4 Best Free VPNs for Hotstar (Tested in 2024)
Reading time: 22 min
Updated on November 07, 2024
You can only watch Hotstar in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand due to the platform’s licensing agreements. It also has limited availability in the UK, Canada, and Singapore. To stream exclusive Hotstar content, you have to be in one of these countries and use a local IP address.
A VPN can theoretically help you change your IP address to any of these countries to watch Hotstar. But using a VPN to manipulate your location is against Hotstar’s terms of service. Plus, it could be considered copyright infringement, neither of which I condone.
If you still want to watch with a VPN for safety’s sake, you’ll find that many free options don’t work because Hotstar protects its agreements by blocking VPNs. However, our international group of testers found a few free VPNs that work in India and other countries. ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Hotstar as it’s the fastest for lag-free UHD streaming. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Quick Guide: Best Free VPNs for Hotstar in 2024
- ExpressVPN — ExpressVPN is the best paid VPN for Hotstar because its Lightway protocol provides lightning-fast speeds for lag-free streaming
- CyberGhost — Streaming-optimized server for Hotstar India works perfectly, but CyberGhost’s monthly plan is quite expensive
- Private Internet Access — Fast speeds on a Gen4 Network, but the only way to get an India server is via a remote Singapore location
- Tunnelbear — Servers in the UK and Canada work with Hotstar, but the free plan has a data cap of 500MB per month
Important! My team and I don’t condone copyright infringement or breaking Hotstar’s terms of service. All the recommended VPNs have strict zero-logs policies so they can’t keep track or see your online activities, so it’s up to you to use your VPN responsibly and follow all rules and regulations.
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: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
The Best Free VPNs for Hotstar in 2024
1. ExpressVPN — #1 VPN With Blazing-Fast Speeds for Streaming Hotstar Lag-Free
Key Features:
- 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, including 2 in India via the UK and Singapore
- Ultra-fast speeds for streaming Hotstar in HD without buffering
- Lightway protocol for high-bandwidth activities, like 4K streaming and online gaming
- Stream Hotstar on up to 8 devices simultaneously
- 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for streaming Hotstar thanks to its fast and reliable network. Its proprietary Lightway protocol is built for high-bandwidth activities, such as 4K streaming, without compromising on security. Due to the recent change in Indian data laws, ExpressVPN has withdrawn its India servers, however, it does provide Indian IP addresses via its Singapore and UK servers.
According to my teammates in India, Malaysia, Canada, and the UK, ExpressVPN provided the fastest speeds for streaming compared to other VPNs they tested. Since the servers in India are virtual and route traffic via the UK or Singapore, there was some concern if they’ll be fast enough. However, my colleagues reported excellent speeds and zero lags.
If you’re subscribed to other streaming platforms besides Hotstar in your location, ExpressVPN has 3,000+ servers in 105 countries that were also tested by our global team. They were proven to work with:
| Disney+ | HBO Max | Jio Cinema | Tata Sky |
| Netflix India | BBC iPlayer | Sony Liv | Voot |
| Amazon Prime Video | Hulu | Zee 5 | Vudu |
There’s no risk of your IP address leaking when using ExpressVPN to stream Hotstar. I ran multiple DNS, IP, and WebRTC leak tests and found no leaks whatsoever. ExpressVPN also has the option to disable IPv6 traffic, the most common culprit behind data leaks. It offers top-shelf security features, such as:
- Military-grade encryption — Encrypts your internet traffic with a 256-bit cipher to ensure full anonymity while browsing the web and streaming Hotstar
- TrustedServer network — Uses RAM servers that are physically incapable of storing your data to protect your privacy and implement its strict no-logs policy
- Kill switch — Disconnects you from the internet if the VPN server becomes unsteady or your computer goes into sleep mode to prevent accidental data leaks
- Split tunneling — Exclude certain apps from encryption so that Hotstar streaming remains secure and lag-free.
Stream Hotstar on 8 devices with ExpressVPN. It works on all mainstream platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. You can also set it up on your smart TV or configure it on your router to encrypt your entire internet.
