Your IP: 18.97.14.82 • Your ISP: Amazon.com, Inc. • Your Status: Unprotected Get ExtremeVPN and connect to one of our fast servers to protect your internet traffic.
ExtremeVPN Logo

The Best Anime Streaming Services of 2024

Last updated: July 4, 2024 29 min read
The Best Anime Streaming Services of 2024

Anime fans used to have it rough outside Japan, specifically in the US. Only a handful of shows made it to TV, and even those were usually butchered by US studios with weird edits or subpar dubs. For the rest, fans traded fuzzy VHS tapes that were illegally duplicated like some pirate treasure. It was either that or squinting at blurry RealPlayer files of their favorite animes on potentially scratched CDs. Talk about rough!

Streaming

Thankfully, all that changed as legal video streaming services came into the picture. These platforms now offer extensive libraries of anime that you can freely explore. Not long after the Japanese premiers, anime fans could access dubbed and subtitled versions for the first time.

If you wish to start streaming your favorite titles online, we have tested and are now highlighting the best anime websites to watch your desired anime content. In this article, we will fully explore the top nine anime streaming services in 2024 with details of their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Best Anime Streaming Services to Use in 2024 – Quick List

Best Anime Streaming Services to Use in 2024

Check out this list of the best platforms offering Japanese anime streaming services in 2024.

  1. Hulu: The absolute best site for all your favorite classic animes, including Pokemon, Slayers, Trigun, and Cowboy Bebop. Its live TV option also has over 70 channels.
  2. Crunchyroll: This is the best platform to watch anime for free with subtitles. You will love its sizeable catalogue of over 1300 animes.
  3. Funimation: The best anime streaming service for dubs. It hosts over 600 animes, movies, and series, with most of the anime library containing dubs.
  4. Tubi: A completely free service that allows you to stream anime from its extensive library of movies and shows.
  5. Netflix: Arguably, it is the best video streaming service offering entertaining anime, movies, and TV series. It also offers many high-quality originals.
  6. Hidive: A slightly obscure anime streaming service known for hosting less-known content.
  7. 9ANIME: The best free Japanese anime streaming service for watching the latest episodes of your favorite shows moments after they originally aired in Japan.
  8. RetroCrush: Offers an incredibly fantastic free collection of vintage anime. This is the perfect site to find classics that may not be available elsewhere.
  9. Max: Best for its complete Studio Ghibli anime library.

The Best Anime Streaming Platforms of 2024 – Detailed List

Here’s our comprehensive list of the best anime streaming services. We extensively discussed the pricing, relevancy, convenience, and content variety of all nine platforms to help you choose the best service that suits your anime needs.

You can effortlessly stream from most of these services on any device without hassle. Some content goes beyond just anime, as they also have vast libraries of other interesting movies and series.

Why-Choose-ExtremeVPN

Before proceeding, you should note that some streaming services may be blocked or unavailable in your country. However, as long as there’s a will, there will surely be a way. Using a virtual private network (VPN), you can easily bypass the geo-restrictions and access your desired content on the service.

Besides helping with geo-blocks, VPNs are also very useful in protecting your privacy and data online. ExtremeVPN stands out as the best VPN for streaming anime streaming services in 2024.

1. Hulu

Hulu
Our Rating
4.7
Price

$7.99/month (with ads)

Offers discount for students

The basic plan contains ads

First on the list is Hulu, with a strong lineup of your favorite anime content. The platform is one of the best anime streaming sites available today. Hulu boasts over 300 anime series and movies in the four major genres–Isekai, Seinen, Shounen, and Shoujo. You can easily watch the dubbed version of Naruto and Boruto on this platform. Hulu hosts classic anime shows like Pokemon, Akira, and Sailor Moon.

