5 Best VPNs for Hulu That REALLY Work (2026)

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Hulu is my favorite streaming service.

I rely on it to stay updated on my favorite shows, like Solar Opposites and Family Guy.

But when I moved from the United States to Europe, I had to find another way to access it.

Luckily, I already had a subscription to NordVPN.

So, you can imagine my excitement when I connected to one of NordVPN’s US servers, opened Hulu, and immediately started streaming – on the first try, no less!

But that isn’t what sealed the deal.

What makes NordVPN the best VPN for Hulu is that it never runs out of options: 2,000+ US servers spread across all 50 states, a NordLynx protocol that left me 200 Mbps to stream with, and native Fire TV, Android TV, and Apple TV apps plus router support for the screens you actually watch Hulu on.

This means, if you’re like me and your ideal bedtime routine is using your PS4 to stream cartoons on Hulu, NordVPN will help you do so – and the setup is super easy!

But, for good measure, I also found four additional VPNs that work flawlessly with Hulu, including Surfshark and ExpressVPN.

Keep reading for the full details!

Top 3 VPNs for Hulu (October, 2026)

Affordable Hulu
Surfshark Devices

Surfshark

Best for Hulu on a budget

  • 500+ US servers in 20+ cities
  • Apps for Fire TV, Google TV, Apple TV
  • Among the cheapest long-term plans
Fastest Hulu
ExpressVPN different devices

ExpressVPN

Best for raw speed

  • Fastest speeds in my tests
  • Unblocks Hulu reliably for years
  • Locations in all 50 US states

I’ve been streaming Hulu from Europe through a VPN for 2+ years, and NordVPN is the one that has given me the fewest headaches with the streaming service.

That said, my perfect VPN for Hulu might not be your perfect VPN for Hulu.

So, in this guide, we’ll discuss five VPNs that unblock Hulu and what makes each one special.

By the end, you’ll have no trouble choosing YOUR best VPN for Hulu.

Stay tuned!

Want to Start Streaming Hulu RIGHT NOW? Here Are My Top 5 Picks!

Maybe you’re not picky, and you just want a fast VPN that unblocks Hulu.

If that’s the case, this section is for you!

Here are my top five picks:

  • NordVPN – Best VPN for Hulu: 2,000+ US Servers in All 50 States
  • Surfshark – Affordable Fees + Competitive Speeds
  • ExpressVPN – Fastest Speeds + Reliable Unblocking
  • CyberGhost – Dedicated Hulu Servers
  • PrivateVPN – Budget Hulu VPN With 12 US Locations
But if you want to know why the Best VPNs for Hulu are the best, keep reading! I’m about to discuss everything you need to know.

Detailed List of the 5 Best VPNs for Hulu

Ready to get your Hulu on? Let’s jump in and discuss each VPN and its relevant features, so you can start watching your favorite Hulu shows ASAP!
BEST OVERALL

1. NordVPN – Best VPN for Hulu: 2,000+ US Servers in All 50 States


nordvpn for streaming

NordVPN is the VPN I reach for when I want Hulu to just work – and in all my streaming from Europe, it hasn’t let me down once.

Here’s the thing about Hulu: it blocks VPN IP addresses aggressively, so what really matters is how many working US servers you have to fall back on.

Nobody on this list comes close to NordVPN here.

It runs 2,000+ US servers across 55 city locations in all 50 states, from New York and Los Angeles all the way to Alaska and Hawaii.

nordvpn us servers

That’s more US servers than CyberGhost (1,600+) or Surfshark (500+) – and it shows in practice, because I’ve never had a NordVPN US server refuse to load Hulu.

streaming hulu with nordvpn

Being able to pick a server in a specific city also matters if you use Hulu + Live TV, which ties your account to a home network (more on that in the troubleshooting section). I sit on the same city server every time, and Hulu has never asked questions.

Then there’s speed.