The only issue is that ExpressVPN isn’t technically free. It’s actually one of the more expensive VPNs I tested — but you get what you pay for. I highly recommend it because of its rare combination of excellent performance and security. It also has great deals on at the moment, and you can get it at a bargain price of $4.99/ month with its 2-year + 6 months free plan.
You can test ExpressVPN out for yourself, and, if you’re not satisfied, you have up to 30 days to claim a refund. I asked the 24/7 live chat agent to process my refund request. Without any questions, the rep approved my cancellation, and I got my money back within 4 days.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
ExpressVPN works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Nvidia Shield, Xiaomi Mi Box, Google Chromecast, Roku, Android TVs, smart TVs, routers, and more.
Get ExpressVPN's Black Friday Deal! You can subscribe to ExpressVPN for as low as $4.99 per month + get extra 6 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 82%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
2. CyberGhost — Dedicated Servers in India for Streaming Hotstar
Key Features:
- 11,670+ servers in 100 countries
- 1 specialized server for streaming Hotstar India
- Fast speeds for 4K lag-free streaming on distant servers
- Stream movies on Hotstar on up to 7 devices at a time
- Test risk-free with 45-day money-back guarantee
CyberGhost has a streaming-optimized server to watch Hotstar in India. There are also 29 regular servers in the country that my teammates in India tested and found to be working well. They preferred having more server options as it prevented congestion issues and allowed them to hop on an alternative server if one gets blacklisted.
My teammates’ speeds in India dropped 18% on average from their baseline level when they connected to a regular server in India. But the optimized server for Hotstar was 11% faster than the regular ones, so CyberGhost was fast enough for lag-free streaming. None of the servers got unsteady or overcrowded throughout the 3 hours of testing and streaming.
Many of its 11,670+ servers across 100 countries were also tested by our global team of testers. They found that CyberGhost is one of the best VPNs to watch Netflix US and other platforms like:
| Hotstar | SonyLIV | Netflix India | Hulu |
| Disney+ | Voot | HBO Max | Zee 5 |
| Jio Cinema | Tata Sky | Amazon Prime Video | BBC iPlayer |
Additionally, CyberGhost provides many top-grade security and privacy features to make your streaming anonymous:
- NoSpy servers — Provide complete anonymity in restrictive countries
- 100% leak-proof — Prevents DNS, IP, and WebRTC leaks to guarantee seamless access to Hotstar without being blacklisted
- Military-grade encryption — Ensures no one can snoop on your browsing activities by ciphering your data and making it unreadable to any third-party
- Kill switch — Automatically disconnects you from the internet if your computer goes into sleep mode, preventing accidental data leaks.
I used CyberGhost on 7 devices, including my Windows PC, iMac, Macbook, iPhone, iPad, and Android phone. All apps were easy to use, and I had no trouble setting up smart WiFi protection and changing VPN protocols with clear instructions.
The only issue with CyberGhost is that it offers a shorter refund period on its more expensive monthly plan. But you can subscribe to CyberGhost’s 2-year + 4 months plan to get the full money-back window of 45 days. It’ll also cost you much less, at just $2.03 per month, and you can test it risk-free before purchasing it. I tested its refund policy first-hand by asking for my money back over 24/7 live chat — the rep didn’t ask any questions, and I got my refund within 4 days.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
CyberGhost works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Raspberry Pi, Chrome, Firefox, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku, smart TVs, routers, and more.
Get Black Friday Deal and Cyber Monday Deal from CyberGhost! You can subscribe to CyberGhost for as low as $2.03 per month + get an extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 84%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Next Generation Network Provides Fast Speeds for Streaming Hotstar
Key Features:
- 35,000+ servers in over 91 countries, with virtual servers in India
- Fast speeds for buffer-free streaming
- Military-grade encryption, zero IP leaks and kill switch
- Supports unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and browsers
Private Internet Access uses Gen4 servers with 10GB network cards that provide buffer-free Hotstar streaming. These servers are designed for high-bandwidth activities, such as UHD streaming, torrenting, and online gaming. Like ExpressVPN, all servers use RAM disks instead of hard disks so that your data is erased at the end of the VPN session.
