Best VPNs for Bilibili so you can watch abroad (outside China)

Are you looking to find out how to watch Bilibili free and legally abroad while traveling? In this post, we’ll show you how to stream live and on-demand online content from Bilibili, one of China’s most popular video-sharing sites, when away from home. Further, we’ll explain how you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to bypass regional restrictions and stream safely from anywhere in the world and the best VPNs to use to do so.

When you use the internet, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can see exactly which sites you connect to and make an educated guess at your activities by analyzing your traffic. However, when using a VPN, your network traffic is encrypted and made unreadable. This not only boosts your online security but also makes it harder for ISPs to justify throttling your connection. Further, when you use a VPN, you can change your IP address and appear to be connecting from a country or location different from your actual one. This allows you to bypass geo-restricted content and means you’ll be able to use region-specific streaming services no matter where you are.

You can read detailed reviews of all our recommended VPNs below, but in case you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary for you.

The best VPNs for watching Bilibili from anywhere:

1. NordVPN: Our top VPN for watching Bilibili. Includes 6,000+ servers spread across over 110+ countries. It also works with popular streaming providers like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Bilibili.
2. Surfshark: Our favorite low-cost VPN choice for using Bilibili. Doesn’t cap the number of devices you can connect, offers double obfuscation features, and doesn’t collect logs.
3. ExpressVPN: Fast and reliable VPN service with servers located in over 100 countries. Wide set of security features and 24/7 live chat support.
4. CyberGhost: Beginner-friendly service ideal for streaming Bilibili. Servers are optimized for activities like streaming and torrenting. Has a strict no-logs policy.
5. IPVanish: Allows unlimited device connections, popular among Kodi users, and has servers in over 75 locations.
6. PrivateVPN: Lightning-fast speeds and easy-to-use apps. Works with Bilibili, plus other providers like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney Plus.

Best VPNs for watching Bilibili: at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for watching Bilibili from anywhere.

How we selected the top Bilibili VPNs

Every VPN service is slightly different, some may prioritize high-speed connections, while others might focus more on advanced security options. When it comes to keeping yourself safe online, there’s no such thing as too much research. To find the best VPNs for Bilibili, we looked for services with the following characteristics:

1. Capable of unblocking Bilibili plus other major streaming platforms.
2. Provides high-speed connections and a large server network.
3. Use strong encryption as well as more advanced security features.
4. Logs as little information as possible, ideally none at all.
5. Knowledgeable customer support should you need it.

We go into more detail about how we select our top VPNs further down in this article, but for now, let’s take a closer look at the VPNs we recommend.

Best VPNs for watching Bilibili from anywhere

At Comparitech, we have a rigorous testing process to ensure the VPNs we recommend are up to the task. Let’s take a look at the ones that consistently impress us.

Here’s a list of the best VPNs for watching Bilibili from anywhere:

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024 unblocks BilibiliTested Apr 2024

NordVPN is our number-one choice VPN for watching Bilibili from anywhere. They are a super reliable provider that’s been around for a long time. There’s a wide network of servers, over 6,000 in around 60 countries. Its service is fast enough to stream live HD content from sites like Bilibili with no noticeable buffering, and its unlocking capabilities are excellent. NordVPN works with services such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and with its Chinese servers, even Youku.

Additionally, this service comes with a suite of advanced features that allow you to fine-tune your security setup. There’s 256-bit encryption, double VPN and Tor over VPN options, protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, and a program-specific kill switch. This VPN accepts Bitcoin payments and doesn’t log any information that could identify you, so you can remain anonymous even during registration.

NordVPN features apps for macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android devices. This VPN can be manually installed on Linux platforms and some wireless routers.

NordVPN speed test data

BEST VPN FOR BILIBILI:NordVPN is our top choice it has a huge number of global servers optimised for streaming. It’s fast and works with Bilibili and Netflix. Live chat support and a no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

unblocks BilibiliTested Apr 2024

Surfshark is a popular choice for Bilibili as it has over 3,200 servers located in over 100 countries, delivering superfast speeds and uninterrupted connections. It supports the use of WireGuard, which boosts your connection speeds further while gaming and streaming and works with popular sites like Netflix and BBC iPlayer from anywhere.

