If you're an anime fan, there are two main ways to stay up to date on your favorite series like The Apothecary Diaries, One Piece or Oshi no Ko. You can either read manga on an app or watch the newest seasons of shows on a streaming service. There are many platforms that stream anime -- either weekly or in binge-able batches -- and Crunchyroll isn't the only one in the game where you can stream legally or without ads.
Our Picks
Though its catalog is the largest in the genre, it hosts new episodes released as simulcasts from Japan and premium subscriptions offer additional bonuses like merchandise, nowadays you can check out anime on mainstream services like Netflix, or even YouTube. The platforms on this best list all offer access to anime films and TV series, and our selections can help you choose which service is best for you and your tastes. Subscribe and get your fill, whether you're a die-hard anime fan with niche tastes, an occasional viewer or a novice.
Read more: These Anime Shows Are Now Free to Watch on YouTube
Best anime streaming services of 2025
Pros
- Vast selection of anime from the past and present
- Simulcasts for new episodes
- Organized schedule for new releases
- Downloads for offline viewing
Cons
- Some limited options for subtitled content
- No parental controls
Because of its robust stable of content, Crunchyroll has become the global destination for anime streaming. After merging its vast lineup with fellow genre titan Funimation, the platform has housands of anime titles available under one umbrella, including Solo Leveling, Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen and Dan Da Dan.
New episodes land on the streamer one hour after they premiere in Japan. Viewers can also count on surprise releases like special OAD episodes when shows are on break. Anime fans love the variety and appreciate that for some content, they can watch the uncut Japanese versions of their favorite series on this service. Additionally, there's a carousel of original, in-house creations that spin alongside the freshest releases out of Japan. In April 2024, the streamer added the ability to set up separate profiles, making it easier for multiple viewers in one household to manage their watchlists.
You can sign up for a free account to stream ad-supported content on the service. Just note that not all titles are available with this version, and there is a wait for new releases. However, anime watchers who want immediate access to new episodes should opt for Crunchyroll's basic $8 ad-free subscription. There's a free 14-day trial for new subscribers.
Who it's perfect for: Anime newbies or longtime anime fans who like a consistent selection of new or older titles. It's a niche genre that Crunchyroll's platform is dedicated to, so you don't have to sort through any other programming. And you can legally watch anime -- either on demand or as a simulcast.
Consider alternatives if: Should your interests only lie in retro anime or if you prefer a free option, then Crunchyroll may not be the best fit. You can check out more limited -- and sometimes free -- anime shows and movies on platforms like YouTube or Pluto TV.
Pros
- Low monthly fee for base plan
- New shows available soon after they air
- Decent selection of new and old anime
Cons
- Ad-free experience isn't as good a value
- Layout and menus can be confusing
If you're on the fence about a Crunchyroll subscription, Hulu boasts more than 300 anime titles and is a prime stop to watch stuff like My Hero Academia, Chainsaw Man, Attack on Titan and more. Hulu also carries Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War in the US, which Crunchyroll doesn't offer. There's a batch of simulcasts that stream each season, treating viewers to the newest releases from Japan. This is an area where Hulu one-ups Netflix. Fans will find Pokemon films and oldies but goodies like Sailor Moon and Naruto.
Hulu also has partnerships with Crunchyroll and Funimation to carry some titles, but not their entire catalogs. However, new subtitled episodes may arrive immediately on the streamer while dubbed versions take longer. Debut times vary depending on the series.
An added benefit is the dedicated Anime Hub, where you'll find content organized into categories such as classic, A-Z or simulcasts. Hulu starts at $10 a month for a standalone subscription, or you can get it as part of a Disney bundle or the Max bundle package.
Who it's perfect for: Hulu is fine if you only want to watch a small amount of anime, or a single favorite like Undead Unluck or Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War. It offers simulcasts for select shows. It doesn't specialize in anime and is a good option if you already have the streaming service for all of its other content.
Consider alternatives if: If you want a consistent monthly roster of new anime, you're better off with a platform like HiDive or Crunchyroll.
Pros
- Strong recommendation engine
- Easy to use across different devices
- Diverse list of anime movies and shows
- Quality lineup of original anime
Cons
- Cost for premium plans is on the higher end
- Small amount of simulcasts
Netflix has increased its anime offerings, though it lacks the fresh installments and simulcasts of Hulu. There are currently dozens of Japanese imports on the platform as well as Netflix originals Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Sakamoto Days and Onimusha.
Though it's not the go-to for more obscure titles, Netflix has a reliable selection of popular anime that includes Vinland Saga, Dandadan, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure and nine glorious seasons of Naruto. Some of its latest releases include Devil May Cry, Moonrise and Delicious in Dungeon.
