Hotstar is available in India as well as the US and Canada. If you’re trying to watch Hotstar abroad, (such as from Europe) you’ll come across the following message:
“Hotstar.com is currently unavailable for residents in Europe.”
Fortunately, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to unblock and live stream Hotstar shows from anywhere in the world.
So how can a VPN help you watch Hotstar online while abroad? First off, a VPN encrypts your internet traffic, sending it to one of its own servers. In doing so, it hides your actual IP address while providing you with a new, temporary IP address. For example, if you connect to a server in India, you’ll receive an Indian IP address. This makes it Hotstar think that you’re accessing it from within India, and as such, you’ll be allowed to watch.
How to watch Hotstar abroad with a VPN
Here we’ll take you through the process of using a VPN to watch Hotstar abroad. Don’t worry, it’s surprisingly easy and should only take a few minutes.
Here’s how to watch Hotstar abroad with a VPN:
- First of all, you’ll need to sign up with a VPN provider. We particularly recommend ExpressVPN.
- Next, download one of the VPN’s apps or browser extensions. Make sure you’re installing the correct version for your device.
- Open the VPN app and connect to a server in India, the US, or Canada to watch Hotstar abroad.
- Now you can go to Hotstar and select your preferred content. When you click play, it should load as normal.
- If you’re still encountering geographic restrictions, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies before refreshing your browser.
With so many VPNs on the market, finding the right VPN can be a challenge. We were able to come up with a shortlist of the best VPNs for Hotstar by recommending only those that meet the following key criteria:
- Servers in India, the US, and Canada for unblocking Hotstar
- Unlimited bandwidth for uninterrupted, lag-free streaming
- Strong security with encryption and a strict no-logs policy
- Easy-to-use apps for a variety of operating systems
- Live chat and email support, ideally available 24/7
- Money-back guarantee for you to try it out risk-free
We’ll cover each of the best VPNs for Hotstar in detail further below. However, here’s a quick summary in case you don’t have time to read the full article:
Best VPNs to watch Hotstar online:
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- ExpressVPN: The best VPN for Hotstar. Servers in 94 countries, including India. High-speed servers and very user-friendly apps. Highly secure with 24/7 support.
- NordVPN: The best budget VPN for Hotstar. Over 30 servers in India and 1,500 in the US. 24/7 live chat support. No-logs policy, encryption, and Double VPN servers.
- CyberGhost: High-speed servers in 90 countries. Unblock Hotstar, Netflix US, and more. Operates a strict no-logs policy and allows up to 7 simultaneous connections.
- IPVanish: Connect 10 devices simultaneously. Servers in two Indian cities and good speeds for streaming Hotstar. Security includes encryption and a zero-logs policy.
- PrivateVPN: Unlimited bandwidth for uninterrupted streaming of Hotstar. Also unblocks Netflix. Beginner-friendly apps. Protects your privacy with its no-logs policy.
- Surfshark: Fast servers in 3 Indian cities. Works with Hotstar and Netflix. Unlimited simultaneous connections. No-logs VPN with Double VPN servers and 24/7 support.
- Hotspot Shield: Servers in India as well as 27 US cities. Good speeds for streaming Hotstar abroad. Offers easy-to-use apps, 24/7 support, and high-end encryption.
Best VPNs for watching Hotstar abroad
ExpressVPN offers servers in an impressive 94 countries — far more than most VPNs. This includes servers in India as well as the US and Canada for unblocking all versions of Hotstar. Notably, this VPN has servers in the Indian cities of Chennai and Mumbai as well as an Indian virtual server located in the UK. ExpressVPN is a particularly good choice for streaming due to its high-speed servers, unlimited bandwidth and excellent unblocking ability. Indeed, it also works with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.
Another reason to consider ExpressVPN is that it’s a very beginner-friendly VPN. It offers a wide range of easy-to-use apps and browser extensions, as well as fast and friendly customer support. This is available 24/7 via live chat and email. It’s worth knowing that you can use ExpressVPN on up to five devices at once. You’ll be able to browse securely as this VPN uses 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection. Furthermore, ExpressVPN doesn’t keep any identifying logs of its users.
An ExpressVPN subscription provides you with access to the apps for desktop (Windows, Mac, and Linux), and mobile (Android and iOS). You can download Chrome and Firefox browser extensions while there’s even custom firmware for routers.
Pros:
- Servers in 94 countries, including India for watching Hotstar abroad
- Very fast speeds for streaming — works with Netflix and HBO
- Very strong security with high-end encryption and kill switch feature
- Beginner-friendly VPN with easy-to-use apps and 24/7 support
- Doesn’t collect identifying logs of its users
- Allows you to connect up to five devices simultaneously
Cons:
- Quite expensive compared to rival VPNs on this list
BEST VPN FOR HOTSTAR:ExpressVPN is our top recommendation. Servers in 94 countries including India for streaming Hotstar. Very good, consistent speeds. Easy-to-use apps and browser extensions. Live chat support, 24/7. Very secure with encryption. Try it risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee.
