Hulu is a popular streaming service that is only officially available in the US and Japan. However, you can use Virtual Private Network (VPN) to unblock Hulu from anywhere. However, when it comes to unblocking Hulu for free, there's some good news and some bad news.
Free VPNs are readily available on the market, but these services aren't suitable for Hulu. This is because the platform actively blocks VPNs - and free services are always the first ones on the chopping block. Thankfully, some premium services have managed to find a way to beat Hulu's VPN blocks. In this article, we'll walk you through a hack that'll let you use them for free!
The best free VPNs for Hulu
In a hurry? Check out the table below to find our top VPN picks for Hulu – and remember that each of these services works seamlessly with Hulu, comes with generous trial periods, and has servers in the US.
- ExpressVPN - The best VPN for Hulu. A lightning-fast service that works with Hulu (and other services) and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- NordVPN - The best value VPN for Hulu. Users get intuitive apps for all platforms and a huge network of servers to enjoy, all for a budget price.
- Surfshark - The best multi-device VPN for Hulu. With unlimited simultaneous connections and speeds ideal for streaming TV in HD.
- Proton VPN - The best secure VPN for Hulu. An audited zero-logs service that packs strong encryption, security features, and P2P support.
- PrivateVPN - The best cheap VPN for Hulu. Inexpensive and still feature-rich, with apps that are a joy to use on all of your devices.
Can I get a free VPN for Hulu?
No. Free VPNs do not have the time, money, or resources to battle with Hulu, which means that the fight is over the moment Hulu blocks a free VPN's IP addresses.
Some premium VPNs do have a limited free plan that they use to advertise their service, however, even those reliable free VPNs that are great for privacy are not suitable for streaming Hulu. This is because those free plans have download limits that make it impossible to stream more than a couple of shows per month, and bandwidth restrictions that cause shows to buffer a lot (which is highly frustrating).
In addition, trusted free VPN plans are designed as a loss-leader to advertise the service and encourage people to upgrade to the full-paid service. As a result, those free plans often purposefully restrict Hulu, Netflix, and other popular services. Access to these services is provided exclusively on the paid plans.
What is the free VPN for Hulu hack?
The good news is that even the best VPNs will let you try out their service for free. Premium VPNs have free trial periods known as money-back guarantees, during which time you can watch Hulu as much as you like.
Most VPNs provide a money-back guarantee that lasts between 30 and 45 days, which means that you can watch Hulu for up to a month and a half before requesting a complete refund. And since all Hulu VPNs have a money-back guarantee, you can try them all out one after the other – giving you free access to Hulu for an extended period.
Try the free VPN for Hulu hack
If you are eager to stream shows on Hulu for free, follow the steps below:
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Subscribe to a VPN service that is known to work with Hulu.
Remember: Very few VPNs work with Hulu, so be sure to pick a VPN that actually works with Hulu. We have tested all the VPNs listed below, and they work.
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Download the VPN software onto your device and log in using your credentials.
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Connect to a server in the USA.
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Purchase a Hulu gift card to pay for the service outside of the USA.
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Remember to ask your VPN provider for your money back before the trial period ends.
The best free trial VPNs for Hulu
Below, you'll find our top VPN picks for Hulu. Each of these services has been put to the test by our team of experts, comes with a huge fleet of servers to choose from, and the speeds you'll need to stream in HD - regardless of the device you're using!
