Hotstar is available in India as well as the US and Canada, although content can vary by country. However, if you’re trying to watch Hotstar from other countries (such as from Europe), you’ll find all the content to be region-locked. Fortunately, if you use a Virtual Private Network (VPN), you can 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. If you connect to a server in India, you’ll receive an Indian IP address. This makes Hotstar think that you’re accessing it from within India and, as such, unblocks the content.

In this article, we’ll talk you through how to use a VPN and also some of the best VPNs to help you to access Hotstar from anywhere.

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. Just follow this step-by-step guide.

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 NordVPN.
  • 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.

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:

There are no hidden terms - just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you, and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

Best VPNs to watch Hotstar online:

  • NordVPN: The best VPN for Hotstar. Nearly 2,500 in the US and Canada. 24/7 live chat support. No-logs VPN with Double VPN servers. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: Best value VPN. Fast servers in 3 Indian cities plus plenty in the US. Works with Hotstar and Netflix. Allows unlimited simultaneous connections. No-logs VPN with 24/7 support.
  • ExpressVPN: Servers in 94 countries, including India. High-speed servers and very user-friendly apps. Highly secure with 24/7 support.
  • CyberGhost: High-speed servers in 90+ countries. Access Hotstar, Netflix US, and more. Strict no-logs policy and up to 7 simultaneous connections.
  • IPVanish: Connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. Servers in two Indian cities, good speeds, and includes a zero-logs policy.
  • PrivateVPN: Unlimited bandwidth for streaming Hotstar. Also works with Netflix. User-friendly apps. Protects your privacy with its no-logs policy.
  • AtlasVPN: Servers in 40+ locations, WireGuard support, and built-in breach monitor. allows unlimited connections.

Best VPNs for watching Hotstar abroad – at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for watching Hotstar abroad.

Best VPNs for watching Hotstar abroad

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

You can read more about we test and rank our VPNs in the methodology section of this article. But for now, let’s take a closer look at the ones that made our list.

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for watching Hotstar abroad:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

unblocks hotstarTested Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our top choice for watching Hotstar abroad. This provider no longer has Indian servers because the government passed a law requiring VPN providers to log user data, and this goes against Nord’s no-logs policy. As such, they reacted swiftly and removed all of their Indian servers to protect their users’ privacy. A move we respect. And since they still have around 2,500 servers in the US and Canada and 5,400 globally, you won’t have any trouble accessing Hotstar and other services from abroad.

Some of the servers available include those that are optimized for P2P-related activities, plus special obfuscated servers for bypassing country-wide internet restrictions. Aside from Hotstar, NordVPN can be used with 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.

BEST VPN FOR HOTSTAR:NordVPN is our top recommendation. Around 2,000 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. A 30-day money-back guarantee means you can try it out risk-free.

Pros:

Cons:

  • Suffered a data breach in 2018

Our score:

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

unblocks hotstarTested Jan 2023

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

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 3,200 servers in almost 100 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.

BEST BUDGET VPN: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 with Double VPN servers. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Watch Hotstar abroad thanks to servers in three Indian cities

  • Works with Netflix and BBC iPlayer

  • Unlimited simultaneous connections per account

  • Lots of security features, including a strict no-logs policy

  • Provides 24-hour support via live chat and email

  • Switching servers is occasionally slow

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

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.

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. 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 apps for desktop (Windows, Mac, and Linux) and mobile (Android and iOS). You can download Chrome and Firefox browser extensions and there’s even custom firmware for routers.

STRONG ALL-ROUNDER:ExpressVPN provides both speed and security. Servers in 94 countries including India for streaming Hotstar. Very good, consistent speeds. Live chat support, 24/7 and secure with encryption. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Servers in 94 countries, including India, for watching Hotstar abroad

  • Very fast speeds for streaming — works well with Netflix

  • 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

  • Quite expensive compared to rival VPNs on this list

  • Streaming servers aren’t labeled

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost is one of the faster VPNs available, offering unlimited bandwidth and traffic for uninterrupted streaming. It has an extensive network of over 9,000 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 lets you access 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.

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.

  • Fast servers for lag-free streaming of Hotstar

  • Huge network of 9,000+ 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

  • Unable to bypass the Great Firewall of China

  • Better suited to beginners than power users

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

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 approximately 20 cities) and Canada (three cities) either. If you have lots of devices to secure, you’ll be pleased to know that IPVanish allows unlimited simultaneous connections per account.

