Funimation is the home of YuYu Hakusho, Death Note, Soul Eater, One Piece, Hetalia, Attack on Titan, Fary Tale, Alchemist, Fullmetal, and Dragon Ball Z. Its anime catalog is broad, which is why it’s such a big name in online videos.
However, the platform is not available for users in every country. To enjoy it, you must be in Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, or the United States. If you are elsewhere and want to see Funimation’s content, you need a VPN.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to use a different digital passport to grant you access to Funimation.
Why do I need a VPN for Funimation if I’m not in the US?
So now you know the essential procedure that will make Funimation available to you wherever you are.
Funimation has geo-location restrictions, so it’s no longer available for users outside a handful of countries. But a VPN solves this problem for you, and you can watch Funimation Australia, Ireland, or the US, depending on the server location you pick within your VPN.
If you live in one of those countries in which Funimation is “banned,” you must be wondering why. It’s because this is a legal website! Legal video streaming platforms can’t offer their content indiscriminately worldwide. They must negotiate distribution rights with copyright holders and pay a fee for every new jurisdiction they include in the distribution rights.
But you don’t need to worry about geo-restrictions. The VPN replaces your actual IP address with one from its network. You’ll get a US IP number if you pick a US-based server. Then, the sites you visit will think you hail from the US when they examine your IP address. They will give you all the perks they keep exclusively for that country’s users.
And there’s an additional advantage to using a VPN: It encrypts all your incoming and outgoing traffic. This improves your security, privacy, and anonymity online. No third party can figure out what you’re doing; they just see a stream of seemingly random noise coming in and out of your devices. The government can’t keep an eye on you or censor you. Your ISP can’t throttle your account. Hackers in public WiFi hotspots can’t exploit your signal or accounts.
Additionally, you’ll see the US catalog on Netflix, which includes all the Harry Potter titles or all the live matches in Eurosports. So, there’s no downside to a VPN if you choose the right one! And which is the right one, I hear you ask. See the next section!
The best VPN to watch Funimation away from the US
After thoroughly testing many good VPNs, we’ve compiled a shortlist of three. The three VPNs we list in this section will unblock Funimation for you anytime and from every country!
1. NordVPN
The largest VPN server network at your service to watch Funimation. It boasts nearly two thousand servers from within the United States.
Pros
- Fast speeds
- Supports P2P sharing
- Clossal server coverage
Cons
- Desktop app can be tricky to use for some users
NordVPN features the largest VPN server network on the Internet for any task you could have in mind, let alone unlocking Funimation. In the US alone, NordVPN has almost 2,000 servers, so you will have plenty of choices to watch Funimation. The number of available servers alone makes NordVPN a great choice! Furthermore, it implies that the servers in this network are not overworked to give you plenty of resources (in available solid connections and bandwidth) to support the HD video stream you want to see your anime.
And things just get better with NordVPN. It has a dedicated streaming dashboard, which is very easy to use and will remove most of the friction you could find in your Funimation experience.
Using a VPN is taxing your internet speeds. This is because the encryption process takes time, and so does the traffic re-routing. However, this provider is so good that about 78% of our baseline speed during the tests remained useful. Hence, our video viewing experience was smooth, with no buffering periods or problems.
You can have NordVPN for as little as 3.99 USD monthly, 51% off the standard monthly fee if you choose the 24-month plan. That saves you a lot of money, and, let’s face it, once you find out all the cool things you can do with the Internet’s best VPN, you’ll want it for life, not just the next couple of years.
Before we move on to the following VPN suggestion, we will tell you this: we keep testing VPNs for different purposes all the time. That’s our job! And we’ve found that whatever task we want to complete with a VPN, NordVPN mostly comes out on top of the rest. So, if you pick this one, you will never go wrong.
2. ExpressVPN
An old favorite, delivers the goods again with Funimation away from the US. Credit goes to its unmatched performance and multiple servers offering US IPs.
Pros
- Fast servers that you can trust
- Allows P2P sharing
- Advanced privacy and security features
Cons
- Slightly costly
ExpresssVPN has been a big deal in the VPN industry for a long time. Its age and quality have made it a favorite option for the most experienced users who found it years ago, are still enjoying one of the best services in the business, and see no reason to change.
The server speeds are fast (you’ll retain about 81% of your bandwidth, much like in the previous two VPNs). So it’s good enough for video streams and a perfect VPN for unlocking various streaming websites besides Funimation. So, for example, if you are a Food Network fan, this VPN will open it for you.