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Hulu. Works seamlessly with Hulu and boasts global server coverage, with top-notch speeds. ExpressVPN Demo ExpressVPN is an industry-leading service that works seamlessly with Hulu. There are servers in a whopping 105 countries
to choose from, and connecting to any of these locations is as simple as selecting them via ExpressVPN's user-friendly apps. I particularly like that the provider's apps are available for all devices. This means you'll be able to tune in to your Hulu favorites when you're at home, on the go, or even at school! Plus, ExpressVPN is seriously fast. I've never had trouble with slow-loading pages or lagging streams when connected to one of its servers, and the VPN is also more than capable of handling VoIP calls, online games, and any other data-intensive tasks you happen to do. All in all, it's well worth taking advantage of ExpressVPN's 30-day money-back guarantee to test its features in your own time. NordVPN is the best value Hulu VPN. With apps for all platforms, speeds that top our charts, and servers across the globe. Nord Demo NordVPN is another big name in the VPN sphere – and a fantastic all-rounder! Accessing Hulu content is a breeze with NordVPN, thanks to its huge fleet of servers scattered across 111 countries
, and the service also works with other popular streaming platforms – Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+ to name a few. Just like ExpressVPN, you're getting a super-fast service that can handle HD streaming marathons and movie nights, as well as user-friendly apps for all your devices. These NordVPN apps look fresh and feel intuitive, and they're a huge part of the reason why I frequently recommend the service to VPN newbies. However, if you do need help at any point, you can reach out to NordVPN's customer service team who are around 24/7. I'm also glad to report that NordVPN is a fully audited zero-logs provider that has no interest in keeping tabs on your digital activity. It packs tough OpenVPN encryption and a number of handy privacy-enhancing features, and you can put them to the test yourself with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Surfshark is the best multi-device Hulu VPN. A user-friendly service that permits unlimited simultaneous connections, and comes stuffed with features. Surfshark Demo Surfshark is a VPN based in the British Virgin Islands that is extremely well-liked by subscribers, thanks to its highly customizable apps for all platforms (including Linux) and great speeds. This VPN also allows an unlimited number of subscribers to use the VPN with a single subscription, making it great for families who want to use it at home and on public WiFi. Surfshark has servers in over 100 countries
around the world, which are fast for streaming or downloading via BitTorrent. And Surfshark unblocks sought-after services like Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime. To secure your data, this VPN provides industry-standard OpenVPN encryption, and provides a kill-switch and obfuscation. That means you can unblock content and conceal your VPN use. Finally, you can test this VPN thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. An amazing all-rounder that provides a massive value for money. ProtonVPN is the best secure VPN for Hulu. From the folks who brought you ProtonMail! Packed with privacy features and a zero-logs promise. Proton Demo VPN services don't come more privacy-minded than ProtonVPN! A stellar provider that boasts servers in 91 countries
and up to 10
simultaneous connections, so you'll be able to check out Hulu shows and movies regardless of where you are (or the device you're using). I like that ProtonVPN works with other in-demand streaming services, too, and can keep up with data-intensive tasks like online gaming sessions and VoIP calls. It's a great all-rounder that's perfect for everyday use. Plus, ProtonVPN doesn't pull punches when it comes to security. Packing tough encryption and a number of recognized, well-trusted protocols – including OpenVPN and WireGuard. ProtonVPN also prevents DNS leaks, has its very own kill-switch, and even offers Perfect Forward Secrecy! All this, plus a zero-logs policy, makes the service ideal for folks looking to balance unblocking power with comprehensive digital security. And don't forget about the 30-day money-back guarantee! PrivateVPN is the best cheap Hulu VPN. Offers servers in key locations as well as easy access to your Hulu favorites. PrivateVPN Demo PrivateVPN is a Swedish VPN provider that is massively popular with consumers. This fantastic little VPN is a force to reckon with when it comes to streaming; allowing consumers to unblock everything from Hulu, to Netflix and BBC iPlayer. What’s more, PrivateVPN has a no-questions 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you can stream Hulu for a month without actually paying. With PrivateVPN, you get incredible privacy and unblocking service at a very low price point. VyprVPN is the best all-round VPN for Hulu. A solid service that has a broad network of servers and security features, and P2P support. VYPR Demo VyprVPN is a top-notch service that ticks all the right boxes; it works well with Hulu, is fast enough to keep up with HD streaming, and its apps are incredibly easy-to-use! For this reason, I frequently recommend VyprVPN to VPN newbies. A subscription bags you access to servers in 70
