One of the fastest-growing fandoms is anime, which is enamored with the fantastic manga adaptations. To serve this community, new anime such as Chainsaw Man, Blue Lock, and Spy x Family are published on a daily basis. The best apps for reading manga on iPhone and Android have previously been discussed. But we're here to assist if you want to start viewing anime but are unsure about which platform to utilize. The top anime streaming services for novices are listed here.
The last change was made on February 26, 2024, when some of the descriptions were modified and Funimation was removed due to its merger with Crunchyroll.
When putting together this list of anime streaming services, we took a number of things into account. We've highlighted the most beginner-friendly website, free streaming options for some of the most well-known anime, and the website to visit for brand-new anime. Let's get started on your anime trip with these websites and applications!
1. Crunchyroll
The majority of anime enthusiasts worldwide visit Crunchyroll, the most widely used anime streaming service. Popular anime, such as Death Note, Naruto, and others, may be recognizable to you. Crunchyroll offers more than 1,000 anime series and films.
With the acquisition of Funimation and VRV by Crunchyroll, the collection has grown even more. You can watch both English-dubbed and subtitled versions of every major anime on Crunchyroll, so don't worry about which you prefer. Furthermore, Crunchyroll has just begun to dub anime in a variety of regional languages, including Tamil, Hindi, Spanish, and more.
Features of Crunchyroll
Check out the list below to learn about all the incredible things that Crunchyroll has to offer.
- For beginners, Crunchyroll provides a list of anime divided by genres to help you choose the ones you should watch first.
- Offline viewing, browsing through their perfectly-sorted genres, and customizing your watchlist.
- The simulcast feature supported by Crunchyroll is one of the primary reasons anime fans use this service, as it allows you to watch all the latest anime on the same day it airs in Japan.
- They even have a dedicated store where you can purchase anime figurines and merchandise. Also, there’s a Crunchyroll games section, where you can play anime-based games.
- Finally, you can use the Crunchylist feature to create your favorite anime lists and share them with the anime community on the platform.
Crunchyroll Plans
Full access to Crunchyroll's anime collection is included in the premium subscription, along with a ton of extra goodies including manga libraries, simulcasts, and excellent streaming alternatives.
Crunchyroll begins at $7.99 per month and goes up to $14.99 per month with the Ultimate plan if you want to access these premium features. Additionally, it provides a 14-day free trial, which you may use to try the service out for yourself. Furthermore, Crunchyroll is testing a new user interface (UI) for its website, which has a fresh appearance and a number of intriguing features. Thus, this would be a great time to sign up for a Crunchyroll subscription. And Crunchyroll is, hands down, the greatest anime streaming service available at the moment.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| World’s largest anime collection | Dubbed anime selection is slim |
| Anime simulcasts at the same time when it airs in Japan | Quality of translation for subtitles can be average at times |
| Can be streamed on all devices |
Note:Funimation and VRV will combine with Crunchyroll, it was revealed when Crunchyroll was acquired by Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. in March 2022. Even though VRV and Funimation have already combined, the sites will be permanently closed on April 2, 2024, with the completion of the merger.Database: 1000+ anime series and movies
Platform: Android, iOS, Web, Windows, Android TV, Apple TV, Xbox, and Sony PS5 consoles
Pricing: 14-day free trial, Fan plan – $7.99/month, Mega Fan Plan – $9.99/month, Ultimate Fan plan – $14.99/month
2. Netflix
Features of Netflix
- They consistently add new anime series to their library (recently, they included many popular Studio Ghibli movies)
- Netflix also supports simultaneous streaming (Simulcast), airing the latest episode on the same day as it airs in Japan, for some of the newest anime like Spy X Family, Blue Lock, MHA, and others.
- Netflix is renowned for its clear and sophisticated user interface across all platforms, along with the plethora of profile and playback features.
- Netflix also creates original anime TV series, including Cyberpunk Edgerunners, Devilman Crybaby, Castlevania, and more.
