Best VPN for AbemaTV in 2024 (Watch Outside Japan)

AbemaTV is a Japanese online streaming platform owned by AbemaTV, Inc. It exists primarily as an online television network with multiple channels showing everything from sports to entertainment to anime.

AbemaTV, unfortunately, is only accessible to people in Japan. The geo-restriction on the platform prevents parties outside of Japan from streaming or watching content on the streaming service. Thus, if you attempt to connect and the network discovers that your IP address doesn’t originate from Japan, you will be blocked.

However, VPNs are excellent for getting around this challenge. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) masks your IP address. This makes it appear as though your location is Japan, even when you are someplace else. This way, you will be able to access content exclusive to Japanese residents.

Top Recommended VPNs for AbemaTV

It might be too much work scouring the internet to find suitable VPNs for AbemaTV. We’ve made the task easy for you.  In the list below, you will find the best VPNs for AbemaTV.

Overall Best in Our Tests

ExpressVPN

Overall score: 9.8

• Super-fast servers
• AES 256-bit encryption
• Supports private protocol, Lightway
• Money-back guarantee

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There is a general consensus that ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs available. It has existed for quite a long time in the VPN market. Throughout this period, it has built a reputation as one of the best VPNs to go for, judging by any metric.

This provider has more than 3000 servers in 160 locations and 94 countries. 4 of these servers are located in Japan. You can make use of any of these servers to access AbemaTV from any location. These servers are fast and quite reliable. You can stream and download content without experiencing any lags or buffering. Even more so, there is a smart location feature that connects you with the best server in your location. This lessens the burden of having to run a test on all the servers.

Additionally, ExpressVPN pays a lot of attention to the security of its users. It makes use of the AES 256-bit encryption on its servers. This level of encryption is used by security outfits, including the United States’ military. This shows you how almost impenetrable the VPN is. More so, this provider has a host of other awesome features such as a kill switch, DNS-leak prevention features, while allowing for split tunneling.

ExpressVPN has apps for almost all device types. These apps are easy to install or navigate. With it, you only need to download, install and connect to a Japanese server to begin streaming. In any case, you can reach out to any of its customer help personnel to have your concerns addressed.

The VPN is a little pricier than the average. However, this provider more than makes up for it by the quality of services it renders. In addition, users get a 30-day money-back guarantee period. You can request and obtain a refund as long as you make your request within this window.

Cheapest Option

NordVPN

Overall score: 9.6

• Incredibly fast servers
• Great security features
• Verified no-logs policy
• Unblocks streaming platforms

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This provider is also quite excellent. It unblocks geo-restrictions on various platforms with no issues. Hence, beating AbemaTV’s encryptions will not be a challenge.

NordVPN has more than 5000 servers in 59 countries. Within this list, you will find dedicated IP servers, P2P-enabled servers, double encrypted servers, amongst others. Some of these servers are located in Japan. Hence, you will find it easy to connect to a server for your streaming needs. In addition, the specialty servers offer you stronger protection while streaming.

Undoubtedly, addressing security concerns is one of the most important jobs of a VPN. Thus, NordVPN boasts of several unique security features. The provider makes use of the AES 256-bit encryption and equally supports protocols such as OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec. Additional security features include the CyberSec Suite feature that blocks adware and other malware. You can be assured of absolute security while accessing AbemaTV.

In addition to enabling access to AbemaTV, NordVPN beats geo-restrictions on other streaming platforms. NordVPN’s SmartPlay function specifically works to make this possible.  Hence, you will have no qualms getting around the blocks on Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and so many others. Its speed is also remarkable, making sure that there are no speed lags while you make use of AbemaTV.  This provider is equally excellent for torrenting. For users also interested in P2P file sharing, this is an added incentive to get on a subscription.

NordVPN’s subscription offers are very affordable. It offers both monthly and yearly subscription options. As expected, the longer the duration of the subscription, the cheaper it becomes. More so, the provider makes available mechanisms for users to have any concerns addressed.

Best for Connecting Multiple Devices

Surfshark

Overall score: 9.5

• Allows unlimited simultaneous connections
• Integrates Stealth mode
• Multihop feature available
• 3,000+ servers

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Surfshark is one of the more recent providers. However, this provider has garnered repute as one to watch out for. Furthermore, it allows users to connect to AbemaTV, and relatively fast, too. Thus, it is a strong consideration if you are in search of a VPN for accessing AbemaTV.

Apart from this unique area, Surfshark is also excellent on other fronts. For security, this provider makes use of the AES 256-bit standard of encryption. It further allows for split tunneling, a process through which you can simultaneously use both your regular network and the VPN network. Further, its double encryption feature routes your network through encrypted servers twice. Its kill switch automatically takes you off the internet when there is a failure. Finally, its CleanWeb feature blocks ads and any other malware.

Surfshark has over 1000 servers in 61 countries. You can count on the fact that these servers are strong, reliable and fast. Surfshark will definitely meet your streaming needs. Thus, you can unblock any country’s Netflix library, while also unblocking Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming platforms.

