The Best VPNs for Hotstar in 2024 (Access Hotstar from Anywhere)

Hotstar is an Indian media streaming platform that was launched in 2015 with a strong focus on cricket matches. However, it now also offers other content such as movies, TV shows, sports, and music. Hotstar is geo-restricted, as the content is only available in certain countries, while the largest library is accessible only to users with an Indian IP address. For people wanting to access Hotstar content from elsewhere in the world, a VPN is necessary.

In addition to protecting a user’s device from malware and tracking, a VPN can help to access geo-restricted content. With a VPN, you can set your location to a supported country and watch blocked content. However, not all VPNs are fully compatible with Hotstar; in this article, we will introduce you to the best VPNs for Hotstar in detail.

The most recommended VPNs for Hotstar

In this section, we will go into detail about the best VPNs for Hotstar. Although there are many VPN services that provide access to Hotstar, there are some factors that one should consider before making a decision. These include network size, cost, security, speed, and reliability. Based on these criteria, we have selected the seven best VPNs for Hotstar.

Overall Best in Our Tests

ExpressVPN

Overall score: 9.8

• Super-fast servers
• AES 256-bit encryption
• Supports private protocol, Lightway
• Money-back guarantee

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ExpressVPN is our top pick for streaming on Hotstar. It offers the fastest servers, providing a smooth experience. ExpressVPN is the leading VPN service for streaming sites, with over 3000 servers in 94 countries worldwide. It is highly reliable and valued for its military-grade encryption and ability to bypass geo-restricted content.

ExpressVPN has high-speed servers in India, making it ideal for accessing Hotstar. Users can access all Hotstar content through the server locations in India. The high-speed servers enable comfortable streaming of Hotstar content in HD.

The service combines a 256-bit AES encryption standard with HMAC authentication for security. This provides the user with complete anonymity, IP address protection, and privacy. To fully ensure user privacy, ExpressVPN has a strict no-logs policy, which means that the user’s internet traffic and web activities are not recorded, making surveillance by internet service providers and third parties impossible.

To ensure that the user’s actual IP address is not exposed in the event of a connection drop, ExpressVPN features a kill switch that halts all internet traffic if the VPN connection fails for any reason. ExpressVPN is available on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux, allowing you to enjoy Hotstar content on all your devices. It supports simultaneous use on up to five devices with a single subscription and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Cheapest Option

NordVPN

Overall score: 9.6

• Incredibly fast servers
• Great security features
• Verified no-logs policy
• Unblocks streaming platforms

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NordVPN is a VPN service with over 5000 servers in 59 countries, including India. It has numerous servers in India, making it ideal for streaming Hotstar content. An amazing feature of this VPN is that it allows users to customize the VPN based on their desires: security/privacy, video streaming, or anti-DDoS.

NordVPN uses a 256-bit AES encryption standard that provides excellent protection and unrestricted web access. The provider also features CyberSec and Double VPN functions. The Double VPN function routes internet traffic through two servers, while the CyberSec feature offers additional protection against malware and viruses on the web.

To ensure that the user’s anonymity is not compromised when using the service, there is a kill switch feature that stops all traffic if the connection drops. Together with the DNS leak protection feature, this ensures a secure streaming experience on Hotstar. Like ExpressVPN, NordVPN also has a no-logs policy, which means that the service does not store any user data.

Furthermore, the provider offers dedicated IP addresses and supports six simultaneous connections with a single subscription. NordVPN is available on Windows OS, Mac, iOS, Linux, and Android. There are many different pricing and payment options, including cryptocurrencies. All NordVPN plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Best for connecting multiple devices

Surfshark

Overall score: 9.5

• Allows unlimited simultaneous connections
• Integrates Stealth mode
• Multihop feature available
• 3,000+ servers

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SurfShark is a VPN service with many impressive features that make it perfect for streaming Hotstar content without interruptions. SurfShark has over 1700 servers in 63 countries, including India. It offers server selection in Chennai, Mumbai, and Indore, which makes unblocking Hotstar very easy. The servers are also fast, and users can stream HD content without buffering.

For protection, Surfshark uses an AES 256-bit encryption standard and supports the OpenVPN protocol. There is a kill switch feature that stops all internet traffic if the connection drops. Additionally, the service offers WebRTC and IPv6 leak protection for extra security. The CleanWeb feature blocks annoying ads while streaming content, while DNS leak protection and obfuscation help users bypass firewalls, making it ideal for accessing blocked content.

