Adult Swim is the nighttime program of the Cartoon Network. The after-hours “network” offers adult-targeted entertainment such as Rick and Morty, Robot Chicken and reruns of other networks’ shows, including Family Guy and Bob’s Burgers.
Adult Swim’s streaming service is available as a totally free-to-stream online service, provided that you are located in the United States. Viewers outside the U.S. are limited to viewing only the shows that Adult Swim has licensed to international streaming services.
However, there is a way for animation fans living outside the U.S., or U.S. residents traveling abroad, to keep up with their favorite Adult Swim shows.
A Virtual Private Network is the best available tool for accessing streaming and other types of content that may usually be blocked in your region of the world.
A VPN unblocks content by making it appear as if you’re connecting to the internet from inside the country where the content is housed.
It does this by temporarily assigning your device a new IP address located inside the country in question. (An IP address not only identifies your device on the internet, it also acts as an identifier for where the device is located.)
While there are numerous VPN providers on the market today, not just any VPN will reliably unblock content like that available from Adult Swim and other services.
Over the years, Adult Swim and other streamers, like Netflix and Hulu, have become adept at detecting and blocking VPN usage on their services. This has led to a game of cat-and-mouse between VPNs and streaming services, requiring VPNs to be on their toes and ready to set up new IP addresses when older IPs get blocked.
In this article, I’ll be discussing the 5 best VPNs for use when viewing Adult Swim.
How to Watch Adult Swim Using a VPN
Using a VPN to access Adult Swim outside of the U.S. requires only a few simple steps:
- Subscribe to an Adult Swim-compatible VPN provider. (I recommend NordVPN.)
- Install your provider of choice’s VPN app(s) on your device(s).
- Log into the VPN service.
- Select a server located in the United States.
- Connect to the Adult Swim website or start their app and start bingeing!
What Is the Best VPN for Watching Adult Swim?
Following my extensive testing, these 5 VPNs have proven to be the best VPNs for watching Adult Swim from outside the U.S. The quick summary is as follows:
- NordVPN: This #1 option for viewing Adult Swim provides excellent global server coverage, with plenty of servers located inside U.S. borders. The provider’s fast download speeds provide ready access to Adult Swim content, and their comprehensive security protects all of your online activities.
- Surfshark: This recent addition to the VPN scene has been quickly adding servers to its formerly small global server network. The provider’s U.S. servers provide fast access to Adult Swim and other blocked U.S. content, all for a budget-friendly price.
- ExpressVPN: This provider is an excellent VPN option for internet users looking for great VPN service. The provider delivers reliable access to Adult Swim, excellent app support and solid online protection.
- CyberGhost: A selection of easy-to-use apps for all of the major device platforms makes CyberGhost the best choice for novice VPN users looking for reliable access to Adult Swim without needing to deal with complicated settings.
- PrivateVPN: This provider may offer a less-than-impressive global server network, but its U.S.-based servers do an excellent job of unblocking Adult Swim while you’re abroad.
As you’re researching VPN providers, you’ll find that they all have their own particular strengths and weaknesses. While some may offer fast download speeds, others may excel in their global server coverage.
When ranking the best VPNs to use to watch Adult Swim in countries outside the U.S., I considered the following factors:
- Reliable ability to access Adult Swim and other streaming services
- Comprehensive global server network
- Fast download speeds
- Strong connection protections
- No server logs
- Excellent native app support
Here is my list of the top 5 best VPNs for watching Adult Swim:
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is my top choice for reliable access to Adult Swim. The provider offers fast download speeds, a reliable server network and top-notch native app support.
The provider’s reliable access to blocked content includes Adult Swim and other U.S.-based streaming services, including CBS All Access, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+ and many others.
NordVPN’s global server network includes over 5,500 servers located in 59 countries, with plenty of servers based in the United States.
NordVPN scored a 1st place finish overall, but also in the connection speeds category, as it proved to offer the fastest service in my most recent round of speed tests. Those speeds will be excellent for streaming Adult Swim in HD or 4K without much, if any, buffering. No data caps of any kind are to be found here.
Bank-grade encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak and IPv6 leak protection are available to protect your connection, as is ad and malware blocking. The provider also offers Double VPN protection (which routes your connection through two VPN servers) and obfuscated servers that help hide your VPN activities.
A strict no-logs policy and a cryptocurrency payment option help keep things private.
Apps from the provider include coverage for the iOS, Android, Android TV, macOS, Linux, Amazon Fire and Windows platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available.
NordVPN also offers a SmartDNS service, which allows devices that don’t support VPN apps, like game consoles and some set-top boxes, to connect to international streamers like Adult Swim. However, the service does not encrypt your connection.