NordVPN offers 32 servers in India, over 1,500 in the US, and more than 400 in Canada. Needless to say, this means you can watch Hotstar abroad with ease. Some of the servers available include those that are optimized for P2P-related activities, plus special obfuscated servers allow you to bypass country-wide internet restrictions. Aside from Hotstar, NordVPN can be used to unblock various streaming services including Netflix and Disney+.
When it comes to simultaneous connections, NordVPN users can stream on up to six devices at once. Overall, it’s a highly secure service that uses 256-bit AES encryption and offers a strict no-logs policy. Further security features include protection from DNS and IPv6 leaks and a kill switch feature. You can even enjoy an extra layer of security by connecting to NordVPN’s Double VPN servers. Last but not least, 24/7 support is available over live chat.
You can connect to NordVPN’s servers via the apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and Android TV. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available. Manual installation is required for use with routers.
Pros:
- Over 30 servers in India for streaming Hotstar
- Specialty servers including those optimized for P2P sharing
- Unblocks Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+
- Lets you have up to six connections at once
- Secure choice with a strict no-logs policy and Double VPN servers
Cons:
- Suffered a data breach in 2018
BEST BUDGET VPN:NordVPN offers 32 servers in India and 1,500 servers in the US. Use it to stream Hotstar and Netflix from anywhere. Allows up to six simultaneous connections and includes 24/7 support. Strong security package includes a strict no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.
CyberGhost is one of the faster VPNs available, offering unlimited bandwidth and traffic for uninterrupted streaming. It has an extensive network of over 6,000 servers which cover some 90 countries worldwide. This means you can watch Hotstar in India, the US, or Canada. It’s also worth knowing that CyberGhost unblocks Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu with high-speed servers that allow you to stream free from lag or buffering.
This VPN service provides both 24/7 live chat and email support. What’s more, it lets you secure up to seven devices simultaneously per account. CyberGhost is known for its strong security: it has a strict no-logs policy and uses 256-bit AES encryption. There’s also DNS leak protection and an automatic kill switch. For even greater protection, connect to the privacy-focused NoSpy servers which are independently operated by CyberGhost.
You can secure your devices via CyberGhost’s apps for the following: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. There’s also the option of Chrome and Firefox browser extensions. However, manual configuration is required for use with routers.
Pros:
- Very fast servers for lag-free streaming of Hotstar
- Huge network of 6,000 servers spanning 90 countries
- Operates a strict no-logs policy to protect your online privacy
- Allows as many as seven simultaneous connections
- Live chat support available 24/7
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer an app for routers
- Lack of advanced features for power users
UNLIMITED STREAMING:CyberGhost is fast and offers unlimited bandwidth for streaming Hotstar. Also works with Netflix US. Secure up to seven devices simultaneously. Strict no-logs policy protects your online privacy. 45-day money-back guarantee.
IPVanish lets you unblock geo-restricted content from all around the world as it has servers in dozens of countries. You can watch Hotstar abroad thanks to this VPN’s servers in the Indian cities of Mumbai and New Delhi. There’s no shortage of options in the US (servers in 16 cities) and Canada (three cities) either. If you have lots of devices to secure, you’ll be pleased to know that IPVanish allows as many as 10 simultaneous connections at once.
An IPVanish subscription includes access to 24/7 support via live chat. You’re also protected by its various security features. These include 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. It’s also important to note that IPVanish operates a zero-logs policy, ensuring your privacy is protected at all times. Furthermore, all IPVanish plans come with 250 GB of SugarSync file storage.
IPVanish provides apps for the following operating systems: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. In order to use IPVanish with Linux and compatible routers, you’ll need to follow manual setup instructions.
Pros:
- Servers in India, the US, and Canada for watching Hotstar
- Good, consistent speeds for streaming
- Connect up to 10 devices at once
- Live chat support available 24/7
- Zero-logs policy protects your privacy
Cons:
- Headquarters in the United States which is a member of Five Eyes
- No option of browser extensions
SECURE 10 DEVICES:IPVanish is ideal for sharing with family as it lets you secure up to 10 devices at once. Good server speeds for lag-free streaming of Hotstar. Also unblocks Netflix US. Security includes a zero-logs policy. 7-day money-back guarantee.
PrivateVPN is one of the best VPNs for streaming thanks to its unlimited bandwidth and very high speeds. It has a server presence in 60 countries worldwide. This includes servers in Bangalore (virtual) and Chennai, India for unblocking Hotstar from anywhere. You can also use it to access US streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO. A PrivateVPN subscription means you can connect up to six devices at once.