If you’re a parent concerned about what your kids watch, you can also find many children-friendly animes here. Then, you can rest assured about finding appropriately rated content on Hulu with shows like Banaya, Digimon, and Yu-Gi-Oh in its extensive catalog. Other shows on Hulu include Tengoku Daimakyo, its original series, adapted from a Japanese manga about man-eating monsters in a dystopian landscape.

hulu

Hulu has a massive content catalog at an affordable subscription fee compared to other streaming services. Aside from its remarkable collection of anime content, it also has a vast library of movies and TV shows. Hulu offers over 70 entertainment, news, and sports channels, making it perfect for anybody seeking streaming convenience without abandoning traditional live TV.

How much does it cost?

Hulu does not have a free version. However, it does offer a 30-day free trial that you can try out before committing to a paid subscription. The basic on-demand plan starts at $7.99 per month, but occasional ads might pop up here and there with this plan. If you don’t want distractions while streaming your anime, you can opt for the ad-free version, currently priced at $14.99 monthly.

What’s more exciting is that Hulu offers a discount for students. If you’re a college or university student, you can get the ad-supported version for only $1.99 monthly. Live TV add-ons are also available on the platform. So, you can buy the Hulu + Live TV plan at $69.99 per month. This plan combines Hulu’s TV service with the ad-supported streaming plan.

That’s not all. All Hulu subscribers also enjoy the Enhanced Cloud DVR, which extends the available storage to up to 200 hours. Hulu allows only two simultaneous streams on all its plans. If you’d like to enjoy streaming on more than two devices, add the Unlimited Screens package to your current plan for an additional $9.99 monthly.

2. Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll
Our Rating
4.8
Price

$7.99/month

All plans support HD streaming

User interface is a bit cluttered

As a diehard streaming enthusiast, Crunchyroll could be the best place to watch anime. Why? You may ask. Well, Crunchyroll offers the biggest anime collection yet, with over 1,300 titles in its library, making it a strong contender for the best Japanese anime streaming service title.  You’ll also love it because it offers a legal and convenient way to watch anime content that would not have been freely available in the West years ago.

The platform is usually on the list of the best streaming services because of its vast collection of anime movies, series, manga, and foreign dramas. Popular shows you can expect to find here include Death Note, Attack on Titan, FLCL, One-Punch Man, Hunter X Hunter,  Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Yuri!!! on Ice, and many Naruto Series.

Besides hosting anime content, Crunchyroll has original series, such as The Rising of the Shield Hero, In/Spectre, and A Place Further Than the Universe. The majority of the content on Crunchyroll is subtitled. However, that shouldn’t be a problem if you’re an anime purist who prefers the original voice actors to dubbed versions. The platform also maintains a solid lineup of up to 40 simulcast shows.

Crunchyroll

Most of the content here has subs, but since it absorbed Funimation and VRV, Crunchyroll’s dubbed library is much more extensive. Besides streaming anime, you can also buy relevant manga, merch, and more from the Crunchyroll shop.

It also has apps you can download on various streaming devices, like iOS and Android for mobile phones and Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, and Fire TV for your desktop or notebook. What’s more? Crunchyroll offers apps for many gaming consoles, including PS5, Xbox series, and Nintendo Switch.

How much does it cost?

Crunchyroll has a free version, thankfully. Both free and paid versions of this platform allow you to stream anime in HD quality. However, you must subscribe to a premium plan to eliminate ads. Premium plans range from $7.99 to $14.99 per month and will let you access a wider range of content and features.

For example, you can enjoy up to 6 simultaneous streams and offline downloads on multiple devices. Take advantage of the 14-day free trial to fully explore the paid plan’s offerings.

3. Funimation

FUNIMATION
Our Rating
4.6
Price

$7.99/month

Intuitive user interface and search engine

Doesn’t offer manga

While Crunchyroll specializes in subs, Funimation can be your best anime streaming service for dubs. It’s perfect for people who would rather listen to the translated voice acting than read subtitles.

