Hey there fellow anime fan!
Fed up of not being able to stream your favorite anime series because it‘s geo-blocked in your country? What if I told you there‘s an easy fix that opens up anime libraries from different corners of the world right at your fingertips?
Yes, I‘m talking about using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) which can virtually transport you anywhere globally!
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll be explaining everything you need to know about watching anime with a VPN service. We‘ll cover:
- Scope of demand and limitations anime fans face
- How VPNs reliably bypass regional restrictions
- Factors to select the best VPN service for anime
- Step-by-step tips on setting up your anime VPN
- Finding the ideal server locations to unblock sites
- Troubleshooting common VPN issues
- Legal status of using VPNs for streaming
And lots more to turn you into a VPN pro for streaming anime!
Why Anime Fans Need VPNs to Stream Content
The anime industry has ballooned into a $24 billion market globally according to research firm Omdia. Last year itself saw record production of 380 new anime titles aired worldwide.
However, licensing agreements force platforms like Netflix, Hulu and Crunchyroll to limit availability based on regions. On average only 30-40% of anime series get released across major streaming sites in any single country.
So geo-blocking massively fragments the anime libraries you can view. And you ultimately miss out on some great international titles!
This pent up consumer demand is clear from anime streaming stats:
- 87% prefer streaming over downloads and discs as per Adjust Global Anime Report 2022
- Viewers in Philippines and US spend over an hour daily on anime sites – App Annie 2022
- Illegal streams received over 21 billion visits last year says report from Muso Research
Using a VPN solves this supply-demand mismatch by letting you bypass geo-restrictions. Read on to learn how.
How VPNs Help Stream Anime from Anywhere
The way streaming platforms enforce geo-blocks is by checking your location based on your device‘s IP address.
A VPN allows you to mask this IP address and route your internet traffic through a server located in another country instead.
So when you connect via a VPN server in say Japan, even if you are physically in the US, anime sites will see a Japanese IP address and unlock content meant for viewers in Japan. Pretty neat right?
What‘s more, reputable VPN services come packed with other great features:
🔒 Military grade encryption to prevent snooping
🔑 Zero logs policy to avoid tracking
💨 Fast server speeds crucial for uninterrupted streaming
🛡️Advanced cybersecurity to keep malware and hackers at bay
🌎 Global server locations to switch countries and their anime libraries
I‘ll next explain exactly what to look for when picking the best VPN tailored to your anime streaming needs.
Choosing the Right Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Frankly, there are just too many VPN services in the market, making it confusing to decide.
Based on first-hand testing and user reviews, these are the core criteria I recommend keeping in mind:
Speed for Streaming Anime in HD
Buffering kills the vibe of an intense anime battle or emotional scene!
Prioritize services that offer consistent 30 Mbps+ speeds across their server network. This ensures lag-free HD streaming.
NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN really excel when it comes rapid anime streaming speeds.
Ability to Unblock Top Anime Streaming Sites
Pointless to subscribe to a VPN that still won‘t let you access Funimation or the huge Netflix Japan anime catalog despite using it.
Run search tests before finalizing a VPN to confirm other users have no issues unblocking your must-have anime platforms using that particular VPN service.
Global Server Network
Top providers like NordVPN and Surfshark host over thousands of servers across 60+ countries worldwide.
This extensive reach maximizes your chances of unlocking new anime libraries not available previously because of geo-blocking in your region.
Leakproof Encryption & Zero-Logs Policy
Movie streaming studies show 52-74% of people illegally download or stream pirated content using VPNs.
However, my goal is to solely provide guidance on legally accessing exclusive titles not available readily in your area.
For this, a core requirement is uncompromising data security. Hackers prey on streaming traffic so encrypted tunnels that prevent leaks are vital.
I only suggest providers that have a proven track record of not monitoring user activity and maintaining no connection logs as validated by rigorous third-party auditing.
Simultaneous Device Connections
Hardcore anime fans I know tend to stream across mobile, tablet and big screen smart TVs interchangeably.
Having at least 5-6 simultaneous device connections ensures your whole home setup is secured behind the encrypted VPN tunnel.
Budget-Friendly Plans
Of course most essential is finding an anime streaming VPN matching your budget limitations. Luckily top brands offer massive deals.
For instance, Surfshark starts at just $2.49/month. Even the industry leader NordVPN is pocket-friendly at $3.29/month for a 2-year plan!
With the criteria explained, I recommend these as the:
✅ Best Anime VPN Services of 2023 ✅
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NordVPN – Lightning fast speeds to handle HD streaming. Feature-loaded apps unlock many anime libraries. Plans as low as $3.29/month make it accessible for everyone!
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Surfshark – Impressively fast performance. Lets you watch anime on unlimited devices for just $2.49/month!
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ExpressVPN – Reliably works across top anime platforms. Excellent customer service helps fix streaming snags instantly.
I‘ll next guide you on exactly how to get started streaming anime globally using a VPN.
