, you’ll have no problem getting your money back.
To summarize, the best VPNs for Hulu in March 2023 are…
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