Anime has become a global phenomenon, with millions of fans watching their favorite series across streaming platforms like Crunchyroll and Funimation. However, due to licensing agreements and geo-restrictions, many anime titles are only available in certain regions. If you are an anime lover living abroad or traveling, you may miss out on popular shows released exclusively in the US, Japan, or Europe. This is where ExpressVPN comes in. With its secure servers and an ExpressVPN discount code, you can unlock anime content worldwide while saving money on your subscription.
Why Anime Streaming Is Region-Locked
The anime industry is booming, but regional streaming rights often prevent fans from accessing the full catalog of their favorite platforms. Crunchyroll, for example, offers thousands of titles, but its library varies by country. Similarly, Funimation (now merging more with Crunchyroll) has licensing deals that change depending on your location.
This means that a show available in the US may not be viewable in Europe or Asia. A VPN like ExpressVPN allows you to bypass these restrictions by connecting to a server in the region where the anime is available.
How ExpressVPN Improves Anime Streaming
ExpressVPN is among the top VPNs for anime streaming because it provides:
Fast servers across 105+ countries, including key anime regions like the US, Japan, and Canada.
Unlimited bandwidth, so you can binge-watch anime in HD or 4K without buffering.
Lightway protocol, designed for speed and stability during long streaming sessions.
TrustedServer technology, ensuring no logs of your activity are ever stored.
Step-by-Step: How to Watch Crunchyroll or Funimation with ExpressVPN
Subscribe to ExpressVPN – Choose a plan that fits your needs and apply an ExpressVPN discount code to save.
Download and install the app – Available on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, smart TVs, and even gaming consoles.
Connect to a server in your preferred region – For example, connect to a US server for the largest Crunchyroll library or a Japanese server for early releases.
Sign in to your streaming account – Or create a new one if needed.
Start streaming anime without borders – Watch your favorite titles wherever you are.
Crunchyroll vs. Funimation: Which Is Better with ExpressVPN?
Crunchyroll: Known for its massive catalog and same-day simulcasts from Japan, Crunchyroll offers a broader range of genres. Using ExpressVPN, you can unlock exclusive titles available only in Japan or the US.
Funimation: Focuses on dubbed content, making it a great choice for English-speaking viewers. While Funimation is merging into Crunchyroll, some regions still host exclusive titles. ExpressVPN allows you to access both libraries seamlessly.
Why Free VPNs Are Not Ideal for Anime Streaming
While some users consider free VPNs, they rarely deliver the experience anime fans want:
Limited servers: Often no Japan or US servers suitable for anime.
Low bandwidth: Leads to buffering and reduced video quality.
High detection rates: Platforms like Crunchyroll and Funimation can easily block them.
Privacy concerns: Many free VPNs log and sell user data.
ExpressVPN, on the other hand, offers fast, reliable connections and a strict no-logs policy verified by independent audits.
Best Servers for Anime Streaming in 2025
Japan (Tokyo, Yokohama) – For early-access episodes and exclusive titles.
United States (Los Angeles, New York, Dallas) – For the largest Crunchyroll and Funimation libraries.
Canada (Toronto, Vancouver) – Reliable access with minimal latency.
Australia (Sydney) – Great for fans in Oceania accessing North American content.
Speed and Streaming Quality
Anime fans demand smooth playback, especially during action-packed episodes. ExpressVPN ensures:
Consistent high speeds with its Lightway protocol.
Optimized servers that automatically balance loads.
No throttling by your internet service provider when streaming high-quality content.
Multi-Device Access for Anime Fans
ExpressVPN supports up to five devices simultaneously, meaning you can:
Stream on your laptop while traveling.
Watch dubbed anime on your phone.
Share access with a family member watching on a tablet or smart TV.
Legal Aspects of Using VPNs for Anime
Using a VPN to access region-locked content is not illegal in most countries. However, it may go against the terms of service of certain platforms. In most cases, the worst that happens is you are temporarily unable to stream until you disconnect your VPN.
Save Money with an ExpressVPN Discount Code
Anime streaming platforms often require multiple subscriptions to access all the titles you want. By using an ExpressVPN discount code, you can:
Save up to 49% on yearly plans.
Get extra months free with select offers.
Test the service risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
This makes ExpressVPN not only a powerful streaming tool but also a cost-effective choice.
Final Thoughts
For anime lovers, nothing is more frustrating than missing out on the latest episodes because of geo-restrictions. ExpressVPN solves this problem by giving you secure, fast, and reliable access to anime platforms like Crunchyroll and Funimation no matter where you are in 2025.
Whether you’re into classics or the latest simulcasts, ExpressVPN ensures you stay connected to the anime world. And with an ExpressVPN discount code, you can enjoy this premium service at a lower price—perfect for long-term anime fans and casual viewers alike.
