Demand for anime has exploded over the past few years, doubling in popularity worldwide. It’s no surprise that streaming services have responded by adding massive anime libraries—and even producing their own originals. Having watched anime since childhood, it’s been exciting to see this growth and the variety of ways to watch.
Crunchyroll is now the biggest name in legal anime streaming after acquiring Funimation, but plenty of other platforms are worth exploring. Before diving into the best anime streaming services of 2025, here’s a quick look at how this list was put together and some tips to help you get the most out of your anime streaming experience.
How the Best Anime Streaming Services Were Determined
We’ve been subscribers to many of these platforms for years. For the ones we hadn’t used regularly, we made sure to watch anime on them for at least a month before writing the reviews. This helped us get a good feel for each service’s features, streaming quality, and overall experience.
We looked at things like the size and variety of their anime libraries, including how many genres they cover, how many mature or exclusive titles they have, and whether they offer simulcasts or a good mix of dubbed and subbed shows. Video and audio quality also mattered a lot, since anime is such a visually rich medium and sound plays a huge role in the experience.
Cost was another important factor — we weighed value against what each platform offers. Some people want the absolute best quality no matter the price, and that’s cool too.
All in all, this list reflects a combination of long-term use, hands-on testing, and close attention to the libraries and features that matter most to anime fans. It’s up to date for 2025, and we’ll keep it fresh with updates every year.
Tips for Anime Streaming
Audio and visuals play a huge role in enjoying anime, so having a good TV setup can really enhance the experience. It’s not a must-have if you’re on a budget, but if you want something more immersive, investing in a quality 4K TV and sound system is worth considering. For smaller spaces or minimal setups, a good soundbar does the trick.
For example, a 55″ 4K TV paired with a Sonos Arc soundbar allows for great picture and sound without going overboard. Affordable options exist for both TVs and soundbars, so you don’t need to spend a fortune. This applies whether you’re watching on a big screen or a laptop.
Adding some ambient lighting, like the Govee Envisual TV LED Backlight, can also take your anime viewing to the next level by syncing lights with the colors on screen — highly recommended.
Keep in mind, some anime apps are only available on certain devices — common ones include Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, Roku, and Apple TV. If you watch on the go, phones and Nintendo Switch are great options. For home streaming, consoles and streaming sticks work best.
Device compatibility will be noted for each streaming service below, so you can easily find the right fit for your setup.
Where to Stream Anime: Crunchyroll — The Biggest Library & Most Simulcasts
Crunchyroll is the undisputed leader in anime streaming, especially after acquiring Funimation’s massive library. With over 1,000 series and movies, it boasts the largest anime catalog available today—far surpassing competitors like HIDIVE, which has around 325 titles.
They also lead in simulcasts, dropping new episodes just an hour after they air in Japan. Crunchyroll’s huge variety covers everything from action, romance, and comedy to niche genres like mecha, magical girls, harem, seinen, and slice of life—there’s truly something for every anime fan.
- Largest anime library available anywhere
- Wide and diverse selection of genres to explore
- Leads the pack in simulcast titles every season
- New episodes available just one hour after Japan broadcast
- All subscription plans provide an ad-free viewing experience
- 7-day free trial available for new users
- Available in more countries and languages than most competitors
- Flexible cancel-anytime subscription policy
- Offline viewing included in select plans
- Occasional outages can disrupt viewing
- Some episodes experience buffering delays
- App interface and usability could use improvements
Library Size and Selection
Crunchyroll boasts the largest anime library out there with over 1,000 series and movies — and it keeps growing every season. For perspective, the next biggest competitor, HIDIVE, only has around 325 titles.
They also lead the pack when it comes to simulcast anime, regularly adding 40+ new shows each season — from popular titles like Spy x Family and Kaguya-sama to classics and niche series. Episodes drop just an hour after airing in Japan, making Crunchyroll the go-to for staying up with current releases.
One of Crunchyroll’s biggest strengths is its genre diversity. They don’t just stop at broad categories like action or romance — they break it down into detailed genres like seinen, shojo, mecha, magical girls, slice of life, and more, making it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for. Whatever your anime tastes, there’s something for you here.