A unique feature of Surfshark is that it supports an unlimited number of simultaneous connections. Users can use a single subscription plan on an unlimited number of devices. SurfShark also offers a 7-day free trial as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee. Users can sign up anonymously and pay with cryptocurrency to keep all activities private, although the company already has a no-logs policy. SurfShark is available on Windows, iOS, Android, MacOS, and Linux and can be manually configured for use on supported internet routers.

Broadest server reach in our tests

PrivateInternetAccess

Overall score: 9.2

• Great unblocking ability
• Supports WireGuard protocol
• Decent streaming speed
• Affordable subscription offers

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Private Internet Access (PIA) is a US-based VPN service provider that was recently acquired by Kape Technologies. It is an affordable VPN service with over 2000 servers in 48 countries, including India. The company has a strict no-logs policy and does not record any details about its users’ activities. This VPN is a good option for users who want to stream HD content on Hotstar.

PIA uses the AES-256 encryption standard as well as the OpenVPN, PPTP, and L2TP/IPsec protocols. Additionally, the PIA Mace feature blocks ads, malware, and tracking, which significantly improves the streaming process. It includes other outstanding features like split tunneling, Shadowsocks proxy, and auto-connect. It also has a kill switch feature that blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops. For added security, there is IP leak protection and obfuscation. PIA’s strong security features give you the peace of mind you need when using Hotstar and other streaming sites.

The app is available on Windows, Linux, iOS, macOS, and can be configured on supported routers. Users can use a single subscription on up to ten devices at the same time. Subscription plans can be purchased with credit cards, PayPal, and other online payment systems, including gift cards. For users who want to try it out first, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Easiest to use based on our tests

UltraVPN

Overall score: 0

• Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
• Unlimited bandwidth
• Cheap subscription plan. Starting at $6.99, save 22%

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UltraVPN is a VPN service by Network Connect with over 1000+ servers in 58 countries, including India. This makes it ideal for streaming Hotstar content from anywhere in the world. UltraVPN has a one-click connection feature and no bandwidth limits, ensuring an optimal streaming experience with fast streaming speeds without buffering, connection drops, or timeouts.

One of the top features of UltraVPN is the ‘Unlock the Web’ feature, which allows access to websites with geographical restrictions and censorship. This feature enables access to all shows, sports events, and movies on Hotstar that are available in India.

Regarding security, the VPN uses the military-grade 256-bit AES encryption protocol and a kill switch feature that shuts off internet traffic if the connection is unstable. UltraVPN maintains a no-logs policy, ensuring complete privacy for users since details of their activities are not stored.

UltraVPN is available on all major operating systems such as Windows, Linux, iOS, macOS, and Android. Additionally, a single subscription can be used on multiple devices at the same time, and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.

Offers the best money-back guarantee

CyberGhost

Overall score: 8.8

• 45-day money-back guarantee
• 7,000+ reliable servers
• Strict no-log policy
• Tough security features

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CyberGhost is a Romania-based VPN service with over 6400 servers in more than 90 countries worldwide. The VPN has more than 20 high-speed servers in India alone, making it perfect for streaming Hotstar content. The high-speed servers enable streaming of high-definition content without connection drops. Users don’t have to worry about congestion or downtime while streaming, as there are numerous alternative servers to choose from.

CyberGhost features NoSpy servers that operate with 256-bit AES encryption on the OpenVPN protocol, along with 2048-bit RSA keys and MD5-HMAC authentication. The service also includes a kill switch and a no-logs policy, making it a very secure and private VPN. It includes a variety of features such as split tunneling, anti-tracking, and an ad blocker, ensuring a smooth streaming experience. It also has a WiFi protection feature that identifies unknown networks and alerts the user. The VPN then automatically turns on.

CyberGhost supports multiple payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrencies. The provider also offers a one-day free trial as well as a 45-day money-back guarantee on all long-term plans. CyberGhost is available on all popular devices, including Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows. It also works with third-party devices like smart TVs and routers. A single subscription can be used on up to seven devices simultaneously, allowing you to enjoy content from Hotstar on all your devices.

Best for Android

PrivateVPN

Overall score: 9.3

• Advanced configuration settings
• Unblocks restricted platforms
• Compatible with most device types
• Supports the OpenVPN, L2TP and IPSec protocols

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PrivateVPN is a growing VPN service with over 150 servers in 60 countries, including India. Despite its small size, PrivateVPN provides a decent service. It is particularly excellent for streaming high-quality content without interruptions and is therefore also suitable for Hotstar. Moreover, it allows unlimited data usage and shows good speed during streaming without connection drops.

