3 Best Free VPNs for Hulu That Work in 2025

Most free VPNs can't securely access Hulu. The streaming platform has become extremely good at detecting and blocking VPN connections. During tests, we found that most free VPNs were instantly blocked or had speeds too slow for streaming.

After weeks of testing free VPNs, we found the best ones that reliably work with Hulu. But even these have limitations like data caps, restricted server access, and inconsistent speeds that can interrupt your viewing. A premium VPN is the best option for unlimited access to Hulu with minimal buffering or security risks.

ExpressVPN is my top recommendation for Hulu. With servers in 30 US locations and impressive speeds, it offers uninterrupted access to Hulu for smooth HD streaming from anywhere. Though not free, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee*, which gives you plenty of time to test its streaming capabilities.

Best Free VPNs for Hulu — Full Analysis (Updated 2025)

1. ExpressVPN — Fastest VPN With A Proven Track Record for Accessing Hulu Uninterrupted

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested June 2025

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol consistently delivers excellent speeds for streaming Hulu without buffering from anywhere. Designed to be lightweight and efficient, Lightway swiftly establishes US connections and maintains stable performance for smooth HD content playback. We recorded an average download speed of 180.19Mbps testing US servers, and watched The Handmaid's Tale in 4K quality.

We didn't have to try multiple servers to find the one that works

Thanks to its robust network of US servers, ExpressVPN consistently works with Hulu. By rotating IPs, ExpressVPN prevents streaming services from identifying and blocking specific VPN servers. Additionally, its automatic obfuscation disguises VPN traffic as regular traffic, so it’s possible to access Hulu from anywhere safely. We connected to its servers in New York, Dallas, and Los Angeles during tests without getting any proxy errors.

Its app takes just minutes to set up on any device you want to watch Hulu on. The interface is clean and user-friendly — just choose a US server and connect. Since it doesn't use encryption, you can use its MediaStreamer (smart DNS) to enhance streaming performance further. MediaStreamer also lets you watch Hulu on devices that don’t typically support VPN apps, like older smart TVs and gaming consoles. I had it set up on my PlayStation 4 by simply registering my IP on the ExpressVPN website.

While it's not free, ExpressVPN offers excellent value and a 30-day money-back guarantee. This gives you plenty of time to test all its features risk-free. When I contacted support via 24/7 live chat to cancel near the end of my trial period, they processed my refund request with no questions asked. The money was back in my PayPal account within 3 business days.

Useful Features

• Router app. Its dedicated router app protects every device on your home network, making it possible to watch Hulu securely on any connected device.
• Quick Connect. When you launch the ExpressVPN app and click the Quick Connect button, the app automatically connects you to the optimal VPN server location. This selection is based on various factors, including your current location, download speed, latency, and overall server performance.
• Split tunneling. Route only your Hulu traffic through the VPN while other apps use your regular connection, helping maintain faster speeds for local services.
• Strong security features. Its military-grade encryption and strict no-logs policy (verified by KPMG) protect your data while you watch Hulu. When I tested for DNS leaks on its US servers, none of my real location data was exposed.

2. Hotspot Shield — Unlimited Data for Unrestricted Hulu Streaming

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV Max

BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try Hotspot Shield >

www.hotspotshield.com

Hotspot Shield’s free version is one of the few VPNs that offers unlimited data and bandwidth without requiring a paid account. Most free VPNs restrict you to 500MB – 10GB per month, and streaming an HD movie on Hulu may consume 1.5 – 3GB, depending on the quality. With these data demands, most free VPNs run out of bandwidth quickly, making Hotspot Shield great for streaming Hulu without constant interruptions or usage anxiety.

Its proprietary Hydra protocol is designed to boost connection speeds and maintain reliable performance while streaming popular content, like The Eric Andre Show, in HD. While it’s a bit slower than ExpressVPN’s Lightway, the Hydra protocol achieved excellent speeds in our tests — we measured up to 156Mbps on nearby US servers.

You can see your new IP address on the app's homescreen

There are 3 options for connecting to the US: Auto, New York, and Los Angeles. The automatic server selection connected us to a server in New York that doesn’t work with Hulu. Fortunately, the LA server streamed Hulu without issues in our tests.

On the downside, you can use Hotspot Shield Free on only one device at a time. If that’s not enough for you, you can try Premium with a 7-day free trial, which includes access to its whole server network and features, including streaming-optimized servers. If you upgrade, there’s also a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

• Auto-connect. When you launch the app, you can set up Hotspot Shield to automatically reconnect to the last used server. This saves you a few clicks and makes it quicker and easier to start streaming Hulu without searching the server list.
• Auto-Protocol Selection. The VPN automatically picks the best protocol based on your activity and network conditions for optimal streaming performance.
• Speed Testing Tool. Built-in speed tests help you identify the fastest server for streaming before connecting.

3. PrivadoVPN — Several US Servers To Safely Access Hulu From Anywhere

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer More

Try PrivadoVPN >

https://privadovpn.com/

All the PrivadoVPN US servers we tested can stream Hulu without interruptions. You can connect to Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. The servers are sorted by latency, which I find pretty convenient for quickly identifying the fastest server.

Speeds are great, too. Free VPNs are usually painfully slow, so I was pleasantly surprised by PrivadoVPN’s performance. In our tests, the free servers were as fast as the paid ones. They always provided more than enough speed to playback videos with minimal buffering.

