Best VPNs for DMM in 2024 (Access DMM Outside Japan)

DMM is an online distributor in Japan, offering a variety of online services. Some of its services include video sales and rentals, per-per-view services, and more importantly, the streaming of video games. DMM’s game’s graphics is one of the best in the world, making its offerings to die for.

Unfortunately, the majority of the content on DMM is only accessible to Japanese citizens. When you log in with a non-Japanese IP address, you will only obtain limited access to content on the platform. This can be disappointing, especially for anime and game lovers outside Japan.

There is a legal and reliable way of getting around this obstacle. This is through the use of a VPN. A VPN masks your regular IP address and gives you one that tricks the platform into thinking you are in Japan.

This review deals with some of these VPNs.

Top Recommended VPNs for DMM

With the multiplicity of VPNs in the market, it may be difficult selecting the best. Below, you will find the best VPNs that can reliably get you access to DMM.

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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ExpressVPN is one of the best providers in the VPN market. It performs excellently on all fronts, allowing you premium service all round. You can trust that the VPN can definitely grant you access to DMM regardless of your location.

This provider has more than 3000 servers in 94 countries. Of this number, 4 are located in Japan. One thing you can count on is the fact that these servers are extremely fast and quite reliable. You will not experience any speed lags while you make use of any server.

You can also unblock other censored content using this VPN. It is your surest bet to beating the location-based algorithms on Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and a host of other platforms. If you reside in locations where social media sites are blocked, you can also rely on this VPN to grant you access. ExpressVPN is so remarkable that it even gets around China’s firewall. It is one of the few providers that can guarantee that.

This provider also shines when it comes to security. It makes use of the standard AES military-grade encryption. In addition, every ExpressVPN app has a kill switch and allows for split tunneling. Your network will be completely impenetrable when you make use of this VPN.

ExpressVPN does not offer a free trial. However, it gives you a 30-day money-back guarantee. This guarantee is risk-free. Within this window, you can make use of the VPN and request a refund if unsatisfied. The process is hitch-free, and you need not even provide a reason for requesting a refund.

Cheapest Option

NordVPN

Overall score: 9.6

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

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If any provider comes close to matching ExpressVPN, it is NordVPN. This provider is reliable, fast, and secure. NordVPN will meet your every VPN-need. Thus, if you are looking to access DMM, we strongly recommend NordVPN.

NordVPN has more than 5000 servers in 59 countries. Once you download and install the app, you can connect to any of its servers in Japan.

You can count on NordVPN when it comes to security. The provider makes use of the AES 256-bit encryption. It also has a kill switch that steps in if the VPN momentarily fails. It is also compatible for use on the Tor network. Other security features include dedicated servers, double encryption servers as well as the CyberSec feature that blocks ads and any malicious malware.

The VPN is based in Panama, outside of the jurisdiction of the 14 eyes network. Panama also has friendly data laws. This means that the provider cannot be forced to give up your data. In the unlikely instance that that were to happen, NordVPN has you covered. The provider does not retain any logs of users’ activities.

This provider has native apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux devices. In the same vein, mobile devices also have compatible native apps. You also get encrypted extensions for Chrome and Firefox browsers.

NordVPN’s prices are fair. You may not get a free trial period, but its 30-day money-back period surely suffices. You will be able to enjoy the provider’s full range of features. More so, if you need a refund, you will be able to get that easily.

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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30-Day Money-Back Guarantee!

Surfshark is relatively new in the VPN market. However, it has quickly become a favorite for users because of its impressive range of features. Sure enough, this VPN can get you access to DMM very easily.

Surfshark has 1700+ servers in 63 countries. Quite a number of these servers are located in Japan. When you connect to any of these servers, you can expect great speed and reliable connections. This provider does not have bandwidth limits. Thus, you will not be cut off in the middle of a game because your bandwidth got exhausted.

The security features this provider has are quite impressive. At the head of the pack is the AES 256-bit encryption it makes use of. This is basically impenetrable and is even used by the United States military. Surfshark’s whitelister feature works the same way split tunneling does. You can choose what apps run on the VPN network and those that don’t. It also has a kill switch that takes you off the internet if the VPN ever falters. This preserves your anonymity.

Surfshark has native apps for most device types. You can download apps for iOS, Android, Linux, and Windows devices from any app store. These apps are easy to download, install, and navigate. With just a few clicks, you can get the apps up and running.

One other remarkable thing about Surfshark is that it allows unlimited devices’ connections. You can connect as many devices as possible, using just one account. The quality of service on all of these connections will not waver.

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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Also known as HidemyAss VPN, HMA is one provider you can expect to get around DMM’s block fairly easily. This provider has servers in a little over 190 countries, including Japan and other surrounding countries. Connecting to any of the servers will give you unfettered access to DMM’s offerings.

