Millions of people all over the world watch anime regularly. It’s no secret that Crunchyroll is one of the best places to watch anime online because of its extensive catalog of top shows and live simulcasts.
But, as the demand for anime has increased, a number of fresh streaming services have appeared, each with its own set of offerings and amenities to please the many different types of anime lovers out there.
These services provide access to thousands of episodes of anime, both new and old, in a variety of languages, with no commercial interruptions. These Crunchyroll alternatives are likely to give anime fans everywhere the best possible viewing experience thanks to their intuitive interfaces and low prices.
In this article, I’ll take a look at seven alternatives to Crunchyroll that offer similar quality for anime fans.
What Is Crunchyroll?
Crunchyroll is a website dedicated to streaming Japanese animation, manga, and Asian television shows. It launched in 2006 and now boasts over 120 million members in more than 200 countries, making it one of the most popular anime streaming sites available.
Crunchyroll is available for free and with a paid subscription, which grants users access to a wider library of content, ad-free viewing, and the chance to watch simulcasts (new episodes broadcasting in Japan) within an hour of their initial telecast.
Crunchyroll is more than just a website where you can watch anime and other shows; the company also creates its own shows and sells a variety of items.
It is able to provide its audience with a wide variety of anime because of its relationships with numerous major studios and distributors.
Crunchyroll Pricings and Features
- Free with limited options and ads
- Premium subscription for $8/month
- Subtitles are available in multiple languages
- Compatible with gaming consoles
Why Do You Need a Crunchyroll Alternative?
If everything seems well with Crunchyroll, you might be wondering why you should even consider looking elsewhere. Just because Crunchyroll is the most popular option does not make it perfect.
There are a number of reasons why someone might choose to switch to an alternative instead of using Crunchyroll. Whether or not one uses a Crunchyroll alternative depends on personal factors. The most common arguments are as follows:
- Content availability: Even while Crunchyroll provides a tonne of Asian content, including anime and movies, it might not have everything someone is looking for. There may be times when you’re looking for more variety than what Crunchyroll provides, and in those circumstances, a service with a different library of titles may be a better fit.
- Pricing: Crunchyroll has both a free and a paid subscription option, but the latter may be out of some people’s price range. For individuals on a tighter financial budget, a service that offers a cheaper alternative to Crunchyroll may be the best option.
- Geographical restrictions: Depending on licensing agreements, some anime may be unavailable in some regions. A viewer in such a situation might look for apps like Crunchyroll that provide the same material regardless of location.
- User experience: The Crunchyroll interface and user experience may not be optimal for all viewers. A Crunchyroll option that offers a different user experience in terms of design, organization, or functionality would appeal more to these people.
6 Best Crunchyroll Alternatives: Top Pics 2023
Here is a concise list of the top Crunchyroll alternatives available at the moment:
1. Funimation
2. RetroCrush TV
3. Hidive
4. Viz Media
5. Anime-Planet
6. AnimeLab
1. Funimation
If you’re an anime fan searching for a complete streaming service, Funimation is a great substitute for Crunchyroll. The portal features a plethora of anime shows, including original productions, English dubs, and simulcasts. The UI is simple and basic, and it’s easy to use features like personalized playlists and safety settings for the kids.
Fans can communicate with one another and discuss their favorite shows and characters in Funimation’s active forums and on its many social media sites. In general, Funimation is a great option for those seeking the best anime available.
Funimation Pricings and Features
- The subscription fee is $8/month
- Free streaming available with ads
- Huge dubbed shows are available
- Compatible with gaming consoles
2. RetroCrush TV
If you’re looking for an old-school anime streaming service, Retrocrush TV is a fantastic replacement for Crunchyroll. Popular titles like City Hunter, Kimagure Orange Road, and Lupin III, among many others, may be found in the platform’s collection of vintage 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s anime.
Although it doesn’t cost anything to use, the service appeals to a large audience. With a focus on its classic style, the interface is uncomplicated and simple to use. In conclusion, Retrocrush TV is an absolute must-have for any anime fan who wants to relive the golden age of the industry.
RetroCrush Pricings and Features
- Ad-supported free with all features
- Ad-free subscription is $5/month
- Best service for classic anime shows
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3. Hidive
HIDIVE is a great alternative to Crunchyroll for anime fans who want to watch shows that are unique from Crunchyroll. The platform provides access to a large archive of anime, both old and new. In addition to its extensive library of subtitled and dubbed shows, HIDIVE also offers a number of original productions.
The design is simple and easy to use, and it includes useful tools like the ability to adjust the video’s subtitles and quality. In addition to being a terrific alternative for budget-conscious viewers, HIDIVE is also quite reasonably priced. If you’re looking for the best place to watch anime online, go no further than HIDIVE.
Hidive Pricings and Features
- The subscription fee is $5/month
- Platform original shows are regular
- A great archive of classic and new dubbed and subbed anime
4. Viz Media
For those wanting a wider selection of anime than what Crunchyroll offers, Viz Media is a fantastic choice. It hosts a wide selection of anime shows, from the more mainstream Naruto and Bleach to the more obscure Kekkaishi and Nana. Manga fans have another fantastic option in Viz Media, as the service provides access to a plethora of digital manga titles.
In addition to a recently watched list and adjustable subtitles, the UI is straightforward and simple to use. When it comes to the best possible streaming experience, fans of anime and manga can’t go wrong with Viz Media.
Viz Media Pricing and Features
- Free streaming is available
- An anime community is present
- Option to buy the content at different prices
- Mangas and light novels are also available
- 7 days free, then ONLY $2.99 a month!