All of PIA’s servers are reliable, with premium technology to ensure you get smooth streams and fast access to your usual platforms. My teammates in India found PIA’s local servers worked with many streaming services:
| Hotstar India | Netflix India | Zee 5 | Voot |
| Sony Liv | Tata Sky | Jio Cinema | Hulu |
If you want to boost speeds to enjoy Hotstar without interruptions in India, I recommend enabling the “small packets” feature in PIA’s Settings area. It breaks down your internet traffic into smaller pieces to make it easier to transfer, reducing data loss and the chances of leaks. Besides solid leak protection, PIA offers:
- Military-grade encryption — A 256-bit cipher scrambles your internet traffic, making you anonymous online
- Kill switch — Prevents accidental leaks by cutting your internet if the VPN server drops
- MACE — Blocks ads, trackers, and malware while you browse the web to protect your data from prying eyes.
Stream Hotstar on up to unlimited devices with PIA. I installed it on my Windows PC, laptop, Macbook, iPhone, iPad, and Android phone — each app took 2 minutes to install and had a consistent, easy-to-navigate user interface. Alternatively, you can set up PIA on your router to cover your entire network. There are easy-to-follow steps on the website for this, and contacting 24/7 customer support is easy if you get stuck. I received prompt replies to all my queries and had PIA configured to my router in 15 minutes.
The only problem with PIA is that it’s headquartered in the US, a core member of the 5 Eyes alliance. This is a data-sharing agreement, so I was concerned that PIA may be subject to strict data retention policies. However, PIA has a no-logs policy verified by Deloitte. This was also proven in court — the US government requested data related to ongoing investigations in 2015 and 2017. In both cases, PIA had nothing to hand over, proving it does not store logs.
You can get PIA at a low price of $2.19 per month if you subscribe to its 2-year + 2 months plan. It’s not technically free, but you can use it for 30 days and get a refund within that time. I emailed my refund request and got a confirmation reply from the support team in just 4 hours. I got my money back after 5 business days.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
PIA works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Opera, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, smart TVs, routers, and more.
4. Tunnelbear — Free Servers in the UK and Canada Work With Hotstar
Key Features:
- 5,000+ servers in over 46 countries, including the US, UK, and Canada
- Fast speeds on nearby servers with no server restrictions on the free plan
- Military-grade encryption, zero IP leaks and kill switch
- Supports unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and browsers
Tunnelbear is a truly free VPN with working servers for Hotstar in the UK and Canada. If you’re in India, TunnelBear unfortunately doesn’t have servers in the country so you can’t watch the content in your local library securely with it.
According to test results from my colleagues around the world, Tunnelbear doesn’t work with many global streaming platforms like the top 2 contenders on my list do. But nevertheless, they found TunnelBear worked reliably with several of their streaming accounts besides Hotstar, such as:
| Netflix US | HBO Max | BBC iPlayer | Crunchyroll |
| Amazon Prime Video | DAZN | Peacock TV | Pluto TV |
In my speed tests, Tunnelbear caused a decrease in speeds of 28% on local servers. Thankfully, my streaming performance wasn’t significantly affected since I have a fast internet connection. However, it might pose a challenge for users with a connection speed lower than 20Mbps. To address this issue, I recommend switching to the WireGuard protocol and utilizing the TCP override feature to minimize any loss in speed.
I ran multiple leak tests, and Tunnelbear kept my IP address masked throughout. It also includes the following top-level security features to prevent being blacklisted by streaming sites:
- GhostBear — Uses obfuscation technology to get past anti-VPN detectors in restrictive countries to watch Hotstar and other streaming channels.
- VigilantBear — Cuts internet connectivity in case the VPN server drops, preventing any accidental leaks.
You can use Tunnelbear on up to unlimited devices. It took me less than 2 minutes to install it on my Windows PC, Macbook, and iPhone, and I enjoyed the user-friendly interface with fun bear graphics.
However, I noticed some features were missing across platforms. For instance, the iOS app lacks a kill switch and obfuscation servers. Similarly, the split tunneling feature was absent on the Windows and Mac apps. Still, for a completely free service, I was impressed with what Tunnelbear has to offer.
The only problem with Tunnelbear’s free plan is its monthly data cap of just 500MB — that’s barely enough to watch 1 movie on Hotstar. You can get a 1GB data boost by promoting Tunnelbear with a tweet, but that won’t be enough if you’re an avid streamer. However, you can get unlimited data with Tunnelbear’s premium plan.