Surfshark’s chief attraction is that it allows unlimited simultaneous connections. This means that you can connect as many devices as possible with just one account. No other provider offers this unique benefit.

A solid veteran

HideMyAss

Overall score: 8.5

• Free service trial
• Strong security features
• 256-bit AES encryption
• $2.79/month (save 75%)

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HMA (also known as HidemyAss VPN) is another mid-tier VPN. Although its features are not all super, it strives to provide great service. With the VPN, you can unblock streaming platforms regardless of the level of encryption on those platforms. Thus, you can reliably access AbemaTV with this VPN, even if you are outside of Japan at the time of connection.

HMA has more than 1000 servers in 190+ countries. These servers are quite fast and compete even with some of the fastest VPNs in the market. You can reliably stream, download, and surf the internet without experiencing any lags or buffering of any sort. Thus, whatever content you want to access on AbemaTV will be made even easier when you make use of HMA.

The provider gets around geo-blocks on Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and so many other streaming platforms. Thus, if you want to access other streaming platforms, asides AbemaTV, you are covered.

You also get total privacy and security when you make use of HMA. For security, it makes use of standard military-grade encryptions coupled with several other remarkable features. It allows for IP shuffling. Here, you get assigned random IP addresses every few minutes, making it harder for a hacker to keep up. It has the regular kill switch that takes you off the internet any time the VPN falters. It even has a slightly modified version of the kill switch known as the “Smart Kill Switch”. This feature automatically connects you with HMA when any risk app starts running.

HMA supports torrenting on specifically designated servers. These servers are superfast, making torrenting a delight. You can connect up to 5 devices at the same time with one subscription plan. With its unlimited bandwidth, the VPN ensures that you have no cap on your surfing ability. It has apps compatible with Windows, Android, Mac and iOS devices. The provider also supports routers.

This provider is generous with its subscription offers. Its offers are cheap and very affordable. Even more so, you get 3 months of further free use of the VPN if you subscribe for the 12-month plan.

Best VPN with a Free Version

ProtonVPN

Overall score: 9.4

• Free version available
• Strong security features
• Reliable no-logs policy
• Allows Perfect Forward Secrecy

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ProtonVPN is a mid-tier provider that boasts of some amazing features. It is affiliated with ProtonMail, and thus claims to focus on security and anonymity. One important thing: you can access AbemaTV with ProtonVPN.

This provider has more than 1000 servers in 54 countries. Several of these servers are located in Japan. Thus, you will have easy access to AbemaTV, even if you are outside of the country. These servers are relatively fast. The provider offers high bandwidth limits. This means that you do not have to worry about exhausting your bandwidth while making use of the VPN.

Proton VPN claims that security is one of its strongest suits. Its Perfect Forward Secrecy feature ensures that previously encrypted data cannot be unraveled in future. ProtonVPN is located in Switzerland. This country is famous for having privacy-friendly laws. Additionally, this provider maintains a strict no-log policy. Your data will not be recorded or shared with any party.

This provider allows you to connect up to 10 devices with one account. The flexibility with this is almost unmatched. Not only will you be able to access AbemaTV, but you can also connect your other devices, making sure they all enjoy the protection of the VPN.

Furthermore, ProtonVPN is one of the few providers that make their services free. Its free version does not come with all of the features found in a paid plan. However, it will suffice, especially if you want to make use of the VPN just once.

You can find ProtonVPN apps for whatever device you are making use of. It has native apps for Android, iOS, macOS and Windows. These apps are easy to download, install and navigate. With ProtonVPN, you can only have a pleasurable experience streaming AbemaTV.

Easiest to use based on our tests

UltraVPN

Overall score: 0

• Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
• Unlimited bandwidth
• Cheap subscription plan. Starting at $6.99, save 22%

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This is also another VPN-provider that is relatively new to the scene. It does not have some of the stellar qualities that the top-tier providers have. However, its encryption is strong enough to allow access to AbemaTV, even if you are not in Japan.

This provider has 1000+ servers in multiple locations. 2 of these servers are currently stationed in Japan. Truly, the number of servers is not impressive, especially when considered against certain other providers. However, if your intention is to connect to AbemaTV, this provider serves this purpose.

The provider claims that its servers provide a rock-solid connection. You will be able to connect to a server on the VPN within a short time frame. Furthermore, there are no bandwidth caps. Hence you can surf the net to your heart’s content without any issues whatsoever.

Generally, when you make use of a VPN, your surfing speed reduces. This is because of the time it takes for the VPN to route your network through its servers before returning to you. However, UltraVPN tries to keep this as minimal as possible. Hence, you will hardly notice the difference in speed when you make use of UltraVPN.

UltraVPN protects its users while they make use of the VPN. It makes use of the AES 256-bit encryption for its servers. Its firewalls are also quite watertight.  This makes sure that no traffic escapes outside of the encryption provided by the VPN. Furthermore, this provider also protects the browsing details of users. It observes a strict zero-logging policy. This means that it does not retain any details of the activities carried out by users. This is significant because if the VPN ever gets hacked, data relating to users are perpetually preserved.

