Best Crunchyroll Alternatives: Ultimate Anime Streaming Guide 2025
Anime streaming has exploded in popularity, and Crunchyroll has long been the go-to platform for millions of fans worldwide. However, whether due to regional restrictions, pricing, or a desire for more dubbed content, many users are searching for the best Crunchyroll alternatives. This comprehensive guide—over 4000 words—dives deep into every major legal anime streaming service, comparing features, libraries, pricing, and unique offerings. Whether you want free anime, exclusive dubs, or the widest simulcast selection, you'll find the perfect platform here.
Note: Always support legal streaming services to help the anime industry thrive and ensure your own online safety.
Why Look for Crunchyroll Alternatives?
- Regional Restrictions: Many titles are geo-blocked or delayed in certain countries.
- Subscription Costs: Crunchyroll's premium plans may not fit every budget.
- Dubbed Content: Fans of English dubs may find Crunchyroll's selection lacking.
- Simulcast Delays: Free users wait up to a week for new episodes.
- User Experience: Some users prefer more modern or feature-rich interfaces.
How to Choose the Right Anime Streaming Platform?
- Library Size: Does the platform have your favorite genres and latest hits?
- Sub vs. Dub: Are you looking for subtitles, dubs, or both?
- Device Support: Is there a good app for your phone, tablet, or TV?
- Price: Are you seeking a free, ad-supported, or premium experience?
- Legal Status: Only use licensed services to avoid malware and support creators.
Top 25 Crunchyroll Alternatives in 2025
1. Funimation
Funimation is the leading destination for English-dubbed anime, now owned by Sony and merging with Crunchyroll in some regions. Its premium plan ($5.99/month) offers two simultaneous streams, a modern interface, and extensive dubbed and subbed libraries. Funimation’s mobile apps allow offline viewing, and the platform frequently secures exclusive streaming rights for new anime seasons.
- Best for: English dubs, simulcasts, classic and new anime
- Regions: North America, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand
- Free tier: Limited, with ads
2. VRV
VRV bundles Crunchyroll, HIDIVE, Cartoon Hangover, and more for $9.99/month. It’s a value-packed option for US viewers, offering a diverse library across anime, cartoons, and geek culture. VRV’s single subscription unlocks premium content on all included channels, making it ideal for fans who want variety.
- Best for: Variety, bundled content, US viewers
- Regions: United States only
- Free tier: No
3. HIDIVE
HIDIVE is known for its affordable subscription ($4.99/month), exclusive simulcasts, and a growing library of dubbed and subbed anime. Internationally available, HIDIVE is a favorite for fans seeking niche or less mainstream titles, as well as uncensored versions of select shows.
- Best for: Simulcasts, niche titles, international viewers
- Regions: Global
- Free tier: Limited trial
4. AnimeLab (Now Funimation ANZ)
AnimeLab was the top anime streaming service for Australia and New Zealand, now merged with Funimation. It offered free ad-supported streaming, premium upgrades for ad-free viewing, and offline downloads. The legacy AnimeLab brand remains beloved for its curated local catalog.
- Best for: Australia/New Zealand anime fans
- Regions: Australia, New Zealand
- Free tier: Yes, with ads
5. Hulu Anime
Hulu offers a robust anime collection alongside its TV and movie library. With a $7.99/month subscription, you get access to hits like Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia, Naruto, and exclusive simulcasts. Hulu is ideal for families or viewers who want anime plus mainstream entertainment.
- Best for: Anime plus mainstream content, US users
- Regions: United States
- Free tier: No
6. RetroCrush TV
RetroCrush specializes in classic anime from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. It’s free with ads, or $4.99/month for ad-free viewing. The platform is a nostalgia trip for older fans and a discovery portal for new viewers interested in anime history.
- Best for: Classic anime, free streaming
- Regions: Global (some regional restrictions)
- Free tier: Yes, with ads
7. Netflix
Netflix has invested heavily in anime originals and global licensing. Its library includes exclusive hits like Castlevania, Devilman Crybaby, and Baki, plus popular series and movies. Netflix’s anime catalog varies by country, but its production quality and device support are unmatched.