Subscribe to Tunnelbear’s 3-year plan to get the lowest price of $3.33 per month. Unfortunately, Tunnelbear doesn’t offer a fixed refund guarantee but issues refunds on a case-to-case basis. You can request a refund, but that doesn’t mean you’ll always get one.
Tunnelbear also works with: Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Linux, routers, Chrome, and more
Easy Comparison Table: 2024’s Best Free VPNs for Hotstar
| Unlimited Bandwidth | Leak Protection | Servers in India | % Speed Drop on Distant Servers | Lowest Price | Money-Back Guarantee | |
| ExpressVPN | ✔ | ✔ | 2 (via the UK and Singapore) | 7% | $4.99/month | 30 days |
| CyberGhost | ✔ | ✔ | 29 | 18% | $2.03/month | 45 days |
| PIA | ✔ | ✔ | 1 (via Singapore) | 23% | $2.19/month | 30 days |
| Tunnelbear | ✘ | ✔ | 0 | 65% | $3.33/month | ✘ |
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: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
4 Free VPNs to Avoid and Why
CrossVPN
Avoid CrossVPN at all costs as it’s infested with malware and can put your data at serious risk. It has an AV rank of 11, which means it tested positive for malware on 11 antiviruses.
Betternet
Throughout my colleagues’ tests, Betternet leaked their IP addresses and failed to keep them anonymous on the web. As a result, it didn’t work with Hotstar. In addition, it lacks essential security features like military-grade encryption and a kill switch, so you’ll be vulnerable and exposed if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
SuperVPN
Although it has a popular app on PlayStore, SuperVPN is an unreliable VPN due to its intrusive logging practices. For instance, it monitors IP addresses against IP blacklists, which violates a user’s privacy. Its privacy policy states that it keeps users’ data secure in the US and UK. Besides that, it has servers in only 8 countries and doesn’t work with Hotstar.
LinkVPN
Affiliated with SuperVPN, LinkVPN also has privacy issues with links to China. Its privacy policy seems to be pasted from elsewhere and has contradictions. On the one hand, it says, “We don’t monitor your traffic,” and on the other, it states the opposite. I wouldn’t trust a VPN service that isn’t transparent about it handles its users’ data.
Due to the current issues surrounding Indian servers, I don’t recommend any free VPN to watch Hotstar. If you’re in India, choose a tried-and-tested VPN like ExpressVPN, which has reliable local IP addresses and fast speeds for streaming.
How I Tested and Ranked the Best Free VPNs for Hotstar
I considered the following features when picking the best VPNs for Hotstar:
- Works with Hotstar and Disney+ — All VPNs on my list have servers in countries where Hotstar is available, including the US, UK, Canada, and even India.
- Data allowance — I picked VPNs with unlimited bandwidth, but the only truly free VPN that works with Hotstar was Tunnelbear, which has a data cap of 500MB on its free plan.
- Compatibility — The VPNs I chose work with all mainstream platforms, such as Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
- Speeds — I only chose VPNs with high speeds to stream Hotstar without lag.
- Server location — I’ve listed the few VPNs that have working servers for Hotstar in India, as well as the UK, and Canada, after analyzing test results from our global team.
- Money-back guarantee — I tested each VPN’s refund guarantee and assessed how long it took to get my money back (as Tunnelbear is free there is no money-back offer).
FAQ: Fast and Secure Free VPNs for Hotstar
Is there a free VPN Chrome extension that works with Hotstar in India?
My team and I didn’t find any working free Chrome extensions for Hotstar during our tests. However, ExpressVPN has a Chrome extension that works with Hotstar in India. After recalling its servers in India following the government’s introduction of data retention policies, ExpressVPN has introduced virtual servers with India IP addresses.
If you’re in India, you’ll still get a local IP address with these servers to watch Hotstar, but your traffic will be routed via the UK or Singapore. Still, my colleagues reported fast speeds and no lags.
Where is Hotstar available?
Hotstar is available in India, Canada, the UK, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. If you’re in India, the best VPNs for Hotstar are those that have working servers in India despite the data law concerns. ExpressVPN is currently the best VPN for Hotstar because its virtual servers in India work and have blazing-fast speeds for lag-free streaming.
