How to watch U-Next from anywhere in 2024

U-Next is one of the largest streaming platforms in Japan. The trouble is that if you travel outside Japan, even for a short vacation, you’ll find content to be region-locked. Only Japanese IP addresses can access U-Next content due to licensing agreements. Fortunately, you can get an IP address for Japan with a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and unblock U-Next.

You can use a VPN to connect to a server in Japan (or another country such as the US or Australia). When you do so, you’re assigned an IP address for that country, allowing you to spoof your location. This is one of the reasons why many people use VPNs to bypass geographic restrictions.

In this guide, we will explain how to unblock U-Next and highlight the best services for doing so. If you’re in a rush, you can see our summary of the best VPNs for unblocking U-Next below:

1. NordVPN: Best VPN for U-Next. 130+ servers in Japan and 6,000+ worldwide. Very strong unblocking and has specialty P2P and Double VPN servers. Quality support 24/7.
2. Surfshark: Best value VPN. Very fast server speeds for streaming U-Next and over 30 Netflix libraries. Unlimited connections, MultiHop servers, and an audited no-logs policy.
3. ExpressVPN: Servers in three cities in Japan. Works with U-Next and Japanese TV channels. Good speeds, strong encryption, and excellent support around the clock.
4. CyberGhost: More servers than most VPNs. Unblocks U-Next and has servers optimized for Netflix Japan and DAZN Japan. Fast and operates a strict no-logs policy.
5. IPVanish: High-speed connections for streaming U-Next as well as Netflix. Connect all of your devices at once. Includes an ad and tracker blocker and 24/7 live chat support.
6. PrivateVPN: One of the best unblocking VPNs around. Servers in 60+ countries including Japan. Strict no-logs policy and beginner-friendly desktop and mobile apps.
7. Proton VPN: Rapidly growing server network and faster speeds than most VPNs. Easily unblocks U-Next and other popular platforms. Highly secure with a true no-logs policy.

How to unblock and watch U-Next with a VPN

Here’s how to use a VPN to unblock and stream U-Next from abroad:

1. Sign up with a reputable VPN provider that works with U-Next. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Download the VPN app compatible with your streaming device, following the onscreen instructions to install it.
3. Open the VPN app and log in to your account before connecting to a server in your preferred location. In this case, you’ll need a server in Japan.
4. Now that you have your new, temporary Japanese IP address, visit U-Next and start streaming. It should now be accessible as normal.
5. If U-Next is still blocked, clear your cookies and try it again. Failing this, connect to a different Japan server (and clear your cookies again). Your VPN’s customer support may be able to help if you’re still having trouble.

Our criteria for the best U-Next VPNs

Finding the right VPN for U-Next can be time-consuming and potentially expensive. At first glance, it’s not easy to know if a VPN will successfully unblock U-Next or have sufficient speeds to stream its content. To make things simpler, we’ve narrowed down the many options by only selecting the VPNs that offer all of the following:

• Servers in Japan for unblocking U-Next
• Fast speeds so you can stream lag-free
• Strong encryption to secure your data
• Absolutely no identifying logging of users
• Live chat and email support 24/7 hours a day
• Money-back guarantee of 30 days or more

Best VPNs to unblock and watch U-Next

Here’s our list of the best VPNs to unblock and watch U-Next:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024 Works with U-NextTested Nov 2024

NordVPN has plenty of servers in Japan (130+), making it that much easier to unblock and watch U-Next from anywhere. You’ll have access to over 6,000 servers in 111 countries, so it’s a great choice for bypassing geo-blocking when traveling abroad. NordVPN provides consistent connections thanks to its NordLynx protocol and unlimited bandwidth. As such, you should be able to stream content without having to put up with lag or buffering.

This is a VPN that provides specialty servers for P2P file-sharing, as well as for browsing with an extra layer of protection (Double VPN and Onion Over VPN). You’ll be able to use NordVPN to connect up to 10 devices at once and will also have access to live chat and email support, 24/7. NordVPN is known for its robust security offering which includes high-end encryption, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and even extras such as an ad blocker and password manager.

You’ll find NordVPN apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and tvOS. Alternatively, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser extensions are available. Another option is to manually configure a connection with a compatible router for unlimited connections.

BEST VPN FOR U-NEXT:NordVPN stands out for having 130+ servers in Japan for use with U-Next. It also works very well with the likes of Netflix and Prime Video. Consistent speeds for streaming and allows 10 simultaneous connections. Strong security with plenty of extras. Try it risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Works with U-NextTested Nov 2024

Surfshark is one of the best VPNs for streaming. It recently topped our speed tests, averaging a hugely impressive 595 Mbps. Needless to say, you won’t have any trouble streaming U-Next or indeed live Japanese TV channels such as Nippon TV and TV Asahi. Surfshark has more than 3,000 servers (60+ in Tokyo, Japan) in 100 countries and works with more than 30 different Netflix libraries. There’s no limit as to the number of devices you can connect simultaneously.

