How to Watch Niconico Outside Japan | Best VPNs for Niconico

How to Watch Niconico Outside Japan: Unblock Niconico Fast

Niconico VPN comparison

Niconico is a web-based Japanese video-sharing platform. It is owned by Dwango and is the surest site to find trending videos in  Japan. It is arguably the most visited Japanese site. Niconico is so popular that people from other parts of the world are interested in getting a share of the entertainment the Japanese platform offers. However, the site is geo-blocked and cannot be accessed outside Japan. 

The way geo-blocking works is simple. Everyone using the internet has an IP address. This IP address can be used to track your location. For a site like Niconico, it can detect your location and stop you from accessing its content since you are outside Japan. Usually, streaming sites geo-block their content because they only have the rights to air them in a particular country. The good news is: you can bypass this geo-restriction by using a VPN. 

Niconico VPN services enable users to bypass these geo-restrictions effortlessly. By using a high-quality VPN with Japanese servers, you can mask your real location and make it appear as though you are browsing from within Japan. This is crucial for overcoming Nicovideo region restrictions and accessing exclusive content available only to Japanese residents.

How to Watch Niconico With a VPN

A VPN allows you to access the internet via an encrypted server, which makes it impossible for your activity to be traced back to you. This server is usually in a different location other than your real location. VPNs also bypass geo-restrictions. In the case of a site like Niconico, you use a Japanese server to access the site from wherever you are outside Japan. The site would read that server’s address as yours and grant you access to the site.

If you want to access Niconico from outside Japan, using a VPN is the best way to bypass geo-restrictions. Follow these steps to set up your VPN and start streaming your favorite Niconico content effortlessly.

  1. Choose a Reliable Niconico VPN

    Not all VPNs can bypass Niconico’s geo-restrictions, so selecting a provider with optimized Japanese servers is crucial. Look for a VPN with fast speeds, strong security features, and a no-log policy to ensure privacy while streaming.

  2. Download and Install the VPN App

    Once you’ve chosen a VPN provider, visit its official website or app store to download the application. Ensure you install the correct version for your device, whether it’s Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, or Linux.

  3. Create and Log Into Your VPN Account

    After installation, open the VPN app and sign up for an account if you haven’t already. Most premium VPNs require a subscription, so choose a plan that suits your needs and complete the registration process.

  4. Connect to a Japanese Server

    To access Niconico, you must connect to a VPN server located in Japan. Open the VPN app, navigate to the server list, and select a Japanese server. This will mask your real location and assign you a Japanese IP address.

  5. Verify Your New IP Address

    To confirm that your VPN is working correctly, visit an IP-checking website such as WhatIsMyIP. If your location appears as Japan, your VPN is successfully rerouting your traffic.

  6. Access Niconico and Start Streaming

    With your VPN active, open your web browser or the Niconico app and navigate to the platform’s official website. You should now have full access to Niconico’s content without geo-restrictions.

  7. Troubleshoot Any Issues

    If Niconico is still restricted, try clearing your browser cache and cookies, switching to another Japanese server, or enabling obfuscated servers if your VPN provider offers them. If problems persist, contact your VPN’s support team for assistance.

Selecting the right Niconico VPN is vital to ensuring smooth access to Nicovideo. Not all VPNs can bypass Niconico’s geo-restrictions, so choosing a provider with optimized Japanese servers and obfuscation technology increases your chances of uninterrupted streaming. Additionally, using a VPN with unlimited bandwidth prevents buffering when watching videos.

Top VPNs for Watching Niconico Outside Japan

Choosing a VPN can be very dicey as there are so many brands and names out there claiming to be ultimate. However, not every VPN can access Niconico. We have taken the time to test many VPNs and have come up with the best VPNs you can use to access content on Niconico from wherever you are in the world. 

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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If there is a king among VPNs, then it’s ExpressVPN. This premium VPN offers the best of services available. It is based in the British Virgin Islands, a country with no stringent laws on data and privacy. This makes it easy for them to operate.  It has a server coverage of over 3000 servers in 105 countries. Its servers are fast and offer a reliable connection.