Is using a VPN to watch Hotstar outside India legal?
No, it’s illegal since it violates copyright laws. Plus, it’s against Hotstar’s Terms of Use. If you’re in a country like India where Hotstar is available, only a few VPNs have servers in India at this time due to the recent data law changes. I don’t condone using a VPN for illegal activities, so always check all laws and rules before using a VPN for streaming.
Is Hotstar free with Disney Plus?
It depends on where you are. Users in India can enjoy Hotstar with a Disney+ subscription as they’re fused into one package, and you can use a top VPN to watch your usual Disney shows. However, if you’re in the US, Hotstar is no longer available in the country so a regular Disney+ subscription won’t work. You may find some of its content on Hulu and ESPN+.
Why doesn’t my VPN work with Hotstar?
Issues could arise for several reasons, the most probable being that you’re not using a quality VPN. You should pick a VPN that offers premium features that help keep your VPN undetected.
I recommend you always use a top premium VPN such as the one listed in this article to enjoy Hotstar lag-free.
Can I use an Indian proxy server to watch Hotstar?
You can try, but it’s unlikely to work. There are just 4 free VPNs that work reliably with Hotstar out of 30+ VPNs that my team has tried and tested, so I suggest using one of them instead of wasting time with a proxy.
Hotstar uses proxy detectors to block users from making it seem like they’re browsing from a permitted region when they’re not. Furthermore, a proxy doesn’t encrypt internet traffic so your ISP or a hacker can easily snoop on your browsing activities.
Can Hotstar ban me if I use a VPN?
Using a VPN violates Hotstar’s Terms of Service if you stream from a country where it’s not available. Make sure you avoid free VPNs that can leak data. If you stream using a local VPN server for privacy purposes it’s safe. There are no known instances of a user being banned from streaming while using a VPN.
Still, you should always check your country’s laws and the Terms of Use of a streaming platform before you use a VPN to stream.
Is it legal to watch Hotstar in Europe with a VPN?
VPNs are legal in most of Europe but Hotstar is only available in 1 European country — the UK. If you’re in the UK and would like to stream privately, get a top VPN with local servers. Accessing Hotstar UK or other libraries with a VPN from a European country where it’s not permitted is technically possible with a VPN, but could constitute copyright infringement and violates the platform’s terms of use. The Wizcase team doesn’t condone the breaking of laws or rules, so please use your VPN responsibly.
Will using a VPN stop my ISP from throttling Hotstar?
How do I change the country code in Hotstar?
Open the Hotstar app, go to settings, select your account, and insert your country code. Hotstar only works in a few countries, including India, Canada, the UK, and some Southeast Asian countries. Attempting to access Hotstar outside these countries is against Hotstar’s terms of use, though, and I don’t condone it.
Where can I find Hotstar live cricket scores?
Visit the “Cricket” tab on Hotstar’s homepage or access the “Scores” section. To do this privately, connect to a VPN like ExpressVPN with servers in India first. If you’re located outside India.
Can I watch Hotstar with a free VPN?
My team and I didn’t find any truly free VPN with servers in India to watch Hotstar. Due to the latest data laws, only the best VPNs have working Indian IPs. But these are premium services. If you’re in the UK, you can use TunnelBear’s free VPN while watching Hotstar/gb; it has a free UK server.
Free VPNs can lack essential security features, such as a kill switch and military-grade encryption. Many even sell your data to third parties for money and can infect your device with malware. You should use a premium VPN like ExpressVPN with a verified and audited privacy policy.
Start Watching Hotstar Today
As most VPNs have shut down their servers in India, you may have difficulty watching Hotstar in India securely, especially with a free VPN. I tested dozens of free VPNs, none of which had servers in India. The only truly free VPN is Tunnelbear, but it only works with Hotstar UK.
ExpressVPN is my #1 recommendation for streaming Hotstar. You can use its local virtual servers to watch your Hostar content without issues. Although it’s not technically free, you can buy ExpressVPN with confidence as it’s backed with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re unimpressed with its performance, you can claim a refund.
Other Top VPNs for Hotstar in 2024
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: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
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