Best Vpns For Hotstar In 2023 Watch From Outside India

Hotstar is perhaps best known for its live cricket broadcasts. That said, it has rapidly grown its roster of content in recent years, and now offers a wide selection of movies, television shows, sports, and music.

Unfortunately, the service is geo-restricted with a varying library of content depending on your country. The largest library is reserved for those with an Indian IP address. If you’re traveling abroad and want to access the Hotstar service in the United States, Canada, Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, or elsewhere, your best bet is to sign up for a Virtual Private Network (VPN) first.

However, not all VPNs will work with Hotstar.

We’ll explain how we chose the best VPN software for Hotstar further down, but if you’re short on time, here’s our summary list of the best VPNs for Hotstar:

NordVPN: Our top choice for Hotstar. A security-first VPN with impressive unblocking ability, a no-logs policy, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark: Best budget option. Plenty of speedy servers to choose from. No connection limit. Top-notch security and privacy features.
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is a veteran provider that excels at unblocking services like Hotstar. Solid speeds and a great range of security features.
CyberGhost: Another budget-friendly option with fast servers in India so you can easily unblock Hotstar from abroad.
IPVanish: Fast enough to stream Hotstar from abroad in high quality, plus strong security and a no-logs policy.
PrivateVPN: Small VPN provider with a few servers in India that can access Hotstar from anywhere.
Atlas VPN: Fast and consistent unblocker of content. Servers in dozens of countries, India included. Unlimited simultaneous connections.

How to watch Hotstar abroad with a VPN

Setting up VPN software might sound complicated, but it’s actually very easy to do. Just follow the instructions below and you’ll be able to stream Hotstar abroad in no time.

There are no hidden terms - just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

Here’s how to watch Hotstar online outside India:

Download and install a VPN that works with Hotstar. NordVPN is the most reliable option.
Open your VPN and pick a server in India.
Clear your browser cache and cookies to remove location information from previous sessions.
Open Hotstar and stream your favorite content from any country in the world.

A VPN functions by routing all the internet traffic flowing to and from your device via an encrypted tunnel. Most paid VPN providers offer a wide variety of server locations to choose from; it’s up to you to decide which server the traffic will be routed through. If you select a server in India, the Hotstar website and mobile app will assume you’re geographically located there and grant you access to premium content. Using a VPN also makes it very difficult for your internet service provider (ISP), hackers, government surveillance agencies, and others to monitor your digital footprint.

The best VPNs for Hotstar

Based on these criteria, here is our list of the best VPNs for Hotstar:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Unblocks HotstarTested Jan 2023

Apps Available:

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FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is a veteran in the VPN business as it’s been around for well over a decade. The service has around 5,000 servers spread across 60+ countries, including more than 30 in India. Best of all, this is one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, meaning you won’t have to worry about lag or buffering while watching Hotstar abroad.

NordVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption by default, coupled with DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection, plus a customizable kill switch. The service adheres to a zero-logs policy and provides 24/7 assistance over live chat.

Apps are available for both Android and iOS and there are desktop clients for Windows, Linux, and MacOS. A single paid account allows for six simultaneous connections which is more than the industry standard of five.

NordVPN speed test data

BEST VPN FOR HOTSTAR:NordVPN is our #1 choice. A good all-rounder that also works well with Hotstar. Strong security features and accommodates up to 6 devices. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you can try it completely risk-free.

Pros:

Operates 30+ servers in India that are great for streaming Hotstar abroad
Faster than any of its rivals
Top-notch security and privacy protection
Works with Netflix, Hulu BBC iPlayer and more
Connect 6 devices concurrently

Cons:

Desktop apps don’t let you disconnect in one click

Our score:

Here’s our full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

Unblocks HotstarTested Jan 2023

PC
Mac
IOS
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Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is an excellent choice for anyone looking to watch Hotstar abroad. It has servers in 60+ countries including the US, UK, and India, so you can access your usual content library from anywhere. Better still, this service is fast enough for you to stream live video without any noticeable lag or buffering. Unlike most of its rivals, Surfshark allows you to connect as many desktop and mobile devices as you like.

Security is one of Surfshark’s biggest strengths. It uses AES 256-bit encryption, protection against WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks, and a kill switch (which stops all traffic if your VPN connection drops suddenly) to keep your activities private at all times. You can sign up anonymously with cryptocurrency and a disposable email address but as Surfshark doesn’t keep any logs, you can’t be traced either way.

Surfshark has apps for Windows, Android, iOS, MacOS, and Linux. It can also be manually configured to work with supported internet routers.

Surfshark speed test data

BEST BUDGET OPTION:Surfshark is a low-cost VPN with plenty to offer. It has excellent unblocking capabilities, no connection limit, and solid speeds, not to mention a 30-day money-back guarantee.

No connection limit
Unblocks Hotstar and similar services abroad
Strong security features and a no-logs policy
Accepts three different cryptocurrencies
Settings menu could be better organized

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN ranks highly because of its choice of military-grade encryption standards and ability to stream a huge range of content. The service is speedy, reliable, and has minimal downtime. The company operates more than 3,000 servers spread across 94 countries. There are three locations in India so users shouldn’t face any problems when trying to unblock Hotstar.

