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7 best VPNs for Crunchyroll that work in 2022 | Unblock Crunchyroll anywhere

Love to watch anime or read manga? A VPN for Crunchyroll is going to be right up your street! In this guide, we'll take a look at the best VPNs for the anime streaming platform and how they work.

 

What are the best VPNs to unblock Crunchyroll?

In a hurry? Take a look at the table below. Each VPN we've shortlisted is super-fast, has a huge fleet of servers to choose from, and unblocks Crunchyroll seamlessly – so keep scrolling if you want to learn more.

  1. ExpressVPN - The best Crunchyroll VPN. With fast speeds for streaming, proven unblocking power, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  2. TIP

    In our testing we checked that all ExpressVPN plans work for Netflix. The one year plan is the best value: three months free and a 30 day risk-free trial.

  3. NordVPN - A great value VPN service that offers users strong security features and the ability to unblock Crunchyroll… and more!
  4. Private Internet Access - The most secure Crunchyroll VPN. It excels at unblocking, and offers superb security features and OpenVPN encryption.
  5. PrivateVPN - The best user-friendly Crunchyroll VPN. With easy-to-use apps for all your devices and superb server speeds ideal for streaming.
  6. Surfshark - A cheap VPN for Crunchyroll. You can use it on an unlimited number of devices, it's fast, and has a huge selection of US servers.

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See full list & analysis

There are thousands of anime series to stream on Crunchyroll. However, the number of titles is much smaller if you live outside the US. The good news? With a VPN for Crunchyroll, you can stream the platform's entire catalog, even if you're not in the States!

This is hugely frustrating if you're an anime fan who wants to check out new episodes of your favorite series. It's even more annoying when you realise that Crunchyroll subscriptions cost the same amount in all countries – even though content catalogs are much smaller outside of the US!

Thankfully, a VPN for Crunchyroll lets you pretend to be in a different country. That means all you need to do is choose a VPN from this list, subscribe, download the software, and then connect to a server in the US. 

Before we can recommend a VPN for Crunchyroll, we first make sure that it meets certain criteria, such as:

We also confirm that the VPN is secure and compatible with all devices – Mac, Windows, Android and iOS. So, now that you know what we're looking for, let's take an in-depth look at our hand-picked Crunchyroll VPN recommendations.

TEST WINNER ExpressVPN NordVPN Private Internet Access PrivateVPN Surfshark
Website ExpressVPN NordVPN Private Internet Access PrivateVPN Surfshark
Ranking for Crunchyroll 1 2 3 4 5
Performance 10
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Total servers 3000
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Unblocks: Netflix
iPlayer
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iPlayer
Disney+
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The Best VPNs for watching Crunchyroll in 2022

Now let's take a more in-depth look at our top VPN picks for Crunchyroll! These services have each been put to the test by our expert team, pack reliable security tools, and can be trialled risk-free thanks to a handy money-back guarantee.

If you'd like to learn more about any of the services listed below, or a wider selection of VPNs, head on over to our dedicated review pages.

1. ExpressVPN
Editor's Choice | March 2024

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Crunchyroll. It offers users super-fast speeds, plenty of US servers, and a proven track record of unblocking streaming services.

  • Pricing

    • 12 months + 3 months FREE + Backblaze backup: $6.67/mth
      49% OFF
    • 6 months: $9.99/mth
    • 1 month: $12.95/mth
  • Pros

    • 30-day money-back guarantee
    • Servers in 94 countries
    • Great customer support
    • Super-fast for streaming
    • Audited zero-logs policy
  • Cons

    • Only permits up to 5 simultaneous connections
    • A tad on the expensive side, but worth it
    • No port-forwarding
  • Speeds

    • 100.00 Mbps
  • Server locations

    • 160
  • Also unblocks

    • Netflix
    • iPlayer
    • Amazon Prime
    • Hulu
  • Available for

    • Windows
    • macOS
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Linux
  • Website

ExpressVPN Demo

ExpressVPN Demo ExpressVPN Demo


ExpressVPN is the perfect companion to Crunchyroll. Super-fast speeds and unlimited downloading ensure a smooth streaming experience. And top-notch security and privacy features give you peace of mind to access geo-restricted streaming content securely. In addition to reliably unblocking Crunchyroll, ExpressVPN also easily unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Prime, BBC iPlayer, and many other popular streaming services from all over the globe.