The ExpressVPN network includes more than 3,000 servers in over 105 countries. Plenty of those nodes are in the US, the UK, and India (the locations you want for Funimation). Your monthly fee includes all the bandwidth you can consume over the month so that you will want for nothing, and you won’t have to wait for your shows to start while the app buffers the incoming video stream.
Are Funimation and the FoodNetwork not enough for you? It figures. With ExpressVPN, you’ll have access to Discovery Go, Disney Plus, and Hulu, among other platforms. In addition, this VPN will open up a world of choices for entertainment if you’re not in the US.
The one drawback of ExpressVPN is the price. However, this vendor’s reputation is probably the best in the industry, and the company is cashing it in through its fees. ExpressVPN will set you back by 6.67 USD monthly, even with the 50% discount you get with the 12-month plan.
Another advantage of this provider is its compatibility. You can use it in almost every operating system or device you can imagine and even install it directly in various routers (that’s trickier, but the customer service is very effective).
So is it worth paying extra for this option when the other two are equally good and cost less? Yes, it could be. This one could be the best option for your hardware (routers, especially), or you could be one of those users who like to have a big name supporting their choices. This is excellent, and you can’t go wrong choosing it, even if you pay a little more.
3. Surfshark
The budget-friendly Funimation unlocker for overseas users by offering over 600 servers from 25 different US states.
Pros
- Boasts intuitive interface
- Affordable long-term plan
- 24/7 support
Cons
- Distant servers may exhibit slow speed
As an anime enthusiast, you’re probably familiar with the kind of hero that is much smaller and much younger than the opponent he faces with a more limited set of resources. That’s Surfshark for you.
Surfshark is the youngest top-notch VPN network out there. Nobody saw it coming, but it seriously disrupted the VPN market by offering a service not far from the best in the business at a small fraction of the price.
So this is a budget-friendly VPN that will let you stream Funimation (and other geo-blocked streaming services) wherever you are on the planet. Moreover, Surfshark allows you to enjoy one of the best VPNs in the business for as little as 2.49 USD monthly if you choose the plan that gives you the maximum discount (over 81% off the 24-month subscription).
This new kid on the block boasts more than 3,200 nodes in a network that spans more than 100 countries. That allows you to see Funimation as offered to the users of those 100 countries –including the US, which is the good one. Also, Surfshark supports as many devices simultaneously as you’d like to connect to the VPN — Not just five or six, as it happens with most other top VPNs.
Of course, when you are using a VPN, you have to sacrifice a bit of speed. This is because total traffic re-routing and encryption are going on, which takes time and resources. However, when using Surfshark, we could keep 82% of our bandwidth usage, so the network speeds are pretty high, and they can comfortably support HD video streams. So your Funimation time will be of good quality and without any buffering.
Surfshark will also broaden your entertainment horizons in many other ways, as it’s a good VPN that unlocks many other outstanding video services such as VRV, DAZN, OxygenTV, TBS, MTV, Crackle, ABC, CNBC, and Netflix.
How did we choose the best Funimation VPNs?
We tested several VPNs to find the best ones for Funimation. We did the work, so you don’t have to do it yourself. Instead, you could just read this article and save time, energy, and resources. We used seven criteria to tell the best from the rest, namely:
- The VPN can bypass CNNgo geo-blocks from every server in Western Europe, the US, and Canada.
- The VPN can bypass the location blocks in YouTube TV, Hulu, Disney Plus, and HBO Max.
- If and when CNNgo blocks a server in the VPN network, the vendor realizes it and replaces it with a new server that works.
- It works with Xbox, Play Station 4, Chromecast, Roku, Amazon Firestick, Android Smart TV, Apple TV, Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS.
- The network allows at least five concurrent connections. The vendor offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- The servers are fast enough and have enough bandwidth to support HD video streams without any issues, including buffering.
- The customer service is excellent, knowledgeable, friendly, and quick to answer. It’s available on a 24/7 basis.
- Privacy is a priority for the company. It means that they stick to zero log-keeping and have successfully undergone audits.
Couldn’t I just use a free VPN to see Funimation?
We’re glad you asked this question! First of all, it’s implausible that you will find a free VPN that will give you the resources you need to stream an HD video. But even if you are lucky enough to achieve this feat, we advise you always to stay away from free VPNs. We will give you two reasons to avoid them.
The first reason is technical. The VPNs we’ve suggested for you have high speeds, reliable servers, and no caps on bandwidth or data transfers. Unfortunately, getting a connection to a server in most free VPNs takes several attempts and a few minutes. Then the data you’re allowed is caped. Also, speeds in free VPNs are low.