When you connect to a Surfshark server, you’re able to browse and stream more securely thanks to its high level of encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and kill switch. This provider doesn’t log any identifying data and its no-logs policy has been independently audited. You have the option of securing your data with an extra layer of encryption by connecting to a Surfshark MultiHop server. An antivirus is included with the Surfshark One subscription tier.

To access Surfshark, download and install a VPN app for one of the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, or Apple TV. If you prefer, you can use a Chrome, Edge, or Firefox extension. With manual setup, Surfshark can be used with select routers.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark provides extremely fast speeds, powerful unblocking of U-Next and Netflix, and unlimited connections, all at an affordable price. It has an impressive level of security with encryption and MultiHop servers. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Works with U-NextTested Nov 2024

ExpressVPN is about as reliable a VPN as you can get, be it in terms of connection speed or unblocking streaming services. This provider has a network of more than 3,000 servers in 105 countries. Its Japan servers are located in three different cities: Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama. As such, it’s ideal for accessing U-Next from overseas, as well as connecting to a fast local server when home. There’s absolutely no bandwidth throttling so streaming is free from lag.

An ExpressVPN subscription includes plenty of security features. All data is routed through a secure, 256-bit AES encrypted tunnel. ExpressVPN also protects you from DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. You’ll find a kill switch, as well as newer features including an ad and tracker blocker and password manager. This is a no-logs service which has now introduced biannual transparency reports. Need help? ExpressVPN’s live chat and email support is available 24/7.

ExpressVPN has desktop (Windows, Mac, and Linux) and mobile (Android and iOS) apps as well as apps for both Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV. You can also download browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, as well as custom firmware for routers.

HIGHLY RELIABLE:ExpressVPN won’t let you down when it comes to streaming U-Next or indeed the likes of Netflix and Crunchyroll. Its Japan servers are spread across three different cities. This no-logs VPN provides excellent 24/7 support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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4. CyberGhost

Works with U-NextTested Nov 2024

CyberGhost has long had one of the larger server networks, far exceeding 10,000 servers in 100 countries. There’s no shortage of servers in Tokyo, Japan so you can use it to stream U-Next while outside Japan. It also works with Japanese TV channels including NHK, Hulu Japan, and TV Tokyo. With an average download speed of 295 Mbps in our speed tests, CyberGhost is highly capable for streaming. Indeed, it has streaming-optimized servers, including for Netflix Japan.

It’s possible to secure up to seven devices at once with CyberGhost and you’ll also have access to the VPN’s 24/7 live chat and email support. CG had its no-logs policy independently audited by Deloitte. It also publishes quarterly transparency reports detailing how many legal requests it receives from authorities. Of course, all of your data is secured with 256-bit encryption. It protects you from DNS leaks and has a kill switch.

Connect to CyberGhost’s servers in Japan via its apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. You can choose to secure just your browser traffic with Chrome and Firefox extensions. CyberGhost provides manual setup instructions for use with routers.

VAST SERVER NETWORK:CyberGhost has more than 10,000 servers in 100 countries. Works with U-Next, Netflix Japan, and Amazon Prime Video Japan. High-speed servers and up to 7 simultaneous connections. Strict no-logs policy. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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5. IPVanish

Works with U-NextTested Nov 2024

IPVanish uses the very lightweight WireGuard protocol and this is evident in its server speeds which allow you to stream U-Next with ease. It’s continually adding to its server network which now stands at 2,400+ servers in dozens of countries worldwide including in Tokyo, Japan. We’ve found it also works well with the likes of Netflix US and Japanese TV. You can use IPVanish on as many devices as you like at the same time so it’s great for sharing with family.

The IPVanish apps are ideal if you’re looking for a fast server for streaming because they let you see each server’s ping and load. Whichever server you connect to, your connection will be secured with 256-bit encryption and you’ll be protected from DNS leaks. Both the desktop and mobile apps of IPVanish include a kill switch. This zero-logs provider has also introduced an ad tracker and malicious website blocker.

You can connect to IPVanish’s Japan servers via its apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. IPVanish provides manual setup instructions for configuring the VPN with Linux as well as select routers.

