Anime best app

Mubi

Photo by Mubi on Google Play Store

Availability: Android & iOSPrice: 7-day free trial; $10/month 

Mubi started as a social network for film enthusiasts in 2007. It transformed into an online streaming service in 2010, showcasing limited hand-curated classic films and animations. Today, you can find a plethora of anime titles across various genres, including the top-rated movies from Studio Ghibli.

Mubi has a dynamic movie line-up. It changes every day, so if you want to be on a loop with the shows, you can check out Mubi’s Now Showing films here. Depending on your internet connection, you can watch videos on Mubi in high-definition quality. 

Mubi also allows users to rate, follow, and review listed anime shows on the site for feedback and collaboration among users. If you opt to watch an anime show offline, don’t worry. Mubi supports offline viewing for Android and iOS.

The service is also available on the following devices:

• Streaming media players such as Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku
• Smart TVs such as Sony, Samsung, Android TV, LG Smart TV
• Mac/PC, including Safari 12 and later, Chrome 65 and later, Firefox 68 and later, Internet Explorer 11 or Edge

Crunchyroll

Photo by Crunchyroll on Google Play Store

Availability: Android & iOSPrice: 14-day free trial; $7.99/month + taxes (Fan), $9.99/month + taxes (Mega Fan)

If you’re an avid anime lover, chances are you’ve heard about Crunchyroll a million times. As the front-runner for anime streaming in the US, Crunchyroll has the most extensive anime collection among all anime sites, and it has over 50 million registered users worldwide. You can also browse other content, including Asian dramas and manga titles. 

If you’re a first-time user, you can download the Crunchyroll app with a 14-day free trial. This means you can experience its premium features for a limited time, such as unlimited access to all of its content and ad-free streaming in HD. Plus, you can also stream the latest episode of your favorite anime show after an hour of release in Japan.

Moreover, Crunchyroll features various news for upcoming anime shows, as well as anime voiceover artists and animators. Aside from anime streaming, Crunchyroll is also one of the best manga apps there is.

Crunchyroll is available on the following devices:

• Wii U
• Chromecast
• Xbox One and 360
• PlayStation 4, 3, and Vita
• Apple iOS
• Android
• Windows Phone
• Apple TV
• Roku Box
• Fire TV

12. RetroCrush: Classic Anime

Screenshot from RetroCrush Website

Availability: Android & iOSPrice: Free, $6/month for ad-free Premium

As its title suggests, RetroCrush is one of the best anime apps for classic titles. You can find many of your old favorites by browsing through their catalog. The app has a myriad of categories, from action and adventure to your sweet shoujo anime. The app itself has a visually pleasing minimalist design. The best part is, you can access any anime title from their library for free. RetroCrush supports itself through ads, so you can use their service for free. The ads themselves are very minimal and won’t distract you from the content. If you don’t want ads to interrupt your stream, you can subscribe to RetroCrush for $6/monthly for ad-free and exclusive age-gated content access.

You can watch RetroCrush videos on the respective mobile apps. There is also a web version you can access through any desktop browser. You can stream on multiple devices at the same time. You can enjoy your classic ’90s anime anywhere and anytime.

Hulu

Photo by Hulu on Google Play Store

Availability: Android & iOSPrice: 30-day free trial; $6 for the Basic tier; $12 for the Premium tier

Hulu is an excellent option if you’re looking for the best anime streaming app. Much like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, Hulu has a diverse library of TV shows and movies from all parts of the world, including anime. Some of the best anime shows in the service include Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia, Hunter x Hunter, Akira, Cowboy Bebop, and more. 

You can also save anime videos for offline viewing if you’re always on the go. To do that, just simply search for any anime show you want to save and click on the download icon next to the anime title. Wait for the download to be finished then you can watch the show anywhere you go. 

However, the offline viewing feature is only available to paid subscribers of the No Ads plan. 

Netflix

Photo by Netflix on Google Play Store

Availability: Android & iOSPrice: $9 for the Basic, $14 for the Standard, and $18 for the Premium Plan

Netflix might not be your primary choice when it comes to anime streaming. However, the platform also boasts a handful of anime catalog, including Pokemon, Naruto, Your Lie in April, Hunter x Hunter, and so much more. We can expect an anime library expansion in the coming years as Netflix partners up with animation studios in Japan such as Studio Ghibli. 