NordVPN’s proprietary NordLynx protocol cost me just 6 Mbps on a 206 Mbps line – that leaves eight times more bandwidth than Hulu needs for 4K, so the picture is sharp within a second or two, the same as with ExpressVPN and Surfshark.

nordvpn nordlynx protocol

To give you the complete picture, I also tested NordVPN with its heavier security features switched on. Instead of spamming you with screenshots, here’s a table comparison (all tests done on US servers):

NordVPN Testing VariantsSpeed Without NordVPNSpeed With NordVPN
Obfuscated Servers + OpenVPN TCP202.45 Mbps182.34 Mbps
Double VPN + OpenVPN UDP212.23 Mbps192.39 Mbps
NordLynx206.37 Mbps200.13 Mbps

So NordVPN with NordLynx lands as the third-fastest VPN on my list, a few Mbps behind ExpressVPN and Surfshark and miles ahead of CyberGhost.

Just note that obfuscation and Double VPN lock you out of NordLynx and cost around 20 Mbps, so I keep them off for Hulu unless I’m on a network that blocks VPNs.

(For another table comparing the speeds of all the VPNs on my list, keep reading!)

Now for the part that used to be my one complaint about NordVPN – TVs and consoles.

NordVPN has native apps for Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, and Apple TV (tvOS 17 and up), so on those devices you install it, sign in, and pick a US server. Done.

For my Samsung Smart TV and PS4, which can’t run a VPN app, the answer is NordVPN on the router: everything on that network sits on a US server, with nothing to set up on the TV or console itself.

get nordvpn for your router

NordVPN also includes SmartDNS with every plan, but Hulu isn’t on its supported list (Netflix Originals, US Prime Video, Disney Plus, Max, Paramount+, Peacock, Fox, and Fubo), so don’t count on it for this one.

The same subscription also unblocks other streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and DAZN.

And if you’re streaming from a country with strict censorship or online surveillance laws, NordVPN’s suite of premium security features – obfuscated servers, Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, and Threat Protection – keeps your streaming habits (and everything else you do online) invisible to the government and your ISP.

All of this runs on ten devices at once, and the long-term plans start at about the same price as ExpressVPN’s:

NordVPN pricing plans

But don’t settle for anything less than the best (AKA: this exclusive discount)!

Pros

  • Reliably unblocks Hulu – not one failed US server in my testing
  • 2,000+ US servers in 55 cities across all 50 states, the biggest published count on my list
  • Blazing-fast NordLynx speeds (just 6 Mbps lost on a 206 Mbps line)
  • Native Fire TV, Android TV, and Apple TV apps, plus router setup for Smart TVs and consoles
  • Premium security features (obfuscation, Double VPN, Threat Protection) for streaming from anywhere
  • 7,000+ servers in 150 countries and ten simultaneous connections

Cons

  • A few Mbps behind ExpressVPN and Surfshark in my speed tests
  • Obfuscation and Double VPN lock you out of NordLynx and cost speed while streaming

Try NordVPN Now

AFFORDABLE & FAST

2. Surfshark – Affordable Fees + Competitive Speeds


surfshark vpn for hulu

Surfshark is worthy of “runner-up” on my list of the most trustworthy VPNs for Hulu – primarily because, like NordVPN, it has reliably unblocked the US streaming service since shortly after its (Surfshark’s) launch date in 2018.

sttreaming hulu with surfshark vpn

But what I really love about Surfshark is its amazing streaming speeds!

In fact, the VPN provider scored second during my speed tests.

It was just barely faster than NordVPN and considerably faster than CyberGhost.

Here’s a quick look at my speed test results.

Speed Without Surfshark:

speed test result without surfshark vpn

Speed With Surfshark (US Server):

speed test result with surfshark us server

Speed isn’t its only strength, either – Surfshark offers 500+ US servers in 20+ cities, making it uber-easy to stream Hulu from anywhere outside the US!

Plus, like NordVPN, Surfshark also gets Hulu onto your Smart TV or gaming console – just not through the Smart DNS setting I used to point you to here, because Surfshark ended that service in February 2026.

Today it’s the app: Surfshark runs natively on Fire TV, Google TV, Android TV, and Apple TV (tvOS 17 or later).

A Samsung or LG TV and a PS4 have no Surfshark app, so they need Surfshark on your router or a hotspot shared from a Windows PC with the app switched to OpenVPN, as Surfshark’s hotspot guide asks (for a PlayStation, Surfshark also documents sharing from a Mac over an Ethernet cable).

gaming console with vpn

Best of all, if a server is refusing to work with Hulu, 500+ additional servers are guaranteed to offer a fast solution.

