Anime-curious?
Use Tubi or Pluto TV. See every free legal option →
NO GATEKEEPING. NO 47-TAB RESEARCH.
Your first anime service should fit you.
Tell us what matters. We’ll point you toward a legal streaming option and show you what it costs—plain and simple.
YOUR STARTING POINT
Tubi
Try anime without adding another bill.
$0forever
THE 30-SECOND ANSWER
Start where you are. Upgrade only when you know what you like.
Already subscribed?
Explore Netflix or Hulu before adding another monthly bill.
Ready for more?
Crunchyroll is the broadest dedicated next step for most new fans.
PRICES CHECKED SEPTEMBER 2026
Beginner streaming lineup
U.S. pricing. Catalogs, titles, ads, and plans can change.
Best all-around$9.99/mo
Crunchyroll
The biggest dedicated starting point when you’re ready to actively explore anime.
- Huge anime-first catalog
- New seasonal episodes
- Subs and many dubs
Zero-risk start$0
Tubi
A simple way to test-drive popular anime without creating a new monthly expense.
- Free with ads
- Recognizable starter titles
- No subscription required
If you have it$8.99/mo*
Netflix
The easiest on-ramp if it’s already in your household, with approachable originals and dubs.
- Strong dubbing support
- Anime plus everything else
- Friendly for casual viewers
Niche next step$7.99/mo
HIDIVE
Best after you have a sense of your taste and want exclusives beyond the largest catalog.
- Lower monthly price
- Exclusives and deeper cuts
- Subs and dubs
Classic pick$0–$4.99/mo
RetroCrush
A focused home for viewers curious about older series and the history of anime.
- Free viewing available
- Classic-focused catalog
- Low-cost premium plan
Live & free$0
Pluto TV
Good for channel-surfing when you’d rather press play than decide what to choose.
- Free with ads
- Live-style anime channels
- No commitment
If you have PrimeMixed access
Prime Video
Worth checking before adding an app: some anime is included, while other titles require rental, purchase, or a paid Channel.
- Included anime rotates
- HIDIVE available as a Channel
- Anime-inspired adult originals
*Netflix price shown is its U.S. ad-supported starting plan. Hulu is also worth checking if you already subscribe; its anime library sits alongside general TV and movies. This guide is independent and does not currently use affiliate links.
NO-JARGON ZONE
Three words you’ll see everywhere
Sub
Original Japanese voices with translated subtitles.
Dub
Dialogue re-recorded in another language, such as English.
Simulcast
A new episode released close to its original Japanese broadcast.