Hulu is one of the fastest-growing on-demand video streaming services around. Second only to Netflix, and with a growing live TV option, Hulu allows users to watch thousands of top-rated movies and TV show episodes, award-winning originals, and one of the largest selections of kids cartoons and anime of any service in the US.
But if you’re outside of the US, you’ll probably find that Hulu is blocked. However, you can get past those content blocks and unblock Hulu anywhere in the world using a few tips and tricks. Find out how to unblock Hulu anywhere in the world with this guide!
Watching Hulu abroad, step by step
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Subscribe to a premium Virtual Private Network (VPN), such as our top choice: ExpressVPN.
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Download and install the VPN app or client on your device.
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Connect to the VPN from target region — the United States.
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Sign in to Hulu.
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Start streaming!
Our top pick: Watch Hulu with ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is our top choice for watching Hulu abroad.
Best features of ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has some of the best features of any VPN service, including:
- Servers in 94 countries
- High speed, 10Gbps servers
- A wide range of device support
- Smart location connecting you to the best server in your area
- A 30-day money back guarantee if you end up not liking it
Watch Hulu with NordVPN
Another great choice to watch Hulu outside of the US with is NordVPN.
Best features of NordVPN
NordVPN’s features aren’t as extensive as ExpressVPN’s, but they’re nothing to sneeze at:
- Servers in 59 countries
- Quick customer service responses
- Quality security measures
- 30-day risk free refund
Why NordVPN isn’t our top choice
While NordVPN is still a respectable option for a VPN, it doesn’t live up to what ExpressVPN has to offer. Though the two services have some of the same features, ExpressVPN has even more features to offer, as well as servers in 30+ more countries. The pricing for ExpressVPN more or less rivals NordVPN’s, and every plan comes with all features. With NordVPN, the number of features you get depends on the plan you choose.
Watch Hulu with VPN Chrome Extensions
If you use Google Chrome as a web browser or use a Chromebook, you can also access Hulu by using VPN Chrome extensions. Chrome offers the following services as extensions:
- ExpressVPN
- StrongVPN
- NordVPN
- SaferVPN
- CyberGhost
Why use a VPN browser extension?
Adding a VPN to your Chrome browser as an extension offers some unique benefits.
A Chrome browser extension means you can use the VPN without having to install the app. It also means that if you’re using a Chromebook, you’ll still have access to a quality VPN. Most VPNs do not include freestanding apps for Chrome OS, making a Chrome browser plugin a good workaround. Additionally, a Chrome extension for your VPN allows you to use the VPN faster, with much less of a headache.
There are some downsides to a Chrome extension, however. Chrome extension VPNs are only designed to connect or disconnect from the VPN. As a result, you’ll have fewer options, limiting how much you can do with the extension. Still, a Chrome extension for your VPN provides a more streamlined use of your VPN without the hassle.
Watch Hulu on gaming consoles with a VPN
Using a VPN, you can access Hulu on Xbox using two methods:
- Using a router-based VPN
- Using a Mac or PC’s network connection
Using a router-based VPN
Using a router-based VPN is usually the best way to get a VPN service on gaming consoles and other such devices. A router-based VPN is different from a VPN that is only installed on one of your devices.
This is because, when you use a VPN on a router, you encrypt all of the web traffic that goes through your router. That means that every wired and wireless connection in your home is secure, and will be protected from ISP snooping.
Not all routers are VPN-compatible, though. ExpressVPN offers a number of different routers that are compatible with its VPN service. If you are thinking about getting a new router, this is the easiest way to set up a router-based VPN. You can even purchase a pre-configured router to ensure that all you have to do is log into your ExpressVPN account to get started.
If you already have a router that you want to use, you can set it up manually. However, the process can be quite difficult if you’re not technically-savvy. Don’t worry, though. If you run into any issues, you can contact the VPN service to get help.
Using a Mac or PC’s network connection
For this method, you’ll need the following things:
- An ExpressVPN subscription
- An ethernet cable
- A USB-ethernet adapter (for newer computers)
- A PC or laptop
- Your gaming console
You’ll need to log into the VPN app of your choice on your computer and connect to a server. Then you’ll plug in the ethernet cable to your computer and console. From here, the process differs depending on whether you have a PC or Mac.
PCs
- Navigate to “Network and Internet”, then “Network and Sharing Center” in your control panel.
- Click “Change Adapter Settings” and find the network connection with the name of your VPN.
- Right-click, select “Properties”, then click the “Sharing” tab and make sure that the “Allow other network users to connect through your computer’s internet connection” box is checked.
- After this, select “Local Area Network” form the “Home Networking Connection” drop-down menu located below. This will enable you to share your connection over Ethernet.
Macs
- Open “System Preferences”, then click the “Sharing” menu.
- Next, select “Internet Sharing” from the list that appears on the left of the window.
- From the drop-down menu, select “Share your connection from”, and choose “Wi-Fi”.
- In the “To computers using” section, select “Apple USB Ethernet Adapter”, or “Ethernet”, depending on whether or not you are using an adapter.
Why isn’t Hulu available outside the US?
While Hulu has the potential to be a worldwide streamer like Netflix, Hulu is currently only available in the United States and doesn’t have any plans of expanding. Hulu’s Live TV component makes it into a cable-alternative streaming service, so its main goal is offering US-based channels to consumers who have gotten rid of their cable subscription or want some channels without having to buy cable. Thus, they’re focus is on primarily American consumers who are actively looking for these channels and have geo-blockers in place that restrict people outside of the US from accessing the services
The service doesn’t have any plans of expanding outside of the US at the moment, so if you want to be able to access Hulu from abroad, a VPN is the way to go.
Our takeaway: The best way to watch Hulu abroad is with ExpressVPN
With an abundance of great features, high speed service, and affordable pricing options, ExpressVPN is a great VPN service to use to watch Hulu outside of the United States. Whether you’re an American trying to catch up on your favorite series abroad or just interested in what American services have to offer, ExpressVPN allows you to access Hulu as well as all kinds of American-based streaming services to satisfy your viewing needs.
Sam Cook • Author
Sam Cook is a full-time content strategist by day, a part-time freelance content writer since 2015. In another life, he was a high school English teacher for nearly a decade. Based in sunny New Orleans, he writes long-form educational content on technology, including Insurtech, Fintech, HRtech, and content streaming.
Davan Hamilton • Editor
Davan Hamilton is an editor and writer based in Jacksonville, FL. Holding a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, her writing spans a wide range, from essays on film criticism and analysis to surreal poetry. Now, she works for Flixed as an editor, continuing to ignore the list of passion projects she’s accumulated. When she’s not glued to her computer, you can find her building endless amounts of Lego sets, binge-reading manga, or playing with (fighting) her cat.
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