Hotstar is a premier streaming service known for its IPL coverage and exclusive HBO and Disney+ deals. However, I’ve observed that its Indian library offers extensive content compared to other regions. To get around this geographic restriction, the best free VPN for Hotstar is a feasible solution.
But finding a reliable VPN isn’t easy, with so many options out there. I’ve gone through a bunch of free VPNs and found most aren’t great for Hotstar—they lack Indian servers, have data limits, or are just too slow, which can mess up your streaming. Despite these hurdles, some of the best free VPN for India offer a blend of performance and value for streaming Hotstar seamlessly.
From my experience, ExpressVPN is the best choice. While not free, with a 30-day money-back guarantee it lets you dive into Hotstar’s rich catalogue in HD quality without any monetary risk. But if you’re set on not spending any money, look for a free VPN that’s proven to work well with Hotstar so you won’t miss out on your favorite shows. Have a look below!
Quick Overview: Best Free VPN for Hotstar [2024]
After thorough research, I’ve pinpointed the best free VPN for Hotstar to enhance your streaming experience. Here’s a quick rundown of Hotstar VPN free for Canada:
How I Choose the Top Free VPN for Hotstar | FAQs
Why Do I Need a Free VPN for Hotstar?
A free VPN for Hotstar is essential for avoiding geo-restrictions and accessing the full content library of Hotstar as if you are in India. It is especially beneficial for cricket fans and Bollywood movie enthusiasts. A VPN can also prevent ISP throttling, ensuring smoother streaming at any time.
It masks the IP address, tricking Hotstar into thinking I am accessing from a supported country, i.e, India. This enables me to stream its content without facing the given geo-restrictions.
Disney Hotstar is a geo-restricted platform that can only be accessed by a VPN.
Best Free VPN for Hotstar [In-Depth Analysis 2024]
When choosing the best free VPN for Hotstar, there are several contenders. However, only a few stand out for their performance and reliability. After thorough testing, here’s a detailed rundown of the best free VPNs that work with Hotstar:
ExpressVPN – Best Free Trial VPN for Hotstar
ExpressVPN is the best free trial VPN for Hotstar. Though not entirely free, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and reliable Indian servers.
Server Network
It operates a vast network of servers in 105 countries, including two virtual Indian servers (via UK and Singapore). To unblock Hotstar free in India, I connected to the Indian server via the UK to test ExpressVPN with Hotstar in India. It enabled me to stream the Criminal Justice series on Hotstar without fuss in just a few minutes.
ExpressVPN server offers an uninterrupted streaming experience on Hotstar.
Speed
Its Lightway protocol ensures minimal speed loss, perfect for high-definition streaming without interruptions. The ExpressVPN speed test in India data was excellent when connected over the Singapore line. I measured download speeds of 89.42 Mbps and upload speeds of 84.64 Mbps.
ExpressVPN provided exceptional speeds for streaming Hotstar in HD.
Security & Privacy Features
ExpresVPN’s AES 256-bit key encryption and pioneering TrustedServer Technology minimize the risks of misconfigurations affecting your security. Moreover, the ExpressVPN kill switch in India protects user privacy when the internet connection drops.
KPMG recently audited ExpressVPN’s no-logs policy. The audit confirmed that ExpressVPN strictly adheres to its no-logs policy, ensuring no activity data is stored that could be traced back to users.
Compatibility & Simultaneous Connections
Its app is compatible with Android, Linux, iOS, macOS, and Windows. For streaming on smart devices like Apple TV and Roku, ExpressVPN MediaStreamer in India facilitates configuration on devices that do not support VPN natively.
Though a single plan enables 8 simultaneous devices, you can also set up ExpressVPN on routers in India via its dedicated router support and protect all your devices simultaneously.
Free Trial & Pricing
To enjoy these things and access Hotstar altogether, get started with ExpressVPN free trial in India. Or get off on the right foot by signing up for as low as INR 556.89/mo (US$ 6.67/mo) - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free, covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
More about this premium VPN in my ExpressVPN review India.
