ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs for Hulu – but sometimes it runs into trouble with the streamer.
Usually, this is due to technical glitches that are easily fixed. But sometimes, it's more complicated. You might even need to switch from ExpressVPN to another top Hulu VPN.
So, if your ExpressVPN app isn’t working with Hulu, this quick guide will show you the best solutions and potential alternative VPNs.
How to stream Hulu with ExpressVPN
First, make sure you configured ExpressVPN correctly to work with Hulu. The process is generally the same for every ExpressVPN app, regardless of your device (iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, etc.).
Here’s what to do:
- Sign up for ExpressVPN. You can use the risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee for a test run.
- Download the app to your Hulu device.
- Connect to a server in the US.
- Clear your browser cache and cookies to ensure a fresh connection. Clear the Hulu app as well.
- Sign in to Hulu and enjoy unrestricted streaming.
Switch servers within the US if you can’t connect to Hulu the first time. If that doesn’t work, keep reading for more solutions.
How well does ExpressVPN work with Hulu?
ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs for Hulu, thanks to an extensive network of high-speed servers in the US that are fast enough to stream Hulu from anywhere.
In our tests, ExpressVPN’s streaming speeds averaged 91 Mbps – fast enough for 4K streaming even when connected to far-away servers. Its LightwayVPN protocol ensures a smooth, buffer-free connection while keeping your internet secure and your true location hidden. It’s also lightweight, so you don’t have to worry about battery drain when streaming on mobile.
ExpressVPN is one of the most advanced VPNs available, but like any technology, it can face some issues. Let’s examine why it's not working with your Hulu account.
Why isn’t ExpressVPN working with Hulu?
Hulu is a purely US streamer – it's not meant to be available anywhere else in the world. Due to its copyright and broadcast licenses, it must actively block anyone outside the US from accessing its content.
So, Hulu invests heavily in detecting and blocking VPN servers in case people use them to access its content outside the US. Even if you’re in the US and just using a VPN to boost your online privacy, Hulu will still block you.
The best VPNs, like ExpressVPN, constantly find ways around Hulu’s blocks but don’t always succeed.
However, there are other factors that contribute to ExpressVPN not working with Hulu. Here are the most common – and their solutions.
1. ExpressVPN has a software glitch. Every technology has the occasional glitch, so this isn’t a cause for concern.
Solution: Restart your ExpressVPN app or your device.
2. Hulu is reading old location data from your cache or cookies. If you previously logged into Hulu without a VPN, it could still have your previous location on record.
Solution: Clear your cache and cookies or use incognito mode.
3. Hulu has blocked your ExpressVPN server. Hulu keeps a record of VPN servers it identifies and blocks them from ever accessing its content. ExpressVPN’s many US servers give you more than enough options to switch.
Solution:Try another server in the US.
4. Hulu is using your GPS information to establish your location. Hulu’s mobile apps can periodically log your location information from your device’s GPS. This may clash with the location of the VPN’s server.
Solution: You’ll have to stream Hulu from your mobile device’s browser using incognito mode.
Best alternative VPNs for streaming Hulu
The VPNs below are the top alternative to ExpressVPN for accessing Hulu content. We’ve tested each one thoroughly and shared the full results in our complete VPN reviews. But if you’re in a rush, everything you need to know is below.
NordVPN is the best alternative to ExpressVPN for Hulu. It’s fast, secure, keeps you completely hidden, and offers excellent value. NordVPN is the only VPN that performs better than ExpressVPN for Hulu. It has a vast US server network that delivers fast, buffer-free Hulu streaming from almost anywhere; even in 4K HD. NordVPN isn't just fast; it's also incredibly secure. You'll benefit from 256-bit AES encryption (the same standard used by banks, governments, militaries, and spy agencies), automatic kill-switches that block your internet if your VPN connection is disrupted, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, and much more. On top of its vast US server network and airtight security, NordVPN runs on its patented NordLynxVPN protocol, which provides smooth connections without the need to reduce your security settings (an issue with many less advanced VPNs). NordVPN works on every popular device used for streaming. It also has SmartDNS, which allows you to stream on devices that don't typically support VPNs, like game consoles and some smart TVs. If ExpressVPN isn't working with Hulu, try NordVPN on its risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. Surfshark is the best budget VPN for Hulu. It’s secure, fast, low-cost, and you get unlimited device connections. It also offers advanced privacy. Surfshark is our favorite budget VPN for a lot of reasons. First, you get unlimited simultaneous device connections on a single plan. So, you can share it with your entire family, no matter how many devices they use. Second, it comes full of advanced privacy tools overlooked by many more expensive competitors. You get a built-in ad blocker, malware and spam detection, dark web monitoring, an IP address rotator, and more. Its stealth mode has some of the best obfuscation software available. All these tools, when combined, go beyond getting you access to Hulu content – they keep you hidden from tracking, viruses, spyware, and every other online nuisance. Finally, Surfshark is fast enough to stream Hulu in 4K HD from almost anywhere. Our team is located across continents, and we were all able to watch our favorite Hulu shows buffer-free. Surfshark gives new users a no-questions-asked 30-day money-back guarantee. CyberGhost is a beginner-friendly VPN with dedicated servers optimized for streaming on Hulu and other popular sites. It’s easy to use and provides excellent privacy. CyberGhost has a vast server