In fact, though I rarely struggle to stream Hulu with Surfshark, when I do, changing servers 2-3 times quickly rectifies the issue.

surfshark vpn us servers

Moving on, another thing I love about Surfshark is that, like NordVPN and ExpressVPN, when I stream Hulu, it only takes 1-2 seconds for a clear picture to load.

And I’ve never gotten a proxy detection error with this VPN provider!

This is crazy, as even ExpressVPN shoots me proxy detection errors with Hulu sometimes!

However, it’s worth mentioning that I might be the exception (and not the norm).

So, if you experience proxy detection errors with Hulu and Surfshark (or any other VPN), I recommend opening an Incognito Tab in your browser and trying to stream that way.

It almost always solves the problem for me, regardless of which VPN I’m using.

incognito mode

Just remember, the VPN needs to unblock Hulu under normal conditions for the Incognito Tab solution to work!

Of course, you can also try switching servers.

Finally, there are two wonderful things about Surfshark that I’d like to end with – its ability to unblock numerous streaming services (including Netflix and BBC iPlayer) and its incredibly affordable subscription fees!

These are among the most budget-friendly long-term plans on my list – and one subscription covers unlimited devices, so the whole household streams on it.

The only reason Surfshark sits behind NordVPN is the US map. Its 500+ servers in 20+ cities are plenty for everyday streaming, but NordVPN gives you four times as many across all 50 states, which is what keeps Hulu + Live TV happy and leaves you a spare server in every city when one gets flagged.

Take a look:

Surfshark Plans & Prices (USD)

But if you want to sweeten the deal even more, check out this EXCLUSIVE discount!

Pros

  • Reliably unblocks Hulu
  • Native Fire TV, Google TV, Android TV, and Apple TV apps
  • Blazing-fast streaming speeds
  • Unblocks other streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more
  • 4,500+ servers in 100 countries worldwide
  • 500+ US servers in 20+ cities
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections

Cons

  • No dedicated streaming servers
  • A quarter of NordVPN’s US server count
  • No app for Samsung or LG TVs and PS4 (router or Windows hotspot)

Try Surfshark Now

LIGHTNING-FAST SPEEDS

3. ExpressVPN – Fastest Speeds + Reliable Unblocking


expressvpn hulu

ExpressVPN and Hulu are a great combination, and for a long time this was the VPN I used for it.

For starters, ExpressVPN unblocks Hulu.

Don’t be mistaken – it’s almost expected for (most) VPNs to unblock Hulu at some point.

The thing about ExpressVPN is that it reliably unblocks Hulu and has done so for years.

In fact, I used it to watch Hulu in Europe for 2+ years with barely any issues!

streaming hulu with expressvpn

“But wait! What do you mean ‘barely any issues’? Doesn’t that mean there were issues?”

Don’t worry.

I’m not trying to con you!

I take my Hulu-watching very seriously.

The only issue I ever ran into with ExpressVPN was a US server not working (or, now and then, a proxy detection error) – to which connecting to a different one solved the problem!

And as ExpressVPN now has server locations in all 50 US states, finding one that works with Hulu is easy. It doesn’t publish server counts, though, so I can’t tell you how deep each location goes the way I can with NordVPN’s 2,000+.

But what makes ExpressVPN so good for streaming is its lightning-fast speeds.

Actually, the VPN is so fast that it pulls ahead of every other VPN listed here!

(Albeit, Surfshark and NordVPN only fall behind by a small margin.)

Honestly, ExpressVPN is easily the fastest VPN I’ve ever used – and I’ve used hundreds of VPNs over the years (thanks to working in the VPN industry).

But don’t take my word for it.

Take a look at these speed test results instead.

Speed Without ExpressVPN:

speed without expressvpn

Speed With ExpressVPN (US server):

speed test result with expressvpn us server

In practice, though, the gap at the top is invisible: with ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark, the picture is clear within 1-2 seconds of hitting play.

With CyberGhost, by contrast, my picture is always fuzzy for 5-10 seconds when first streaming Hulu.

And that’s not the end of it.

