Best VPNs for Crunchyroll in 2024: use VPN on Crunchyroll
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Crunchyroll is a US streaming service with one of the widest selections of anime and manga in the world. Unfortunately, it’s only available to stream in select countries, and the content library varies depending on your location.
But there’s an easy workaround – use a reliable VPN. By connecting to a US server, you can easily bypass Crunchyroll's limitations and unlock its entire library, no matter where you are.
In this article, we’ll provide you with a list of the best VPNs for streaming Crunchyroll. Whether you’re on your computer, phone, or tablet, we’ve got you covered with tips on how to watch Crunchyroll from anywhere in the world.
Best Crunchyroll VPNs in 2024
- NordVPN – overall the best VPN for Crunchyroll in 2024
- Surfshark – the fastest Crunchyroll VPN for anime die-hards
- IPVanish – Crunchyroll VPN with attractive pricing and features
- Express VPN – VPN for Crunchyroll with reliable performance
- PureVPN – easy-to-use VPN for Crunchyroll US library
Why do you need a VPN to stream Crunchyroll?
Crunchyroll is a hugely popular streaming service based in the US that boasts one of the largest collections of anime and manga in the world. However, due to licensing restrictions, copyright laws, and distribution rights, Crunchyroll isn’t available in every country.
And even if you can access Crunchyroll in your location, you might not be able to access everything the streaming service has to offer. This is because it has the rights to show more shows and movies in the US than it does in other regions.
However, you don’t have to give up on watching all your favorite anime and manga. You can easily bypass these region restrictions and access all of Crunchyroll's content in a few simple steps, no matter where you are. Just sign up for a reliable VPN with a strong server network in the US. Once you've done that, connect to one of the US servers, and you'll be able to enjoy Crunchyroll's entire US collection from anywhere in the world.
If you need help choosing the right VPN for Crunchyroll, we’ve got some great recommendations in this guide. So read on for more advice.
How to use VPN on Crunchyroll
- Find a VPN with a large collection of servers in the US. We recommend NordVPN, now 74% OFF!
- Download and install the software
- Connect to a server in the US
- Go to the Crunchyroll website and either sign in or create an account
- Sit back, relax, and start streaming your favorite anime!
Best VPNs for Crunchyroll – detailed list
Although it’s not difficult to use a VPN to unblock Crunchyroll from outside the US, you might run into problems if your provider isn’t strong enough to bypass the streaming service’s region restrictions.
To help you avoid any issues, we’ve tested 41 options and listed 5 providers that can unblock Crunchyroll from outside the US. When testing, we looked at the number of US servers available, checked for fast speeds to ensure smooth streaming, and reviewed security features to keep your data and privacy safe.
1. NordVPN – overall the best VPN for Crunchyroll in 2024
| Based in: | Panama |
| Servers/countries: | 6900+ servers in 111 countries |
| Compatible with: | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Get 74% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free |
NordVPN is truly the best VPN to watch Crunchyroll from anywhere. It has an expanding server network worldwide and offers excellent security features that are easy to use, even for beginners.
Streaming. During our NordVPN testing, it unblocked the US, UK, and other Crunchyroll libraries without any struggle. The streaming experience was as smooth as it gets – there was no buffering, and the video quality was also really good. Besides Crunchyroll, NordVPN is also able to unblock numerous other streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. NordVPN SmartPlay feature helps you safely access various types of content.
Servers and apps. While checking out NordVPN apps, we found they're user-friendly, with a clean interface that's easy to understand, even for beginners. We liked the interactive map interface and the minimalistic design of the settings panels, which make it easy to navigate, tweak, and connect. As for servers, NordVPN has more than 6900 of them in 111 countries all over the world. So even if some IP addresses get blocked by Crunchyroll, you’ll have many more to switch to.
