For anime-focused streaming, start by comparing Crunchyroll and HIDIVE. Broader services such as Netflix, Hulu, Tubi, and others may also carry anime, but there is no reliable universal “12 best” list from the available evidence: a service’s app, catalog, and dubbed or subtitled versions depend on your country and can change. Check the specific series and features you want before subscribing.
Anime-focused apps to compare first
Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is the clearest starting point if you want a service centered on anime. Its official site and iOS App Store listing describe a broad anime catalog and simulcast access; the listing also identifies offline viewing and subtitle and dub options. Which titles, languages, and membership features are available can vary by region and tier. Crunchyroll says subscription pricing varies by region and selected membership tier, so check the offer shown for your account rather than relying on a price quoted elsewhere. The App Store listing’s “Over 2,000 titles available” is Crunchyroll’s own claim, not an independently verified count.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Pok#mon: The Movies 1-3 Collection (Blu-ray) | $14.96 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Sailor Moon Three-Film Collection (Blu-ray) | $19.19 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Elfen Lied Complete Collection [Blu-Ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51sYmcL3fgL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Elfen Lied Complete Collection [Blu-Ray] | $25.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Digimon the Movies 4-6 Collection [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51BavV0Z0TL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Digimon the Movies 4-6 Collection [Blu-ray] | $23.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
![Digimon The Movies 1-3 Collection [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51A6WUi9P+L._SL160_.jpg)
|
Digimon The Movies 1-3 Collection [Blu-ray] | $24.59 | Buy on Amazon |
HIDIVE
HIDIVE is another anime-focused choice. Its official site highlights simulcasts, dubs, classics, and less-mainstream titles, and lists support for Android phones and tablets as well as iPhone and iPad. Compare its catalog with the titles you actually watch; “curated” does not mean it has every series or season. The site showed different starting prices in different sections, so this article does not treat either figure as a dependable current price. Check the checkout page in your region for the current plan and terms.
General streaming apps that may include anime
Anime is also available through services whose libraries cover many genres. VIZ lists several platforms that carry some VIZ anime, including Netflix, Hulu, Pluto TV, Tubi, Peacock, YouTube, and Prime Video. That list is a set of places to investigate—not confirmation that every service has a particular show, a current mobile app in your country, or both Android and iOS support for the same content. VIZ explicitly warns that series availability varies by platform, country, and dubbed or subtitled version, and can change.
#1 Best Overall
| Service or group | How to think about it | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video | Broader streaming libraries that may include anime alongside other programming. | Whether the anime title and season you want are in your country’s catalog, and which audio or subtitle versions are offered. |
| Tubi, Pluto TV, Peacock | Additional general-service candidates named by VIZ; the source does not establish a uniform anime catalog or app availability across regions. | Local catalog, app availability for your device, and whether the title is on-demand or otherwise presented. |
| YouTube | A video platform VIZ lists as carrying some of its anime; that does not make every anime channel or upload an authorized source. | Use official rights-holder or platform channels and check whether the full episodes are legally available in your region. |
VIZ’s watch page is useful for identifying candidate platforms for VIZ titles, but it does not establish that every listed service supports both mobile operating systems or carries every VIZ series everywhere.
How to choose the right app for your watchlist
- Check the exact title and season in your country. Search the service’s own catalog or the rights-holder’s official availability page. A show appearing in a general platform list does not confirm that it is available in your region.
- Confirm simulcast coverage if you follow current series. Look for the season and episode schedule on the service itself. “Simulcast” is a service feature, not a guarantee that every currently airing anime is included.
- Check audio and subtitle options per show. Dub and subtitle availability can differ by title, language, country, and release timing. Confirm the version you prefer before paying.
- Verify downloads if offline viewing matters. Check the app’s current feature description and membership terms. Availability can depend on the service, plan, and title.
- Compare the plan details shown at signup. Review price, ads, supported devices, and any tier-dependent features in your region. The sources here do not support a current apples-to-apples price table across these services.
- Check both your device and country. Find the official Google Play or Apple App Store listing for your location, then review OS requirements and availability. A service page naming a device family is not a substitute for checking your exact device and region.
Is Funimation still a separate anime app?
No. Crunchyroll Help says the Funimation app and website ended service on April 2, 2024. Do not count Funimation as a current standalone streaming choice; check Crunchyroll and other active services for the specific series you want. See Crunchyroll’s Funimation service wind-down notice.
Rank #2
Why this is not a verified list of twelve apps
The available official sources establish two anime-focused services and identify several broader platforms that may carry anime, but they do not verify twelve current services with Android and iOS apps, country availability, and anime catalogs. Naming additional brands to reach twelve would imply checks that have not been established. For a trustworthy shortlist, compare Crunchyroll and HIDIVE with the general services available in your region, then verify each title and device listing directly.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- English dubbed, Japanese language, English subtitles
Rank #4
Rank #3
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