While this might seem ridiculous to people who prefer original language, you can’t blame others for wanting to enjoy anime the way they like. If you’re a dubs person, congratulations! You’ve hit the jackpot discovering by Funimation. Notably, the platform also has subs for some of its shows. It just doesn’t compare to the hundreds of dubs at its disposal.

Funimation

As a service specially made for anime fans, it shares many similarities with Crunchyroll’s collection. For example, you can also find Attack on Titan, Yuri!!! On Ice, Cowboy Bebop, and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood here. However, Funimation is even more commendable as it hosts the complete DragonBall TV series. More shows you can expect to find on Funimation include My Hero Academia, Fruits Basket, Drifters, Bayonetta: Bloody Fate, and Fairy Tail.

How much does it cost?

Funimation has an ad-supported free version, but you don’t get full access to the entire library on this plan. To get the experience, subscribe to any of its three subscription plans. The premium plan starts from $5.99 monthly and lets you access Funimation’s library of dubs and subs and two simultaneous streams.

Alternatively, you can opt for the premium plus plan that costs $7.99 per month. This tier offers five concurrent streams and bonus features, like offline downloads, special events, and shopping deals. Finally, the premium plus ultra, priced at $99 per year, offers all the perks of the premium plus plan: free shipping, an anniversary gift, and two rentals per year. Funimation offers a generous 2-week free trial on all its paid plans.

4. Tubi

Tubi
Our Rating
4.5
Price

Free

Massive library of anime movies and shows

Contains ads

Next on our list is Tubi, another free anime streaming service. However, unlike Crunchyroll and Funimation, it has no paid versions. Yes, it’s totally 100% free. The platform not only hosts anime but also features an extensive library of movies and TV shows across various genres.

You can enjoy popular shows like Naruto, One-Punch Man, and Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure with Tubi. You should know that not all seasons of the shows may be available on the platform, and the library can change with time.

Tubi is the perfect option if you’re looking for a free anime streaming service that doesn’t feel cheap. The mobile apps and website have clean interfaces, with all content organized neatly into descriptive categories. Parental control features are also available on Tubi, even though they’re limited. What’s more? Tubi records the animes, movies, or series you watch and allows you to manage your watchlist.

Tubi

However, Tubi only works in the US. If you’re anywhere outside of the US, you will need a VPN to access its content. ExtremeVPN offers hundreds of US servers that you can connect to.

Our only major concern with Tubi is that the streaming resolution does not exceed 720p quality. Also, as you may have expected, it doesn’t support offline downloads for mobile devices. However, the ads and resolution limitations on Tubi are a small price to pay for the top-tier, free viewing experience it delivers.

How much does it cost?

Tubi is a completely free streaming service. It offers no paid plans.

5. Netflix

Netflix
Our Rating
4.9
Price

$6.99/month (with ads)

High-quality original programs available

Has regional restrictions

As one of the best anime streaming services of 2024, Netflix does host an impressive content catalog. It has about 200 anime movies and series as part of its massive library, including several originals like Cyberpunk 2077 – a global hit that renewed people’s in the video game it was based on. Netflix’s sizeable anime catalogue includes Yasuke, Aggrestuko, Beastars, and Cannon Busters.

You can also find Japanese favorites like the Vinland Saga or South Korean series like Lookism, which are based on high school life. If it’s child-friendly animes you seek, Netflix has you covered with shows like My Neighbour Totoro and Naruto. Explicit shows that are definitely not for youngsters, like Baki and Devilman Crybaby, are also plenty on Netflix.

Then, we have the platform’s constantly growing library of original programming, which outclasses other streaming services. All in all, Netflix should be one of the top places to look when streaming your favorite animes or any American movie or series. It is undoubtedly an industry standard for streaming video content, with new titles featuring monthly on the platform.

Netflix

Netflix stole the hearts of many anime lovers by having popular anime titles on the platform that hadn’t been found anywhere for years. It’s worth mentioning that users in some parts of the world may suffer from geographical limitations. Using a VPN, you can effortlessly bypass the restrictions and stream away. ExtremeVPN works best with Netflix and unlocks unlimited content regardless of location.