ExpressVPN also offers a MediaStreamer feature – a DNS service meant to improve your streaming experience on devices that don’t support native VPN apps.

expressvpn-media-streamer

See, I love watching Hulu on numerous devices.

My PC, Chromebook, Android phone, PS4, and Samsung Smart TV are just a few examples.

But with my PS4 and Samsung Smart TV, there was no way to install the ExpressVPN app.

MediaStreamer looks like the answer for those screens – but not for Hulu from abroad.

Setting it up takes a few steps: you register your IP on ExpressVPN’s website, get your MediaStreamer IP address, and enter it as the DNS server on a device like a Samsung Smart TV or PS4.

samsung smart tv internet set up

(Here are detailed instructions.)

The catch is that MediaStreamer isn’t a VPN: ExpressVPN’s own setup guides say you can’t change locations with it, so it won’t make a TV or console in Europe look like it’s in the US.

For Hulu on those screens, you’ll want ExpressVPN on your router instead – the same fix NordVPN and Surfshark rely on for TVs and consoles without a VPN app.

And to sweeten the deal, ExpressVPN also works with pretty much every other streaming service you can think of – Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO, DAZN, Disney+, and more.

So why does it come up short of NordVPN? Two things.

First, value for money – it costs more than Surfshark, CyberGhost, and PrivateVPN, and for about the same price, NordVPN gives you 2,000+ US servers in all 50 states while unblocking Hulu just as reliably.

Second, it’s the one VPN in my top three that occasionally shows me Hulu’s proxy detection error, even if a server switch (or an Incognito Tab) always fixes it.

ExpressVPN plans

Luckily, I can help with the price. 🙂

Click here for a MASSIVE discount!

Pros

  • Reliably unblocks Hulu
  • Lightning-fast streaming speeds – the fastest in my tests
  • Router setup for Hulu on Smart TVs and gaming consoles
  • Unblocks other streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, DAZN, and more
  • Servers in 113 countries worldwide, with locations in all 50 US states
  • Ten simultaneous connections

Cons

  • Premium subscription fees (pricier than Surfshark, CyberGhost, and PrivateVPN)
  • Doesn’t publish its US server count, so you can’t gauge capacity the way you can with NordVPN
  • Occasional proxy detection errors that a server switch fixes

Try ExpressVPN Now

4. CyberGhost – Dedicated Hulu Servers


cyberghost us

CyberGhost is more than worthy of its spot on this list, especially because it’s the only VPN here that offers dedicated streaming servers – including ones for Hulu.

Actually, CyberGhost goes above and beyond for its dedicated Hulu servers.

You’ll find ones for each specific Hulu use case, including Hulu, Hulu Android TV, and Hulu Firestick.

cyberghost us streaming servers

But there’s a caveat.

Sometimes, the dedicated Hulu servers don’t work for their targeted use.

For example, the general Hulu server won’t work on PC, but Hulu Android TV will.

Worse, there are times the dedicated Hulu servers don’t work at all.

Don’t panic, though!

Even when I struggle to use CyberGhost’s dedicated Hulu servers, I almost always find a fix by trying other US (non-dedicated) servers.

And, as CyberGhost offers 1,600+ US servers in 11 cities, you’ll have no trouble finding a different server!

cyberghost us servers

Yes, that’s right.

CyberGhost offers 1,600+ US servers, putting it ahead of every VPN on this list except NordVPN (who remains king with 2,000+ US servers in all 50 states).

CyberGhost also has SmartDNS settings for Smart TVs and gaming consoles, and they used to put Hulu on those screens.

cyberghost dns address

CyberGhost’s own help center now says its Smart DNS no longer works with streaming services, though, so for Hulu on a TV or console you’ll want CyberGhost on your router instead – the same route every VPN here needs for a Samsung TV or PS4.

Beyond that, CyberGhost also unblocks numerous other streaming services, including BBC iPlayer, Roku, and Sling TV.

Now for the main downside – CyberGhost’s streaming speeds are sub-par.

In fact, the further from the server you are, the worse your speed loss will be.

This is frustrating, considering most people trying to stream Hulu are pretty far from the US.

This is why CyberGhost doesn’t place higher – it’s the slowest VPN on my list.

Take a look.

