When you immigrate to or work in Malaysia, one of the first obstacles you will encounter is the problem of not being able to watch Japanese TV or videos. Netflix Japan, TVer, Hulu, U-NEXT, Amazon location_onPrime Video (Japanese version), ABEMA, and even DAZN (J.League broadcast) — all of these services are only available in Japan.
In this article, I will thoroughly compare the latest VPN services in 2026, based on the experience of the author, who has lived in Malaysia for 5 years.
This article is based on actual test results using each service from Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur).
Why can't I watch Japanese videos from Malaysia?
Japanese video distribution services use "geoblock" (regional restrictions) for copyright reasons. If your IP address is determined to be from Malaysia, you will not be able to access your content.
VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows you to route your communications through a server in Japan, making it appear as if you are accessing from Japan.
Using a VPN is legal in Malaysia, but please check the terms and conditions of each video service. This article is intended as a technical explanation.
VPN service comparison table
| Service name | Monthly fee | Number of servers in Japan | Number of simultaneous connections | Speed evaluation | Compatible with Netflix | Compatible with Japanese |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | RM 15~/month (2-year contract) | 80+ devices | 10 devices | ★★★★★ | ◎ | ◎ |
| ExpressVPN | RM 28~/month (1 year contract) | 3 locations+ | 8 devices | ★★★★★ | ◎ | ◎ |
| Surfshark | RM 10~/month (2 year contract) | Multiple | Unlimited | ★★★★☆ | ◎ | ○ |
| CyberGhost | RM 10~/month (2 year contract) | 70 units or more | 7 units | ★★★★☆ | ○ | △ |
| Free VPN | 0 yen | Few | 1 unit | ★★☆☆☆ | × | × |
1st place: NordVPN — No. 1 overall power, if you are confused, this is it
Overall rating: 4.8 / 5.0 — Most recommended for Malaysian residents
Why NordVPN is perfect for Malaysia residents
- ●More than 80 Japanese servers—Stable and high-speed connection possible even during busy times
- ●Fully compatible with Netflix Japan—Tested on all Netflix, TVer, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, U-NEXT, ABEMA
- ●NordLynx Protocol—Proprietary high-speed encryption technology ensures almost zero video buffering
- ●Server installed in Malaysia—Local browsing is also fast
- ●Connect 10 devices at the same time—Covers all smartphones, PCs, TVs, and tablets
- ●30 Day Full Money Back Guarantee—Get your money back if you're not satisfied.
Actual usage experience (from Malaysia)
When connecting to the Japanese server with a home line (Unifi 300 Mbps) in Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur):
| Test items | Not using VPN | When connected to NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Download speed | 280 Mbps | 210 Mbps |
| Netflix 4K playback | × | ◎ |
| TVer viewing | × | ◎ |
| Ping (latency) | — | 65ms |
Speed reduction is only about 25% — significantly higher than the 25 Mbps required to watch 4K videos, so you can watch without stress.
Pricing plan
- ●2-year plan—Approximately RM 15/month (best value for money)
- ●1 Year Plan—Approximately RM 20/month
- ●1 month plan—Approx. RM 55/month
The 2-year plan is overwhelmingly advantageous. If you are planning to stay in Malaysia for a long time, don't hesitate to choose the 2-year plan.
2nd Place: ExpressVPN — King of Stability and Speed
Overall rating: 4.6 / 5.0 — Click here if speed is your priority
Strengths of ExpressVPN
- ●Lightway Protocol—Super fast connection. Speed comparable to NordLynx
- ●Servers installed in 94 countries—You can also enjoy content from countries other than Japan.
- ●MediaStreamer function—Easily connect to VPN on smart TVs and game consoles
- ●24 hours a day, 365 days a year Japanese support—Japanese support via chat
- ●30-day full money back guarantee
Notes on ExpressVPN
- ●About 40% more expensive than NordVPN
- ●8 simultaneous connections (10 for NordVPN)
3rd place: Surfshark — Best value for money, unlimited simultaneous connections
Overall rating: 4.4 / 5.0 — Click here for family use
Why Surfshark?
- ●Unlimited number of simultaneous connections—covers all family members' devices
- ●Lowest price in the industry—Approximately RM 10 per month for 2-year plan
- ●CleanWeb function—Ad blocking function is included as standard
- ●Compatible with Netflix Japan—Stable viewing available
Notes on Surfshark
- ●Not as many Japanese servers as NordVPN
- ●May slow down a bit during peak hours
Recommended VPNs for each purpose
🎬 People who mainly watch Netflix/videos
- 1NordVPN—Excellent stability with over 80 Japanese servers
- 2ExpressVPN—Easily connect to your TV with MediaStreamer function
👨👩👧👦 For those who want to use it with the whole family
- 1Surfshark—Starting from RM 10 per month with unlimited simultaneous connections
- 2NordVPN—10 simultaneous connections, guaranteed speed
🏦 Those who value online banking and security
- 1NordVPN—Dual VPN with Threat Protection
- 2ExpressVPN—High security with TrustedServer technology
Why you shouldn't use a free VPN
Avoid free VPNs at all costs.
- ●Too slow—Video buffering occurs frequently
- ●Data limits—Most can only be used a few GB per month
- ●Security Risk—Your data may be sold to third parties
- ●Not compatible with Netflix—Almost all free VPNs cannot break through Netflix blocks.
- ●Malware Risk—Some free VPNs contain malware
How to set up VPN (for NordVPN)
- 1Create an account from NordVPN official website
- 2Download the app—Compatible with Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android
- 3Login and select Japan server
- 4Just Press the Connect Button — Connect in about 3 seconds
- 5Open Netflix (or TVer, etc.)—Japanese content will be displayed
Convenient settings: If you turn on NordVPN's "auto connect" feature, the VPN will automatically connect when you start your device. It is very convenient as it saves you the trouble of manually connecting each time.
Frequently asked questions about using a VPN in Malaysia
Q: Is it legal to use a VPN in Malaysia?
Yes, it's legal. The Malaysian government does not ban the use of VPNs. However, using a VPN for illegal activities is of course prohibited.
Q: Will using a VPN slow down my internet speed?
You'll experience some speed loss, but a high-quality VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN can maintain 75-85% speeds. There is no problem watching 4K videos.
Q: Which is better: NordVPN or ExpressVPN?
If cost performance is your priority, try NordVPN, If you're looking for extreme speed, try ExpressVPN. We recommend NordVPN for the majority of Malaysian residents.
Q: Can I use a VPN for online banking?
yes. A VPN is also effective when accessing Japanese banks' online banking (SBI Securities, Rakuten Bank, Sony Bank, etc.) from overseas.
Summary: This is the VPN you should choose if you live in Malaysia
| Ranking | Service | Recommended points | Monthly (2 year plan) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | NordVPN | No.1 overall power. When in doubt, this is it | Approx. RM 15/month |
| 🥈 | ExpressVPN | Top class speed and stability | Approx. RM 28/month |
| 🥉 | Surfshark | Best value for money and unlimited connectivity | Approx. RM 10/month |
My recommendation: NordVPN's 2-year plan. It is an essential tool for Malaysian life. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so feel free to try it out.