Best Crunchyroll VPNs: How to watch anime from anywhere

A VPN is one of the easiest ways to access blocked Crunchyroll content from anywhere in the world. Here’s a roundup of the best VPNs for Crunchyroll.

Crunchyroll is a popular anime streaming service available in a variety of regions, but the content that is offered will change depending on your current country. This is bad news if you want to watch a show that is normally available in your region from abroad, as it might be unavailable.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) will be helpful in this regard, allowing the user to access their usual Crunchyroll library from anywhere in the world. VPNs work to bypass streaming blocks by assigning the user with a temporary IP address that matches the server location you want to connect to. 

For example, connecting to a US VPN server will give the user a temporary US IP address that works with many blocked services. The same goes for VPN servers in the UK, Japan, or anywhere else. VPNs also improve online security, masking your IP address in the process. 

Remember, Crunchyroll is region-locked, so you may not be able to gain access to the platform from abroad. Also, the content on offer will be different, so you’ll need a VPN to continue watching your favorite shows if they aren’t available. 

How to watch Crunchyroll from anywhere with a VPN

VPNs are primarily designed to prevent online tracking, whether it’s your ISP or the government that is scooping up your data. The ability to access blocked content is often a byproduct, but some providers have made a concentrated effort to bypass streaming restrictions. 

Using a VPN with Crunchyroll might seem daunting at first, but it’s a fairly simple process. We’ve included a step-by-step guide to help get you started. 

Here’s how to use a VPN for Crunchyroll online abroad:

1. To begin, you’ll need to select a VPN that works with Crunchyroll. We’ve listed various options below. 
2. Sign up with the provider, and make a note of your login details. 
3. Download the VPN app to your device. 
4. Open the VPN app, and log in. Pick a server in your home country. 
5. Wait to be connected, you’ll now be free to open Crunchyroll and use it with your device. 

We’ll take you through each of the top VPNs in detail below. We’ve also included a quick rundown detailing what you can expect from each provider.

The best VPNs for Crunchyroll:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for Crunchyroll. NordVPN offers the perfect mix of speeds and security, with unique features and access to Crunchyroll from lots of locations. Streaming support, no-logs, and comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 
2. Surfshark: Our top budget VPN for Crunchyroll. Fast connections and servers found in 100+ countries. Unlimited device connections, apps for all major platforms, and strong encryption.
3. ExpressVPN: Ideal for bypassing geo-restrictions in a long list of locations. Fast speeds, servers in 105+ countries, custom protocol, Smart DNS support, and an audited no-logs policy.
4. CyberGhost: Beginner-friendly apps for all devices, works with Crunchyroll and lots of streaming services, large network including streaming optimized servers, and an extended 45-day money back guarantee. 
5. Proton VPN: Provider with lots of advanced features such as port forwarding, streaming support, free server locations, Secure Core, and an audited no-logs policy.
6. IPVanish: Speedy connections that are perfect for streaming Crunchyroll. Unlimited simultaneous devices and no-logs. 
7. PrivateVPN: Works with multiple streaming services, has decent connection speeds, and has a zero logs policy. 

Summary Table

If you’re in need of a VPN for Crunchyroll, there are numerous services that can get the job done reliably. We've narrowed the field with our inclusion criteria. Here are some of the non-negotiable characteristics we looked for when picking out the best providers for Crunchyroll:

• Ability to reliably unblock international Crunchyroll libraries
• Connection speeds will dictate how efficiently the user is able to perform any online task, and will be especially important for streaming anime with no lag
• Privacy and security, including everything from notable features to available protocols
• In order to qualify for one of the top three positions, the VPN must operate a 100% diskless server network and have had its infrastructure audited by a reputable third party

For more information about the specific criteria we used for picking the best VPNs for Crunchyroll, check out the testing methodology section found later in this article.

Best VPNs for Crunchyroll

Here’s a roundup with detailed information about each of the VPNs that have made it onto this list.