It’s unblocking prowess is topnotch. With it, you can unblock and watch all your favorite content on Niconico. It offers excellent speed and unlimited bandwidth, which are necessities for a great streaming experience. 

ExpressVPN also offers excellent security and privacy. It combines the AES-256 (which is the best encryption technology in the world) along with a powerful kill switch. This creates an impregnable security system that keeps your data safe from your ISP, hackers, or any other organization seeking access to your data.  For privacy, it offers a no-log policy. This means that ExpressVPN doesn’t keep a record of the data you generate when using the Internet. So they cannot even provide it if anyone was to demand. 

Another intriguing advantage of using ExpressVPN is its device support. It has dedicated apps for all major platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux. It also allows a total of 5 devices to log in simultaneously using one account. 

For plans and pricing, ExpressVPN is expensive but worth every penny spent. Its best plan is the 1-year plan, which starts at $8.32. Its monthly plan costs $12.95.” “For plans and pricing, ExpressVPN is on the pricier side but delivers excellent value. Its best plan is the 1-year plan, which starts at $6.67 per month. Its monthly plan costs $12.95. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans. 

ExpressVPN is also a good choice for watching Japanese TV overseas in general, letting you access shows such as GYAO or AbemaTV:

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Cheapest Option

NordVPN

Overall score: 9.6

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

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NordVPN is a household name in the VPN world. Its many years of excellent service has earned it a top spot in the premium cadre of VPNs. It is based in Panama, a country with stringent data laws. NordVPN offers comprehensive server coverage totaling 7000+ servers in 111 different countries worldwide. Its servers provide robust and fast connection. 

NordVPN equally offers great streaming and unblocking capabilities. Nicovideo region restrictions can be tricky, but NordVPN’s optimized Japanese servers make accessing the platform seamless. By connecting to one of its 80+ Japanese servers, users can enjoy a stable and fast connection, allowing for high-quality video streaming without annoying lags or interruptions.

NordVPN also offers excellent security and privacy. It uses AES-256 along with a potent Kill Switch creating an airtight security system. For privacy, it offers a No-Log policy, which means it keeps no record of your data. 

When it comes to device support, NordVPN offers dedicated apps for all major platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux. This makes it available to use on all various platforms with ease. It allows a total of 6 devices to log in at the same time via one account. This means you can stream Niconico on up to 6 of your preferred devices using NordVPN. 

NordVPN’s best plan is the 2-year plan, starting at $3.39 per month. Its other plans include the 1-year plan at $4.59 per month and the monthly plan at $12.99. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. NordVPN is also a good choice for watching shows such as Netflix Japan and Amazon Prime Video Japan overseas.

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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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Although it’s relatively new to the market, Surfshark has successfully earned a spot for itself on the top. It’s user friendly and great for both new and old-time VPN users. It offers a server coverage of over 1700 servers in 100 countries. Its servers are robust and reliable. 

It is also an efficient choice for unblocking content around the web. With Surfshark, you can overcome Niconico’s geo-restriction and access the content available on the platform. It also offers blazing fast speed and unlimited bandwidth, which make for a wonderful streaming session. 

Surfshark offers top-notch security and privacy to its users. It uses the renowned AES 256 encryption along with a kill switch and other security features to keep your data safe from all web snoopers. It also offers a No-Log policy, which means that it keeps no record of your data. 

Surfshark equally offers generous device support covering all the major device platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux. This means you can use Surfshark on various devices. One of the most remarkable features about Surfshark is that it places no limit on the number of devices that can log in simultaneously using one account. 

For plans and pricing, Surfshark offers one of the cheapest options. Its best plan is the 2-year plan, which starts at $2.49. Other plans are the 6-month plan, which starts at $6.49, and its monthly plan costs $12.95.” “Surfshark remains a budget-friendly choice. Its best plan is the 2-year plan at $2.29 per month. The 6-month plan costs $6.49, while the monthly plan remains at $12.95. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Surfshark is also a good choice for watching shows such as dTV and TVer overseas.

