Gotta Have Your Crunchyroll? 4 Best VPNs for Streaming Anime
Crunchyroll’s regional content restrictions can be frustrating, but VPNs allow users to change location
Last updated Jul 31, 2023
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If you're an anime and manga fan, you likely already stream your favorite movies and shows on Crunchyroll's popular streaming application for free. Happy users in the United States can simply sign up for a free, ad-supported account and enjoy animated entertainment in standard 480p definition. Or you can opt for an upgraded subscription to remove ads and get higher resolution.
But what if you don't live in the United States or want to stream all your favorite movies and shows on Crunchyroll while traveling internationally?
Unfortunately, Crunchyroll imposes streaming service geo-restrictions outside the United States because the company might not own the right to show specific content in every country. Viewers in the United States enjoy access to the entire Crunchyroll library, while fans in other countries are limited in what they can view.
Worry not, Crunchyroll fans. There’s a workaround solution — and it's as simple as finding and connecting to a reliable virtual private network (VPN) network of your choice.
In this article
Change your Crunchyroll location with a VPN4 best VPNs for Crunchyroll
Does Crunchyroll allow VPNs?
Crunchyroll FAQ
Bottom line
Change your Crunchyroll location with a VPN
Traveling American or international Crunchyroll fans can bypass regional content restrictions and stream Crunchyroll by connecting to a VPN with a reliable fleet of U.S.-based servers. A U.S.-based VPN allows users to spoof their location and provides an added layer of encrypted security.
How to use a VPN to watch anime on Crunchyroll
Using a VPN to work around Crunchyroll's location restrictions isn't difficult — but you must select a strong VPN provider that won’t be detected and has plenty of reliable U.S. servers.
The general steps to using a VPN for Crunchyroll access on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android are as follows:
- Change your device or service location to the United States.
- Remove the device's old location identities by clearing cookies and cache, then restart your device.
- Download and install a VPN with an extensive U.S. server fleet.
- Set up a new account with Apple or Google and select the United States as the country.
- Choose and connect to a reliable U.S.-based server in your chosen VPN.
- Create or log in to your Crunchyroll account and start streaming your favorite content.
How to watch Crunchyroll with a VPN on a smart TV or Roku
Smart TVs don't support VPN applications, but users can get around this by connecting the Wi-Fi router directly to the VPN application.
Roku also doesn't support VPN applications and will require you to connect the VPN application directly to the Wi-Fi router. After connecting your VPN to a U.S. server, insert the Roku stick into the television HDMI port and select Crunchyroll on the Roku home screen.
How to watch Crunchyroll with a VPN on Xbox
Gamers looking to access Crunchyroll through a VPN on their Xbox can follow these steps:
- Install the VPN of your choice on a computer and connect to a U.S.-based server.
- Connect an Ethernet cable to both your computer and Xbox device.
- Locate the Network Sharing center tab on the Control Panel.
- Go to the left side panel and select the Change Adaptor Settings option.
- Right-click on your chosen VPN, select Properties, and select the Sharing option to allow others to connect.
- Download and install Crunchyroll on your Xbox device and begin streaming your favorite content.
4 best VPNs for Crunchyroll
It’s best to select a solid VPN with ample ability to bypass regional restrictions while offering plenty of server locations in the U.S.
Avoid enticing offers from free VPN services, as you often get what you pay for in the VPN market. Most VPNs offer at least a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can see if they unblock Crunchyroll and work for your anime streaming needs before committing.
Below are some recommended VPNs to consider when choosing a Crunchyroll VPN.
1. NordVPN
4.9
NordVPN
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High-quality VPN offering safety and speed
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Loads of servers for multiple connection options
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Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
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Too many confusing plans
NordVPN is our favorite private network due to numerous strengths, including fast speeds for streaming, industry-leading security features, reasonable pricing (about $4 per month), and the ability to easily unblock region-restricted content.
This leading VPN offers streaming of popular services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Diseny+, and BBC iPlayer, in addition to Crunchyroll. NordVPN has a lengthy list of 5,400 international and 1,970 U.S. servers.
2. Surfshark
4.9
Surfshark
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VPN technology offering stability and speed
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Unlimited simultaneous connections
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Works with Netflix and other streaming services
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Headquarters in Nine Eyes Alliance
Surfshark is another top VPN app that efficiently unblocks all region-restricted content across 3,200 global and 600 U.S.-based servers. Surfshark offers streaming services for popular providers like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.
Deal-seeking Crunchyroll fans will appreciate Surfshark’s value, as it offers fast streaming speeds and top-notch privacy features for the low monthly starting rate of $2.49.