NordVPN is our top recommendation if you need a provider for Crunchyroll. There are 6,000+ servers in 60+ countries, including coverage in 15 US cities. As well as Crunchyroll, it works with lots of popular streaming services, such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Prime Video, Peacock, HBO Max, ESPN, NBC, ABC, CBS, and Hulu.

NordLynx is a custom protocol built using WireGuard that averages about 200 Mbps down. SmartPlay is another notable addition, allowing the user to bypass streaming blocks when using devices like TVs and games consoles. Unlike other Smart DNS services, it also encrypts your internet connection in the process. 

An audited no-logs policy helps to provide peace of mind, while NordVPN comes with a sturdy kill switch, 256-bit AES encryption, and leak protection. As well as Double VPN and split tunneling, there’s obfuscation, and it works well for torrenting files. 

You’ll find a selection of NordVPN apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. There’s also router support, and browser extensions are available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. 24/7 live chat is available in the unlikely event that you run into any issues with the provider.

It allows for six simultaneous device connections, which is on the lower end considering alternatives like Surfshark come with no limits. 

THE BEST VPN FOR CRUNCHYROLL: NordVPN will be able to access Crunchyroll with ease, no matter your preferred location. Additional streaming support, Unique features, strong security, no-logs, fast speeds, and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark has an impressive network consisting of 3,200+ servers to pick from in 100+ countries. As our top budget solution for Crunchyroll, average speeds of roughly 190 Mbps allow it to keep up with more expensive options in terms of performance. 

It’s able to access a surprising amount of streaming platforms, whether it’s Crunchyroll, or a popular service such as Netflix, iPlayer, or Hulu. There are no connection limits, so you can use Surfshark on any device you like, and share an account with others. There are apps or support available for iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux, routers, and more. 

Features include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, MultiHop, and rotating IPs. CleanWeb works to block ads and malware. 24/7 live chat support is available if you have any queries. 

You will have to sign up for a long-term subscription to see significant savings, so Surfshark VPN might not be the best solution if you only plan to get a one-month deal. 

THE BEST BUDGET VPN FOR CRUNCHYROLL: Surfshark is perfect for any users hoping to watch anime via Crunchyroll while abroad. Great streaming support, affordable longer subscriptions, unlimited devices, and servers in 100+ countries. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN is great for streaming the latest and greatest anime on Crunchyroll, with a long list of servers to pick from in 105+ countries. The provider is capable of reliable speeds from various locations, averaging 175 Mbps during testing. 

One of the more beginner-friendly VPNs on the market, ExpressVPN is unmatched if you’re hoping for streaming access. It works with 24+ Netflix libraries, and it tends to be successful with most blocked services. ExpressVPN is also a viable option if you’re in need of a provider for torrenting.

A standalone Smart DNS service can be used on devices that don’t support the VPN app, such as game consoles and smart TVs. The apps boast automatic obfuscation, a kill switch, and leak protection. It comes with an audited no-logs policy.

ExpressVPN allows the user to connect with up to seven devices at the same time. You’ll find support for all major devices and operating systems, including custom router firmware. 

It is a bit more expensive than either of the top two providers, but it’s still a worthwhile alternative to consider.

POWERFUL CRUNCHYROLL VPN: ExpressVPN is another viable solution for Crunchyroll users aiming to get access from abroad. Premium VPN offering the Lightway protocol, reliable speeds in the US and elsewhere, beginner-friendly apps for all major devices, and an audited no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

CyberGhost is another reliable service that can access Crunchyroll in a long list of locations. It has a large network of servers with over 10,000 to pick from, found in a total of 100+ countries. 

Labeled, streaming-optimized servers make it easy for beginners to watch content via a range of popular platforms, Crunchyroll included. As such, you’ll just need to pick your preferred platform from the list of streaming servers within the CyberGhost app to begin. Average speeds work out to just under 300 Mbps, so it’ll be able to handle P2P activities too. 

