5 Best VPNs for Hulu That Work in 2023 — No More Errors

Using a VPN is the easiest way to access Hulu from outside the US and Japan, but the platform has recently cracked down on VPN services with its tough geo-restrictions. This doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on your favorite Hulu content if you move or travel, though.

After testing 30+ VPNs, I shortlisted a handful of the most reliable services for avoiding the Hulu proxy error message. They also gave me speeds fast enough for smooth streaming.

Of these, my top recommendation is ExpressVPN. It has no problem unblocking Hulu with its extensive network of US servers (and a few Japanese ones). Plus, it gave me the fastest speeds of any other VPN I tried, so I was able to stream in the best quality. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can watch Hulu risk-free. If you’re not happy with it, you can ask for a full refund.

Try ExpressVPN for Hulu >>

Best VPNs for Hulu — Full Analysis (Updated 2023)

1. ExpressVPN — Reliable Hulu Access and Ultra-Fast Speeds for Smooth Streaming

ExpressVPN is my go-to Hulu VPN. It reliably unblocked Hulu with each server I tried and gave me ultra-fast speeds for smooth streaming.

Our dedicated speed tester recorded speeds from its New York and Los Angeles servers and got almost identical speeds with both connections (85 Mbps and 86 Mbps, respectively). This is a 20% speed loss compared to their base connection (107 Mbps). With its fast speeds, I had no trouble streaming Hulu in Ultra HD (which requires 25 Mbps).

I had fast streaming no matter which US server I tried

ExpressVPN offers 24+ US server locations in the US and all of them work great with Hulu — I got instant access with each connection I tried. It also operates multiple servers in Japan that are spread across 4 different locations (including Tokyo and Yokohama), so accessing the Hulu Japan library was just as easy.

ExpressVPN offers intuitive apps for all major platforms and devices, including most routers. Plus, its MediaStreamer feature lets you unblock Hulu on your smart TV, along with other devices that aren’t compatible with VPNs. Using the instructions on its site, it took less than 5 minutes to set up MediaStreamer on my Samsung smart TV and watch Hulu on the big screen.

ExpressVPN is on the pricier side, but it offers frequent discounts with its long-term plans. Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can watch Hulu risk-free. To test it out, I requested a refund via the 24/7 live chat option. The support agent only asked why I wanted a refund, then proceeded with my request. I got my money back in 3 business days.

Useful Features

• Lightway. ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol combines fast speeds with a reliable connection. I recommend using it for smooth streaming.
• Fastest US server. Simply click the United States option in the server list, and you’ll be instantly connected to the optimal US server for your location.
• Shortcuts. When you connect to ExpressVPN on Windows and Mac, you can add shortcuts to your Hulu (or any other apps and websites) right on the app’s interface. This gives you quick and easy access to the platform.
• Unique browser extensions. The Chrome and Firefox browser extensions protect your entire device, for a convenient way to control the app from within your browser.

Try ExpressVPN for Hulu >>

2. CyberGhost — Hulu-Optimized Servers Make it Easy to Bypass Hulu’s Geo-Restrictions

It’s easy to access Hulu with CyberGhost’s Hulu-optimized servers. You can choose from 3 Hulu connections depending on the device you want to watch Hulu on, including desktop, Android TV, and Firestick. During my tests, all three worked seamlessly with Hulu, and I never got the Hulu proxy error message.

The picture quality remained the same even when skipping to different parts of the show

CyberGhost has one of the easiest-to-use apps I’ve tested, making it a great option if you’re new to VPNs. All of its streaming-optimized servers are gathered in one place. You can also find these quickly with by typing ‘Hulu’ in the search bar. Additionally, it lets you favorite servers for easy access.

CyberGhost’s overall speeds are pretty impressive. Our speed tester lost an average of 25% on its Los Angeles server, even though it’s the furthest US connection from them. I never experienced slowdowns while watching Married at First Sight on Hulu US.

That said, it’s long distance connection speeds are inconsistent and overall, not as fast as ExpressVPNs — our speed tester lost about 50% in Tokyo. Luckily, Hulu US offers a much larger content library, so you don’t need to rely on Japanese servers for streaming.

CyberGhost offers great value with its long-term plans, and you can try it risk-free with its generous 45-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with the service, you can get a full refund.