ExpressVPN has a privacy policy of not storing any detailed traffic logs and the maintenance of your privacy online is of utmost importance to the company. Some metadata is retained and used to improve service quality levels, specifically the date (not time) of connection, choice of VPN server location, and total bandwidth used. Your real IP address won’t be recorded.

This service uses 256-bit AES encryption, along with perfect forward secrecy and a no-logs policy. It’s fair to say that its security standards are ironclad. An internet kill switch is included, which the company refers to as a ‘network lock.’ This feature will temporarily halt all web traffic if the connection drops.

ExpressVPN offers apps for both Android and iOS, as well as a desktop client for Windows and MacOS. Also has its own custom router firmware. Each account allows for five simultaneous connections.

ExpressVPN speed test data

SECURE AND PRIVATE:ExpressVPN is a solid choice thanks to its high-speed connections, great unblocking ability, and strong security. Also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Operates reliable servers in India
Fast speeds for streaming Hotstar in HD
Comprehensive security and privacy features
A wide range of apps available – Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and certain Wi-Fi routers
Slightly higher cost than others

Read our review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost ships with a variety of nifty features including anti-tracking and ad-blocking. It’s also relatively inexpensive and won’t break the bank, making it a great choice for users on a budget. The service is fast and incorporates military-grade encryption parameters.

At the moment CyberGhost offers 7,000+ servers across 91 countries. India is included in the list with 30+ servers. We’ve seen the range of servers and countries expand considerably in recent times with no signs of slowing down.

CyberGhost uses 256-bit AES encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default, but newer versions of the app also include WireGuard support. An internet kill switch is included too, which will keep your connection secure even if the link to a server drops for some reason. Another reassuring factor is that CyberGhost adheres to an internal privacy policy of not storing any user logs.

Apps are available for both Android and iOS and there are desktop clients for Windows, MacOS and Linux. A subscription grants access to seven devices on a single plan.

CyberGhost speed test data

Beginner friendly:CyberGhost has a simple set up. Works well with Hotstar. Good option if you are looking for a fast, reliable connection and an easy-to-use interface. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Operates 30+ servers throughout India and unblocks Hotstar with no issues
Streaming-optimized servers
Budget VPN provider that doesn’t compromise on security and privacy
Apps are easy to use, secure and offer good privacy protections
Not suitable for those that need control of advanced features
Doesn’t work in China or the UAE

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish is a favorite for users who want blazing connection speeds coupled with stringent privacy measures and strong encryption. In our testing, the service performed admirably when subjected to HD video quality streaming. Perhaps this shouldn’t be surprising given IPVanish has more than 1,900 servers spread across 60+ countries. Several servers are located in India and there are many other options within Asia.

Encryption standards are robust. IPVanish deploys AES 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, and WireGuard support. IPVanish is a completely logless service — there’s no storage of metadata related to timestamps, server preferences, or other user behavior.

Many users find IPVanish an excellent option for Kodi because it enables them to download the Android APK directly to their device. The interface is remote control-friendly for Kodi devices that lack a keyboard and mouse.

Apps are available for both iOS and Android and there are desktop clients for Windows and MacOS. One paid account allows for unlimited simultaneous connections.

IPVanish speed test data

UNLIMITED DEVICES:IPVanish is great for families and multiple connections. Easy to use with Hotstar and preferred by users who need high standards of user privacy and security. Doesn’t work with as many other streaming services as some of its rivals. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Operates servers in New Delhi that unblock Hotstar at good speeds
Preferred by Kodi and Firestick TV for its remote-friendly apps
Strong encryption makes apps secure
Customer support is a little slow
Apps don’t work in China

Read our full review of IPVanish.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN has a smaller network of servers than others on this list, but it compensates for this relative disadvantage by delivering incredible speeds. Servers in India are included so users looking to access Hotstar won’t be disappointed.

In our user review, PrivateVPN streamed 1080p video flawlessly when tested across three different server locations. Online games were similarly quick so it’s clear the service checks all the boxes when it comes to a seamless experience.

PrivateVPN uses either 128-bit or 256-bit encryption, a customizable kill switch, and perfect forward secrecy to help keep your activities private. An automatic kill switch and DNS leak protection are included too. Best of all, PrivateVPN keeps no logs whatsoever.

A basic plan allows for five simultaneous connections. There are apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

PrivateVPN speed test data

GREAT SPEED:PrivateVPN is a good family choice. Unblocks Hotstar. Also good for secure and private browsing and torrenting. Could do with having more servers and lacks 24/7 support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Unblocks Hotstar with servers in Bangalore and Chennai
Good speeds for streaming
Keeps no logs whatsoever
Very fast speeds
Support staff are good, but only operate during European business hours
May need support assistance in locating the best server to choose

Read our review of PrivateVPN.

