Even though many VPNs work with Hotstar, only one is the true best VPN for Hotstar to access outside India – ExpressVPN.
ExpressVPN is incredibly simple to use, features ultra-fast performance and can unblock Hotstar on practically any device.
However, your options don’t stop there. I also recommend Surfshark and CyberGhost, so keep reading to learn more about those and a few other Hotstar-ready VPNs.
Top 3 VPNs for Disney+ Hotstar
Surfshark is a highly polished VPN service that works with a vast range of streaming platforms, including Disney+ Hotstar while taking care of your privacy without much fuss.
ExpressVPN is one of the most reputable VPN services, with over 3,000+ servers optimized for media streaming, giving you access to Disney+ Hotstar on an extensive range of devices.
CyberGhost has a massive server fleet, with many servers optimized for streaming platforms, including a range of niche services. Of course, Disney+ Hostar is supported as well.
Hotstar has 50 million paying customers and 300 million monthly active users globally. So, it’s clear that a massively capable infrastructure backs it. However, that also means Hotstar knows how to implement strict anti-VPN systems.
Therefore, it’s no surprise that only a handful of VPNs can unblock Hotstar.
Even when you find a VPN that works with this streaming service, you might encounter a frustrating streaming experience that prevents you from watching in HD or 4K.
So, you need a VPN with servers optimized for media streaming.
On top of that, your chosen VPN must provide plenty of servers throughout India. That’s how you’ll obtain an Indian IP address and unblock Disney+ Hotstar on any device.
Aside from finding VPNs based on the criteria mentioned above, I made sure to find VPNs that work across many devices (via an easy-to-use and user-centric interface) and provide you with plenty of simultaneous connections.
So, you’ll get to stream Disney+ Hotstar on your computer, phone, tablet, streaming device, game console, and smart TV.
Sounds good?
Then stick around and let me show you the best VPNs for Hotstar to access outside India.
Short on Time? – These Are the Best Disney+ Hotstar VPNs!
Based on my extensive tests and hands-on experience, these are the 5 best VPNs that let you unblock Disney+ Hotstar outside India:
- ExpressVPN – Best VPN Overall for Streaming Disney+ Hotstar
- Surfshark – User-Friendly & Fully-Automated VPN
- CyberGhost – Best for Streaming + Unblocking Niche Platforms
- NordVPN – Hugely Popular & Powerful All-In-One VPN Service
- Private Internet Access – Advanced VPN With In-Depth Fine-Tuning
You have plenty of capable options in front of you. So, the question is, which VPN is the right pick FOR YOU?
You’ll find your answer if you keep reading!
The Best VPNs for Hotstar to Access Outside India – In-Depth Look!
Ready to learn more about my recommendations for the best Hotstar VPN services?
Want to discover what sets each of my recommended VPN services apart, helping you narrow your options?
Well, let’s get to it!
1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN Overall for Streaming Disney+ Hotstar
ExpressVPN is the best option, as it unblocks the Indian version of Hotstar from anywhere, on any device, and allows you to stream without throttling.
The highly impressive set of ExpressVPN’s capabilities begins with its list of supported devices.
You’ll find highly polished and simple-to-use software for any computer, phone, tablet, media streaming device, and even VPN-ready routers.
Since Disney+ Hotstar brings native software for many platforms, your options for combining it with ExpressVPN are endless.
The only limit you’ll encounter is ExpressVPN’s 5 simultaneous connections.
That’s not as generous as what my other recommendations offer but should meet the needs of most users.
If you need a more generous limit on simultaneous devices, I recommend Surfshark, the only VPN on my list to feature unlimited concurrent connections. PIA is also an excellent pick, offering up to 10 connections.
Remember that if you install ExpressVPN on a router, you’ll still have 4 available slots, no matter how many devices you connect to your router. However, installing ExpressVPN on a router requires some technical knowledge. So, that’s not an option for first-time users.
Then, ExpressVPN brings a sizeable server fleet with over 3,000+ units. That’s not the highest number of servers on my list, but the scope of that network is admirable.
There are servers in 90+ countries, putting this VPN above my other recommendations.
Of course, some of those servers are in India.