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5. Anime-Planet
If you’re looking for a free, ad-supported streaming service that offers anime, Anime-Planet is one of the fantastic sites like Crunchyroll. One Punch Man and Sword Art Online are just two of the many popular anime series available on the platform. Anime Planet also has a powerful recommender system that makes suggestions based on a user’s viewing habits.
The UI is intuitive, with features like personalized watchlists and a discussion board. In conclusion, Anime-Planet is an excellent option for anyone interested in watching anime online without spending any money.
Anime-Planet Pricings and Features
- Completely free
- Mangas are also available
- A huge archive of anime contents
6. AnimeLab
Anime enthusiasts in Australia and New Zealand who enjoy watching anime will find that AnimeLab is an excellent alternative to the website Crunchyroll. The portal has a huge selection of anime to watch, including new releases, old favorites, and original series like Attack on Titan and My Hero Academia.
AnimeLab’s user interface has personalized watchlists and video quality settings. It’s also possible to watch without interruption thanks to the platform’s ad-free streaming. AnimeLab is a fantastic choice for watchers on a budget because of its low price and free trial. When it comes to the best possible streaming experience, AnimeLab is without a doubt the first choice of anime enthusiasts in Australia and New Zealand.
AnimeLab Pricings and Features
- The free option is available with ads
- The premium plan is for AU$8.99/month
- Available in Australia and New Zealand
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Anime Streaming Service
Selecting the right anime streaming service depends on several factors:
Library:
The depth and breadth of the anime catalog are crucial. Some platforms might specialize in a particular era or genre of anime, while others might offer a broad mix of old and new titles.
Cost:
Streaming services can range from being free (ad-supported), to subscription-based models, to pay-per-view services. Consider what you’re willing to spend and what you get in return.
Subtitles/Dubs:
If you’re not a native Japanese speaker, check if the service offers subtitles or dubbed versions in your language. Some platforms may also offer subs in various languages.
Device Compatibility:
Ensure that the platform is compatible with your preferred viewing device, be it a smartphone, a computer, a smart TV, or a gaming console.
Regional Availability:
Not all platforms are available globally, and even if they are, their libraries may vary from region to region. Check if the service you choose is available and offers a good range of titles in your location.
User Interface and Experience:
The platform should have an intuitive, easy-to-navigate interface with good video quality and reliable streaming speeds.
By considering these factors, you can select a service that best aligns with your viewing preferences and habits.
How to Decide the Best Alternative for You
Viewing Habits and Preferences
Deciding on the best alternative to Crunchyroll ultimately boils down to your individual viewing habits and preferences. Reflect on your anime consumption patterns.
Do you prefer mainstream series or obscure titles? Are you a casual viewer or a hardcore anime fan? Do you enjoy watching anime series as they release in Japan, or are you comfortable with waiting for all episodes to release before binge-watching?
Furthermore, consider your preferences for subtitles versus dubbed versions, the importance of high-quality video, and your propensity to explore related content such as manga or anime soundtracks.
Your ideal streaming platform should align with these preferences.
Cost-Effectiveness
Once you’ve identified your preferences, conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis. Start by listing the platforms that meet most of your requirements.
Then consider the cost of each platform – some may be free but ad-supported, while others may have various tiers of subscription fees.
Compare these costs with the value you’d derive from each. For instance, a more expensive platform might be worth the cost if it has a broad catalog of your favorite genres, offers ad-free streaming, or releases subtitled episodes simultaneously with Japan.
However, a cheaper or free platform might be more cost-effective for casual viewers or those with more mainstream tastes.
Trialing Services
Lastly, don’t underestimate the importance of trialing services. Many platforms offer free trials that allow you to explore their libraries, assess their streaming quality, and experience their user interface firsthand.
These trials can give you invaluable insights that can help you make the final decision. Remember, the goal is to find a service that not only meets your anime viewing needs but also provides a smooth and enjoyable viewing experience.
Utilizing free trials helps you avoid committing to a service that might look good on paper but doesn’t resonate with your personal experience.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, there are a variety of resources available to anime lovers outside Crunchyroll. It’s important to note that the seven Crunchyroll alternatives discussed here—Funimation, RetroCrush TV, HIDIVE, Viz Media, Anime-Planet, and AnimeLab —all have their own special features and appeal to specific demographics of anime viewers.
These services offer an extensive library of anime that includes both new and old titles, as well as the ability to watch in either English or Japanese and access to exclusive content.
These services offer the best possible anime-watching experience to fans all over the world, with user-friendly layouts and low prices.
If you’re looking for apps like Crunchyroll but still want to watch anime of the same excellent quality, any of the options listed here should do the trick.
FAQs
On what kinds of devices can I use these apps?
These anime streaming services can be accessed on a variety of devices, including smart TVs, Roku, iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon FireTV, Apple TV, and game consoles like the Xbox and PlayStation. Any of your mobile devices, computer, or television set will also do.
Should I use a paid or free service to watch anime online?
Many sites offer free anime streaming, but not all have the right licensing. It’s possible that they’re showing the material online without authorization (also known as “pirating”). Besides, there are drawbacks to free streaming, like excessive advertising and limited choices.
Reference:
2. https://agoodmovietowatch.com/cord-cutting/best-crunchyroll-alternatives/
3. https://geekymint.com/crunchyroll-alternatives/
4. https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-best-alternatives-to-Crunchyroll-and-Funimation
5. https://alternativeto.net/software/crunchyroll/
6. https://www.enttechub.com/2022/07/best-crunchyroll-alternatives-apps-like-crunchyroll.html#point1
7. https://www.similarweb.com/website/crunchyroll.com/competitors/
8. https://www.techshout.com/crunchyroll-alternatives/
9. https://www.vulture.com/article/best-anime-streaming-services.html
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