7 Best Crunchyroll Alternative Services for Anime Fans

Key Takeaways: These Are the Best Crunchyroll Alternatives

1. HIDIVE — Offers exclusive anime titles and simulcasts.
2. Netflix — Home to high-quality originals and globally licensed anime hits.
3. Tubi TV — A 100% free, legal service packed with ad-supported anime.
4. Pluto TV — Streams live anime channels for a classic, cable-style experience.
5. YouTube — Hosts official studio channels streaming full anime episodes for free. 
6. 9anime — An unofficial site with a massive anime library.
7. RetroCrush — Dedicated to vintage anime classics.

Facts & Expert Analysis: Why Consider a Crunchyroll Alternative? 

• Crunchyroll concerns: Crunchyroll’s catalog varies by region. For example, Japanese simulcasts may be delayed or unavailable in some countries. Crunchyroll has also become more expensive since raising prices in 2024.¹
• More originals: Solid Crunchyroll alternatives like HIDIVE and Netflix have lots of exclusives and originals, making them excellent replacements for Crunchyroll’s library.
• VPNs increase accessibility: Many Crunchyroll alternatives have differing libraries depending on the country. A VPN allows you to view geoblocked content, giving you access to varied anime shows online.

Best VPN for Anime Streaming

www.nordvpn.com

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Crunchyroll is the go-to platform for streaming anime, but it’s not perfect. Between rising costs, regional restrictions and missing shows, you might need a Crunchyroll alternative. In this article, I’ll reveal the seven best options based on my research and tests. I’ll also share the best VPNs to help you bypass geoblocks on streaming services.

Sites Like Crunchyroll at a Glance 

Here’s a quick look at the best Crunchyroll alternatives: HIDIVE, Netflix, Tubi TV, Pluto TV, YouTube, 9anime and RetroCrush. 

The Best Alternatives to Crunchyroll

Here are the seven best Crunchyroll alternatives, starting with my top choice, HiDIVE.

1. HIDIVE — Overall Best Crunchyroll Alternative

HIDIVE is the go-to Crunchyroll alternative for anime purists. It hosts niche and exclusive titles such as ‘Made in Abyss.’ HIDIVE’s anime is subtitled or dubbed, making it easy to follow. It also has simulcasts, enabling you to watch anime almost as soon as it’s released in Japan.

2. Netflix — Best for Anime Originals

I recommend Netflix if you want to stream big-name anime hits and high-quality originals. While Netflix’s library doesn’t match Crunchyroll’s depth, it offers many originals, including ‘Devilman Crybaby’ and ‘Blue Eye Samurai.’ You can watch Netflix’s titles in 4K and download them for offline viewing.

3. Tubi TV — The Best Free Crunchyroll Alternative 

Tubi TV is a great option for those who love anime but are on a budget. Its free, ad-supported catalog includes popular series like ‘Naruto,’ ‘Pokémon’ and ‘One Punch Man.’ There’s no option for simulcasts, but you’ll find many anime classics. I like that its interface is easy to use via the app or a browser.

4. Pluto TV — Cable-Like Anime Streaming 

Pluto TV is perfect if you want to watch 24-hour channels dedicated to anime for free. It’s also a great option if you don’t want to bother selecting episodes and prefer a channel to do the heavy lifting. For instance, I selected Pluto TV Anime Comedy and it played funny anime all day long.

5. YouTube — Many Official Anime Platforms 

YouTube might surprise you as a solid free Crunchyroll alternative. Many anime studios run official channels on YouTube, including Muse Asia, Ani-One Asia and Crunchyroll. However, content can vary by country, and you may not find full-season uploads.

6. 9anime — Best Unofficial Crunchyroll Alternative

9anime is popular among anime fans for its simple layout and huge catalog. It’s a reliable place to find recently released anime across different genres. Its minimal ads and quick updates make it a good choice if you prioritize convenience over official licensing.

7. RetroCrush — Best for Vintage & Classic Anime Fans 

RetroCrush is a free, legal streaming service dedicated to the golden age of anime. It features cult favorites like ‘Lupin the Third,’ ‘Urusei Yatsura’ and ‘Bubblegum Crisis.’ If you’re a hardcore fan looking for a discontinued series, RetroCrush is a decent option. Most titles are both dubbed and subbed, making for easy viewing.

Methodology: How I Picked the Best Alternatives to Crunchyroll

I considered about 20 Crunchyroll alternatives and whittled them down to seven based on catalog diversity, price, availability and user experience. I did this by opening each website or app, examining the catalog (with an eye on usability) and playing some of the available videos. I also checked the pricing pages, comparing them to Crunchyroll.

How a VPN Can Help With Streaming Geoblocks

Some anime streaming services, such as Netflix or HIDIVE, are region-locked. A VPN (virtual private network) lets you connect to servers in other countries, effectively bypassing these blocks while keeping your data secure. A VPN also shields your IP address, which is a crucial layer of protection if you explore unofficial sites.

The Best VPNs for Anime Streaming

The best VPN for streaming anime shows should have a massive server network, reliable unblocking, fast speeds and excellent security features. 

www.nordvpn.com

Black Friday Deal

Up to 77% OFF
+ 3 Months FREE

$312.93 $80.73 ($2.99/m)
for 27 months

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NordVPN: Has servers in 127 countries that can reliably circumvent geoblocks. It’s also one of the fastest VPNs on the market, ideal for anime streaming. Read more in our NordVPN review. You can get NordVPN starting at $2.99 per month, annually.

surfshark.com

$2.49 / month

(save 86%) (All Plans)

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Surfshark: An affordable VPN with servers in 100 countries. It offers reasonably fast download speeds and excels at bypassing geoblocks. Our Surfshark review has more details. Try Surfshark starting at $1.99 per month, annually.

www.expressvpn.com

$3.49 / month

(save 73%) (All Plans)

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ExpressVPN: A beginner-friendly VPN with servers in 108 countries. It’s a fast option with obfuscation on all servers. Learn more in our ExpressVPN review. You can get ExpressVPN Basic for $3.49 per month, annually.

Final Thoughts 

Crunchyroll remains a giant in the anime world, but it’s not the only player. Services like HIDIVE and Netflix are expanding rapidly, while Tubi TV offers free access for casual fans. Unofficial options like 9anime also provide extensive libraries. However, some platforms have regional restrictions, so you’ll need a VPN — such as NordVPN — to access them.

What’s your favorite anime series of all time? Which of the platforms on my list are you considering using? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comment section below. As always, thanks for reading.

FAQ: Apps Like Crunchyroll 

• What Is the Best Anime Streaming Service?

  Crunchyroll is the best anime streaming service thanks to its large catalog. HIDIVE is also an excellent option, with exclusive titles and affordable pricing.

• Does Peacock Have Anime?

  Yes, Peacock has anime, though its library is small. It doesn’t have a free version, so you’ll need a premium account

• Is HIDIVE or Crunchyroll Better?

  HIDIVE is cheaper and features exclusive series, while Crunchyroll has a larger, more mainstream catalog.

• Who Is Crunchyroll’s Biggest Competitor?

  Netflix is Crunchyroll’s biggest global rival, with many of its own originals. Other big competitors include HIDIVE and Pluto TV.

Sources:

1. Variety — Sony’s Crunchyroll Hikes Prices on Its Top Two Anime Streaming Plans