If you’re looking to stream Disney+ Hotstar outside of India, you’ve likely encountered some limitations. Since its merger with Disney, Hotstar now offers a massive selection of content, including Bollywood hits, Indian TV shows, and live cricket matches, along with Disney originals. However, due to regional restrictions, you can’t access the full Indian Disney+ Hotstar library when abroad, whether you’re in the US, Canada, Germany, or elsewhere.
Luckily, there’s a simple workaround: using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN, which can run on any phone or computer like an app, allows you to connect to an Indian server and watch Disney+ Hotstar as if you were in India, no matter where you are. We’ll explain exactly how to use a VPN to unlock Hotstar’s full library and provide you with the best VPN recommendations for a smooth, buffer-free experience. Stay tuned for more!
Why Is Hotstar Restricted Outside India?
Hotstar operates under strict licensing agreements. These agreements determine what content can be shown in different regions, which is why the content you get on Hotstar in India differs from what’s available in other countries.
Additionally, these rights vary depending on the content creators or networks who may not want their shows or films broadcast internationally.
That’s why, if you’re traveling or living outside India, you’ll often find yourself unable to access the full Indian Hotstar library.
This is common across all streaming platforms and explains why so many people are also looking for ways to switch Prime Video country.
How to Watch Hotstar Outside India with a VPN: Complete Guide
The simplest way to access Disney+ Hotstar outside India is by using a VPN when you’re in the US or anywhere else in the world. A VPN allows you to change your IP address, making it appear as if you’re browsing from India.
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide using NordVPN, one of the best options for this purpose:
- Sign up for NordVPN: Go to the NordVPN website, choose a plan, and create your account. Don’t forget, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test NordVPN risk-free.
- Download and install the app: NordVPN is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and more. Additionally, we consider it the best VPN for Chrome.
- Connect to an Indian server: Once the app is set up, open it and connect to a server in India. NordVPN has multiple high-speed servers in India, making it a reliable choice for streaming content.
- Log in to Disney+ Hotstar: Visit the Hotstar website or open the app. Since your IP address will now show as being in India, you’ll be able to access the complete Indian library of shows, movies, and sports.
- Enjoy your content: That’s it! You can now stream Disney+ Hotstar as if you were in India, no matter where you are.
NordVPN’s fast speeds and consistent performance for a smooth streaming experience, even when watching live sports like cricket or HD content from Indian TV shows.
Best VPNs for Watching Hotstar Outside India in 2025
When it comes to streaming Hotstar outside India, whether you’re in the US, UK, or anywhere else, a fast and reliable VPN with servers in India is essential.
Here’s a list of the top VPNs that excel in unblocking Hotstar and provide seamless streaming with solid privacy features:
7492 servers
118 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
10 simultaneous connections
9.4 /10
3000 servers
105 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
8 simultaneous connections
9.1 /10
27000 servers
91 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
Unlimited connections
9 /10
1. NordVPN
If you’re outside India and want to stream Disney+ Hotstar, NordVPN is your best option in 2025.
NordVPN excels in streaming because of its proprietary NordLynx protocol, which is built on WireGuard technology. Whether you’re tuning into the latest IPL match or binge-watching your favorite Indian drama, NordVPN’s speed ensures a smooth, buffer-free experience.
You can connect to any of NordVPN’s servers in India to get an Indian IP address, which is essential for accessing Hotstar’s entire library. These servers consistently bypass geo-restrictions, allowing you to stream as if you were in India. Combined with the SmartPlay feature, you can gear up unsupported devices with NordVPN to stream seamlessly.
During our tests, NordVPN provided excellent speed retention, with only a minimal drop in speeds, even when connected to long-distance servers. This means that streaming Hotstar, whether you’re in the US or elsewhere, remains seamless.
NordVPN supports all major devices. You can easily use it to watch content on your smartphone, smart TV, Apple TV, or even a gaming console. The app is user-friendly, so you can quickly connect to an Indian server and start watching.
Besides Hotstar, NordVPN works well with other popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and ESPN+. So, if you want to access content from various regions, NordVPN has you covered.
With plans starting at just $3 a month, NordVPN offers excellent value. Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try it risk-free.
Pros
- Many Indian servers
- Fast connections for HD and 4K streaming
- Supports streaming on various devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Advanced obfuscated servers
- Dedicated IP add-on available
Cons
- No free version
- Desktop UI can seem dated
2. ExpressVPN
When it comes to streaming Hotstar outside India, ExpressVPN is among the most reliable VPNs available. Its extensive server network with obfuscated servers can effortlessly unblock any streaming service, and it offers plenty of speed to handle HD and 4K content smoothly.
ExpressVPN’s servers in India are perfect for unblocking Hotstar’s full content library. This allows you to watch popular shows, live sports, and movies just as you would if you were in India. Its MediaStreamer feature helps bypass geo-restrictions, making it particularly effective when accessing platforms like Hotstar from abroad.
