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Best Affordable Option
Best for Most Streaming Platforms
- More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost
Whether you’re traveling abroad and want to watch your favorite Hulu shows or you’re in the U.S. and want to watch other streaming content like Netflix Japan (and other locations), a virtual private network (VPN) can help you navigate geo-restrictions.
We tested five of our favorite VPN providers to see which worked best with Hulu. NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN not only unblocked Hulu content but are also filled with additional features to keep you secure online. Let's dig into these three best VPNs for Hulu to see which one has the features (and price) to match your needs.
NordVPN: Best server options
Surfshark: Best affordable option
ExpressVPN: Best for most streaming platforms
VPNs that didn’t make the cut
Best Hulu VPNs FAQs
Bottom line: The best VPNs for Hulu
How we tested the best VPNs for Hulu
The best VPNs for Hulu 2024
- NordVPN: Best server options
- Surfshark: Best affordable option
- ExpressVPN: Best for most streaming platforms
Top 3 VPN services for Hulu compared
VPN | NordVPN |
Surfshark |
ExpressVPN |
Starting price | Starts at $2.99/mo | Starts at $1.99/mo | Starts at $6.67/mo |
Server count | 5,700+ in 60 countries | 3,200+ in 100 countries | Undisclosed number of servers in 94 countries |
Streaming support | Yes — Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, DAZN | Yes — Hulu, Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, DAZN, HBO Max, Hotstar, and more | Yes — Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, DAZN, HBO Max, Hotstar, Netflix, ESPN, and more |
Learn more | Get NordVPN Read Our NordVPN Review |
Get Surfshark Read Our Surfshark Review |
Get ExpressVPN Read Our ExpressVPN Review |
NordVPN: Best server options
- High-quality VPN offering safety and speed
- Loads of servers for multiple connection options
- Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
- Too many confusing plans
Who it’s best for
NordVPN is best for people who want a lot of VPN server options. There are many good reasons to choose Nord products, but for the sake of streaming, NordVPN has over 5,000 servers in its server network. When we were testing VPNs with Hulu, NordVPN came through quickly and with no buffering.
What we liked
NordVPN is always reliable and fast, and it comes with plenty of additional security features that not only help with streaming content but also stop malware and other malicious online content. You can even unblock Netflix with it some of the time.
The Meshnet feature in particular allows you to create secure connections for anything from gaming to file sharing. As far as streaming is concerned, Meshnet allows you to easily and safely transfer large files from device to device no matter the trustworthiness of your internet connection.
As far as streaming is concerned, you could realistically use Meshnet to access a trusted device in another country and stream content on that device to your current device. Overall, a very useful feature.
What we didn’t like
There really isn’t much to dislike about NordVPN or any of the Nord products. The biggest con to using NordVPN is that it does have a six-device cap on individual plans, unlike Surfshark, which allows unlimited devices and costs less. Depending on your needs, this may or may not be a deal breaker.
Tired of seeing ads while you watch Hulu? We feel you. Luckily, there are ways to block ads on Hulu, and we'll guide you through all your options.
NordVPN specs
Price range | $2.99–$14.99/mo |
Free version | No |
Number of servers | 5,700+ in 60 countries |
Number of connected devices | 6 |
VPN protocol | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, WireGuard (NordLynx) |
No-logs policy | No logs |
Streaming-optimized servers | Yes |
Torrenting support | Yes |
Learn more | Get NordVPN Read Our NordVPN Review |
Surfshark: Best affordable option
- VPN technology offering stability and speed
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Works with Netflix and other streaming services
- Headquarters in Nine Eyes Alliance
Who it’s best for
Surfshark may cost less than its competitors, but it's just as powerful. Surfshark was ready to stream Hulu with fast speeds and coverage for unlimited devices and simultaneous connections. All that combined with the low monthly cost makes it a perfect choice for people needing a lot of coverage without wanting to break the bank.
What we liked
Surfshark has a clean, easy-to-use design. We found it to be a fast download and setup. The streamlined simplicity you get with Surfshark carries over into its pricing plans. There’s a month-to-month plan, a yearly plan, and a two-year plan. You won’t find an endless sea of options to leave you wondering which to choose. (Oh, yeah, we leaned into the ocean pun.) Surfshark gives you power and simplicity.
What we didn’t like
We don’t love that Surfshark is headquartered in the Netherlands, which is a Nine and 14 Eyes country. The Eyes Alliances have been known to spy on each other’s citizens. Even with a strict no-logs policy, we still don’t love the locale.
Surfshark specs
Price range | $1.99–$19.99/mo |
Free version | No |
Number of servers | 3,200+ in 100 countries |
Number of connected devices | Unlimited |
VPN protocol | WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN |
No-logs policy | No logs |
Streaming-optimized servers | Yes |
Torrenting support | Yes |
Learn more | Get Surfshark Read Our Surfshark Review |
ExpressVPN: Best for most streaming platforms
- Premium VPN offering strong security and ultra-fast speeds
- Strict no-logs policy with independent audit
- In-house Lightway protocol for more speed and security
- More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost
Who it’s best for
ExpressVPN is here for the streamers, and if you’re looking to go all in, this is probably the best VPN choice for you. You’ll find ExpressVPN unblocks Hulu along with other popular streaming platforms like Disney+ and Netflix. And if you happen to stumble across the full list of ExpressVPN’s streaming compatibility, you'll be amazed.
What we liked
ExpressVPN is easy to use, has compatibility with a lot of streaming services, and uses its own proprietary Lightway protocol all while claiming to be the fastest VPN. We’re also impressed that ExpressVPN created its own high-speed router that works exclusively with the VPN.