Apart from unblocking DMM for non-Japanese residents, HMA is also excellent on other fronts. The provider has some specialty servers specifically for accessing geo-blocked platforms. With this VPN, you can access even Netflix’s rather tough encryptions. Other platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu present no challenge to the VPN, too.

HMA is also very safe. It protects users’ data with the AES 256-bit military-grade encryption. This is the same level of encryption used by the United States military. This goes to show you how secure the VPN is. In addition, the VPN supports several protocols, including OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and PPTP. Popular security features such as a kill switch and enabling split tunneling also work with this VPN. More so, this provider has a unique security feature known as IP shuffling. Here, your IP address gets changed randomly.

HMA is compatible with most device types. The provider has apps for both macOS, Android, iOS, and Windows devices. These apps are easy to download, install, and use. You can hook up 5 devices to the VPN at the same time.

HMA works overtime to make sure every issue you could have gets resolved quickly. Thus, you can make use of the live chat option to get responses very quickly. There is also a detailed installation guide that shows you the start-to-finish process of using the VPN. You could even make use of the community forum to get answers to any questions.

Best VPN with a Free Version

ProtonVPN

Overall score: 9.0

• 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 grants reliable access to DMM. It has more than 1000 servers in 54 countries. Quite a number of these servers are located in Japan. Any of these servers will give you a Japanese IP address. With that, you can connect to DMM unhindered.

Furthermore, ProtonVPN’s servers are fast. You will have a buffering-free streaming and download experience when you make use of the provider. The VPN allows you to access other restricted platforms apart from DMM. Thus, you can stream and download content on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, etc. This provider is equally excellent for torrenting. You will be safe and totally protected when torrenting files.

ProtonVPN has a slew of security features that ensure you stay safe throughout the entire ride. Your IP address will remain encrypted with the AES 256-bit encryption until you turn off the VPN. Furthermore, the VPN’s Perfect Forward Secrecy creates a distinct encryption key every time you connect. Another remarkable security feature ProtonVPN has is the Secure Core. This routes your traffic through several privacy-friendly locations to beef up security.

This provider is also good when it comes to protecting users’ privacy. It is located in Switzerland. This country is one of the friendliest in terms of privacy. Thus, you can expect that the provider will not be compelled to give up your data. In addition, the provider does not keep logs of users’ activities.

ProtonVPN’s plans are reasonable. It offers a free plan alongside several other categories of paid options. You can either pay monthly or annually. If you run into any challenges while downloading, installing, or installing the VPN, you can reach out to ProtonVPN to have the issue quickly fixed.

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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UltraVPN is one strong recommendation for accessing DMM. The service is relatively new in the market but is steadily growing. The provider has more than 1000 servers in over 50 locations. These locations include high-traffic areas such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan. You can connect to any of these servers to access DMM from any location.

The provider promises fast and unlimited access to users. With the VPN, you will be able to download content without any issues whatsoever. You can stream content on geo-restricted platforms, especially Netflix US. Likewise, you can also unblock other blocked sites without any issues. While streaming and downloading, you will have blazing-fast speed and an uncompromised network.

When it comes to security and privacy, this provider is also excellent. It makes use of the standard AES 256-bit encryption. It is located in the United Kingdom. The UK does not have a favorable stance towards maintaining the privacy of users. However, there have been no reported data breaches by the VPN. The provider insists that it does not retain any logs of users.

UltraVPN is compatible with macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android devices. You will even find apps for FireTV. Its plans are friendly. Furthermore, if you have any issues, you can easily have it resolved by reaching out to UltraVPN’s customer care personnel.

Offers the best money-back guarantee

CyberGhost

Overall score: 8.8

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

Visit CyberGhost

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CyberGhost has come a long way in the VPN-market. Its length in the industry has earned it a slot in the list of VPNs to watch out for. For accessing DMM, CyberGhost is one of our strong recommendations.

This provider has more than 7000 servers globally. This is one of the highest for any provider. 71 of these servers are located in Japan. Thus, you can change your IP address to look like you are in Japan. That way, you will be able to access DMM hitch-free.

For security, this provider makes use of the AES 256-bit encryption. It also supports the OpenVPN protocol, IKEv2, and WireGuard. This provider is insistent that it maintains a strict no-log policy. This means that it does not collate or retain any data related to its users.

CyberGhost is compatible with most device types. You can connect up to 7 devices to just one account. If you run into any challenges, this can be quickly resolved by the 24/7 customer support.

CyberGhost has monthly, annual, and bi-annual plans. Its 2-year plan is an absolute delight. You get to pay just $3.49 monthly. Additionally, its money-back period is 45 days, 15 days longer than the industry standard.