However, to avoid having to collect its users’ data in India (which the country will soon require VPNs to supply), ExpressVPN now offers virtual locations.
More precisely, you can obtain Indian IP addresses using United Kingdom and Singapore servers.
These are still found in the “India” group of servers in ExpressVPN’s interface, so there are no tricky workarounds to keep in mind.
Despite having the smallest number of Indian servers on my list, both are the most reliable for unblocking Hostar. For example, NordVPN has 30+ Indian servers, but not all of them work with the Indian version of Hotstar.
As for its performance, ExpressVPN doesn’t disappoint.
I’ve done a round of speed tests to show you what to expect, so check my baseline data below.
And now, here are the numbers ExpressVPN gave me once I connected to a server in India.
Even though my upload speed was cut dramatically (which happens no matter what VPN you choose), my download speed remained fast.
ExpressVPN is among the fastest VPNs on my list, being topped by Private Internet Access (PIA) and Surfshark, but by a very close margin.
PIA also brings barely noticeable faster upload speeds, but that VPN is better suited for more advanced users.
Aside from offering ultra-fast servers, all ExpressVPN servers are also optimized for streaming.
That makes ExpressVPN easier to use than CyberGhost, for example, which requires you to use a server specifically optimized for Disney+ Hotstar.
Aside from Disney+ Hotstar, ExpressVPN also works with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, DAZN, and a whole slate of other free and premium streaming platforms.
Finally, ExpressVPN brings a competitive price. It’s not the most affordable pick regarding its monthly plan.
However, ExpressVPN makes up for it by offering affordable long-term VPN subscriptions.
Pros
- Unblocks Hotstar on the Web and via dedicated Hotstar apps
- Smooth streaming experience in 4K and HD
- Incredibly simple to use
- All servers optimized for streaming
- BONUS: Works with many other streaming services.
Cons
- Only 5 simultaneous connections
- Surfshark & PIA are faster (marginally, though)
2. Surfshark – User-Friendly & Fully-Automated VPN
Surfshark is among the most polished, beginner-friendly VPN services. However, a lot of power hides behind its minimalism.
This VPN works on practically any device or platform.
That’s crucial since Disney+ Hotstar is available on computers, phones, tablets, streaming devices, smart TVs, and the Web.
So, no matter when, how, or on what device you watch Disney+ Hotstar, Surfshark will be there to support you.
It has native applications for Windows, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Android, Amazon Fire OS, Android TV, and more. It even works on routers and smart TVs.
I recommend the most capable Hotstar VPNs throughout this guide, so they all bring native apps across the board.
However, Surfshark has something unique that the others on my list don’t – unlimited simultaneous connections.
That’s right; this VPN brings so-called “unmetered connections,” making it especially suitable for streaming.
You can even share your Surfshark subscription with other family members or your partner, which adds to the VPN’s overall value.
Another significant aspect of Surfshark is its server network.
There are over 3,200 servers, making the VPN on par with the other VPNs in this guide. Surfshark even recently expanded its server fleet to include servers in 95 countries.
Surfshark’s servers are found across all of the popular “VPN destinations,” so Indian VPN servers are on offer as well.
More precisely, three locations are available: Mumbai, Chennai, and Indore. And yes, all three give you fast and stable access to Disney+ Hotstar.
How fast? Well, quite fast! Just like I did with other recommendations, I tested Surfshark. Here are my base stats again.
And here’s how Surfshark performed.
For download speed, Surfshark was the fastest VPN for Hotstar.
No matter which of its Indian servers I used, I always got high-speed performance.
It’s closely followed by Private Internet Access, which provided almost identical performance (383 Mbps for downloads), but I had to fine-tune that VPN to reach those speeds.
Surfshark is also stable, which is crucial when streaming media, as you don’t want any fluctuations. So, if you have a relatively fast Web connection, streaming in HD and 4K should be an easy possibility.
This VPN is also a fantastic tool for unblocking websites.
Surfshark gives me access to Disney+ Hotstar every time, no matter which server I use.
It also plays well with other streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and more.
There isn’t anything negative I can say about Surfshark.
The biggest annoyance is that Surfshark can take 30+ seconds to connect to a VPN server. Most other VPNs do that instantly (especially ExpressVPN, thanks to its recently introduced “Parallel Connections” feature).