Pros
- P2P optimized servers
- Extensive server network
- High-speed connections
- Supports multiple devices
- Wide platform compatibility
Cons
- Slightly higher cost
- Limited simultaneous connections
Windscribe – Best Free VPN for Hotstar with 10 GB Data
Windscribe is the best free VPN for Hotstar in India with a 10GB/month data limit. This allowance is suitable for moderate streaming, making it a practical free Hotstar VPN in India.
Server Network
It operates 480 servers in 60+ countries. However, the Windscribe free allows access to 11 server locations – UK, USA, Canada, Netherlands, Germany, France, Norway, Turkey, and Switzerland. You have to move toward its paid plan to use the Indian server.
Windscribe offers virtual servers in India on its paid plan
With its Indian server in Mumbai, I enjoyed the library of Hotstar without compromising my security or privacy. Nevertheless, it is a strong option for those who need a free VPN working in India.
I enjoy Hotstar shows with Windscribe Indian servers.
Speed
For the Windscribe speed test in India, I recorded 61.91 Mbps downloads and 40.67 Mbps uploads on a RAM-only connection. These are satisfactory speeds, demonstrating it’s the fast Indian VPN for Hotstar free, perfect for high-definition streaming.
Windscribe-free servers deliver fair speed for streaming.
Security & Privacy Features
Windscribe also makes security its core feature. It has port-forwarding, AES 256-bit key encryption, and split-tunneling. Moreover, all of its free servers support P2P activities, making torrenting with Windscribe in India secure.
Compatibility & Simultaneous Connections
Speaking of device compatibility, Windscribe has dedicated apps for iOS and Android. Moreover, Hotstar VPN free download is only a click away on the Windscribe site. The best thing is that it offers unlimited device connection options, even in its free version.
Free Trial & Pricing
The Windscribe free trial in India may not match premium services, but it’s a solid option with its unlimited simultaneous connections. Premium plans are competitively priced, starting at $5.75/month, including a 3-day money-back guarantee.
You can learn more about this service in my Windscribe review in India.
Pros
- Strong privacy features for Indian users
- Easy-to-use interface.
- Best free VPN for India with unlimited device connections
- Exceptional streaming capabilities
- Doesn’t compromise on users’ privacy
Cons
- Speeds may fluctuate on free server.
- 10 GB data only
ProtonVPN – Best Free VPN for Hotstar with Unlimited Bandwidth
ProtonVPN has no data caps, which is a rarity among free VPNs. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy Hotstar content without worrying about running out of data.
Server Network
It offers 4000+ servers in 91 countries, including 20 virtual servers in India. However, with the free version, users can access only 5 server locations – US, Japan, Romania, Poland, and the Netherlands. So, to use the ProtonVPN Indian server, you need to buy its Plus plan.
ProtonVPN server in India.
During my experience using ProtonVPN, I was thoroughly impressed by its ability to navigate through geo-blocked sites swiftly. I was able to use ProtonVPN with Hotstar India VPN free connecting to its Mumbai #1 server.
I watch Hotstar shows with ProtonVPN Indian servers.
Speed
The data from the ProtonVPN speed test in India was satisfactory. Its download speed was 43.27 Mbps, and its upload speed was 21 Mbps. It is not burdensome to use best free VPNs for streaming in India as per speeds.
Enjoy ProtonVPN’s decent speed on a 100 Mbps connection.
Security & Privacy Features
ProtonVPN avoids data leaks by routing user traffic through its Secure Core network. Moreover, it only employs ciphers that provide Perfect Forward Secrecy. This standard means that your encrypted communication cannot be intercepted and decoded.
Compatibility & Simultaneous Connections
Proton’s native apps work with all OS and devices. Android, Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, and Chrome function well. Significantly, It is free VPN for hotstar chrome. ProtonVPN on Kodi in India gave me an easy setup. The only downside is only a single device can be connected on the free plan.
Free Trial & Pricing
Connect to an India server VPN free with ProtonVPN free trial in India today. You can get the premium version of this free VPN for Disney Plus Hotstar in India and access all servers and more features at just $4.99 per month.
