How to watch Abema TV outside Japan in 2026

Abema TV is a Japanese streaming service that allows users to watch both live TV and on-demand video. Available content includes news, anime, original dramas, and reality shows.

While the content on Abema is vast, if you are outside of Japan, you won’t be able to watch your favorite shows on this platform. This is because it is geographically restricted outside Japan for licensing reasons.

Luckily, you can unblock Abema TV outside Japan with a VPN. By connecting to a server in Japan, you can obtain a Japanese IP address and access Abema TV from anywhere in the world.

In addition to bypassing geographical restrictions, VPNs also protect users’ information online, thanks to security and privacy features such as 256-bit encryption and no-logs policies.

Below, I have reviewed the best VPNs for Abema TV in detail. But first, let’s look at how to use a VPN to access the streaming service.

How to watch Abema TV online from anywhere with a VPN

Follow these simple steps to watch Abema TV using a VPN:

1. Subscribe to a top-tier VPN that can unblock Abema TV. I recommend using NordVPN, as it is fast, secure, and has VPN servers in Japan. Plus, it comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Download the VPN app onto the device(s) you want to watch Abema TV on. Some of the VPNs featured in this guide offer unlimited simultaneous connections.
3. Log in and connect to a Japanese server. This will give you a Japanese IP address.
4. Head to Abema TV and you should be able to access all of your favorite content without any issues.

If you do run into problems, try clearing your cache and cookies. If this doesn’t work, contact your VPN’s customer support team for assistance.

Now you know how to stream Abema abroad using a VPN, let’s start discussing the best providers for the job. If you’re in a rush, here’s a quick summary.

The best VPNs to watch Abema TV outside Japan:

1. NordVPN: My number one choice for watching Abema TV abroad. It has more than 8,800 servers in over 127 countries, including 130+ in Japan. Fast, secure, and reliably unblocks all major streaming platforms. Offers subscribers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: The best budget option for watching Abema TV. Offers servers in Japan and unlimited simultaneous connections.
3. IPVanish: A solid VPN for streaming that provides fast speeds and decent unblocking capabilities. No cap on device connections.
4. ExpressVPN: A great choice for beginners and one of the best in the business for bypassing geo-blocks. Easy access to Abema TV.
5. CyberGhost VPN: Boasts a large number of global servers, including locations in Japan. Servers are optimized for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
6. PrivateVPN: A solid, privacy-centric provider. It boasts fantastic privacy and security measures and offers a Japanese server.

While looking for the best VPNs for Abema TV, I considered numerous factors. Here are some of the main criteria:

• Servers in Japan and the neighboring countries in Asia
• Fast connection speeds
• Excellent unblocking capabilities
• Advanced security and privacy measures
• Easy to use, and reliable customer support services
• Value for money

You can find out more information about the criteria I used in the testing methodology section later in this article.

Best VPNs for Abema TV outside Japan

Having considered all of the above, here are the best VPNs for watching Abema TV online from anywhere:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is my top choice for watching Abema TV online inside or outside Japan. It offers an extensive global network of 8,800+ servers in more than 127 countries, including 130+ in Japan. You’ll also benefit from fast connection speeds and great unblocking capabilities, unblocking popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll, and, of course, Abema TV.

Privacy and security features include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, obfuscation, and DNS leak protection. These features, as well as a strict no-logs policy, protect users and ensure their data is kept secure. The VPN also uses its own proprietary NordLynx protocol, which guarantees speedy connections.

Nord’s apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux, and you can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. Customer support is available 24/7, ensuring users can get the help they need.

Pros:

• Over 130 servers in Japan
• Fast streaming speeds
• Multi-platform option
• Strong security and privacy measures
• No logs policy

Cons:

• Uses advertising IDs on mobile app to track purchases

BEST VPN FOR WATCHING ABEMA TV:NordVPN has an extensive server network, including locations in Japan. It can unblock a wide range of streaming platforms and offers many advanced security features. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is an excellent option for Abema TV users due to its great feature set and affordable pricing. It offers fast connection speeds suitable for streaming in HD and can unblock a wide variety of platforms, including Abema TV, Disney+, and Netflix. You can choose from over 4,500 servers in 100+ countries, including Japan.

This provider also takes security seriously, with measures that include a built-in ad-blocker and malware protection, 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. There is even a NoBorders feature that lets you use your VPN in more restrictive countries, such as China.

Apps are available on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux, and users have an unlimited number of device connections. 24/7 live chat support is available should you need it.

Pros:

• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Strong security and privacy features
• Fast connection speeds
• No logs are stored
• 24/7 live chat support

Cons:

• Some servers are slow

BEST BUDGET OPTION:Surfshark is fast, secure, and has over 60 servers in Japan. It can unblock Abema TV, is fast, and offers users an unlimited number of connections. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. IPVanish

IPVanish is a great streaming option thanks to its fast speeds and excellent unblocking capabilities. It has a network comprising over 3,100 servers across more than 145 locations, including around 20 servers in Tokyo. This makes watching Abema TV from abroad simple.