Videos loaded within seconds

You can also activate its Scramble feature under the protocol settings. It adds obfuscation to OpenVPN, making it difficult for Hulu to detect VPN traffic. PrivadoVPN passed our IP and DNS leak tests, keeping our real location hidden while connected to its servers.

Unfortunately, PrivadoVPN has a data cap of 10GB per month. That’s enough for streaming 6 – 15 TV episodes or 2 – 10 movies, depending on the quality setting. However, you can still browse securely once you hit the data limit, but your speeds will be throttled to 1Mbps. PrivadoVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on its premium offers if you need unlimited data for binge-watching.

Useful Features

• User-friendly apps. I like how intuitive the apps are — everything is easy to find, so you can quickly connect to watch Hulu safely, even as a beginner.
• Advanced kill switch. You can set up the VPN to block all internet traffic if you get disconnected from its server, or create a custom list of apps to block until the connection is restored.

Quick Comparison Table: Free Hulu VPN Features

We’ve tested these VPNs extensively with Hulu to help you make the right choice. The table below compares their most important streaming features, including speeds, server networks, and whether they consistently work with Hulu.

Our Methodology for Testing Free VPNs for Hulu

The first priority in our testing was verifying if these free VPNs could stream Hulu content. We also measured download speeds, latency, and connection stability to confirm the VPNs could handle HD streaming without constant buffering. We tested various US server locations to identify which worked best with Hulu.

Expert Tip: Most Free VPNs for Hulu Aren't Safe

Free VPNs rarely work reliably with Hulu, and many of them put your privacy at risk. While the VPNs on my list are trustworthy options, most free VPNs come with significant risks you should know about. Here are the main dangers of using a random free VPN for Hulu:

• Privacy violations. Free VPNs often monitor and record your streaming activity. For instance, UFO VPN was caught exposing millions of user logs despite claiming a "no-logs" policy. Always check what data a VPN collects before trusting it with your Hulu streaming.
• Security compromises. Most free VPNs cut corners on security features to reduce costs. During my research, I found services like SuperVPN lacking basic protections like kill switches and leak prevention, leaving users exposed when trying to access Hulu.
• Questionable ownership. Many popular free VPNs, such as Turbo VPN, Hot VPN, and Snap VPN, are owned by the same company based in China, where VPN providers must share user data with authorities. This creates obvious privacy concerns for streaming users.
• Malware risks. Some free VPNs bundle malware with their apps. For example, Betternet VPN was found to contain 14 different tracking libraries and tested positive for malware in multiple antivirus scans. This puts both your devices and personal data at risk.

The free VPNs I recommend follow a freemium model — they offer both free and paid options, generating revenue legitimately instead of through shady practices. Rather than using untested free VPNs, I suggest sticking with established providers that can reliably stream Hulu without putting your data at risk.

FAQs on Free VPNs for Hulu

Can Hulu ban my account for using a VPN?

Hulu's terms allow it to terminate accounts using VPNs, but this rarely happens. Instead, the platform focuses on blocking VPN IP addresses. When detected, Hulu simply displays an error message until you disconnect the VPN or switch servers. Premium VPNs like ExpressVPN maintain reliable access through advanced obfuscation features, making it possible to access Hulu safely from anywhere.

ExpressVPN's obfuscation is automatically enabled on all servers using the Lightway protocol. So, you don't need to adjust settings to securely stream online and avoid Hulu's proxy error message.

Why does Hulu keep detecting my VPN?

Free VPNs use shared IP addresses that Hulu easily identifies as VPN traffic. The streaming platform actively blocks these IPs to comply with content licensing agreements. Premium VPNs regularly refresh their IP addresses and use obfuscation technology to avoid detection.

Clear your browser cache and cookies regularly to reduce VPN blocks. Switching between different US server locations can also help maintain access when one server is blocked.

Is it legal to use a VPN with Hulu?

Using a VPN is legal in most countries, but it may violate Hulu's terms of service. The bigger concern is Hulu's active VPN blocking rather than account bans. Focus on using reliable VPNs that consistently stream Hulu while maintaining your privacy.

Be aware that some countries restrict or ban VPN use entirely. Always check local regulations before connecting through a VPN.

How do I pay for Hulu when using a VPN?

The simplest way is to use Hulu gift cards purchased from authorized retailers. Popular retailers like Target, Walmart, Dundle, Staples, Amazon, Best Buy, and Giftcards.com sell them. Other options for getting a Hulu subscription without a credit card, including iTunes and PayPal, are also available. Before making this purchase, it may also be necessary to change locations with a reliable VPN.

What are the best free trial VPNs for Hulu?

The best free trial VPNs for Hulu are ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access. These VPNs support streaming on multiple devices, with apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and smart TVs. All reliably work with Hulu and offer fast US servers.

Get the Best Free VPN for Hulu

Free VPNs rarely have the resources to keep up with Hulu's VPN blocks, leading to constant proxy errors and streaming interruptions. The few free VPNs that work with Hulu have major drawbacks: strict data limits, crowded servers with slow speeds, and frequent disconnections that disrupt your viewing.

ExpressVPN stands out as the best VPN for accessing Hulu due to its reliable US servers and consistently fast streaming speeds, which allow you to watch Hulu in HD. While it isn't free, its powerful features make it worth the investment for smooth, uninterrupted streaming. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free since it's backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Can't find a suitable free VPN? Here are the best premium alternatives…

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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