5 Best Anime Streaming Services 2026: We Picked a Winner

Anime has gone mainstream. What was once a niche hobby discussed in forum threads and convention halls now dominates Netflix’s top 10 lists and spawns merchandise at every major retailer. Attack on Titan finale episodes trend worldwide. Jujutsu Kaisen pulls bigger numbers than most Western shows. Demon Slayer movies break box office records globally.

But finding where to actually watch anime legally has become surprisingly complicated. Crunchyroll absorbed Funimation. Netflix keeps snagging exclusives. Hulu quietly maintains one of the largest back catalogs. HIDIVE serves hardcore fans with niche titles. And free services like Tubi are adding anime libraries that rival paid options from five years ago.

We’ve tested every major anime streaming platform, tracked their simulcast schedules, counted their library sizes, and compared their subtitle quality. Here’s where you should actually spend your money in 2026.

Quick Comparison: Top Anime Streaming Services

Understanding Simulcasts vs. Back Catalog

Before diving into individual services, you need to understand how anime streaming works differently from regular TV streaming.

Simulcasts are episodes that stream within hours (sometimes minutes) of their Japanese broadcast. If you want to watch the latest episode of Solo Leveling or Chainsaw Man the same week as Japanese viewers, you need a service with strong simulcast licenses.

Back catalog refers to completed series and older titles. This is where you’ll find classics like Cowboy Bebop, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, or Death Note. Services vary dramatically in their back catalog depth.

Most serious anime fans need access to both. Crunchyroll dominates simulcasts but sometimes lacks older titles. Netflix has fewer simulcasts but offers high-quality dubs of completed series. The ideal solution often involves two services.

Detailed Anime Streaming Reviews

Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll is the undisputed leader in anime streaming. After absorbing Funimation in 2024, it consolidated nearly all major simulcast licenses under one roof. If a new anime is airing this season, there’s roughly an 80% chance Crunchyroll has it.

The library includes nearly every major recent series: Jujutsu Kaisen, Demon Slayer, Chainsaw Man, Spy x Family, Frieren, Solo Leveling, and dozens more. Simulcast episodes typically appear within an hour of Japanese broadcast, with English subtitles ready on day one.

Crunchyroll has invested heavily in “SimulDubs” - English dubs that release weeks after the Japanese premiere rather than months or years later. Popular shows like My Hero Academia and One Piece get dubbed episodes within 2-3 weeks. This makes Crunchyroll viable for dub-only viewers, which wasn’t true five years ago.

The Mega Fan tier at $11.99/month adds offline downloads, which is essential for commuters and travelers. The base Fan tier at $7.99/month works fine for home streaming.

The catch: Despite owning Funimation’s library, not all titles have migrated. Some classic Funimation dubs remain in licensing limbo. The app experience varies by device - the PlayStation and Xbox apps run smoothly, while some smart TV apps feel dated.

Try Crunchyroll

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Netflix

Netflix approaches anime differently than dedicated platforms. Instead of licensing everything, Netflix bets big on select titles with high production values and invests in original productions.

The results are mixed but often spectacular. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners became a cultural phenomenon and revitalized interest in the Cyberpunk 2077 game. Blue Eye Samurai received universal critical acclaim. Pluto adapted the beloved manga with Hollywood-level production. Scott Pilgrim Takes Off brought the cult comic back with the original movie cast.

Netflix also holds exclusive rights to some major franchises. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Stone Ocean premiered here. Beastars ran exclusively on Netflix. The upcoming Terminator Zero anime is a Netflix original.

The downside is release strategy. Netflix often holds episodes for weekly releases rather than simulcasting same-day. Worse, they sometimes batch-release entire seasons months after Japan gets them. This matters if you’re trying to avoid spoilers or participate in weekly discussion threads.

For casual viewers who don’t need same-day releases, Netflix provides a curated experience. The dubs are consistently excellent, often featuring recognizable voice actors. The app experience is unmatched. And if you already subscribe for other content, the anime library is a solid bonus.

