When it comes to the best overall anime streaming service, Crunchyroll stands out as a top choice due to its vast library size, availability of new releases, and premium subscription perks. With over 40,000 episodes and a global reach, Crunchyroll offers fans the opportunity to watch new episodes as simulcasts from Japan without ads. Hulu is another great option for anime fans, offering more than 300 titles including hits like My Hero Academia and Attack on Titan. Hulu also has partnerships with Crunchyroll and Funimation, providing a variety of content for viewers.
Netflix is known for its original and high-quality anime titles, offering a mix of popular series like Demon Slayer and Naruto along with Netflix originals such as Castlevania and Ultraman. While Netflix lacks the fresh installments and simulcasts of Hulu, it provides ad-free streaming options for subscribers starting at $7 per month. Hidive is a budget-friendly streamer that caters to fans of uncensored content and throwbacks, offering a curated selection of anime and live-action adaptations for $5 per month.
In addition to these streaming services, viewers can also find free anime content on platforms like YouTube, although the lineup may change based on licensing agreements. Disney Plus has a limited selection of Japanese anime available to US subscribers, while international viewers may have access to a small variety of titles. When choosing a streaming service, consider factors such as simulcast availability, parental controls, simultaneous streams, and the ability to find shows and movies easily through user-friendly interfaces.
Different streaming services may offer dubbed or subbed versions of anime content, catering to personal preferences within the anime community. Licensing agreements and timing can impact the availability of certain anime titles on streaming platforms, and viewers may come across terms like OAD and OVA which refer to special episodes or promotions that are part of the story but may not have aired on television. These streaming services can be accessed on various devices including smart TVs, Roku, iOS, Android, Chromecast, and more, allowing viewers to watch their favorite anime on the go.