Speed. We all know how crucial internet speed is to quality streaming, and we have to say that NordVPN doesn’t disappoint in that regard. Thanks to the NordLynx protocol, NordVPN is the fastest VPN on the market right now – the VPN speed can be nearly as fast as your original connection.
Privacy and security. NordVPN is safe as it has all the security essentials VPN can cover and offers many useful extras. It uses next-generation encryption protocols to hide your traffic, and thus prevents noisy hackers and other undesirable people from accessing your data. Besides that, NordVPN also has a kill switch, threat protection that blocks ads and malware, as well as a strict no-logs policy.
Price. NordVPN’s pricing starts at $2.99/month. There is also a 7-day free trial, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it with Crunchyroll risk-free.
2. Surfshark – the fastest Crunchyroll VPN for anime die-hards
| Based in: | The Netherlands |
| Servers/countries: | 3200+ servers in 100 countries |
| Compatible with: | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Now up to 87% OFF Surfshark + 4 months FREE |
Surfhsark is a VPN for Crunchyroll with exceptionally fast speeds, attractive pricing, and a huge amount of servers. All of this and more make it an attractive VPN for anime enthusiasts.
Streaming. While testing Surfshark, the overall Crunchyroll streaming experience with the provider was very good. The video quality was high, and no buffering occurred. While being tested, the VPN managed to unblock the US Crunchyroll library with no issues, apart from one instance. Crunchyroll was inaccessible while connected to the US Miami server. However, switching to New York resolved the issue completely. Besides Crunchyroll, Surfshark also is quite good at providing access to other streaming services, including Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and others.
Servers and apps. Surfshark has apps for all leading operating systems, like Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and others. It also has a very nice-looking interface that is easy to navigate. With 3200 servers in 100 locations, Surfshark guarantees another option to connect to if Crunchyroll blocks your current IP.
Speed. Surfshark’s excellent speeds cut close to the original baseline, mostly due to the implementation of the WireGuard protocol. Not once during our tests did Surfshark’s speeds waver or hinder the streaming process, and the loading times were almost instantaneous.
Security and privacy. Surfshark, like many other best VPNs, uses advanced encryption to protect your traffic and ensure total online security and anonymity. Besides that, numerous security features exist, such as CleanWeb for blocking ads and malicious sites, obfuscation mode, and a kill switch.
Price. Surfshark is cheaper than NordVPN and stands out as one of the most affordable VPNs overall. The prices start at $1.99/month. Surfshark also offers a 7-day trial period and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. IPVanish – Crunchyroll VPN with attractive pricing and features
| Based in: | United States |
| Servers/countries: | 2400+ servers in 100 countries |
| Compatible with: | Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Now up to 83% OFF IPVanish |
IPVanish is a great VPN option for Crunchyroll. It has lots of servers in the US to unlock the Crunchyroll US library and comes with top-notch security features. Plus, its prices are budget-friendly.
Streaming. IPVanish is not exactly known as the best streaming VPN out there, but together with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube, it also successfully unblocked Crunchyroll. When testing IPVanish, we didn’t notice any problems either. The video quality was good, and the loading times were normal. While IPVanish might not be the greatest for unblocking streams, it's still a solid choice for Crunchyroll.
Servers and apps. IPVanish has apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and some other devices. The apps are user-friendly, and connecting to a VPN server is straightforward. You simply choose a country or city from a list and click to connect. The VPN also has 2400 servers in 100 countries, which is plenty for Crunchyroll.
Speed. IPVanish speeds are solid, perfect for streaming on Crunchyroll. It uses WireGuard as the default protocol, and so far, we have no complaints about its performance.
Security and privacy. Frequently mentioned as one of the most secure VPNs, IPVanish uses industry-standard encryption and employs complex authentication mechanisms for account verification. Like other competitors, NordVPN and Surfshark, IPVanish also offers a customizable kill switch, which allows the user to always be in charge of their own security and privacy. Besides that, IPVanish also has an obfuscation mode for bypassing strict VPN blocks.