Speed Without CyberGhost:

speed test result without cyberghost vpn

Speed With CyberGhost (dedicated Hulu server):

speed cyberghost hulu

Remember how I mentioned the fuzzy picture issue under ExpressVPN’s mini-review?

Well, that comes into play here.

It typically takes anywhere from 10 seconds to several minutes for CyberGhost to load Hulu properly.

This isn’t a complete deal-breaker, though, because the VPN provider’s speed issues aren’t a constant thing.

And, at the end of the day, it does reliably unblock Hulu – even if it takes a few minutes to load.

streaming hulu with cyberghost vpn

Plus, if you opt for a long-term plan, you’ll save a pretty penny (and enjoy a 45-day money-back guarantee – which is more generous than every other VPN on my list):

cyberghost vpn subscription plans and pricing

Want to save some additional cash?

Sign-up with this link instead!

Pros

  • Reliably unblocks Hulu
  • Decent streaming speeds most of the time
  • Dedicated Hulu servers
  • Router setup for Hulu on Smart TVs and gaming consoles
  • Unblocks other streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Sling TV, and more
  • 9,000+ servers in 100 countries worldwide
  • 1,600+ US servers in 11 cities

Cons

  • Dedicated streaming servers don’t always work
  • Speeds slower than other VPNs on this list
  • Smart DNS no longer works with streaming services

Try CyberGhost Now

5. PrivateVPN – Budget Hulu VPN With 12 US Locations


hulu privatevpn while connected to us server

PrivateVPN is the budget pick on my list – and it still gets the main job done.

When we tested it for our PrivateVPN Hulu guide, it unblocked Hulu on its US servers – no special streaming mode required.

Its US network is small next to NordVPN’s, but you still get 12 US locations – including New York, Miami, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Seattle – so there’s always another server to try if one stops working.

privatevpn us server

If you’re on Hulu + Live TV (more on its home-location check below), note that PrivateVPN gives you shared static IP addresses on every location and dynamic dedicated IPs (over OpenVPN) on selected ones.

The downsides? PrivateVPN has no Smart DNS, so Smart TVs and consoles need it set up on a router instead.

And it wasn’t part of my Hulu speed round, so I can’t tell you how it stacks up against the four VPNs above on raw speed.

Where it shines is value: one subscription covers 10 devices, and the 36-month plan works out to $2.00 a month ($72 in total), with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

privatevpn pricing
Image for illustration only. Design, deals, and details may differ. Click on the image for current info.

Plus, if you sign-up with this link, you’ll get an AMAZING discount!

Pros

  • Unblocked Hulu on its US servers in our tests
  • 12 US server locations
  • Shared static IPs + dynamic dedicated IPs on selected locations
  • 10 devices on one subscription
  • $2.00/month on the 36-month plan
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • No Smart DNS for Smart TVs and consoles
  • Not part of my Hulu speed round
  • Small network (200+ servers in 63 countries)

Try PrivateVPN Now

Buying Guide: The Best VPNs for Hulu

If you’re the type of person who enjoys thoroughly researching before committing to a service, don’t miss this buying guide!

I discuss everything you need to know to find the best VPN for Hulu.

How to Choose the Best VPN for Hulu? Follow These Tips!

Ready to start shopping for a VPN for Hulu so you can watch the newest episodes of Family Guy?

Awesome!

Make sure you keep the following in mind:

It needs to unblock Hulu.

What good is a VPN for Hulu if it doesn’t unblock Hulu?

This one might seem straightforward, but it’s actually pretty tricky.

The problem is that many VPNs can unblock Hulu on and off.

This is why it’s vital to find a VPN that unblocks Hulu reliably.

But what does “reliably” mean?

Well, for starters, the VPN will almost always work with Hulu.

And on the rare occasion it doesn’t, the VPN’s customer support should be able to tell you when it’ll work again (or other servers to try).

So, before you purchase a VPN that promises to work with Hulu, make sure you do thorough research to confirm that it works reliably and consistently!


It needs US servers.

Unless you’re trying to unblock Hulu JP (more on that later), you’ll need a VPN with servers in the United States, as Hulu is restricted to US locations.

In fact, the more US servers your VPN offers, the better – because it means if one server isn’t working, there are plenty more to try!


