Ever tried to watch your favorite anime on Crunchyroll, only to hit a frustrating “not available in your region” message? You're not alone—geo-blocks lock away hundreds of shows based on licensing deals. But in 2025, a reliable VPN can still bypass these restrictions, letting you stream Crunchyroll’s full library from anywhere. Whether you're traveling or stuck in a region with limited content, here's how to unlock every episode and manga title without buffering or blackouts.
Why You Need a VPN for Crunchyroll in 2025
Crunchyroll’s catalog varies wildly by country due to licensing agreements. For example:
- Japan gets 1,200+ titles, while the U.S. has around 800
- Europe often misses simulcasts (same-day releases)
- Popular series like One Piece or Jujutsu Kaisen may be region-locked
A VPN masks your IP address, making it appear you’re browsing from a country with full access. It also encrypts your traffic, preventing ISPs from throttling your anime streams.
Legal Considerations
Using a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions violates Crunchyroll’s Terms of Service—but it’s not illegal in most countries. However, VPNs are banned in some regions (e.g., China). Always check local laws first.
Best VPNs for Crunchyroll in 2025
Not all VPNs work reliably with Crunchyroll. After testing 12 providers, these three consistently unblock content without slowdowns:
| VPN | Server Locations | Speed Drop | Simultaneous Connections |
|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | 94 countries | <10% | 5 |
| NordVPN | 60+ countries | 12% | 6 |
| Surfshark | 100 countries | 15% | Unlimited |
Best VPN This Month
ExpressVPN tops our list for Crunchyroll with its lightning-fast Japan servers and reliable unblocking. Try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
How to Set Up a VPN for Crunchyroll
Follow these steps to start streaming region-locked anime:
- Sign up for a VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)
- Download and install the app on your device (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, or router)
- Connect to a server in your target country (e.g., Japan for the widest selection)
- Clear your browser cache or restart the Crunchyroll app
- Log in and enjoy unrestricted access!
Troubleshooting Tips
- If Crunchyroll detects your VPN, switch servers or enable obfuscation (available in NordVPN)
- Use a wired connection or 5GHz Wi-Fi to minimize buffering
- Disable IPv6 in your network settings to prevent leaks
Crunchyroll VPN FAQs
Will a VPN slow down my streaming?
Premium VPNs like Surfshark reduce speed loss to under 15%, which won’t impact HD streaming. Avoid free VPNs—they often throttle speeds to unusable levels.
Can I use a free VPN for Crunchyroll?
We strongly advise against it. Free VPNs:
- Rarely work with Crunchyroll’s VPN detection
- May sell your browsing data
- Have limited server options (often overcrowded)
Beyond Crunchyroll: Other Anime Platforms
A VPN also unlocks:
- Funimation (now merged with Crunchyroll but still has exclusive dubs)
- Netflix (region-specific anime like Devilman Crybaby)
- HIDIVE (niche titles like Made in Abyss)
For more streaming tips, check our streaming VPN guide.
Ready to dive into Crunchyroll’s full library? ExpressVPN offers the most consistent access with 24/7 support. Start watching region-free anime in under 5 minutes—your next binge session awaits!
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