Enough for web browsing, but terrible for video streaming. In the best-case scenario, you’ll be able to see about 20 mins of Funimation videos before you eat up your day’s quota –after a lot of buffering. So the first reason to avoid free VPNs is, quite simply, that they’re not good enough.
Then there’s the second reason. Free VPNs are in business to make a profit. So how can they do that if they’re not charging you for the service they are giving you? The answer is that they keep logs of user activity on their servers. Then, they sell those logs to their commercial partners, such as advertising companies, governments, or other parties that know how to squeeze a server log for valuable information. Free VPNs can create more privacy problems for you than they solve in such a poor fashion.
Good VPNs cost money, for sure. But the options we’ve offered you so far will serve you from three to seven dollars per month. So we encourage you always to choose an excellent commercial VPN. It’s better for your privacy, it works well, and you will find so many additional advantages in it as you learn about its additional features that you’ll be glad you have it!
VPN not working with Funimation – troubleshooting tips
It is unrealistic to expect VPNs to function perfectly when unblocking geo-restrictions imposed by streaming platforms. As a result, we advise being familiar with typical problems and their solutions.
Remember that not all problems are immediately apparent, and you might need to conduct considerable troubleshooting.
- A blocked IP address: The website might block your IP address, limiting your access to its content. You must shift to a different server and reload the page to navigate this.
- Browser cache and cookies: Cache and cookies are websites’ way of building your identity. They access your data, such as search history, which limits the ability to bypass geo-restrictions. Therefore, you need to clear your cache and cookies and try refreshing the page.
- IP and DNS leaks: Unreliable VPNs can leak your identities, such as your IP address and DNS, exposing your true location. You need to have robust VPNs to mask your identity completely.
- Outdated VPN suite: An out-of-date VPN is less effective in dealing with online threats and geo-blocking. Ensure you update your VPN as regularly as possible.
Is there a place where Funimation can work away from the US without VPN?
Yes, Funimation works outside the US but not in every country. You can enjoy Funimation if you are in any of the following countries:
- New Zealand
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Australia
- Ireland
- The United Kingdom
- Canada
- The United States
If you are elsewhere and you want to see Funimation, you’ll need to use a VPN or at least a smart DNS server to unlock it.
How expensive is it to subscribe to Funimation?
Funimation is quite accesible. It has three subscription plans and offers a 14-day money-back guarantee so that you can have it for two weeks for free! Let’s have a look at the three plans:
Premium
The most basic plan is worth 5.99 USD monthly (59.99 for the full year), giving you ad-free access to the Funimation catalog (the whole catalog for your country). You can see dubbed and subbed videos. You get the right to have two simultaneous streams.
Premium Plus
The second plan costs 7.99 USD monthly or 79.99 yearly. You get all the features in the premium plan. Still, you can also view videos offline and get early access to the Funimation sales, exclusive members-only events and offers, and five simultaneous streams.
Premium Plus Ultra
No monthly quote for this one. You must buy the full-year subscription at 99.99 USD if you want to go “Plus Ultra.”
So the highest plan gets you two free rentals per year, free shipping on all orders, and an anniversary gift in addition to the features in the second plan.
What devices are compatible with Funimation?
The Funimation app is available for both Android and Apple devices. It gets you content from the Funimation Chanel and more than 10k on-demand episodes in the platform’s catalog.
Android Installation
- Subscribe to a premium dedicated VPN (NordVPN, preferably).
- Download the VPN app on your Android device and launch it. Sign in with your VPN credentials.
- Choose a server from the US to join the VPN. The servers in New York, New Jersey, or Washington work well.
- Download the Funimation app to your device and sign in.
- Start streaming Funimation’s content!
Installation in iOS devices (iPhones and iPads)
- Subscribe to a premium dedicated VPN (NordVPN, preferably).
- Download the VPN app on your iOS device and launch it. Sign in with your VPN credentials.
- Choose a server from the US to join the VPN. The servers in New York, New Jersey, or Washington work well.
- Download the Funimation app to your iPhone or iPad and sign in.
- Start streaming Funimation’s content!
Installing Funimation on Smart TV
Most Smart TVs don’t support VPN. Therefore, you need to use NordVPN’s MediaStreamer to install Funimation app outside the United States using the following steps:
- Install a paid VPN on your router, preferably NordVPN.
- Open your VPN and connect to a US server.
- Return to the TV’s home screen by pressing “HOME” on your remote control.
- Open Smart TV’s app store and search for Funimation.
