In today’s world, streaming services are more popular than ever. Among the biggest names is Hulu, which offers a vast library of shows, movies, and exclusive content. However, due to regional restrictions, Hulu is only available in the United States and Japan. If you live outside these countries or are traveling, you might be frustrated by the geo-blocks preventing you from accessing Hulu’s premium content. Fortunately, there’s a solution—VPNs (Virtual Private Networks).
VPNs allow you to bypass geo-restrictions and enjoy Hulu’s content from anywhere in the world. By masking your IP address and routing your connection through servers in the US or Japan, VPNs help you unlock the entire Hulu library. However, not all VPNs are optimized for streaming services like Hulu, as Hulu has advanced methods to detect and block VPN traffic.
In this article, we will explore the best VPNs for Hulu that will allow you to watch your favorite shows, wherever you are.
Why You Need a VPN to Watch Hulu
Hulu uses geo-restrictions due to licensing agreements, making its content unavailable to users outside the US and Japan. A VPN enables you to change your virtual location by connecting to a server in the US or Japan, allowing you to watch Hulu from anywhere.
Additionally, VPNs provide more than just access to Hulu. They offer benefits like enhanced privacy, improved security, and the ability to avoid throttling by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). With the right VPN, you can stream in high-definition without buffering.
However, Hulu employs VPN detection technologies to block most VPNs. Hence, not all VPNs are effective for unblocking Hulu, making it essential to choose a service that’s specifically tailored for streaming.
How to Choose the Best VPN for Hulu
When selecting a VPN for Hulu, there are several critical factors to consider:
- Server Locations: The VPN must have a significant number of servers in the US and Japan to ensure you can access Hulu’s full library.
- Speed: Streaming requires fast, reliable speeds. A slow VPN will result in buffering, especially when watching in HD or 4K.
- Unblocking Capability: The VPN should consistently bypass Hulu’s VPN detection mechanisms.
- No-logs Policy: Opt for VPNs that prioritize privacy and do not keep logs of your activity.
- Simultaneous Connections: Ensure the VPN supports multiple device connections, allowing you to stream on various platforms.
- Security: Features like AES-256 encryption and DNS leak protection are essential to maintain anonymity while using a VPN.
Now, let’s dive into the top VPNs for Hulu.
Top 5 VPNs to Watch Hulu from Anywhere
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN consistently ranks as one of the best VPNs for streaming services, and Hulu is no exception. With a vast network of servers across the US and Japan, ExpressVPN provides reliable access to Hulu from any location.
Features:
- Speed: Known for its lightning-fast speeds, ExpressVPN is ideal for streaming in HD and 4K without buffering.
- Servers: Over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, including numerous servers in the US and Japan.
- Compatibility: Works on all devices, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and routers.
- Unblocking: It effectively bypasses Hulu’s VPN blocks, ensuring you can watch Hulu anytime.
- Security: Utilizes AES-256 encryption, offers a strict no-logs policy, and includes a kill switch feature.
Pricing: Starting at $8.32 per month for a yearly plan.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is a powerhouse when it comes to security and streaming. With a massive server network, NordVPN has dedicated streaming servers that ensure high speeds and uninterrupted access to Hulu.
Features:
- Speed: NordVPN boasts high-speed servers optimized for streaming, ensuring you get a smooth, buffer-free experience.
- Servers: Over 5,500 servers in 60 countries, with a substantial number in the US and Japan.
- Compatibility: Compatible with all major platforms, including Smart TVs and gaming consoles.
- Unblocking: Regularly updated to bypass Hulu’s geo-blocks and VPN detection mechanisms.
- Security: Offers Double VPN, meaning your data is encrypted twice, along with DNS leak protection and a no-logs policy.
Pricing: Starting at $3.49 per month for a two-year plan.
3. Surfshark
For budget-conscious users, Surfshark offers exceptional value without compromising on quality. Surfshark is well-known for its unlimited device connections under one account, allowing you to stream Hulu on multiple devices simultaneously.
Features:
- Speed: Provides fast and stable connections, ensuring you can stream Hulu in HD.
- Servers: Over 3,200 servers in 100+ locations, including key US and Japan servers.
- Compatibility: Available on all major platforms, including Smart TVs, game consoles, and even browser extensions.
- Unblocking: Surfshark excels at bypassing Hulu’s geo-restrictions and VPN blocks.
- Security: Features AES-256 encryption, kill switch, DNS leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy.
Pricing: Starting at $2.49 per month for a two-year plan.
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a popular choice for beginners due to its user-friendly interface and dedicated streaming servers. It’s perfect for accessing Hulu with minimal effort.
Features:
- Speed: Offers consistent speeds, ideal for streaming content in HD and 4K.
- Servers: Over 7,000 servers worldwide, with specialized servers for US-based streaming.
- Compatibility: Supports all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and smart TVs.
- Unblocking: CyberGhost’s specialized Hulu servers ensure easy access to the streaming platform.
- Security: Military-grade encryption, no-logs policy, and automatic kill switch for added security.
Pricing: Starting at $2.19 per month for a three-year plan.
5. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN is a smaller but powerful service known for its high-quality servers and commitment to user privacy. Despite its size, it’s one of the most effective VPNs for streaming Hulu.
Features:
- Speed: PrivateVPN offers reliable speeds for HD streaming.
- Servers: With servers in 63 countries, including the US and Japan, you’ll have no trouble accessing Hulu.
- Compatibility: Available on all major devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
- Unblocking: PrivateVPN regularly bypasses Hulu’s geo-blocks and VPN detection systems.
- Security: AES-256 encryption, no-logs policy, and a customizable kill switch for added protection.
Pricing: Starting at $2.00 per month for a two-year plan.
How to Watch Hulu with a VPN
Here’s a simple guide on how to use a VPN to access Hulu from anywhere:
- Choose a VPN: Select one of the VPNs mentioned above.
- Download and Install the VPN: Install the VPN app on your device, whether it’s a phone, tablet, computer, or smart TV.
- Connect to a Server: Open the VPN app and connect to a US-based or Japan-based server.
- Access Hulu: Once connected, go to the Hulu website or app and start streaming!
By using a reliable VPN, you can enjoy Hulu’s extensive content library from any location worldwide.
Conclusion
Accessing Hulu from outside the US or Japan doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the right VPN, you can bypass geo-restrictions, ensuring that your favorite shows and movies are just a click away. Whether you prefer the high-end performance of ExpressVPN, the budget-friendly offerings of Surfshark, or the privacy-focused PrivateVPN, each of these services will allow you to watch Hulu from anywhere in the world.