Hulu’s got some great shows, but what if you’re outside the US or Japan? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back. After testing tons of VPNs, I’ll show you the best ones to stream Hulu from anywhere without breaking a sweat.
Why You Need a VPN for Hulu
Hulu checks your IP address to figure out where you are. If it sees you’re not in the US or Japan, you’re out of luck. A VPN fixes that by giving you a US IP address, so Hulu thinks you’re chilling stateside.
But here’s the catch - not all VPNs work with Hulu. The streaming giant’s pretty good at blocking VPNs. That’s why I’ve done the legwork to find the ones that actually work.
Top 5 VPNs for Watching Hulu Anywhere
1. ExpressVPN - The Speed Demon
Pros:
- Lightning-fast speeds for buffer-free streaming
- Tons of US servers to choose from
- Works with other streaming services too
- Super easy to use
Cons:
- A bit pricier than others
ExpressVPN’s my top pick for Hulu. It’s fast as hell, so you won’t be sitting there waiting for your show to load. I streamed in HD without a hitch, even during peak hours.
What I really dig is their MediaStreamer feature. It lets you watch Hulu on devices that don’t usually support VPNs, like your smart TV or game console. Pretty nifty, right?
They’ve got servers all over the US, so you can always find a quick connection. And if you run into trouble, their 24/7 chat support is actually helpful (unlike some others I’ve tried).
2. NordVPN - The Security Freak
Pros:
- Huge network of US servers
- Top-notch security features
- Decent speeds for streaming
Cons:
- Desktop app can be a bit clunky
NordVPN’s a solid choice if you’re big on privacy. They’ve got more servers in the US than you can shake a stick at, so finding a good connection for Hulu is a breeze.
Their speeds are pretty good too. I could stream Hulu in HD without much buffering, though it wasn’t quite as smooth as ExpressVPN.
What sets NordVPN apart is their security stuff. If you’re paranoid about your online privacy (and hey, who isn’t these days?), you’ll love features like their double VPN and Onion over VPN.
3. Surfshark - The Budget-Friendly Option
Pros:
- Super affordable
- Unlimited device connections
- Decent speeds for the price
Cons:
- Not as fast as the top dogs
- Occasional hiccups with other streaming services
If you’re watching your wallet, Surfshark’s a great pick. It’s way cheaper than the others, but still gets the job done for Hulu.
What’s cool is you can use it on as many devices as you want. So you can watch Hulu on your laptop while your roommate streams on their phone, all on one account.
The speeds are good enough for HD streaming most of the time, though you might hit some buffering during busy hours. It works reliably with Hulu, but can be hit or miss with other streaming services.
4. CyberGhost - The Newbie-Friendly Choice
Pros:
- Super easy to use
- Dedicated streaming servers
- Cheap long-term plans
Cons:
- Not the fastest option
- Short-term plans are pricey
CyberGhost is perfect if you’re new to VPNs. Their app is so simple my grandma could use it (and trust me, that’s saying something).
They’ve got special servers just for streaming, including Hulu. Just click the Hulu server and you’re good to go - no fiddling with settings required.
Speeds are decent, but not mind-blowing. You can watch Hulu in HD, but 4K might be pushing it. Their long-term plans are super cheap, but watch out for the pricey monthly option.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA) - The Customization King
Pros:
- Tons of customization options
- Good speeds for streaming
- Affordable plans
Cons:
- Takes some tinkering to get the best performance
- Not as user-friendly for beginners
PIA’s great if you like to tinker. You can customize pretty much everything, from encryption levels to protocols. This means you can optimize it for the best Hulu streaming experience.
Their speeds are solid, especially if you know what settings to tweak. I could stream Hulu in HD without issues once I got it dialed in.
The downside is it’s not as plug-and-play as the others. If you’re new to VPNs, the options might be overwhelming. But if you like to geek out on settings, you’ll love PIA.
How to Use a VPN to Watch Hulu
- Pick a VPN: Choose one of the VPNs I recommended (ExpressVPN’s my top choice).
- Install it: Download the app and follow the setup instructions.
- Connect to a US server: Pick a server in the United States.
- Fire up Hulu: Open Hulu and start streaming like you’re in the good ol’ US of A!
FAQ
Can I use a free VPN for Hulu?
I wouldn’t recommend it. Free VPNs are usually slow as molasses and often can’t unblock Hulu. Plus, many free VPNs sell your data or bombard you with ads. Stick with a reputable paid VPN for the best (and safest) experience.
Is it legal to use a VPN with Hulu?
Using a VPN isn’t illegal, but it does go against Hulu’s terms of service. That said, I’ve never heard of anyone getting in trouble for it. Just keep in mind that Hulu could theoretically cancel your account if they catch you.
Why isn’t my VPN working with Hulu?
Hulu’s pretty good at detecting VPNs. If you’re having trouble, try these tricks:
- Switch to a different US server
- Clear your browser cookies and cache
- Contact your VPN’s support team for help
Can I watch Hulu in 4K with a VPN?
It depends on your internet speed and the VPN you’re using. ExpressVPN and NordVPN are your best bets for 4K streaming. Just make sure you’ve got a fast enough internet connection to handle it.
Will a VPN slow down my Hulu streaming?
All VPNs will slow your connection a bit, but good ones like ExpressVPN keep the speed drop minimal. You probably won’t notice a difference for HD streaming. If you’re trying to stream in 4K, you might see some buffering depending on your base internet speed.
The Bottom Line
A good VPN opens up a whole new world of Hulu content, no matter where you are. ExpressVPN’s my top pick for its blazing speeds and reliability, but NordVPN and Surfshark are solid choices too.
Remember, Hulu’s always trying to block VPNs, so what works today might not work tomorrow. That’s why I recommend going with a well-established VPN that’s known for quickly adapting to Hulu’s blocks.
Now grab some popcorn, fire up your VPN, and enjoy your favorite Hulu shows from anywhere in the world!