During my testing, ExpressVPN maintained impressive streaming speeds, even when connecting to distant servers. So you can enjoy high-quality streaming without buffering, which is crucial when watching live events like cricket matches on Hotstar.
The service works well with major streaming platforms, not just Hotstar. It unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and more, so you get plenty of versatility with one subscription. Whether you’re in the US or elsewhere, you’ll have access to geo-restricted content seamlessly.
ExpressVPN is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV. It also runs on TrustedServer technology, which wipes all data after every session for added security.
ExpressVPN’s plans start at $5 a month, which is on the pricier side, but you’re getting top-tier performance. Plus, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try it out risk-free. This way, you can enjoy a top free VPN for India for up to 30 days.
Pros
- Multiple servers in India
- Excellent speeds for streaming in HD and 4K
- Compatible with most devices, including Smart TVs
- TrustedServer technology for enhanced security
- Works with many popular streaming services
Cons
- Higher price point compared to others
- No free version is available
3. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private Internet Access (PIA) is an affordable and effective choice for streaming Hotstar outside India. With servers in India, PIA makes it easy to get an Indian IP address, letting you bypass Hotstar’s geo-blocks and enjoy shows, movies, and live sports.
The service handles streaming well, even on its Indian servers. While it’s not as fast as some premium VPNs, PIA still delivers solid performance for watching Hotstar in HD, for smooth streaming with minimal buffering across 30,000+ servers.
This VPN works on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux, making it easy to watch Hotstar on all your devices. Whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, or Smart TV, PIA supports a wide range of platforms for seamless viewing.
One standout feature for streamers is PIA’s ability to toggle between 128-bit and 256-bit encryption. If you prioritize speed over encryption while streaming, you can opt for the lower encryption level to improve performance without significantly sacrificing security.
MACE, PIA’s built-in ad blocker, enhances your streaming experience by removing unwanted ads. This feature also helps block malicious sites, adding an extra layer of protection while watching content online.
PIA’s budget-friendly plans start at around $2/month, making it a cost-effective option for anyone looking to stream Hotstar from outside India. Plus, PIA offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. While it may not be the fastest option, it provides reliable access to geo-blocked content without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Indian servers
- Affordable long-term pricing
- Unlimited device connections
- Highly customizable options
Cons
- Lacks more advanced features found in rival VPNs
- Slower upload speeds
Should You Use Free VPNs for Accessing Hotstar?
Using a free VPN to stream Hotstar outside India might sound tempting, but it’s far from ideal.
The streaming platform is known for detecting even premium VPNs, so a free service is even less likely to work. Many free VPNs lack the ability to unblock Indian content, and they typically don’t offer servers in India.
For example, ProtonVPN is one of the most trusted free VPNs on the market, but it doesn’t provide access to Indian servers. Even if you could connect to a free VPN, the performance would likely be disappointing. Free services often limit bandwidth, resulting in slow speeds and buffering — not what you want when streaming live sports or your favorite TV shows.
Moreover, free VPNs typically come with privacy risks. Some may log and sell your data to third parties or show you ads to cover their costs. If privacy and smooth streaming are important to you, sticking with a reliable premium VPN, like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, is the safer bet.
Final Verdict
Watching Hotstar outside India, especially if you’re in the US or any other location, requires a seamless VPN experience. After reviewing the top VPNs, NordVPN is clearly the best choice overall.
It provides excellent speed, a large network of servers in India, and reliable unblocking capabilities for Hotstar and other streaming services. If speed, stability, and consistent performance are your priorities, NordVPN is hard to beat.
Ultimately, the best VPN for you depends on your specific needs. If you want the fastest performance and are willing to spend a little more, go for NordVPN or ExpressVPN. But if you’re looking for solid performance at a budget-friendly price, PIA is a good choice.
FAQs
Here’s a quick rundown of common questions related to this topic.
Which VPN works best for Hotstar in 2025?
Based on tests, NordVPN is the best VPN for streaming Hotstar due to its fast speeds and ability to bypass geo-restrictions. ExpressVPN is another solid choice for its smooth streaming experience, and PIA is a great budget-friendly alternative.
Why can’t I access Hotstar even with a VPN?
If Hotstar is still blocked while using a VPN, there could be several reasons. Some VPNs may have outdated IP addresses that the streaming service has blocked. Ensure that you are connected to an Indian server, and try clearing your browser cache. If the issue persists, switching servers or contacting the VPN’s support team can help resolve the problem.
Is it legal to watch Hotstar outside India with a VPN?
Yes, using a VPN is legal. However, keep in mind that streaming platforms like Hotstar might have policies against accessing their content from outside the intended regions. While no laws are being broken, it’s always good to review the platform’s terms of service.
Can I watch sports events on Hotstar using a VPN
Yes! If you’re a sports fan, using a VPN will let you catch popular sporting events like the Indian Premier League (IPL), cricket matches, and Formula 1 races that are streamed on Disney+ Hotstar. Just connect to an Indian server through your VPN and you’ll be able to access the same content as someone located in India.