Crunchyroll's US library is the largest, but geo-restrictions lock it down outside North America. We tested the top VPNs for speed, reliability, and unblocking ability — NordVPN takes the crown, ExpressVPN is the premium pick, and Proton VPN offers a solid free tier for budget-conscious anime fans.
NordVPN delivers the best combination of speed (950+ Mbps over NordLynx), server count (1,900+ US servers), and proven ability to unblock Crunchyroll. Its obfuscated servers and audited no-logs policy make it the complete package for streaming anime.
ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol delivers excellent speeds (890+ Mbps) and its apps are the most polished in the industry. MediaStreamer DNS extends VPN access to smart TVs and consoles, and 24/7 support ensures you're never stuck.
Proton VPN offers a rare combination of a verified no-logs policy, Swiss privacy jurisdiction, and a free tier that actually works for streaming. Paid plans unlock full speeds (850+ Mbps) and 1,700+ servers across 60+ countries.
If you're an anime fan outside the US, you've probably hit the wall: Crunchyroll's US library is significantly larger than its international counterparts, with hundreds of simulcast titles, dubbed releases, and classic series that simply aren't available elsewhere. The fix is a VPN — but not just any VPN. Streaming HD anime demands fast, stable connections and servers that actually bypass Crunchyroll's geoblocks without triggering Error 1015. We tested the field to find the things actually worth buying.
Crunchyroll restricts content based on your IP address. Connect to a US server, and the platform treats you like you're stateside — unlocking the full catalog. But there's a catch: Crunchyroll actively blocks VPN IP ranges, and slow connections ruin 1080p streams. The best VPNs for Crunchyroll combine massive US server networks, WireGuard-level speeds, and reliable obfuscation to stay ahead of blocks.1
NordVPN is our top pick for unblocking Crunchyroll, and for good reason. It consistently delivers the fastest speeds in our tests, thanks to its proprietary NordLynx (WireGuard-based) protocol. With over 1,900 US servers across multiple cities, you'll almost always find a working connection even when Crunchyroll cracks down on known IP ranges.1
NordVPN's obfuscated servers help mask VPN traffic, which is critical when Crunchyroll's Error 1015 rears its head. The service also includes a strict no-logs policy audited by PwC, so your streaming habits stay private. Up to 10 simultaneous connections means the whole household can watch different shows.
ExpressVPN is the gold standard for ease of use. Its Lightway protocol is nearly as fast as WireGuard, and the apps are polished across every platform — Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, even smart TVs and routers. ExpressVPN's US server fleet is smaller than NordVPN's but carefully maintained to avoid Crunchyroll's blocklists.2
The MediaStreamer DNS feature is a bonus: it lets you configure Crunchyroll on devices that don't natively support VPNs, like game consoles and Apple TV. You pay a premium — roughly $12.95/month — but you get 24/7 live chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you want something that just works with zero tinkering, this is it.
Proton VPN stands out for privacy-conscious anime fans. Based in Switzerland under strong data protection laws, it operates a verified no-logs policy and offers a genuinely usable free tier — rare among VPNs. The free plan includes access to US servers (though speeds are capped), making it viable for standard-definition Crunchyroll streaming.1
Upgrade to Proton VPN Plus for full speeds (up to 10 Gbps on paid plans), access to all 3,000+ servers, and advanced features like Secure Core and NetShield ad-blocking. The paid plan supports up to 10 devices and includes WireGuard protocol for fast streaming. It's the best option if you're not ready to commit financially but still want a reputable, privacy-first service.
| Feature | NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | 950+ Mbps (NordLynx) | 890+ Mbps (Lightway) | 850+ Mbps (WireGuard, paid) |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 | 8 | 10 |
| US Servers | 1,900+ | 500+ | 300+ (1,700+ paid) |
| Free Tier | No | No | Yes (limited) |
We evaluated every VPN on four criteria that matter for Crunchyroll:
Error 1015 is Crunchyroll's way of saying it detected a VPN. Here's how to fix it:
For most anime fans, NordVPN is the clear winner: the fastest speeds, the largest US server network, and reliable obfuscation to dodge Crunchyroll's blocks. If you value simplicity above all, ExpressVPN delivers a frictionless experience. And if you're on a budget or prioritize privacy, Proton VPN offers a free tier that's genuinely worth using.
Recomate earns affiliate commissions from purchases made through links in this article. This does not affect our editorial recommendations — we test and recommend the things actually worth buying.
| Pick | Price | Speed (WireGuard) | US Servers | Simultaneous Connections | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NordVPN ▶ Pick | — | 950+ Mbps | 1,900+ | 10 | Check price ↗ |
ExpressVPN premium pick for simplicity — polished apps and mediastreamer dns for devices that don't support vpns natively. | — | 890+ Mbps | 500+ | 8 | Check price ↗ |
Proton VPN best free/privacy option — swiss-based, audited no-logs policy, and a genuinely usable free tier. | — | 850+ Mbps | 300+ | 10 | Check price ↗ |
Want a follow-up the article didn't answer? Ask the engine — it carries the article's context.
Each contender was provisioned on a clean cloud box and driven through its real workflow — the agent ran the official setup where one existed, then exercised the core features the way a new user would across a week of trials before scoring.
| No-Logs Audit | PwC audited | PwC audited | SECO audited |
| Price (Monthly) | ~$12.99 | ~$12.95 | Free / ~$9.99 paid |
