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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover 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 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 to review VPN services and cover 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 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.

How to Watch Hotstar From Anywhere in 2024

Doris Muthuri Updated on 28th November 2024 Fact-checked by Christine Johansen Former Senior Writer

Disney+ Hotstar offers many films and TV series, but you can only watch it in India, the UK, and a few other countries. These limitations are due to licensing agreements that restrict viewership to specific regions.

A VPN with servers in India (Including virtual servers) can access Disney+ Hotstar from anywhere in HD. That makes it possible to stream titles from Hotstar’s full library or enjoy downloaded movies and shows safely while on the go. Plus, strong encryption and obfuscation help protect your data and privacy while streaming your favorite Indian movies online.

My top recommendation for streaming Disney+ Hotstar in UHD from anywhere is ExpressVPN. It offers excellent connection speeds, reliable virtual Indian servers, and an easy-to-use app. Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it without risk. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Watch Disney+ Hotstar in HD >>

Quick Guide: How to Watch Hotstar With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps

  1. Download a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN because it has many fast servers in licensed Hotstar regions to provide HD streaming from anywhere.
  2. Connect to a server. Hotstar is available in a handful of locations globally, with India boasting the largest content library. The closer the server, the better the speeds will be.
  3. Start browsing. Sign up or log in to your Hotstar account to start watching your favorite shows.

Editor's note: The VPN services we recommend have strict no-logging policies, meaning they don’t track or see your online activity. You are responsible for using a VPN legally and ethically. We do not condone copyright infringement.

Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Streaming Disney+ Hotstar in 2024

  • Editor's Choice
    ExpressVPN
    ExpressVPN
    Excellent speeds that allow you to stream Disney + Hotstar in UHD without buffering.
    Over 7000 people checked out ExpressVPN in the last month
  • CyberGhost VPN
    CyberGhost
    Has a Hotstar-optimized server for reliable HD access to the platform from anywhere.
  • Private Internet Access
    Private Internet Access
    Customization options to enhance your Hotstar streaming experience.

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.

How to Watch Disney+ Hotstar With a VPN on Any Device

Using a VPN to secure your connection while watching Disney+ Hotstar is pretty straightforward for the most part. Most reputable VPNs have native apps for the most popular devices that you can install within seconds.

That said, a few devices, like Roku, some smart TVs, and game consoles, don't natively support VPNs. I’ve also provided general instructions for router configuration in case your device doesn’t support native VPN apps. These steps may vary depending on your router model, but the best VPNs for routers will provide detailed guides for specific models on their websites.

Mobile, Laptop, PC, and Firestick

Follow these simple steps to watch Disney+ Hotstar safely from anywhere on VPN-supported devices:

  1. Choose a reliable VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN for its fast speeds and reliable connections, which make it an excellent choice for streaming Disney+ Hotstar. Visit its official website to create an account and select a plan.
    Screenshot of ExpressVPN's signup pageExpressVPN offers a money-back guarantee, so you can test it risk-free
  2. Download the VPN app. For computers, visit the official website of your chosen VPN to download the app. For Android, iOS, and Fire devices, download the app from the respective app store. Then, log in with your credentials.
  3. Connect to a nearby server. You’ll get the best speeds with servers closest to your location. Most reputable VPNs offer physical or virtual servers in Hotstar’s licensed locations, like India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
    Screenshot of ExpressVPN's server listWe could stream Disney+ Hotstar in full HD using ExpressVPN's India (via Singapore) server
  4. Sign in to Disney+ Hotstar. Go to the Disney+ Hotstar website or app on your preferred device, sign in, and you will be ready to catch Agnisakshi: Fire of Love and Taaza Khabar Season 2.
    Screenshot of Hotstar's home pageYou can watch shows labeled as free on Hotstar without needing an account

Smart TVs and Roku

You'll need to connect through a VPN-enabled router to watch Disney+ Hotstar on smart TVs, Roku, gaming consoles, and other devices that don't support VPNs directly. This will ensure all devices on your WiFi network are protected so you can stream Hotstar safely. Note that some smart TVs (Android-based) are natively compatible with VPNs, meaning the above guide applies to those.

  1. Get a router-compatible VPN. Choose a VPN that's compatible with routers — or even better, offers a custom router app and firmware, like ExpressVPN.
  2. Download the router firmware. Visit your VPN's website, select your router model, and download the appropriate firmware. Follow the installation instructions provided by the VPN service.
  3. Connect your router to the internet. After installing the VPN firmware, connect your router to the internet and set up the VPN connection.
  4. Choose a nearby server. Through the router's VPN app or settings, select a nearby server for the best speeds.
  5. Install Disney+ Hotstar. On your streaming device or smart TV, download and install the Disney+ Hotstar app if you haven't already, log in, and enjoy shows like Chutney Sambar.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Where Can I Watch Disney+ Hotstar Online?