Security features include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, XOR obfuscation, a no-logs policy, and IPv6 and DNS leak protection. IPVanish offers users an unlimited number of simultaneous connections.

Apps are available on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. 24/7 live chat support ensures that customers get any help that they need immediately.

Pros:

• Strong server network
• Secure platform
• Works with many different streaming services
• Multi-platform support
• Unlimited simultaneous connections

Cons:

• Based in the US
• Doesn’t work well in China

UNLIMITED SIMULTANEOUS CONNECTIONS:IPVanish allows you to connect as many devices as you like at once and offers fast speeds for streaming. This makes it a great option for watching Abema TV online from anywhere. 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a great option for beginners since it is easy to use and reliably unblocks most major streaming platforms without hassle. Its network of servers consists of over 3,000 across 105+ countries, including Japan. You’ll have no issues unblocking Crunchyroll, Abema TV, Disney+, and ESPN.

Security features include 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy. ExpressVPN has a .onion website, which can only be accessed via the anonymous TOR browser, and accepts cryptocurrency. This makes it easy for users to sign up for the VPN service anonymously.

ExpressVPN has apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. It can be installed on supported routers, too. You’re entitled to 10, 12, or 14 simultaneous device connections, depending on your subscription tier (Basic, Advanced, or Pro, respectively).

Pros:

• Great unblocking ability
• Works with popular streaming services
• Strong security measures
• Accepts crypto payments

Cons:

• Slightly expensive option
• Cap on simultaneous devices

FANTASTIC UNBLOCKING CREDENTIALS:ExpressVPN is easy to use, fast, and is one of the best in the business for accessing geo-blocked services. Accepts cryptocurrency payments. Gives its subscribers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN has a very large server network that consists of over 11,500 servers in 100+ countries, including Japan. Servers are optimized for different uses – gaming, streaming, and torrenting. It can unblock streaming services with ease, such as Disney+, Abema TV, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and ESPN.

Security measures include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, automatic ad blocking and malware protection, and leak protection. It also offers a strict no-logs policy, and you can connect up to seven devices at once.

Apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux, and it can be set up manually on some routers as well. Overall, it is an easy-to-use VPN option, and 24/7 live chat support is available should anything go wrong.

Pros:

• Streaming-optimized servers in Japan
• Easy to use for beginners
• Unblocks most streaming services
• Affordable option

Cons:

• Fewer advanced options than some competitors
• Only allows seven simultaneous connections

LARGE SERVER NETWORK:CyberGhost VPN has the biggest server network on this list, with locations in Japan. Unblocks most major streaming platforms, including Abema TV, and has servers optimized for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. 45-day money-back guarantee.

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a privacy-conscious VPN provider with over 200 servers across 63+ countries. Despite its small network of servers, it offers decent connection speeds and can unblock a wide variety of services. Thanks to a Japanese server, you’ll have no issues watching Abema TV from anywhere.

It can unblock other streaming services like HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix, and has strong security features. These include uncrackable encryption, a kill switch, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. It also has obfuscation and SOCKS5 proxy, making it a good all-arounder for torrenting.

Apps are available on Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux. Some routers can have this service manually set up on them, too. It allows for 10 simultaneous device connections. One of the few VPNs that work in China.

Pros:

• Works well with a number of streaming services
• Strong security measures
• Works in China

Cons:

• Live chat isn’t available 24/7
• Smaller server network

PRIVACY-CONSCIOUS VPN:Private VPN is secure and can unblock a wide variety of streaming services. It offers decent connection speeds and multi-platform support, too. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Testing methodology: The best VPNs for watching Abema TV outside Japan

I considered a number of different factors to find the best VPNs for watching Abema TV online from anywhere. There are many different VPNs available, and not all of them are created equally. Here is my criteria:

• Servers in Japan: Having Japanese servers is essential for accessing Abema TV or any other geo-restricted content from Japan. I also only chose VPNs that had decent global server networks, should you need to connect to an IP address in a different country.
• Connection speeds: It is important to ensure that VPNs used for streaming services such as Abema TV provide fast connection speeds. This prevents lag or buffering while streaming, gaming, or torrenting online.
• Unblocking capabilities: Not all VPNs can unblock streaming platforms like Abema TV. This is because services are always on the lookout for VPNs trying to work around restrictions. However, top-tier VPNs, such as the providers reviewed above, can work around these measures.
• Security and privacy features: In addition to allowing users to bypass geographical restrictions, VPNs must also protect users in the online environment. All of these VPNs offer advanced security and privacy measures to keep you safe.
• Ease of use: There should be no barriers preventing users from successfully unblocking services like Abema TV. This ensures that even if a user isn’t technically skilled, they can use the VPN without any issues. Live chat support is a bonus for when users need assistance.
• Value for money: You should get plenty of bang for your buck with a VPN – I never recommend providers that will rip you off. All of these VPNs also offer money-back guarantees and discounted rates.

You can read more about my VPN testing process here.

How to watch Abema TV outside Japan FAQs