We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize the independent, professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize the independent, professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

Does NordVPN Work with Hulu in 2024? Only If You Do This

Tijana Stankovic Updated on 24th December 2023 Fact-checked by Kate Veale Cybersecurity Researcher

NordVPN is one of the few VPNs that work with Hulu. During a recent US trip, I tested it to find out how reliable it worked, and I was pleasantly surprised. I only encountered 2 minor glitches, which were easy to resolve — I’ve included the fixes below.

Though NordVPN can provide you with a US IP address, meaning you could theoretically use it to access Hulu from abroad, this goes against Hulu’s Terms of Service and breaks copyright laws. However, using NordVPN from the US to stream Hulu is still beneficial to keep your data protected without resulting in buffering.

If you want to use NordVPN to watch Hulu securely and in HD, you’re in luck. The service comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try NordVPN with Hulu for free for a short while.

Stream in HD With NordVPN >>

Quick Guide: How to Use NordVPN With Hulu in 3 Easy Steps

  1. Download NordVPN. Just go to the VPN's website and choose your preferred operating system. It has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so it’s risk-free to test NordVPN.
  2. If you're in the US, connect to a nearby server. The closer a server is to your US location, the better speeds you'll get for streaming in HD.
  3. Start streaming. Sign in to your Hulu account, sit back, and enjoy your favorite shows.
Important. My colleagues and I do not condone copyright infringement. NordVPN and the alternative VPNs we recommend have strict no-logging policies that prevent them from keeping track of your online activity. This means you’re responsible for how you use a VPN. So, be sure to follow all applicable rules and regulations.

Why Choose NordVPN for Streaming Hulu?

Best Feature Its proprietary NordLynx protocol that's lightweight is great for streaming in HD
Speed My average download speed remained consistently high for uninterrupted binge-watching
Server Network 6,305 fast servers in 111 countries, including the US and Japan
Device Compatibility Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Chromecast, PlayStation, Xbox, routers, and more

NordVPN’s impressive speeds are great for watching Hulu in HD (and even 4K Ultra HD). With its NordLynx tunneling protocol, I got constant speeds of 104.09Mbps testing its New York server from the US, with a base speed of 109.86Mbps. This is a mere 5% speed drop. I could watch It’s Always Sunny on Hulu without annoying lags or buffering. My colleague in Japan also tested a server near him, and it worked just as well with Hulu’s Japanese library.

a screenshot of The Flash on Hulu, with Nordvpn connected to the US New York server"The Flash" episodes only took 3-4 seconds to load, and the image was crystal clear

Its apps are intuitive and easy to use, even if you're new to VPNs. It's ready to go as soon as you log in; there are no additional setup steps. However, you can head into the Settings menu and have it automatically connect to a US server when you start your device. That way, you're protected and able to stream Hulu at all times.

The only drawback is that its Windows app takes a few extra seconds to launch compared to other top VPNs. However, once it starts up, it works seamlessly.

You can get a long-term subscription for only $3.09/month. There’s also a money-back guarantee available on every plan, so you can use NordVPN for watching Hulu from the US free for 30 days. In case you're unsatisfied, getting a full refund is straightforward.

Useful Features

  • Simultaneous device connections. Your entire household can watch different Hulu shows and movies at the same time with NordVPN's 6 device connections.
  • 24/7 support. NordVPN’s support team is more responsive than most. They replied to my message within a minute and gave a simple, friendly answer. Support is available around the clock via email and live chat.
  • Router compatible. You can stream Hulu on your smart TV, gaming console, and other devices usually incompatible with VPNs. NordVPN works with the most popular router models, so you can stream Hulu on any WiFi-connected device.
  • Split tunneling. With this feature, you can choose which apps and websites use the VPN. For example, send your Hulu traffic through the VPN for secure streaming from the US while keeping everything else on your regular internet connection. This improves your speed since only some of your traffic gets encrypted.

NordVPN Not Working With Hulu? Here’s How to Fix It

Though it’s rare to have NordVPN not work with Hulu, it could still happen. Luckily, there are some easy fixes you can try. Here are a few possible solutions for your NordVPN troubleshooting:

  • Update your VPN. Sometimes an out-of-date app can cause glitches while you’re watching Hulu.
  • Switch servers. Hulu will sometimes block VPN server IPs even though you’re in the US or Japan. This is to prevent users who are outside the country from using a VPN to access Hulu, because that’s against its Terms of Service. Connecting to another nearby US or Japan server will give you a new VPN IP, which should resolve the issue.
  • Clear your cache and cookies. Resetting this may do the trick.
  • Reset NordVPN’s DNS settings. If you’re using custom DNS with NordVPN, it’s possible that it’s preventing you from watching Hulu securely. Reset your DNS settings to default.
  • Disable NordVPN’s Threat Protection. While this malware and ad-blocking feature keeps you safe, it can cause some issues with Hulu. You can turn it off in the Threat Protection tab.
  • Contact customer support. NordVPN has customer support available 24/7 through email and live chat. If you encounter an issue watching Hulu with it, you can always ask them for help and they will help you solve the problem.

Best Alternative VPNs That Work With Hulu in 2024

1. ExpressVPN — User-Friendly Apps to Easily Stream Hulu

Best Feature Automatically chooses the best server for streaming Hulu from the US or Japan
Speed An unnoticeable speed reduction of only 9%
Server Network 3,000 servers in 105 countries, including 24 US locations
Device Compatibility Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Chromecast, PlayStation, Xbox, routers, and more

ExpressVPN is one of the most straightforward VPNs to use — no complicated setup, a large power button for immediate connection, and it's compatible with all major operating systems. During my tests, it took me less than 5 minutes to install the Windows app, connect to a US server, and stream Hulu from my hotel in San Francisco. When you click on Smart Location, it automatically finds the optimal nearby US server to give you the fastest speeds.

