Best VPN for Rakuten Viki in 2025

Rakuten Viki is a streaming service that hosts a wide variety of content from several East Asian countries like Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. The platform has both an ad-supported version and a paid subscription service. Despite the content, the site is actually run from US soil and, over the years, has branched out to a few additional countries (oddly enough, Korea is one of the countries where regional restrictions apply). That said, the content you can access differs from country to country.

Should you try to use the site or app and receive an error message that you’re blocked, don’t worry. This doesn’t mean that viewing your favorite K-Drama is impossible. It just means that you’ll need the help of a reliable VPN to trick Rakuten Viki into thinking that you’re somewhere else in the world.

Keep reading, and I’ll recommend five amazing VPN providers that can help you successfully watch Viki from anywhere.

In a hurry? Here are 5 best VPNs for Rakuten Viki 

Which VPN service should you use with Rakuten Viki? Here are my five most-recommended options:

Key takeaways

1. Viki is an exceptional streaming service full of quality East-Asian-produced content.
2. Unfortunately, some users may be virtually geographically blocked from using the streaming service.
3. Fortunately, a reliable VPN can help anyone anywhere in the world access this incredible streaming service.
4. To discover which VPN services are the most effective, continue reading.

What should you look for in a VPN for Rakuten Viki?

How do you know what the best VPN for Viki is? Keep the following factors in mind:

• Features. A reliable VPN should prioritize your security with robust features such as military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy.
• Speed. Look for a speedy VPN that doesn’t compromise your internet connection.
• Unblocking. Unblocking ability is a key strength of a reputable VPN. The best VPNs have massive server networks to help you avoid connecting to an overloaded server and also help you to unlock as many geo-blocked sites, apps, shows, and movies as you can, regardless of where you are in the world.
• Compatibility. You want an intuitive, user-friendly VPN app that runs smoothly on all of your streaming apps and devices.
• Pricing. Your budget matters, and thank goodness there is a variety of high-quality VPN services out there that offer a free trial period with a money-back guarantee. This ensures your satisfaction with your service before committing to it.

Why you need a VPN for Rakuten Viki

If you try to visit the Viki website from a country without access, you’ll receive an error message letting you know that you can’t access it due to your location, and you won’t be able to watch Viki.

That said, your location doesn’t have to prevent you from watching your favorite East Asian content as long as you have a reputable VPN service.

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, can be used to connect users to a remote server in a country that has access to Viki. This network tricks users’ internet service providers into thinking that they’re really in that country, effectively allowing users to bypass geo-blocks.

These tools also create secure tunnels around your internet traffic, keeping you safe from online threats!

Another cool benefit of using a VPN with Viki is that, in some cases, you can get early access to content that is released globally at different times. With early access, you’ll be the first in your region to see new content and avoid spoilers!

Who doesn’t love being able to stream safely and smoothly and, in some cases, get early access to their favorite shows and movies?

Now that you’re interested, you’ve made a decision: Which service should you use for the best Viki streaming experience? I’m glad you asked! Keep reading, and I will give you my honest, tried-and-true reviews on a number of different services.

5 best VPNs for Rakuten Viki

1. ExpressVPN

In my experience, ExpressVPN is unbeatable when it comes to performance and streaming quality, making it a great option to use with Viki.

Features: ExpressVPN has state-of-the-art security features such as AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, an ad-blocker, DNS leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy.

Speed: Express achieves reliable and lightning-fast connectivity with itsLightway tunneling protocol and unlimited bandwidth.

Unblocking: With 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, Express easily bypasses geo-blocks on many streaming platforms and websites such as Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, HBO Max, Hulu, Vudu, BBC iPlayer, and more.

Compatibility: Express can be used smoothly in conjunction with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Smart TVs, gaming consoles, routers, and more.

Pricing: Pricing begins at $6.67 per month for a one-year plan. Express also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Though pricey, ExpressVPN is worth it.

2. NordVPN

I also highly recommend NordVPN for unblocking Viki, mainly because of its large server network and high-quality streaming.

Features: NordVPN has top-quality security features, including AES-256 encryption, a Dark Web monitor, DNS leak protection, malware protection, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy.

Speed: Nord’s NordLynx protocol makes it a super-smooth and speedy choice. Plus, Nord lets you use up to 10 devices simultaneously.