This VPN is quite easy to use. You can simply download any of its apps from any app store.

Offers the best money-back guarantee

CyberGhost

Overall score: 9.3

• 45-day money-back guarantee
• 7,000+ reliable servers
• Strict no-log policy
• Tough security features

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CyberGhost is another strong recommendation for accessing AbemaTV. It has been on the scene for quite a number of years. Hence, you can trust that the provider’s continued relevance is due to its amazing features.

This provider has more than 7000 servers in 90 countries and 112 locations. This is quite impressive on all counts. 71 of these servers are located in Japan. This gives you ample options for connecting to AbemaTV from any location in the world.

CyberGhost is fantastic when it comes to security. It makes use of the AES 256-bit standard military-grade encryption. In addition, it also supports the OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols.

CyberGhost is further good for privacy. It is located in Romania. This country is pro-privacy. It is also outside of the jurisdiction of the 14-eyes network. Thus, you should not be afraid that the government would pressure the provider to reveal your details. In addition, it maintains a strict no-log policy. This means that the details of the activities carried out using the VPN are wiped down after use. Thus, even if criminals hack the VPN, or the provider gets compromised, you get protected anyway.

This provider has apps for most device types. In addition, it allows you to connect 7 devices to one account. The same fantastic slew of features are available on all the devices you connect to the VPN. CyberGhost makes it extremely easy to make use of it. It offers a VPN guide to handle some of the recurring issues for VPNs. More so, you can reach out to its Customer Support either through a live chat or via email. These personnel are always available and offer 24/7 support.

Features to Look for in a VPN

There are quite a number of VPN-providers all over the world. They have several features, and all claim to offer stellar services. Thus, what features should you prioritize while choosing a VPN to work for you? This is especially as you want to access AbemaTV with the VPN. Here are a few considerations to bear in mind.

1. Server Number and Location

The location and number of servers are twin factors to consider when choosing a VPN-provider. This is because the larger the server network is, the easier it will be to find a server to serve your needs. In the same vein, it is only when the provider has servers in your location of choice that you can access content unique to that location.

In the instant case, AbemaTV is located in Japan. This means that only servers located in Japan can access it. All of the service providers discussed above have servers in Japan. However, the number of Japanese servers vary. Hence, you may want to pay attention to this when making a decision.

2. Security Features

The primary job of a VPN is offering security to its users. Hence, it is important to make sure that the provider you choose has great security features. The standard ones include the AES 256-bit encryption pattern. However, you may also want to consider if the provider has other security features apart from that.

3. Speed and Reliability

Slow speed will give you an unwholesome and unpleasant experience. AbemaTV is an online streaming platform, making it important to have great speed for streaming. You can test the speed of the VPN on its website before subscribing.

4. Cost

The VPN of choice should be relatively cheap and affordable. Do pay attention to the range of plans the provider has, and whether that works for you.

Frequently Asked Questions on Best VPN for AbemaTV in 2024

Can free VPN Servers work with AbemaTV?

You can only use a few VPN providers in Japan. Unfortunately, Japan isn’t a country that most free VPNs have servers in. As a result, you will not be able to watch AbemaTV when traveling.

Slow and unsuitable for streaming are the main drawbacks of most free VPNs, and since AbemaTV offers a large number of live events, you need a high-speed VPN service. Streaming content on AbemaTV might be irritating when you use a free VPN.

Also, many free VPNs have bandwidth restrictions. Imagine being disconnected from AbemaTV while viewing a live broadcast.  This can happen when there is no more data left in your daily allotment. The only option is to wait until the next day to resume streaming. 

Furthermore, free VPNs often record your online activity, which can lead to a breach of your privacy. Also, government agencies can easily seize their servers and find your connection history on storage media. So, while some free VPNs can work with AbemaTV, we recommend using a paid alternative. 

Which channels can I watch on AbemaTV?

Whether you’re an anime fanatic or simply want to stay up to date on the latest events, AbemaTV has something for you. Abemanews, AbemaGold, Everyone’s Anime, MTV Hits, Shogi, and more channels are available.

Is it legal to connect to AbemaTV with a VPN?

Yes, it is legal to connect to Abema TV with a VPN. This is because Japan does not restrict VPN usage. However, it depends on your country of residence. For example, using a VPN in China to watch AbemaTV might put you on the radar of the government or law enforcement agencies since there is a VPN ban in China. In countries that allow VPN usage, you will have no issues watching AbemaTV with a VPN. 

Is there a reason why AbemaTV is restricted to Japan?

Unfortunately, AbemaTV, Inc. has purchased rights that are only valid in Japan. As a result, no one outside of Japan can access the TV’s content.

Is my AbemaTV subscription included in my VPN subscription fees?

No. AbemaTV is a distinct service that requires a separate fee.

Conclusion

AbemaTV gives you access to content you may be unable to find anywhere else. However, it is unfortunate that you need only a Japanese IP address to access it. This effectively shuts out AbemaTV lovers outside of Japan, including Japanese citizens who are out of the country, However, with a VPN, you can bypass this challenge. This review shows you some of the VPNs to access AbemaTV.