That being said, since anime licenses are often pricey, Netflix might not be an ideal go-to place to watch all your favorite latest series. For example, Attack on Titan is still only in its first season on Netflix, whereas other services like Crunchyroll have all the seasons. Also, anime shows that aren’t Netflix originals don’t appear on the platform as quickly as others. So, if you’re looking to stream a new episode or newly released anime movie, chances are Netflix doesn’t have it yet.

How much does it cost?

Netflix is for people willing to pay premium prices to enjoy premium content. It recently increased the cost of two of its advanced subscription plans. The basic plan on Netflix starts from $9.99 per month. This plan lets you stream unlimited standard content on just one device.

The Standard tier, which costs $15.49 monthly (raised from $13.99), allows you to stream HD-quality content and supports concurrent streams on up to two devices. The best-in-class Premium tier now costs $19.99 monthly (raised from $17.99). This plan supports simultaneous streaming on up to four devices and lets you access 4K content when available.

Notably, Netflix doesn’t offer a free trial anymore. You can get the ad-supported version at $6.99 per month, but it has many limitations besides ads, so we wouldn’t recommend it.

6. Hidive

Hidive
Our Rating
4.5
Price

$4.99/month

Offers dubs and simulcast shows

Only a few recognisable titles

If you can’t find a particular anime on Crunchyroll, Funimation, or even Hulu, check out Hidive. It’s known to host a library of less popular content, so chances are you’ll find that scarce anime here on Hidive. This website’s library has titles that excite anime lovers looking to dig deep. Some shows you can see here include Made in Abyss, Food Wars!, and Darwin’s Game.

Cultural standards often differ across countries, so as an anime fan, you must be used to some level of censorship on some anime streaming services. Well, you can rest easy knowing that Hidive is an uncensored platform. It even contains mature exclusives if that’s more to your taste.

Hidive

Hidive and Crunchyroll used to be buddies a few years ago when they were both under VRV. But after Gurren Lagann’s production, the anime streaming world is much less peaceful. AMC purchased the rights to Hidive, so it’s no longer affiliated with Crunchyroll or VRV. Now, Hidive positions itself as Crunchyroll’s main competitor today.

We agree that Hidive’s interface one-ups Crunchyroll’s. While Crunchyroll lists subs and dubs of the same show as separate seasons, Hidive works more like Netflix, allowing you to switch easily between dubs and subs while watching the show. To watch your animes comfortably on Hidive, we recommend using the browser rather than the app.

How much does it cost?

Hidive doesn’t offer any of its content for free, like Crunchyroll or Funimation. It has no free version. If you want to watch any anime on this platform, subscribe to its paid plans, starting from $4.99 monthly. Either that or at least sign up for its 7-day free trial.

7. 9ANIME

9ANIME
Our Rating
4.3
Price

Free

High-quality free anime streaming

Has many annoying ads

If you’re looking for a website to find the latest episodes of your beloved anime shows, 9ANIME is the place to look. It airs the newest anime episodes only minutes after the original airing in Japan. 9ANIME also has a powerful search engine that allows you to find shows based on genre, season, country, language, status, or release date.

This service lets you quickly find which titles are ongoing, upcoming, trending, and even most interesting to watch. Both dubbed and subbed versions are available on this 9ANIME, and you can stream all the videos in full HD.

9Anime

Another noteworthy feature the platform offers is the request feature. If there’s any anime you would love for 9ANIME to add to its already huge library, you can easily suggest it using the requested feature.

How much does it cost?

It doesn’t cost a dime. 9ANIME is a free streaming service.

8. RetroCrush

RetroCrush
Our Rating
4.4
Price

Free

Offer simultaneous streams on multiple devices

Small content library, even with paid plan

Classic anime should be seen as a genre in itself. As you can probably tell from the name, RetroCrush offers a carefully curated trove of vintage series and full-length anime features. Due to the platform’s focus on older movies and series, you won’t find much of its collection on any other site.

