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Anime is currently one of the most popular genres. Because the popularity of anime TV episodes and movies is growing, many fans have begun looking for a list of the best Anime applications.
If you’re an anime fan, you’ve probably experienced frustration figuring out where to watch your favorite type of anime. Because the popularity of anime is now skyrocketing, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten anime apps for watching anime content on the go.
When you think about anime, you probably think of major platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, where you have to pay a premium to view anime.
However, there are various free and paid anime applications where you can watch anime at any time, and these apps also regularly produce new titles.
1. Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll has become the global destination for anime streaming due to its diverse content library. The company, founded in 2006, now has over 100 million registered users and over 5 million subscribers. After being acquired by Sony, Crunchyroll combined with fellow genre powerhouse Funimation to deliver thousands of titles 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, and To Your Eternity are among the anime included in this collection. Crunchyroll claims to have “the world’s largest anime collection,” with over 40,000 episodes and 16,000 hours of entertainment.
Here are some specs, pros & cons why Crunchyroll is Best:
Specs
- Massive library with new shows available the same day.
- iOS, Android, Roku, most Smart TVs, and most game consoles are compatible.
- Streaming in full HD with dual sound (some titles may offer better options)
- Access to some manga is included in the subscription (Japanese comics)
- There’s a lot of information in this free, ad-supported library.
- Paid ad-free plans in two tiers ($7.99/mo and $9.99/mo), including a free two-week trial
Pros
- The library is enormous.
- Simulcast of Japan’s newest TV animation.
- Almost every platform has a native app.
- The free ad-supported library isn’t all that different from the subscription tier.
Cons
- The vast majority of titles do not have dubbed versions available.
- Streams in HD or stereo sound are rarely available.
What are the main selling points? New episodes are available on the streaming service one hour after they air in Japan. Viewers might also expect unexpected releases, such as the eight Attack on Titan bonus episodes that debuted weeks before the final season premiere.
Anime enthusiasts appreciate the variety and that they can view uncensored Japanese versions of their favorite programs on this service for some material. There’s also a carousel of original, in-house productions spinning alongside the latest Japanese blockbusters. Customers in the United States may now access even more programs thanks to Crunchyroll’s relationship with anime streaming service VRV.
Existing Funimation subscribers should go to the website to learn how to create a Crunchyroll account or combine their two memberships if they have two. To access all of the content, you’ll need your own Crunchyroll (not Funimation) log-in credentials.
You can join a free account to access the service’s ad-supported content. Keep in mind that not all titles are compatible with this edition, and new releases are delayed. Crunchyroll’s basic $8 ad-free membership is recommended for anime fans who want rapid access to new episodes.
2. Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video
Suppose you’re on the fence about getting a Crunchyroll membership. In that case, Hulu has over 300 anime titles, including My Hero Academia, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, Tokyo Ghoul, Attack on Titan, Soul Eater, Bleach, and more. Each season, additional simulcasts are broadcast, giving viewers access to the latest Japanese releases. Hulu outperforms Netflix in this area. Pokemon films and oldies but classics like Sailor Moon and Akira will be available to fans.
Here are some specs, pros & cons why Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video is one of the best anime streaming platform:
Specs
- Various-sized library
- iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon devices, smart TVs, and game consoles are compatible.
- Full HD resolution and stereo sound (or better) are required.
- Simulcast anime is available on Hulu.
- Streamer and package prices range from $6.99 to $14.99 per month.
Pros
- Non-anime collections that are extensive.
- On HBO Max and Amazon Prime Video, there are a few exclusives.
- Simulcasts on Hulu are limited.
- Native apps with excellent stream quality are readily available.
Cons
- Inconsistency in the anime library or a lack of anime concentration.
- Finding content can be difficult if you don’t know what to look for.
Crunchyroll and Funimation have also partnered with Hulu to carry some of their titles, but not their whole catalog. Blade Runner: Black Lotus, a Crunchyroll and Adult Swim original series, is accessible, as well as fan favorites like Assassination Classroom. On the other hand, new subtitled episodes may appear on the streamer almost instantly, although dubbed versions may take longer. Depending on the series, the premiere date varies.
The dedicated Anime Hub, where you’ll discover programming grouped into categories like classic, A-Z, and simulcasts, is a bonus. Hulu is available for $7 per month.
3. Hidive
Hidive is a low-cost solution for consumers who want to see material worldwide, including simulcasts. You’ll find curated not only anime from various subgenres but also a variety of live-action adaptations. Despite having family-friendly titles, the service caters to those aged 18 and up.
Here are some reasons why Hidive is a good anime streaming platform:
Specs
- A medium-sized library with some unique materials.
- iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon devices, smart TVs, and Xbox are all supported.
- Streams in Full HD+ and stereo
Pros
- Anime that isn’t available anywhere else, including simulcasts.
- New anime dubbed versions are produced in a concise amount of time.
- Except for PlayStation, apps are accessible on practically every platform.
Cons
- The library is relatively modest.
- Rarely do famous names appear in exclusives?