locations, as well as 10
simultaneous connections, and I particularly like that VyprVPN owns its entire server network – seeing as it reduces the chance of malicious outside interference. And speaking of security, the provider utilizes strong OpenVPN encryption to keep connections private. VyprVPN's audited zero-logs policy is another huge plus, and users looking for an additional layer of privacy should make good use of the Chameleon protocol, which can bypass government-imposed censorship and other restrictions. And, just like our other top picks, you can try VyprVPN for yourself with a 30-day money-back guarantee. CyberGhost is the best user-friendly VPN for Hulu. Grants users a suite of security tools, lots of servers to choose from, and a free trial! CyberGhost Demo CyberGhost VPN is one of the few services that gives its subscribers an incredible 45-day money-back guarantee, providing that you subscribe for no less than 6 months. Users who subscribe for a single month can enjoy a 14-day money-back guarantee. This means you can stream Hulu for free for up to a whole month and a half, which is a great reason to test this VPN! However, it is worth remembering that this VPN is not quite as fully featured as the VPNs higher in this list, so if you want a more versatile service, you may want to stick to our top three VPNs! IPVanish is the best stealth Hulu VPN. A user-friendly service that prioritizes security, with stealth tech, and strong encryption. IPVanish Demo IPVanish is a VPN provider based in the US. This is not always considered the best location for a VPN to be located; but IPVanish has a zero-logs policy to ensure that it won’t have any data to pass to the authorities, even if it is served a warrant. IPVanish has servers in over 75 countries
, and those servers are super-fast for streaming Hulu, and because this VPN has a 7-day money-back guarantee, you can watch Hulu for a week without paying. Admittedly, not the longest free trial but a viable way to stream Hulu for free, nonetheless. Ivacy is the cheapest Hulu VPN. With streaming services and ten simultaneous connections, so the whole family can enjoy content. Ivacy Demo Based in Singapore, Ivacy is a no-logs VPN that's been on the market for some time. The service has recently, and dramatically, reinvented itself to become one of the most spectacular “new” players in an industry that is becoming increasingly professional. Ivacy's competitive pricing starts from as little as $1 a month, and key privacy features include Smart Connect, an internet kill-switch, and a dedicated Kodi app. With more than 5,700
in over 100
locations, Ivacy certainly offers an impressive VPN. We're eager to see what the future holds for Ivacy as it claws its way to stand among the industry's top VPN providers. StrongVPN is the best security-oriented VPN for Hulu. A solid service that boasts a broad network of servers and twelve simultaneous connections, as well as battle-tested encryption. StrongVPN Demo StrongVPN is a VPN provider based in the USA. Founded in 2005, the VPN company has evolved quickly - now part of the ever-growing J2 Global portfolio of security products. StrongVPN is a service suited to all platforms, that provides extremely good connection speeds. Add to this its ability to unblock services like Netflix, Prime, and Hulu and you have a service that most people will enjoy for streaming. The customer service department is one of the best that we have ever come across. Also, when purchased annually, this service is great value for money. 1. ExpressVPN
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Does a Hulu VPN need to be fast?
Yes. The primary problem with the majority of VPNs is that they are too slow for data intensive tasks such as streaming. This is particularly true if you try to use a free (or even cheaper VPN) that has saved on costs costs by skimping on its server network.
Free VPNs have very few servers that are congested with users. As a result, those VPNs will cause buffering and lag when you try to watch Hulu or any other online streaming service.
The premium VPNs we have recommended in this guide all have fast servers that are ideal for watching the US or Japanese versions of Hulu. They also have fast protocols such as OpenVPN UDP and WireGuard, which are designed to let you perform data intensive tasks without lag.
The nice thing about our recommendations is that in addition to offering a premium service with fast speeds, they also have a money back guarantee. Thus, you can get free use of a premium VPN that has been tested with Hulu; no matter where you are in the world. This gives you the opportunity to test the VPN, or use it on vacation to watch your favorite shows, risk free.
How we pick the best VPNs for Hulu - VPN testing methodology
Finding a VPN can be hard for beginners. There are tons of providers to pick from and they often use aggressive marketing to gain subscribers. This can make it easy to end up with a VPN that promises the world – but is actually slow or unable to provide online security and privacy.
To help consumers find a VPN that works, we test market-leading services using a precise review process. Our VPN testing methodology allows us to use specific metrics to rate VPNs.