It needs fast streaming speeds.

If you want to enjoy a smooth Hulu streaming experience with minimal (or no) buffering, you need a VPN with lightning-fast speeds.

This is a bit hard to gauge, as many things influence VPN speeds.

For example, if you have certain features enabled (like NordVPN’s obfuscation feature), your speeds might be slower than without those features enabled.

Similarly, your distance from the server and how many people are using that server might influence your speed as well.

But remember – my top three all lost less than 7 Mbps on a 200+ Mbps connection, a difference you’ll only ever notice in a speed test.

Not convinced?

Check out this table showing how the four VPNs I speed-tested compare (PrivateVPN wasn’t part of this round; ExpressVPN takes the crown, with Surfshark and NordVPN right behind it):

VPN ProviderSpeed Without VPNSpeed With VPNSpeed Loss (Subtracted)
ExpressVPN204.33 Mbps203.28 Mbps-1.05 speed loss
Surfshark215.23 Mbps211.58 Mbps-3.65 speed loss
NordVPN206.37 Mbps200.13 Mbps-6.24 speed loss
CyberGhost232.86 Mbps168.32 Mbps-64.54 speed loss

It should have a dedicated streaming feature.

If a VPN works reliably with Hulu, there’s a huge chance it’ll also offer a dedicated streaming feature – whether dedicated servers or a DNS feature for Smart TVs or gaming consoles.

A good example is CyberGhost’s dedicated Hulu servers. Don’t count on a DNS feature for Hulu from abroad, though: ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer can’t change your location, and CyberGhost’s Smart DNS no longer works with streaming services.

That said, a dedicated streaming feature isn’t a requirement, especially if the VPN you’re looking at offers a good amount of US servers.


It should be appropriately priced.

It might be tempting to trust a cheap VPN that promises to “unblock Hulu!”

But here’s a word of advice: don’t.

Chances are if a VPN is ridiculously cheap, it has a lot more issues than unreliably unblocking Hulu (and you best believe it’ll be unreliable).

In the same vein, don’t trust expensive VPNs just because they’re expensive.

Ensure you do the proper research to verify that the VPN you’re purchasing lives up to its promises, including looking at websites like vpnAlert and user reviews on forums like Reddit.


BONUS – it should have the best security features.

If you’re not in a censorship-heavy country and/or your online privacy isn’t in jeopardy, this one isn’t a requirement… but it’s still advised!

Besides, the best VPNs for Hulu will likely offer the best security features, too.

But what are the best security features?

Easy.

The best security features include military-grade encryption, a kill switch, a verified no-log policy, and leak protection.

Extra nice-to-have features include RAM-only servers, an obfuscation feature, and a double VPN.


Can I Use a Free VPN With Hulu?

hulu home page

You can try using a free VPN with Hulu – but don’t go grabbing the first one you see.

Most free VPNs are untrustworthy, selling your data to third parties or infesting your device with malware.

Instead, if you’re desperate to watch Hulu but you don’t want to spend money on a VPN subscription, I recommend ProtonVPN and Windscribe.

Both providers are freemium VPNs (meaning you can upgrade to paid subscriptions).

However, while both are legitimate free plans, they’re not guaranteed to work reliably with Hulu.

In fact, expect them not to work – and if they do, treat it as a rare but pleasant surprise.

And, anyway, if you’re spending money on a Hulu subscription, you might as well upgrade to a premium VPN so you can enjoy that Hulu subscription…right?

(Don’t forget about my one-time deal for NordVPN…)

How to Watch Hulu Overseas With a VPN? (It’s Easy – Follow These Steps!)

Are you ready to watch Hulu overseas with a VPN? Here’s how:

  1. Choose one of my recommended VPNs (or a VPN you found after thorough research). For a refresher on how many US servers each VPN on my list has, here’s a nifty table:
VPN ProviderNumber of US Servers
NordVPN2,000+ (all 50 states)
Surfshark500+
ExpressVPNLocations in all 50 states (count unpublished)
CyberGhost1,600+
PrivateVPN12 locations (count unpublished)
  1. Purchase a subscription. I’ll use NordVPN for the screenshots below.
NordVPN pricing plans
  1. Download and install the VPN app on your device(s).
  2. Open the VPN app and sign in to your account.
  3. Connect to a US server.
nordvpn connected to us server
  1. Open your browser and check for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks.
  2. Navigate to the Hulu website and enjoy unlimited access to the US streaming platform!