3. ExpressVPN
4.6
ExpressVPN
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Premium VPN offering strong security and ultra-fast speeds
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Strict no-logs policy with independent audit
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In-house Lightway protocol for more speed and security
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More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost
The ExpressVPN private network delivers all the features Crunchyroll fans need — high-speed streaming capabilities, excellent security features, and the power to unblock region-restricted content.
ExpressVPN maintains 3,000 worldwide servers, with dozens located in the United States. ExpressVPN is the preferred network choice for those seeking more privacy for a slightly higher fee (the network doesn't store any identifiable user logs but has a $8.32 starting monthly rate).
4. CyberGhost
4.6
CyberGhost
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Cheaper than ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark
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Optimized servers for regional streaming
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No split tunneling feature
CyberGhost is another affordable ($2.19 starting monthly fee), reliable VPN option for watching Crunchyroll.
CyberGhost excels with easy setup and use, fast streams on all streaming platforms, robust security, and added privacy. The company is Romanian, so it’s not subject to data retention laws. You’ll have access to 7,700 servers in 90-plus countries.
Does Crunchyroll allow VPNs?
Let's first address the legality surrounding VPNs streaming Crunchyroll from outside the United States. There's nothing illegal about streaming Crunchyroll content from a U.S.-based VPN server while outside the United States.
Is this practice frowned upon by the company as a violation of Crunchyroll's terms of service (TOS) agreement? Yes, absolutely. Crunchyroll's TOS agreement doesn’t allow streaming content in unlicensed regions of the world, which is anywhere outside the United States for Crunchyroll.
Many streaming providers, like Crunchyroll, do block VPN streams whenever possible. If Crunchyroll believes an IP address connects to a VPN, they will usually block the address. The best VPNs for streaming Crunchyroll offer unblocked IP addresses that allow users to stream without company detection.
It's unlikely Crunchyroll will ban you from the platform if it detects you're using a VPN to get around its regional content restrictions. In this case, it's more common for the company to blacklist your VPN's server IP address. Not to worry — simply connect to a different server with a new IP address and continue streaming from the new location.
Crunchyroll FAQ
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Is Crunchyroll region-locked?
Yes, Crunchyroll's complete library of popular anime and manga content is only available to users in the United States. This region restriction is due to content rights issues preventing Crunchyroll from showing certain content in certain countries.
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What's the best region for Crunchyroll?
The United States is the best region for Crunchyroll, as U.S.-based users can access the entire library of streaming content. Users in other countries can only access a limited amount of content.
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Can I use a free VPN with Crunchyroll?
Yes, you can use a free VPN service to access the Crunchyroll stream — but the better question might be, why would you want to? With industry-leading VPN companies offering services for as little as $2 or $3 per month, why risk getting frustrated with slow streaming speeds or being infected with malware viruses often accompanying free VPN services?
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What features do I get with Crunchyroll's premium plan?
Crunchyroll offers two premium plans that remove all ads and give access to the entire catalog of streaming content in 720p and 1080p resolution. The Mega Fan package costs $9.99 per month and offers four streams instead of one. Subscribers receive a $15 discount for every $100 spent in the Crunchyroll store over three months.
The Ultimate Fan package costs $14.99 monthly and allows access to six concurrent streams per account. Subscribers receive a $25 discount for every $100 spent in the Crunchyroll store over three months.
Bottom line
Crunchyroll fans living outside the United States are subject to regional streaming service restrictions, limiting the amount of viewable content.
However, Crunchyroll isn't lost to followers abroad. Anyone can use a VPN with U.S.-based servers to spoof their location and begin streaming Crunchyroll. Fans of the streaming service can use computers, phones, smart TVs, Roku, and even Xbox devices to connect with reliable private networks like NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost, which are fully capable of unblocking region-restricted content.
Though frowned upon by most streaming services, using a U.S. VPN server isn't illegal. If you need a Crunchyroll fix but live outside the United States, connecting to a reliable VPN might be the best ticket to stream all your favorite anime shows and movies. Besides, whoever said there's something wrong with a little change of scenery — even if only virtually?
4.9
Limited-time offer: 69% off + 3 extra months
NordVPN
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High-quality VPN offering safety and speed
-
Loads of servers for multiple connection options
-
Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
-
Too many confusing plans
Author Details
Mark Knowles is a freelance tech content writer specializing in cybersecurity. His expertise includes DevSecOps, cyber risk management, and Zero Trust model security. Mark has completed numerous case studies, blog articles, and e-books for leading technology companies over the last eight years, with a focus on the cybersecurity vertical over the last five years.
When not interviewing experts in the field or creating fresh cybersecurity content for organizations, Mark enjoys pushing the limits of fitness and personal growth while planning his next traveling adventure.
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