RetroCrush is a free anime streaming service that can help you enjoy your favorite shows. For a free service, you would expect tons of ads to pop up on the site, but the user experience is surprisingly decent. You can watch all the shows in its library without enduring too many ads.

RetroCrush

That being said, while RetroCrush is top tier in classics, its entire library is not very impressive compared to other anime streaming platforms. RetroCrush currently has around 100 shows and 40 movies of dubbed and subbed content in its library.

If you don’t like what the newbies are into these days, anime from 20 to 30 years ago will surely give you a nostalgia blast. Some series you can expect to find on RetroCrush include Golgo, Urusei Yatsura, and Devil Lady. You should check out RetroCrush if you care more about these classics than popular shows like Attack on Titan.

How much does it cost?

RetroCrush offers a free anime streaming service. Recently, it has upgraded to offering a paid tier starting at $4.99 per month. This plan lets you eliminate ads and unlock access to exclusive, uncensored titles.

9. Max

Max
Our Rating
4.5
Price

$9.99/month (with ads)

Well-organized library

Uncertain corporate future

Last but not least on our list of the best anime streaming services is Max. We recommend this platform to anime fans mainly because of its Studio Ghibli library. However, you should hold your horses before rushing to Max for anime! While it houses the complete Studio Ghibli collection (think Howl’s Moving Castle and hidden gems like Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind), their future on the platform is shaky since Max has been shaking things up lately.

Since Discovery bought Warner Bros, they’re tidying their digital attic, sometimes throwing out even finished shows! It’s for tax reasons, so we don’t know whether the animes on the platform will disappear without warning. We should still give credit where it’s due. Besides Ghibli, they have excellent anime movies like Weathering With You, Promare, and even the 2022 film Belle.

Max

However, for hardcore anime series fans seeking a huge library of titles, Max cannot provide that wholesome service at this point. The selection is small. You can consider it a bonus if you already have Max for its other offerings, like the HBO content, not specifically for anime. Overall, if Studio Ghibli is your jam, Max might be worth a peek. Otherwise, proceed cautiously, knowing their anime offerings might vanish like a ninja at night.

How much does it cost?

Max is not a free service and doesn’t offer a free trial. The pricing starts from $9.99 – $19.99 per month or $99.99 – $199.99 per year.

The Legality of Anime Streaming Services Today

For the longest time, anime lovers were at the mercy of gatekeepers. It was difficult getting your hands on new shows. Back then, media importers who brought anime to the US only picked shows they thought the American audience would like. That meant missing out on tons of cool ones. Then came fansubbers – the superfans who translated and shared anime online for free. This worked, but it wasn’t exactly legal. Also, those files may contain malware, and downloading them can be risky.

The good news is that streaming services like Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Funimation have changed the game. Now, for a low monthly fee (usually under $10), you can watch tons of anime legally and conveniently. No more shady downloads or crazy expensive imported DVDs. Plus, these services have way more anime than any store could stock, and better still, you don’t have to wait for shipping.

Most of these streaming services are affordable, so you won’t have to break the bank to watch anime online. Some of them even have ad-supported free versions. But you can always skip the ads by upgrading to a paid plan.

Crunchyroll’s premium tier completely removes ads from your experience. Hulu’s own eliminates all ads and also allows you to download episodes to watch offline. RetroCrush has a free, curated library of mostly exclusive vintage anime with surprisingly few ads. However, premium features like downloads and ad-free viewing are unavailable.

Tor Browser

There are also free anime streaming websites, but you should be careful with those. Downloading from these sources can be risky, and you might unknowingly violate copyright laws. Hence, we generally advise against free anime sites due to the legal and safety concerns around them. If you must explore these free websites, understand the risks and consider protecting yourself using a VPN or Tor browser.