Funnily enough, I first got interested in VPNs when I learned they could help me check out anime titles I didn't have access to in the UK. ExpressVPN was the first service I tried – and it didn't disappoint. Being able to pick a specific location in the US was especially helpful (East Coast servers were closer, and faster, than their West Coast cousins), and knowing that ExpressVPN has a fully audited no-logs policy was the cherry on top.


The ExpressVPN apps are incredibly easy to use and are fully-featured with access to obfuscated servers, a kill-switch, and DNS leak protection. This makes it ideal for streaming on sites like Putlockers or for downloading files via BitTorrent. With servers located in 104 countries worldwide, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to bypassing geographic restrictions around the world. ExpressVPN will keep you fully secure both at home as well as on public WiFi.


You can give ExpressVPN a risk-free trial run thanks to its generous 30-day money-back guarantee. It always honors that guarantee – so you have no reason not to click the button below to give this highly-popular VPN a try.

NordVPN is the best value VPN for Crunchyroll. Able to unblock popular streaming services with ease, and packed with security-enhancing features.

  • Pricing

    • 24 months + 3 months FREE: $3.69/mth
      70% OFF
    • 12 months: $4.99/mth
      59% OFF
    • 1 month: $11.99/mth
  • Pros

    • 30-day money-back guarantee
    • Great value for money
    • Full of awesome features
    • Excellent speeds
  • Cons

    • Customer support could be better
    • No Linux client
    • macOS client isn't as fully-featured
  • Speeds

    • 58.69 Mbps
  • Server locations

    • 84
  • Also unblocks

    • Netflix
    • iPlayer
    • Amazon Prime
    • Hulu
  • Available for

    • Windows
    • macOS
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Linux
  • Website

Nord Demo

Nord Demo Nord Demo


NordVPN is a provider that comes with a long list of advanced VPN features. This is pretty mind-blowing considering the low cost of the VPN. When it comes to accessing content, NordVPN has servers in 61 countries around the world - and those servers will unblock popular services such as Crunchyroll, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and many more. Plus it provides excellent speeds, which means you will not have to deal with frustrating buffering.


We fully recommend NordVPN for Crunchyroll thanks to its servers located in the USA. The volume of servers means it’s a dream to stream with, and NordVPN’s consistent speeds mean you and we won’t have to deal with pesky buffering just to watch our favourite Crunchyroll shows.


NordVPN has obfuscated servers to let you bypass proxy detection systems. And, because it has a kill switch, you can trust it for downloading from Torrent repositories. NordVPN even has a 30-day money-back guarantee which gives you plenty of time to test the service before you are fully locked in. Plus, NordVPN lets you use the VPN on up to 6 simultaneous devices, which makes it good for people with a lot of devices. Surprisingly cheap for what you get. 

Private Internet Access is the most secure VPN for Crunchyroll. It offers excellent security features that help with unblocking Crunchyroll, and is based in the US.

  • Pricing

    • 24 months + 2 months FREE: $2.19/mth
      82% OFF
    • 6 months: $7.5/mth
      38% OFF
    • 1 month: $11.95/mth
  • Pros

    • Lots of encryption options (including OpenVPN, our recommended protocol)
    • Fast connection speeds for streaming
    • Tons of server locations
  • Cons

    • US-based (but no-logs claim proven in court)
    • No obfuscation
    • Customer support could be better
  • Speeds

    • 23.93 Mbps
  • Server locations

    • 84
  • Also unblocks

    • Netflix
    • iPlayer
    • Amazon Prime
    • Hulu
  • Available for

    • Windows
    • macOS
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Linux
  • Website