A screenshot of ExpressVPN streaming Hulu connected to a server in San Francisco.ExpessVPN's San Francisco server was the fastest for me

It was only slightly slower than NordVPN. I got a reliable speed of 100.36Mbps with its San Francisco server from my base connection of 113.03Mbps. With such speeds, I could watch The Great on Hulu in HD uninterrupted.

On the downside, it costs more than NordVPN, starting at $3.09/month. However, ExpressVPN offers regular deals and discounts to help you save. Plus, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee. In case you’re not 100% happy with it, you can get a refund by asking its 24/7 customer support via its live chat or email.

Useful Features

  • Lightway protocol. It’s faster than more traditional protocols (like OpenVPN) because it uses fewer lines of code, so it’s more efficient for seamless streaming.
  • Shortcuts. With this, you can create a quick link to Hulu so you can open it from within the VPN app.
  • Favorite servers. By marking a server as a favorite, you can quickly connect to a preferred server whenever you want to stream Hulu from the US.
  • MediaStreamer. This is ExpressVPN's smart DNS feature, which lets you watch Hulu in HD on devices that don't support VPN apps, like smart TVs and game consoles. Since it doesn't encrypt your traffic, your connections will be faster.
ExpressVPN Offer March 2024: For a limited time only, you can get an ExpressVPN subscription for up to 49% off! Don't miss out!

2. CyberGhost — Hulu-Optimized Server for Reliable Streaming

Best Feature Streaming-optimized servers regularly tested to work with Hulu
Speed My speed dropped by only 10% connected to nearby US servers
Server Network 11,690 servers in 100 countries, including various US locations
Device Compatibility Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Chromecast, PlayStation, Xbox, routers, and more

CyberGhost has servers dedicated explicitly to streaming Hulu without issues. Sometimes Hulu blocks VPN IPs even though they match the country you’re in, but this isn't a problem for CyberGhost. The VPN team routinely checks and updates its optimized streaming servers to ensure they work with Hulu. You can find it by typing "Hulu" in the app’s search bar. The optimized Hulu server worked seamlessly when I tested it from my location in the US.

A screenshot of CyberGhost's app open while watching Hulu.I watched How I Met Your Father in HD with just 2 clicks

I was impressed by its speeds — my connection only dropped by about 10% on a server near me in the US to 96.36Mbps. My colleague in Japan also tested servers near him and reported a 15% speed reduction — ideal for streaming in HD.

One small con is CyberGhost's expensive monthly plans with a short refund period. However, a long-term subscription costs only $2.03/month, and you get an extended money-back guarantee. So, you can use CyberGhost with Hulu free for 45 days. If it's not for you, simply claim a refund via its 24/7 live chat feature.

Useful Features

  • Auto-connect. With this enabled, CyberGhost will connect you to your chosen server as soon as you open the app. That way, you can get back to watching your Hulu shows without any additional time spent setting it up.
  • Easy to use. You can easily set up the VPN on your favorite devices and click the large power button to immediately connect to a server closest to you.
March 2024 Deal: CyberGhost is currently offering 83% off its most popular plan! Take advantage of this offer now and save more on your CyberGhost subscription.

FAQs on Watching Hulu with NordVPN

How does Hulu know I'm using a VPN?

Hulu employs a range of techniques to detect VPN usage. One common method is IP address scanning to determine your location. For this reason, to stream from the US, it’s best to use a reliable VPN with plenty of US IPs, such as NordVPN. However, although you can theoretically watch Hulu from anywhere using a US IP from a VPN, this goes against Hulu’s Terms and Services, and we don't support it.

Are there any VPN alternatives for watching Hulu?

Yes, several VPNs are good for streaming Hulu from the US. Bear in mind that using a VPN to access Hulu outside the US or Japan is against its Terms of Service, which vpnMentor does not condone. ExpressVPN and CyberGhost are both excellent VPNs for streaming. They have hundreds of fast servers in various US locations for watching Hulu without buffering.

Is there a free version of NordVPN?

No, NordVPN does not offer a completely free version. However, it does provide a 30-day money-back guarantee, which you can leverage as a free trial. You can try out all of NordVPN's premium features and high-speed servers, and get a full refund.

Watch Hulu With NordVPN in Minutes

NordVPN works great for securely streaming Hulu from the US or Japan. However, it can sometimes be tricky to find the right server to get it working, but that’s easy to fix. Usually, you just need to reconnect to a different server near you. Also, you can try NordVPN with Hulu risk-free, as it’s backed with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To summarize, the best VPNs for watching Hulu are…

Rank
Provider
Our Score
Discount
Visit Website
1
medal
9.9 /10
9.9 Our Score
Save 67%!
2
9.7 /10
9.7 Our Score
Save 49%!
3
9.5 /10
9.5 Our Score
Save 83%!
Privacy Alert!

Your data is exposed to the websites you visit!

Your IP Address:

Your Location:

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The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.

VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 49% off.

Visit ExpressVPN

We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
vpnMentor was established in 2014 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize the independent, professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

About the Author

Tijana Stankovic is a experienced content writer currently working at vpnMentor. She has written numerous VPN guides and comparisons, making sure that the readers get the best possible recommendations through her articles.

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