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.

UNLIMITED DEVICES:IPVanish is ideal for sharing with family as it lets you secure all of your devices at once. Good server speeds for lag-free streaming of Hotstar and Netflix US. Security includes a zero-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Servers in India, the US, and Canada for watching Hotstar

  • Good, consistent speeds for streaming

  • Connect all of your devices at once

  • Zero-logs policy protects your privacy

  • Headquarters in the United States which is a member of Five Eyes

  • No option for browser extensions

Read our full IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

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.

STRONG UNBLOCKING:PrivateVPN works Hotstar, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ and more. Very fast speeds for streaming and torrenting. User-friendly with live chat support. No-logs policy and encryption for your security. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Very fast speeds for streaming and torrenting

  • Works with Hotstar as well as Netflix and BBC iPlayer

  • Secure with encryption and a no-logs policy

  • Only offers 200 servers in total

  • No browser extensions available

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. AtlasVPN

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.atlasvpn.com

Once you’re up and running with AtlasVPN, you’ll be able to take advantage of its unlimited connection limit, letting you stream on as many devices as you’d like simultaneously. In addition, AtlasVPN doesn’t disappoint with its security offering, operating a zero logs policy, and including a breach monitor and split tunneling as standard.

UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:AtlasVPN includes a built-in breach monitor, servers in 40+ locations, and uses 256-bit encryption. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Streaming speeds are fantastic

  • Lots of powerful security tools

  • Secure every device you own

  • Users must email support to cancel

  • Doesn’t support manual configuration on Linux or routers

Read our full AtlasVPN review.

Finding the best VPNs for watching Hotstar abroad: our methodology

Want to know more about how we chose the best VPNs for Hotstar? Below, we outline our methodology which provides further insight into what we look for in a VPN for use with Hotstar:

  • Servers worldwide: Hotstar is available in India, the US, and Canada. So as a starting point, the VPNs we chose had to offer servers in these countries! This allows you to unblock the streaming service with ease. Of course, it doesn’t help to have servers further afield. The VPNs in this post have servers in dozens of countries.
  • Speed: While it’s important that a VPN has servers in a wide range of locations, it’s equally important for these servers to be fast. After all, you want to be able to stream Hotstar in high resolution without performance issues. Unlimited bandwidth ensures you can do so without having to contend with lag or buffering. We test all our VPNs to ensure their speeds are suitable.
  • Unblocking: Whether it’s Hotstar or another streaming service such as BBC iPlayer, a news site, or an online banking service, chances are you’ll encounter further geo-restricted content. Having tested a wide range of VPNs against various websites and services, we’ve found those which are most consistent and suitable for traveling abroad.
  • Security: Everyone knows that there are some security risks that come with being online. Hackers and snoopers pose some threats to your browsing data. However, a VPN encrypts your internet traffic and protects you from compromising leaks. We look for these key security features in any VPN we recommend.
  • Privacy: Some VPNs are best avoided due to the fact that they don’t protect your privacy. In some cases, they keep logs of your browsing data and sell the information to third parties! Don’t want others to know what you’re doing online? We’ve studied 140 VPN logging policies to find those that help you stay anonymous online.
  • Ease of use: Any quality VPN should be user-friendly. Connecting to a server or adjusting your settings should be quick and easy to do. As such, we’ve identified VPNs that offer beginner-friendly apps, 24/7 live chat and email support, and plenty of additional help, such as setup guides.
  • Value for money: If your budget is limited, don’t worry. The best VPNs for Hotstar offer both long-term and short-term subscription plans to suit. Indeed, they also come with money-back guarantees, providing you a chance to try them risk-free. With our VPN discount coupons, you can also save a little extra.

Looking for the above is just part of our VPN testing methodology, which involves hands-on testing of each VPN.

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.

  • Indian Premier League cricket
  • English Premier League football
  • Special Ops
  • Housefull 4
  • Out of Love
  • Tanhaji
  • Criminal Justice
  • Total Dhamaal
  • City of Dreams
  • Avengers: Endgame

There are a few other reasons why you might want to use a VPN to watch Hotstar. First, a VPN can encrypt your traffic, which will protect your privacy and keep your data safe from hackers. Second, a VPN can help you bypass any government censorship, which is important if you’re living in or traveling to a country with restrictive internet laws. Lastly, a VPN can improve your streaming speeds by bypassing any throttling that your ISP might be doing.