network. You can choose between 1,400+ in the US alone, and 9,500+ spread across 90+ countries globally. We tested many of its US servers on Hulu, and connected every time. However, we've seen reports of CyberGhost getting flagged by US streamers occasionally, so you may have to try a few before it works. CyberGhost is also one of the easiest VPNs to use. After you install it on your first device, you can download it to six more with all your settings pre-configured. The apps are also almost identical across every device. So, you can rest assured you're getting equal protection and privacy on each one. If you plan on traveling and keeping up with your favorite Hulu shows, keep in mind CyberGhost does't work in strict countries like the UAE and China. For such locations, stick to ExpressVPN or NordVPN. CyberGhost includes a generous 45-day money-back guarantee on all new plans. Private Internet Access (PIA) is a P2P-focused VPN that works just as well for streaming, providing airtight privacy and tremendous customization. PIA was initially built for torrenting and P2P. So it's invested heavily in providing multiple layers of anonymity alongside fast download times. These features make it a good choice if you're trying to access a streaming site like Hulu. You also get access to over 20,000 global servers, many of which are in the US. So, if your first PIA server can't access Hulu, you have plenty of other options. PIA also offers the most customization on this list. However, while privacy nuts like us will enjoy the unrivaled opportunities to tinker, most casual users might be overwhelmed. Also, PIA's focus on server network and P2P means some of its other features have become outdated compared to top streaming VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN. Try PIA with a 30-day money-back guarantee to see for yourself. Proton VPN has one of the best free VPN plans and good connection speeds, but lacks advanced features you might need for Hulu. Proton VPN's free plan is one of the best. It's ad-free, doesn't limit your bandwidth, and offers robust security and privacy. However, you're limited to only three locations (including the US), and it will probably be too slow for HD streaming on Hulu. The paid version is better for streaming. It has 2,800+ servers in 68+ countries, including many more in the US. These servers are boosted by its "VPN accelerator" protocol that speeds up your connection over long distances, making it reliable for travel outside the US. In our tests, the paid version of Proton VPN accessed Hulu from numerous locations, including Europe and Asia. However, we often had to cycle through servers before finding one that worked. Proton VPN also lacks essential features for global streaming and general privacy. Surprisingly, its paid plan is also expensive despite this. Try out ProtonVPN on the free plan or use its 30-day money-back guarantee for paid customers to see how it compares to top Hulu VPNs. 1. NordVPN
Pricing
Pros
Cons
Available on
Unblocks
Website
Pricing
Pros
Cons
Available on
Unblocks
Website
Pricing
Pros
Cons
Available on
Unblocks
Website
Pricing
Pros
Cons
Available on
Unblocks
Website
Pricing
Pros
Cons
Available on
Unblocks
Do free VPNs work with Hulu?
Most free VPNs don’t work with Hulu because they have tiny server networks quickly flagged by the streaming giants, and lack advanced VPN clocking tools.<
There are many other reasons to skip free VPNs, especially if you’re concerned about your online privacy. Including:
- Limited servers. Most free VPNs only offer a couple of servers in the US and maybe two other countries. These quickly get crowded and blocked by streaming sites.
- Too slow for streaming. Free VPNs usually struggle with even standard-definition streaming. Expect a lot of buffering and lag.
- Breaching your privacy. Free VPNs have been caught selling users’ data to advertisers and data brokers to make a profit.
- Annoying ads. You’ll get a pop-up every few minutes urging you to upgrade to the premium plan or to promote some other product. It’s irritating, to say the least.
- Malware risk. Free VPNs have been exposed hosting malware that opens backdoors to hackers and other malicious actors on their networks (for a fee).
Plenty of cheap, good-quality VPNs work with Hulu while only charging a couple of dollars a month and not bombarding you with ads or risking your safety online.
Stick to those and avoid free VPNs altogether.
How we tested ExpressVPN and others with Hulu
We’ve developed strict criteria for testing VPNs over many years of publishing reviews. For this guide, we focused on each alternative to ExpressVPN’s compatibility with Hulu, connection speeds, and much more.
Here’s a sample of our ranking factors:<
- Server network: We only recommend VPNs with thousands of servers spread throughout countries across the globe.
- Connection speeds: We check if every VPN is fast enough for HD streaming, even if you connect to far-away servers.
- Access to content: The top VPNs all work with Hulu and other popular streamers, including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and BBC iPlayer.
- Security: Our favorite VPNs use the latest cybersecurity tools to keep you safe, including 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and automatic kill-switches.
- Privacy: We looked for VPNs that hide your location and identity through a mix of IP address masking, anti-tracking tools, ad blockers, and similar software.
- Value: The best VPNs offer simple, affordable plans and generous money-back guarantees.
- Ease of use: Just because VPNs are a complicated technology, they don’t have to be difficult to use. Our favorite VPNs are all very beginner-friendly.
- Customer support: Look for VPNs that offer 24/7 live support with human agents, video tutorials and troubleshooting, and other support channels.
You can use our VPN testing guide to assess which VPN is the best VPN for you.
FAQs
Conclusion
You’ll struggle to find a VPN that works better with Hulu than ExpressVPN.
However, if ExpressVPN isn’t working with Hulu, and you’ve tried every technical fix, you have plenty of options to try a different VPN.
You can try every VPN alternative we’ve recommended with a risk-free money-back guarantee. So, try them out and see which one works best for you.