Useful Features

• Server distance displayed. You can see how far each server is from your location, so it’s easy to find the closest US server for fast streaming speeds.
• Extensive US server network. CyberGhost offers 1423+ US servers, giving you plenty of options for unblocking Hulu
• Smart Rules. The Smart Rules feature lets you customize CyberGhost based on your needs. For instance, you can set the VPN to automatically connect to a previously chosen server when launching Hulu, so you always have easy access to the platform.
• Smart DNS. You can use CyberGhost’s Smart DNS service to stream on devices that don’t support VPN apps, such as smart TVs and gaming consoles.

Try CyberGhost for Hulu >>

3. Private Internet Access — Huge US Server Network Allows You to Access Hulu From Anywhere

Private Internet Access has servers in every US state, making it easy to find a server that works with Hulu. Plus there are streaming-optimized connections that are regularly tested to work with Hulu and other major streaming platforms. I tried the US East and West Streaming-Optimized servers and both gave me reliable access to Hulu.

My connection remained stable with both its regular and streaming-optimized servers

PIA offers great speeds for streaming. We tested two locations (New York and Los Angeles) and got an average reduction of 31%. I could watch The Amazing Maurice on Hulu without interruptions.

At first, speed test results in Japan were similar to CyberGhosts and our speed tester lost about 50%. That’s the beauty of PIA, though; it’s super customizable, so you can optimize your connection. For instance, they reported that switching from AES 256-bit to AES 128-bit encryption boosted their speeds by 10%.

That said, its many customization options can be overwhelming if you’re new to VPNs. But since it comes pre-configured, you don’t necessarily need to change anything — simply connect to a US or Japanese server and stream.

PIA is more affordable than most premium VPNs. Plus, all its plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it without risk. If it’s not suitable for you, you can get a full refund.

Useful Features

• Unlimited connections. Since there’s no cap to the devices you can connect, you’ll never have to interrupt your Hulu streaming if someone else in your household want’s to use the VPN.
• MACE. PIA’s powerful ad blocker helps you avoid ads and malware while streaming and browsing.
• “Favorite” servers. You don’t have to remember which server worked best for Hulu. Simply click on the heart next to it, and you’ll have easy access every time.
• Dedicated IP addresses. For a small monthly fee, you can get a dedicated IP address that only you can use. Dedicated IPs are much less likely to be detected by streaming platforms, which can help you avoid the Hulu proxy error.

Try PIA for Hulu >>

4. NordVPN — NordLynx Protocol to Maintain High Speeds for Smooth Hulu Viewing

NordVPN has fast short and long-distance speeds for streaming Hulu in Ultra HD. This is mainly thanks to its NordLynx protocol, which was designed for fast speeds. It’s easy to use — you can find it under settings > connection and it’s in a dropdown menu titled ‘VPN protocol’.

When testing the LA location using NordLynx, our speed tester recorded 82 Mbps (a 22% speed drop). Even in Japan, it only dropped by 35%, which is just a little bit slower than ExpressVPN’s Japanese speed test results. Due to its high-speed connections, I could watch Hulu without buffering.

Streaming was fast with Hulu Japan, too — it just took a couple extra seconds to load the first episode

NordVPN’s SmartPlay features automatically integrates smart DNS with the VPN, so you can access Hulu (and other geoblocked content) without hesitation. Plus, it comes built-in with the VPN, so it doesn’t require any setup. Simply connect to a US server, and you’ll be able to stream Hulu safely on any device.

The only frustration I had was that it took almost 40 seconds to establish a connection to its Japanese server — much longer than the other VPNs in this list took. Although, once connected, it was fast and reliable.

NordVPN also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don’t like it, getting a refund is quick and easy.

Useful Features

• Map Interface. NordVPN has an intuitive map interface where all its servers are displayed as dots — it offers servers in 16 US+ states. Simply click on a dot and you’ll instantly connect to your preferred server.
• Threat Protection. Threat Protection blocks all types of malware, trackers, and ads, so you can browse and stream without interruptions.
• Meshnet. Meshnet lets you create an encrypted LAN network and connect up to 60 devices using one IP address. It is useful if you want to stream Hulu while not connected to your home network.