This is one of the easiest VPNs to use. The apps offer simple and advanced menus, catering to users of all experience levels. There’s also live chat support as well as remote help and installation. PrivateVPN follows a strict no-logs policy, stating it doesn’t know what its users are doing online. Your privacy is further protected through 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch feature. There’s even the option to pay for the service in Bitcoin.
You can unblock Hotstar via the PrivateVPN apps for Windows, Android, Mac, and iOS. To use PrivateVPN with Linux and routers, you’ll need to follow manual setup instructions.
Pros:
- Very fast speeds for streaming and torrenting
- Unblocks Hotstar as well as Netflix and BBC iPlayer
- Beginner-friendly apps for desktop and mobile platforms
- Friendly customer support direct with the developers
- Secure with encryption and a no-logs policy
Cons:
- Only offers 100 servers in total
- Limited selection of apps and no browser extensions
STRONG UNBLOCKING:PrivateVPN unblocks Hotstar, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more. Very fast speeds for streaming and torrenting. Apps are easy to use while live chat support is available. No-logs policy and encryption for your security. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark states that you can watch Hotstar and Bollywood movies anywhere with its VPN. Indeed, it has servers in three Indian cities: Chennai, Indore, and Mumbai. Overall, it has around 1,000 servers in approximately 60 countries. Offering strong, consistent speeds, Surfshark also works well with Netflix and BBC iPlayer. Better still, you can use it on an unlimited number of devices simultaneously.
If you’re looking to improve your online security, Surfshark ticks many boxes. In particular, there’s 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy. You’re also protected from DNS leaks. There’s even the option to connect to Surfshark’s MultiHop (Double VPN) servers for twice the level of encryption. Yet another feature is CleanWeb which keeps you safe online by blocking ads, malware, and trackers.
Surfshark’s user-friendly apps are offered for the following operating systems: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. Use with routers requires following manual setup instructions.
Pros:
- Watch Hotstar abroad thanks to servers in three Indian cities
- Strong unblocking ability — works with Netflix and BBC iPlayer
- Unlimited simultaneous connections per account
- Lots of security features including a strict no-logs policy
Cons:
- Not the largest network of servers
- Fastest server feature isn’t always accurate
UNLIMITED DEVICES:Surfshark lets you secure all of your devices. It has fast servers across three cities in India. Very user-friendly apps and browser extensions. 24/7 live chat support. No-logs service that offers Double VPN servers. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Hotspot Shield offers a growing network of roughly 3,200 servers located across 80 countries. It allows you to unblock any version of Hotstar thanks to its servers in India, the US, and Canada. Particularly noteworthy is that Hotspot Shield has servers in 27 US cities which is great news if you want to unblock Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. With unlimited bandwidth and consistently high speeds, you shouldn’t notice any lag or buffering while streaming.
After creating a Hotspot Shield account, you’ll be able to connect up to five devices at once. This VPN comes with live chat support which is available 24/7 should you need any help. In terms of security, Hotspot Shield offers military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Most importantly, it doesn’t keep any logs by which you could be personally identified.
If you choose Hotspot Shield, you’ll be able to download the apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and routers. However, no support is offered for Linux as yet.
Pros:
- Fast, reliable connections for streaming Hotstar abroad
- Offers 24/7 live chat support
- Uses high-end encryption to keep your data secure
- Connect five devices at once
Cons:
- Doesn’t support Linux
- Privacy policy lacks transparency
3,000+ SERVERS:Hotspot Shield offers lots of servers in India, the US, and Canada for Hotstar. Also unblocks Amazon Prime Video. Very user-friendly apps with 24/7 live chat support. Offers high-end encryption and kill switch feature. 45-day money-back guarantee.
Can I watch Hotstar abroad with a free VPN?
The trouble with free VPNs is that they’re notoriously unreliable when it comes to unblocking geo-restricted content. As such, you may not be able to watch Hotstar abroad with a free VPN. This may also be the case with the likes of Netflix, DAZN, and Disney+. Even if you do manage to access Hotstar, you’ll likely find free VPNs to be far too slow for streaming. This is because they often have a very limited number of servers and far too many users, which manifests as excessive buffering and lag.
Aside from the fact that you may not be able to live stream Hotstar with a free VPN, we also don’t recommend free VPNs for their lack of security. Many don’t offer high-end encryption or protect you from data leaks. Indeed, some free VPNs even log your data (including your browsing history) and sell it to third parties. If you want to protect your online privacy, it’s a good idea to avoid free VPNs and choose one of the best VPNs for Hotstar listed above.
What can I watch on Hotstar?
On Hotstar, you can watch a variety of TV shows, movies, and sports. Here’s a quick summary of some of the content available:
