- Our recommended VPN for Hotstar
- Why do I need a VPN to watch Hotstar in the US?
- How to watch Hotstar in USA with a VPN?
- Best VPNs for Hotstar
- Compare Hotstar VPNs
- How to watch Hotstar from anywhere with a VPN: a detailed guide
- Hotstar not working with a VPN? Here’s how to fix
- Is there a free VPN for Hotstar?
- Final thoughts
- FAQ
Hotstar (now JioHotstar in India) is available in only a few regions, and there is no standalone app in the US. The most effective way to access the full Indian library from the US is by using a VPN. Based on my tests, NordVPN is the best VPN for Hotstar due to its optimized virtual Indian servers and lightning-fast streaming speeds.
Hotstar is a popular streaming service known for Bollywood movies, Indian TV shows, and live sports like cricket, the Premier League, and the NFL. Its full library is geo-blocked in the USA due to content licensing and broadcast rights. However, viewers in the US can access only a limited amount of Hotstar content through the Disney Bundle. That’s why you need a VPN to access Hotstar’s full library of Bollywood movies and all live sports games in the US.
Since Hotstar uses a strict VPN-detection system, only reliable VPNs with advanced encryption and obfuscation can bypass the technology. After testing multiple providers, NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN stood out as the best VPNs for Hotstar thanks to their reliable Indian servers, fast speeds, and consistent access, bypassing geo-restrictions.
In this article, I will explain how to unblock Hotstar in the US in 2026.
Our recommended VPN for Hotstar
Why do I need a VPN to watch Hotstar in the US?
The full version of Hotstar is geo-blocked outside India due to content licensing and broadcasting rights. Hotstar (now called JioHotstar) is primarily available in India, with regional versions in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, while only a limited version is available in the UK, Canada, and Singapore.
In the US, Hotstar content is available only through the Disney Bundle due to licensing, as there is no standalone Hotstar app. If you try to open the Indian Hotstar website or app from the US, you’ll usually see an error message like “Hotstar is not available in your region.”
To access Hotstar in the US, you need a VPN with servers in India. A VPN works by routing your internet traffic through a server in another country, changing your virtual location so it appears you are in India. You simply open the VPN app, connect to an Indian server, and then visit Hotstar as usual. Once connected, Hotstar sees an Indian IP address instead of a US one, allowing you to stream Indian movies, TV shows, and live sports without regional blocks.
To access the full Indian version of Hotstar from the US, you’ll need a reliable VPN with servers in India that can bypass Hotstar’s regional restrictions. Luckily, a few reliable VPN providers can bypass geo-restrictions without issues. In the next section, I’ll walk you through my top VPNs for watching Hotstar in the US.
How to watch Hotstar in USA with a VPN?
- Get a reliable VPN with fast Indian servers. I recommend NordVPN with 76% discount!
- Download and install the VPN app on your device, and log in.
- Connect to an Indian server to get an Indian IP address.
- Visit Hotstar’s website or open the Hotstar app and sign in as usual.
- Start streaming Hotstar and enjoy live sports, movies, and TV shows without restrictions!
Best VPNs for Hotstar
The best VPNs for Hotstar should reliably bypass regional restrictions, avoid Hotstar’s VPN blocks, and stream smoothly without connection drops, especially during live cricket matches. VPNs should also keep your connection stable and private, just like watching Hotstar at home in India.
After testing 18 providers, NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN stood out as the best VPNs for Hotstar thanks to their fast Indian servers, robust security features, and consistent access to the full Hotstar library. Below, I’ll break down each VPN and explain why it works well for watching Hotstar from the US.
We tested VPNs for watching Hotstar in the US to see which ones actually work with India-only content, stream smoothly, and don’t get blocked. Since Hotstar is strict about location checks, using a VPN gives you the advantage of accessing the full Indian library while keeping your real IP address hidden. Only VPNs that passed real-world streaming tests made our list. Here are the key questions we used to evaluate each Hotstar VPN:
- Can the VPN unblock Hotstar? Hotstar’s full library is only available in India, so we tested each provider by attempting to access the platform from various US cities. Only VPNs that consistently accessed Hotstar without error messages were included.
- Does it have servers in India? Since physical servers in India are rare due to local data laws, I looked for virtual servers in India. We tested these to ensure they successfully provided a Mumbai or Delhi IP address that the streaming site recognized as local.
- Is it fast enough for 4K and live sports? Live cricket requires at least 25Mbps for a stable 4K stream. I measured speed retention for each VPN; those that dropped more than 20% of my baseline speed were cut from the list to avoid buffering during big games.
- Does it offer obfuscation or stealth modes? We tested whether VPNs offer features such as obfuscated servers, Camouflage mode, and Stealth mode to ensure they can bypass Hotstar’s strict geo-blocks.
- Is it compatible with all streaming devices? We tested the apps on Windows, Mac, Android, and Fire TV sticks. A VPN had to be easy to install and work reliably across all these devices so you can watch on your big screen or your phone.
Top 1. NordVPN – overall best VPN to watch Hotstar in the US
- Rating: 9.3⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Servers: Virtual servers in Mumbai
- Price: $ 3.09/month + 3-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee
NordVPN is the best VPN to watch Hotstar in the US, thanks to its fast virtual Indian servers, reliable unblocking, and smooth streaming performance. During my tests, I consistently accessed Hotstar on the first try, including live cricket matches, without any proxy errors or interruptions.
NordVPN operates 9300+ servers in 137 countries, including virtual servers in Mumbai, India. When I unblocked Hotstar, I connected to the Mumbai server and instantly accessed the full Indian library, including movies, shows, and live sports. During speed testing, I retained about 92% of my original connection speed, making it faster than Surfshark (around 90%) and Proton VPN (87%). For the best chance to stay undetected by Hotstar, I recommend activating obfuscated servers before connecting.
NordVPN also protects your data with AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and a built-in kill switch to prevent leaks. Plus, its Threat Protection feature blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites, helping Hotstar load faster and keeping your browsing safe.
Another advantage is router compatibility. NordVPN supports installation on many routers, allowing you to connect devices that don’t natively support VPN apps, such as smart TVs, Apple TV, gaming consoles, or streaming sticks. Once installed on a router, every device connected to your Wi‑Fi network will automatically use the VPN connection, making it easy to watch Hotstar on your home entertainment system.
NordVPN is the best VPN to watch Hotstar in the US, and it’s available with a 76% discount. It also includes a 3-day free trial on Android and a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans, so you can try it risk-free.
Pros
- Unblocks Hotstar in the US
- Virtual servers in Mumbai
- Fastest speeds I tested for Hotstar
Cons
- Only 10 simultaneous connections
Top 2. Surfshark – most affordable and fast VPN for streaming Hotstar in the USA
- Rating: 9.0⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Servers: 50+ servers in Mumbai and Delhi
- Price: $ 1.99/month + 7-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee
Surfshark is the cheapest VPN for watching Hotstar in the US, especially if you want a low price without sacrificing streaming quality. In my tests, it reliably unblocked Hotstar and delivered smooth 4k streams at a lower cost than most competitors.
Surfshark operates 4500+ servers in 100 countries, including 50+ servers in India across Mumbai and Delhi. During testing, I connected to a Mumbai server and successfully accessed and unblocked Hotstar on the first attempt, with no region errors. During speed testing, Surfshark retained around 88–90% of my original speed using WireGuard, which was slightly slower than NordVPN but faster than Proton VPN.
Streaming Hotstar movies and live cricket in HD was smooth, with no buffering or sudden quality drops. Surfshark’s Camouflage Mode and NoBorders Mode reduce the chance of Hotstar detecting the VPN. It also includes AES-256 encryption, a verified no-logs policy, and a built-in kill switch to keep your connection private. Plus, Surfshark offers MultiHop, which routes your traffic through two servers for extra privacy when streaming.
Surfshark is the best budget VPN for Hotstar, with long-term plans discounted by up to 87%. It also includes a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee, letting you try Hotstar risk-free.
Pros
- Bypasses TSN restrictions
- Unlimited device connections
- Camouflage and NoBorders modes help avoid VPN detection
Cons
- Slightly slower than NordVPN
Top 3. Proton VPN – privacy-focused VPN to watch Hotstar from anywhere
- Rating: 8.9⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Servers: 30+ servers in Mumbai
- Price: $ 2.99/month + free version and 30-day money-back guarantee
Proton VPN is a privacy-focused VPN for Hotstar, especially if keeping your online activity private is your priority. In my tests, the paid version reliably accessed Hotstar and handled streaming well, though it wasn’t quite as fast as NordVPN.
With its Premium plan, Proton VPN works 20000+ servers in 145+ countries, including 30+ in Mumbai, India. When I tested Proton VPN, I connected to a Mumbai server and successfully accessed Hotstar, including movies and live sports. During speed testing, Proton VPN retained around 87% of my original speed, which was slower than NordVPN and slightly behind Surfshark, but still good enough for HD streaming.
Proton VPN is known for strong privacy as it uses AES-256 encryption, follows a strict no-logs policy, and includes a kill switch and DNS leak protection to keep your real location hidden while streaming. Plus, its Stealth protocol reduces the risk of detection by Hostar VPN detectors.
Proton VPN is a reliable VPN for Hotstar with a strong focus on privacy. Its paid plans are often discounted by up to 70% and include a 30-day money-back guarantee, letting you try all the plan features and watch Hotstar in the US risk-free.
Pros
- 30 servers in Mumbai
- Works reliably with Hotstar
- Stealth protocol avoids VPN blocks
Cons
- Slower than NordVPN and Surfshark in speed tests
Compare Hotstar VPNs
| VPN for TSN | Rating | Works with TSN? | Servers in India | Speed | Price | Free version? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. NordVPN | 9.3⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅Yes | Virtual servers in Mumbai | 792Mbps | $ 3.09/month | ✅ Yes, 3-day free trial Android / 30-day money-back guarantee |
| 2. Surfshark | 9.0⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅Yes | 50+ servers in Mumbai and Delhi | 788Mbps | $ 1.99/month | ✅ Yes, 7-day free trial mobile / 30-day money-back guarantee |
| 3. Proton VPN | 8.9⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅Yes | 30+ servers in Mumbai | 767Mbps | $ 2.99/month | ✅ Yes |
How to watch Hotstar from anywhere with a VPN: a detailed guide
Hotstar’s full library is only available in India, so you’ll be blocked if you try to watch it from outside the country. A reliable VPN lets you change your virtual location to India, so you can stream the full JioCinema library from anywhere, just follow the steps below:
Step 1. Get a reliable streaming VPN
The only way to watch the full Hotstar library from outside India is to change your IP address to an Indian one using a reliable VPN. Without an Indian IP, Hotstar will block access due to regional streaming rights.
Based on my tests, NordVPN is the best VPN for Hotstar because it offers fast virtual Indian servers, works consistently with Hotstar’s strict blocks, and delivers smooth streaming for live sports.
Step 2. Download and install the VPN app
To start using your VPN, you’ll need to download and install the app on the device you plan to use to watch Hotstar. If you’re using a computer, download the app directly from the VPN provider’s official website. For phones and tablets, simply find the VPN app in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, install it, and sign in, just like installing any other streaming or social app.
Step 3. Connect to a VPN server in India
Hotstar is primarily available in India, with regional versions in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand offering tailored content, while only a limited version exists in the UK, Canada, and Singapore.
In the US, Hotstar content is only available through the Disney Bundle because there is no standalone Hotstar app. To access the full Indian JioHotstar library from anywhere, you need to connect to a VPN server in India. Top VPNs like NordVPN offer virtual Indian servers in Mumbai. In my tests, the Mumbai server delivered fast, stable streaming for movies, shows, and live cricket.
Step 4. Watch Hotstar in the US without restrictions
Once you’re successfully connected to an Indian VPN server, you can visit Hotstar and start streaming its full library in the US without geo-blocks. If you still run into issues, try switching to a different Indian server or reconnecting. Changing the VPN protocol can also help resolve connection issues and ensure smooth streaming.
Hotstar not working with a VPN? Here’s how to fix
If Hotstar (JioHotstar) isn’t working while your VPN is on, it usually means the platform’s advanced filters have flagged and blocked your current Indian IP address. Here’s what you can try to fix VPN error issue:
- Switch to a different virtual server in India. Hotstar often blacklists specific IP addresses that generate excessive traffic. If you get an error, disconnect from your current server and reconnect to a new server. This gives you a fresh IP address that hasn’t been flagged yet.
- Clear your browser’s cache and cookies. Websites store small bits of data that can leak your actual US location, even if your VPN is active. Go into your browser settings, clear your browsing data from “all time,” and restart the browser. This forces the site to see only the location your VPN provides.
- Enable 0bfuscated or Stealth mode. Some streaming platforms can detect how a VPN encrypts your data. In your VPN settings, look for features such as Obfuscation, Camouflage mode, or Stealth mode, which make your VPN traffic appear like normal web browsing.
- Disable GPS / location services on your device. If you are using the JioHotstar app on a phone or tablet, it may be checking your device’s internal GPS rather than just your IP address. Go to your device settings and turn off “Location Services” or revoke the app’s permission to see your location. This prevents the app from seeing that you are physically in the US.