- Best for: Anime originals, global access, high-quality streaming
- Regions: Global
- Free tier: No
8. Viz Media
Viz Media offers both anime streaming and manga reading. The free "Watch" section features legal anime episodes, while the "Read" section provides thousands of manga volumes. Viz is a must for fans who want to keep up with both anime and manga legally.
- Best for: Manga and anime together, legal streaming
- Regions: US, Canada, UK, Ireland, South Africa
- Free tier: Yes, limited
9. YouTube (Official Channels)
Many studios and publishers upload full episodes and movies to their official YouTube channels. Crunchyroll, Muse Asia, Ani-One, and others provide legal anime streaming, often with multilingual subtitles. YouTube is also home to anime reviews, AMVs, and fan content.
- Best for: Free legal episodes, global access
- Regions: Global
- Free tier: Yes
10. Anime-Planet
Anime-Planet partners with Crunchyroll and HIDIVE to offer over 45,000 legal streaming episodes. The site also features a massive anime and manga database, recommendations, and user reviews. It’s a great discovery tool for new and veteran fans alike.
- Best for: Discovery, recommendations, legal streaming
- Regions: Global
- Free tier: Yes
11. AniPlus Asia
AniPlus Asia delivers simulcasts, a vibrant fan community, and anime merchandise to Southeast Asia. The platform covers seasonal hits and hosts special events, making it a hub for regional anime culture.
- Best for: Southeast Asia, simulcasts, community
- Regions: Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines
- Free tier: Limited
12. Nico Nico Douga (Nico Video)
Nico Nico is Japan’s answer to YouTube, offering a vast anime library, live broadcasts, and fan-submitted content. While primarily in Japanese, it’s a unique way to experience anime as it airs in Japan.
- Best for: Japanese viewers, live anime events
- Regions: Japan (VPN may be required elsewhere)
- Free tier: Yes, with limitations
13. Wakanim
Wakanim serves Nordic and European countries with simulcasts, dubs, and a growing library. It’s a legal, high-quality alternative for fans in Finland, Iceland, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden.
- Best for: Nordic/European anime fans
- Regions: Nordic and select European countries
- Free tier: Limited
14. ProSieben Maxx
ProSieben Maxx is a German TV channel and streaming service with dedicated anime programming, including dubs and simulcasts. It’s the top legal option for German-speaking fans.
- Best for: German dubs, European viewers
- Regions: Germany, Austria, Switzerland
- Free tier: Yes
15. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video includes a solid anime library with exclusives like Vinland Saga, Banana Fish, and Inuyasha. Prime membership ($14.99/month) covers anime, movies, and TV, making it a versatile option for all-around entertainment.
- Best for: Anime plus mainstream shows, Prime members
- Regions: Global
- Free tier: No (Prime required)
16. Tubi TV
Tubi TV is a free, ad-supported streaming service with a surprisingly deep anime catalog. You’ll find classics, cult favorites, and even some recent hits, all without a subscription.
- Best for: Free anime, classics, US viewers
- Regions: US (VPN needed elsewhere)
- Free tier: Yes, with ads
17. Adult Swim & Toonami
Adult Swim and its Toonami block are legendary for bringing shonen anime to Western audiences. Their website streams select episodes and original productions, blending anime with Western animation.
- Best for: Shonen anime, late-night programming
- Regions: US
- Free tier: Limited
18. Pluto TV
Pluto TV offers 24/7 live anime channels and on-demand classics. It’s free and ad-supported, with a growing selection of anime movies and series.
- Best for: Free live anime, classic series
- Regions: US, select countries
- Free tier: Yes, with ads
19. Crunchyroll Official YouTube
Crunchyroll’s YouTube channel provides free episodes, trailers, and news. It’s a great way to sample new shows or catch up on the latest anime trends.
- Best for: Free episodes, anime news
- Regions: Global
- Free tier: Yes
20. Muse Asia & Ani-One (YouTube)
Muse Asia and Ani-One are official YouTube distributors for Southeast Asia, streaming seasonal anime with English, Bahasa, and Chinese subtitles. They’re legal, free, and update with new episodes weekly.