Price. One of the more attractive features of IPVanish is its price – it starts at $2.19/month, which will definitely suit even tighter budgets. There is also a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee for trying out IPVanish without any risks.
4. ExpressVPN – VPN for Crunchyroll with great speeds and reliable performance
| Based in: | British Virgin Islands |
| Servers/countries: | Servers in 105 countries |
| Compatible with: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Now up to 61% OFF ExpressVPN + 4 months FREE |
For speedy streaming and compatibility with all your devices at home, check out ExpressVPN. It has servers in 105 countries, making it perfect for bypassing geo-blocks on Crunchyroll and accessing other popular platforms too.
Streaming. Streaming on Crunchyroll with ExpressVPN was a joy. The video quality was really good, and we experienced no lagging at all during our ExpressVPN tests. ExpressVPN is well-known for streaming and for its ability to unlock a wide range of online content. It effortlessly accesses libraries of Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more, in addition to Crunchyroll.
Servers and apps. ExpressVPN has servers in 105 countries to give you access to a variety of regional content, including Crunchyroll. Its apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and popular browsers make connecting to servers easy. Just pick one from the list and click Connect. However, it's important to note that the iOS version is more limited compared to Android. It lacks features like split tunneling to customize VPN connections for specific apps and shortcuts for quick access to frequently visited sites.
Speed. ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs available due to its tunneling protocols. It achieves great connectivity with its own Lightway protocol and keeps pace with services using WireGuard. We tested ExpressVPN's performance with Crunchyroll, and it didn’t disappoint in terms of speedy streaming.
Security and privacy. The provider uses AES-256 encryption to safeguard your online data, providing top-notch security trusted by experts globally. Its VPN operates on RAM-only servers, so your information is regularly wiped from the database. Plus, it has a verified no-logs policy and lets you opt out of data collection, ensuring no information about you is gathered.
Price. ExpressVPN is a premium VPN that starts at $4.99/month. While it may not offer the most features for its price, you can try it risk-free with a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee for up to 8 devices simultaneously.
5. PureVPN – easy-to-use VPN for Crunchyroll US library
| Based in: | British Virgin Islands |
| Servers/countries: | 6000+ servers in 65 countries |
| Compatible with: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Now 83% OFF PureVPN + 3 FREE months |
PureVPN is a beginner-friendly, extremely easy-to-use VPN with numerous servers in the US. It is a good option for Crunchyroll fans with little VPN experience.
Streaming. When testing PureVPN with Crunchyroll, we were unsuccessful on our first try – the PureVPN IP that got assigned to us was being blocked by Crunchyroll. However, this was only a one-time issue, and simply reconnecting and getting a new IP address worked great. The streaming itself was also good, as we did not experience any buffering or low video quality. In terms of other streaming services, PureVPN also managed to unblock platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
Servers and apps. PureVPN interface on both desktop and mobile is minimalistic and easy to navigate, hence very good for users who have never seen a VPN before. Currently, PureVPN's Android app stands out as the most feature-packed. It includes various server modes (Stream, Internet Freedom, Security/Privacy, and File Sharing), split tunneling, the option to choose network type (NAT or non-NAT), and Dark and Light themes. PureVPN also boasts 6000 servers in 65 countries, with a significant portion in the US, making it simple to access the Crunchyroll US library.
Speed. PureVPN's speeds are decent, perhaps not as great as NordVPN's, but they're still sufficient for streaming high-quality content. The VPN uses WireGuard as its primary protocol, which is currently the fastest in the industry.
Security and privacy. PureVPN uses industry-standard AES-256 encryption to conceal your traffic and keep you safe and anonymous online. There are also numerous security features, such as obfuscation, split tunneling, kill switch, and even port forwarding. They all play a significant part in making your online adventures safer.
Price. PureVPN’s prices definitely won’t break the bank – they start at $2.14/month. And if you’re not sure about committing from the get-go, there is also a 31-day money-back guarantee.