- Furthermore, Netflix offers several features like ad-free streaming (starting with the basic plan in some countries), curated anime suggestion lists, Offline downloads, and more.
Plans for Netflix
As previously said, for those who are new to anime streaming, this is the best choice. The only disadvantage of Netflix in comparison to other platforms is the cost of its premium plans, but in addition to anime, you also have access to the top Netflix TV series and movies.You may no longer sign up for a free trial of Netflix; instead, you must purchase a package. To test out the service, however, you may purchase the less expensive ad-supported $6.99 Netflix subscription . Several nations, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Spain, and the UK, are now offering it.| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Perfect anime streaming app for beginners | Fast-growing anime library; but smaller than competitors |
| Dubbed version available for many shows | Subscription plans are expensive |
| Simulcasts some of the major new anime | Inconsistent release schedule |
| Offers several add-on features |
Platform: Android, iOS, Web, Windows, Android TV, Apple TV, Xbox and Sony PS5 consoles
Pricing: No free trials, Ad-supported Plan – $6.99/month, Standard Plan – $15.49/month, Premium Plan – $22.99/month
3. Hulu
Features on Hulu
- Curated suggestions based on your anime tastes in the “My stuff” tab. You must set it up at the start when signing up for the service.
- Offline viewing to download and watch all your favorite anime on to go.
- Hulu’s recent updates have given the platform a fresh and modern look, and Hulu plans to add more features in the future.
Plans on Hulu
Three separate subscription tiers are available for Hulu, including both monthly and annual membership options. There are three plans available: Basic with commercials, Premium, and Premium with Live TV. Hulu also provides new users with a free 30-day trial period to try out their site.| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Impressive UI experience | Offline downloading feature limited to premium users |
| Stream other titles along with anime | Limited anime content available |
| Offers popular anime for beginners | No simulcast feature |
Platform: Android, iOS, Web, Windows, Android TV, Apple TV, Xbox, and Sony PS5 consoles
Pricing: 30-day free trial, Hulu Basic (with Ads) – $7.99/month, Hulu Premium – $17.99/month
Try Hulu
4. Anime-Planet
Features of Anime-Planet
- Anime-Planet does not list an official number for the number of TV shows or movies on its platforms. But it does have a bigger anime library with over 45,000 episodes in total.
- They have a neat UI similar to Crunchyroll and also offer you the ability to read manga here.
- There is a community section for anime fans to share anime reviews, anime lists, and manga reviews, which is something you ought to appreciate.
Planet-Anime
There are no subscription options available on Anime-Planet. To get access to premium material, you must subscribe to Crunchyroll and connect your account using this link. After that, which seems like a bit of a pain, you may view all of the anime stuff that is accessible on this site.| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| You can watch popular anime for free | Only a few popular anime are available for free |
| Decent anime library | Separate subscription is needed to unlock premium content |
| Community to share reviews and lists with other anime fans |
Platform: Website\br/>Pricing: Free, get a Crunchyroll premium account and link it here\br/>Check out Anime-Planet
5. RetroCrush
Features of Retrocrush
- Retrocrush’s simple user interface presents a curated list of anime separated by genre.
- You can watch some of the content for free (with ads, of course), but they do not display frequent and annoying advertisements, unlike some other platforms.