Surfshark’s subscription plans are on par with its competitors.
However, if you’re after a long-term subscription, you’ll see that Surfshark is among the most affordable VPN on my list. The only VPN that brings a lower price is PIA – if we compare their 2-year plans.
Pros
- Unblocks Hotstar on the Web and via dedicated Hotstar apps
- Fastest download speed
- Servers in 3 locations across India
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- BONUS: Works with many other streaming services
Cons
- Can take 30+ seconds to connect
3. CyberGhost – Best for Streaming + Unblocking Niche Platforms
I’ve been using CyberGhost for years to unblock media streaming platforms. It’s among the best VPNs for streaming in general, so here’s why it’s also among the best VPNs for Hotstar.
First, it has apps for any desktop or mobile platform.
Streaming devices and routers are also supported. On top of that, all CyberGhost apps come with a uniform and user-centric design.
You also get 7 simultaneous connections, which is more generous than my other recommendations.
For example, ExpressVPN offers 5 simultaneous connections, though it’s a more reliable option overall than CyberGhost. Surfshark brings unlimited concurrent connections, but its server network isn’t as big as CyberGhost’s.
Also, CyberGhost has a nicely designed online account dashboard accessible via its site.
At any moment, you’ll get to see which devices you’ve installed the VPN on, telling you if you’re near your limit on simultaneous connections.
ExpressVPN offers something similar, making it quite easy to get started. However, it doesn’t give you as in-depth information as CyberGhost does via its online dashboard.
In terms of its server network size, it has one of the most expansive server fleets, with nearly 8,000 VPN servers.
Those are found in 90+ countries, covering India as well.
The only VPN with more servers is Private Internet Access (30,000+ servers, reportedly), but it covers 80+ countries in total.
CyberGhost has around 30 servers in India, which is on par with NordVPN. However, CyberGhost’s Indian servers aren’t actually located in India, which means they’re virtual server locations.
Nonetheless, they unblock Disney+ Hotstar just fine, as CyberGhost has a sizeable pool of Indian IP addresses.
In fact, this VPN offers servers that are specifically optimized for the Indian version of Hotstar, which none of my other recommendations offer.
Still, that doesn’t mean that CyberGhost is a better option, as ExpressVPN’s Indian servers work great for Hotstar even though they aren’t labeled as streaming-friendly.
Aside from those, CyberGhost has an army of other VPN servers designed to unblock specific streaming services. That means you can unblock Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, ITV, and more.
CyberGhost also unblocks niche streaming services.
For example, you can watch Finnish Ruutu and MTV, Spanish Mediaset, French Europe1 and Radio France, German Zatoo and TV Now, and plenty more.
Most of my other recommendations can unblock those niche streaming platforms, especially ExpressVPN and Surfshark.
However, those VPNs don’t clearly label their streaming servers, so you won’t know which streaming platforms they can unblock unless you try.
Regarding CyberGhost’s performance, you can expect somewhat slower speeds but still fast enough for media streaming. With that said, here are my baseline stats again.
The image below shows my speed once I connected to a CyberGhost server in India.
If you compare those numbers to what my other recommendations offer, you’ll see that CyberGhost is fast – but a bit slower than my top VPNs.
However, you can do a lot to ensure you get the best possible speed.
More precisely, you can switch between OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2, as CyberGhost offers all those.
Also, you can see the occupancy of each server before you connect, so you can pick one that’s not used by too many individuals.
Doing so should go a long way to help you avoid throttling.
Finally, CyberGhost has numerous long-term subscription plans.
So, this VPN should be your pick if you want a long-term commitment.
You also get 45-day money-back guarantees – unmatched by any other VPN on my list.
Check how much you can save using my sign-up link.
Pros
- Unblocks Hotstar on the Web and via dedicated Hotstar apps
- Servers specifically optimized for Disney+ Hotstar
- Close to 30 servers in India alone
- 7 simultaneous connections
- BONUS: Works with many other streaming services.
Cons
- Slower than ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and Private Internet Access
4. NordVPN - Hugely Popular & Powerful All-In-One VPN Service
Aside from being one of the best options for privacy protection, NordVPN is a surprisingly powerful VPN for media streaming – and Disney+ Hotstar in particular.