Surfshark is a standout VPN because it includes unlimited device connections and uses double obfuscation to secure your connections in places like China that employ heavy internet restrictions. NoBorders and Camouflage Mode scramble your data packets, making it harder to detect VPN usage. It is accompanied by AES encryption, a kill switch, and split tunneling. It doesn’t log your data and is owned by Nord Technologies, which bolsters its reputation.

24/7 support is included with free and premium plans, and it has apps for smartphones and desktops.

Surfshark speed test data

BEST BUDGET VPN FOR BILIBILI:Surfshark includes unlimited device connections and offers affordable plans for all budgets. It’s fast and reliable and works with Bilibili. Live chat support and a no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

3. ExpressVPN

unblocks BilibiliTested Apr 2024

ExpressVPN has more than 3,000 high-speed servers throughout 100+ countries. It allows you to stream live video in the highest possible quality. It’s capable of bypassing even the most stubborn geo-restriction measures, so you’ll be able to watch not only Bilibili but also platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video too.

ExpressVPN doesn’t log any personally identifiable information and protects your traffic with 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, and perfect forward secrecy. There’s also a kill switch that automatically blocks any data transferal should your connection drop. Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat in case of any problems.

This service offers dedicated apps for all the major operating systems: Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It can also be manually configured to work with supported home routers.

ExpressVPN speed test data

FAST AND RELIABLE VPN:ExpressVPN is a great choice. Secure access to most streaming services like Bilibili, Netflix, and iPlayer. Great speeds for buffer-free HD viewing. Total security and privacy. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

unblocks BilibiliTested Apr 2024

CyberGhost enables users to select a specific server to connect to or choose from a list of activities and have a suitable one assigned automatically. Several major streaming platforms (including ESPN, NBC, and CBS) can be accessed with a single click, and with a huge network of 10,000+ servers in around 100 countries, you’ll be able to stream Bilibili flawlessly from anywhere in the world.

This VPN is ideal for novices thanks to its ease of use and strong security features. It uses 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS/IPv6/port forwarding leak protection to keep your activities private at all times. There’s even the option to block ads and scan for malware automatically. CyberGhost doesn’t log any session or activity data, so your browsing history cannot be linked to you.

This provider offers apps for MacOS, iOS, Windows, and Android devices. It can be manually configured to work with Linux systems and some internet routers.

CyberGhost speed test data

PERFECT FOR BEGINNERS:CyberGhost couldn’t be easier to use. It signposts its streaming servers and has pre-configured security tools and a 24/7 support desk, just in case. Has a huge network of servers and offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

5. IPVanish

unblocks BilibiliTested Apr 2024

IPVanish is a strong choice for people who like to stream. Firstly, it has over 2,000 servers across more than 75 locations. Second, it has minimal impact on your network speeds. It’s also able to bypass geo-blocking on numerous popular services such as Youku, ITV Hub, and Sling TV. Finally, it allows unlimited simultaneous connections so you can stream Bilibili safely on whichever device you prefer.

This service includes security features that many of its rivals don’t: there’s OpenVPN obfuscation, LAN traffic blocking, and timed IP switching. Of course, 256-bit encryption is enabled by default, as are DNS/IPv6 leak protection and a kill switch. IPVanish doesn’t log any information that could identify you, meaning your activities can’t be divulged, even if requested.

With apps for MacOS, Windows, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire Stick/ Fire TV, IPVanish boasts excellent multi-platform support. However, it must be manually installed on Linux-based systems and routers.

IPVanish speed test data

IDEAL FOR FAMILIES:IPVanish allows unlimited devices to connect simultaneously. Watch Bilibili and Youku safely from anywhere. Secured with encryption and has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

unblocks BilibiliTested Apr 2024

PrivateVPN is one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested. In fact, this VPN is fast enough to stream live 4K video with no interruptions. Bilibili isn’t the only thing you can watch, though: PrivateVPN can access some of the most popular streaming platforms, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu, from abroad.