PIA Demo

PIA Demo PIA Demo


Private Internet Access (PIA) is a well-established provider that's maintained a stellar reputation for years. It's a zero-logs service that isn't interested in keeping tabs on your online whereabouts despite being based in the United States – the home of the NSA – and concerned customers will be glad to learn that PIA has proven its commitment to privacy in court, on multiple occasions. There are PIA servers in 84 countries , and during my research, I found that they were quick, stable, and easy to connect to. This makes PIA a perfect pick for unblocking HD anime on Crunchyroll!


I checked under the hood and found that PIA uses OpenVPN UDP by default, which is ideal for streaming. It's also possible to switch to the WireGuard protocol (a speedier, more lightweight option), and again, I found that this configuration worked particularly well for accessing streams in HD. Next, I visited Netflix to see whether PIA could access its sought after US library, and wasn't disappointed! PIA effortlessly unblocked movies and shows from the States, and so I'd strongly recommend trying the VPN for yourself if you're an avid streamer.


PIA is a superb all-rounder, whether you're looking to unblock geo-restricted streams or reclaim your privacy from government snoops. In my personal experience, PIA was easy to use and installed in a flash. PIA used to suffer from being a bit on the sluggish side. However, those issues have now been fixed, and we found it to be good for gaming, streaming anime, and doing video calls on Skype or Zoom. A cheap VPN that is definitely worth testing using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

PrivateVPN is the best user-friendly Crunchyroll VPN. It can unblock streaming services with ease, has streamlined apps for your platforms, and budget prices!

  • Pricing

    • 36 months: $2/mth
      84% OFF
    • 3 months: $6/mth
      50% OFF
    • 1 month: $9.99/mth
      17% OFF
  • Pros

    • Servers in 63 countries
    • Can unblock Crunchyroll, Netflix, and many more services
    • Superb customer service
  • Cons

    • Small server network
    • Only six simultaneous connections
    • No public audit
  • Speeds

    • 23.64 Mbps
  • Server locations

    • 200
  • Also unblocks

    • Netflix
    • iPlayer
    • Amazon Prime
    • Hulu
  • Available for

    • Windows
    • macOS
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Linux
  • Website

PrivateVPN Demo

PrivateVPN Demo PrivateVPN Demo


PrivateVPN has servers scattered across 63 countries – and admittedly, that's far fewer than some of the other providers in this list. However, PrivateVPN is still a young firm, still growing, and has plenty of coverage across the United States, which is all you need if you want to unblock US Crunchyroll content! In addition, PrivateVPN has no trouble unblocking international Netflix catalogues and sought after streaming services thanks to seriously impressive speeds. Buffering and low-quality video shouldn't be a problem whenever you connect to a PrivateVPN server.


And getting PrivateVPN set up and ready to go couldn't be simpler! Installation only takes a few clicks, and there are sleek apps available for just about all platforms, so you can take your Crunchyroll subscription (and encryption) with you wherever you go. PrivateVPN currently allows for up to 10 simultaneous connections, and whilst this is in line with the industry standard, other providers are starting to offer far more – so I'd like to see PrivateVPN follow suit.


Tech newbies and VPN veterans should have no trouble using PrivateVPN, but if you do need help, or have any burning questions, you can reach out to the superb customer service team. This team of in-house developers is available 24/7 via live chat and email, and have never been stumped by even my most technical questions! All in all, PrivateVPN is well worth checking out, and you can do so by making good use of its 30-day money-back guarantee, or its 7-day free trial.

Surfshark is a cheap VPN for Crunchyroll. Despite its price, it doesn't compromise on service, with US servers in 27 different cities and unlimited simultaneous connections.