Best VPN for Crunchyroll compared
| VPN | Rating | Unblocks Crunchyroll | Compatibility | Servers | Security features | Price |
| NordVPN | Yes | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS | 6900+ servers in 111 countries | Kill switch, Threat Protection, obfuscated servers, Double VPN, RAM-only servers | From $2.99/month | |
| Surfshark | Yes | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS | 3200+ servers in 100 countries | Kill switch, CleanWeb, NoBorders Mode, MultiHop, RAM-only servers | From $1.99/month | |
| IPVanish | Yes | Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS | 2400+ servers in 100 countries | Kill switch, Threat Protection | From $2.19/month | |
| ExpressVPN | Yes | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | 3000+ servers in 105 countries | Kill switch, Threat Manager, Ad Blocker, RAM-only servers | From $4.99/month | |
| PureVPN | Yes | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | 6000+ servers in 65 countries | Kill switch, port forwarding | From $2.14/month |
How we selected and tested Crunchyroll VPNs
Crunchyroll might seem like a relatively easy nut to crack, but many VPNs still fail. So to help you avoid making a useless purchase, we tested which VPNs actually unblock Crunchyroll, and which face problems during the process. Here are some things we considered during VPN testing:
- Does it unblock Crunchyroll libraries? The best VPN for Crunchyroll must unblock it in all available countries without any issues. We tested several VPNs by connecting each to the US and other servers to see which ones unlocked Crunchyroll libraries in the US and other locations.
- Does it have enough servers? Like many other streaming services, Crunchyroll keeps blocking VPN IP addresses, so the more servers a VPN has, the bigger the chance of connecting to an IP address that Crunchyroll hasn’t blocked yet. That's why we looked at the number of servers for each VPN, not just in the US but also in other countries.
- Does it unblock other streaming platforms? While Crunchyroll is fun, it’s definitely not everything. Platforms like Netflix also have a bunch of exclusive anime shows. We tested which VPNs unblock most streaming platforms other than Crunchyroll.
- Is it fast enough? Streaming in high quality requires good internet speed, and VPNs generally slow it down a little, so you’ll need the fastest VPN you can get your hands off. We tested all the VPNs on our list and chose only the fastest ones.
Why is Crunchyroll blocking VPNs?
Like many streaming services, Crunchyroll is blocking VPNs because of licensing and copyrights. For example, there are some shows that Crunchyroll cannot legally show in Europe but can show in the US. Using a VPN to bypass these geo-restrictions directly infringes on copyright laws, and Crunchyroll is obliged to prevent European users from accessing US libraries, and vice versa.
There is a number of ways how Crunchyroll is blocking VPNs and why your chosen VPN might not be working. They can be logging IP addresses and looking for unusual behavior, blocking traffic from specific DNS providers, or even teaming up with certain DNS providers which log VPN IP addresses. For this reason, a VPN with a large server fleet and leak protection is essential for streaming Crunchyroll, since fresh IP addresses of new servers are unlikely to get blacklisted fast.
However, given that Crunchyroll is nowhere near being as popular as, for example, Netflix, it is unlikely that they employ very drastic methods to block VPN traffic. The fact that all 5 of our recommended Crunchyroll VPNs managed to unblock it just proves that it isn’t very difficult to do so.
How to bypass the Crunchyroll VPN ban
Bypassing a VPN ban on Crunchyroll might seem difficult, but the truth is that most of the time, simply connecting to a different server will help. Other steps you can take are clearing your browser cache, using obfuscated servers, trying different browsers, and if all else fails – changing your VPN provider.
However, if it’s your account that’s been blocked, it is unlikely that the reason is VPN usage. If your account has been suspended, we recommend contacting Crunchyroll directly to clarify the reasons behind the suspension. Chances are that it’s because of some other ToS violation, and not VPN usage.
