5 Best VPNs for Disney+ Hotstar in 2024
Disney+ Hotstar is a streaming service for Indian and international movies, TV shows, and channels. Unfortunately, Disney Plus Hotstar India, which has the complete content library, is restricted to India. Hotstar has limited versions in the UK, Singapore, Canada, and a few other countries. In the US, Hotstar content is divided among Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, and Max.
Even if you live in one of the countries where Hotstar is available, you might not be able to access the streamer while traveling. Luckily, by using a VPN for Hotstar, you can bypass these geo-restrictions and unblock all its libraries. The VPN will allow you to change your location and trick the platform into thinking you’re in India or another supported country.
In this article, we’ll present the 5 best VPNs for Hotstar and explain how to watch Hotstar with a VPN. We’ll also discuss why you need a VPN, how to choose the best Hotstar VPN, what you can watch on the platform, how to fix any errors, and much more.
Best Hotstar VPNs - Our Shortlist
- Surfshark – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Disney+ Hotstar
- ExpressVPN – High-End Hotstar VPN with Impressive Speeds
- CyberGhost VPN – User-Friendly VPN with Optimized Streaming Servers
- PIA VPN – Streaming-Friendly VPN with Extensive Server Fleet
- NordVPN – Security-Focused VPN with Fast Performance
How to Watch Disney+ Hotstar with a VPN
To watch Hotstar with a VPN, find a VPN with servers in India. Subscribe, download its app, connect, and access the streaming service. Go through these steps:
- Sign up for a VPN that can unblock Disney+ Hotstar (we recommend Surfshark).
- Download and install the VPN on your preferred streaming device(s).
- Connect to a VPN server in India.
- Launch the Hotstar website and click “Subscribe” to sign up for an account.
- Select a plan and click “Continue.”
- Enter an Indian phone number (this is required).
- Add your payment method and complete your purchase.
- Download and install the Disney Plus Hotstar app on your device(s).
- Log in to your account to activate Hotstar.
- That’s it! You can now freely watch Hotstar from anywhere.
By connecting to a server in India, you’ll obtain an Indian IP address and access the full library of content from Disney+ Hotstar. Keep in mind that you’ll still need an Indian phone number to access the full Hotstar India library or watch ad-supported content available for free.
The Best VPNs for Disney+ Hotstar in 2024
To choose the best VPN for Hotstar, you can follow the criteria from our best streaming VPN article. The VPN should unblock Disney+ Hotstar and other streaming sites, so it must have an extensive server network with Indian servers to access Hotstar India, as well as servers in the US, UK, Singapore, and Canada, where Disney+ Hotstar content is available.
In addition, fast speeds and stable performance are essential, as streaming requires consistent and reliable VPN connections. The VPN for Hotstar must also come with obfuscated servers to hide that you’re using a VPN, along with a kill switch feature that will activate in case of a connection failure to maintain your privacy.
Other security features the VPN should offer are secure VPN protocols, robust encryption, and a strict no-logs policy. Moreover, the VPN must support various devices and offer apps for each of them, as well as support several simultaneous connections. Last but not least, the VPN should have a money-back policy and reliable customer support so you can try it out risk-free.
Based on the criteria we explained above, here are the 5 best VPNs for Disney+ Hotstar:
1. Surfshark – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Disney+ Hotstar
Surfshark is the best Hotstar VPN, featuring 3,200+ servers in 100 countries that allow you to unblock Disney Plus Hotstar and other streaming sites. Its servers in the US, UK, Singapore, and Canada provide access to numerous Hotstar libraries. You’ll also be able to watch the full Hotstar India library by connecting to one of Surfshark’s virtual Indian servers in Mumbai and Delhi.
Moving on, Surfshark offers obfuscated servers, so Hotstar will see your VPN traffic as regular Internet traffic. You will also get an extra security layer from its kill switch feature that jumps in in the event of VPN connection failure.
Surfshark protects you with AES-256 encryption and one of the strongest VPN protocols, WireGuard. More so, it also has a no-logs policy, with proven validity due to its regular audits.
What’s more, this VPN delivers amazingly fast connections and maintains stable performance. Surfshark is compatible with various devices and offers apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Even better, you’ll get unlimited simultaneous connections.
Surfshark’s knowledgeable customer support is always available. Lastly, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can get a full refund.