Try NordVPN for Hulu >>

5. Surfshark — Unlimited Connections For Uninterrupted Hulu Streaming on All Your Devices

With Surfshark, you can connect an unlimited number of devices under a single subscription. This means you don’t have to worry about being logged out of the VPN by other users. To test this, I watched Hulu on a Windows PC with multiple other connections established at the same time, and it never compromised my connection quality.

I didn’t experience any slowdowns during the entire movie

Surfshark offers great speeds for streaming. The US servers gave us consistently fast speeds, with drops of only 22% on the Los Angeles connection. The Tokyo server has been really slow in previous weeks, but last week’s test results improved to 33%. There was zero lag as I watched Maybe I Do on Hulu in Ultra HD.

My only problem with Surfshark is that a few of its servers couldn’t get around Hulu’s geo-restrictions. Still, there are up to 25 US locations, so it doesn’t take too long to find a server that works. You can also save the ones that can unblock Hulu, so you always have easy access to the platform.

You can test Surfshark risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. If it doesn’t fit your needs, you can ask for a full refund.

Useful Features

• Rotating IPs. This feature changes your IP address every few minutes without disconnecting you from the VPN and with your location staying the same. This makes it more difficult for streaming platforms like Hulu to detect and block you.
• Dedicated IPs. You can also opt to buy your own IP address for Hulu — since it’s not shared with thousands of users, it’s less suspicious to VPN-blocking technology.
• Built-in speed test. You can check how fast each server is directly within the app, so it’s easy to find the server that offers optimal speeds for Hulu.

Try Surfshark for Hulu >>

Quick Comparison Table: Hulu VPN Features

The table below provides a quick overview of the key features offered by the best Hulu VPNs. This includes their lowest monthly prices, speed performance, and whether they offer streaming-optimized servers.

I’ve also included the availability of smart DNS. This feature lets you unblock Hulu and other streaming platforms on devices that don’t typically support VPN apps, such as smart TVs and gaming consoles.

Finally, I took into account how many US server locations each VPN has. Hulu is available in the US and Japan, but its US library is the most extensive. The more US servers a VPN offers, the higher the chances you will find one that works with Hulu.

Try ExpressVPN for Hulu >>

Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for Hulu

I used the following tips to determine the best VPNs for Hulu:

• Can access Hulu. Hulu is geo-restricted to the US and Japan, so it's important to choose a VPN that offers reliable servers in these regions. I chose VPNs that offer at least 10 server locations in the US and 1 in Japan.
• Fast speeds. It is normal for a VPN to slow down your connection speeds, but you should still be able to stream in the best quality without buffering. Typically, you need at least 25 Mbps for UHD streaming, so I made sure all the listed VPNs offer at least that.
• Device compatibility. Make sure the VPN offers an easy-to-use app for the device that you want to stream Hulu on. All the services on this list are compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Fire devices, but if you want to stream on your smart TV, you should look for a VPN with a smart DNS service.
• Reliable customer support. Even with the best VPNs, you might encounter an issue where you’ll need to speak to a support agent. For urgent issues, a 24/7 live chat option is much better than email or a support form.
• Trustworthy money-back guarantee. A VPN needs to offer a money-back guarantee so you can try it without risk. I made sure each of the listed VPNs is able to give you a full refund if you aren’t happy with it.

These VPNs Don’t Work With Hulu

During my tests, I came across a few VPNs that can’t access Hulu at all. Here are the VPNs you should avoid if you want to watch Hulu from outside the US or Japan.

Try ExpressVPN for Hulu >>

FAQs on VPNs for Hulu

What if my VPN is not working with Hulu?

There are several reasons why your VPN may not be working with Hulu. First, you should check if you’re using a VPN that has been proven to reliably unblock Hulu — many can’t get past its strict geo-blocks.

Then, try the following troubleshooting methods:

• Switch to a different server. Streaming platforms like Hulu often detect and block VPN IP addresses, so switching to a new server can help you bypass the block.
• Clear your cookies and cache. If you’re using a browser to access Hulu, your cookies and cache may be revealing your real location, so deleting them or simply using a different browser can help.
• Change the VPN protocol. Some VPN protocols are harder for Hulu to detect, so try switching to a different one. You can find all available protocols in the VPN’s Settings.
• Disable IPv6 on your device. Most premium VPNs offer protection against IPv6 leaks, but it’s better to rule out the possibility of a leak by disabling IPv6 on your device. It’s usually found in your device’s network adapter settings.
• Configure your DNS/proxy settings. This method is a bit more involved, but you can usually find detailed step-by-step guides on your VPN’s official website.
• Reach out to customer support. If none of these methods work, it’s best to contact your VPN’s support team. An agent might give you a list of servers that work with Hulu or provide some more troubleshooting tips.