- Retrocrush has the biggest classic anime library when compared to other platforms.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Won’t find a classic anime library like this on any other platform | Doesn’t have a watchlist option |
| Watch popular vintage anime for free (with ads) | Buggy media player and not-so-good UI |
| Premium plan is pretty cheap | As it only concentrates on retro anime, you won’t find any new-gen anime here |
Platform: Android, iOS, Web, Windows
Pricing: 7-day free trial, Premium – $4.99/month, $49.99/year
Try out Retrocrush6. HIDIVE
Image Provided by HIDIVE WebsiteMany people find HIDIVE's unusual selection of anime to be hit or miss. You may or might not want to watch these anime, depending on your taste in anime. A few of the well-known anime series and films available on HIDIVE include Parasyte, The Promised Neverland, Bloom Into You, Made in Abyss, and Clannad. Among many other things, it also features classic anime like Legend of the Galactic Heroes. HIDIVE is the place to use if you want to launch your anime career in a unique or specialized manner.DEFINITIVE ASPECTS
- What makes HIDIVE unique is that it provides uncensored/ uncut versions of select anime titles, such as Akame ga Kill.
- Much like Crunchyroll and Netflix, HIDIVE also provides a simulcast feature. You can use this feature to watch some of the best upcoming anime in Fall 2022, such as Eminence in the Shadows, Reincarnated as a Sword, and others, at the same time they air in Japan.
- HIDIVE has a variety of other features such as private chat rooms for you to chat with your friends, and the option to create up to three profiles in your account.
- HIDIVE has a clean UI with separate sections for each genre and dedicated tabs at the top to switch between simulcast, dubbed, and subbed shows.
DEMAND Strategies
While HIDIVE does provide some free episodes, popular anime is not included in this list. HIDIVE offers monthly and annual memberships for the two subscription plans . In addition, a seven-day free trial period is provided for consumers to explore the features.| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Uncut versions of shows like Akame ga Kill | Smaller library; Lacks a lot of popular anime |
| Offers a more unique library than other platforms | No option for offline downloads |
| Private chat room option |
Platform: Android, iOS, Web, Windows, Android TV, Apple TV, Xbox, and Sony PS5 consoles
Pricing: 7-day free trial, Hidive Plan – $4.99/month or $47.99/year
Try it out7. YouTube
The image courtesy of Muse Asia (Youtube) is - You can stream anime in Full HD (1080p) resolution, but some are only available in 720p, which is still a great deal considering it’s totally free.
- YouTube also has made several changes to its UI recently, making it smoother and better than ever for users to watch videos and get access to paid content.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| You can stream anime in high-quality for free | Smaller anime library |
| The premium plan is very cheap compared to other platforms | Can Simulcast the latest anime but with a delay (free membership) |
| New anime will be added regularly | Not available worldwide |
Platform: Android, iOS, Web, Windows, Android TV, Apple TV, Xbox, and Sony PS5 consoles
Pricing: Membership Plan starts atRs 119/month
Check out Muse Asia, Ani-one Asia, and Official Beyblade Asia8. Prime Video on Amazon
Features of Amazon Prime Video
- New updated and smoother UI, making anime accessible via its category.
- The offline downloading option is available with a premium subscription.
- You can watch other popular movies and original TV shows on Amazon Prime Video along with anime.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exclusive X-ray option to know more about your favorite show | Tiny anime library |
| You can stream movies and shows along with anime | Very less dubbed content |
| High-quality streaming | Expensive for the limited content that is available |
Platform: Android, iOS, Web, Windows, Android TV, Apple TV, Xbox, and Sony PS5 consoles
Pricing: 30-day free trial, Prime Video with Amazon Prime Membership – $14.99/month or $139/yearThese are the top anime streaming services, making them perfect for both casual viewers and die-hard enthusiasts to explore the world of anime. As we've previously said, even though most platforms include some free streaming features, you still need to use the free trial period to thoroughly evaluate them and decide whether or not to subscribe. Please share in the comments below which anime streaming service you like and intend to utilize.Among anime enthusiasts, Crunchyroll is the most used app, followed by Funimation, Netflix, and other apps.While Crunchyroll offers the greatest anime library, you may also consider Retrocrush and Hidive, each of which has advantages of its own. And if you're a newbie searching for the greatest streaming service to get you started with anime, we recommend Netflix.YouTube channels such as Muse-Asia and Ani-one Asia now provide the greatest free and legal anime streaming options available.