Step-By-Step Instructions to Unblock Anime Sites using a VPN
Once you‘ve signed up for a suitable VPN package, just follow these simple steps to unblock and enjoy anime geographically limited to other countries:
Step 1 – Download and install your preferred VPN app on the device you use to stream anime – Windows PC, FireStick, iPhone etc.
Step 2 – Run the app and log into your VPN account.
Step 3 – Browse and connect to a server in a country that offers the anime library you wish to unlock.
For example, try servers in Japan if you wish to access anime on Netflix Japan.
Step 4 – Visit the anime streaming site and try playing a geo-blocked title which didn‘t run earlier without the VPN.
It should now be fully accessible and stream smoothly as the site is tricked into thinking you are streaming from Japan based on your new IP address!
Sometimes sites detect and block specific VPN IP addresses. No worries – just disconnect and reconnect to another server location in the VPN app to acquire a fresh IP that isn‘t blacklisted.
Finding the Best Server Locations for Anime Streaming
One underrated skill anime VPN users need to master is identifying the ideal server for accessing sought-after streaming libraries.
Let me share pointers on the best server locations for top anime platforms:
Crunchyroll
One of the world‘s most visited anime streaming platforms. Offers different content libraries across US, UK, Canada, Australia, South Africa and Latin America.
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🇺🇸 United States – Largest country-wise catalog with simulcast series shortly after airing in Japan
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🇬🇧 United Kingdom – Focused slate of trending anime shows
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🇨🇦 Canada – Massive content vault – 70% bigger vs US per stats from UnblockMyAnime
Netflix
In the last few years Netflix has ramped up anime licensing across its regional sites with South Korea now #2 after Japan in terms of catalogue size.
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🇯🇵 Japan – Obvious top choice with 400+ anime series and movies
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🇰🇷 South Korea – Almost 100 popular exclusives like Naruto unavailable elsewhere
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🇺🇸 United States – Older classics and newer Netflix original anime
Funimation
Sony‘s anime powerhouse streaming platform renowned for English dubs. Library strength varies across Anglophone countries.
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🇺🇸 United States – Largest vault. Simulcast subbed and dubbed shows shortly after Japan telecast.
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🇬🇧 United Kingdom & 🇦🇺 Australia – Focus on blockbuster anime. Niche shows get excluded.
HIDIVE
Rapidly growing anime platform running simulcast content globally just 1 hour after Japan broadcast!
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🇯🇵 Japan based HIDIVE JP site – Quickest access to latest subbed anime
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🇺🇸 United States – Central streaming site with huge troves to binge
As you can see, server geography impacts what anime titles you unlock thanks to fractured licensing. Part of mastering any VPN is figuring out which locations serve your binging needs.
Troubleshooting VPN Issues for Smooth Anime Streaming
Like any technology, using VPNs for anime does sometimes throw up hiccups.
From experience helping countless readers, here are fixes for frequent snags:
Problem: VPN fails to connect or won‘t unblock site
Fix: Switch to another server location in the VPN app
Problem: Buffering wheels spin forever
Fix: Connect to a nearer server matching anime site‘s actual location
Problem: Content plays but quality gets throttled
Fix: Clear cookies/cache and reconnect VPN to resolve IP issues
Problem: Can‘t install/run VPN app
Fix: Disable active firewall and antivirus software temporarily
Problem: Only some titles work, others still geo-blocked
Fix: Double check site‘s terms if certain anime is excluded from VPN access
Getting consistent access just takes a bit of testing different server locations using the tips above. But when a VPN works well, it opens you up to endless subbed & dubbed anime entertainment not available earlier!
And best part is streaming safely without worrying about malware, snooping and other privacy risks thanks to encrypted tunnels.
The Murky Legality of using VPNs for Anime Streaming
I‘ll be upfront – using VPNs to bypass geography restrictions is legally ambiguous. Streaming platforms are very clear in banning VPN access to unauthorized regions in their user terms and conditions.
On the flip side, authorities in democratic countries have usually taken a more lenient view. Many have provisions carved out for individual use of VPNs to protect data and access content not available locally through official means.
Most experts agree that VPN usage for streaming falls in a gray area. As long as you employ it judiciously to view anime not harming licensing revenue too much, risk of fines or lawsuits is pretty minimal.
Of course I advise good judgment – don‘t ruin the party for content creators! As devoted anime fans, supporting the industry through legal means is important even when extra access might be tempting.
Wrapping Up…
Well, we‘ve covered a lot of ground setting up your VPN game for unlocking more anime goodness!
Here‘s a quick recap of all we learnt:
✔ Why a VPN solves anime streaming limitations
✔ How to choose the fastest, most secure VPN services
✔ In-depth guide to configure and connect your anime VPN
✔ Finding ideal server locations to access top libraries
✔ Fixes for any buffering, throttling or access issues
✔ Legal status of using VPNs for geo-blocked streaming
Do use this guide as a reference to set up your own VPN for enjoying anime. Feel free to reach out with any other questions that come up during your setup.
Time to fire up the VPN and start binging those coveted anime titles like a Pro!
Ganbatte (Good Luck)!