How to use the Crunchyroll app with a VPN
The Crunchyroll app is available to download in the US via the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and Windows Marketplace. You can also download it onto your Playstation, Xbox, Apple TV, Roku stick, Amazon Firestick, or Chromecast.
And if you want to use it outside the US, all you need to do is follow our simple step-by-step guide:
- Download and install a VPN on your device. NordVPN works well on iOS and Android
- Connect to a server in the US
- Download the Crunchyroll app from your device’s app store
- Sign in or set up an account
- Start streaming all your favorite shows on Crunchyroll!
How to stream Crunchyroll with VPN on your device
No matter where you are in the world, you can access Crunchyroll’s US library on pretty much any device. But the steps may be slightly different depending on which device you’re using.
To make things simpler for you, we’ve explained exactly the steps you need to follow for each of the most popular devices:
- Stream Crunchyroll on your computer
- Stream Crunchyroll on your smartphone
- Stream Crunchyroll on your streaming device
Stream Crunchyroll on your computer (Windows, Mac)
It’s easy to watch Crunchyroll on your computer, whether you have a Mac or a Windows. All you need to do is follow these simple steps:
- Change your computer’s location to the US
- Download and install a VPN on your computer. Our recommendation for this is NordVPN
- If you use an Apple ID or Google account, set up a new one and choose the US as your country
- Go to the Crunchyroll website and either log in or create an account
- Start searching for your favorite anime shows!
Stream Crunchyroll on your smartphone (Android, iOS)
If you want to watch anime on the go, you’ll find it really useful to unblock the streaming service on your phone while you’re traveling. Here’s how to do it:
- Change your phone’s location and App Store to the US
- Download and install a VPN on your phone. NordVPN is the perfect solution for this
- If you use an Apple ID or Google account, set up a fresh one and select the US as your country
- Download the Crunchyroll app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
- Log in or create an account
- Enjoy browsing through everything Crunchyroll US has to offer!
Stream Crunchyroll on streaming devices
You’ll find that many smart TV brands, including LG, Samsung, and Apple, don't support VPN apps. But you can still use one on your TV by connecting your Wi-Fi router to your VPN instead. And it’s easier than you might think. Just follow these simple steps:
- Download a VPN with plenty of US servers. We recommend NordVPN
- Connect to a server in the US
- Access your Wi-Fi router’s admin and connect it to your VPN network
- Download the Crunchyroll app on your smart TV or other streaming device, if you can’t find the Crunchyroll app on your device’s app store
- Sign in or set up an account and enjoy watching your favorite anime shows!
You may find that your smart TV or other streaming device does support VPN apps. And many VPNs actually have dedicated streaming apps, so if you can find one that’s compatible with your smart TV, you could use that instead.
Crunchyroll not working: how to fix it?
Crunchyroll doesn’t operate in every country. And even in the countries where you can access it, you might not be able to find all the content you want. This is because it doesn’t have the distribution rights to show its full catalog of content outside the US.
Therefore, unless you’re in the US, you’ll need a VPN to access everything Crunchyroll has to offer. This should be straightforward to do, so if you’re still getting an error message on Crunchyroll, it might be that your VPN isn’t working correctly.
To help you fix the issue, we have a complete guide on how to use a VPN. Or, if you want to try some quick troubleshooting ideas, have a look at the following suggestions:
- Crunchyroll could have identified your traffic as coming from a VPN
- Your VPN may be unable to bypass Crunchyroll’s location restrictions
- You may be connected to a server in the wrong location
- Your true IP address might be leaking
- Your cookies could be revealing your actual location
To fix these issues, try:
- Checking you’re definitely connected to a server in the right location
- Making sure you have IP leak protection enabled on your VPN
- Connecting to a different server
- Clearing your cookies and cache
- Using a different browser
- Getting in touch with your VPN’s customer support team
If all else fails, you may want to consider upgrading to a more privacy-focused VPN.
Can I use a free VPN to watch Crunchyroll?