To start watching, you have to avail of their premium offer or get Netflix for free. From there, you can search for any of your anime preferences and stream them online. You can also save them for offline viewing if you wish to watch them on the go.

Netflix is available on these devices:

• Smartphones and tablets
• Streaming Media Players
• Smart TVs
• Game Consoles
• Set-top Boxes
• Blu-ray Players
• PCs and Laptops

Free

Tubi TV

Anime on Tubi TV

Total titles:US: 180 to 220Canada: 160 to 180Australia: 15 to 25

Pros: Completely free | fast video player | dubbed and subbed content | multi-platformCons: Limited locations | limited series

The completely free service called Tubi TV is accessible in the US, Canada, Australia, and Mexico. Although you won’t find many animes in Australia, over 180 titles can be watched free of charge in the US and Canada.

You can create a free account to sync history if you watch on multiple platforms. The service shows ads in-between, but the ads are not annoying, and you don’t see them very often.

You can watch Tubi TV by using a VPN tool outside of the supported regions. I have tested ProtonVPN, but any good VPN will do the job.

Tubi TV

13. Bilibili

Photo by Bilibili on Google Play Store

Availability: Android & iOSPrice: Free

Bilibili is a Chinese-owned entertainment website dedicated to the ACG (anime, comic, and game) culture. It has been around since 2009 but grew massively in 2015 when it ventured to become a mainstream video entertainment website. Targeting the Gen Z audience, it has a collection of big-name anime series from the early 2000s such as Naruto and Fate/ Zero. It also has some of the freshest hits such as Boruto, Demon Slayer, One Punch Man, and My Hero Academia. Watching and downloading your favorite anime series from the app doesn’t cost anything. But if you want to get exclusive content, early access, and HD streaming, you can get their VIP service for around $14 monthly.

Aside from being one of the best free anime streaming apps, Bilibili also excels at cultivating a community of online creators. Similar to YouTube, it monetizes creators for uploading anime reviews, parodies, performances, skits, and event animal videos. Viewers may also leave comments, which encourages interactions between ACG fanatics.

Freemium

AnimeLab

AnimeLab App Overview and Video Play

Total titles: 800 to 850

Pros: Vast number of titles | fast video player | dubbed and subbed content | multi-platformCons: Minimal locations

The next best anime app is AnimeLab. Unfortunately, AnimeLab is only available in Australia and New Zealand, but if you can, use a VPN tool. The service offers a full HD and simulcast experience. On the basic (free) plan, the simulcast is delayed for one week.

The service is the home of great shows, including Fire Force, Talentless Nana, Attack on Titan, and My Hero Academia.

The service comes with two plans: basic and premium. You get ad-free and real-time simulcasts in the premium plan, and you can download videos to watch offline. The premium plan starts from $7.95 per month.

According to a subreddit, NordVPN works fine with AnimeLab outside of Australia and New Zealand.

AnimeLab

Also read: Crunchyroll vs. Funimation

Funimation

Funimation App Overview

Total titles: 400 to 450

Pros: Average number of titles | fast video player | dubbed and subbed | multi-platformCons: Limited locations

Although both Funimation and AnimeLab are one company now, still you find twice as many titles on AnimeLab. Anyway, 26 years old platform is in Sony’s hands, owning about 95% of the service.

As of March 2021, Funimation is available in

• United States
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• Australia
• Ireland
• New Zealand
• Brazil
• Maxico

It has the license for some popular series, including Dragon Ball, My Hero Academia and Fairy Tail.

Funimation is available on desktop, mobile and smart TVs. You can watch the ad-supported videos for free, while it comes in three different plans starting from $6 per month.

For people outside of the supported areas, try NordVPN with the UK or the US server to unblock the site and watch the free content.