This service lets you browse securely using 256-bit encryption and a kill switch. There’s also DNS and IPv6 leak protection enabled by default. This is a service that really puts its users first: it keeps no logs of any personally identifiable information, and the customer support team is available 24/7. You can even have a representative install PrivateVPN remotely if you’d like.

This provider offers Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS apps. Manual configuration is required for Linux platforms and supported network routers.

PrivateVPN speed test data

FAST SERVERS:PrivateVPN has servers perfect for streaming Bilibili and Netflix. It’s user-friendly and secure with encryption, a kill switch, and no logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

Methodology: how we select VPNs for Bilibili

Finding a VPN that works with Bilibili is no easy task, but we do the hard work for you. Here are some of the tests and considerations we take into account when selecting VPNs:

1. Unblocking ability: To ensure the VPN works with Bilibili we test a range of servers and websites to see if the provider can consistently access it. We also test international services and geo-locked sites like CNN, BBC iPlayer, and Netflix.
2. Devices: We look for providers that offer apps for several devices, including macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, and more.
3. Servers: It’s important that VPNs we recommend have a good selection of servers and locations to ensure you find a server near to your physical location and in countries where you wish to access regional content.
4. Security: VPNs must have a minimum of military-grade encryption to make our list to keep your connection secure.
5. Speed: We speed test each VPN to check speeds across multiple servers to ensure you get the best possible download and upload speeds.
6. Support: Having support when you need it is vital in places like Bilibili, so we look for providers that have live chat, ticketing, or email support 24/7.
7. Value: VPNs don’t need to cost a fortune; we recommend providers that offer great value for money with multiple connections, long-term subscription discounts, free trials, and money-back guarantees.

Want to learn more about our tests? Check out our VPN testing methodology guide.

How to stream Bilibili abroad with a VPN

Streaming securely and unblocking geo-restricted streaming sites is easy, even if you’ve never used a VPN before. Just follow the step-by-step guide below.

Here’s how to stream Bilibili from anywhere with a VPN:

1. Register with one of the VPNs listed below (we recommend using NordVPN).
2. Install the VPN software, making sure to get the correct version for your device’s operating system.
3. Connect to a server in the required location. As Bilibili doesn’t geo-block its content, you can choose a server close to you for the lowest latency.
4. Try loading a video. You should be able to stream content with no issues.
5. If you’re struggling to access content, try clearing your browser’s cookies before trying again.

Watching Bilibili with a free VPN

Free VPNs purport to offer similar protection as their premium competitors, but the reality is they couldn’t be more different. Free services almost always struggle to meet user demand, which leads to network slowdowns, intermittent connections, and laggy video. Additionally, some have instituted monthly data caps, making them an unreliable way to stream video in the long term. As more and more platforms improve their geo-restriction measures, free VPNs are slowly becoming all but incapable of unblocking region-locked content.

Furthermore, Free VPNs don’t charge their users upfront, so they’ve had to find other ways to generate income. The vast majority insert ads into the sites you visit, but some go even further than that. By saving tracking cookies on your device, they can build a detailed consumer profile around your activities, which can then be sold to the highest bidder without your knowledge. Far from keeping your activities private, this profit-first approach actually means your information is shared with anyone willing to pay enough.

Sadly, the risks don’t end there. A 2016 survey of free Android VPN apps showed that dozens didn’t actually encrypt any user traffic whatsoever. Further, the study showed that more than 104 (38%) of the 283 tested apps actively tried to install malware on the user’s device. Even if you choose a high-profile service, your safety isn’t guaranteed; we’ve seen a major free VPN sell its users’ bandwidth to help operate a botnet.

To keep yourself, your system security, and your personal information safe, we recommend using a reputable VPN with a proven track record of protecting its customers’ privacy.

Accessing Bilibili with a VPN: FAQs