  • Pricing

    • 24 months + 2 months FREE: $2.3/mth
      83% OFF
    • 12 months: $3.99/mth
      70% OFF
    • 1 month: $12.95/mth
  • Pros

    • Unlimited simultaneous connections
    • Unblocks all major streaming services
    • Awesome customer support
  • Cons

    • One month price is not the cheapest
    • Decent but not amazing speeds
    • Relatively small server network
  • Speeds

    • 56.10 Mbps
  • Server locations

    • 100
  • Also unblocks

    • Netflix
    • iPlayer
    • Amazon Prime
    • Hulu
  • Free trial length

    • 7 days
  • Available for

    • Windows
    • macOS
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Linux
  • Website

Surfshark Demo

Surfshark Demo Surfshark Demo


Surfshark is based in the British Virgin Islands, which puts it safely out of reach of invasive jurisdictions such as the US and the UK. It also has a strict zero-logs policy, which means it stores no records about what its users do online when connected to the service. This makes it ideal for privacy purposes. What's more, Surfshark has robust security features such as a kill-switch and DNS leak protection. This makes it suitable for both streaming restricted content as well as for downloading from torrent sites like The Pirate Bay. 


Considering its low price point, Surfshark provides excellent speeds. This means you will be able to stream on Crunchyroll without any annoying buffering issues. We also love that this VPN has 24/7 live chat support – and let it be said that those agents are extremely friendly and knowledgeable. While you are likely here because you are interested in Crunchyroll, it is worth noting that this VPN will allow you to unblock Netflix US and BBC iPlayer (which has been ramping up its original content in the last few years!). Plus, it can unblock a lot of other services around the globe as well. Another great thing is that Surfshark allows for unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can use it on all your devices at once!


What we thought was really neat with Surfshark was its CleanWeb technology that essentially acts as an adblocker (as well as a malware blocker). When we flipped CleanWeb on and tested it with Crunchyroll, we were not bombarded with ads like I would be without it. It really worked like a charm. That, along with the military-grade encryption truly helped me secure my privacy and limit the ads I saw when streaming Crunchyroll content.


We find Surfshark to be a VPN that is both cheap and useful, and that is definitely worth giving a test run using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

CyberGhost is the best multi-device VPN for Crunchyroll. It has solid speeds and dedicated streaming servers, as well as sleek apps.

  • Pricing

    • 24 months + 3 months FREE: $2.11/mth
      83% OFF
    • 6 months: $6.99/mth
      42% OFF
    • 1 month: $11.99/mth
  • Pros

    • Peer-to-peer (P2P) torrenting allowed
    • Incredibly easy to use
    • A huge fleet of servers in key locations
  • Cons

    • No stealth servers
    • Lacking some features for iPhone users
    • Could be faster, but still plenty fast for streaming
  • Speeds

    • 9.83 Mbps
  • Server locations

    • 126
  • Also unblocks

    • Netflix
    • iPlayer
    • Amazon Prime
    • Hulu
  • Available for

    • Windows
    • macOS
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Linux
  • Website

CyberGhost Demo

CyberGhost Demo CyberGhost Demo


CyberGhost VPN is an outstanding VPN pick for anybody looking to expand their anime horizons! VPN newbies will also enjoy the service and its user-friendly apps – which make unblocking more Crunchyroll titles that much easier. Setting up the service is extremely simple, and you'll benefit from a full roster of robust VPN features, a zero-logs policy, and military-grade encryption to protect your privacy. There are thousands of servers to choose from in 100 countries , meaning you can unblock almost anything you can think of from all over the world.


Plus, CyberGhost is based in Romania, which means that it is safely out of reach from invasive jurisdictions like the USA and the UK. And considering that this VPN is cheap, it does include premium security features like a kill-switch and DNS leak protection; meaning that it is more than suitable for securing your digital privacy, whether you're at home or using public Wi-Fi. 


Admittedly, this VPN isn't the fastest service on our list, but you'll still be able to stream more Crunchyroll content – and without pesky buffering issues. CyberGhost is well worth testing out, so put that 45-day money-back guarantee to the test. What's more, the VPN can be used on up to 7 devices simultaneously, which is very generous indeed.