If none of these steps work, I recommend contacting your VPN’s 24/7 live chat support. They can suggest a working Indian server or troubleshoot temporary Hotstar issues.
Is there a free VPN for Hotstar?
If you’re looking for a free VPN, Proton VPN is currently the only option, making it the best free VPN for Hotstar. As Proton VPN doesn’t have free servers in India, you can connect to servers in Canada or Singapore to access limited Hotstar content.
However, the free Proton VPN plan speeds can be slow, server choices are limited, and streaming isn’t officially supported, so Hotstar may sometimes detect the VPN or buffer during live cricket or popular shows due to overcrowding. Plus, Proton VPN’s free version is designed for basic browsing rather than high-speed streaming.
Instead of dealing with these restrictions, I recommend using a premium VPN, such as NordVPN. In my tests, NordVPN worked best for Hotstar because its virtual Indian servers consistently bypassed Hotstar’s blocks and delivered smooth, lag-free streaming. It also offers a 3-day free trial on Android and a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you can use it risk-free for up to 33 days.
Final thoughts
Hotstar (JioHotstar) is available in India, and its content is limited in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the UK, Canada, and Singapore due to strict licensing agreements. In the US, Hotstar’s specific content is only available through the Disney Bundle, and trying to access the Indian library from abroad will usually show an error like “Hotstar is not available in your region.”
Luckily, you can watch the full JioHotstar library in the US with a reliable streaming VPN. By connecting to a virtual Indian server, you can change your virtual location and access the app as if you’re actually sitting in Mumbai. After testing 18 services, I found that NordVPN is the best VPN for Hotstar. It offers lightning-speed virtual servers that easily bypass JioHotstar’s tough VPN filters, delivering smooth, lag-free 4K streaming for live cricket and Bollywood blockbusters alike.
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FAQ
No, the full Indian Hotstar library is not available outside India due to licensing restrictions, and in the US, only a limited selection is available through the Disney Bundle. However, you can watch Hotstar from anywhere by using a reliable VPN to change your IP address to an Indian server, making it appear as if you’re streaming from there. I recommend NordVPN as the best option because it consistently unblocks Hotstar and offers fast, stable Indian servers.
No, JioHotstar is not available in the USA due to content licensing restrictions. However, you can still access JioHotstar from the US by using a reliable VPN that connects you to an Indian server, making it appear as if you’re browsing from India. That said, JioHotstar actively blocks many VPNs, so only a reliable provider can bypass VPN detection. Based on my tests, NordVPN is the best VPN for accessing JioHotstar in the USA.
You can watch JioHotstar in the USA by using a reliable VPN to connect to an Indian server, which makes JioHotstar think you’re streaming from India. Simply choose a VPN, like NordVPN, that works with Hotstar, connect to India, open the JioHotstar website or app, and sign in to start watching.
Yes, you can use a VPN to watch Hotstar from anywhere. By connecting to an Indian server, the VPN hides your real location and gives you an Indian IP address, making Hotstar think you’re streaming from India. This lets you bypass geo-restrictions and enjoy your TV time as if you were in India. After my thorough testing, I recommend NordVPN for its fast Indian servers, reliable unblocking, and smooth, buffer-free streaming.
Hotstar is not working in the USA because the Indian version is blocked outside India due to strict geo-restrictions and regional licensing agreements. Hotstar is only allowed to operate in specific regions, so it blocks access from US IP addresses. In the US, some Hotstar content is offered through the Disney Bundle, which is why the standalone Hotstar site doesn’t work.
No, Hotstar does not allow the use of a VPN. According to JioHotstar’s Terms of Use, users are not permitted to bypass geographic restrictions or access the service through technologies such as VPNs or proxies. To enforce these regional rules, Hotstar actively tries to detect and block VPN connections. Because of this, some VPNs might not work or could stop working at any time. Still, reliable VPNs like NordVPN can often bypass these blocks by using fast Indian servers with strong security, so you can watch movies, shows, and live cricket without issues.
Yes, Hotstar uses tools to detect and block VPNs. They do this to comply with licensing rules that only allow them to show full content to viewers in India. If Hotstar detects a basic or blocked VPN, you’ll likely see an error like “Hotstar is not available in your region.” To bypass these blocks, you need a robust VPN like NordVPN, which offers obfuscated servers that can circumvent geo-restrictions.