Regarding security, PrivateVPN has a lot to offer. First, it uses military-grade AES-256 encryption, making it impossible for cybercriminals to intercept your traffic. It also features IPv6 leak protection, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch function. It supports secure protocols such as OpenVPN with UDP/TCP, IPsec, L2TP, PPTP, and IKEv2. PrivateVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy, meaning that users’ activities remain private and anonymous.

PrivateVPN allows its users to connect up to six devices simultaneously with a single subscription. The app is available on all major operating systems such as Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Android. Additionally, it offers a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee on all subscription plans.

Quick Guide

This is a brief overview of the best VPNs that provide full access to Hotstar. This quick guide gives you a good assessment of the VPNs to evaluate at a glance. For more information about all our top VPNs, please visit our VPN review page.

1. ExpressVPN: This is our top pick for Hotstar. ExpressVPN offers great connection speeds and full security. It fully unblocks Hotstar and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. NordVPN is a good option for accessing Hotstar. The service offers a huge network of servers in many countries including India.
3. SurfShark: SurfShark offers unlimited simultaneous connections and places a strong emphasis on security and privacy.
4. Private Internet Access (PIA): This VPN offers users four Indian server locations and is excellent for unblocking Hotstar. It offers strong encryption and has a zero-logs policy.
5. UltraVPN has an ‘Unlock the Web’ feature which helps users bypass censorships and geo-restrictions. It offers excellent security and no bandwidth cap.
6. CyberGhost: This is a budget-friendly option with fast servers and access to streaming services such as Hotstar.
7. PrivateVPN offers affordable subscription plans and good streaming speeds.

How to watch Hotstar with a VPN

For people outside India who want to view restricted Hotstar content, there is a need to connect via a suitable VPN to bypass the geo-restriction. In this section, we will explain to you step by step how to unblock Hotstar using a VPN.

1. Subscribe to a VPN service: You can choose any of the VPNs we have reviewed above as they are all suitable for accessing Hotstar. You can subscribe on the VPN’s website and select any of the payment options to complete your registration.
2. After registering, download the VPN app through their website or on your device’s app store. The VPNs we have reviewed all work on all major operating systems.
3. Choose a VPN server in India: After you download and launch the app, scroll through the server list and look for server locations in India and connect to one. Most VPNs either have a list or map containing all the servers available on the VPN. Some VPNs will connect to the fastest server automatically. Once the connection is successful, the app will give a notification.
4. Watch: Double-check to ensure you’re connected to a VPN server in India. After confirming, you can go to Hotstar and access their content.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best VPN for Hotstar

Is Hotstar available everywhere?

Unfortunately, the platform is not available in many places. Currently, Hotstar is only available in four countries: India, the USA, the UK, and Canada. Therefore, you need a VPN. With a VPN, you can connect to servers in the available countries and thus make the platform accessible.

Can a free VPN service enable access to Hotstar?

Free VPNs are suitable for some activities, but they can’t unlock all of Hotstar. The allure of free VPN services is that they cost nothing.

However, free VPNs have limitations. For instance, most of them have a limited amount of data you can use. This means that you could run out of data in the middle of streaming on Hotstar. Additionally, there are often speed limits, which can lead to buffering or delays.

Therefore, a free VPN is not the best choice for Hotstar. Alternatively, you could consider risk-free options. A risk-free VPN gives you virtually free access to premium features for a limited time.

Is it illegal to use a VPN to watch Hotstar?

No, it is not illegal to use a VPN in most countries. Therefore, you should not have any legal issues when using a VPN for Hotstar. Even if Hotstar is not available in your region, using a VPN to access the service does not have legal consequences. However, it is illegal to use a VPN for nefarious activities.

Can a VPN prevent my ISP from throttling Hotstar?

Yes, it can. VPNs are designed to encrypt your traffic and route it through servers around the world to maintain your anonymity online. This means that nobody, not even your ISP, can see what you’re doing while you’re connected to a VPN server. This makes it impossible for the ISP to throttle your data. Therefore, a VPN helps you enjoy faster internet connections.

What kind of content is available on Hotstar?

Hotstar offers an extensive library of movies, TV shows, and sports events. Moreover, all of these are available in eight languages: English, Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil, Marathi, and Kannada.

Conclusion

This guide will help you choose a VPN that is suitable for streaming Hotstar content. From now on, you won’t have to miss your favorite shows when you are outside India. The VPNs on our list have been tested on all common devices and are reliable. Regardless of which one you choose, you can be sure that you will have a good streaming experience.