No matter what device or platform you use to stream Hotstar, you’ll find NordVPN available as native software.
It comes with brilliantly designed apps, suitable even for first-time VPN users. However, a lot of power hides behind its clean and modern lines.
NordVPN lets you connect to 6 different servers from 6 different devices. That gives you plenty of freedom when streaming Disney+ Hotstar, as you’ll get to do that at home and on the go.
Some of my other recommendations give you more simultaneous connections (like CyberGhost and Private Internet Access), but NordVPN should meet the needs of most users.
You can also install NordVPN on a router, letting you cover your entire household at once
I’ll remind you that installing NordVPN on a router takes a single slot of your subscription, even if you connect your entire household to that router.
That leaves you with 5 more slots, so you can watch Disney+ Hostar even on the go (or perhaps share your subscription).
Another strong suit of this VPN is its server network.
There are 5,000+ servers in 60 countries. In India alone, around 30 VPN servers are on offer.
The only other VPN service on my list that offers that many VPN servers in India alone is CyberGhost.
However, all NordVPN’s Indian servers are found in Mumbai.
It would be nice to see NordVPN covering more locations, which Surfshark offers with servers in Mumbai, Chennai, and Indore.
Even ExpressVPN offers two India-related locations, even though they’re virtual.
Still, I don’t believe that’s an issue in the long run, as 30+ servers leave a lot of breathing room for NordVPN’s ever-growing user base.
I also must praise NordVPN’s performance. Here are my baseline stats.
And here are the results of testing NordVPN’s speed.
In comparison to other VPNs on my list, NordVPN is the slowest option. However, just like I did when testing most of the VPNs recommended in this guide, I used NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol.
More precisely, I used WireGuard, as NordLynx is a variation of the WireGuard protocol.
Thanks to that protocol, you can unblock Disney+ Hotstar quite easily, stream it without buffering, and ensure the privacy of your data – as long as you have a relatively fast Web connection.
However, NordVPN has more protocols up its sleeve.
There’s OpenVPN, which can be quite fast, but only if you use nearby servers. Also, there’s IKEv2, which I strongly recommend.
That protocol is the fastest, letting you stream with minimal slowdowns.
Differently said, NordVPN comes with a generous degree of customization. So, even if you don’t have an ultra-fast Web connection, you can do plenty to maximize this VPN’s performance.
Also, NordVPN won’t restrict you to Disney+ Hotstar only.
I’ve used it with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, and BBC iPlayer.
In fact, NordVPN unblocks 20+ different Netflix libraries, which is perhaps the best testament to its media streaming capabilities.
When it comes to its downsides, NordVPN doesn’t say which servers are optimized for streaming. Even though most of its servers work for streaming, some manual work is still needed to create your list of favorite servers.
Finally, NordVPN brings a lot of overall value.
Its monthly price is on par with my other recommendations.
However, I recommend paying attention to this VPN’s long-term plans, as NordVPN offers special promotions.
Want to grab the lowest possible price? Use my exclusive NordVPN discount!
Pros
- Unblocks Hotstar on the Web and via dedicated Hotstar apps
- Offers 30 servers in India
- 6 simultaneous connections
- BONUS: Works with many other streaming services.
Cons
- Slower than my other recommendations
- All servers are found in Mumbai
- Unblocking Hotstar might require trial and error
5. Private Internet Access – Advanced VPN With In-Depth Fine-Tuning
I’ll end my list of recommendations for the best VPNs for Hotstar with a VPN for more advanced users – Private Internet Access.
Private Internet Access (PIA) is one of the longest-standing VPNs, with over a decade of a fast-paced evolution.
It brings just about every feature that can cross your mind and then some more. Of course, that list of impressive features begins with PIA’s platform support.
I can’t think of a device or platform that PIA doesn’t support.
You can use it on computers, phones, tablets, various Web browsers, and an extensive list of routers. That means pairing PIA with Disney+ Hotstar will never be a problem, no matter what device(s) you use for streaming.
On top of that, you get 10 simultaneous connections.
That’s more generous than what most of my other recommendations offer. Only Surfshark can beat PIA in that regard, as it provides unmetered and unlimited simultaneous connections.