We’ve used faster VPNs in our time, but CyberGhost is by no means a slouch. What’s more, we found in our tests that it’s one of the best out there when it comes to unblocking hard-to-access, geo-restricted sites. We connected through a number of different locations in the US and Crunchyroll has played pretty smoothly each time. As well as this, we've not found many VPNs with optimized servers for Crunchyroll - but CyberGhost does! Within their apps, CyberGhost lists what servers are optimized for popular streaming services, all you have to do is search for the service you want to unblock in the app. This makes it super-easy to unblock streaming sites.

7. VyprVPN

VyprVPN is the best private VPN for Crunchyroll. Thanks to its Chameleon technology (stealth servers), there's not many services it can't unblock, and it’s super-quick!

  • Pricing

    • 12 months: $5/mth
      50% OFF
    • 1 month: $10/mth
  • Pros

    • 30 simultaneous connections
    • Can unblock Crunchyroll, Netflix, and more!
    • Superb OpenVPN encryption
  • Cons

    • Speeds could be better, but good enough for streaming
    • Bitcoin not accepted
    • Comparatively smaller server network
  • Speeds

    • 21.93 Mbps
  • Server locations

    • 70
  • Also unblocks

    • Netflix
    • iPlayer
    • Amazon Prime
    • Hulu
  • Available for

    • Windows
    • macOS
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Linux

VYPR Demo

VYPR Demo VYPR Demo


VyprVPN offers two levels of service. You'll want to go for the Premium package to get around Crunchyroll's regional restrictions. Not many VPNs can get around the regional restrictions on media sites these days because streaming services scan arriving connection requests for signs of VPN usage and block any that are detected. 


We find using VyprVPN to unblock Crunchyroll a piece of cake; the provider has servers in a number of locations in the US. VyprVPN shows the ping times of each VPN server within its apps making it easy to find the best server for streaming Crunchyroll outside of the US. On top of this, we love that it uses the strongest VPN encryption around, as well as the fact it owns the entirety of its network. This latter point means VyprVPN can guarantee a level of security beyond what most VPNs promise.


VyprVPN's Chameleon technology reliably defeats all of these detection systems - even the most stringent – such as those operated by the government of China. With plenty of servers located in 64 countries around the world. And with fast servers that are perfect for streaming in HD, this VPN is a great choice for unblocking Crunchyroll. Test it out thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee!

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Will a VPN work with Crunchyroll?

Not all VPN providers can unblock Crunchyroll. If you're connected to a VPN and Crunchyroll serves you with the following warning:

Sorry, due to licensing limitations, videos are unavailable in your region.

Then you'll need to pick up a subscription with a different provider (or chat to your VPN's customer support to see which server you need to use).

Unfortunately, fewer VPNs than ever work with Crunchyroll in 2022. This is because the streaming service has ramped up its efforts to block IP addresses that belong to VPNs. But don't start panicking just yet. We at ProPrivacy regularly test VPNs to make sure that all of our recommendations are compatible with Crunchyroll. Plus, they all come with money-back guarantees, so you won't be left out of pocket in the unlikely event that you can't unblock Crunchyroll from where you are.

We're confident in our recommendations because they're battle-tested and thoroughly researched, and we've pitted them against some of the toughest content blocks over the course of almost a decade. The VPNs in this guide make it part of their core mission to unblock streams, and they constantly develop new ways to evade blocks. So, stick to our hand-picked services, and you'll be able to enjoy Crunchyroll from anywhere, on any device!

Will a VPN unblock the Crunchyroll app?

All of our VPN recommendations work to unblock Crunchyroll, both via the website portal and using its Android and iOS app. The VPNs have their very own custom apps for desktop and mobile devices – and they're extremely easy to use! As a result, anyone can unblock Crunchyroll on a smartphone or tablet from home or using public Wi-Fi, and you won't even need to be a tech veteran.

All you need to do is subscribe to the VPN and download the VPN app to your device to enjoy your expanded content library on Crunchyroll.