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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 Swiss-based VPN that prides itself on the strong security system it offers. They have a total of 1060 servers spread across 54 countries, 23 of them located in Japan. These servers offer a secure and robust connection. 

ProtonVPN is a great choice for streaming. It has excellent unblocking prowess, which can aid you in bypassing geo-restrictions. With ProtonVPN, you can get access to all of Niconico’s content. It also offers unlimited bandwidth at blistering speed. 

ProtonVPN equally offers top-notch security and privacy. Its base is in a former military location where its servers are guarded physically. For encryption, it uses AES-256, which is the best in the world. It also uses a Kill Switch; all of this creates an impenetrable security system. 

ProtonVPN also has great device support. It has dedicated apps for all major device platforms including, Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux. This means you can watch Niconico across all your devices using ProtonVPN. It also allows up to 10 devices to log in simultaneously using a single account. 

For plans and pricing, ProtonVPN’s best plan is the Plus plan, starting at $5.99 per month when billed for two years. A 1-year subscription costs $7.99 per month, and the monthly plan is $9.99. All its plans offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

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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 one of the oldest names in the VPN business. Its doggedness has earned it a safe spot on the top-tier of VPNs. The company is based in Romania, far away from all of the privacy drama in the 5-Eye and 14-Eye nations. It has one of the most extensive server coverages on the top-tier. Its 6000+ servers are spread across over 88 countries. Its servers offer excellent connectivity making it easy to use its services wherever you are in the world. 

CyberGhost is an excellent choice for Streaming Niconico. Using CyberGhost as your Niconico VPN ensures you can bypass Nicovideo’s region restrictions while maintaining strong privacy protections. The service’s dedicated streaming servers are optimized for unblocking geo-restricted content, allowing you to watch videos without worrying about ISP throttling or connection instability.

For security and privacy, CyberGhost offers excellent services. It uses the AES-256 along with the Kill Switch to provide maximum protection for its users. It also offers a No-Log policy, which means that it keeps no record of your data. 

CyberGhost offers great device support. It has dedicated apps for all major device platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux. It also allows a total of 7 devices to log in simultaneously using one account. 

CyberGhost’s best plan is the 2-year plan at $2.19 per month. It also offers a 6-month plan for $6.99 and a monthly plan for $12.99. All long-term plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee. 

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What Are the Qualities to Look Out for in a VPN for Niconico? 

To distinguish a good VPN for Niconico from the bunch, there are certain qualities a VPN should possess: 

1. Server Coverage

A good VPN must have great server coverage. It must also have servers in the area of your interest, Japan in this case. If you choose a VPN that doesn’t have a server in your location of interest, you would be unable to access any content you wish to. All of our recommended VPNs have servers in Japan. 

2. Security and Privacy 

This is one critical quality of a good VPN. Nobody wants to stream while their data is being mined by hackers or sold to the highest bidder. All the VPNs we recommended offer excellent security and privacy. They use the best encryption, along with the best protocols. They also use a Kill switch. These VPNs offer a No-Log policy, which means they keep no record of your data. Our recommended VPNs would provide you with the best of security and privacy. 

3. Streaming and Unblocking Prowess

A good VPN must be excellent for streaming. This means that it must offer a strong connection, blistering speed, and unlimited bandwidth. These three are necessities for a hitch-free streaming experience. Another essential consideration is unblocking prowess. A good VPN must seamlessly bypass geo-restrictions and get access to exclusive content on streaming sites like Niconico. All our recommended VPNs offer all these and are a great choice for streaming. 

4. Speed

Any quality VPN must boast of blazing fast speed. If it’s not fast, your streaming experience along with other internet activities will be quite frustrating. You will have to deal with lagging and buffering, slowing down your pace online. To avoid this, go for a VPN that promises super-fast speed when connected to their servers. 