ExtremeVPN is best known for encrypting your browser traffic and ensuring online privacy and security. Remember, for a safe and legal anime experience, paid streaming services are still the best choice.

Which of the Streaming Services has the Best Anime?

Which of the Streaming Services has the Best Anime?

One of the biggest and most obvious ways to differentiate between anime streaming services is their catalog sizes. Crunchyroll dominates the anime scene with a massive library of 1,300 series, boosted by its recent mergers with VRV and Funimation in 2022. While both Netflix and Hulu have respectable collections of around 200-300 titles of anime movies and series combined, they fall short of Crunchyroll’s crown.

Hidive also has about 500 not-so-common anime in its library. RetroCrush offers 100 shows and 40 movies. You can choose your anime adventure based on the library size that suits your cravings.

Anime Subs vs. Dubs: Which is Best?

Anime Subs vs. Dubs: Which is Best?

There’s an ongoing battle between subtitle enthusiasts (the purists, if you will) and those favoring English dubs (considered by some as less authentic). This debate is as heated as Japan’s Meiji period or the Hatfield-McCoy feud. Luckily, many streaming services have recognized the value of offering both options. The truth is that both methods have their merits.

In 2016, the collaboration between Crunchyroll and Funimation led to Funimation handling dubs and Crunchyroll taking charge of subs. Now, with both services under Sony and Funimation integrated into the Crunchyroll brand, anime fans can enjoy a convenient one-stop shop for subtitled and dubbed content.

Regarding Netflix, they’ve covered you with several languages and subtitles for most of their content. On the other hand, Hulu is a bit hit-or-miss with subtitled shows, but they offer Japanese language options for most anime. The catch is that videos with subtitles and dubbed versions on Hulu are treated as separate entities rather than integrated into the video player. Crunchyroll, RetroCrush, and Hidive follow a similar pattern, presenting subbed and dubbed videos as distinct options. It might be annoying, but you can choose.

How to Catch Anime in Real-time

Traditional television and movie imports always came with a hefty price tag and the frustrating wait for sporadic releases. Fortunately, the internet has ushered in a solution: simulcasts. The top streaming services dedicated to contemporary anime now offer some simulcast programming.

Japan

While the term might suggest an instant release, it’s typically a matter of hours after the episode premieres in Japan. Simulcasts keep fans at the forefront of the anime scene, fueling its popularity in a way that binge-watching can’t match.

Again, Crunchyroll is currently leading the pack with around 45 shows in its simulcast lineup. Other services offer far fewer.

Ever since its merger with Funimation, Crunchyroll has also introduced a unique feature called SimulDub. This service covers approximately 25 shows, releasing new English dubs on the same day they air in Japan. This is an impressive turnaround for dub lovers, and they’re hopeful that the newly united Crunchyroll will keep up the trend.

How to Watch Anime Online

The Best Anime Streaming Services of 2024

Nowadays, your devices generally support most of the available streaming services. Simply use your laptop, tablet, or any web browser to effortlessly access the latest streaming services. Additionally, these services provide convenient apps for iOS and Android devices, allowing you to enjoy your favorite anime on the go. It doesn’t matter whether you’re on the bus, at the park, or even during lunch breaks; you can always tune in to watch your favorite anime.

Most streaming services allow at least two concurrent streams, meaning a person can watch on the TV while another enjoys a separate show on a different device. Interestingly, RetroCrush doesn’t require you to create an account to use it. So, if you’re all about keeping it simple, it should be one of your top choices.

If you would rather download shows to watch offline, you would be happy to learn that Crunchyroll now supports video downloads for offline viewing on mobile. Other premium services also jump on the train with this same feature in their paid tiers.

The TV experience is not a major differentiator anymore, either. This is because watching anime on bigger screens is still possible as media streaming devices become more prevalent and affordable. You can access all the anime streaming sites mentioned in this article on Chromecasts, Apple TVs, Fire TV Sticks, and Rokus. However, support for game consoles is a different story. RetroCrush is unavailable on any gaming console, but you can access Hulu and Crunchyroll on the Nintendo Switch.