We check the encryption implementation, test for DNS and IP leaks, look for important security and privacy features, and check whether the VPN has servers that work to access Hulu and other popular services.
Below, we have included a list of features we considered when recommending VPNs for Hulu:
- Fast servers in the US that work to watch Hulu abroad.
- A global server network to let you bypass censorship and access regional services.
- Apps for all platforms to let you stream Hulu on any device
- Strong security and privacy features, including AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill-switch.
- Outstanding reliability with close to 100% uptime.
- The ability to access popular online services like BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and Disney Plus.
How do I pay for Hulu outside the USA?
It is easy to access Hulu with a VPN, but you must still subscribe to the service. To do so, you will need a valid US payment method, as international cards are not accepted by the website. So, what are you supposed to do?
Luckily, it is possible to pay for Hulu using a gift card that is delivered to you via email. That means you can completely avoid giving Hulu your bank card details. Walmart, for example, sells Hulu gift cards that it delivers via email, and it accepts most international debit and credit cards.
This is by far the best and easiest way to unblock and pay for Hulu with a VPN.
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Head over to the Walmart website and add a gift card to your basket
![hulu gift card]()
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Proceed without logging in and enter any random details, including your real email address.
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Click Use Address Provided.
![enter an address]()
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Enter your preferred payment details and hit the checkout button.
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Open the email you receive from Walmart and make a note of the Hulu gift card redemption code.
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Connect to a VPN server in the US - and make sure it works with Hulu!
![PrivateVPN connect to a us server]()
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Log out of your Hulu account and clear your browser's Cookies and Cache.
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Navigate to www.hulu.com/gift.
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Type in the gift card code and click Redeem.
![Redeem gift card]()
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Select the kind of Hulu subscription you prefer (with or without commercials).
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Fill in your details and set up a password.
You will need to provide a valid US Zip Code such as 51501 (Council Bluffs, IA), 39564 (Ocean Springs, MS), 48127 (Dearborn Heights, MI) 41018 (Erlanger, KY) or 60099 (Zion, IL).
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You can now log in and stream Hulu using your VPN free trial.
Paying for Hulu with a gift card – troubleshooting
Most people experience no problems when paying for Hulu with a gift card and a VPN. However, if you get the error message HBL-22 Redemption Service Unavailable when you enter your gift card, it is possible that your VPN is not working correctly. If you get this error message, try the following things:
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Ensure that your VPN actually works with Hulu. If it doesn't, you may need to cancel your subscription and subscribe to a different VPN.
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Contact your VPN and find out which US server works with Hulu
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Clear your browser cookies and cache or try accessing the Hulu gift card page using private browsing mode/Incognito
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If you are using your VPN over a WiFi network, try connecting to the VPN via your cellular network instead (this has apparently fixed the issue for some users)
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Ensure that GPS is disabled on your device and that geolocation data is disabled in your browser
For more help, check out our Hulu VPN troubleshooting guide, where we offer more in-depth advice.
Make the most out of the hack
Once you pay for a Hulu gift card and get a VPN subscription, you are ready to start streaming Hulu from anywhere in the world. Thousands of people all over the world currently unblock Hulu with a VPN to access shows such as:
- Catch-22. A six-part miniseries based on the novel by Joseph Heller.
- Nathan For You. A mockumentary about a small business owner.
- Pen15. A hilarious coming-of-age show.
- Better Things. Is a subversive sitcom about a mother struggling to raise her children.
- The Venture Bros. An Adult Swim classic animated comedy.
- Atlanta. A comedy-driven show that is critically acclaimed.
- The Last Man on Earth. A superb and mind-bending comedy about the end of the world.
- It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. An award-winning comedy that is best described as absurd.
- Vikings. This historical drama is an action-packed show that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
- Sons of Anarchy. An excellent biker gang series involving gun crime and smuggling.
Plus, once you're subscribed to a VPN, you can use it to unblock much more than just Hulu content! Your VPN will be able to access international content on streaming sites like Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and plenty of others from around the globe. Be sure to visit our Netflix VPN guide for more information about unblocking regional libraries!
The free VPN for Hulu hack – FAQs