Best VPN to Watch Abema TV (Outside Japan) in 2024

Abema TV is a Japanese streaming service that offers a diverse range of content, including live television channels, on-demand programs, and exclusive shows. The online television network has multiple channels with all kinds of content, including news, entertainment, live sports, and anime.

The streaming service has gained popularity for its innovative approach to streaming, interactive features, and the ability to watch content for free with ads or subscribe for an ad-free experience.

The Abema website is available exclusively in the country of Japan, and the site uses geo-blocks to prevent users from other countries from accessing the site to protect its content licensing agreements.

There is a way, however, to stream AbemaTV from any country. All you need is a reliable virtual private network (VPN). Keep reading to learn more about our top pics for the best VPN for Abema TV.

How to choose the best VPN to watch Abema TV

With so many VPNs on the market, choosing the best VPN for streaming Abema TV can be overwhelming. Here is a list of the most important things to look for when deciding.

• Speed. You need a fast VPN to enjoy seamless streaming on Abema TV. Slower VPNs will have less stable connections and more frequent buffering, pixelation, and dropped connections.
• Unblocking Capability. Check the VPN’s track record for unblocking popular streaming services to get a sense of how good it is at hiding your IP address and VPN usage so you can reliably access Abema TV.
• Server Network. A large and broad network of servers will provide the best access to geo-restricted shows worldwide. Make sure it has servers in Japan so you can access Abema TV.
• Devices. Confirm that the VPN you select will work with all your home devices and will let you connect several devices on one account at the same time.
• Security. Abema VPNs should have great security features, including high-level encryption, a Kill Switch, and leak protection so you are protected from cyber threats even when using public Wi-Fi.
• Customer service. Be sure the VPN you select will offer around-the-clock live-chat customer support as well as a money-back guarantee.

7 best VPNs for Abema TV

Here is a run down on the 7 best Abema TV VPNs and details on why we chose them.

1. ExpressVPN

The top pick VPN service for enjoying Abema TV from any country is the fast, secure, and dependable ExpressVPN.

Features: ExpressVPN has over 3000 servers in more than 105 countries, including servers in Japan, and it offers some awesome features like split tunneling, a tracker blocker, an ad blocker, and a password manager.

Speed: In our speed tests, ExpressVPN came out on top as one of the fastest VPNs. When connected the US, the download speed was 90 Mbps, and when connected to the UK, the download speed was 89 Mbps.

Privacy and security: ExpressVPN’s strong security features include a verified no-logs policy, military-grade encryption, Ram-only servers, protection from IP & DNS leaks, and a Kill Switch. It is based in the British Virgin Islands, which is not part of the 5/9/14 eyes alliance.

Performance: The high-speed servers allow you to enjoy streaming content without any buffering or pixelation. You can also enjoy lag-free gaming and quick torrents.

Streaming: The VPN can unblock Abema TV and other streaming platforms, including Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more. Since Express VPN offers unlimited bandwidth, there’s no ceiling on how much content you can stream.

Compatibility: ExpressVPN has intuitive apps for your mobile devices, laptops, desktops, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more! Not only that, you can connect 8 devices at the same time!

Pricing: While ExpressVPN does cost a bit more than competing VPNs, it’s still a great value, as its quality can’t be beat! The one-year plan is available for $6.67 per month plus three months free, and you can try it out risk-free for 30 days.

2. NordVPN

If you want a premium Abema VPN that is fast, secure and costs less than ExpressVPN, I recommend NordVPN.

Features: Some of the amazing features you get with NordVPN include dedicated IP addresses, a malware blocker, an ad blocker, a double VPN, an Onion Over VPN, and smart DNS. The network includes 5800+ servers in 60+ countries, including 130+ Japanese servers!

Speed: NordVPN is one of the fastest VPNs that we tested, with a download speed of 93 Mbps when connected to New York, and a download speed of 92 Mbps when connected to a UK server.

Privacy and security: The advanced features used to protect your security and privacy include a Kill Switch, RAM-only servers, DNS & IP leak protection, and a strict no-log policy. It is based in Panama, outside the 5/9/14 eyes alliance.

Performance: You can count on a smooth streaming experience when you use NordVPN. it also works well for torrenting and gaming.

Streaming: We were able to bypass geo-blocks on all of the major streaming services that we tested, including Abema TV, Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more. There’s no cap on how much you watch, thanks to the unlimited bandwidth NordVPN provides.

Compatibility: The NordVPN app is easy to set up on mobile devices, smart TVs, desktops, laptops, and more! Users can connect up to six devices at the same time on the same login and username.

Pricing: This Abema VPN is a great value, costing $3.79 per month when you sign up for 24 months, and you get 3 months for free. Subscribers also get a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. Surfshark

Not only does Surfshark offer reliable service at a great price, but you can connect an unlimited number of devices at the same time, making this VPN provider a great choice for larger households.

