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Our experts have reviewed 53 VPN providers, which were put through extensive rounds of testing. To learn more about that process, here’s how we review VPNs, where we explain our criteria and our policy of being fully transparent.
Crunchyroll is one of the largest anime streaming platforms, especially after acquiring Funimation, but its library is geo-restricted. The full catalog is only available in the US, while viewers elsewhere are limited to regional libraries. If you try accessing Crunchyroll from a restricted location, you’ll see the error: “Restricted Content. This cannot be viewed with your current Content Restrictions setting.”
A VPN solves this by giving you a US IP address, letting you unblock Crunchyroll’s complete library from anywhere. It’s also useful for US residents traveling abroad who want to keep watching anime as if they were at home. Beyond access, a Crunchyroll VPN can:
In this article, we’ll share the 5 best VPNs for Crunchyroll and review them based on several crucial factors. We’ll also provide step-by-step guides on how to watch Crunchyroll with a VPN and how to watch it on different devices. Furthermore, we’ll discuss why you need a VPN, how to troubleshoot your VPN if it’s not working with Crunchyroll, and much more.
Using a VPN with Crunchyroll is legal, but the platform actively tries to block VPN traffic to enforce its regional licensing agreements. If you connect through a VPN, Crunchyroll may detect and restrict your access by showing an error message or even temporarily banning the IP address you’re using. This usually happens because many people share the same VPN server IP, which can look suspicious to Crunchyroll’s systems.
While VPNs themselves are legal, the experience you get depends on the type of service you use. Free VPNs are more likely to be blocked because they have limited servers that get quickly flagged for excessive traffic. For smooth, uninterrupted access to Crunchyroll, a reliable paid VPN with a strong no-logs policy and streaming-optimized servers is the safer choice.
A reliable VPN for Crunchyroll should unblock the platform anywhere while delivering smooth, buffer-free anime streaming. Beyond bypassing geo-restrictions, the best Crunchyroll VPNs offer fast speeds, strong security, and apps that work across all major devices. Here are the key features to look for:
✅ Multiple servers in the US and worldwide to access Crunchyroll and other platforms
✅ Fast, stable speeds for HD and 4K anime streaming without interruptions
✅ Strong encryption and secure protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, AES-256)
✅ Strict no-logs policy with multiple simultaneous connections
✅ Obfuscation, kill switch, and split tunneling for uninterrupted, private streaming
✅ Apps for desktop, mobile, smart TVs, and streaming devices
✅ Fair pricing, money-back guarantee, and 24/7 customer support
With these standards in mind, VPNs that combine streaming-optimized servers with reliable performance stand out for Crunchyroll users. Based on these criteria, here are the 5 best VPNs for Crunchyroll in 2025:
NordVPN is the best Crunchyroll VPN that can unblock Crunchyroll effortlessly and give you access to its full library, available in the US. It has 7,400+ servers in 118 countries, including 1,970+ servers in 16 US states. This VPN can also unblock many other streaming sites.
Thanks to NordVPN’s double encryption feature and obfuscated servers, you’ll be able to bypass any IP ban and get Crunchyroll unblocked without being detected. Other security and privacy features you’ll get from this provider include a no-logs policy, a kill switch, secure VPN protocols (NordLynx, NordWhisper, IKEv2/IPsec, and OpenVPN), and AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 encryption.
NordVPN offers ultra-fast connection speeds and reliable performance. It's among the fastest VPN services, introducing barely noticeable throttling. No matter if you pick a nearby or remote server (based on your physical location), Crunchyroll will work without slowdowns.
With this VPN for Crunchyroll, you can watch the streaming service on a number of different devices, including laptops, PCs, phones, Smart TVs, consoles, tablets, routers, and more. It allows 10 simultaneous connections and offers easy-to-use apps for many platforms.
You can try NordVPN’s services risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. And if you don’t like its services, you can request a full refund via its 24/7 live chat customer support.
Why NordVPN Is a Must-Have for Crunchyroll
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Surfshark is a beginner-friendly VPN for Crunchyroll with excellent content-unblocking features. It can help you unblock Crunchyroll from anywhere, along with many other popular streaming platforms. With this VPN, you get access to 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, including 600+ servers in 25 US cities.
With Surfshark, you can bypass IP bans and stream Crunchyroll without interruptions. It comes with obfuscated servers, a no-logs policy, military-grade encryption (AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20), secure VPN protocols (WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN), data leak protection, a Multi-Hop feature, and many other similar features that’ll ensure your real location is hidden, along with your personal information.