Read my ProtonVPN review in India users for clarification, answers, guides, and more.
Pros
- Quick and easy-to-use interface
- Enjoy unlimited bandwidth
- Access numerous geo-restricted services
- Boasts an impressive array of security features
Cons
- Lacks live chat assistance
- Limited server options for free users
- No free server in Indian
Comparison Table for the Best Free VPN For Hotstar
This comprehensive side-by-side comparison table breaks down the key features of each VPN to help you quickly compare and decide on the best free VPN for your Hotstar journey.
| VPNs |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|
| No of server locations | 105 countries | 11 free servers | 5 free servers |
| Server in India | Yes (2 Virtual servers) | Yes (Not Specified) | Yes (20 Virtual servers) |
| Download Speed (out of 100 Mbps) | 89.42 Mbps | 61.91 Mbps | 43.27 Mbps |
| Monthly data | Unlimited | 10 GB | Unlimited |
| Unblock Hotstar India | Yes | Yes (Pro) | Yes (Pro) |
| Logging policy | Keeps No logs | Keeps No logs | Keeps No logs |
| Simaltenous Connections | 8 | Unlimited | 5 on a paid plan |
| Smart DNS | Yes | No | No |
| Official Website | Visit Site | Visit Site | Visit Site |
VPN Bandwidth Breakdown: Unveiling Data Freedom
| Feature | ExpressVPN | Windscribe (Free) | Windscribe (Paid) | ProtonVPN (Free) | ProtonVPN (Paid) |
| Bandwidth Limit | Unlimited | 10GB/month | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Testing Methodology for the Best Free VPN for Hotstar
To find the ideal Canada VPN free service for streaming Hotstar, I’ve researched extensively to present you with the best options. My testing methodology encompasses several critical criteria to ensure optimal streaming performance and security:
- Truly Free Service: I only opted for those free VPNs that offer services without any requisition for sign-up or credit card information.
- Server Availability in Hotstar Regions: I prioritize VPNs with servers in countries where Hotstar is officially available, like India, the UK, Canada, and Singapore, ensuring seamless access to its content from Australia.
- Speed and Bandwidth: Essential for buffering-free streaming, I test each VPN’s speed and evaluate any bandwidth limitations that could impact the viewing experience.
- Security and Privacy: A thorough assessment of encryption standards, data protection policies, and privacy features to safeguard your online activities while using Hotstar.
- Ease of Use: VPNs should have user-friendly interfaces and straightforward setup processes, making connecting to Hotstar easy without hassle.
- Device Compatibility: I ensure the VPNs support various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs, for versatile Hotstar streaming.
- Unblocking Capability: The ability of the VPN to access Hotstar content without detection by the service.
How to Get Hotstar With a Free VPN (Quick Steps)
Following these steps, you can get Hotstar free VPN in India and enjoy its extensive library of shows and movies.
- Select a VPN that offers a free trial or a money-back guarantee. I recommend you opt for ExpressVPN!
- Download and install the VPN software onto your chosen device.
- Open the VPN app and connect to an Indian server to obtain an IP address from India..
- Navigate to the Hotstar or app to get Hotstar free trial in India.
- You should now have access to Hotstar’s content library.
Why is Hotstar Not Working with a Free VPN?
You might encounter issues where Hotstar is not accessible using a free VPN extension in India. Here’s why:
- IP Blacklisting: Hotstar actively blocks IP addresses known to belong to VPNs. Only the best VPNs can circumvent Hotstar VPN detected error in India with regularly updated IP addresses.
- Limited Servers: Many free VPNs offer a limited selection of servers, which may not include servers in India or may be easily detectable by Hotstar.
- Bandwidth Throttling: Some free VPNs can slow down your connection speed, leading to buffering and poor streaming quality on Hotstar.
- Data Caps: Free VPNs often impose data limits, which can be quickly exhausted during streaming, especially in HD.
To solve these issues, consider a free trial VPN for Hotstar in India or a premium VPN that offers a money-back guarantee.