Not sure where to start? Check out our best anime on Crunchyroll post for some solid recommendations you won’t want to miss.
User Experience
The app and website are easy to navigate, with a clean homepage showcasing popular shows, simulcasts, and new releases. Browsing is a breeze thanks to detailed genre breakdowns—way more specific than most streaming platforms. Some UI elements, like the dub/sub selection, could be smoother, but recent updates have improved sub-language options directly in the video player.
Load times and buffering can sometimes be an issue, with Crunchyroll historically having more downtime than others. However, it remains essential for keeping up with new releases and accessing a massive back catalog.
Video Quality
Crunchyroll streams in up to 1080p and offers sharp, clear visuals when fully loaded. The quality is generally better than HIDIVE but can’t quite match Netflix’s consistency. Buffering and inconsistent load quality are the main drawbacks here.
Pricing & Plans
Crunchyroll offers three tiers:
- Fan ($7.99/month): Ad-free, unlimited access, simulcast episodes 1 hour after Japan, stream on 1 device at a time, no offline viewing. Includes Crunchyroll Store perks of 5% off select products.
- Mega Fan ($11.99/month): Stream on up to 4 devices at a time, offline viewing, access to Crunchyroll Game Vault (free games catalog), and Crunchyroll Store perks including 10% off select products, members-only offers, early access to sales, and free US shipping on orders over $50.
- Ultimate Fan ($15.99/month): Stream on up to 6 devices at a time, offline viewing, access to Crunchyroll Game Vault, and enhanced Crunchyroll Store perks including 15% off select products, members-only offers, early access to sales, free US shipping with no minimum purchase, plus an exclusive swag bag after 12 consecutive months of subscription.
The Fan plan offers great value for casual viewers, while Mega Fan and Ultimate Fan add multi-device streaming, offline downloads, and expanded store discounts—ideal for households or power users.
Crunchyroll Perks
Subscribers also get discounts on the Crunchyroll Store, increasing with each tier—from 5% off at Fan to 15% off plus free shipping at Ultimate Fan. If you’re into manga, figures, or Blu-rays, these perks can add up.
Devices Supported
Crunchyroll supports nearly every platform: web browsers, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, Samsung Smart TVs, Roku, and Apple TV.
New to Crunchyroll? They offer a 7-day free trial so you can test it out risk-free before committing.
Want more details? Check out our full Crunchyroll review for an in-depth breakdown.
Hulu – Best if You Want TV Shows, Movies, and Anime in One Place
Hulu isn’t strictly an anime-only platform like Crunchyroll, but it offers a solid anime library alongside a huge selection of TV shows and movies. If streaming a mix of content is your thing, Hulu is a great option. However, if anime is your exclusive focus, dedicated services like Crunchyroll usually provide better libraries and simulcast options.
- Offers a solid anime library alongside TV shows and movies
- Includes some simulcast anime titles
- Easy-to-use app with a dedicated anime section
- Video player supports subtitle toggling and standard controls
- Hulu with ads plan is affordable
- Long 30-day free trial for first-time users
- Available on a wide range of devices
- Smaller anime library compared to dedicated anime platforms
- Anime content constantly changes, making availability inconsistent
- Ads on the cheaper plan can be intrusive, especially for short episodes
- Limited language options for anime (English and Japanese only)
Library Size and Selection
Hulu has around 300+ anime titles available at any given time, which is more than Netflix but less than anime-focused platforms. Keep in mind, Hulu’s catalog changes frequently as shows rotate in and out. Still, its library rivals some dedicated anime services like HIDIVE.
Not sure what to watch? Hulu features a good mix of popular series and some simulcasts, though its genre categorization isn’t as detailed as Crunchyroll’s.
User Experience
Hulu’s app is user-friendly and continually updated. It features a dedicated anime section accessible from the browse tab, where you can sort shows alphabetically, by popularity, or by simulcast status. While it doesn’t offer as many genre filters as Crunchyroll, browsing remains straightforward.