Another major plus for the streamer is the option to watch without ads if you pay for a plan that's $18 or more. But subscribers should be aware they'll need to take the extra step of nixing the skip function when episodes end to see if there are post-credits scenes in their favorite show. Netflix starts at $8 a month.
Who it's perfect for: If Netflix is already a mainstay streaming service for you, it's an added bonus that you can watch anime here, including originals and a smattering of popular titles. Though the amount is small, Netflix is beefing up its simulcast offerings with shows like Ranma 1/2.
Consider alternatives if: Anime lovers who are deadset on a parade of simulcasts should stick with a different streamer, and if Netflix's pricier plans don't fit your budget, there are free or less expensive places to stream anime.
Pros
- Inexpensive platform
- Carries obscure titles like Oshi no Ko, The Eminence in Shadow
- Streams older anime
- Free trial period
Cons
- App can be buggy
A cheap option for viewers, Hidive streams content to fans around the globe, including simulcasts. Not only will you find curated anime from all subgenres, but there's an assortment of live-action adaptations too. And though the service has family-friendly titles, it caters to the 18-and-older crowd. Because of a deal between its parent company AMC Networks and MBS, Hidive is the exclusive streaming platform for titles such as The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: From Villainess to Savior. You'll also find the popular Oshi no Ko and The Eminence in Shadow here.
Hidive prides itself on its customizable subtitle options, in-episode live chats and exclusive catalog. You can even choose between censored and uncensored anime. An independent service, the company encourages fans to request their favorite titles if they can't find them on the platform.
Hidive is supported on iOS, Android and smart TVs, and it runs content directly through its site. There's no free subscription option, and the monthly rate is $6 after the 7-day free trial.
Who it's perfect for: Budget-conscious anime fans who are 18 and older may prefer the lineup on Hidive. It's also the only place to watch Oshi no Ko.
Consider alternatives if: You want more super popular anime hits? While Hidive does carry a few well-known titles and offers simulcasts, your needs might be better met on another platform.
Factors to consider
- Selection of anime programming: Some streaming services provide simulcasts that premiere episodes at the same as -- or immediately after -- they broadcast in Japan. They typically post their schedules. You will find a wide range of on-demand shows and movies from every era or genre, including family-friendly anime, originals and lesser-known titles, so choose platforms that cater to your interests.
- Parental controls: There are some services that don't offer the ability to change age ratings or block certain content. If you have kids using your subscription, you may need to adjust maturity settings or manually monitor which anime content your child can watch.
- Simultaneous streams: Services usually charge more for more streams. Be sure you're covered for yourself and other members of your household and consider whether you have to pay extra to share your account.
- Price: Would you rather pay more or less for access to anime all day, every day or would you rather pay for access to certain anime shows? Services like Hulu and Netflix don't cater to the genre, but carry worthy titles and may offer additional value because of all the non-anime content you get. But if you're a diehard fan, the monthly price of a Crunchyroll subscription is probably worth it.
- Finding shows and movies: Is the interface user-friendly? It should be fairly easy to search for things to watch using menus and other features.
How we test anime streaming services
You probably have experience with the services on this list, and there are other ways to stream anime titles, including YouTube. As we evaluated these streaming options, we considered a few things. We scrolled through catalogs, app layout and design (i.e., content organization, ads), features (like mobile downloads, recommendations and watchlists) and value (price compared to these other factors).
Because this is a niche genre area, we first analyzed the library size, simulcast availability, cost, subscription offerings and app quality. For anime fans, the main thing is the content supply and being able to watch new episodes of a show at the same time or day as Japanese broadcasts.
We like that you get extra perks with a premium Crunchyroll subscription, and how easy it is to keep up with new episode drops on the service. Netflix and Hulu offer quality titles with designated sections for the genre, with Hulu spotlighting dubbed versions. Though their anime libraries aren't as large or in some ways, as assorted as the platforms that specialize in anime, viewers can find some of the latest anime titles and value in all the content offered on Hulu or Netflix for the price.
All the apps are fairly simple to install and operate on your TV or phone, and as of 2025, you can even access HiDive or Crunchyroll as a Prime Video channels add-on, making it more convenient to use the platforms.
Other streaming services we considered
YouTube: YouTube offers a slate of anime for free from distributors such as VIZ Media, but its rotation changes based on copyright and licensing agreements. However, it's a good place to start if you want to try anime without springing for a subscription.
Disney Plus: Disney Plus has a very limited lineup of Japanese anime available for its US subscribers, so it lacks the catalog that would make it a prime source for shows and movies. International subscribers will find a small selection of anime.
