Best VPN for Anime Streaming [2026]

While free VPNs exist, they typically have severe speed limitations, data caps (500MB-2GB/month), and limited server locations. Most free VPNs cannot reliably unblock streaming platforms like Crunchyroll or Netflix. For a smooth anime watching experience, we recommend a paid VPN with a money-back guarantee — you can effectively use it free for 30 days to test it.

NordVPN consistently works best with Crunchyroll in our testing. It reliably unblocks the US library (which has the largest catalog) and maintains fast enough speeds for buffer-free HD streaming. ExpressVPN and Surfshark are also reliable alternatives.

Using a VPN is legal in most countries. However, using a VPN to access content may violate the terms of service of some streaming platforms. While platforms rarely enforce this against individual users, it's important to be aware of the terms. VPNs are widely used for legitimate privacy and security purposes beyond just streaming.

A premium VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN typically reduces speeds by only 5-15%, which is negligible for streaming. You'll easily maintain enough bandwidth for 1080p or even 4K anime. Free VPNs, however, can reduce speeds by 50%+ and cause constant buffering.