Unblocking: Nord has 7,100+ servers in 118 countries and is great at unblocking websites and platforms such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu, Disney+, and many others.

Compatibility: Nord can be used with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, smart TVs like Android and Apple TV, gaming consoles, and routers.

Pricing: Nord’s 2-year plan begins at $3.39 per month and gives users a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. Surfshark

I recommend Surfshark to anyone who wants to save money but not lose out on quality.

Features: Surfshark is equipped with advanced security features such as AES-256 encryption, an ad-blocker, a cookie pop-up blocker, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy.

Speed: Surfshark is a fast VPN via WireGuard protocol, and it provides you with unlimited bandwidth.

Unblocking: Surfshark can effortlessly unblock content on sites like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+, thanks to its large server network of 3,200+ servers in 100 countries.

Compatibility: Surfshark works well with Mac, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and routers.

Pricing: Surfshark’s 2-year plan begins at just $1.99 per month! Furthermore, it offers users a 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost, another great option, makes my list for Viki mostly due to its enormous server network.

Features: CyberGhost has strong security features such as AES-256 encryption, an ad-blocker, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy.

Speed: With Wireguard protocol, CyberGhost maintains decent connection speeds for streaming.

Streaming: Cyberghost can unblock sites like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and HBO Max, which tend to operate with regional restrictions. It also gives you 7 device connections.

Compatibility: Cyberghost performs well on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, some Smart TVs, and routers.

Pricing: CyberGhost’s 2-year subscriptions begin at $2.03 per month and include a 45-day money-back guarantee.

5. Proton VPN

Proton VPN is cool because it also has a free (though more limited) version with premium security features.

Features: Whether you choose the free or premium version of Proton, you’ll be protected with AES-256-bit encryption, a built-in kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy. The premium version also gives you secure core servers and a NetShield ad-blocker.

Speed: Proton’s premium version offers high speeds. The free version is still decent but may run slower if you’re tethered to an overcrowded server.

Unblocking: Proton can unblock most streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer thanks to its premium version’s 8,600+ servers in 112 countries. The free version has a more limited network.

Compatibility: Proton works on several operating systems, including Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, Chromebook, Fire TV stick, and Android TV.

Pricing: Aside from its unlimited free version, Proton also offers a premium service starting at $4.99 per month for its 2-year plan, including a 30-day money-back guarantee.

The criteria for choosing the best Rakuten Viki VPN

There are so many VPNs out there, so how do I know which ones are best? When I test VPNs, I consider all of the following factors:

• Features. First and foremost, a VPN should be powerful and secure. I won’t even consider a VPN unless it has military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy.
• Speed. I personally get frustrated when I have to deal with buffering and loss of connection while streaming. If you’re like me, then you should look for a VPN that doesn’t impact your connection speed for the worse.
• Unblocking. In my opinion, one of the most important functions of a VPN is being able to bypass geo-blocks on different platforms around the world. A good VPN will offer you an extensive server network so that you can unlock as many sites, apps, shows, and movies as possible.
• Compatibility. It’s important to me that I find an intuitive, user-friendly VPN app that runs smoothly on both my desktop and mobile devices.
• Pricing. I care about your budget. For this reason, I recommend a number of high-quality VPNs of various prices that also include a free trial period with a money-back guarantee. This way, you can make sure you’re happy with your VPN service before committing to it.

How to stream Viki on a Smart TV

Streaming Viki on a Smart TV is very simple. All you have to do is:

1. Subscribe to a reputable VPN service. My strongest recommendation is for ExpressVPN.
2. Install the VPN app onto your Smart TV.
3. Get yourself connected to a server in a country where Viki isn’t blocked, such as the United States.
4. Install the Viki app onto your Smart TV.
5. Log into your Viki account.
6. Enjoy your favorite East Asian content from the comfort of your living room.

What devices does Rakuten Viki support?

Currently, Rakuten Viki supports:

• Chromecast
• LG TV
• Roku
• Samsung TV

• Apple devices and Apple TV
• Android devices, Chromebooks, and Android TV
• Google TV
• Amazon Fire TV

What can I watch on Rakuten Viki?