Services that Offer More than Just Anime

Some platforms go the extra mile beyond just offering anime since it’s a niche genre driven by enthusiasts. Take Crunchyroll, for example. Apart from hosting anime, it boasts an active community forum and an online store. Admittedly, the store’s layout could improve compared to other services, but opting for the premium tier comes with perks like bonuses and entries to special events.

watch-Anime

Now, RetroCrush takes a simpler approach. It lacks some community features and doesn’t even have a shop, but that’s expected since it’s a free service. Hidive, however, allows you to create and share chat rooms where you can watch anime with others and even add your commentary.

Crunchyroll also has digital comics. It features an interesting digital catalog of mangas that you can read on a web browser. Also, with a DC Universe Infinite membership, you can access up to 25,000 comics online. The platform is now entirely focused on comics, as its original shows like Harley Quinn and Doom Patrol are now on HBO Max.

Which Anime Streaming Service is the Best?

Best VPN for Streaming Anime

If you don’t want to exceed your budget, think about the value each streaming service brings. This is even more important if you’re the only anime lover in your house and others prefer actual movies and TV series. In this case, Hulu and Netflix stand out with their vast collections of mainstream original productions and many other series.

However, we would choose Crunchyroll any day for this category because of its extensive anime collection. Notably, Crunchyroll now offers VRV’s indie cartoons and Funimation’s dubs, enhancing its content variety. It’s worth mentioning that, for this review, we treat anime series and animation collectively. The difference between both genres can be blurry and arguably unimportant in today’s geeky world.

How to Find the Perfect Anime Streaming Service for You

Fast streaming

What works best for us might not be your own best option. You must seriously consider the following factors and your preferences to select the right service for you.

1. Pricing

Even budget-conscious viewers can enjoy anime thanks to platforms like Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Tubi, which offer free versions. However, the free tiers often come with ads and limited access. Most platforms require a subscription fee to enjoy an ad-free experience. On-demand services like Netflix and Max often offer more wallet-friendly prices than live TV services like YouTube TV and Fubo. You can watch for the pricing tiers on anime streaming sites and explore the additional features you can access for a little extra each month.

2. Simultaneous Streams for Household Viewing

Households with many different viewers will benefit from platforms that allow multiple streams simultaneously. Some services, like Crunchyroll, offer up to 6 concurrent streams in their paid tiers, whereas others, like Hulu, have more limitations. So, you may have to pay more to enjoy multiple streams on different devices. This trade-off is worth it if it will help avoid stupid remote-control fights at home.

3. Subbed or Dubbed Anime

The subbed or dubbed debate may continue forever among anime fans because people will always prefer two options. Some platforms cater to both preferences, offering both English-dubbed and subtitled content, while others only offer one or the other. Choose a platform that offers your preferred style for an immersive viewing experience.

4. Content Library

The heart of any streaming service lies in its content lineup. In this case, your focus should be the service’s anime library. If there are specific titles you crave, a bit of research goes a long way to find platforms that offer them. Consider how vital timeliness is to you; platforms like Hulu and Crunchyroll provide next-day access to certain titles, whereas 9ANIME lets you stream content minutes after it airs in Japan.

Netflix, however, takes its time to upload content. You can tell that it still only has the first season of Attack on Titan, even though seasons two, three, and four are now available. Also, think about what other content the platform provides. If your household isn’t all about anime, a platform like Netflix or Hulu, offering a variety of genres, might be worth considering.

5. Parental Guidance and Control

Animated doesn’t always mean kid-friendly, so not all anime movies and shows are appropriate for a younger audience. Some anime titles contain scenes with violence, nudity, and other graphic content you might want to keep away from kids. Platforms like Netflix offer parental controls, empowering adults to manage their child’s content access and ensure age-appropriate viewing. Even some free services like Tubi offer parental control, though its features might be limited.