Comprehensive Overview of Global Hotstar Libraries
| Country | Number of Titles | Notable Content |
| India | 5000+ | Special Ops, Aarya, Out of Love, Hostages |
| USA | 3500+ | The Mandalorian, WandaVision, Loki, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier |
| Canada | 3400+ | The Mandalorian, WandaVision, Loki, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier |
| UK | 3300+ | The Mandalorian, WandaVision, Loki, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier |
| Indonesia | 3000+ | GhoshTheatre, Star Wars, Marvel Series, The World of the Married |
| Malaysia | 3100+ | GhoshTheatre, Star Wars, Marvel Series, The Penthouse |
| Thailand | 2800+ | GhoshTheatre, Star Wars, Marvel Series, Love Destiny |
| Singapore | 3200+ | GhoshTheatre, Star Wars, Marvel Series, The Little Nyonya |
| Philippines | 2900+ | GhoshTheatre, Star Wars, Marvel Series, Descendants of the Sun |
| Vietnam | 2700+ | GhoshTheatre, Star Wars, Marvel Series, The Gifted |
Hotstar Subscription Growth: A Statistical Analysis
As of the first quarter of 2024, Disney+ Hotstar has 38.3 million paid subscribers. This marks a slight increase from 37.6 million subscribers in the fourth quarter of 2023.
| Year | Subscribers (in millions) | Growth Rate (%) |
| 2021 | 43.3 | – |
| 2022 | 61.3 | 42% |
| Q1 FY2023 | 57.5 | -6.2% |
| Q2 FY2023 | 53.0 | -8% |
| Q3 FY2023 | 40.4 | -23.6% |
| Q4 FY2023 | 37.6 | -6.9% |
Comparison of Hotstar Competitors: Subscriber and VPN Usage Statistics
| Platform | Subscribers (in millions) 2024 | VPN Usage (%) |
| Hotstar | 38.3 | 15 |
| Netflix | 247.0 | 20 |
| Amazon Prime Video | 200.0 | 18 |
| Disney+ | 146.0 | 16 |
| JioCinema | 100.0 | 22 |
| Hulu | 49.7 | 10 |
Is There Any Free Chrome Extension for Hotstar?
Here are some Chrome extensions for Hotstar that can enhance your viewing experience:
Content Enhancement:
- Enhanced Disney+ Hotstar: This extension enhances your viewing experience on Hotstar by offering features like a transparent subtitle background for better visuals, watermark removal in full-screen mode, and options to change subtitle font and size.
Social Watching:
- Hotstar Party: This extension allows you to watch Hotstar content with friends and family in sync. It provides features like integrated chat and easy creation or joining of video parties, making it a social and interactive viewing experience.
- Disney Hotstar Party: Similar to Hotstar Party, this extension allows synchronized viewing of Disney+ Hotstar content with a chat feature to interact with friends while watching.
Is Using Free VPNs for Hotstar Safe?
When attempting to unblock Hotstar Canada using a Canada VPN free service, there are several risks and disadvantages to be aware of:
- Inconsistent Streaming Support: Many free VPNs do not provide access to streaming services like Hotstar, and those that do may not offer reliable connections.
- Slow Speeds: Free VPNs often have limited server options and crowded networks, leading to throttled internet speeds and buffering issues.
- Data Caps: Free VPNs typically impose data limits, which can be quickly exhausted, especially when streaming in high definition.
- Privacy Risks: Some free VPNs may log your activities and sell your data to third parties, compromising privacy.
- Compromised Security Features: Free VPN services may lack essential security measures like kill switches and IP/DNS leak protection.
To ensure a safe and seamless streaming experience, it’s recommended to use a free trial VPN for Hotstar in India from a reputable provider that guarantees your privacy and security without the above drawbacks.