The video player supports standard controls, including subtitle toggling directly within the player, which makes watching easy and convenient.
Pricing
Hulu offers three main plans:
- Hulu with ads: $6.99/month – Affordable but ads can interrupt short anime episodes frequently.
- Hulu no ads: $12.99/month – Best ad-free experience for anime streaming.
- Hulu + Live TV: $69.99/month – Includes 75+ live TV channels, Disney+, and ESPN+, in addition to Hulu’s streaming library.
For most anime viewers, the ad-free plan is worth the extra cost, especially given the length of episodes.
Free Trial and Languages
New Hulu users get a 30-day free trial, one of the longest trial periods among streaming services. Currently, anime on Hulu is available only in English and Japanese, which is more limited than some competitors.
Supported Devices
The Hulu app is widely available across devices, including Android and iOS phones, Android TV, Apple TV (4th gen+), Chromecast, Fire TV, Roku, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and many smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Vizio, and more.
HIDIVE – Best for Uncensored Anime and Early Dubs
HIDIVE is a dedicated anime streaming platform known for offering uncensored anime content and a solid selection of exclusives. While its library isn’t as massive as Crunchyroll’s, HIDIVE delivers quality with a focus on niche and fan-favorite titles.
- Library of over 325 anime titles to explore
- Offers uncensored versions of select anime
- More affordable subscription plan compared to some competitors
- Unique DUBCAST feature for early access to dubbed episodes
- 7-day free trial for new users
- Supports offline viewing for convenience
- Recently updated interface for better user experience
- Fewer exclusive titles compared to larger platforms
- Smaller number of simulcasts each season
- Occasional downtime and streaming interruptions
Library Size and Selection
HIDIVE hosts over 325 anime titles spanning genres like action, comedy, drama, horror, romance, sci-fi, and supernatural. They regularly add new anime each season, with notable simulcasts such as Made in Abyss: The Golden City of the Scorching Sun and exclusives like Oshi no Ko, The Eminence in Shadow, and Call of the Night. Though their exclusive catalog is smaller, it’s steadily growing, making HIDIVE a great option for unique anime content.
User Experience
HIDIVE recently updated its interface, improving usability and responsiveness. While the app has had occasional crashes and issues with saving watch progress, the new design is a positive step forward. The video player and browsing features still have room to grow, but HIDIVE’s ongoing improvements show promise for competing with bigger platforms.
Unique Features
HIDIVE’s standout feature is DUBCAST, which offers early access to dubbed episodes within two weeks of their Japanese simulcast. The dubs are produced in-house and can vary in quality but provide fans who prefer dubbed anime with quicker access. Offline viewing is also supported, and users can create custom watchlists with the new UI.
Pricing
HIDIVE offers a single subscription plan at $4.99/month or a discounted annual plan. This includes access to simulcasts, exclusives, DUBCAST early dubs, and streaming on two devices simultaneously. A 7-day free trial is available for new users.
Languages Served
Anime on HIDIVE is available in Japanese, English, Latin American Spanish, and Portuguese.
Supported Devices
The HIDIVE app is available on Android, iOS, Chromecast, Xbox One, Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Fire Tablet, and Roku.
RetroCrush – Best for Classic Anime Fans
RetroCrush is a streaming service focused on classic anime, offering both free (with ads) and premium plans. If retro anime is your thing, this platform is a treasure trove with over 160 titles like Astro Boy, City Hunter, GTO, and Flame of Recca. However, it doesn’t offer any new anime or simulcasts.
- Library of over 160 classic anime titles
- Free to use, with the option to upgrade for an ad-free experience
- Uncut and unfiltered versions of series available
- 7-day free trial offered for premium users
- No new or current anime titles, which may disappoint some
- Smaller library compared to major streaming services
- Fewer features and less user-friendly than competitors
- Only available in the US and Canada
- Video quality limited to 720p max
- Occasional bugs in the app and website
Library Size and Selection
RetroCrush has one of the largest libraries of classic anime available anywhere, making it the go-to spot for vintage series you won’t find on other platforms. If you want the latest anime or simulcast episodes, you’ll want to look elsewhere, like Crunchyroll, HIDIVE, or Netflix.
