When it comes to anime streaming services, Crunchyroll is regarded as the top choice for fans. It boasts the largest catalog, releases new episodes as simulcasts straight from Japan, and offers premium subscriptions with additional perks like merchandise. With over 100 million registered users and 5 million subscribers, Crunchyroll merged with Funimation to provide a vast lineup of anime titles. New episodes premiere on the platform just one hour after airing in Japan, making it a popular choice for fans who want immediate access to the latest content. There is a free version available with ads, but for ad-free streaming, viewers can opt for the basic $8 subscription with a 14-day trial for new subscribers.
For those who are unsure about getting a Crunchyroll subscription, Hulu offers a wide selection of over 300 anime titles, including popular series like My Hero Academia, Attack on Titan, Boruto, and more. Hulu is also the exclusive streamer for Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War in the US and features simulcasts for the newest releases from Japan. Additionally, Hulu has partnerships with Crunchyroll and Funimation, although not their entire catalogs. The dedicated Anime Hub on Hulu organizes content into categories such as classic, A-Z, and simulcasts. The streaming service starts at $10 per month, offering a variety of anime content to choose from.
Netflix, on the other hand, focuses on original anime productions and well-known titles rather than fresh installments and simulcasts. With a reliable selection of popular anime like Demon Slayer, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, and Naruto, Netflix offers an ad-free experience starting at $7 per month. Despite its lack of more obscure titles, Netflix stands out for its unique offerings such as Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Onimusha, and Castlevania. However, subscribers need to be aware of manually disabling the skip function to catch post-credits scenes in their favorite shows.
For viewers looking for a cost-effective option, Hidive is a budget-friendly streamer that caters to anime fans worldwide, including simulcasts. With curated anime from various subgenres and live-action adaptations, Hidive offers customizable subtitle options, live chats during episodes, and an exclusive catalog of content. Supported on multiple devices and platforms, Hidive does not have a free subscription option but offers a 7-day free trial before charging $5 per month. The streaming service is known for its uncensored content and throwback anime selections, making it a popular choice for mature audiences.
In addition to the top anime streaming services mentioned, there are other platforms like YouTube, Disney Plus, and others that offer anime content. Each service has different offerings in terms of library size, simulcast availability, cost, and user experience. Viewers should consider factors such as parental controls, simultaneous streams, finding shows and movies, and device compatibility when choosing a streaming service for their anime needs. Overall, with a variety of options available, anime fans can find a streaming service that best fits their preferences and viewing habits.