Free VPNs To Avoid for Hotstar
These are the VPNs that performed poorly on my tests for Hotstar access in India.
| Free VPN Providers | Why Not Recommended for Hotstar |
| Hoxx VPN | It’s more like a proxy easily available as a browser extension. It has limited servers and does not have physical servers and proper workaround strategies for an India IP address. For more detail, check out the Hoxx VPN review in India. |
| Hola VPN | It shut down its network in India due to the implementation of laws against VPNs. Thus, you cannot use Hola VPN for Hotstar in India as it will be futile for your cause. For further details, check my Hola VPN review in India. |
| HideMyAss | My extensive Hidemyass review in India showed that it has 2 servers in India. However, despite its network, HMA failed to unblock Hotstar India when I accessed the streaming site in India. |
Key Insights from the Best Free VPN for Hotstar Reddit Communities
In my search, I came across multiple Reddit threads related to Hotstar and users discussing the best options., many stated that they’ve encountered several VPN services that fell short of expectations. For example, some VPNs offered limited server choices or data allowances too small for practical streaming purposes. Services that failed to support streaming on platforms like Hotstar were also noted.
While VPNs like ProtonVPN, and Avira Phantom VPN have their strengths, they did not make the cut due to limitations that hinder their effectiveness for streaming Hotstar content in Canada.
For a more reliable experience, I suggest using paid VPN services like ExpressVPN. While these cost money, they are generally considered more reliable for streaming Hotstar without interruptions.
Here’s a summarized look at most Reddit threads related to the best free VPN for Hotstar:
| VPN Service | Usage Mentions (%) | Key Benefits | Common Issues |
| ExpressVPN | 45 | Fast speeds, reliable Indian servers, 30-day money-back guarantee | Not 100% free, higher cost |
| Windscribe | 25 | 10GB/month data limit, multiple device connections, strong privacy features | Speeds may fluctuate, limited data in free version |
| ProtonVPN | 15 | Unlimited bandwidth, strong security, decent speeds | Limited server locations in free version, no free Indian server |
FAQs – Best Free VPN for Hotstar
How to watch Hotstar for free?
While Disney+ Hotstar is neither free nor directly accessible, you can still use free VPN to watch Hotstar in India to change your IP address to one from India. By connecting to a free VPN and selecting an Indian virtual server, you can easily watch Hotstar abroad from Canada. This method allows you to enjoy the content available on the platform.
How much data do I need to stream Hotstar?
Streaming on Hotstar in SD uses about 1 GB of data per hour, and HD streaming requires about 3 GB per hour. If you’re using a VPN with a data cap, ensure it offers enough data for your streaming needs. For unlimited streaming, choose a VPN with no data limits.
Which free VPN to use for Hotstar?
ProtonVPN is a recommended free VPN for Hotstar in India with unlimited bandwidth. While it offers a reliable free version, accessing Indian servers requires subscribing to a paid plan. Fortunately, ProtonVPN’s paid plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try their service risk-free.
Is it legal to use a free VPN for Hotstar?
Yes, using a VPN to access Hotstar is legal as long as VPNs are permitted in your country. However, it goes against Hotstar’s terms of service to access it outside the licensed regions, and they could block your access if they detect your actual IP. To ensure seamless access, opt for a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN that works well with Disney Plus Hotstar.
Can I use a free VPN extension for Chrome?
Yes, there are free VPN extensions for Chrome that can work with Hotstar, enabling you to access its content. However, the effectiveness and reliability of these extensions vary. Choosing one that offers servers in Hotstar-available regions, decent speeds, and good privacy features is important to ensure a smooth streaming experience.
Is Hotsar blocking free VPN?
Yes, Hotstar actively blocks the use of free VPN services by detecting and blacklisting VPN IPs. This is a measure to prevent users from circumventing geographic restrictions. Therefore, to successfully access Hotstar with a VPN, use a service that offers advanced stealth capabilities. It can effectively mask VPN traffic as regular internet traffic and avoid detection by Hotstar’s security systems.
Wrapping Up
While not all Canada VPN free services facilitate streaming Hotstar, viable options are still available. Select any of the above best free VPN for Hotstar in India and enjoy your favorite shows and movies without the hefty price tag.
After analyzing the competition, I can confidently recommend ExpressVPN is a top choice for Canadian users. It isn’t free, but its 30-day money-back guarantee acts as a risk-free trial, ensuring HD quality streaming without the fear of bandwidth throttling or privacy breaches.