6. Multiple User Accounts

Having multiple user accounts is a game-changer for fans looking to organize their favorite anime efficiently. Crunchyroll allows only one user account per platform, but other platforms on our list allow you to create multiple accounts, keeping everyone’s preferences in order.

Conclusion

We have just covered the best anime streaming services of 2024. All the services mentioned in this list are great for watching anime online, regardless of your preferences. Each platform has its specialty, so you’ll find one that works for you. Looking to find a Studio Ghibli show? Max could be the right choice. The platform has a complete Studio Ghibli collection.

RetroCrush is the place to look if you are into older titles. Its vintage collection will blow your mind with a blast of nostalgia. Are you trying to find a recently released show episode, and other platforms don’t have it yet? Don’t fret; 9ANIME has got you covered. This free service uploads shows on its platform within minutes of airing in Japan.

Are you looking for a completely free service that doesn’t feel cheap? Check out Tubi. Do you prefer mature exclusives that might be censored or unavailable on other platforms? Hidive is the site for you. The platform is uncensored and hosts many adult and scarce anime you might be interested in. Funimation is the place to go for a massive library of dubs. If you prefer subs, then Crunchyroll’s vast collection should be on your list.

Regardless of whatever service you choose, consider using a VPN to access these platforms. The internet can sometimes be unsafe, and you might be exposed to malware or virus attacks, especially on some free sites. Get ExtremeVPN today to stream your favorite anime shows safely and happily.

FAQs

Are the best anime streaming services of 2024 free? Up
Yes. Many top anime streaming services are free or at least have free versions. If you want a free platform to watch original animes with subtitles, check out Crunchyroll. You’ll likely find whatever you want to watch within its vast anime library. If you’re more into dubs, go for Funimation instead. It offers a notably broader range of anime dubs, even in its free, ad-supported version.
What is the best anime streaming service for dubs? Up
Funimation. It has the most extensive library of English-dubbed anime shows, with over 600 titles. This includes the entire Dragonball TV series and others like My Hero Academia, Drifters, and Fairy Tail. Funimation also has an ad-supported free version if you’re not looking to spend any money.
How much do anime streaming services cost? Up
The monthly starting price for most anime streaming services is usually under $10. Nexflix’s ad-supported basic plan costs $6.99 and allows two concurrent HD-quality streams. Hulu’s pricing starts at $7.99. Max’s starting price is $9.99. Hive and RetroCrush both have paid plans that cost $4.99. Some services, like Crunchyroll and Funimation, even have completely free versions. So, you don’t have to break the bank to stream your favorite anime shows online.
Do you need a VPN to access anime streaming platforms? Up
No. Having a VPN is not necessarily required to use these platforms. However, some services only work in specific regions, so you might need a VPN to bypass the geo-blocks if you’re not within those places. For example, while Hidive is best known for its diverse content library, the service is only available in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Ireland. Due to broadcasting limitations, you can only watch on Hidive within these regions if you connect to a reliable VPN service.
Which VPN is best for watching anime? Up
ExtremeVPN stands out as the best VPN for anime streaming. It offers the perfect blend of speed and security. With 6,500 servers in more than 78 countries, you’ll surely find a server to connect to and stream your anime blissfully. Its no-log policy also helps ensure your sensitive information and browser traffic do not leak. ExtremeVPN also comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Knowlege is Power, ExtremeVPN is Freedom

Stream popular anime titles with maximum protection!

GET STARTED 30 days money back guarantee

Share this article

About the Author

Thomas is a talented writer and digital privacy fanatic. He loves exploring the world of cybersecuri...
More from Thomas

Related Posts

Comments

No comments.

ExtremeVPN Watermakr Icon

Protect and enjoy your digital life with ExtremeVPN

  • Safe and seamless streaming
  • Privacy on Wi-Fi networks
  • No DNS leaks
  • One account, ten devices
  • 6,500+ servers in 78 countries
Get ExtremeVPN