PROS
- Easily unblocks Hotstar.
- Indian servers available.
- Servers in over 100 countries.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- 24/7 live chat support.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
CONS
- Can take a while to connect.
2. ExpressVPN – High-End Hotstar VPN with Impressive Speeds
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Hotstar (and other streamers) because it unblocks Disney+ Hotstar from anywhere with its network of 3,000+ servers in 100+ countries, including the US, UK, Singapore, and Canada. It also offers virtual servers in India that allow you to access Disney+ Hotstar India by routing the traffic through UK and Singapore servers.
With ExpressVPN, you will benefit from its obfuscated servers that provide a private streaming experience and its kill switch feature that will cut your Internet connection if the VPN falters.
Furthermore, this amazing VPN comes with some robust security features, such as AES-256 encryption, strong VPN protocols (like Lightway, OpenVPN, and IKEv2), and a strict, independently audited no-logs policy. As a result, there won’t be any record kept of your online activity.
ExpressVPN is compatible with various mobile and desktop devices and comes with native apps for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux. It also allows up to 8 simultaneous connections.
What’s more, ExpressVPN has blazing-fast speeds with reliable and stable connections that will be more than sufficient for streaming your favorite shows or movies.
Lastly, this impressive VPN provider offers reliable customer support, accessible via live chat around the clock. You will also get a 30-day money-back guarantee for a risk-free experience.
PROS
- Virtual Indian servers.
- Works on practically any device.
- Obfuscation across the board.
- 30-day money-back policy.
- 24/7 customer support.
CONS
- Limited customization.
3. CyberGhost VPN – User-Friendly VPN with Optimized Streaming Servers
CyberGhost has the most affordable subscription price and comes with one of the biggest server fleets. It boasts over 10,000 servers in 100 countries, including the US, UK, Singapore, and Canada—allowing it to effectively unblock Disney+ Hotstar and other streamers. You can also watch Hotstar India thanks to the 25+ virtual Indian servers.
Although it doesn’t offer obfuscated servers, CyberGhost employs NoSpy servers that ensure you remain unnoticeable. Moreover, it provides a kill switch feature that doesn’t let sudden connection disruptions reveal your identity.
CyberGhost prioritizes your security while you stream with robust AES-256 encryption, an audited no-logs policy, and strong VPN protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Sadly, this affordable provider isn’t one of the fastest Hotstar VPNs. However, its connections are pretty stable.
You can connect 7 devices simultaneously with CyberGhost and install native apps for Android, Windows, macOS, and iOS. This way, you can easily download the Hotstar app on any of your devices and enjoy VPN protection.
Lastly, this VPN provides knowledgeable customer support and a 14-day money-back guarantee if you go for its monthly plan. The cherry on top is you can get a 45-day guarantee for its lengthier plans.
PROS
- Indian virtual servers.
- Servers optimized for streaming.
- Extensive server fleet.
- 24/7 live chat support.
- 45-day money-back policy.
CONS
- Not the fastest option.
- No obfuscation available.
4. PIA VPN – Streaming-Friendly VPN with Extensive Server Fleet
Private Internet Access (PIA) stands out because it has the largest network on the market with thousands of servers in 90+ countries. It quickly unblocks Disney+ Hotstar and other streamers from everywhere thanks to its servers in the US, UK, Singapore, and Canada. PIA also has virtual Indian servers that will help you access the restricted Disney+ Hotstar India.
PIA has obfuscated servers that hide that you’re using a VPN. It also utilizes a kill switch feature to enhance your security even more, along with AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and robust VPN protocols, including WireGuard and OpenVPN.
Regarding speed, you’ll get decent speeds and connections that are consistent and stable, so you won’t face lagging issues while streaming your favorite content. Still, PIA is a bit slower than ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
PIA comes with dedicated desktop apps for Windows and macOS and mobile apps for Android and iOS devices. In addition, you can connect an unlimited number of devices at once.
Last but not least, PIA has reliable customer support, so you can ask for assistance at any time for any issue you may encounter. You will even get a 30-day money-back guarantee for a full refund if you’re unsatisfied with its services.
PROS
- Largest server network available.
- Offers virtual servers in India.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 24/7 live chat support.
CONS
- Requires some optimization.