What’s unique about Private Internet Access is its server network.
It reportedly has 30,000 servers worldwide, which was the last known information before PIA stopped giving precise numerous.
However, PIA’s servers are found in around 80 countries.
So, even though it has the biggest network compared to my other recommendations, it doesn’t have the most expansive server fleet.
For example, ExpressVPN (my #1 recommendation) covers 94 countries.
Some of PIA’s servers are found in India as well.
However, we don’t know how many servers are found there, as PIA no longer provides precise numbers. If you ask its representatives to give you that information, just like I did, they’ll say they offer dozens of servers in India.
It’s also not a surprise that PIA treats all its servers equally, which means all of its supported VPN protocols are enabled on its Indian servers.
To show you what that means, I’ll first remind you of my baseline speeds.
And now, here are my speeds once I connected to a PIA server in India (where PIA covers a single location but with dozens of servers).
You can notice that my download speed remained extra fast.
In fact, the only VPN faster than PIA is Surfshark by a close margin.
I got those numbers using PIA’s WireGuard protocol, which was implemented in all PIA apps last year. PIA’s Indian servers also support OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec, so you have multiple options at your disposal.
On top of that, PIA allows you to tinker with your chosen VPN protocol. You can set a custom level of encryption (no other VPN allows that), the size of individual data packets, and do a whole slate of other optimizations.
That’s precisely why I said that Private Internet Access is aimed at more advanced users.
If you’re not afraid to dive into VPN terminology and optimize your connection, you’ll end up with speedy performance – unmatched by any other VPN.
What I said above is PIA’s biggest strength and limitation at the same time. By default, this VPN works out of the box. If you have a fast connection, no streaming service is out of your reach.
So, besides Disney+ Hotstar, you’ll get to stream Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Prime Video, and other streaming sites.
However, to get the most out of this VPN provider, you’ll need to dive deeper into its settings. So, if you’re comfortable with that, I’m sure PIA will exceed your expectations.
Pros
- Unblocks Hotstar on the Web and via dedicated Hotstar apps
- Second-fastest VPN on my list (topped by Surfshark only)
- 10 simultaneous connections
- BONUS: Works with many other streaming services.
Cons
- Unknown locations of Indian servers
- Best suited for more advanced users
Buying Guide – How to Pick the Best VPN for Disney+ Hotstar?
I’ve created my list of the best VPNs for Disney+ Hotstar after plenty of research and hands-on testing, based on my personal experience. Therefore, I guarantee you won’t make a mistake no matter which of my recommendations you pick.
However, the biggest question is – which VPN is the best pick for your specific needs?
To answer that question, you need to learn what makes a good Disney+ Hotstar VPN. You need to know what VPN features translate to a pleasurable streaming experience.
If you keep reading, you’ll learn how to assess VPNs from your perspective, which will help you find one aligned with all your needs. So, let’s keep going, shall we?
Unblock Hotstar by Ensuring Your VPN Meets These Criteria!
Knowing which VPNs can access Disney+ Hotstar outside India is one thing.
However, choosing the one that’ll meet (and exceed!) all your expectations is another.
To help you reach your decision, I’ll explain the crucial aspects you need to keep in mind.
1. Native Software for All Your Devices
Disney+ Hotstar is available on the Web and via native software.
You can access this streaming service on iOS, iPadOS, Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire OS, Apple TV, and smart TVs (LG and Samsung).
That means you need a VPN that covers all those platforms.
Whether you’re a beginner or a highly experienced VPN user, you don’t want to end up with a VPN you must manually configure.
Instead, you want native applications that are easy to install, effortless to use, and free of any bundled software.
If you use Windows, macOS, or Linux, your VPN must offer an installation file on its website.
If you use iOS, iPadOS, or Android, your VPN must offer apps on the iOS App Store and Play Store. The same applies if you use a streaming device powered by Android TV or Fire OS.
Keep in mind that VPNs don’t work on smart TVs. However, you can use a VPN router to extend your coverage. If you want to pick that route, ensure your chosen VPN supports routers.
2. Server Network Size & Distribution
Since your primary goal is to unblock and stream Disney+ Hotstar outside India, you need to pick a VPN that offers servers in that country. However, while some VPNs might offer only a couple of India-based servers, others might offer dozens.