Funimation

Crunchyroll

My Hero Academia on Crunchyroll

Total titles: Over 1000

Pros: Huge library | fast video player | dubbed and subbed | multi-platformCons: Limited locations | some content is geo-restricted

Crunchyroll may be the place for thousands of anime shows, but the full library is only available in the US. The service is available in over 170 nations, but one must use a VPN with a US server to see its full potential.

You can find shows, including Perfect Insider, Ore Monogatari, My Hero Academia and more. The platform focuses on the subtitles a lot, so you might have to read the subtitles as you go, but the fact that you don’t need an account to watch for free makes it a great place to watch.

The service comes in three different starting from $8 per month, which gives you access to new anime instantly and in full HD quality.

Crunchyroll

Related: NordVPN vs. CyberGhost (2021)

CONtv

Anime on CONtv

Total titles: 40 to 50

Pros: Small library | multi-platformCons: Limited locations | slow video player

CONtv is one of the best anime apps in 2021. The app is available in the US, Canada, Australia, India, and some other countries. It comes with plenty of options to watch for free, but the video player is slow and buggy.

It shows three to four video ads when you start watching a video, but overall, if you are looking for a free service to watch anime in your free time, CONtv might be something to keep on the list.

The service comes with a paid plan starting from $7 per month to unlock all the premium content.

CONtv Anime

VRV (many in one)

Girls Und Panzer on VRV

Total titles: Over 1500

Pros: Pretty much all you need | multi-platform | fast video player | subbed and dubbedCons: The US only

Want something bigger than Crunchyroll? How about movies + Crunchyroll + HiDIVE ? VRV costs $2 more than Crunchyroll, but it comes with full Crunchyroll, Cartoon Hangover, HIDIVE, Mondo (animation), Rooster Teeth, plus hundreds of movies.

Other than above, if you are looking for free stuff, VRV comes with over 20,000 hours of content, including animes.

The only problem: VRV is only available in the US, but you can use ProtonVPN (tested) to unblock the service and enjoy the free content.

VRV

Related: Crunchyroll vs. VRV (2021)

anime o meru Android

This app by Viewster is also a good app for anime streaming, and this app is specialized in fandom TV, where you can watch anime, gaming, sci-fi, and many more. This app is free of cost, and with this app, you can manage your favorite anime and fan-favorite series and movies anywhere and anytime. This app specializes in niche picks across the fandom spectrum, and it includes fantastic anime shows and gaming series to throwback Sci-fi movies and geek documentaries. This app don does not require sign up, and you can start watching immediately. This app has a growing selection of HD anime and has a channel section that contains hand-picked series and videos from all around the web. You will get the newest style home page, featured content, and showcasing recently added in this app. This app also allows you to follow your favorite channels to get updates, and you can also customize your news feed. Here in this app, you can add series and videos to watch later.

VRV

Photo by VRV on Google Play Store

Availability: Android & iOSPrice: Free; $10/ month for Premium 

The best way to stream anime online is to download the VRV Anime app. Unlike most of the apps on this list, VRV is a vast streaming platform of animated shows that integrates several anime streaming services into one catalog for easy access among users. You can find shows and movies from Crunchyroll, Boomerang, Cartoon Hangover, HIDIVE, MONDO, NickSplat, Rooster Teeth, and VRV Select. The service works similarly to HBO since you can bundle your subscription with other channels to broaden your access to a multitude of anime titles.

That said, you can relive your childhood, watching classic cartoons from Boomerang such as Code Name: Kids Next Door. NickSplat can also do you well through CatDog and Rocket Power, and a lot more. 

VRV offers free ad-supported content in 1080p to basic users. You can also browse through 20,000 hours of free content, which updates regularly. Upgrading to the premium tier removes all the ads for seamless viewing. It also gives you access to exclusive content released by the channels on the platform. 

VRV is compatible with the following devices:

• Android devices with OS v5.0 and later
• iOS devices
• Web
• Xbox One
• Playstation 4
• Chromecast
• Android TV
• Apple TV
• Fire TV
• Roku devices

Amazon Prime Video

Photo by Amazon Prime Video on Google Play Store

Availability: Android & iOSPrice: 30-day free trial; $9/month 

Amazon Prime Video is another subscription-based video streaming platform that provides a whopping list of TV shows and movies to all of its subscribers. Like Netflix, the service also offers a handful of anime titles to cater to anime fans around the world.