How we pick the best VPNs for Crunchyroll - VPN testing methodology

Many VPNs have been blocked by leading streaming providers nowadays. Just as many are slow, which leads to constant buffering when you try to watch live TV or stream HD anime. We understand how easy it is to accidentally subscribe to an unsecured or sluggish VPN, which is why we test VPNs carefully.

Our experts use a carefully constructed review process to test market-leading services. This allows us to rate VPNs, and make lists of the best VPNs for a specific purpose. During our tests, we check the encryption and test for leaks to be sure the VPN is providing high levels of security and privacy.

In addition, we check the VPN server locations and speeds to be sure that the VPN can unblock the services you need and provide good enough speeds for streaming, gaming, torrenting, videoconferencing, and other data-intensive tasks. For added transparency, we have included a list of features we looked for when recommending the best VPNs for Crunchyroll:

What can you unblock with a Crunchyroll VPN?

If you're an anime fan and you're not catching streams on Crunchyroll, then you're seriously missing out. The site boasts more than 1,000 anime titles, 200 East Asian dramas, and a vast library of manga, too!

Crunchyroll caters to casual viewers and hardcore anime fans alike. You'll find all sorts of shows, including popular titles in the West, such as My Hero Academia, Death Note, and Neon Genesis Evangelion, as well as some of Japan's favorites, like Black Clover and Gintama. Crunchyroll is an American distributor, publisher, and licensing company based in San Francisco. The site got its start back in 2006 and has since accrued an audience of over 35 million worldwide.

crunchyroll vpn

What's more, Crunchyroll also provides a free service – which is rare nowadays! Free accounts are subject to a number of limitations, however, like fewer titles, the inclusion of ads, and lower-quality video streams.

Luckily, a premium paid service is available to fans who want a smooth, uninterrupted experience. More than a million people currently have a premium subscription, which removes ads, allows for HD streaming, and grants full access to the full roster of Crunchyroll titles – so long as they're available in your particular geographical region.

Extra emphasis on that last point! Although it is depressing that the amount of anime you can watch depends entirely on where you’re located, it doesn’t have to be that way – thanks to VPNs!

Crunchyroll's Geographical Restrictions

As with most video streaming services (like Netflix and Amazon Video), Crunchyroll’s content is subject to geo-restrictions. This means that the titles available on the service will vary from country to country.

A premium Crunchyroll account in your country might only have half of the anime titles that are available elsewhere, and that's just as unfair as it is frustrating.

The US has by far the most choice when it comes to Crunchyroll, which is why it's the best international Crunchyroll library to unblock with a VPN! And if you're a US citizen on vacation – or living abroad – you can also use a VPN overseas to get your full Crunchyroll library back.

So, whether you are a foreigner wanting to view never-before-seen titles on Crunchyroll, or an account holder wanting to access your home library, you can use a Crunchyroll VPN from this guide.

What's new to Crunchyroll in 2022?

New anime is being released all the time – and this is great news for fans! It also means that a single Crunchyroll subscription can keep you occupied all weekend long. Below, we've listed some of the most recent releases streaming on Crunchyroll:

How to use Crunchyroll with a VPN

Bypassing Crunchyroll's geographical restrictions with a VPN couldn't be simpler. All you need to do is:

  1. Subscribe to one of the recommended services in this guide and install the VPN software.
  2. Connect to a server in the US.
  3. Access the expanded Crunchyroll catalog.

How does it work?

When you access Crunchyroll from a VPN-protected device, the site will only detect the IP address of the VPN server you're connected to. As a result, the site will be fooled into thinking that you're located in that same country! (Oh, and we've got a great jargon-free beginner’s guide if you'd like to learn more about VPNs work.)

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Will a free VPN unblock Crunchyroll?

Unfortunately, free VPN services just aren't suitable for streaming video content on Crunchyroll. They're too slow, they come with too many monthly usage limits, and their servers are often congested.