VPN | Number of Indian Servers | VPN Locations | Virtual/Physical Servers |
---|---|---|---|
ExpressVPN | 2 | 2 (via UK/Singapore) | Virtual |
Surfshark | N/A | 3 (Mumbai, Chennai, Indore) | Physical |
CyberGhost | 29 | 1 (Mumbai) | Virtual |
NordVPN | 39 | 1 (Mumbai) | Physical |
PIA | N/A | N/A | Physical |
So, be inquisitive and ask VPNs (via live chat or email) about their server location(s). Even better, take a very close look at their server fleets. You’ll want to know how many servers you’ll get and how many countries.
If you want to futureproof your decision, pick a VPN that offers Indian servers in more than one location. In that sense, ExpressVPN is a great pick, even though it offers 2 servers in total.
However, those are located in Europe and Asia (they’re virtual VPN locations), so you won’t have to resort to a highly remote connection, allowing you to stream Hotstar in HD and 4K.
Also, Surfshark is an amazing pick, as it covers 3 locations in India.
However, if you need a VPN with a higher number of servers, then CyberGhost and NordVPN are solid picks.
3. HD & 4K Streaming Speeds
The Indian version of Hotstar brings HD content up to 1080p.
There’s also a selection of 4K Ultra HD movies available only to paying customers.
And if you want to stick to free-of-charge titles, you’ll stream those in 720p.
In other words, whether you’re after Hotstar’s free or premium content, you’ll need a VPN that gives you streaming-friendly speeds. That’s why I ran speed tests for each of the VPNs recommended in this guide, as shown in their descriptions above.
However, I can’t give you more precise numbers related to download and upload speeds, as the performance you’ll get is based on several factors.
However, if you have a relatively slow Web connection, you’ll want a VPN with multiple VPN locations across India.
Also, get a VPN that offers at least a couple of protocols.
Most VPNs bring OpenVPN, which is excellent for streaming Hotstar but not so great for your speed. Then, there’s WireGuard, which presents an ideal combination of speed and privacy.
In simpler terms, I recommend picking a VPN with a group of servers across India.
And also, that VPN should let you jump between at least two protocols.
4. Bonus Features
You can do more with a VPN than just unblock Disney+ Hostar and other streaming platforms.
In fact, you should pay attention to all the possible uses your VPN brings, as those are premium-priced services, after all. So, you’ll want one that has the highest possible value.
Aside from everything mentioned above, focus on what you’ll get in terms of features. Most VPNs have evolved into more comprehensive cyber-security solutions in the last year.
For example, Surfshark now brings a ‘Nexus’ feature. The purpose of that feature is obscure your actual location using more than a single server.
That will help you unblock Disney+ Hotstar and other websites, but it is also great for your digital privacy.
Then, ExpressVPN has become more prolific in blocking trackers.
Aside from giving you access to any streaming platform imaginable, this VPN can block trackers used by websites and apps (on Android, iOS, and iPadOS).
It also offers a premium-grade password manager, so you’ll get more for your money.
5. Support & Money-Back Policy
All my recommendations are trustworthy VPN services with a years-long presence on the global market. More importantly, they all work “out of the box,” so I don’t expect to encounter any issues. However, a VPN might sometimes need a little “nudge.”
For example, if Disney+ Hostar increases its anti-VPN measures, you might need to pick a specific server to unblock the streaming platform. Or, you might need to change some settings to make your VPN work as it used to.
In those cases, you’ll be happy to have chosen a VPN with comprehensive customer support. Most VPNs let you contact them via email or customer support tickets.
However, the best VPNs come with 24/7–available live chat, which is always the quickest way to resolve your issue.
Lastly, I am sure you’d like to spend your money wisely. With that said, the wisest decision you could make regarding VPNs is to pick one with a generous money-back policy.
ExpressVPN, Surfshark, NordVPN, and Private Internet Access give you up to 30 days to change your mind. However, CyberGhost comes first in that aspect, as it gives you up to 45 days.
Can I Use a Free VPN for Disney+ Hotstar?
It’s not possible to use free VPN services to unblock Disney+ Hotstar.