Some of the best anime shows you can stream are Great Teacher Onizuka, Akira, Cowboy Bebop, Flame of Recca, Toradora! and many more. You can download these shows over WiFi and save them for offline viewing so you can easily access them anytime and anywhere. 

As for the quality, Amazon Prime Video uploads videos in HD, allowing you to view anime content in clear and crisp images. Plus, if you subscribe to the service, you’ll have unlimited access to all of its content, particularly for anime titles.

You can also enjoy the service on the following platforms:

• Fire TV or Fire TV Stick
• Set-top Box
• Smart TV, Blu-ray player
• Game console
• Fire Tablet
• Chromecast

YouTube Android / iPhone

YouTube is one of the best apps for watching Anime with the widest variety of episodes. Here you can find all types of Anime related stuff and any series of your choice. You can consider taking the premium subscription and enjoy all the reserved content for a better and broader experience of exclusive content. Apart from the series, you can also get access to theme songs and soundtracks. You can also explore your favorite Anime personalities and get access to the latest videos, reviews, and news. The platform is free with advertising, but you can still consider taking a premium subscription to remove ads.

Hulu Android / iphone

It is another fantastic app available out there for streaming similar content that suits your requirements. You can download this app on your Android or iOS device. The service of this app is easy to use as you can also get a comparatively cheaper subscription to have an ad-free experience. However, you are likely to experience a slight inconsistency with their collection. Subtitles may not appear in some series, while the English dubbed version may not be available for the others. Else, the app is a good option and probably the best streaming app for Anime fans.

So these are the Best Anime streaming apps Android/ iPhone 2020 which will allow you to watch all your favorite anime episodes. Please like, share, and also tell us your anime-watching experience.
Thank you

Crunchyroll Android / iPhone

Ellation, Inc presents you with the best anime streaming app, Android/ iPhone 2021, and in this app, you will get the option to watch Japanese anime and Asian drama for no cost. This app also doesn’t ask for membership. This app is your destination, and this app streams more than 25,000 episodes and about more than 15,000 hours of the latest and greatest anime series. This app allows you to watch the latest episodes and binge previous seasons of all your favorite shows, such as Naruto Shippuden, Dragon ball super, attack on titan, and one piece. Download this app now and start watching your favorite anime for no cost, or it also doesn’t require sign up. This app will stream episodes immediately after TV, and here you can watch all shows ad-free and that too in HD quality on all available devices.

Premium best anime apps

Netflix

Anime on Netflix

Total titles: 200 to 300

Pros: Average library | multi-platform | fast video playerCons: Geo-restricted

The first premium service to watch anime is Netflix. If you already have a Netflix account, you can browse the small range of anime from Netflix.

Although the current catalogue might not be fulfilling, Netflix has acquired rights for Studio Ghibli (a Japanese film studio), so you will see more animes coming shortly.

I would not get a Netflix subscription just yet but go to the app and type anime if you already have the subscription.

Netflix Anime

Amazon Prime Video

Anime Collection on Prime Video

Total titles: Over 2000 (according to the official page)

Pros: Colossal library | multi-platform | fast video player | huge availabilityCons: Geo-restricted

Not sure how big the service is, but the official page says “browse from over 2,000 animes”. If that’s true, then this is so far the longest list of shows.

Amazon Prime Video is a premium service, and you get so much content. They regularly add new movies and shows, so you never feel full.

The service is available in countries, including the US, UK, Australia and India. The plan starts from $9 per month; unlocking the catalogue while unblocking the US contents, you can use ExpressVPN (tested).

Prime Video

Hulu

Anime on Hulu

Total titles: 250 to 300

Pros: Average library size | multi-platform | fast video playerCons: The US only

Hulu is another premium service to watch anime on the go. It is only available in the US, but you get a lot of content, including

1. Attack on Titan
2. My Hero Academia
3. Black Clover
4. Elfen Lied
5. K-On!
6. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
7. Girls Und Panzer
8. Death Note
9. Your Lie in April
10. Danganronpa

Furthermore, you can use a VPN, but you will also need to purchase a subscription (a 30-day free trial available). So, you will be paying for two different services. Instead, I recommend checking out Crunchyroll or Netflix.

