Best Anime Streaming Apps: Watch Your Favorite Shows Now!
Hey anime fans! Looking for the best anime streaming apps to catch all your favorite shows? You've come to the right place! In this article, we're diving deep into the world of anime apps, helping you find the perfect one to satisfy your anime cravings. We'll cover everything from free options to premium services, so you can make an informed decision and start watching anime ASAP!
Why Use an Anime Streaming App?
Before we jump into the list, let's talk about why using a dedicated anime streaming app is a great idea. First and foremost, convenience is key. Instead of searching the web for potentially sketchy streaming sites, an app puts everything at your fingertips. You can browse a huge library of anime, create watchlists, and even download episodes for offline viewing. Plus, many apps offer features like personalized recommendations, simulcasts (episodes released shortly after they air in Japan), and ad-free viewing with a subscription.
Another big advantage is legal access. By using official streaming apps, you're supporting the anime industry and the creators behind your favorite shows. This ensures that they can continue producing awesome content for you to enjoy. So, you can feel good about your binge-watching!
Top Anime Streaming Apps
Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here are some of the best anime streaming apps available right now, with a focus on their key features, pricing, and content library.
Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is often considered the king of anime streaming. With a massive library of over 1,000 titles, including popular series like Attack on Titan, One Piece, and My Hero Academia, you'll never run out of things to watch. Crunchyroll offers both a free, ad-supported option and a premium subscription that unlocks ad-free viewing, simulcasts, and access to exclusive content.
Key Features:
- Extensive library of anime and manga
- Simulcasts of new episodes
- Ad-free viewing with premium subscription
- Offline viewing (on select plans)
- Available on various devices (iOS, Android, Roku, Chromecast, etc.)
Pricing:
- Free (ad-supported)
- Premium: Starts at $7.99/month
Content Library Highlights:
- Attack on Titan
- One Piece
- My Hero Academia
- Naruto Shippuden
- Demon Slayer
If you're serious about anime, Crunchyroll is a must-have. The sheer volume of content and the simulcast feature make it a top choice for staying up-to-date with the latest releases. Plus, the premium subscription is relatively affordable, especially considering the amount of anime you get access to.
Funimation
Funimation is another major player in the anime streaming world, known for its extensive collection of dubbed anime. If you prefer watching anime in English, Funimation is definitely worth checking out. They also offer a selection of subbed anime, as well as live-action content and anime-related merchandise.
Key Features:
- Large library of dubbed anime
- Subbed anime also available
- Simulcasts of new episodes
- Ad-free viewing with premium subscription
- Offline viewing (on select plans)
- Available on various devices
Pricing:
- Free (ad-supported)
- Premium: Starts at $5.99/month
Content Library Highlights:
- Dragon Ball Z
- Cowboy Bebop
- Fairy Tail
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
- Steins;Gate
Funimation is a great option for those who prefer dubbed anime. Their premium subscription is also slightly cheaper than Crunchyroll's, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious viewers. However, keep in mind that their library is not as extensive as Crunchyroll's, particularly when it comes to subbed anime.
HIDIVE
HIDIVE is a smaller, but still noteworthy, anime streaming service that focuses on offering a curated selection of anime, including both popular titles and hidden gems. They also pride themselves on offering uncensored versions of anime, which may appeal to some viewers.
Key Features:
- Curated selection of anime
- Uncensored versions of anime
- Simulcasts of new episodes
- Ad-free viewing with subscription
- Available on various devices
Pricing:
- Subscription: $4.99/month
Content Library Highlights:
- Made in Abyss
- O Maidens in Your Savage Season
- Princess Principal
- Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?
- The Executioner and Her Way of Life
HIDIVE is a solid choice for anime fans looking for something a little different. Their focus on curation and uncensored content sets them apart from the competition. Plus, their subscription price is the lowest of the three major anime streaming services.
Netflix
Netflix isn't just for regular TV shows and movies, guys! It also has a surprisingly good selection of anime. While it doesn't specialize in anime like Crunchyroll or Funimation, Netflix offers a mix of popular series, original anime, and classic titles. It's a great option if you already have a Netflix subscription and want to watch some anime on the side.
Key Features:
- Diverse library of anime and other content
- Netflix Original anime series
- Offline viewing
- Available on virtually every device
Pricing:
- Basic: $9.99/month
- Standard: $15.49/month
- Premium: $19.99/month
Content Library Highlights:
- Violet Evergarden
- Devilman Crybaby
- Aggretsuko
- Castlevania
- Record of Ragnarok
Netflix is a convenient option for casual anime viewers. However, if you're a hardcore fan, you'll likely want to supplement it with a dedicated anime streaming service like Crunchyroll or Funimation to get access to a wider range of titles and simulcasts.
Amazon Prime Video
Similar to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video offers a selection of anime alongside its regular TV shows and movies. While its anime library isn't as extensive as Crunchyroll's or Funimation's, it does include some popular titles and Amazon Original anime series. If you're already an Amazon Prime member, it's worth checking out what anime they have to offer.
Key Features:
- Anime included with Prime membership
- Amazon Original anime series
- Offline viewing
- Available on various devices
Pricing:
- Included with Amazon Prime membership ($14.99/month or $139/year)
Content Library Highlights:
- Vinland Saga
- Made in Abyss (available through HIDIVE add-on)
- Inuyashiki
- Blade of the Immortal
- The Promised Neverland (Season 1)
Amazon Prime Video is a decent option for anime fans who are already Prime members. However, like Netflix, it's not a substitute for a dedicated anime streaming service if you're looking for a comprehensive library and simulcasts.
Free Anime Streaming Options (Use with Caution!)
While we highly recommend using official streaming apps to support the anime industry, we understand that some viewers may be looking for free options. There are several websites and apps that offer free anime streaming, but it's important to be aware of the risks involved. These sites often host illegal content, may contain malware, and may not offer the best viewing experience.
- Potential Risks:
- Illegal content
- Malware and viruses
- Poor video quality
- Annoying ads
If you choose to use free anime streaming sites, be sure to use a reputable ad blocker and exercise caution when clicking on links. We strongly advise against downloading anything from these sites, as it could put your device at risk.
Choosing the Right App for You
So, with so many options available, how do you choose the right anime streaming app for you? Here are a few factors to consider:
- Content Library: What kind of anime are you interested in watching? Do you prefer subbed or dubbed anime? Make sure the app you choose has a library that aligns with your tastes.
- Pricing: How much are you willing to spend on a subscription? Consider whether a free, ad-supported option is sufficient for your needs, or whether you're willing to pay for ad-free viewing and other premium features.
- Features: Do you need features like simulcasts, offline viewing, or personalized recommendations? Choose an app that offers the features that are most important to you.
- Device Compatibility: Make sure the app is compatible with the devices you plan to use for watching anime (e.g., smartphone, tablet, smart TV, etc.).
By considering these factors, you can narrow down your options and find the perfect anime streaming app to suit your needs.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – a comprehensive guide to the best anime streaming apps! Whether you're a seasoned anime veteran or a curious newcomer, there's an app out there that's perfect for you. So, grab your favorite snacks, settle in, and get ready to binge-watch some amazing anime!
Remember to support the anime industry by using official streaming apps whenever possible. Happy watching, guys!