Hidive is known for its customized subtitles, in-episode live conversations, and limited-edition collection. You have the option of watching censored or uncensored anime. As an independent service, the company encourages fans to submit requests for games that aren’t available on the site.
Hidive runs material directly through their website and is compatible with iOS, Android, and smart TVs. There is no free subscription option, and after the 14-day free trial, the monthly charge is $5.
4. Netflix
Netflix has expanded its anime options as a pioneer in streaming TV. However, it lacks Hulu’s fresh installments and simulcasts. Hundreds of Japanese imports and Netflix originals Castlevania, Yasuke, Cannon Busters, and Devilman Crybaby are currently available on the site.
Here are some specs, pros & cons why Netflix is a good platform to watch anime:
Specs
- Original exclusive content in a medium-sized library.
- iOS, Android, Roku, most Smart TVs, and most game consoles are compatible.
- 4K video and surround-sound audio can be streamed.
- A sizable non-anime library is available.
- Ad-free.
- There are three tiers ($9.99/mo, $15.49/mo, and $19.99/mo).
Pros
- Films and series that are only available to subscribers.
- There is a lot of extra information provided.
- Higher-priced tiers provide better visual and audio quality.
- Adaptable to almost every situation (though library changes based on region).
Cons
- The higher the tier, the more expensive it is.
- There isn’t much in the way of traditional anime.
- Crunchyroll’s library is smaller overall.
Netflix provides a consistent variety of popular anime, including Demon Slayer, Hunter x Hunter, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, and nine seasons of Naruto. However, it isn’t the go-to for more obscure titles. Kotaro Lives Alone, an adaptation of Mami Tsumura’s manga, and a small-screen version of Spriggan are among its newest offerings for 2022.
Another significant advantage of the streamer is the absence of advertisements. However, subscribers should be aware that they’ll need to disable the skip function after episodes conclude to check if their favorite show has any post-credits scenes.
Bubble, Tomb Raider, Skull Island, and Terminator are just a few of the upcoming anime films and episodes that viewers should watch.Netflix subscriptions start at $10 per month.
5. Funimation (The home of anime dubs)
Funimation’s strengths include a strong focus on dubs, particularly simulcast dubs, and the ability for users to download videos to their devices via the Funimation app. Even Crunchyroll’s tremendous selection of anime (and manga and dramas) won’t win you over if you like your anime dubbed rather than subtitled. The debate between subs and dubs has raged for years, but it all boils down to personal preference. Funimation gives you a lot of options. If reading subtitles during a tense battle scene becomes too distracting, you’ll almost certainly be able to switch to the dub. Similarly, the subtitles are usually available if you don’t like the English dub.
Crunchyroll used to be a close partner, and the two services shared chunks of their libraries. However, they have since split up.
Here are some specs, pros & cons why Netflix is a good platform to watch anime:
Specs
- A surprising amount of anime is available, as well as general entertainment.
- iOS, Android, Apple TV, and Smart TVs are all supported.
- Full HD video can be streamed at a speed of 5Mbps.
Pros
- Some fantastic dubs and subs.
- Almost every platform has a native app.
- Free account option.
- Dragon Ball series (US only).
- Mostly dubs.
- Free.
Cons
- Crunchyroll is taking over the library.
- Ad breaks in movies can be annoying.
Funimation(opens in new tab) is a large distributor of dubbed anime, which means that rather than subtitling the original audio, the catalog tends to replace the Japanese voice acting. This is blasphemy for some purists. It makes anime a lot more approachable to others. Funimation is likely your best bet for anime streaming if you fall into the latter category.
You get a lot of overlap with Crunchyroll’s catalog as a dedicated anime platform. On the other hand, Crunchyroll lacks the complete Dragon Ball TV series lineup, with Funimation(opens in new tab) offering Dragon Ball Z, Z Kai, Super, and GT in addition to the original series (albeit only in the US).
There’s a free, ad-supported version and a paid membership option with improved video quality, just like Crunchyroll. You receive a two-week free trial to try out the service before paying $5.99 / £4.99 / AU$5.99 per month.
Attack on Titan, Fairy Tail, My Hero Academia, Assassination Classroom, Mob Psycho 100, and Yuri!!! They are among the best anime on Funimation. Dragon Ball Z is available on ICE (US only: including Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Super, Dragon Ball Z Kai, and Dragon Ball GT)
Frequently Asked Questions :
1. What's the difference between dub and sub?
In the anime community, the terms dubbed and subbed are used to describe the difference between a piece of content that streams in Japanese with subtitles or an English-dubbed (or other language) version. It’s a matter of personal preference, but some fans like one type over the other. Among diehard fans, Funimation is known for its extensive dubbed collection.
2. What is the best anime streaming service?
Going solely by the available library, it’s Crunchyroll without a doubt. While Crunchyroll isn’t perfect—its UI could use some work in particular—it has nearly everything you want and need as an anime fan, with a near-guarantee of having the newest TV anime available within hours of its airing in Japan.