5. Pricing

A good VPN should be affordable and worth the features that it offers. Avoid any VPN that has very expensive pricing plans with no features to show for it. The VPNs listed above are averagely priced and have great features to back up their prices. All the VPNs also come with a money-back guarantee. This means that you can request for your money back after a certain period if you feel the services don’t meet your needs. 

Can I use a VPN to watch Niconico in China?

Yes, you can use a VPN to watch Niconico in China. However, it depends on the quality of the service you’re using. China has a formidable firewall known as the “The Great Firewall of China,” blocking websites, streaming platforms, and even VPN connections.

So, suppose you want to stream videos on Niconico in China. In that case, you need a top-tier service like ExpressVPN that provides excellent unblocking abilities and can bypass tough geo-blocks like the one on Chinese cyberspace. These VPN providers also offer obfuscated servers that make VPN connections appear like regular traffic. This is essential in China, where there’s a sort of ban on VPNs.

The Chinese government doesn’t outrightly ban VPNs, but VPN providers’ websites are barred. Also, you won’t find VPN apps on Android and Apple app stores. This makes it tough to get your hands on a VPN in China, but as we said, if you find an outstanding service like ExpressVPN, you’ll be able to enjoy Niconico in China.

Does Niconico Allow VPN connections?

According to Niconico’s policy, it isn’t allowed to use a VPN to watch videos. However, this doesn’t mean that your account will be barred from the platform. Instead, when the platform’s server discovers you’re using a VPN-provided IP address, the address gets blacklisted, and the geo-restriction goes back in place. This usually occurs if you’re using a VPN with weak unblocking skills or a blacklisted IP address that many other users share.

If Niconico blocks your IP address, you can change servers to regain access. However, this isn’t always convenient, especially when you have few Japanese servers. Alternatively, you can connect to an obfuscated server to avoid being detected altogether. Not every VPN provider you come across has such servers, so ensure you confirm before connecting.

Troubleshooting Common Issues When Using a Niconico VPN

When using a VPN to access Niconico, you may encounter some common issues that can hinder your streaming experience. These problems are often related to connection issues, geo-restrictions, or incorrect configurations. Understanding how to troubleshoot these problems is essential for a smooth experience. Here are some of the most frequent issues and their solutions.

1. VPN Connection Drops or Slow Speeds

One of the most common problems faced when using a VPN with Niconico is sudden disconnections or significantly reduced speeds. This can be due to a variety of factors such as server overload, poor VPN protocol choices, or a weak internet connection. First, ensure that you’re connected to a server optimized for streaming. Many VPN providers offer specialized servers designed for high-speed streaming and less congestion. If you’re still experiencing slow speeds, try switching to a different VPN protocol, such as OpenVPN or WireGuard, as these are known for providing stable and fast connections. If the issue persists, consider switching to a server located closer to Japan to minimize latency or using a different VPN service provider with better overall performance.

2. Access Denied Due to Region Locking

Niconico, like many streaming services, may block VPN users who attempt to access content from unsupported regions. If you’re trying to access Niconico from outside Japan and encountering an error like “This content is not available in your region,” it’s likely that the VPN server you’re using is detected and blocked. To resolve this issue, try using a dedicated IP address that’s less likely to be flagged. Some VPN services offer static or dedicated IP options that are harder for streaming services to detect. Additionally, clearing your browser cookies and cache before attempting to access Niconico can help prevent any stored location data from interfering with your connection.

3. VPN DNS Leaks

DNS leaks are another common issue when using a VPN to access Niconico. A DNS leak occurs when your VPN fails to route your DNS queries through its secure servers, which can result in your real location being exposed, even if your IP address is masked. To prevent this, ensure that your VPN service has DNS leak protection enabled. Most reputable VPNs will automatically route DNS requests through their own servers, but you should double-check this setting in the VPN app. Running a quick DNS leak test before accessing Niconico can help verify that your VPN is properly protecting your location. If you find any leaks, consider switching to a VPN provider that offers better security features or manually configuring DNS settings to use secure third-party servers.