Video Quality
Since RetroCrush streams older anime, many shows max out at 480p or 720p. Compared to remastered titles on services like Hulu or Crunchyroll, the video quality isn’t as sharp. Still, this low-res feel often adds to the nostalgic vibe for classic anime fans. Just keep in mind that video quality can also depend on your device and internet speed.
Pricing
Streaming is free with ads, but the premium plan offers ad-free viewing plus access to exclusive age-gated movies and series. Premium costs $4.99/month or $49.99/year (a 20% savings). New users get a 7-day free trial, and signing up for the newsletter unlocks an additional 20% off.
Languages and Devices
Most RetroCrush anime are available in English and Japanese, with a mix of subs and dubs depending on the title. The app is available on Microsoft Store, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, Plex, Chromecast, and Vizio.
Netflix — Best for anime originals and smooth streaming
Netflix is a solid choice if you want anime alongside TV shows and movies. What really sets it apart are the anime originals—arguably the best in the market, even compared to Crunchyroll’s originals.
- Library of popular anime and exclusive originals
- Smooth streaming with minimal buffering
- “Skip Intro” feature unique to Netflix
- Streams in HD and Ultra HD (Premium plan)
- Available on almost every device imaginable
- Most expensive streaming service on this list
- No free trial available
- Search and browsing for anime is limited and frustrating
- Anime library fluctuates frequently
- Language options vary widely by title, less consistent than competitors
- Pricing changes frequently
Library size and selection
Netflix offers over 260 anime titles, including popular series like One Piece, Death Note, and Hunter x Hunter. Their library fluctuates as titles come and go, but their anime originals are where they shine. Netflix leads in successful originals such as Dorohedoro, Great Pretender, Komi Can’t Communicate, Beastars, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean, Violet Evergarden, and Devilman Crybaby, among others.
User experience
Netflix has one of the smoothest streaming experiences out there with excellent uptime and very few buffering issues. The video quality is consistently great, especially on their Standard and Premium plans. One downside is finding anime can be tricky since browsing and search functions are limited—often requiring “secret codes” to find specific titles or genres.
One standout feature is Netflix’s “Skip Intro” button, which none of the other platforms offer. This is a game-changer if you like skipping opening sequences after the first watch.
Video quality
Netflix streams in HD on Standard and Premium plans, with Ultra HD available on Premium only. Aside from a few titles like Solo Leveling in 4K HDR, most anime stream at 1080p max.
Pricing
Netflix offers three plans:
- Standard with ads — $7.99/month, Full HD streaming, 2 screens
- Standard — $17.99/month, Full HD streaming, 2 screens
- Premium — $24.99/month, Ultra HD streaming, 4 screens
Netflix is the priciest service here and tends to raise prices frequently.
Offers
Netflix currently does not offer a free trial, unlike many other streaming platforms.
Languages served
Anime language options vary by title. Originals tend to have English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish dubs and subs, but availability isn’t as consistent as on Crunchyroll.
Devices supported
Netflix is widely supported on most devices including iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, game consoles (PS4/5, Xbox), smart TVs, and many others.
Amazon Prime Video – Included with Prime, good exclusives
Amazon Prime Video has been around for a long time and is included with an Amazon Prime membership, which also gives you free shipping and access to other Amazon services. Recently, they’ve been picking up some solid exclusives like Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX and City The Animation. If you already have a Prime membership, it’s an easy way to stream anime without an extra subscription. Their catalog includes popular series like Vinland Saga and Dororo, but it’s not nearly as extensive as platforms dedicated to anime like Crunchyroll.
Library size and selection
Amazon Prime Video’s anime library is decent but smaller compared to dedicated anime services. You’ll find a mix of popular titles and exclusives, but they don’t have the same depth or variety as Crunchyroll or Netflix. That said, the exclusives they do get as of late are good, like Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX and City The Animation to name a few.