- Best for advanced users.
5. NordVPN – Security-Focused VPN with Fast Performance
NordVPN comes with a vast fleet of 5,800+ servers in 60 countries, which helps it easily unblock Disney Plus Hotstar and other streaming sites. There are no Indian servers, so you can’t use NordVPN to access Hotstar India, but you can connect to a server in the US, UK, Singapore, or Canada to access other Disney+ Hotstar content libraries.
Furthermore, NordVPN has strong obfuscated servers that will hide that you’re utilizing a VPN and a kill switch feature that immediately disconnects the Internet if the VPN connection fails. It also provides a strict no-logs policy, multiple protocols, including its proprietary NordLynx, and military-grade encryption.
If you want an additional layer of protection, NordVPN provides a Double VPN feature that encrypts your Internet connection twice by routing your traffic through 2 VPN servers. Unfortunately, NordVPN isn’t as fast as ExpressVPN, but it still provides medium-fast speeds and consistent connections.
You can install this VPN on your Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows devices and have up to 6 simultaneous connections. But that’s not all! NordVPN offers a SmartDNS feature that allows streaming even on devices that don’t support VPNs natively.
Lastly, this excellent streaming VPN offers 24/7 customer support available through live chat. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee that will give you a full refund if you’re unsatisfied with its services.
PROS
- SmartDNS feature.
- Among the fastest VPNs.
- 5,800+ total servers.
- 24/7 customer support.
- 30-day money-back policy.
CONS
- No servers in India.
Best VPNs for Hotstar: Compared
Why Do You Need a VPN to Watch Disney+ Hotstar?
You need a VPN to watch Disney+ Hotstar as it will help you bypass all geo-restrictions. If you try to access it from a restricted country, you’ll encounter the following message: “Error! Oops, something went wrong. Please try again in sometime.”
With a Hotstar VPN, you can get an Indian IP address and access the Hotstar India library in no time. Here are some other reasons to use a VPN for Hotstar:
- Access Indian Hotstar Library – If you’re outside India, you won’t be able to access the full Hotstar library. A VPN will let you change your virtual location by connecting to an Indian server, which will allow you to watch Hotstar outside India without any issues.
- Bypass Other Hotstar Libraries – By connecting to a server in one of the other countries where Hotstar is available (Canada, Singapore, UK), you can unblock those regional content libraries. You’ll also be able to unblock the Disney+ bundle and Max in the US, which collectively offers the most Hotstar content outside the Indian version.
- Watch Your Favorite Content While Traveling - If you already have a subscription to the original version of Hotstar (the Indian version), a VPN will help you keep your access to the streaming service open even while traveling.
- Bypass Bandwidth Throttling - It's not uncommon for Internet providers to impose selective throttling, especially if you use a lot of data on streaming. You can bypass that by hiding your traffic with a VPN so that your ISP can't see what you do online.
- Connect Safely on Public Wi-Fi - Most public Wi-Fi networks are not safe to use as they lack the required security and privacy protections. However, you can reverse that by using a VPN, which encrypts any type of network, making public Wi-Fi networks safe.
- Hide Your Browsing Activity – Governments may try to compel VPN providers to share your data with them. A VPN with a no-logs policy won’t collect or store information about your online activities, so they’ll have nothing to turn over.
- Hide Your IP Address - Websites and apps track your location based on your IP address, which is a clear privacy intrusion. If you'd like to keep your actual location a secret, know that a VPN can give you a fake virtual location with ease.
- Block Ads and Trackers While Streaming - Most streaming services use ads as well as trackers that keep tabs on your watch activity. VPNs can fight against that by blocking ads and preventing trackers from doing their job.
How to Choose the Best VPN for Hotstar
To choose the best VPN for Disney+ Hotstar, there are a number of features that are crucial to consider, the foremost of which is the availability of Indian servers. Let’s take a look at the main criteria you should look for in a Hotstar VPN:
- Ability to Unblock Disney+ Hostar - You'll want unlimited and unrestricted access to Hotstar, so ensure that your chosen VPN delivers just that. It's wise to pick a VPN with a solid reputation for being a trustworthy streaming-friendly VPN.