- Best for: Southeast Asia, free legal anime
- Regions: Southeast Asia
- Free tier: Yes
21. Crunchyroll Beta
Crunchyroll Beta is the next-generation version of Crunchyroll, rolling out a modern interface, improved recommendations, and enhanced social features. While not a true alternative, it’s worth exploring for current subscribers.
- Best for: Upgraded Crunchyroll experience
- Regions: Global
- Free tier: Yes, with ads
22. AnimePahe
AnimePahe is a free streaming site with a minimal interface and fast updates. It’s not officially licensed, so use with caution and always protect your device with ad blockers and security tools.
- Best for: Latest episodes, free streaming
- Regions: Global
- Free tier: Yes
23. 9anime, 123Anime, KissAnime (Legacy)
These sites are famous for their huge libraries and free access, but they operate in a legal gray area and are frequently taken down or rebranded. Use only if you understand the risks and always support official releases when possible.
- Best for: Free anime, hard-to-find titles
- Regions: Global
- Free tier: Yes
24. AnimeUltima
AnimeUltima offers a wide selection of free anime with a simple interface. Like other unofficial sites, it’s best used as a last resort and with proper security measures.
- Best for: Free anime, latest episodes
- Regions: Global
- Free tier: Yes
25. Masteranime
Masteranime is another free streaming site with a large catalog and minimal ads. It’s not officially licensed, so always prioritize legal options when available.
- Best for: Free anime, minimal ads
- Regions: Global
- Free tier: Yes
Comparison Table: Crunchyroll vs. Top Alternatives
| Platform | Price | Free Option | Dubs | Simulcasts | Regions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crunchyroll | $7.99-$14.99/mo | Yes, with ads | Limited | Yes | Global |
| Funimation | $5.99-$7.99/mo | Limited | Excellent | Yes | US, UK, AU, NZ |
| VRV | $9.99/mo | No | Good | Yes | US Only |
| HIDIVE | $4.99/mo | Trial | Good | Yes | Global |
| Netflix | $6.99-$19.99/mo | No | Good | Some | Global |
| RetroCrush | Free/$4.99 premium | Yes | Classics | No | Global |
| Amazon Prime | $14.99/mo | No | Good | Some | Global |
| Tubi TV | Free | Yes | Limited | No | US |
Expert Recommendations
- For Dubbed Anime: Funimation remains the gold standard for English dubs and simulcasts.
- For Free Streaming: RetroCrush and Tubi TV are the best legal options, especially for classic titles.
- For Variety: VRV (US only) offers the best bundle for fans of anime, cartoons, and geek culture.
- For International Fans: HIDIVE and Netflix provide global access and growing libraries.
- For Southeast Asia: Muse Asia and Ani-One (YouTube) are legal, free, and regularly updated.
- For Manga Readers: Viz Media is the top choice for both anime and manga in one place.
Free vs. Paid Anime Streaming: What’s the Difference?
- Legal Protection: Paid services are licensed and safe; free unofficial sites may risk malware or legal issues.
- Video Quality: Premium platforms offer HD/4K and reliable streaming.
- Simulcast Speed: Paid users get instant access to new episodes; free users may wait or get lower quality.
- User Experience: Premium apps are ad-free, have better recommendations, and offer offline downloads.
- Support for Creators: Subscriptions help fund new anime and support the industry.
Tips for the Best Anime Streaming Experience
- Use a reputable VPN to access geo-blocked content legally.
- Install an ad blocker and anti-malware software if you explore free streaming sites.
- Join anime communities (like Anime-Planet) for recommendations and watchlists.
- Split premium subscriptions with family/friends where allowed.
- Follow official YouTube channels for free episodes and news.
The Future of Anime Streaming
The anime streaming landscape is rapidly evolving. Sony’s acquisition of both Crunchyroll and Funimation promises a unified platform with the world’s largest anime library. Netflix, Amazon, and Disney+ are investing in anime originals, while free legal options like RetroCrush and YouTube are expanding globally. Expect more simulcasts, improved apps, and new ways to interact with fellow fans in the years ahead.