How can I fix the Hulu home location error?

To get around Hulu’s home location error, you can use a VPN with dedicated IP addresses, or a static IP. This way, you’ll have the same IP address instead of being assigned one at random. This makes it harder for Hulu to detect that your traffic is coming from a VPN.

The Hulu “home location” determines which channels you get access to with the Hulu + Live TV service. This depends on the IP address you used when you first signed up, so even if you’re on the other side of the country, you’ll only get access to channels available in your home location.

Another way to fix this error is to update your network. Hulu lets you change your home location (and the IP address associated with it) 4x a year. So, if you use a dedicated IP address to update your home location, you’ll always have easy access to your Hulu account from anywhere.

Can I watch Hulu in HD with a VPN?

Yes, you can watch Hulu in HD and even Ultra HD with a VPN, but it’s best to use a premium VPN service that offers fast speeds for smooth streaming. VPNs inevitably drop speeds due to encryption and the distance traveled to the server you’re using. Fast VPNs ensure the speedloss is minimized — just remember, your speeds can only be as fast as your baseline connection.

I tested each of my recommended Hulu VPNs to ensure they can reach speeds of at least 25 Mbps (which is what you need for streaming in UHD), and all of them gave me speeds even faster than that, so I was able to watch my favorite Hulu shows buffer-free.

Which devices can I use to stream Hulu with a VPN?

All the listed VPNs are compatible with most major devices and operating systems, like Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Fire TV. That way, you can easily download the app directly on your devices and unblock Hulu without hassle.

However, if the device you want to stream Hulu on doesn’t support a VPN app, you should consider a VPN that offers an easy-to-use smart DNS feature. This feature will allow you to unblock Hulu on devices such as smart TVs and gaming consoles, so you have more flexibility in how you stream Hulu.

Can I sign up for Hulu outside the US?

Yes, but there are a couple hoops to jump. Hulu is only available in the US and Japan, so the easiest way to sign up outside of these countries is with a reliable VPN service. Connecting to a US or Japanese server will change your IP address and make it look like you’re signing up from a licensed location.

Keep in mind, you can only subscribe to Hulu with a US or a Japanese payment method. This includes a credit or debit card or your local PayPal account. If you don’t have those, you can also use a prepaid gift card as a payment method.

Will a VPN help me access Hulu from Canada, Mexico, or Europe?

Yes, a reliable VPN will allow you to stream Hulu from anywhere in the world, including Canada, Mexico, and European countries. The only problem is, not all VPNs work with Hulu, as the platform has implemented some tough geo-blocks and can detect VPN connections pretty easily.

Through my time testing, I have only found a few VPNs that can reliably access Hulu, and that offer good speeds for streaming. Plus, all my recommended VPNs come with tried and tested money-back guarantees, so you can try each one of them with Hulu risk-free.

Can I watch Hulu with a free VPN?

Maybe, but I don’t recommend it. In my experience, it’s better to get a premium VPN with a money-back guarantee for streaming Hulu without financial risk. Despite claiming otherwise, most free VPNs can’t bypass geo-restrictions on streaming sites, including Hulu. And even if they do, you’ll probably have to deal with severe data caps and speed restrictions.

Even worse, some VPNs may sell your personal data to third parties for profit, so they aren’t safe to use. Plus, they often come filled with ads that may disrupt your viewing experience, and even infect your device with malware.

Get the Best VPN for Hulu

Although most VPNs claim to work with Hulu, in reality, that’s rarely the case. Even those that can bypass Hulu’s geo-blocks often slow down your speeds so much that it’s impossible to stream smoothly. To save you the time, I listed my top recommended VPNs for reliable access Hulu that offer good speeds for buffer-free streaming.

My favorite of these is ExpressVPN. It’s really fast and has tons of reliable US and Japanese connections for unblocking the platform. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it completely risk-free.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for Hulu...