- Server Network Size and Distribution – Look for a VPN with servers in India, so you can change your location and stream all Disney Plus Hotstar content from the Indian library. If the VPN doesn’t offer Indian servers, you can connect to a server in the US, UK, Singapore, or Canada, where content from the platform is also available in various forms.
- Performance and Speed – Streaming requires fast and consistent data transfer for a smooth, lag-free experience. That’s why you should choose a VPN with fast speeds and stable connections, especially if you connect to an Indian server over a long distance.
- Access to Obfuscated Servers - We always recommend going for obfuscated servers, as those can bypass even the toughest Web roadblocks. Obfuscation breaks down your data packets into smaller bits, so they become harder to detect.
- Security and Privacy – Staying safe while streaming should be your priority. Fortunately, many VPNs for Hotstar have robust security and privacy features, such as military-grade encryption, split tunneling, obfuscation, as well as malware and ad-blocking.
- Sufficient Number of Simultaneous Connections - Disney+ Hotstar allows up to 4 streams, so pick a VPN with at least 4 simultaneous connections. That shouldn't be too hard to find, and you'll even find those with unlimited connections.
- Customer Support – A Disney+ Hotstar VPN with reliable and knowledgeable customer support is ideal because you may need an expert to solve any issue that arises. We recommend using a VPN with 24/7 customer support and a live chat option.
- Money-Back Policy - Any reputable VPN will offer a money-back guarantee, letting you test-drive its features for a limited time. In most cases, you'll get to count on 30-day money-back guarantees, which is more than enough time to test everything.
What Can You Watch on Disney+ Hotstar India in 2024?
You can find a wealth of different international and regional Hotstar channels, shows, and movies on Disney+ Hotstar India. Below are some handy tables that list the most popular content.
Let’s have a look at the Hotstar movies first:
Next, we’ve listed the most popular Hotstar shows that you can access on Hotstar India:
Disney+ Hotstar continues to surprise with its selection of live sports, too:
Last but not least, here are the most popular Hotstar Specials:
How to Fix Disney+ Hotstar VPN Detected Error
Even the most powerful VPN providers can have technical difficulties, so the first thing you need to do to fix the Disney+ Hotstar “VPN detected” error is clear your browser’s cache. Location data can be saved in the cache, which is the main reason the platform may detect you’re using a VPN.
Next, try connecting to a different VPN server in the same location, if possible. The server IP may have been identified as belonging to a VPN.
Another potential solution would be to turn on obfuscation, which will hide that you’re using a VPN, so Disney Plus Hotstar will perceive your VPN traffic as regular browser traffic and grant you access.
Furthermore, you should utilize a VPN with data leak protection to prevent any location-identifying information from becoming visible to Disney+ Hotstar. If none of those troubleshooting options work, you can contact your VPN’s customer support to see if they have any suggestions.
Can You Use a Free VPN to Watch Disney+ Hotstar?
Yes, you can use a free VPN to watch Disney+ Hotstar. However, we don’t recommend it as it comes with a few risks. Free VPNs often collect and sell your data and compromise your privacy and security in the process.
Additionally, they have slower speeds, limited bandwidth, smaller server networks, and restricted simultaneous connections. You probably won’t be able to unblock Disney Plus Hotstar with a free VPN.
Furthermore, it’s highly unlikely a free VPN for Hotstar will offer servers in India, so you won’t be able to watch your favorite Disney+ Hotstar India content.
To avoid such issues, we recommend choosing one of the best VPN providers. Even better, you can go with a VPN free trial, which is how you'll get premium features without any risk for a limited time.
That said, we recommend you check out Surfshark's free trial, which works on Android, iOS, and macOS for up to 7 days. If you use some other platform, know that Surfshark comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Final Thoughts
The full Disney+ Hotstar library is available only in India, but there are limited versions in a few other countries like the US, the UK, Canada, and Singapore. In order to bypass these geo-restrictions and access the Disney Plus Hotstar streaming service from unsupported regions, you must use a Hotstar VPN.
We recommend Surfshark as the best VPN for Hotstar. This provider has exceptional speeds, virtual Indian servers that unblock all Hotstar content, obfuscation, top-notch security features, and excellent device compatibility. Thanks to its comprehensive features, Surfshark will give you the best Disney+ Hotstar streaming experience.
That’s all for our guide to selecting a VPN for Hotstar. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to let us know via the comments section. Thanks for reading!