In addition to the standalone Disney+ Hotstar service, you can access limited Disney+ Hotstar content through these platforms:

  • Hulu. This platform offers some Hotstar specials and other Indian content, including Koffee with Karan, Escaype Live, Rudra, and Masoom. You can sign up with a free trial, but Hulu is only available in the US. Subscriptions start at $7.99/month.
  • ESPN+. You can watch select sports events (like live cricket) that were previously on Hotstar through ESPN+. Again, this is only available in the US, with subscriptions that start at $10.99/month.

Best VPNs to Watch Disney+ Hotstar in 2024

The best VPNs for Disney+ Hotstar enable HD access from anywhere while preventing tracking by the platform and third parties. Below, you can see a quick comparison of my top recommended VPNs. Each one offers reliable connections, fast speeds, and apps for popular streaming devices.

Lowest Price Server Network Device Support Device Connections Refund Period
🥇ExpressVPN $4.99/month 3,000 servers in 105 countries, including virtual Indian servers Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chromebook, browsers, routers, and more 8 30 days
🥈CyberGhost $2.19/month 11,690 servers in 100 countries, including virtual Indian servers Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, browsers, routers, and more 7 45 days
🥉Private Internet Access $2.03/month 29,650 servers in 91 countries, including virtual Indian servers Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, browsers, routers, and more Unlimited 30 days

1. ExpressVPN — Best Hotstar VPN With Fast Speeds for HD Streaming

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN we tested for Disney+ Hotstar, thanks to its proprietary, speed-optimized Lightway protocol. Lightway is also great for streaming on mobile since it’s lightweight and consumes less battery. It was easy to stream in UHD without buffering while we were testing ExpressVPN — we lost only 6% of the base speeds while using its virtual India server.

It maintains its network by updating the IP addresses to ensure safe access to Hotstar from anywhere. Many VPNs have limited servers or don’t update them regularly, making them a lot less dependable for streaming. However, with ExpressVPN, we never had any issues watching Disney+ Hotstar — or the other services we tested, like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video.

My only complaint is that ExpressVPN is pricier than some VPNs, with the lowest price being $4.99/month. However, it often has discounts and promotions, sometimes offering a few months for free with long-term plans. You can also test it risk-free since it has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

ExpressVPN Offer December 2024: For a limited time only, you can get an ExpressVPN subscription for up to 61% off! Don't miss out!

2. CyberGhost — Hotstar-Optimized Server for Safe Access From Anywhere

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

CyberGhost has a streaming server optimized for Disney+ Hotstar that allows easy access to the full library in HD. To find this server, you just have to click the For streaming tab and type “Hotstar" into the search bar. This makes it quick to begin streaming without having to tinker with different connections. CyberGhost worked seamlessly with this platform and several others during our tests.

Its short-term plan is a bit pricey and comes with a shorter, 14-day refund period. However, the longest plan is a better value, anyways, since you can get 84% off plus a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

December 2024 Deal: CyberGhost is currently offering 84% off its most popular plan! Take advantage of this offer now and save more on your CyberGhost subscription.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Adjustable Features to Tailor Your Hotstar Connections

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process.

PIA’s wealth of features makes it easy to get the best connections for watching Hotstar. It shows the latency for every server to help you choose a fast and stable connection for streaming. You can also lower the encryption level to 128-bit to prioritize speeds when security isn’t a major concern.

The customization options may be overwhelming for VPN beginners, but it comes pre-configured, so there’s no need to adjust it. When testing PIA, it took less than 5 minutes to set up and connect to an Indian IP server. PIA is also budget-friendly, starting at $2.03/month and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

December 2024 Update: PIA doesn't usually have deals or discounts (it's already so affordable), but right now you can get a new subscription for a crazy 83% off!

Our Methodology For Testing VPNs to Stream Disney+ Hotstar Online

When testing the best VPNs for Disney+ Hotstar, we ensured that the VPNs reliably worked with the platform, as many VPNs fail to do so. We also carried out extensive tests at different times of the day to ensure that you can stream without delays and in the best possible quality. Lastly, we tested each VPN's security features, including data leak protection and kill switches, to ensure your information and identity remain protected.

To learn more about how we evaluate VPNs, visit our testing methodology page. You’ll get the inside scoop of the process our global team of testers uses to determine the most suitable services for a particular use case. That way, you can make your own informed decision on which VPN is best for you.

How to Sign Up for Disney+ Hotstar in Different Countries

Disney+ Hotstar’s largest library is in India, but it’s also available in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Additionally, it operates as a standalone streaming service (without Disney+ content) in Canada, Singapore, and the UK.

The available content and subscription prices vary from country to country. Disney+ Hotstar India has the lowest comparable price.