Yes, you can watch Crunchyroll with a free VPN. However, chances are that not all free VPNs will be able to unblock Crunchyroll.
Free VPNs may also not be entirely trustworthy for several reasons. They might collect and sell user data to third parties and advertisers, lack the same level of security as paid VPNs and impose data limits that may not be enough for streaming.
However, if you’re still looking for a VPN that you could use for free with Crunchyroll, we recommend Proton VPN. It provides a free tier with no data limits, many servers, including the US, and is quite effective in terms of speed and security, although it does have some feature limitations.
You can also take advantage of the free trials and money-back guarantees offered by our freemium providers.
- NordVPN – with an impressive fleet of 6900servers in the US, NordVPN is a fantastic option for unblocking Crunchyroll from anywhere. You can also try it with Crunchyroll risk-free with a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark – if cost is a factor, Surfshark could be the perfect solution for you. Plans start from just $1.99 per month. Surfshark also provides a 7-day trial period and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
What you can stream on Crunchyroll
With arguably the biggest collection of anime and manga on the market, Crunchyroll has thousands of shows and movies to choose from. Here are some of the most popular titles on there at the moment:
| Title | Date |
| Solo Leveling | 2024-present |
| Attack on Titan | 2013-2023 |
| One Piece | 1999-present |
| Jujutsu Kaisen | 2020-present |
| Frieren: Beyond Journey's End | 2023-present |
| The Boy and the Heron | 2023-present |
| Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba | 2019-present |
| Naruto: Shippuden | 2007-2017 |
| Vinland Saga | 2019-2023 |
| The Apothecary Diaries | 2023-present |
New titles can be added at any time, so make sure you follow Crunchyroll on Twitter and Facebook for all the latest news.
Conclusion
Crunchyroll is an excellent streaming service with one of the most extensive collections of manga and anime in the world. But it isn’t available in every country. And even in locations where you can stream Crunchyroll, the number of titles will be much more limited outside the US.
But the good news is that you can get around Crunchyroll’s geo-blocks and watch everything the streaming service has to offer, no matter where you are in the world. All you need to do is download a reputable Crunchyroll VPN and use it to connect to a server in the US. We suggest NordVPN because it has a large server network, including servers in the US. Plus, it's known for its top-notch security and privacy features, making it one of the best VPNs for streaming and unblocking many popular platforms
Do you have any additional questions about using a VPN to unblock region-restricted content? Let us know in the comments section below, and one of our experts will help you out!
FAQs
How do I bypass the VPN ban on Crunchyroll?
To bypass the VPN ban on Crunchyroll, download and install a VPN with US servers. Set up a new account with Apple or Google, selecting the US as the country. Connect to the US-based server in your VPN. Log in to your Crunchyroll account and enjoy your favorite content.
Can I access Crunchyroll with a VPN?
Yes, you can use a VPN to unblock Crunchyroll from anywhere in the world. Once you’ve downloaded a reliable VPN, such as NordVPN, and got it set up on your device, simply connect to a server in the US and enjoy everything Crunchyroll has to offer from outside the country.
How can I watch Crunchyroll on my smart TV?
You can download the Crunchyroll app on your smart TV, or you can access it via the Plex app if that doesn’t work. And if you want to access it from outside the US, you’ll need to connect your Wi-Fi router to a VPN to unblock the content.
Why can’t I access Crunchyroll in my region?
You can’t access Crunchyroll in your region, due to distribution rights. However, you can access it from anywhere if you use a VPN, such as NordVPN, to connect to a server in the US. You’ll then be able to watch it, wherever you are.
Is it legal to use a VPN to stream Crunchyroll?
Yes, it’s completely legal to use a VPN to stream Crunchyroll from outside the US. However, since showing specific content internationally is against Crunchyroll's Terms of Service, it does block VPNs. That’s why you need a capable provider that can bypass geo-blocking.
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