Hotstar, now known as Disney+ Hotstar, is a popular streaming service that offers a wide range of content, including Bollywood films, TV shows, sports, and exclusive Disney+ content. However, Hotstar is geo-restricted, meaning its content is only available in certain countries, with specific catalogs for India, the US, and other regions. If you’re traveling or living outside these regions, you’ll need a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to unblock Hotstar and enjoy its full library.
In this blog, we’ll explore the best VPN for Hotstar, how to choose the right VPN for streaming, and why using a VPN is the key to unlocking Hotstar from anywhere in the world.
Why You Need a VPN for Hotstar
Hotstar’s content availability differs depending on your location. For instance:
- India has the most extensive catalog, including Bollywood movies, live sports, and Indian TV shows.
- US and other countries offer limited selections compared to the Indian version.
If you’re traveling or living outside these regions, you’ll likely face geo-restrictions. A VPN for Hotstar helps you bypass these restrictions by masking your real IP address and routing your traffic through a server in India or the US, tricking Hotstar into thinking you’re accessing the platform from a supported location.
Benefits of Using a VPN for Hotstar:
- Access regional content: Watch Indian Hotstar, which includes live sports, exclusive TV shows, and movies not available in other countries.
- Secure streaming: Protect your connection and privacy while streaming content on public or unsecured networks.
- Avoid ISP throttling: Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) throttle bandwidth when they detect streaming activities. A VPN can prevent this, ensuring smoother streaming.
What Makes a VPN Good for Hotstar?
When selecting the best VPN for Hotstar, you’ll want to ensure it can bypass geo-restrictions, provide fast speeds for HD streaming, and maintain strong security features. Here are the key factors to consider:
- Ability to Unblock Hotstar: Not all VPNs can bypass Hotstar’s geo-blocks. Choose a VPN with a proven track record of unblocking Hotstar and other streaming platforms.
- Fast Speeds: Streaming requires fast and reliable connections. Choose a VPN that offers servers optimized for high-speed streaming without buffering.
- Server Locations: To access Hotstar’s full content library, you’ll need servers in India, the US, or other regions where Hotstar operates.
- Unlimited Bandwidth: Streaming consumes a lot of data, so make sure the VPN you choose offers unlimited bandwidth without speed throttling.
- Privacy and Security: While streaming, you want to ensure your data is protected. A good VPN should have AES-256 encryption, a no-logs policy, and protection against DNS or IP leaks.
Best VPN for Hotstar: Top 5 Choices
Here are the best VPNs for Hotstar that offer fast speeds, reliable connections, and the ability to unblock Hotstar content from anywhere in the world.
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs for unblocking Hotstar, offering fast servers in India, the US, and other regions. It’s known for its high-speed streaming capabilities, making it ideal for watching Hotstar content in HD or even 4K without buffering.
Key Features:
- Servers in India and the US
- AES-256 encryption with a strict no-logs policy
- Smart Location feature for connecting to the fastest server
- 3,000+ servers in 94 countries
Pros:
- Consistently unblocks Hotstar and other streaming platforms
- Fast streaming speeds with minimal buffering
- Easy-to-use apps for all devices
- Excellent customer support with 24/7 live chat
Cons:
- Higher price compared to competitors
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is another excellent choice for streaming Hotstar, offering reliable servers in India and the US. With its SmartPlay technology, NordVPN automatically bypasses geo-restrictions and ensures fast speeds for streaming.
Key Features:
- 5,400+ servers in 60 countries, including India and the US
- SmartPlay technology for optimized streaming
- AES-256 encryption and no-logs policy
- NordLynx protocol for faster speeds
Pros:
- Great speeds for uninterrupted streaming
- Strong security features
- Wide server network, ideal for unblocking content worldwide
- Reliable performance with Hotstar
Cons:
- No dedicated Indian servers on mobile apps (uses virtual servers)
3. Surfshark
Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN that offers strong streaming capabilities and unlimited simultaneous connections, making it perfect for families or individuals with multiple devices. It has servers in India and the US, and its low price point makes it a great choice for unblocking Hotstar without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
- 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- CleanWeb feature to block ads and trackers
- NoBorders mode for bypassing geo-restrictions
Pros:
- Affordable pricing with unlimited device connections
- Fast servers for streaming Hotstar in HD
- User-friendly apps with an intuitive interface
- Consistently unblocks Hotstar and other services
Cons:
- Some servers may experience occasional slowdowns
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN service with streaming-optimized servers, including servers dedicated to accessing Hotstar. It’s perfect for beginners who want a hassle-free VPN experience and fast speeds for uninterrupted streaming.
Key Features:
- 9,000+ servers in 90+ countries, including India
- Streaming-optimized servers for Hotstar
- AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy
- One-click connection for easy setup
Pros:
- Servers specifically optimized for Hotstar
- Easy to set up and use
- Excellent speeds for HD and 4K streaming
- Budget-friendly with long-term plans
Cons:
- Not as fast as NordVPN or ExpressVPN on certain servers
5. X-VPN
X-VPN is a lesser-known but reliable option for unblocking Hotstar. It offers good speeds and servers in India, which allows users to access the Indian version of Hotstar. X-VPN is easy to use, and its free version is available, though the premium version offers better performance and more server locations.
Key Features:
- Servers in India, the US, and other countries
- 256-bit encryption for secure streaming
- 5,000+ servers worldwide
- Easy-to-use interface with one-click connection
Pros:
- Free version available (with limited servers)
- Easy setup and connection process
- Decent streaming speeds on premium servers
- Works with Hotstar’s Indian and US versions
Cons:
- Free version has slower speeds and fewer server options
- Limited advanced features compared to premium VPNs
How to Set Up a VPN for Hotstar
Setting up a VPN to stream Hotstar is simple. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Choose a VPN
Select one of the VPNs listed above based on your needs, such as speed, server locations, and price. Download the VPN app from the provider’s website.
2. Install the VPN App
Follow the installation instructions to set up the VPN on your device. VPNs typically support multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and even routers.
3. Connect to an Indian or US Server
Once installed, open the VPN app and connect to a server in India or the US, depending on which Hotstar library you want to access. Ensure you choose a server optimized for streaming to avoid buffering issues.
4. Access Hotstar
After connecting to the VPN, go to the Hotstar website or open the Hotstar app. You should now be able to access all the content as if you were browsing from India or the US.
Conclusion
Using a VPN for Hotstar is essential for unlocking its full content library and bypassing geo-restrictions. Whether you want to watch live sports, Bollywood films, or exclusive Disney+ content, a reliable VPN ensures smooth, uninterrupted streaming.
ExpressVPN, NordVPN and X-VPN are top choices for streaming Hotstar due to their speed and reliability, while Surfshark offers great value for users with multiple devices. CyberGhost is perfect for beginners.
By choosing the right VPN, you can enjoy Hotstar from anywhere in the world and enhance your streaming experience.