7. Atlas VPN

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FireTV

Website: www.atlasvpn.com

Atlas VPN is a great choice if you regularly travel abroad. It has servers across dozens of countries including India. However, it’s main selling point is its consistent unblocking of geo-restricted streaming services such as Hotstar. It even works with Netflix and HBO Max which are platforms that many VPNs struggle with. Thanks to the fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth, 4K streaming is perfectly possible.

If you have a lot of devices to secure, you’ll appreciate that Atlas VPN allows unlimited simultaneous connections per account. Note also that this is a highly secure service with 256-bit AES encryption, protection from DNS leaks, and a kill switch. The user-friendly apps include a number of extra security features which make this VPN good value. This includes MultiHop servers and an ad blocker.

STREAMING-FRIENDLY:Atlas VPN lets you access Hotstar outside India and also works well with Netflix. Fast for streaming 4K content. Connect all of your devices at the same time. MultiHop servers available. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Unblocks Hotstar and other popular streaming services
High-speed connections so you can stream without lag
Secure as many of your devices as you like simultaneously
Keeps you safe online with encryption and malware blocker
Far fewer servers than many major VPN providers
No anonymous payment options such as Bitcoin

Read our full Atlas VPN review.

Methodology for assessing VPNs for Hotstar

There are hundreds of VPN services to choose from, but that doesn’t mean all of them offer comparable products. There’s a high degree of variation when you analyze factors like network size, security, speed, reliability, customer support, and more. We research these features and use a range of metrics to rank our recommended VPNs. The following criteria are the key areas we’ve used to evaluate the best VPNs for Hotstar.

Streaming ability – To be able to successfully watch Hotstar from abroad a VPN must have strong streaming capabilities. All the VPNs on this list can securely access a wide range of streaming services.
Servers in India – Operating servers in India (or offering virtual servers with an India IP address) is a must for any VPN to be able to unblock Hotstar.
Security – Strong encryption ensures third parties cannot snoop on the activity of the VPN user. A VPN kill switch and DNS leak protection are must-haves to ensure no identifying data leaves your desktop or mobile device.
Logging policy – A secure VPN service must be log-less, meaning it does not record and save information about your activity. IP addresses are also not logged. Ideally, the provider collects no information and therefore cannot be hacked or coerced into giving up information about customers. Read more here on each VPN’s logging policy.
Bandwidth limit – Some VPNs have data caps or bandwidth limits that throttle or halt downloads up to a certain limit. We have only selected VPNs with unlimited bandwidth so you can stream Hotstar to your heart’s content.
Speed – For uninterrupted streaming these VPNs all rank above average in our speed tests.

These tests form part of a wider program of VPN testing and analysis our team performs as part of our product research process.

Should I use a free VPN to access Hotstar?

Free VPN offerings are widely available and the no-cost factor is very tempting. But that’s usually where the allure finishes.

The basic premise of paying for a VPN is to ensure you get access to servers optimized for speed, security, and reliability. Free VPNs skimp on this aspect; they’ll offer you a choice of one or two server locations, and regularly subject you to bandwidth throttling and data caps. Expect poor encryption standards that don’t do much to protect your privacy online. And, in some cases, you run the real risk of having your data pilfered and sold to third-party advertisers.

At Comparitech, we don’t recommend using a free VPN to access Hotstar because you’ll receive a fraction of the experience that a paid VPN service offers.

How to fix Hotstar VPN detected error

If you try to use Disney+ Hotstar from abroad, you’ll see the following error: “This content is currently not available in your region“. Similarly, In the past, Hotstar would display the following error if it realized you were using a VPN: “Uh-oh, we cannot playback due to geographic restrictions. Disable VPN if it’s accidentally turned on.”

Nowadays, the service will simply refuse to show you any content, without specifically telling you why. This can be confusing, especially since the page just appears to be loading endlessly.

Sometimes, VPN providers have specific servers that are optimized for unblocking a particular website. If this is the case, your VPN’s customer support team should be able to tell you which servers work with Hotstar. Unfortunately, failing this, there’s little you can do other than waiting for a workaround or trying a different service.

What else can I do with a VPN?

The use of a VPN opens up a plethora of options and use cases. This article is meant to showcase how you can spoof your location to access Hotstar, but a VPN can also help you securely access Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, ESPN, and more.

A VPN can also be used to blog online safely, access public wifi, and indulge in torrenting.

How to watch Hotstar abroad with a VPN#

The best VPNs for Hotstar#

1. NordVPN#

NordVPN speed test data#

Pros:#

Cons:#

2. Surfshark#

Surfshark speed test data#

3. ExpressVPN#

ExpressVPN speed test data#

4. CyberGhost#

CyberGhost speed test data#

5. IPVanish#

IPVanish speed test data#

6. PrivateVPN#

PrivateVPN speed test data#

7. Atlas VPN#

Methodology for assessing VPNs for Hotstar#

Should I use a free VPN to access Hotstar?#

How to fix Hotstar VPN detected error#

What else can I do with a VPN?#