Watch anime on Netflix

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Hulu

Hulu flies under the radar for anime, but its library is genuinely impressive. The service quietly maintains one of the largest collections of dubbed anime available anywhere, making it ideal for viewers who prefer English audio.

The back catalog includes classics that Crunchyroll lacks: the original Fullmetal Alchemist (not just Brotherhood), older Gundam series, Samurai Champloo, Trigun, and dozens of 90s and 2000s favorites. If you’re working through a “best anime of all time” list, Hulu will have many of them.

Hulu also simulcasts select titles, though fewer than Crunchyroll. Shows airing on Toonami often appear on Hulu the next day. The service has carved out a niche with certain franchises - My Hero Academia episodes land on Hulu shortly after Crunchyroll.

The real value comes from the Disney Bundle. At $10.99/month for Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ (with ads), you’re effectively getting Hulu’s anime library for a few extra dollars. If you’re already subscribing for Hulu’s network TV or FX originals, the anime is a substantial bonus.

The frustration: Hulu’s interface wasn’t built for anime. Finding specific titles requires searching rather than browsing. The anime “hub” exists but doesn’t surface content as well as dedicated apps. Expect to know what you’re looking for rather than discovering new series.

Get Hulu

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HIDIVE

HIDIVE positions itself as the alternative for fans who want more than mainstream hits. Owned by Sentai Filmworks, it licenses titles that other services pass on - often the quirky, niche, or genre-specific shows that develop cult followings.

Recent exclusive wins include Oshi no Ko (one of 2023-2024’s biggest hits), The Dangers in My Heart, ONIMAI, and Call of the Night. HIDIVE seems to specifically target iyashikei (healing) anime, romance series, and comedy that doesn’t fit Crunchyroll’s action-heavy brand.

The DUBCAST feature produces English dubs within weeks of Japanese premiere, similar to Crunchyroll’s SimulDub. Quality varies, but HIDIVE has recruited solid voice talent for its bigger releases.

At $5.99/month (or $59.99/year), HIDIVE costs less than any competitor. The annual plan drops the price to effectively $5/month. For budget-conscious fans who want legal access to seasonal anime, it’s hard to beat.

The trade-off: HIDIVE’s app and player feel dated compared to Netflix or Crunchyroll. Smart TV apps can be sluggish. The library, while substantial, lacks the breadth of Crunchyroll’s post-Funimation catalog. This works best as a secondary subscription for exclusive titles.

Try HIDIVE

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Amazon Prime Video

Prime Video’s anime offering is best described as “it’s there.” If you already pay for Amazon Prime, you have access to a decent anime library at no additional cost. But you probably shouldn’t subscribe specifically for anime.

The selection includes some genuine wins. Vinland Saga Season 2 premiered exclusively on Prime. Inuyashiki, Banana Fish, and Made in Abyss are available. Prime occasionally secures rights to anime movies before other services.

Where Prime shines is as a hub. You can add Crunchyroll or HIDIVE as Prime Video “channels,” consolidating your anime watching into one app. This creates a unified watchlist and recommendations across services, which some viewers prefer over juggling multiple apps.

The frustration: Prime Video’s interface is legendarily terrible for anime. Shows are scattered across “included with Prime,” rental, and channel content with minimal visual distinction. The anime “section” is poorly organized. You’ll spend more time searching than watching if you don’t know exactly what you want.

The 2024 ad introduction makes Prime Video less appealing. You now pay $2.99/month extra for ad-free viewing on top of your Prime subscription. For anime-first viewing, dedicated services offer better value.

Watch on Prime Video

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Disney+

Disney+ has made surprising anime acquisitions but remains a minor player. The service secured Summer Time Rendering (a thriller that flew under the radar) and Tokyo Revengers. Internationally, Disney+ carries the complete Studio Ghibli library, though US viewers find Ghibli on Max instead.

For families, Disney+ offers a curated selection of age-appropriate anime. The content skews toward action-adventure suitable for teens: Black Rock Shooter, various Star Wars anime shorts, and Marvel’s anime collaborations. Parents won’t encounter the mature content common on Crunchyroll or Netflix.