However, using a secure free VPN to test its ability to unblock Crunchyroll can be a good idea. Just be sure to stick to one of the recommended VPNs in this guide – most of them offer VPN free trials or money-back guarantees.

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Can I use a VPN to unblock a premium Crunchyroll subscription?

Crunchyroll has now introduced new membership tiers, which means you can use your VPN to gain access to more anime than ever before. A Crunchyroll subscription will also bag you access to anime content when you're offline, which comes in handy if you're traveling. Best of all, by paying for a subscription you will remove the adverts that are present on the free version –allowing you to enjoy anime completely uninterrupted!

Premium subscriptions now come in three different tiers: FanMega Fan, and Ultimate Fan. A Fan account will remove all ads and will give you access to simulcast series on their Japanese release date. This subscription will cost you $7.99 per month.

A Mega Fan subscription ramps things up further by giving you permission to download and watch content while offline – and by permitting you to access four streams simultaneously so that you and up to three friends can watch different shows on a single account (great for students living in shared accommodation, for example). A Mega Fan account will cost you $9.99 per month, which is pretty good value if you want to share the cost with a few friends.

Finally, the Ultimate Fan account will cost you $14.99 per month and it will increase your add free viewing capacity to six concurrent streams. In addition, it will come with an annual member swag bag, member-only access to exclusive merch, and a special discount of $25 in the Crunchyroll Store every three months (when you spend $100 or more).

Need a way to pay?

If you want to pay for any of these premium subscription plans from outside of the US, we recommend using US Unlocked. It will provide you with a virtual US payment card that you can use to pay for Crunchyroll or any other US service or account!

Get US Unlocked

Beating the Crunchyroll VPN ban

Having a VPN that doesn't work with Crunchyroll is extremely frustrating. If you've ever seen the following message:

Sorry, due to licensing limitations, videos are unavailable in your region.

Then you know just what we're talking about!

Unfortunately, Crunchyroll is now blocking IP addresses that belong to VPN services. Plenty of streaming services do the same nowadays, and it ultimately means that fewer and fewer VPNs actually can actually unblock Crunchyroll.

At the time of writing, all of our recommended VPNs can reliably unblock Crunchyroll. The situation is pretty fluid, however, and it's possible that the VPNs in this guide might suffer temporary blocks from time to time. These premium services typically have servers in reserve and tricks up their sleeves to get you access again, though! Check out our Crunchyroll VPN ban page for more information about why they block VPN users and how to get around the blocks.

My VPN isn't working with Crunchyroll – what should I do?

If you encounter a VPN server that does not work with Crunchyroll, the best thing to do is to try a different server or contact your VPN provider's customer support team to find out if they have another server that works. It is becoming increasingly rare for a VPN to unblock Crunchyroll, so your best bet is to stick to our recommended providers to avoid any disappointment.

Remember, if you recently signed up for a VPN that isn't working out with Crunchyroll, there's still hope! All of the providers in our list come with generous money-back guarantees, so if you have continuing issues and no luck switching servers, you can request your money back – no quibble, no questions.

Crunchyroll VPN error codes

Below, we've listed some common error codes that you might encounter when using a VPN with Crunchyroll – and we've covered how to resolve them, too.

Crunchyroll 403 error

‘Crunchyroll forbidden 403’ is an error message usually served when a user attempts to access the platform using a VPN IP address that has been blocked. If you're using a VPN that's touted to work, you may need to swap servers in order to access Crunchyroll. You might also benefit from clearing your cookies. If you are connecting to Crunchyroll without a VPN and you get this message, clear your cookies and restart your machine.

Crunchyroll error 1015

Error 1015 is a Crunchyroll error that is caused by CloudFlare. Specifically, the error message is a result of the CDN rate-limiting users who they believe may have had their account compromised. Users suffering from this issue should be able to fix it by updating their password for the service.