Everything from a zero-logs policy to solid encryption ensures that your data will remain safe in the process. CyberGhost’s kill switch is always-on, so there’s constant protection while the VPN is in use. Once again, it’s designed to be as user-friendly as possible. 

The provider also does one better than much of the competition with an extended 45-day money-back guarantee. It works with up to seven simultaneous devices, and there are apps for Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, and Linux.

SIMPLE CRUNCHYROLL VPN: CyberGhost is a great option for anyone who is primarily interested in streaming support. Optimized servers, beginner-friendly apps, excellent speeds, and a large server network. Offers an extended 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

ProtonVPN is a viable streaming solution, even if it predominantly focuses on privacy rather than entertainment. Even so, there are roughly 3,000+ servers to pick from, allowing the user to access Crunchyroll with minimal effort. It’s compatible with Netflix, as well as Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, and more region restricted content. 

The provider was designed by the team that released ProtonMail, and it’s packed with privacy features. Secure Core servers essentially provide MultiHop, while NetShield blocks malware, ads, and trackers. There’s also P2P support, as well as port forwarding, split tunneling, and obfuscation (StealthVPN). It has apps for all major devices. 

You’ll have to give the free servers a miss if you’re aiming to stream content, even if there’s no bandwidth cap. It’s commendable that Proton VPN offers a free tier protected by its no-logs policy, but you’ll have to opt for a premium account to avoid various limitations. 

Average speeds of 320 Mbps are the fastest on this list. There aren’t many downsides, but it might be worth looking at cheaper alternatives if you just plan to stream anime on Crunchyroll, and won’t make use of the many advanced features on offer. 

ADVANCED CRUNCHYROLL VPN: Proton VPN is an advanced provider with a lot to offer if you plan to take advantage of features like port forwarding and Secure Core servers. Streaming access, impressive speeds, and an audited no-logs policy. Secure VPN connections, excellent security features. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

IPVanish will be able to handle streaming anime with Crunchyroll thanks to a selection of 2,200+ servers in various countries worldwide. The majority (1,400+) are found in North America, and they’re perfect for accessing geo-restricted content safely. These servers will access the likes of Netflix, HBO Max, Prime Video USA, Disney Plus, CBS, and other popular platforms from abroad. 

Average connection speeds in excess of 250 Mbps ensure that performance is unlikely to be an issue, whether you’d prefer to stream in 4K, or your internet speeds aren't that quick to begin with. 

In terms of security, IPVanish adheres to a strict no-logs policy. Security consists of 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. Obfuscation and a SOCKS5 proxy come bundled with the app.

You’ll be able to connect with unlimited simultaneous devices, which is always a bonus if you’re hoping to share with friends and family. IPVanish has apps for Windows, iOS, Android, and macOS, with further support for routers and Linux devices.

SECURE CRUNCHYROLL VPN: IPVanish has over 1,400 servers in North America, and it can be used to stream your favorite anime with Crunchyroll. Average speeds are nippy, unlimited device connections, and solid security. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

PrivateVPN is another viable alternative if you’re in need of a provider for streaming access. You’ll find 200+ servers in 63+ countries, which might not be the biggest network, but it works well with popular platforms such as Crunchyroll and Netflix. 

Streaming isn’t the only benefit. It offers 256-bit encryption, a customizable kill switch, and leak protection. Users can take advantage of features including port forwarding, Stealth VPN (obfuscation), and static IPs. 

Average speeds of roughly 40 Mbps aren’t going to set the world alight. Even so, it’s not going to have any trouble streaming Crunchyroll, as long as the server itself isn’t overloaded with users at the time.

As you’d expect, PrivateVPN apps are available for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. You’ll also find support for Linux and routers. 