In fact, there are many reasons why free VPNs are practically unusable when it comes to streaming.
More precisely, free VPNs come with limitations. Most of them put you on a strict “data diet,” giving you from 500MB per day to 10GB per month.
Streaming is a resource-hungry activity, so you’ll have difficulty dealing with those data restrictions.
On top of that, the biggest problem with free VPNs is their performance.
You’ll always encounter severely limited speeds. Those might be good enough for Web browsing, and even then, you’ll have to wait for websites to load fully.
So, streaming is not even something you’ll get to consider doing.
How to Use a VPN to Unblock Hotstar Outside India?
To unblock Hotstar outside India, you need a VPN server that gets you an Indian IP address. Here’s the full guide on how to make that happen:
- Pick a VPN that works with Disney+ Hotstar. My top recommendation is ExpressVPN, which unblocks several versions of Hotstar (including the original Indian version).
- Once you get your subscription, go back to ExpressVPN’s website. Click “My Account” to log in. You’ll then access your online dashboard, giving you an overview of your subscription.
- Download ExpressVPN’s app for your device. Install the software. You’ll need to set it up once you open it for the first time. Access your account using your ExpressVPN credentials.
- Click the button below the ON/OFF switch on ExpressVPN’s home screen. Type “India” in the top-placed search bar. Then, pick either of the two servers you’ll see on your screen.
- Once ExpressVPN’s interface turns green (indicating your VPN connection is live), go to Disney+ Hotstar. You can visit its website if you’re using a computer or its app if you use a mobile or streaming device.
- Pick any free title or access your Disney+ Hotstar subscription. ExpressVPN will work in the background, unblocking the streaming service. Enjoy watching Hostar!
VPN Not Working With Hotstar? – Go Through These Troubleshooting Steps!
If you have difficulty unblocking Hotstar using a VPN, there are several solutions to try.
Step 1: Try Another Indian Server
I understand it’s easy to connect to the first server you see in your VPN’s interface.
Or, you might have a habit of clicking ‘India’ and letting your VPN decide which server to use. Let me explain why doing that is not a good idea.
Most users are like you – connecting to the first server they see.
If your VPN doesn’t have an icon indicating the occupancy of its servers (in real-time), it’s practically impossible to pick a server that’s not under a heavy load. However, you can also pick a server visible only when you scroll down a bit (instead of using the first server you see).
Doing so will help you pick a server not used by an army of individuals.
So, you’ll get to unblock Hotstar more easily. On top of that, you’ll get to count on streaming-friendly Web speeds.
Step 2: Try Another (Streaming-Friendly) VPN Protocol
As mentioned earlier, VPNs rarely bring a single VPN protocol.
If you visit your VPN’s settings, you’ll see that you switch between at least two protocols. However, knowing at least a little about VPN protocols is essential, which helps you make a smart move.
WireGuard should always be your first pick.
Or, if you want the best performance, go for L2TP, IKEv2, or IPsec.
Those three protocols are usually combined in some way, like L2TP/IPsec or IKEv2/IPsec. They are secure enough and work great in countries without heavy Internet regulation.
Step 3: Delete Your Browser’s Cookies
Every website, including the Disney+ Hotstar, stores cookies on your device.
They do that to help speed up their performance. However, cookies can be the reason Disney+ Hotstar sees your actual location even while you’re connected to a VPN.
Therefore, you need to remove your browser’s cookies. Here’s how that’s done on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, and Safari. Then, remember to connect to a VPN server in India. Lastly, try accessing Disney+ Hotstar again.
Also, I’ll advise you to consider what kind of data you’ll delete.
That’s because your browser will ask if you’d like to delete your history, usernames, password, and other data. There’s no need to delete everything, so feel free to select your cookies only.
Step 4: Delete Your Device’s Cache Data
Everything said just above applies to those who access Hotstar outside India using a Web browser. However, the same applies to Disney+ Hotstar apps available on smartphones, tablets, and dedicated streaming devices.
In other words, Disney+ Hotstar will store cache data every time you access its app. So, you’ll want to ensure you have an active VPN connection every time you access it. If the existing cache points to your actual location, you need to delete it.