Features to Look for in a VPN

What features should you prioritize while looking for a VPN for a specific purpose such as accessing DMM? Find a helpful guide below.

1. Number and Quality of Servers

It hardly makes sense to go with a provider without servers in Japan. This is because when you connect to a VPN’s service, you acquire an IP address tied to the server’s location. In this case, connecting to a Japanese server is particularly relevant. Thus, you ought to verify that the provider has servers in that location.

In any case, you can rest assured that all of the VPNs discussed above have servers in Japan. However, the number and quality of these servers vary. Generally, a provider with a sizable number of Japanese servers is preferred. This is because of the range of options that it gives you.

2. Bandwidth and Speed

Great speed is almost as important as access to the platform. Lags and buffering make for an unpleasant experience, especially if you want to play DMM games online. This means that your VPN of choice should offer great speed and unlimited bandwidth.

You can determine how fast a VPN is by carrying out a test on its website. Additionally, most paid VPNs offer either high or unlimited bandwidths. As long as you go with a paid provider, you should be fine.

3. Cost

You should not have to go broke because you want to make use of a VPN. Take the time to go through the offerings from each individual provider before you make a decision.

4. Security

You want to be safe while making use of the online service. A VPN’s primary duty is to make sure that that is the case. However, the security features of each provider vary. Ideally, the provider should make use of the AES 256-bit encryption on its servers. Other helpful features such as split tunneling, a kill switch, and so on should also be available.

Will a Free VPN Work for DMM?

Most of the discussed above have only paid options. This is because paid providers give you the best experience when using a VPN. Nonetheless, some providers make their services available at no cost. Going along with a free provider might be a bad idea for several reasons. A couple of those will be discussed below.

Firstly, most free VPNs have slow speeds. Their servers are usually crowded by individuals looking to take advantage of the freebie. As already mentioned, you would have a frustrating experience if you connect to DMM with a free VPN.

Also, your security could get compromised when you make use of a free provider. Service providers in this category often keep tabs on users. They mine data and sell them, to make a profit this way. This is the reason most free VPNs bombard you with ads when you make use of them.

Finally, free providers often have bandwidth limits. You will have a cap on the amount of data you can use on the VPN. Thus, you could be in the middle of a game and get logged out.

In all, you will be better served if you make use of a paid option.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Best VPNs for DMM

How do I get a Japanese IP address for DMM?

If you want to unblock and enjoy DMM, you need a Japanese IP address. Therefore, you must choose a VPN provider with servers in Japan. After signing up for this VPN, go to its server locations. Select “Japan” and choose a server in the dropdown menu. Connecting to this server will thus grant you a Japanese IP address. Consequently, you can unblock DMM and start using any of its services. 

Can a VPN reduce your gaming speeds?

Yes, VPNs can reduce your gaming and browsing speeds. Furthermore, various factors are responsible for such slower speeds. A crucial element is how far you are from the VPN’s Japanese server. In addition, VPN encryption also reduces how fast your device interacts with DMM’s servers. Fortunately, though, an excellent VPN will ensure that you don’t experience significant speed lags. Your VPN protocol can also increase your connection speeds. For example, ExpressVPN built the Lightway protocol to maximize speed and security. So, this VPN protocol can improve your gaming speeds.

Is it legal to use a VPN with DMM?

Generally, using a VPN is legal. Exploiting the VPN specifically for DMM doesn’t affect its legality. However, the country from which you’re connecting to DMM could have policies that affect the legality of your VPN use. Notably, though, only a handful of countries restrict or regulate the use of VPNs for any reason. These include China, North Korea, Russia, etc. Therefore, if you aren’t in any of these countries, you can most likely use VPNs for DMM without any legal troubles. 

What games can I play with a DMM VPN?

DMM has a large resource of games you can play once you unblock the platform. Notably, you can access both free-to-play and paid games. Examples of free games include Petit Sangokushi (Loosely Unify the World), Three Kingdoms Takeshiden, Break Zero Dimension (Air Battle Maiden), Marionette Eden, Blackjack – World Tournament, etc. On the other hand, you’ll have to pay for DMM games like Assetto Corsa Ultimate Edition, Happiness at Home, Opus: The Day We Found Earth, etc. DMM even classifies games by genre, allowing you to play games from genres you love.

Conclusion

DMM’s offers (especially its games) are irresistible. It is unfortunate that the restrictions the platform employs shut off non-Japanese users. However, a VPN solves this problem for you. The VPNs in this review can reliably unblock DMM. You can consider other factors such as cost, number of servers, etc., before settling for any. While doing your research, this list is a great place to start.