5 Best Free VPNs for Japan: Safety & Streaming in 2024

Given Japan's participation in intelligence-sharing agreements, using a VPN is crucial for maintaining your online privacy. However, finding a reliable free Japan VPN isn't easy. Many free VPNs come with severe limitations that make them almost impossible to use for data-intensive activities like streaming and torrenting. Some even compromise your privacy by logging your online activities or bombarding you with intrusive ads.

My team and I tested over 40 services to find the best free VPNs for Japan. These VPNs help you stay safe online and work well with popular streaming platforms. But it’s worth noting that all truly free VPNs have some restrictions, such as limited data or fewer server options. If you want a VPN without any limitations, you might want to consider a premium option.

My top recommendation for Japan is ExpressVPN. It has fast speeds and a large server network (including servers in Japan), so it can securely access platforms like Netflix Japan, AbemaTV, and U-Next in HD from anywhere. While it's not entirely free, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. If it doesn’t meet your needs, getting a refund is easy. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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Short on Time? Here Are the Best Free VPNs for Japan in 2024

Best Free VPNs for Japan — Full Analysis (Updated 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — Fast Speeds to Browse, Stream and Game Without Slowdowns From Anywhere

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested November 2024

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN delivers fast speeds that outperform other Japan VPNs we tested. On its nearby servers, using Lightway protocol, we experienced a speed drop of only 4%. Even when we connected to distant Japanese servers, our speeds never decreased by more than 27%. This allows you to stream, browse, and torrent without any slowdowns.

Its server network is highly reliable. In our tests, we could securely access Netflix Japan, Hulu Japan, and U-Next. It also worked seamlessly with BBC iPlayer, Max, and Disney+ without issues. We rarely needed to switch ExpressVPN’s servers to securely access our desired streaming services in the best quality. This is something that no free VPN can match. Plus, you don’t have to worry about overcrowded servers since it has a large server network.

Connecting to a server always took less than 3 seconds

ExpressVPN takes your privacy seriously. It operates from the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands and maintains a no-logs policy that has been independently verified. This means ExpressVPN can honor its privacy commitments and isn't obligated to share user data, even if Japanese authorities request it.

The only drawback is that ExpressVPN isn't free. However, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can test it without any financial risk and get a full refund if you’re not satisfied. I tested the refund policy myself by asking for my money back via the 24/7 live chat — the process was easy, and I got my refund within a few days.

Useful Features

• Good for gaming. ExpressVPN delivered the lowest ping of all the VPNs we tested. On its nearby server, we recorded a ping rate of 13ms. This let us play Warzone and Blue Protocol on PC without any lag.
• Split tunneling. This feature allows you to choose which apps or websites route through the VPN, providing you with flexibility and control over your online privacy.
• User-friendly. The VPN has intuitive and responsive apps for all major streaming devices, including Apple TV, Firestick, and Android TV. Installing and setting up the VPN usually takes less than 5 minutes.
• MediaStreamer. This Smart DNS feature helps you stream on devices that don’t usually support VPNs, such as game consoles or smart TVs. The setup process took under 5 minutes and allowed us to watch Netflix US on PS5 in HD. Most free VPNs don’t offer a Smart DNS service.
• Strong security. ExpressVPN offers AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. I ran multiple leak tests on servers in Japan and other countries, and ExpressVPN passed them all, ensuring my real IP address was never exposed.

2. Proton VPN — 100% Free Japan VPN With Unlimited Data for Uninterrupted Streaming

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Proton VPN >

protonvpn.com

Proton VPN’s free plan offers unlimited data, so you can stream, browse, and stay connected without worrying about hitting a data cap. During our Proton VPN tests, we could stream videos for hours without any interruptions or quality drops. This also means you can protect your privacy and data on public WiFi networks in and out of Japan.

The free version offers access to servers in Japan, the Netherlands, Romania, Poland, and the US. You can't manually select a server — instead, the app connects you to what it determines is the optimal location. The Japanese server didn't work with Netflix JP, but it did work with TV Tokyo and U-Next, while the US server worked well with Netflix US and Disney+.

The speeds remained consistent throughout the stream

Proton VPN is one of the few free VPNs that can be set up on routers, allowing you to secure all your devices, including gaming consoles. I successfully set it up on my Asus router following the step-by-step guide on its website.

It's worth noting that the free version doesn't support torrenting, which is not uncommon among free VPNs. If you need P2P support, you'll need to upgrade to one of Proton VPN's premium plans.