The anime section remains small enough that browsing takes minutes. This is both a weakness (limited selection) and strength (easy to find content). Disney clearly treats anime as a complement to its core library rather than a focus.

The verdict: Subscribe for Disney content; treat anime as a bonus. The library is too small to justify the subscription cost for anime alone.

Try Disney+

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Where to Watch Popular Anime

Anime Title	Primary Service	Alternative
Jujutsu Kaisen	Crunchyroll	Netflix (S1 only)
Demon Slayer	Crunchyroll	Netflix, Hulu
One Piece	Crunchyroll	Netflix (select arcs)
Attack on Titan	Crunchyroll	Hulu
Chainsaw Man	Crunchyroll	Hulu
Spy x Family	Crunchyroll	Netflix
My Hero Academia	Crunchyroll	Hulu, Netflix
Solo Leveling	Crunchyroll	-
Frieren	Crunchyroll	-
Oshi no Ko	HIDIVE	-
Vinland Saga	Netflix (S1), Prime (S2)	Crunchyroll
Blue Eye Samurai	Netflix	-
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners	Netflix	-
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood	Crunchyroll	Hulu, Netflix
Death Note	Netflix	Hulu

Subs vs. Dubs: Which Services Excel?

The sub vs. dub debate is eternal, but service quality varies dramatically for each option.

Best for Subtitles

Crunchyroll leads in subtitle quality and speed. Simulcast subs appear within an hour of Japanese broadcast. Translation accuracy is generally strong, though some fans debate localization choices. Crunchyroll also offers multiple subtitle tracks for some titles (English, Spanish, Portuguese, etc.).

HIDIVE provides solid subtitles with fewer localization controversies than competitors. Purists often prefer HIDIVE’s more literal translation approach.

Best for Dubs

Funimation’s library (now on Crunchyroll) includes decades of English dubs, many considered definitive versions. Classic dubs like Cowboy Bebop, Dragon Ball Z, and Fullmetal Alchemist live here.

Netflix produces the highest-budget dubs for its exclusive content. The Cyberpunk: Edgerunners dub featured Matthew Mercer and other Critical Role alumni. Blue Eye Samurai’s dub earned widespread praise. When Netflix invests in a dub, it shows.

Hulu maintains an extensive dubbed catalog, particularly for classic series. If you’re watching 2000s-era anime, Hulu often has dub options that Crunchyroll lacks.

Free Anime Streaming Options

Not ready to pay? Several legitimate free options exist, though with significant limitations.

Tubi

Tubi has quietly built an impressive anime library. The service offers 200+ anime titles completely free with ads. You’ll find classics like Akira, Ghost in the Shell, Yu Yu Hakusho, and Ranma 1/2. The selection skews toward older titles, but quality is high.

Trade-off: Expect 3-4 ad breaks per episode. No simulcasts. Video quality caps at 720p for most titles. But for zero dollars, it’s remarkable.

Watch free on Tubi

Pluto TV

Pluto TV offers dedicated anime channels that stream content 24/7 like traditional TV. You can’t choose specific episodes, but for background watching or discovering new series, it works. The library includes Naruto, Lupin the Third, and various Sunrise mecha series.

Stream free on Pluto TV

Crunchyroll Free Tier

Crunchyroll’s free tier provides access to a limited library with ads. New simulcast episodes become free one week after premium release. The ad load is heavy (5+ interruptions per episode), but dedicated fans can theoretically watch current anime for free with patience.

Our Testing Methodology

We evaluated anime streaming services across multiple criteria:

Library Analysis: We counted available titles using each service’s browse function and third-party tracking sites like JustWatch. Library sizes fluctuate as licenses expire and renew.

Simulcast Tracking: We monitored seasonal anime announcements (Winter 2025, Spring 2025, Summer 2025) to determine which services secured which titles. Crunchyroll consistently licensed 70-80% of available simulcasts.