Crunchyroll error 1005

Crunchyroll error 1005 is the message served to users accessing the service from a banned IP address. This error message is usually encountered by consumers who are using a non-recommended VPN. Stick to the reliable VPN services we've featured in this guide if you want to avoid this error message.

Did Sony buy Crunchyroll?

After months of speculation, Sony announced that it would acquire Crunchyroll from AT&T. The initial announcement was made in December 2020 and, finally, in August 2021, the media giant acquired the anime streaming service for $1.18 billion.

So, whilst the question of whether Sony would purchase Crunchyroll has been answered, anime fans now have new mysteries to mull over. Sony also owns Funimation, a similar streaming service, and plenty of people subscribe to both Funimation and Crunchyroll. Sony's acquisition announcement confirmed that the two services would be unified into a single subscription at some point – but nobody knows when it'll happen.

Service should remain stable for current subscribers during this transition period. However, some anime fans may have larger concerns – about whether merging two colossal business will increase the pressure on Japanese animators to modify their work for Western audiences, for example, or even potential price hikes. Sony's plans are as yet unclear, and we'll keep this page up-to-date as more news breaks.

FAQs

Check out the frequently asked questions related to Crunchyroll below. 

Conclusion 

If you have watched everything there is to see on your current Crunchyroll catalog, 2022 is a great time to branch out by getting a VPN! A VPN is a cheap way to gain access to more titles, and it is both quick and easy. Plus, once you have your VPN you can use it to access other streaming sites and to gain access to more content on services like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime!

Finding the perfect VPN for Crunchyroll can be tricky because there are so many VPNs to pick from. Choosing the wrong VPN will result in disappointment – so be sure to pick a VPN from this list.

In this guide, we have done all the hard work for you. So all that is left is for you to pick the VPN for Crunchyroll that best fits your needs! Don’t settle for a subpar streaming experience. Unblock Crunchyroll with one of our recommended VPNs and unlock access to tons of extra anime.

From $6.67/month

The best Crunchyroll VPN. With fast speeds for streaming, proven unblocking power, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

ProPrivacy TrustScore:
10 out of 10
Simultaneous connections
8
Server locations
160
Free trial
No

From $3.69/month

A great value VPN service that offers users strong security features and the ability to unblock Crunchyroll… and more!

ProPrivacy TrustScore:
9.9 out of 10
Simultaneous connections
6
Server locations
84
Free trial
No

From $2.19/month

The most secure Crunchyroll VPN. It excels at unblocking, and offers superb security features and OpenVPN encryption.

ProPrivacy TrustScore:
9.8 out of 10
Simultaneous connections
Unlimited
Server locations
84
Free trial
No

From $2.00/month

The best user-friendly Crunchyroll VPN. With easy-to-use apps for all your devices and superb server speeds ideal for streaming.

ProPrivacy TrustScore:
9.7 out of 10
Simultaneous connections
10
Server locations
200
Free trial
No

From $2.30/month

A cheap VPN for Crunchyroll. You can use it on an unlimited number of devices, it's fast, and has a huge selection of US servers.

ProPrivacy TrustScore:
9.6 out of 10
Simultaneous connections
Unlimited
Server locations
100
Free trial
Yes

Written by: Ray Walsh

Digital privacy expert with 5 years experience testing and reviewing VPNs. He's been quoted in The Express, The Times, The Washington Post, The Register, CNET & many more. 

8 Comments

Willian Aguayo
on January 7, 2021
Nord VPN does not work with crunchyroll ;)
YourName
on August 22, 2020
Tried the free mode of ProtonVPN. Netherland IP is blocked and I can't access CR at all. US IP works but it doesn't change the region to US. Even though my IP is now a US one. No idea what they did
Banarm
on July 11, 2020
Cyberghost is blocked for Crunchyroll :)
CRuser
on May 29, 2020
CR has every server that I have tried on Surfshark blocked. This has been that way since i signed up for it in March
Dave replied to CRuser
on May 20, 2021
Not true. I’ve been using Surfshark US servers and Crunchyroll for months. No issues.

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