Features: Features included with your Surfshark subscription are ad blocking, malware protection, no borders mode, and camouflage mode. It has a large network of servers, including 3200+ servers in 100+ countries, including 62+ servers in Japan.

Speed: The download speed on a local connection was 83 Mbps, and when connecting overseas it was 82 Mbps, which is fast enough for streaming and other online activities.

Privacy and security: Security features include military-grade encryption, Ram-only servers, DNS & IP leak protection, and a Kill Switch. Privacy is guarded with a verified no-logs policy, though keep in mind it is based in The Netherlands, which is part of the 5/9/14 eyes alliance.

Performance: Overall, Surshark demonstrated good speed for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. If you do experience buffering or lag, ask the 24/7 live chat support for advice on faster servers.

Streaming: Geographical restrictions won’t get in your way of watching your favorite streaming platforms with Surfshark, including Abema, Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more. There are no limits on bandwidth limiting how much you are allowed to stream.

Compatibility: Not only can you connect unlimited devices simultaneously, but it has easy-to-use apps for just about everything, including smart TVs, mobile devices, laptops, desktops, and more!

Pricing: The Surfshark starter plan is available for $1.99/month and includes 4 free months when you sign up for 24 months. Giving it a try is risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. CyberGhost

If you want an easy-to-use, secure, low-cost, and reliable VPN for streaming AbemaTV, CyberGhost is a solid choice.

Features: CyberGhost has a huge network of servers, including 9,600+ in 100 countries! You also have a choice of specialized servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. Plus you can get dedicated IP addresses. You can also select one of the streaming-optimized servers with a Japanese IP address.

Speed: When connected to one of the New York servers the download speed was 73 Mbps, and it dropped to 59 Mbps when connected to one of the London servers.

Privacy and security: Your privacy is assured on CyberGhost, with its strict no-logs policy and headquarters in the privacy-friendly country of Romania. Security features include a Kill Switch, leak protections, military-level encryption, and Ram-only servers.

Performance: You generally get smooth streaming, gaming, and torrenting with CyberGhost, especially when using one of the optimized serves. If your connections are slow, the live chat support can direct you to one of their faster servers.

Streaming: CyberGhost can unblock Abema TV as well as other streaming platforms, including Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more. Since there are no bandwidth limits you can enjoy them all!

Compatibility: There is a user-friendly app for just about any device, including smart TVs, laptops, desktops, mobile devices, gaming consoles, and more. Subscribers are allowed up to 7 device connections at the same time.

Pricing: When you sign up for 24 months, you pay $2.03/month and get an additional 4 months for free. Plus, you’ve got a full 45 days to cancel and get your money back should you choose to.

5. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN is a smaller, low-cost VPN provider that offers good speed and dependable service.

Features: Atlas VPN subscriptions include a data breach monitor, best location detector, and SafeSwap. It has a small selection of servers, including 1000+ servers in 42 countries. You can easily use Atlas VPN to connect to a Japanese IP address.

Speed: There was not a significant drop in speed as compared to the baseline when using the Wireguard protocol on Atlas VPN, with a decrease of 10% when connected to one of the US servers and an 11% decrease when connected to one of the UK servers.

Privacy and security: While Atlas VPN is based in the US, which is part of the 5/9/14 eyes alliance, the strict no-logs policy will ensure your privacy is secured. The VPN also offers military-level encryption, a Kill Switch, and DNS & IP leak protection. It does not have Ram-only servers.

Performance: You will need to select the Wireguard protocol for the best speeds, and when you do, you’ll be able to enjoy streaming AbemaTV uninterrupted.

Streaming: You’ll have no trouble accessing Abema TV as well as geo-restricted content on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Video, HBO Max, ESPN+, Peacock, and ITV using Atlas VPN. Plus, there are no bandwidth limits!

Compatibility: Atlas VPN works well with Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV, and Firestick. You are allowed to use an unlimited number of devices simultaneously.

Pricing: The Atlas VPN 3-year plan is available for $1.70 per month and like every top VPN, you’ve got 30 days to try it out, during which you can cancel and get a full refund.

6. Private Internet Access

With Private Internet Access, you get just what the name indicates, completely private access to the Internet!

Features: Users of Private Internet Access can take advantage of split tunneling, Open Source Apps, and identity guard features. The VPN has one of the largest networks of over 30,000 servers in over 84 countries worldwide.

Speed: On speed tests, Private Internet Access performed well with a download speed of 90 Mbps when we selected one of the New York servers, and a download speed of 85 Mbps when one of the London servers was selected.

Privacy and security: If you want a VPN for security reasons, you’ll feel good choosing Private Internet Access as your provider. It has an independently audited no-log policy, Ram-only servers, a Kill Switch, leak protection, as well as an ad-blocker and malware protection. The only downside is it’s located in the US, which is part of the 5/9/14 eyes alliance.