4. Incompatible Browser or App Issues

Sometimes, Niconico may not work properly when accessed through certain browsers or apps while using a VPN. If you’re using a browser like Google Chrome, for example, it could have extensions or settings that interfere with the VPN’s ability to connect to Niconico. In this case, try accessing the platform in an incognito window or clearing the browser cache and disabling any extensions that may be blocking the VPN connection. Alternatively, if you’re using the Niconico app, ensure that the app is updated to the latest version, as older versions may have bugs or compatibility issues with certain VPNs. Switching to a different browser or using Niconico’s mobile app can sometimes resolve these compatibility issues as well.

Conclusion: How to Use a Niconico VPN for Unrestricted Streaming

Watching Niconico from anywhere in the world is entirely possible with the right tools. By using a reliable Niconico VPN, you can bypass geo-restrictions and access your favorite Japanese content effortlessly. The key is to choose a VPN with strong security features, multiple Japanese servers, and excellent streaming speeds.

When selecting a VPN, prioritize providers that offer stable connections, unlimited bandwidth, and optimized servers for streaming. ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark are excellent choices that provide high-speed servers and robust security to keep your online activities private. Additionally, ensure that your VPN has obfuscated servers and DNS leak protection to prevent detection and access blocks.

If you encounter issues while using a VPN to watch Niconico, troubleshooting steps such as switching servers, clearing browser cookies, and using different VPN protocols can help resolve common problems. Persistent issues may require changing to a more effective VPN service with better unblocking capabilities.

Ultimately, no geo-restriction can stop you from enjoying Niconico when using a high-quality VPN. Whether you’re a fan of anime, live broadcasts, or trending videos, a Niconico VPN ensures you stay connected to the content you love, no matter where you are in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions on Watching Niconico Outside Japan

What is the best VPN I can use to watch Niconico outside Japan?

ExpressVPN is hands down the best VPN you can use to watch Niconico outside Japan. First of all, its ability to bypass geo-restrictions on several sites, including Niconico, is because of its extensive and sophisticated server network. Secondly, its security and privacy components protect you from unwanted intrusion by the government or malicious entities. Additionally, it is cross-platform compatible; ExpressVPN will most likely work on any device you own. Finally, its support team is always available and ready to solve any issues you might have watching Niconico outside Japan. 

Can I use a free VPN to watch Niconico outside Japan?

Yes, you can use a free VPN to watch Niconico outside Japan. However, it is important to know that we do not endorse using free VPNs. This is because of issues you are likely to encounter using a free VPN to watch Niconico outside Japan. There have been free VPNs with malicious components. In addition, most free VPNs will only allow access to some countries and cannot have the unblocking prowess premium VPNs do. Furthermore, they have limits and can sell your data to the highest bidder. 

Will a VPN reduce the quality of videos on Niconico?

In most cases, a premium VPN will not reduce the video quality of content you watch on Niconico. Usually, VPNs affect your speed because of the overhead required to ensure your data is safe. However, premium VPNs use some of the fastest protocols and do everything in their power to ensure the speed reduction is unnoticeable. In some cases, such as bandwidth throttling, using a VPN can increase your connection speed. So, as long as your connection rate before using a VPN surpasses the required rate for the quality of the video you intend to watch, you will most likely have no problems with premium VPNs.

Is it safe to watch Niconico outside Japan with a VPN?

Yes, a VPN secures your internet connection if you use it to watch Niconico outside Japan. VPNs use some of the most secure protocols available, such as OpenVPN, WireGuard, NordLynx, etc. In addition, they provide end-to-end encryption with an impenetrable 256-bit encryption cipher. Furthermore, VPNs have other security and privacy features such as zero-logging, double VPN (double encryption), Tor over VPN, etc.

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