Watch Bilibili outside China With a VPN (Overseas Guide)

Bilibili needs no introduction for animation, comic, and game (ACG) lovers. It is one of the most popular video-sharing platforms among young people in China, and the go-to spot for top-quality content. Users can also view, add and submit subtitles on B site (as it is often referred to), which makes its user experience a lot better than other platforms.

However, there’s a showstopper. Bilibili’s content is geo-restricted, so you can’t watch them outside China. Once the error message pops up, there’s not much you can do unless you have a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN grants you access to all of Bilibili’s content by providing a Chinese IP address. With it, everyone on the network, including Bilibili’s systems, will think you are in China.

So, which VPNs are the best to watch Bilibili abroad?

Top 3 VPNs to watch Bilibili outside China

Here is the best VPNs for watching Bilibili:

How do VPNs work?

Let’s demystify how a VPN works to allow you watch Bilibili from outside China.

The first step is to get a VPN. Once you’ve got a top VPN like any of the ones we’ve listed above, the next thing to do is to connect to one of its servers. Most VPNs help you out here by suggesting the best ones to connect to in each location.

Once you connect to a server, its IP address is then assigned to you. So, instead of using your IP address to browse, you’ll be using that of the server you are connected to. Your traffic is then sent through the server to the target website, which in this case, is Bilibili.

Are VPNs legal?

There have been one too many debates about the legality of VPNs, and it seems many people can’t reach a consensus. As a deciding factor to whether many people get a VPN or not, we’ll tell you that VPNs are legal in most countries. However, there are illegal ways to use these networks. For example, it’s illegal to use a VPN to get nuclear weapons or guns from the Dark Web, knowing that the VPN’s security feature will make it hard to trace the transaction back to you. However, it’s not illegal to use a VPN to watch Bilibili or many other sites from outside China.

Therefore, the takeaway point on the legality of a VPN is you should always confirm that their use is legal in your country.

Can’t I use a free VPN instead?

It has probably crossed your mind to get a free VPN instead of any of the paid versions we’ve listed above. But the truth is, even though they are ‘free,’ there are several reasons you shouldn’t give this type of VPN a second look. Here are a couple of them:

1. Most free VPNs have limited servers and server locations: As we mentioned earlier, the best VPNs to watch Bilibili from outside China have thousands of servers around the world. These servers are also evenly spread, so you can watch Bilibili’s ACG from almost every country. You don’t get this sort of luxury with free VPNs because most of them have less than a hundred servers, which is barely enough for all their users. Even when you get one with servers that pass the 100-mark, you’ll find that they are not spread across many locations.
   
2. Most free VPNs do not operate a no-logging policy: Nothing on the Internet is completely free. So, when you see a VPN that promises you all you can get from a paid version without you having to pay a dime, then you should know that there’s a clause to such an offer. Most free VPNs keep records of their users’ logs, and many of them sell this information to third parties. Isn’t it scary that your private details could be flying around the Internet without you realizing it?
   
3. Most free VPNs have bandwidth caps: Bandwidth caps restrict the amount of content you can watch in a period (usually a day), and this goes against what users expect from a VPN: unrestricted access to the Internet. Unfortunately, you’ll hardly see any free VPN that offers unlimited bandwidth to its users.
   
4. Many free VPNs offer sub-standard features: Going through our list of the best VPNs to watch Bilibili from outside China, you must have noticed the impressive features that each one has to offer. From lightning-fast speed to advanced security features and even a customer support platform, you name it! Those VPNs are well-equipped with features users need.

Free VPN providers do not come close to meeting this standard set by their paid counterparts. So, why would you go for a free VPN when you can get the best ones for as little as $3 a month?

Frequently Asked Questions

What devices can I use a VPN to stream Bilibili on?

Bilibili is a streaming service. So, like other streaming platforms, you can watch Bilibili with a web browser. Furthermore, you can access Bilibili through any web-connected gadget. These would include PCs, iOS, and Android devices. Also, many gaming consoles like PS and Xbox can connect to Bilibili. Fortunately, the VPNs on this list are also compatible with all these devices. So, you can spoof your IP address and connect to Bilibili through any of the gadgets you own.

Can I watch entire Bilibili posts with a VPN?

Yes, if you connect to a VPN, you can access full Bilibili posts. However, you’ll have to pay to view this content. Moreover, payment plans are as low as Y98. Now, this is where it gets tricky. At this point, you’ll have to be careful while inputting your financial details. It would help if you didn’t use any information that shows you aren’t connecting from China. If your real location leaks, you can lose the connection to Bilibili.

Can a VPN keep me anonymous while streaming Bilibili in China?

Yes, the solid VPNs on this list can protect your online anonymity in China. It doesn’t matter whether you’re streaming Bilibili inside China or abroad. The Great Firewall of China restricts the internet in China. Furthermore, the government actively clamps down on VPNs to prevent citizens from circumventing their censorship. So, many VPNs are blocked in China. However, the VPNs on this list can help you escape the government’s eye.

What’s the most important feature of a Bilibili VPN? 

The most crucial features for an excellent VPN are usually its privacy and security features and its server locations. Indeed, the first two characteristics are vital for streaming Bilibili in China to escape the government’s internet censorship. However, the most critical feature for a Bilibili VPN is its server network. A good VPN for Bilibili must have servers in China. This is because Bilibili is only accessible within China, and you need a Chinese IP address to stream abroad.

Final Words

It’s frustrating when you can’t access ACG on Bilibili because you’re not in China. Regardless of your location, you deserve to enjoy all the content on the site. And by using any of the VPNs we have reviewed, you’ll be able to bridge the distance gap and enjoy Bilibili’s content as if you were in China.

Read more:

• Check out a comprehensive test of the best VPNs for Bilibili.
• See the best free VPNs for Chinese users.