The ExpressVPN Aircove router is the first VPN-enabled router with a major VPN supplier preinstalled. This means you’ll cover all your internet-connected devices without needing extra licenses. It’s especially useful for gaming consoles like Xbox and Playstation, and Smart TVs like Android TV, Fire TV, Apple TV, and other devices connected to Wi-Fi, like Roku and Fire TV Stick.
And if the list of devices you can use with ExpressVPN isn't enough, here's a quick view of some of the many streaming services it works with as well:
- Amazon Prime Video
- BBC iPlayer
- Crunchyroll
- DAZN
- Disney+
- ESPN
- Hotstar
- Hulu
- Netflix
- And more
What we didn’t like
ExpressVPN is more expensive than NordVPN or Surfshark. And while it doesn’t keep activity or connection logs, ExpressVPN does collect logs on some usage data. Here’s a list of logs it keeps:
- Apps and app versions successfully activated
- Dates (not times) when connected to the VPN service
- Choice of VPN server location
- Total amount (in MB) of data transferred per day
None of these are deal breakers, but they may not thrill you. If you’re still eyeing that supported streaming list, though, this might be the product for you.
ExpressVPN specs
Price range | $6.67–$12.95/mo |
Free version | No |
Number of servers | Unknown number in 94 countries |
Number of connected devices | 5, or unlimited with an Aircove router |
VPN protocol | Lightway, L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
No-logs policy | Some logs |
Streaming-optimized servers | Yes |
Torrenting support | Yes |
Learn more | Get ExpressVPN Read Our ExpressVPN Review |
VPNs that didn’t make the cut
While the choices below are great VPNs, they didn’t work when we tested them with Hulu. In both cases, we got a screen trying endlessly to load. If you aren’t necessarily interested in a VPN for streaming, one of these may tick the boxes for you.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost is definitely one of the best VPNs on the market. It has 7,000+ servers and servers optimized for streaming. It’s less expensive than a lot of the competition, has fast connection speeds, and is user-friendly. Also, it doesn’t keep logs and is headquartered in Romania, which is outside of the Eyes Alliances. Unfortunately, it didn’t work when we tested it with Hulu.
This doesn’t mean it isn’t a great VPN. We reviewed CyberGhost and found it to be a great option. It’s not loaded with features, but it does provide a solid, secure connection to encrypt your internet traffic. If unblocking streaming content isn’t a priority for you, this VPN might be a great choice.
Private Internet Access (PIA)
PIA is the dark horse of VPNs. It doesn’t advertise the way Surfshark does or have the name recognition of NordVPN, but it’s a surprisingly affordable and reliable VPN. In our review of PIA, we gave it four stars for speed and security. If it would have unblocked Hulu in our tests, it definitely would have made this list.
PIA has open-source transparency, which means its source code is available for anyone to view. It’s customizable, allows for split-tunneling, and has built-in ad blocking. It’s also headquartered in the U.S., which means it’s definitely in the Eyes Alliance and that leaves us less than thrilled. Still, its strict, court-proven, no-logs policy has us willing to possibly overlook the Eyes Alliance headquarters. Now if only it would have let us stream Hulu.
Best Hulu VPNs FAQs
Do VPNs work with Hulu?
Yes, some do work, but not all VPNs will unblock Hulu or other streaming options. In our testing, NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN all worked with Hulu. When we tested CyberGhost and Private Internet Access, neither of those VPNs was able to bypass Hulu’s VPN blocks.
Is there a free VPN that works with Hulu?
You can sign up for hide.me VPN’s free service, which unblocks Hulu. While there are restrictions to the free VPN, like limited servers and data usage, you’ll still be able to stream some content for free.
Is using a VPN with Hulu legal?
Yes, it’s legal in most countries to use a VPN with streaming services. You’ll want to note, however, the countries where VPN use is illegal or restricted to make sure you aren’t violating any laws.
VPNs are illegal in North Korea, Iraq, and Belarus. VPNs are legal with restrictions in China, Egypt, Turkey, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates. If visiting one of these countries, make sure you know the restrictions before using your VPN. If you’re visiting a country where a VPN is illegal, using one is cause for the local government to arrest and jail you.
How do I change my Hulu home location?
You can change your Hulu home location by logging in to your account, heading to the privacy settings, and changing the location in “set or change home.”
Bottom line: The best VPNs for Hulu
NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN are three of the best VPNs for watching Hulu. Whether you want to get around geo-blocks for regional content or watch your favorite shows while traveling, a VPN can get you there. These three are all powerful and capable and may even block Hulu ads. No matter which you choose, you’ll be getting a great tool for your online security arsenal as well as a way to stream your favorite shows.
3 best VPNs for Hulu 2024
Starting price | Best for | Learn more | |
NordVPN |
Starts at $2.99/mo | Best server options | Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review |
Surfshark |
Starts at $1.99/mo | Best for affordability | Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review |
ExpressVPN |
Starts at $6.67/mo | Best for most streaming platforms | Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review |
How we tested the best VPNs for Hulu
We looked at the top VPNs we’ve reviewed that are secure, reliable, had unlimited bandwidth, and had lots of options when it came to a clean streaming experience. We installed each on our old laptop running Windows 10 and pulled up Hulu on our Chrome browser. We tested each VPN to make sure it worked while streaming Hulu.
CyberGhost and PIA didn’t allow us to access Hulu, but NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN all did. We made sure to be far enough away from our router that our speed test could be affected if the VPN slowed us down, but we didn’t find that with any of the options listed here. We did not test with the Hulu app on Android, iOS, macOS, Safari, Firefox, or Edge.
- High-quality VPN offering safety and speed
- Loads of servers for multiple connection options
- Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
- Too many confusing plans