Surfshark is great for seamless streaming in both HD and 4K. It’s one of the fastest providers out there, offering ultra-fast connection speeds and stable performance.
What’s best, you can use this VPN on an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. It’s compatible with all the platforms and devices on which Crunchyroll is available, including phones, tablets, laptops, PCs, routers, gaming consoles, smart TVs, and more.
Surfshark comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee that you can use as a risk-free trial of its services. Finally, you’ll get 24/7 customer support via the live chat feature available on Surfshark’s website.
Technologies That Make Surfshark Great for Crunchyroll
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ExpressVPN is another hugely capable VPN that can easily unblock both the free Crunchyroll version and Crunchyroll premium. It has a server network an undisclosed number of servers in 105 countries, including the entire US. You can also use it to access other popular streaming platforms.
If Crunchyroll banned your IP address because you violated its Terms of Service, you won't be able to access the platform again with that IP. With ExpressVPN, you can bypass a Crunchyroll ban, as you’ll get a different US IP address.
ExpressVPN can get Crunchyroll unblocked without the streamer noticing that you’re using a VPN to do so. So, what makes ExpressVPN special? Well, for one, the provider offers powerful obfuscated servers that hide that you’re using a VPN.
In addition, ExpressVPN comes with robust security and privacy features that will keep you safe and help you avoid an IP ban. These include a capable kill switch that shuts down your Internet connection if your VPN is down, a no-logs policy, secure VPN protocols (vpn expressvpn protocols]), and military-grade encryption (AES-256 and ChaCha20/Poly1305).
As one of the fastest VPNs available, ExpressVPN has lightning-fast connections and stable performance ideal for 4K streaming. You can make 8 simultaneous connections, including phones, laptops, PCs, smart TVs, gaming consoles, routers, and more. This provider also has a 30-day money-back guarantee and reliable 24/7 customer support. If you want to learn how to set it up, just follow our simple ExpressVPN setup guide.
Why ExpressVPN is a top pick for streaming Crunchyroll anywhere:
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With CyberGhost, you get streaming-optimized servers for a better Crunchyroll experience. This VPN comes with strong content-unblocking capabilities, so it can easily unblock Crunchyroll and many other streaming platforms. It has a large network of an undisclosed number of servers in 100 countries, including 1,400+ servers in 11 US states.
Sadly, CyberGhost doesn’t offer obfuscation, so it might have trouble bypassing Crunchyroll’s VPN detection. That said, its NoSpy servers should help shield your VPN activity. If you get a Crunchyroll ban, you can easily switch to another US server and continue watching.
CyberGhost is a very secure VPN for Crunchyroll with all the features you need to stay safe online. Namely, it comes with a no-logs policy, a kill switch, secure VPN protocols such OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard, AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 encryption, and data leak protection.
As for speed, it’s not the fastest VPN out there, but it can get the job done. You can expect medium-fast connections with reliable performance on all its servers. CyberGhost allows 7 simultaneous connections and supports many Crunchyroll-friendly devices, such as phones, laptops, PCs, consoles, routers, Smart TVs, and more.
CyberGhost comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee on its longer-term subscriptions and a 14-day money-back guarantee on its monthly plans. Also, the VPN provides reliable 24/7 customer support via live chat.
CyberGhost Streaming Highlights for Crunchyroll Fans:
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Private Internet Access (PIA) is an excellent provider that can handily unblock Crunchyroll and many other streaming sites with no issues. It has servers in all 50 US states, making it ideal for accessing the full Crunchyroll library. Overall, PIA has the largest server fleet on the market, containing undisclosed number of servers in 91 countries.
Almost all PIA’s servers offer obfuscation, which is excellent as you’ll be able to unblock Crunchyroll without getting banned. Also, this VPN for anime comes with a kill switch, a no-logs policy, secure VPN protocols including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPsec (IKEv2), military-grade encryption (AES-128-GCM, AES-256-GCM, AES-128-CBC, AES-256-CBC, and ChaCha20), and a Multi-Hop feature.
PIA is highly customizable compared to other VPNs, allowing you to pick which protocol you want to use and increase or decrease your level of encryption. However, it offers average Internet connection speeds, so you might experience Crunchyroll buffering from time to time. Nonetheless, you’ll get reliable performance with PIA.
This provider supports a wide range of devices you can use to install the Crunchyroll app and stream on the go, including phones, tablets, laptops, PCs, routers, smart TVs, consoles, and more. Better yet, you can make unlimited simultaneous connections with PIA.