NO CONNECTION LIMIT:IPVanish is a great option for streaming with its fast speeds and reliable unblocking. There’s no limit to the number of devices you can use the VPN on either. Zero-logs policy, 24/7 support, and an ad and tracker blocker. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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6. PrivateVPN

Works with U-NextTested Nov 2024

PrivateVPN rarely fails to unblock a streaming platform and U-Next is no exception. We’ve also had success with Netflix Japan, Prime Video, Disney+, and more. Although not the fastest VPN we’ve tested, its speeds are consistent and more than capable for high definition streaming. Overall, PrivateVPN only offers just over 200 servers but these are low load and you can find them in more than 60 countries in all.

This is a highly secure service which makes use of 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. It’s also very easy to use. PrivateVPN provides quality customer support as well as free remote help and installation. Unlike many VPN providers, PrivateVPN doesn’t keep any connection logs, making it one of the better options if you’re seeking a high level of online privacy.

PrivateVPN offers apps for all of the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. If you’d like to use it with Linux or a wifi router, it’s possible to manually configure a connection.

CONSISTENT UNBLOCKER:PrivateVPN can be used to access many different streaming platforms, U-Next included. Connections are consistent and servers are located in 60+ countries. Excellent support and a true no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. Proton VPN

Works with U-NextTested Nov 2024

Proton VPN is well known for its very strong focus on privacy, and rightfully so. What many people don’t realize is that this is an increasingly viable option for streaming. It’s one of the faster VPN’s we’ve used. It also happens to work not only with U-Next, but Netflix and TV Tokyo. Proton VPN has a growing server network that is already larger than many other VPNs on the market (approximately 5,000 servers in 90+ countries, roughly 50 of which are in Japan).

The VPN is equipped with an impressive number of features, many of which can strengthen your online security. This includes its Secure Core (MultiHop) servers for two layers of encryption, and an ad blocker. Proton VPN is headquartered in Switzerland and has a strict no-logs policy. As such, you can be sure that there’s absolutely no logging of your online activities. All data is 256-bit encrypted, and the app protects you from DNS leaks.

You have the choice of using Proton VPN apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. Proton VPN also offers extensions for both Chrome and Firefox. Setup guides are provided should you wish to use this VPN with your router.

SECURE STREAMING VPN:Proton VPN has very fast servers so you can stream U-Next without interruptions. It has over 5,000 servers (50+ in Japan in two cities). No-logs service with strong encryption and extra security features. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Proton VPN review.

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How we found the best VPNs for U-Next: Our VPN testing methodology

It’s reasonable to wonder why we selected the above VPNs as the best for unblocking and watching U-Next (or indeed why we didn’t choose certain other VPN services). The fact is that there are many VPNs available, plenty of which are capable of accessing U-Next.

In order to narrow down the numerous options, we turned to our testing methodology, which looks at the following key criteria:

• Servers in Japan: If a VPN doesn’t offer servers in Japan, you won’t be able to unblock U-Next, so this was the first port of call. We know that you may wish to use servers in other countries too, be it for circumventing other content restrictions or connecting to a fast local server when traveling abroad. We only chose VPNs with global server networks.
• Speed: Bandwidth throttling is common with free VPNs while even some paid VPNs may be too slow to stream U-Next. Our speed tests help us identify the very fastest VPNs. These services usually have a few things in common, be it plenty of low load servers, a fast protocol such as WireGuard, and unlimited bandwidth.
• Bypass blocks: Many streaming services and TV channels become geo-blocked when you travel. The reality is that some VPNs are more capable at getting around these restrictions than others. The only way to find out is by testing each VPN against a variety of websites. This helped us find VPNs that were consistent in this respect.
• Security: If you choose the right VPN, you can browse and stream more securely. That’s because your data is encrypted, preventing others from seeing what you’re doing online. We seek VPNs offering the highest level of encryption. It’s also important for us to run leak tests to make sure no data is escaping the VPN connection.
• Privacy: Many VPNs claim to operate no-logs policies but not all can be trusted. Having looked over more than 140 VPN logging policies, we’ve been able to separate the VPNs that don’t keep any identifying logs of their users versus those that might compromise your privacy by storing and even potentially selling logs.
• Ease of use: It’s only through trying each VPN’s apps first hand that we can fully appreciate how user-friendly they are. It always helps if they have a quick connect button and make it quick and easy to adjust settings (such as the ability to toggle the kill switch on and off). Live chat and email support is also very important.
• Value for money: Some VPNs fail to meet the above requirements yet charge a lot more for a subscription. The best VPNs provide you with plenty of flexibility, offering affordable long term and short term subscriptions. You’ll find discount coupons in this post and all of the VPNs come with risk-free money-back guarantees too.

From server speed tests to looking for DNS leaks, our VPN testing methodology post further explains our process when it comes to analyzing VPNs.

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