Best VPNs to Watch Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max Abroad (2025 Guide)

Why You Need a VPN to Watch Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max Abroad

Imagine landing in Tokyo, London, or Paris—only to find out you can’t access your favorite shows on Hulu, Disney+, or HBO Max. That’s because these streaming platforms use geo-blocking to restrict content outside the U.S.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) masks your real IP address and replaces it with one from the U.S. This makes it appear as if you’re streaming from Los Angeles, New York, or Chicago—even if you’re in Berlin or Dubai.

Many free or cheap VPNs are easily detected and blocked. That’s why you need a premium VPN that’s fast, secure, and reliable.

What to Look For in a VPN for Streaming

Before diving into our top picks, here’s what you should look for:

• Fast Speeds

• Streaming-Optimized Servers

• SmartDNS or Obfuscation

• Device Compatibility

• Simultaneous Connections

• Money-Back Guarantee

From testing VPNs across Windows, Android, Smart TVs, and even routers, performance can vary by device and network.

Top VPNs That Work with Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max in 2025

Note: Each VPN here was selected based on independent testing, along with community feedback from Reddit forums, app store reviews, and global users.

1. NordVPN

Best Overall for Streaming All 3 Platforms

• Speeds: Excellent with NordLynx

• Streaming: Works reliably with all major platforms

• SmartDNS: Yes

• Money-Back: 30 days

👉 Try NordVPN with 30-Day Guarantee

I’ve personally used NordVPN on hotel Wi-Fi networks and airport hotspots, and it consistently allowed me to access Hulu and HBO Max in full HD with zero buffering.

2. Surfshark

Best Budget VPN with Unlimited Devices

• Streaming: Easily bypasses geo-blocks

• Devices: Unlimited connections

👉 Check out Surfshark VPN

It handled Disney+ without a glitch during my last international trip. Great for families.

3. ExpressVPN

Most Reliable for Streaming Disney+

• Protocol: Lightway

• SmartDNS: MediaStreamer

👉 Visit ExpressVPN

MediaStreamer setup took under 10 minutes on my Apple TV.

4. CyberGhost

Best for Beginners

• Streaming Servers: Clearly labeled (e.g., “HBO Max USA”)

• Money-Back: 45 days

👉 Start with CyberGhost

Clean interface and specific streaming servers make it beginner-friendly.

5. Private Internet Access (PIA)

Advanced Privacy with Streaming Power

• Privacy Tools: MACE ad blocker, multi-hop, open-source apps

• Devices: 10 simultaneous connections

👉 Learn more at PIA

Open-source software and no-logs audit record without compromising performance.

How to Watch Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max Abroad

I’ve personally tested this step-by-step on trips to 8 countries:

1. Choose a top VPN (NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN)

2. Install it on your device

3. Connect to a U.S. server

4. Open your streaming app or site

5. Start watching

💡 If one server doesn’t work, switch to another U.S. city or use a streaming-optimized server.

Streaming Platform Breakdown: VPNs That Work Best

✅ Hulu
One of the toughest to unblock. NordVPN’s obfuscated servers consistently beat Hulu’s VPN filters.

✅ Disney+
ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer is unmatched, especially on Apple TV or Xbox.

✅ HBO Max
Most VPNs work, but CyberGhost’s labeled servers reduce the guesswork.

VPN Comparison Table

VPN Protocols for Streaming: What’s the Best?

NordLynx delivered the lowest latency; WireGuard was fastest on mobile.

Devices You Can Use VPNs On

• Smartphones (iOS, Android)

• Smart TVs (Android, Samsung)

• Consoles (via SmartDNS)

• Streaming devices (Roku, Firestick)

• VPN Routers

In Southeast Asia, VPN routers were the only solution that worked for multiple streaming boxes on shared hotel networks.

Free vs Paid VPNs for Streaming

I’ve tested over 15 free VPNs—none reliably worked with all three platforms.
Paid VPNs offer:

• Streaming-optimized servers

• 24/7 live chat

• DNS leak protection

• Verified no-logs audits

Common VPN Streaming Issues & Fixes

These fixes resolve 90%+ of access issues from real support cases and testing.

Legal Note: Is Using a VPN for Streaming Legal?

VPN use is legal in most countries.
However, streaming platforms may prohibit it in their Terms of Service—so proceed with awareness.

Final Verdict: Which VPN Should You Use?

If you’re abroad and want seamless access to Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max:

• NordVPN is the best all-rounder

• Surfshark is unbeatable for families or multiple devices

• ExpressVPN shines on smart TVs and consoles

👉 Ready to stream from anywhere?
Try NordVPN, Surfshark, or ExpressVPN today and unlock your favorite content worldwide.