How to Pay for Hulu Without a US Credit Card?

All right, so there’s a catch to streaming Hulu from overseas… you need a US credit card to sign up.

Luckily, there are numerous workarounds, varying from using a virtual credit card (based in the US) to asking a friend.

But my favorite workaround is much easier:

  1. Find a Hulu Gift Card supplier (I use Amazon, though it’s only available in $25+ increments).
hulu gift card
  1. Purchase the Hulu Gift Card with whatever credit/debit card you want (using your email for the recipient box).
  2. Wait for the confirmation email that contains your Hulu Gift Card activation code.
  3. While waiting, log in to your VPN and connect to a US server.
nordvpn connected to us server
  1. Once you get the activation code, navigate to this link – NOTE: you need to use THIS link, as the normal sign-up won’t ask for a gift card code.
redeem gift code
  1. Enjoy watching Hulu from overseas!

Can I Watch Hulu JP With a VPN?

Yes, you can watch Hulu JP with a VPN!

In fact, all the VPNs listed here will work for Hulu JP – and the instructions for unblocking Hulu JP are almost the same.

However, instead of connecting to a US server, you’ll connect to a server in Japan.

Here’s a table to help you compare how many Japan servers each VPN listed here has:

VPN ProviderNumber of Japan Servers
ExpressVPN3
Surfshark1+
NordVPN200+
CyberGhost108
PrivateVPN1 location (Tokyo)

Is Hulu US the Same as Hulu JP?

Just like different Netflix region libraries feature different content, Hulu US and Hulu JP feature different content based on region restrictions and copyright laws.

While some content might repeat, like anime and Hulu originals, Hulu JP primarily focuses on Japanese television.

For example, Hulu JP has Korean Dramas, Japanese Dramas, and Chinese Dramas.

Hulu Isn’t Working? Try These Troubleshooting Steps

Are you struggling to get Hulu to work?

Don’t sweat it!

Try these troubleshooting steps first, and if you’re still stuck, contact your VPN’s customer support for assistance.

Hulu Home Location Error With Hulu Live TV?

When it comes to its Live TV Package, Hulu isn’t a fan of account sharing.

Because of this, it asks users to register a home network within 30 days of signing up.

Worse, after registering a home network, the type of devices you can use will vary when you’re not at home.

For example, say I take my PS4 to my friend’s house, and we try streaming Hulu Live TV there.

It probably won’t work, as the network isn’t my registered home network.

Unfortunately, the fix for this is somewhat frustrating because it requires changing your home network, which can only be done 4 times per year.

For this reason, if Hulu Live TV is important to you, I recommend purchasing a Dedicated IP Add-On with your VPN subscription.

Most of the VPNs on my list sell a Dedicated IP add-on these days (PrivateVPN offers dynamic dedicated IPs on selected locations instead). I use NordVPN’s, which comes with a choice of US cities.

Otherwise, you might get away with simply connecting to the same US city server whenever you want to watch Hulu Live TV – easy on NordVPN, where you pick the exact city.

But if you need to change your home network location, here’s how:

  1. Log out of Hulu.
  2. Log back in on your streaming device (Smart TVs, gaming consoles, etc.).
  3. Navigate to your Hulu Account Page on the Hulu app (phone) or website (PC).
  4. Select Privacy and Settings.
  5. Click Set or Change Home and register your new network.

Hulu Won’t Let Me Log In?

If Hulu isn’t letting you log in, there are various things to try. 

For starters, ensure you’re using the correct login details, your VPN is connected to a US server, and your Hulu app is updated.

If you’re still having issues, make sure your location services are disabled on the device (or browser) you’re using.

Finally, as a last resort, try clearing your cookies and browser cache.


Hulu Won’t Load?

If you’re connected to a US server via your VPN and Hulu won’t load, the first thing to do is switch servers.

If there are dedicated servers, make sure you’re using those.

If you’re already using a dedicated server, try a non-dedicated server.

Still having issues?