Useful Features

• No ads. Unlike a lot of free VPNs, Proton VPN’s free version doesn’t bombard you with in-app ads.
• Decent speeds. We experienced a speed drop of only 38% on distant servers, which is impressive for a free VPN. This let us stream shows on Crunchyroll Japan in HD without noticeable slowdowns.
• Open-source apps. Proton VPN's applications are open-source, which is great from a privacy perspective. This transparency allows independent researchers to verify the security of the software. Plus, the VPN also offers a kill switch, military-grade encryption, and IP/DNS leak protection.

3. Avira Phantom VPN — Protect All Your Devices in Japan With Unlimited Connections

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome More

Try Avira Phantom VPN >

www.avira.com

Avira Phantom VPN breaks the norm with unlimited device connections. We put it to the test by simultaneously connecting an Android phone, a tablet, an iPhone, and a Windows 11 laptop. Despite every device being active, we enjoyed a lag-free experience playing Taiko no Tatsujin on the phone while simultaneously watching TV Tokyo on the laptop.

We had no location errors and gameplay was smooth

Similar to Proton VPN, you get all essential security features to safeguard your data in and out of Japan. The VPN also includes a built-in malware blocker, and you can configure the app to launch automatically at system start for continuous protection. Overall, I had no security concerns while testing Avira Phantom VPN.

One big downside is that the free plan doesn’t let you manually choose a server country on the desktop apps. Avira simply connects you to the fastest server for your location — so you can’t choose an IP address. Fortunately, the mobile apps give you full access to the whole server network.

You only get 500MB of monthly data with the free plan. If you want to increase your monthly data allowance to 1GB, you need to sign up with your email address. Just note that you can’t access customer support unless you pay for a Pro account.

Useful Features

• Good speeds. We experienced a speed loss of only 16% when connected to a nearby server. This performance means you won't encounter noticeable slowdowns while browsing the web or streaming content.
• No registration required. You can start using Avira Phantom VPN immediately after downloading the app, without the need to create an account. This adds an extra layer of privacy and convenience.

4. hide.me — Customizable Security to Optimize Your Connection for Japan

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try hide.me VPN >

www.hide.me

hide.me is one of the most customizable free Japan VPNs. You can choose from a variety of VPN protocols, including the super secure OpenVPN and the speedy WireGuard. The VPN also lets you switch between IPv4 and IPv6 connections. In our tests, IPv6 was about 5% faster and delivered slightly lower ping, making it a better choice for activities like gaming or video calls.

It even allows you to use custom ports with IKEv2

You get access to free servers in 8 locations, including the US, the UK, and Germany. In our hide.me tests, we could access some platforms like Netflix UK, US, and Disney+ in HD. However, it didn’t work with Max, Hulu, and Netflix Germany. Plus, there are no servers with Japanese IP addresses, so you can’t use it for secure access to some Japanese sites.

Free users get unlimited data with hide.me, but there’s a catch. After you've used 10GB, you can't manually select a server anymore. Instead, the app will automatically connect you to a random server from the available free VPN locations.

It's also worth noting that the free version restricts your speeds. For instance, we experienced a speed loss of 76% on nearby servers. We could still stream in HD due to our fast baseline connection, but this could be problematic if you have a slower base speed.

Useful Features

• 24/7 live support. Unlike many free VPNs, including Proton VPN, hide.me provides 24/7 live chat support to assist you whenever you need it — even as a free user.
• SoftEtherVPN. This protocol is excellent for using the VPN on restrictive networks as it can bypass tough firewalls, like those at work or school. It’s even secure enough to allow the VPN to work in strictly censored countries like China.

5. Hotspot Shield — Hydra Protocol for Fast and Stable Connections From Japan

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Hotspot Shield >

www.hotspotshield.com

Hotspot Shield's proprietary Hydra protocol is designed to maintain fast and stable connections, even over long distances. It does so by optimizing the routing, so you can have consistent speeds when connecting from Japan. During our Hotspot Shield’s tests, we experienced consistent speeds and no connection drops. We could watch anime on Crunchyroll in HD without slowdowns.

In our speed tests, Hydra outperformed WireGuard by 2%

You get access to servers in 5 locations: the US (NY and LA), the UK, Singapore, and an Auto option that connects you to the best available server. While it's not an extensive network, I appreciate that the locations are spread out. This increases your chances of finding a nearby server for better performance, regardless of your location in or outside Japan.

It’s pretty easy to use too. You can see the load and latency of the server you're connected to, so you always know how it's performing. Plus, it has a built-in speed test tool, which makes it easier to find the fastest available connection from Japan.

It's important to note that the free version is ad-supported. Plus, Hotspot Shield does collect some user data to serve you those ads. However, according to its privacy policy, none of this is identifiable data.

Useful Features

• Auto-protect. This feature automatically activates the VPN when you connect to unsecured Wi-Fi networks. I found it particularly useful when connecting to public hotspots in cafes or airports. This ensured my online data was always protected.
• P2P-friendly. Unlike many free VPNs, Hotspot Shield allows torrenting on all its free servers. During our tests, we only experienced a 24% speed drop, letting us download files safely and fairly quickly.