Router support is available to protect all of your connected devices, and you can have up to 6 concurrent connections on the same set of user credentials.
Pros:
- Servers in 59 countries, with plenty in the U.S.
- HD- and 4K-capable connections
- Excellent security and privacy offerings
- Comprehensive app support
- Reasonable pricing
Cons:
- The app interface could be more user-friendly
BEST VPN FOR UNBLOCKING ADULT SWIM:NordVPN is the best VPN for reliably unblocking content from Adult Swim and other U.S.-based streaming services. Its fast connections are well protected from prying eyes, and their extensive app support means you can stream on almost any device. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
Surfshark scored well enough to snag the runner-up spot in this roundup thanks to the provider’s reliable server network, unlimited simultaneous connections allowance and reasonable pricing.
While the provider’s global server coverage had previously been a bit lean, it has more than doubled since the last time I checked their coverage.
With over 3,200 servers in 65+ countries, the provider satisfyingly covers the globe. The servers deliver reliable access to Adult Swim, HBO, CBS All Access and many more.
Surfshark’s connection speeds land somewhere in the middle of this list and can easily handle HD and 4K streams. No data caps or bandwidth limitation worries here.
All of your internet activities are encrypted using military-quality encryption, and kill switch protection, as well as ad and tracker blocking, are available. The provider keeps no server logs of any kind and happily accepts Bitcoin in return for its services.
Native apps are available for the iOS, Android, Linux, Windows, macOS and Amazon Fire platforms. Firefox and Chrome browser extensions are available. The provider’s router compatibility offers protection for all of your connected devices.
The provider offers an ultra-generous unlimited simultaneous connections allowance.
Pros:
- Connects to numerous streaming services
- No limit to simultaneous connections
- Comprehensive security and privacy protections
- Wide server coverage
Cons:
- Lacks some advanced customization options
BEST BUDGET VPN OPTION:Surfshark is perfect for Adult Swim viewers on a budget. The provider’s unlimited concurrent connection allowance is also perfect for users who require a large number of VPN connections. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of Surfshark.
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is well-rounded, offering a high level of service in multiple categories, such as connection speeds, global server coverage, security protections and more.
In addition to Adult Swim, ExpressVPN offers access to Netflix, Hulu and other U.S.-based streaming services.
ExpressVPN has 3,000+ servers stationed in 94 countries. That server network includes numerous U.S.-based servers.
The service’s download speeds deliver more than enough performance for streaming HD video, gaming online and sharing large files. No monthly or daily data caps are ever imposed on customers’ usage.
Military-level encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak and IPv6 leak prevention all combine to offer excellent online protection.
Meanwhile, there are no records of your online antics thanks to the provider’s “no server logs” policy. Payment info is kept completely anonymous when you make use of the provider’s Bitcoin payment option.
Native app support is a plus at ExpressVPN, with options available for the iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Amazon Fire and Linux platforms. Chrome and Firefox users can protect their in-browser sessions with handy browser extensions.
Convenient router compatibility offers protection for all of your connected devices. You can connect up to 5 devices to the service simultaneously using the same login.
The provider’s MediaStreamer DNS service offers access to Adult Swim and other streaming services on game consoles, set-top boxes and Smart TVs. However, the service does not offer the encrypted protection that the provider’s VPN service offers.
Pros:
- Reliably unblocks Adult Swim and other U.S. streaming services
- Comprehensive global server network
- All-around privacy protections
- Top-notch native app support
Cons:
- More expensive than many other VPNs
- Only 5 simultaneous connections allowed
SOLID PERFORMANCE:ExpressVPN is a great choice all-around. Fast speeds are a staple, and the provider’s large global server network provides plenty of access to Adult Swim and other international streaming providers. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of ExpressVPN.
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost should prove attractive to novice VPN users looking for an easy way to access Adult Swim from outside the U.S., while also providing excellent protection for their other online activities.
CyberGhost’s 7,700+ servers are located in 90 countries around the globe. Many of those servers are in the United States, and many are streaming-optimized, offering access to numerous U.S. streaming services.
CyberGhost’s download speeds are streaming-ready, with plenty of speed for HD and 4K content. No bandwidth limitations or data caps to be found here.
In addition to government-grade encryption and kill switch protection, the provider’s apps also offer the ability to block ads and malicious websites, block online tracking and force websites to provide HTTPS versions of their webpages when available.
A no-server-logs-ever policy and Bitcoin payment option keep things undercover.
Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV and Amazon Fire apps all make an appearance here, as do Chrome and Firefox browser extensions.
You can simultaneously connect up to 7 devices to the service using a single set of login credentials, or you can take advantage of router features to protect all of your connected devices.