Subtitle/Dub Quality: We compared translation accuracy, timing, and font choices across services using the same episodes. We also tracked dub release windows for simulcast titles.

Technical Testing: We tested each app on Roku Ultra, Apple TV 4K, PlayStation 5, and iOS/Android mobile devices. We measured load times, playback stability, and feature availability.

Pricing Analysis: We calculated cost per title (monthly fee divided by library size) and evaluated bundle options.

Regional Note: Anime licensing varies significantly by region. This guide covers US availability. International readers may find different libraries, pricing, and service availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which streaming service has the most anime?

Crunchyroll has the largest anime library with over 1,300 series after absorbing Funimation. Hulu comes second with approximately 900 titles, followed by HIDIVE with 900+ titles. Netflix has around 400 anime titles, focusing on quality over quantity.

Is Crunchyroll worth it over free options?

For simulcast watchers, yes. Crunchyroll provides same-day access to new episodes, ad-free viewing, offline downloads, and the largest selection. Free options like Tubi offer excellent back catalogs but no new releases. If you only watch completed series, free options may suffice.

Can I watch anime on Netflix without Japanese audio?

Yes. Netflix provides English dubs for most of its anime library, often with high production values. Netflix is actually one of the better services for dub-only viewers, as it prioritizes dubbing its exclusive content with quality voice actors.

Why is some anime only available on one service?

Anime distributors sell streaming rights territory by territory, often exclusively. Crunchyroll might win North American rights to one show while Netflix secures European rights to another. “Netflix jail” refers to titles Netflix purchases exclusively, preventing other services from streaming them.

Which service is best for classic anime?

Hulu and Crunchyroll both excel for classics, but in different ways. Hulu maintains stronger dub availability for 90s-2000s titles. Crunchyroll (via the former Funimation library) has comprehensive classics but some remain unavailable due to licensing complications. Tubi offers surprisingly strong classic selection for free.

Do any services offer anime in 4K?

Netflix streams select anime in 4K HDR on its Premium tier. Crunchyroll offers some titles in 4K on the Mega Fan tier. Most anime is produced at 1080p, so 4K often means upscaling rather than native resolution. Video quality differences between services are usually minimal.

How do I avoid spoilers for weekly anime?

Subscribe to a simulcast service (Crunchyroll or HIDIVE) and watch within 24 hours of release. Avoid anime Twitter and Reddit until you’ve watched. Netflix’s delayed release schedule makes avoiding spoilers nearly impossible for its exclusive titles.

Is there a way to try anime streaming services free?

Crunchyroll offers a 7-day free trial for Premium. HIDIVE offers a 14-day free trial. Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ no longer offer free trials for new subscribers. The Crunchyroll free tier (with ads) lets you sample the library indefinitely.

Final Verdict

The right anime streaming service depends on how you watch:

For most anime fans: Crunchyroll is the obvious choice. The simulcast selection is unmatched, the library is massive, and SimulDubs mean even dub fans get new content quickly. Start with the $7.99/month Fan tier.

For casual viewers: Netflix provides a curated, high-quality experience. If you’re exploring anime or prefer dubbed content with production value, Netflix’s approach works well. The anime library is a bonus if you already subscribe.

For budget watchers: HIDIVE at $5.99/month offers solid value, especially for exclusive titles Crunchyroll doesn’t have. Pair it with free Tubi viewing for an extremely affordable anime experience.

For back catalog bingers: Hulu’s extensive library of classic dubbed anime makes it ideal for catching up on must-watch series from decades past. The Disney Bundle makes it even more valuable.

For completionists: You realistically need Crunchyroll plus either Netflix or HIDIVE to access everything. Budget around $15-18/month for comprehensive anime coverage.

The anime streaming landscape has consolidated significantly. Crunchyroll’s absorption of Funimation means one service now dominates. But competition from Netflix’s originals and HIDIVE’s niche exclusives keeps the market interesting. Choose based on what you actually watch rather than theoretical library size, and don’t hesitate to rotate subscriptions based on what’s airing each season.

Start your anime journey with Crunchyroll