Quick Comparison Table: Free Japan VPN Features

The table below highlights key features to consider when choosing a free VPN for Japan. ExpressVPN (our recommended premium VPN) is included for a side-by-side comparison to the completely free VPNs.

I've focused on crucial aspects like server availability, data limits, and whether you need to sign up. I've also included information on simultaneous device connections, which is important if you want to protect multiple devices at once. Use this comparison to quickly find the VPN that best suits your needs for browsing, streaming, or maintaining privacy in Japan.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Our Methodology for Testing Free VPNs for Japan

When testing free VPNs for Japan, we focus on factors that directly impact your online experience when connecting to Japan. We measure connection speeds, server availability (especially in Japan and nearby countries), and stability across various online activities. We also evaluate each VPN's ability to access streaming sites in HD. Plus, we pay special attention to data limits, as this is a crucial factor for free VPNs.

Additionally, we assess each VPN's security features, including encryption strength and privacy policies, to ensure your online activities remain protected. If you want to run your own tests, focus on these factors. For more details on our comprehensive testing process, you can refer to our VPN testing methodology page.

Expert Tip: Most Free Japan VPNs Aren’t Safe

Many free VPNs compromise your online security and privacy. High-profile incidents have exposed these risks, such as the 2021 data leak affecting SuperVPN, GeckoVPN, and ChatVPN, which exposed the personal data of over 21 million users. Hola VPN, once popular, was caught selling users' bandwidth for botnet attacks. Other services like Cross VPN have been found to contain malware, while HoxxVPN offers minimal encryption.

The free and freemium VPNs we recommend are different. They're offered by reputable companies with strong security practices and transparent policies. However, even these safer options have limitations in server access, speeds, or data caps. For unrestricted, secure access in Japan, a low-cost premium VPN remains the most reliable choice, offering full features without compromising security. If you’re considering a premium VPN, you can check out our roundup of the best VPNs for Japan.

FAQs on Free VPNs for Japan

What is the best free VPN for Japan according to Reddit?

The second VPN in this list is frequently recommended by Redditors as one of the best free VPNs for Japan. It offers a 100% free plan with no data cap, and although it has limited server options, one of these locations is in Japan. Proton is also highly regarded for its strong privacy policies and focus on security, making it a popular choice among users who prioritize these aspects.

Can I use a free Chrome VPN extension for Japan?

You can, but it's not the most secure option. These extensions typically only protect your browser traffic, leaving other apps and services on your device vulnerable. Many browser VPN extensions are actually just proxies, which don't offer the same level of security and privacy as a full VPN service. For better protection and a more reliable connection when using the internet in Japan, I recommend using a full-fledged VPN app instead.

On what devices can I install a free Japan VPN?

You can install a free Japan VPN on various devices. You just need to pick a free VPN that supports your chosen operating system. The recommended VPNs on this list support nearly every device, including smartphones (Android, iOS), tablets, computers (Windows, macOS), and routers. Some also offer extensions for browsers like Firefox, Edge, and Chrome. Just bear in mind that some free VPNs limit how many devices you can connect at one time.

Can I use a free VPN to access Netflix Japan?

None of the 100% free VPNs we tested worked with Netflix Japan. For secure access to Netflix Japan, it's better to use a premium VPN with a money-back guarantee that's been tested and verified to work with the platform. Even if you find a free VPN that works, you'll likely face other issues that make streaming difficult. These include limited data allowances, which can be quickly exhausted by video streaming, and slower speeds that lead to buffering and poor video quality.

Is it legal to use a VPN in Japan?

Yes, it is legal to use a VPN in Japan. The Japanese government does not prohibit or restrict the use of VPNs. However, it's important to note that while using a VPN is legal, any illegal activities conducted while using a VPN remain illegal.

Always use VPNs responsibly and in compliance with local laws and regulations. If you're unsure about specific use cases, it's best to consult with a legal professional familiar with Japanese internet laws.

Get the Best FREE VPN for Japan

Many free VPNs for Japan are not suitable for streaming, torrenting, or ensuring online safety. They often impose speed throttling and data limitations and have restricted server options, particularly in Japan. Worse, some free VPNs can pose risks to your safety. However, the VPNs on my list are secure and offer plenty of features for use inside and outside Japan.

My #1 pick for Japan is ExpressVPN. Unlike fully free VPNs, the service does not impose any limitations. It provides fast speeds, excellent streaming capabilities, and strong security features, so you can use the internet safely without slowdowns. It’s also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it risk-free and get a refund if you’re not satisfied.

Can’t find a suitable free VPN? Here are the best premium alternatives…

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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