You can clear the cache on most devices by removing the Disney+ Hotstar app. Then, restart your device, connect to a VPN server in India, and then download the app again.
Step 5: Lastly – Turn to Your VPN for Support
If you can’t seem to find a solution, turn to your VPN for support.
I actually had that in mind while making my list of the best VPNs to access Hotstar outside India. So, all VPNs recommended in this guide come with live chat support.
How to Fix the Hotstar ‘VPN Detected’ Error?
Unlike most streaming platforms, Hotstar shows vague errors once it detects a VPN. In most cases, its website will refuse to load, which can lead to some confusion.
However, no matter why Hotstar has detected your use of a VPN, the solution is always the same. You need to check with your VPN whether it works with Hotstar, helping you avoid wasting time on finding a solution.
If your VPN confirms its support for Disney+ Hotstar, go through the troubleshooting steps 1-5 above. You’ll need to try another server or a different VPN protocol. Lastly, you can delete any residual data on your device (cache and cookies).
FAQ
Where Is Hotstar Available?
Hotstar is available across North America, Europe, and Asia.
In some countries, it’s known as Hotstar, while in others, it is branded as Disney+ Hotstar.
In India, Hostar’s country of origin, the streaming service was initially known as a sports-focused service.
However, since Disney’s acquisition of Star India, that streaming service expanded to cover new types of content and is now known as Disney+ Hotstar.
Aside from India, Hostar is also available in Canada, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. In late 2022, Disney+ Hotstar will reach the Philippines and Vietnam.
What Devices Does Hotstar Support?
Disney+ Hotstar works on any computer via Web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari. It also works on mobile phones and tablets powered by iOS, iPadOS, and Android.
In terms of media streaming devices, Disney+ Hotstar works on Fire TV (Amazon’s Fire TV Stick devices), Apple TV, and Android TV.
You can also find its native app on Samsung (2018 and newer models) and LG TVs (WebOS 4.0 or newer).
What Internet Speed Does Hotstar Require?
Disney+ Hotstar recommends having a bandwidth of 8Mbps.
That speed should be enough to access the stream its content without any buffering.
Keep in mind that every VPN will slow you down a bit.
That means your Web connection’s download speed should be 8Mbps after connecting to a server in India. Therefore, we recommend having a bandwidth from 10 to 15 Mbps (before connecting to a VPN).
Can I Watch Hotstar for Free?
Hotstar uses a freemium model. That means a portion of its content is available for free, which applies only to the original (Indian) version of Disney+ Hotstar.
In general, older movies and Web series are available for free.
You won’t even have to create an account. Connect to a VPN server in India, and you’ll unblock its free content.
As you can expect, newer and more popular content is behind a paywall.
However, you can subscribe to Disney+ Hotstar only if you have an Indian phone number, as that’s the requirement for the streaming service to verify your identity.
Does Hostar Allow VPN Services?
Like other streaming services, Hotstar is doing its best to detect VPN connections, preventing access from outside India.
However, aside from seeing an error message, you won’t face any inconveniences when using a VPN to access Hostar.
In other words, you won’t lose access to your Disney+ Hostar subscription or account if you’re “caught” using a VPN. So, there’s no harm in using a VPN.
Can I Get Banned From Hotstar for Using a VPN?
Disney+ Hotstar blocks users from unsupported regions due to broadcast and streaming rights. So, it’s the service’s legal obligation to block connections outside India. In other words, you won’t be banned from Hotstar even if you’re “caught” using a VPN.
The worst that could happen is seeing an error message.
In most cases, you won’t even see an error as Hotstar’s website or app will simply stop loading. To bypass that hurdle, you just need to ensure that your VPN supports Disney+ Hotstar and is capable enough to unblock the platform.
And – That’s a Wrap!
Congratulations on making it to the end of my guide on the best VPNs to access Hotstar outside India. I hope you’ve found plenty of helpful information and that you’re a big step closer to picking a VPN aligned with all your needs.
Based on my tests and hands-on experience, the best Disney+ Hotstar VPN is ExpressVPN. There are some other great options as well, but none of them beat ExpressVPN when looking at their complete offers.
If you want to listen to my advice, use my exclusive discount when signing up for ExpressVPN. I guarantee you’ll get the lowest price possible!