If you have any issues, PIA’s 24/7 customer support will be available via live chat. Lastly, you’ll be eligible for its 30-day money-back guarantee regardless of your plan price.
Standout PIA Features for Crunchyroll:
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To watch Crunchyroll with a VPN, you must find a provider with US servers that can unblock the entire Crunchyroll library. Then, you should get a subscription. Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need to do:
To watch Crunchyroll on your devices, you must subscribe to a VPN (we recommend NordVPN) that is compatible with all of them and able to unblock Crunchyroll. Once you do, simply download and install the VPN app on the devices you’ll use to stream Crunchyroll. Below, you can find step-by-step instructions for watching Crunchyroll on the most popular devices.
To watch Crunchyroll on a Samsung TV, you’ll need to find a VPN that works on different routers, as Samsung TVs can’t run native VPN software. Here’s how to do it:
To watch Crunchyroll on your TV, you can use a streaming device with a VPN. It will be easiest if your VPN has a native app for your device. Once you pick a Crunchyroll-friendly streaming device, you’ll need to follow these steps:
To watch Crunchyroll on Roku, you’ll need to install the Crunchyroll app on your Roku device. Then, get a subscription to a VPN that works with both Crunchyroll and routers, as Roku is not natively VPN-friendly. Here’s exactly what to do:
To watch Crunchyroll on Firestick and Fire TV, subscribe to a VPN that offers a native app for both Firestick and Fire TV and also works with Crunchyroll. Here’s everything you’ll need to do:
To watch Crunchyroll on iPhone and iPad, find a VPN that works with iOS devices and can unblock Crunchyroll. Then, get a subscription and connect to a server in the US to access the platform’s entire library. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
To watch Crunchyroll on Android, you must subscribe to a VPN provider that is compatible with both Android devices and Crunchyroll. Here’s everything you’ll need to do:
There is a vast selection of the best anime to watch on Crunchyroll, so you can likely find something to suit anyone’s tastes. Though people’s opinions about what anime is the best on Crunchyroll can vary greatly, we looked into which ones are most popular in the entire Crunchyroll library. Below, you’ll find some titles of the best anime on Crunchyroll:
There are a few reasons why Crunchyroll might not be working with your VPN and a few steps you can try to fix it. Here are some of the most common explanations and solutions:
Yes, technically you can try using a free VPN for Crunchyroll, but it’s rarely a good idea. Free VPNs come with heavy limitations that make them unsuitable for smooth, secure streaming.
Here’s why free VPNs often fail with Crunchyroll:
❌Small server networks → Limited locations cause server overcrowding and slower speeds.
❌ Bandwidth limits → Free VPNs usually cap daily or monthly data, cutting you off mid-stream or blocking HD content.
❌Poor streaming performance → Expect constant buffering, low video quality, and interruptions.
❌Weak unblocking capabilities → Most free VPNs can’t bypass Crunchyroll’s VPN detection and get blocked quickly.
❌Privacy concerns → Free providers often log and sell user data to third parties for profit.
❌No advanced features → Missing tools like obfuscation, kill switch, or leak protection that are crucial for streaming.
With that said, we recommend a premium VPN to stream Crunchyroll. The best VPN providers will allow you to unblock Crunchyroll and access its library without getting banned. Alternatively, you can go for a VPN free trial to get premium features for a limited time.
Our #1 recommendation is NordVPN's free trial, which works on Android for 7 days. However, this VPN also comes with a 30-day money-back policy that applies to other platforms.
Crunchyroll is accessible in many countries, but its full content library is only available in the US. So, if you live outside of the US or travel abroad, you won’t be able to access Crunchyroll’s complete library. Luckily, a VPN for Crunchyroll will solve both issues.
We recommend NordVPN as the best Crunchyroll VPN for all anime lovers looking to access everything that Crunchyroll offers. You’ll get access to lightning-fast US servers, robust online protections, and support for all your devices. With NordVPN, you can enjoy your favorite anime and unblock Crunchyroll from anywhere in the world.
For Crunchyroll, Surfshark is a great pick if you want unlimited device connections with smooth anime streaming, while ExpressVPN stands out for first-time users thanks to its fast Lightway protocol and global server coverage. CyberGhost is ideal for those who prefer dedicated, streaming-optimized servers that deliver reliable HD and 4K playback, and Private Internet Access caters to advanced users with its customizable settings, strong security, and support for unlimited devices.
Some Related Guides for your Reference:
That’s all for our guide to choosing a VPN for Crunchyroll. If you have any questions, please share them via the comments section below. Thanks for reading!