- Install and log in using your details.
- Enjoy streaming Funimation on your Smart TV.
Setting up Funimation on Apple TV
- Install a paid VPN on your router, preferably NordVPN.
- Open the installed VPN and connect to a US server.
- Return to Apple TV’s home screen by pressing HOME on your remote control.
- Open Apple TV’s App Store and search for Funimation.
- Select download and install the application.
- Login using your details and enjoy streaming Funimation on your Apple TV.
Install Funimation on Roku
You can access Funimation’s catalog on your Roku device by following the steps below:
- Open your router settings and configure your VPN, preferably NordVPN.
- Connect to a US Server. New York is strongly recommended.
- Press HOME on your remote control.
- Open the Channel Store and search for Funimation.
- Click on Funimation’s Add Channel link.
- You will find Funimation on your home screen’s channels list.
- Sign in using your credentials and enjoy streaming outside the United States.
Watch Funimation outside the US on PS4
- Configure a premium VPN (preferably NordVPN) on your PS4 using your Wi-Fi router device.
- Connect to a US- New York server (recommended).
- Using an HDMI cable, connect your PS4 to your Smart TV.
- Make sure all devices are turned on and connected to the internet.
- Press PS4 Home > Main Menu.
- Access the Apps section> All apps on your PS4 store.
- Tap All Apps and search for Funimation on the search bar.
- Install the app.
- Log in using your credentials and start streaming Funimation on your PS4.
What can I watch on Funimation?
You can watch some of the best-loved anime series in Funimation! This article would become a book if we included every anime show we know and love that Funimation can show you. So we’ll stick to the most popular shows only.
My Hero Academia
Izuku is a normal human born in a world where almost everybody boasts a superpower. Yet, despite that disability, he joins the Hero Academy, where his favorite hero will make a difference in his life.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Fraternity
Edward and Alphonse have two weird faces and a weird knack for forbidden magic. They hunt down the philosopher’s stone, finding conspiracies along the way and having exciting adventures. This show appeared in 2009 and aired 64 episodes. It’s a show for more mature audiences, and if you liked the original manga, you’d love the animation.
Dragon Ball, Z, and Super
The best-loved anime show of all time, if there ever was one. Goku, his friends, and his family are on a quest to become the world’s greatest Saiyans.
More anime shows on Funimation
Those are the three top shows for most anime lovers, but there’s plenty more to watch:
- Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid
- Tsukigakirei
- Toradora
- Daganronpa
- Puella Magi MAdoka Magica
- Attack on Titan
- Cowboy Bebop
- Fairy Tail
Funimation and Crunchyroll: Why is Funimation better?
Funimation is not the only Internet website offering extensive anime content. It’s not even the most famous or used — that’s probably Crunchyroll. However, it is the best website within its niche, and we’ll tell you why.
First of all, Funimation doesn’t require you to register for an account to see the videos. But, of course, if you get an account or, even better, if you sign up for one of the three paid subscriptions, you will get more content. But even as a free user without any additional perk, the available catalog in Funimation is more extensive than Crunchyroll’s.
Then there are all the shows that Funimation boasts and Crunchyroll doesn’t.
Funimation is a better option because it’s a legal platform, and the company behind it puts much hard work into keeping it above the rest.
Funimation can’t show you all the content it has in every country because it has to negotiate distribution agreements with the copyright owners. And even with that “limitation” (which also makes it a legal site), its catalog is unmatched among anime video platforms on the Internet. Additionally, the platform translates the shows into English.
In short, if you’re an anime enthusiast, Funimation is the place to be on the Internet. Nobody comes close, even considering illegal websites, and the optional subscription plans can give you many additional options. The only “problem” with Funimation is that you need to be in one of a handful of selected countries to enjoy it. But even that disadvantage can be easily solved if you read this article.
FAQs
Yes, you can see Funimation for free for two weeks. However, there are advantages to paid subscriptions to Funimation.
We refer you to the previous question to see a list of the countries in which Funimation works.
It depends on the VPN you have in mind. Unlocking Funimation with a VPN server needs a VPN service that gives you enough resources (stability and bandwidth) and whose IP addresses are not blocklisted. Any of the three premium VPNs we’ve described in detail for this task will work perfectly.
Join a top-notch VPN, and connect to Funimation using a US-based server within your VPN’s network.
Yes, you can. Funimation’s “Download to Go” feature is meant to give you that ability.
No, it’s not. However, you might need to use a robust VPN to ensure your connections are undetected. Luckily, there are no legal consequences for using a VPN to access the service.