Pros:
- Streaming-optimized servers in the U.S. and around the globe
- Fast, HD- and 4K-ready connections
- No logs, accepts Bitcoin
- Easy-to-use apps for most popular device platforms
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer advanced options that well-seasoned users might expect
- Doesn’t work in China
EASY-TO-USE VPN OPTION:CyberGhost is the best option on this list for novice VPN users looking for top-notch online protection and excellent access to U.S. streaming services, all with no complicated settings. A 45-day, no-risk money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of CyberGhost.
5. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN snagged the 5th spot in this lineup despite a less-than-impressive global server network. The provider’s fast download speeds and reliable streaming service access make it a good choice for users concentrating on U.S. access.
150+ servers in 60 countries equals paper-thin global server coverage. However, the provider has more servers stationed in the U.S. than in any other country. Those servers offer reliable access to Adult Swim, as well as other streaming services, such as HBO, Amazon Prime and others.
Fast connections are the rule here, with plenty of bandwidth to handle both HD and 4K streams. No daily or monthly data caps ever restrict your streaming fun.
Government-level encryption, as well as kill switch, IPv6 leak and DNS leak protections, are available, as is a “Stealth VPN” option that hides your VPN usage.
PrivateVPN never saves any logs related to their customers’ online activities, and they accept Bitcoin to keep your payments anonymous.
The provider’s app support is limited to the big 4 platforms – iOS, Android, Windows and macOS. No browser extensions are currently available. Router support is available. Up to 6 concurrent connections are allowed per account.
Pros:
- Offers access to Adult Swim and other U.S. streaming services
- 4K-capable connection speeds
- Up to 6 concurrent connections
Cons:
- Server numbers are thin
- Multi-platform support is also thin
GREAT CONNECTION SPEEDS:PrivateVPN unblocks Adult Swim and other streaming services, providing super-fast connections easily up to handling any type of streaming content. The provider’s app and global server offerings could use improvement. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of PrivateVPN.
What Can I Watch on Adult Swim?
There are a number of popular shows available for viewing on Adult Swim, including:
- Rick and Morty
- Aqua Teen Hunger Force
- American Dad
- Black Dynamite
- Bob’s Burgers
- The Boondocks
- Dragon Ball Super
- Family Guy
- Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law
- Robot Chicken
- And many more…
Can I Use a Free VPN to Watch Adult Swim?
I wouldn’t recommend it. Free VPNs don’t offer reliable access to streaming services, nor do they offer streaming-optimized connections or offer comprehensive privacy and online security.
Most streaming services have become adept at detecting VPN usage. When a provider detects a viewer is using a VPN to access their content, they will often block the IP address used by that VPN.
Then, it’s up to the VPN provider to set up a new IP address to once again open access to the service.
Free VPNs simply don’t usually have the resources to continue setting up new IP addresses. Besides, the number of VPN servers that a freebie VPN offers is usually quite small.
Most free VPNs have a limited number of servers to choose from, and that’s if you get to choose at all. Users will often find that they are automatically connected to a server of the provider’s choice, not theirs.
Many free VPNs will throttle their users’ connection speeds, and they’ll restrict a customer’s usage by applying daily or monthly data caps. Neither of those “features” are streaming-friendly.
As far as privacy and security, even “free” VPNs need to make money to pay the bills, and many do so by logging their users’ online travels and selling that information to advertisers and other interested parties.
Still other sans-pay VPNs have been found to insert unwanted ads and tracking cookies into their users’ browser sessions.
If all of the above hasn’t deterred you from considering a “free” VPN to access Adult Swim, then by all means, go ahead. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.
What Else Is a VPN Good for?
In addition to opening access to Adult Swim, a VPN can also open access to numerous other online services and websites.
You can use a VPN to access gaming arenas, streaming video and music services, and other blocked sites and services.
A VPN prevents your Internet Service Provider (ISP) from monitoring and restricting your access to “unapproved” activities, such as streaming from certain services or sharing files via P2P file sharing.
A VPN’s encrypted connection protection ensures your ISP doesn’t know what you’re up to, so they can’t block the activity.
That same encryption prevents hackers from monitoring and intercepting your online shopping and banking activities while you’re connected to an unprotected Wi-Fi hotspot in a coffee shop or hotel.
Conclusion
There’s a lot of weird, but enjoyable content on Adult Swim, and by using a VPN, you’ll ensure you won’t miss enjoying any of it just because you’re traveling or living abroad.
A VPN – like my top choice, NordVPN – opens access to Adult Swim and other streaming services, provides optimal protection for your online activities and hides your online activities from prying eyes.
For more information, visit the NordVPN website.
“Adult Swim” by Brian Johnson & Dane Kantner licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