India Indonesia Thailand Malaysia Singapore Canada UK
Subscription Price ₹50 ($0.60 USD) per month (with a 3-month subscription) Rp 65,000 ($4.16 USD) per month THB 99 ($2.76 USD) per month RM 24.90 ($5.28 USD) per month SG $69.98 ($51.72 USD) per year, paid upfront C$4.16 ($3.09 USD) per month £5.99 ($7.57 USD) per month
Includes Disney+ Content? Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No

Below are the steps required to sign up for Disney+ Hotstar in India and the UK, two of the platform's most popular regions. Keep in mind that the signup process may vary slightly between the different countries where it’s offered.

Sign Up for Hotstar in India

  • Go to the Hotstar homepage. Visit the Disney+ Hotstar main website to get started.
  • Choose a plan. Click the subscribe button in the upper left panel of the screen and select a plan that suits your needs (Mobile, Super, or Premium). You can also choose a duration between monthly, quarterly, and annual payments. Note that the prices vary depending on the plan and duration you choose.
  • Create an account. Enter your name and email address, and set a password.
  • Verify your number. You need an Indian phone number to sign up, which you can verify either by entering the number into a field or by scanning a QR code.
  • Pay for your subscription. Take the steps to continue signing up and provide your payment details to secure your plan. You’ll need a local, Indian payment method to register.
  • Start streaming. Now that you have a paid account, you can enjoy all the titles offered by Disney+ Hotstar in India.

Sign Up for Hotstar in the UK

  • Visit the Hotstar website. Go to Hotstar.
  • Choose a subscription. Click the subscribe button, and you can select your preferred plan on the popup screen. Typically, only the Premium plan is available, which includes international content and selected Indian content.
  • Create an account. You’ll be prompted to enter your name, email address, and password.
  • Enter your payment details. Follow the prompts to provide your payment information.
  • Stream Hotstar. Now that you have a plan and account set up, you can proceed to enjoy your favorite Hotstar titles.

If you want to protect your online data without compromising your streaming speeds, you need a fast VPN tailored for Hotstar and for the devices you use the most. The links below can help you choose the best services for you.

FAQs on Watching Disney+ Hotstar With a VPN

Can I watch Hotstar for free?

Sort of — you can watch select movies and shows (with ads) on Disney+ Hotstar India for free. You need a premium subscription to access the entire Hotstar library and unrestricted live sports, though. The free version only allows you to stream live sports for 5 minutes, but some sports events are offered completely free, like the ICC Cricket World Cup.

Is Disney+ Hotstar available in the US?

No, Disney+ Hotstar is not available in the US. However, some of the content from Hotstar is available on the Hulu and ESPN+ platforms, which are part of the Disney bundle. Due to licensing restrictions, the full Hotstar service is only available in select regions.

What if I get the Hotstar VPN error?

First, you should try switching to a different server. It's helpful to get a VPN with multiple India IP servers, as Hotstar often blocks the IP addresses associated with VPNs. If this doesn’t work, then follow this troubleshooting checklist:

  • Clear cookies. Try clearing the cache and cookies in your browser so there isn’t information conflicting with your VPN connection.
  • Change VPN protocol. Try experimenting with different protocols to see if one works better for Hotstar than the others.
  • Re-install the VPN app. Sometimes, a file in the app can become corrupted and cause issues. Re-installing the app may fix the problem.
  • Reach out to customer support. The VPN’s support team may be able to help you troubleshoot the issue and find a solution.

Can I watch Hotstar outside of India?

Yes, Hotstar is available in several countries outside of India, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the UK, Singapore, and Canada. It’s possible to stream Hotstar in HD from anywhere using a reliable VPN with servers in any of these countries. Keep in mind that the content libraries can vary from country to country, with India offering the largest selection of titles.

Can I watch Hotstar on my TV?

Yes, you can watch Hotstar on your TV. Hotstar is compatible with various smart TVs and streaming devices, including Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, and Apple TV. It’s also possible to configure a VPN to your router to stream securely on these devices.

Another method is to use Chromecast to cast Hotstar from your phone or computer to your TV. Just download the Hotstar app on your device, log in, and enjoy your favorite content on the big screen.

Are Disney+ and Hotstar the same?

No, Disney+ and Hotstar are not exactly the same. Hotstar was acquired by Disney and has become a part of the Disney+ bundle of streaming services. While Disney+ focuses on global content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, Hotstar primarily offers Indian content alongside selected Disney+ content.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs to securely watch Disney+ Hotstar from anywhere

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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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 61% 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 to review VPN services and cover 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 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

Doris was a tech writer and a cybersecurity researcher for vpnMentor. She is enthusiastic about educating people about their rights to online freedom and provides actionable ways to protect their data.

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