Try clearing your cookies and browser cache, reconnecting to a US server, and restarting your browser.

If Hulu still isn’t loading, contact your VPN’s customer support to verify you’re using the correct server.


Hulu App Isn’t Showing up on Mobile?

If you’re trying to download the Hulu app on your smartphone, but it’s not showing up in your app store, it might be because your device location is outside of the US.

Luckily, the fix for this is easy.

To change your account location on iOS, follow these steps:

  1. If you haven’t already, download your VPN app on your phone.
  2. Connect to a US server.
  3. Navigate to Settings > iTunes & App Store > View Apple ID > Country/Region > Change Country or Region.
  4. Select the US as your new country.
  5. If asked for a payment method, choose None.
  6. Agree to the terms and conditions.
  7. Open the App Store and download the Hulu app!
  8. Remember – if some of your apps are dependent on your real location, you’ll need to switch back to use them.

To change your account location on Android, follow these steps:

  1. If you haven’t already, download your VPN app on your phone.
  2. Connect to a US server.
  3. Navigate to payments.google.com.
  4. Select Settings, and then, next to Country/Region, click the pencil edit icon.
  5. Select Create new profile.
  6. Put the United States as your Country/Region. Fill out a US address with a matching zip code and submit your new payment profile.
  7. Make sure the Google Play Store is closed.
  8. Go to Settings > Apps > Google Play Store > Force Stop.
  9. Then, select Storage.
  10. Finally, select Clear data and Clear cache.
  11. Open the Google Play Store and download the Hulu app!
  12. Alternatively, you can download the Hulu APK from a trusted third-party website.

FAQ

Why Does Hulu Block VPNs?

Hulu blocks IP addresses associated with VPNs to remain in line with its hosted content’s licensing and distribution agreements.

In other words, Hulu can legally offer users in the US (and Japan) specific content that different companies in different countries might otherwise license.

For example, Hulu owns the right to host Rick and Morty episodes on its platform in the US.

However, a different streaming platform or TV network might own the rights to Rick and Morty in other countries.

Specifically, Slovak Netflix (and possibly other EU Netflix regions) features Rick and Morty episodes, while US Netflix doesn’t (because Hulu currently owns the rights).

Can I Use My VPN to Stream Hulu on My Smart TV?

Yes, you can use a VPN to stream Hulu on your Smart TV depending on the provider.

The easiest way to do this is to install a VPN with a native TV app, such as NordVPN or Surfshark, on a Fire TV, Android TV, or Apple TV.

On a Samsung or LG Smart TV, which can’t run VPN apps, you can watch Hulu by configuring your VPN on your router (a Smart DNS such as ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer won’t do it from abroad, as it can’t change your location).

Will a VPN Slow My Hulu Streaming Speeds?

Unless your ISP is guilty of bandwidth-throttling, then yes, your VPN will slow your Hulu streaming speeds.

But if you choose a reliable, fast VPN, the speed loss will be so insignificant that only a speed test will show the difference.

Where Is Hulu Available?

At the time of writing, Hulu is only available in the United States and Japan.

However, in early 2021, Hulu’s parent company, The Walt Disney Company, launched an alternative to Hulu, called Star, through its Disney+ platform.

Star is available to users in Canada, the UK, Western Europe, and Australia.

It features content that was previously only found on Hulu.

How to Download the Hulu App From Overseas?

If you live or are traveling outside of the United States, you can download the Hulu app on any device by purchasing a VPN subscription, connecting to a US server, navigating to the Hulu website, App Store, or Google Play Store, and installing the Hulu app on your device.

Conclusion

Like I said in the intro, Hulu is my favorite streaming service.

I’m a huge fan of adult cartoons like Solar Opposites and Family Guy, so being able to access Hulu from Europe (or anywhere in the world) with a VPN is HUGE for me.

And, as you know by now, my favorite VPN for accessing Hulu is NordVPN.

NordVPN publishes the biggest US server count here (2,000+ in all 50 states), hasn’t failed me on a single one of them, and its native TV apps and router support put Hulu on every screen in my house.

Best of all, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee – so you can test it with Hulu risk-free.

Remember that one-time deal I mentioned?

Well, guess what?

It’s still waiting to be claimed… so don’t miss out!

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