Performance: When it comes to streaming, Private Internet Access isn’t our top pick, but it’s generally fast enough to enjoy online streaming.

Streaming: When we used the VPN to access popular streaming sites, we found that it works with Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more. Since there are no bandwidth limits, you can watch all you want!

Compatibility: The Private Internet Access app is compatible with common operating systems including Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS, Chrome, and Firefox. Other devices that run on Brave, Edge, or Opera are also compatible. You are allowed unlimited simultaneous connections.

Pricing: When you sign up for 3 years, you only pay $1.98/month and you get 4 months free plus a 30-day trial period.

7. IPVanish

IPVanish is inexpensive, fast, secure, and offers a free SOCKS5 Proxy!

Features. The 2200+ servers are well dispersed in 52 locations throughout the world. Subscribers can take advantage of bonus features like On Demand, SugarSync, and the free SOCKS5 Proxy.

Speed. The download speed on NY servers was 77 Mbps, and the download speed when connected to a London server was 64 Mbps. This means you’ll have smooth access to online activities including streaming.

Privacy and security: IPVanish has an audited strict no-logs policy to keep your private business private. It is, however, based in the US, which is part of the 5/9/14 eyes alliance. The VPN tunnel is encrypted with military-grade encryption, and it’s further protected by a Kill Switch, and DNS & IP leak protection.

Performance: IPVanish is fast enough to stream AbemaTV without any buffering or pixelation and you can enjoy smooth gaming and torrenting.

Streaming: IPVanish can unblock Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Vudu, and more. We were unsuccessful at unblocking Hulu.

Compatibility: Use IPVanish on as many devices as you want, it’s unlimited! The app is fully compatible with the Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS operating systems.

Pricing: The 24-month plan, which includes 3 months for free is available for $2.99/month and includes a trial period of 30 days.

How we picked and analyzed VPNs on the list

We had a team of experts analyze a myriad of VPNs in the following areas:

• Privacy and security. We looked for VPNs with an audited no-logs policy, high-level encryption, a Kill Switch, DNS & IP leak protection, and RAM-only servers.
• Streaming. We checked to see how well the VPN was able to bypass geo-blocks on a variety of popular streaming services.
• Speed. We narrowed our list down to VPNs with enough speed for smooth streaming, quick downloading of torrents, and lag-free gaming.
• Servers. We prioritized VPNs with a broad network of servers around the world for the best access to geo-restricted websites.
• Devices. We selected VPNs with apps that are compatible with common household devices and allow for multiple simultaneous connections.
• Customer support. Every provider on our list offers essential customer support services, including 24/7 live chat support and a minimum of a 30-day money-back guarantee.

How to watch Abema TV with a VPN (outside Japan)

You can enjoy watching Abema TV from anywhere in the world by following the simple steps listed below.

1. Choose a high-quality VPN, like ExpressVPN, and subscribe.
2. Install the VPN app on your device.
3. Open the app and connect to a Japanese server.
4. Go to Abema TV, select a show, and enjoy watching!

Can I use a free VPN to watch Abema TV?

We don’t recommend using free VPNs for several reasons, the first of which is they are rarely able to get past the strong geo-blocks used by streaming services.

That’s because the free plans don’t invest in the same geo-spoofing technology and they have so many more users, that they are quickly flagged by streaming sites as a VPN.

Free VPNs can also be a security risk. Not only do the free VPN companies rarely offer the same top-notch security features that subscription plans provide, but they also may sell your browser history to the highest bidder for profit compromising your privacy and security.

When you use a free version of a subscription plan, they typically limit the features and then encourage you to sign up for a premium plan, which may not be the best deal out there.

If you do decide to give a free version a try and find that the free version isn’t meeting your needs, check out our list of best VPNs before you upgrade to their paid plan.

Finally, free VPNs tend to offer less when it comes to bandwidth, data, and speed which leads to dropped connections, buffering, and pixelation.

VPN not working with Abema TV: Solutions

If you run into trouble unblocking Abema TV with your VPN, there are a handful of things that could be at the root of the problem.

It’s possible that your IP address is being leaked, or that your browser history is letting your true location be known or the server you are using has been recognized as a VPN server.

Here are some simple solutions to these issues that will have you watching Abema TV in no time!

• Switch to a different VPN server in your network by disconnecting from the server and selecting a new server in Japan from the dropdown menu.
• Clear the cookies and cache on your device as your true location may be stored there.
• Contact the 24/7 live chat support for assistance.
• Try a different VPN service provider. Only the best VPNs can fully conceal your true IP address so you don’t get blocked. I recommend ExpressVPN.

FAQs

Conclusion

Whether you are an anime fan, sports fanatic, news junkie, or just like a good drama, the Japanese streaming service Abema will have exactly what you’re looking for.

Don’t let geo-blocks get in the way of your enjoying all the site has to offer. Sign up for a quality VPN like ExpressVPN and start watching today!