VERSATILE CRUNCHYROLL VPN: PrivateVPN will keep your data safe while accessing geo-restricted platforms like Crunchyroll from abroad. Affordable subscriptions, zero-logs, Stealth VPN, port forwarding, and more. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for Crunchyroll

Rather than picking out providers at random, we’ve compiled a comprehensive VPN testing methodology. We test and compare the best VPNs in the business. 

Our strict criteria means only providers dedicated to digital privacy, with excellent usability and performance, can make it onto our list. Below, you can see the criteria we used to pick the best VPNs for Crunchyroll.

• Ability to access Crunchyroll: The VPN should be able to access Crunchyroll from any country, on any device. It should be able to bypass region locks, with excelpional geo-unblocking abilities. 
• Servers: A VPN with servers om various locations will always be important if you’re aiming to access geo-restricted services like Crunchyroll from abroad. We’ve also factored in the size of the server network, allowing the user to connect to various countries. 
• Speeds and performance: No matter what you plan to use a VPN for, connection speeds will have an impact on almost any online task. Of course, this is especially important if you’re planning to stream content via Crunchyroll.
• Privacy and security: How does the VPN perform in terms of security and privacy? We look at features, their implementation, and everything from DNS leak protection to encryption and protocols. 
• Third-party audits: Trust is the foundation of the value that VPNs provide. You are essentially placing more faith in your VPN provider than you are in your ISP. Almost every provider says they are a ‘no logs' VPN. The only ways to test this claim are either through the courts or through audits. We will only consider providers for our top three positions if they have undergone infrastructure audits from a reputable third party. While this isn't foolproof, it's the closest the industry has to a verification process for logging policies.
• Diskless infrastructure: Again, this is a prerequisite to be considered for one of the top three positions on BleepingComputer. While the data stored on a VPN server should be minimal, it could, theoretically, be accessed if the servers were seized or hacked. Moving processes to RAM means that no information can be physically taken from servers and it is wiped on shutdown. It can also easily be wiped as a part of regular security procedures.

Watching Crunchyroll with a VPN: FAQs

Can I use a free VPN to watch Crunchyroll?

Free VPNs tend to struggle when tasked with accessing streaming services from abroad. Crunchyroll is no exception, and you’ll find that the IP addresses used by free providers are often blocked by streaming platforms. Performance is also likely to be mediocre, with slow speeds and constant lag. 

More nefarious providers will attempt to infect your device with malware, or may sell user data to third parties. As such, we’d recommend sticking with a premium provider that has an audited no-logs policy.

Is it legal to use a VPN for Crunchyroll?

Yes, you won’t be breaking the law if you decide to access your Crunchyroll account from abroad. However, there is a chance that you could be going against Crunchyroll’s terms of service if you decide to do so. It’s also worth mentioning that VPNs are blocked or banned in a handful of countries, including the likes of China and Russia. Make sure to take the time to find out about the local laws before downloading a VPN.

Why can't I access Crunchyroll in my region?

Crunchyroll is available worldwide, save for a few regions such as Russia, Belarus, and Syria. However, the content on offer will differ depending on your current IP address, which is why a VPN is especially helpful. Switching to a relevant VPN server will give the user access to blocked content from abroad.

Will Crunchyroll ban the user if it detects a VPN?

Crunchyroll is unlikely to ban the user if it detects that a VPN has been used. Instead, the VPN server (and its IP address) might be blocked in an effort to stop users from gaining access to content from abroad. Streaming services are obliged to do so in an effort to enforce licensing restrictions.

Which devices is Crunchyroll available on?

You’ll be able to use Crunchyroll with a long list of devices and platforms. For example, Crunchyroll makes apps for browsers, mobile devices, smart TVs, streaming platforms, games consoles, and many more supported devices such as media players and set-top boxes. You can find an up-to-date list here.

Will a VPN for Crunchyroll cause lag?

VPNs have been known to cause slowdown in the past, but you’re unlikely to have many issues with Crunchyroll if you stick with one of our premium recommendations. We’ve noted the average download speeds for each of the VPNs listed above.