Rakuten Viki features content that is produced in Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and other places in East Asia. Here are some popular shows and movies that are available on Viki right now:

• Kill Me, Love Me. This is a series about an orphan named Mei Lin who, in order to seek revenge against the regime that killed her family, becomes an assassin.
• Train to Busan. In this film, terrified train passengers must do what they can to survive a dangerous journey in the middle of a Zombie outbreak.
• The Wailing. In this movie, when a suspicious stranger rolls into town, so does a disturbing slew of murders.
• Family By Choice. This fun romantic drama series explores the dynamic of childhood friends looking at each other differently later in life.
• The Man from Nowhere. In this thriller film, a retired secret agent is forced to become a drug mule after attempting to foil some sinister plans.

Rakuten Viki not working with a VPN: How to fix

Sometimes, you may encounter challenges accessing Viki, even with a VPN. If that happens, try the following:

• Switching servers. It’s possible that Viki has detected your connection to a blacklisted server. If this is the case, then switching your server should help you get around this block.
• Switch server locations. It’s possible that you’ve connected to a server where Viki is restricted. Make sure you tether to a server in a country where there’s no regional restriction on Viki, such as in the United States.
• Check for IP leaks. Make sure that your VPN’s leak protection is active. If not, Viki will be able to see your real IP address and block you.
• Try switching browsers. Occasionally, your internet browser can be the culprit. Switch to a different browser and try your luck again.
• Clear your cookies. Sometimes, stored information can interfere. Clear your cache and cookies, and then try accessing Viki again.
• Call your VPN’s customer support team. If none of these solutions work out, your VPN’s customer service team should know what to do.

If you’ve tried all of the above and still can’t get Viki to work for you, it’s time for drastic measures. At this point, I suggest changing your VPN provider to one of the ones I’ve recommended above.

VPNs to avoid for Viki

Not all VPN services prioritize your online security as they should. Here are two services that Viki users should avoid:

• Hola VPN. What’s the problem? Hola allows other users to access your idle bandwidth and IP address, meaning that the service isn’t private, and you are more vulnerable to security risks.
• Hoxx VPN. What’s the problem? Hoxx has outdated security features, both putting users at risk and making it harder for them to get around geo-restrictions.

Should I use a free VPN for Viki?

While it may seem like a good idea to use a free VPN to access Viki, I recommend against it. These tools are very disappointing performance-wise and highly risky security-wise.

Free VPNs tend to have limited server location options, which means slower speeds and lower quality due to overcrowded servers (with more servers, optimized streaming is possible). Furthermore, many streaming platforms, including Viki, are likely to recognize and block free VPNs due to the amount of traffic.

Not only that but using a free service can also be a personal security risk. These companies still have to generate a profit somehow, right? In many cases, they will happily sell your data to third-party entities, which puts you in greater danger of being hacked or tracked.

The best VPNs out there actually want to keep you safe. I strongly urge you to use a trusted, reputable, paid VPN service to protect yourself as well as possible. If you insist on having a free experience, you can subscribe to any of my recommended providers and then cancel the service within the allotted time to receive a full refund. This essentially gives you a free and safe service.

Rakuten Viki alternatives

If, for some reason, you don’t want to watch Rakuten Viki, here are some alternative streaming platforms that offer approximately the same content:

• Tubi
• AsianCrush
• Kocowa
• Drama Cool
• Drama Beans

Each of these platforms features content that you can also find on Viki.

FAQ

Can I use Rakuten Viki with a VPN?

Yes, you absolutely can use Rakuten Viki with a VPN.

How do I change my location on Viki?

After installing a VPN app onto your preferred device, you can sign in and change the location of your server.

Does NordVPN work with Viki?

Yes, NordVPN is highly compatible with Viki.

Does Viki work outside the US?

Yes, Viki works outside of the US in a number of countries. The options are unlimited as long as you stream with a VPN.

Conclusion

Viki is a great streaming service, offering a wide variety of compelling content and even an offline viewing option for premium subscription users. Unfortunately, some Viki fans may not be able to access the platform due to regional restrictions.

Luckily, a slick tool called a VPN exists. With a VPN, you can maintain high-quality speeds, enjoy stable internet connections, feel safe online, and even gain early access to new content that premieres at different times around the world.

With all of that in mind, I highly recommend using a VPN to access Viki – the investment is worth it!