User experience
The Prime Video app is available on most devices and is easy enough to use, though the interface isn’t tailored specifically for anime. Browsing anime can feel a bit clunky compared to other platforms focused solely on anime content.
Video quality
Amazon Prime Video has some of the spottiest video quality experienced among streaming platforms. Even with a great internet connection, there are frequent drops in video quality while streaming. There’s definitely room for improvement, but when it works, it works. If you have a Prime membership already, this may not be as big of an issue, but if you’re paying for it individually, other platforms offer better video quality.
How much does Amazon Prime Video cost?
Amazon Prime Video can be accessed as a standalone service for $8.99 per month. Alternatively, it’s included with an Amazon Prime membership, which costs $14.99 per month or $139 annually and comes with additional perks like free shipping and access to other Amazon services.
Languages served
Many titles are available in both English dub and Japanese sub, but language availability varies by series.
What devices is Amazon Prime Video on?
The Amazon Prime Video app is downloadable on most platforms including Android, iOS, Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, game consoles, smart TVs, and web browsers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anime Streaming Services
What is the best anime streaming service for beginners?
If you’re new to anime streaming, Crunchyroll is a great place to start. It has the largest library, tons of genres, and the most simulcasts. The app is pretty straightforward, and there’s a free trial so you can try before you commit.
If you’re new and feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the options and genres, check out our best anime for beginners post.
Which streaming platform has the largest anime library?
Crunchyroll wins this one hands down with over 1,000 titles. It’s easily the biggest collection, far surpassing other platforms like Hulu, Netflix, or HIDIVE.
Are there any free anime streaming services that are legal?
Yes. Tubi and RetroCrush both offer free, legal anime streaming with ads. RetroCrush is perfect if you’re into classic anime, while Tubi has a broader library, including newer titles.
Which services offer the most simulcasts and latest episodes?
Crunchyroll leads in simulcasts — they get new episodes just one hour after they air in Japan. HIDIVE also has a decent number of simulcasts, but Crunchyroll is the clear winner if keeping up with the newest anime is your priority.
What streaming service has the best anime video quality?
Netflix offers some of the best video quality, especially if you’re on their Standard or Premium plans with HD and Ultra HD streaming. Crunchyroll’s quality is solid but can be inconsistent at times. Hulu and HIDIVE also stream in HD but may vary depending on the show and your connection.
Can I watch anime offline on these platforms?
Yes! Both Crunchyroll and HIDIVE offer offline viewing if you subscribe to their paid plans. Netflix and Hulu also let you download episodes to watch offline, which is perfect for when you’re on the go.
Which service is best for dubbed anime?
Crunchyroll and Netflix have a good selection of dubbed anime, with Crunchyroll covering more languages overall. HIDIVE’s unique DUBCAST feature gives early access to some dubbed shows, though the quality can vary. Hulu also has a solid dub selection but doesn’t compare to Crunchyroll or Netflix.
Final Verdict: What is the Best Anime Streaming Service?
It really depends on what you’re looking for. If you want the largest anime library, Crunchyroll’s massive collection of over 1,000 titles puts it well ahead of the competition. For the most simulcast anime—episodes released shortly after airing in Japan—Crunchyroll also leads the pack. While Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu all offer solid video and audio quality, Netflix stands out for the smoothest user experience. For the best value overall, Crunchyroll is hard to beat. Though not the cheapest, their pricing is fair considering the sheer volume and variety of anime available.
If you prefer streaming legally without paying, Tubi and RetroCrush offer free options, with RetroCrush being the go-to for classic anime fans. For those seeking uncensored anime and fresh exclusives, HIDIVE is a strong choice that’s gaining traction.
The crown for best overall anime streaming service goes to Crunchyroll. They consistently get the most new anime titles, stream episodes within an hour of Japan’s release, and boast features like offline viewing and a growing catalog that set them apart.
As anime’s popularity keeps soaring, expect new streaming platforms to emerge. This post will be updated regularly to keep you in the loop.
For more on what’s coming next, check out our updated guide to the best upcoming anime releases for 2025.