Hulu Anime Hub

HIDIVE

Anime Library on HIDIVE

Total titles: 500 to 600

Pros: Good library | multi-platform | fast video playerCons: Limited availability

HIDIVE includes in VRV subscription, but if you don’t want something huge, then just a HIDIVE subscription will do the job. The service is specially developed for animes. You get subbed and dubbed while simulcast shows are also available.

HIDIVE is available in the US, but some/all content is also available in other countries, including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. The service only costs $5 per month.

HIDIVE

Mubi

Anime List on Mubi

Total titles: Unknown

Pros: Good library | multi-platform | fast video player | Huge availabilityCons: Pricy | focused on movies

The last best anime app is Mubi. From a social platform to a streaming service. Mubi has been in the business for a long time. You can find plenty of good animes to watch.

Furthermore, many playlists have been created by users for you to find the relevant content. Mubi TV also comes with a live option where something is always playing.

The only problem: the service is more focused on movies, while the subscription costs $11 per month, which is a bit pricy.

Mubi

YouTube

Photo by Youtube on Google Play Store

Availability: Android & iOSPrice: Free; $12 for YouTube Premium

If you prefer to watch anime without registering for other sites, you can always use YouTube. As the largest and most popular video-sharing platform on the internet, YouTube has tons of videos of all sorts. Here, you can stream the most popular and classic anime shows with complete episodes such as Hajime No Ippo, Beyblade, Death Note, Hellsing, Soul Eater, and many more. 

If you don’t mind viewing random ads at the beginning, middle, or end of a particular video, you may use the service without paying any fee. However, if you opt to remove these interludes, you can subscribe to YouTube Premium for $12. 

To save an anime video for offline viewing, simply look for the “Add to Offline” icon below the video. Next, select your preferred resolution of the video and hit OK. You can browse your saved videos on the Account tab.

11. Tubi

Photo by PCMag

Availability: Android & iOSPrice: Free

The Tubi TV app is a free streaming service where you watch your favorite movies and TV shows. The app also comes with a selection of anime titles. While not as expansive as the others on this list, you can still enjoy many hidden gems. Tubi’s anime selection primarily includes many classic anime shows. These include shows like Yu-Gi-Oh! and Ronin Mecha. It will surely have you marathoning your childhood favorites, and basking in nostalgia.

With its simple UI, you can easily navigate through the app. There are minimal ads on the app interface, which helps you focus on the content. The app also works on various other platforms, like the following:

• Smart TVs such as Amazon Fire TV/Stick, Apple TV (4th Generation), Vizio Smart TV, Roku
• Streaming media players such as Chromecast, Comcast Xfinity X1
• Mobile devices such as Android (smartphone/tablet), iOS (iPhone/iPad), Kindle Fire Tablet
• Consoles such as PS3/4, Xbox One, Nvidia Shield

The Tubi app has yet to include offline viewing features. But the good news is, you can find many downloader sites that can do it for you. You can also refer to some of the alternatives to download videos on Tubi just by inputting the link.

AnimeLab

Photo by AnimeLab on Google Play Store

Availability: Android & iOSPrice: Free: $7/month for Premium 

AnimeLab is another anime app that lets you stream a multitude of anime titles for free. It has over 718 shows and movies across 32 genres, and you can also request your favorite anime if it’s not included in the catalog. Similar to Crunchyroll, AnimeLab delivers the most popular anime shows and movies, including simulcasts straight from Japan. However, the service is only available in Australia and New Zealand.

What separates the service from most of the anime apps on this list is its wide range of availability. Hence, you can link your account across devices for personal viewing:

• Xbox One
• Playstation 
• Samsung TV
• Telstra TV
• Apple TV 
• iOS devices
• Android devices
• Sony TV
• Chromecast
• PC on TV
• Apple AirPlay
• Foxtel Now Box

If you avail of the free version, you can only access a limited number of titles with English subtitles. However, if you choose to upgrade to the premium plan, you’ll get full access to its library, an option to switch to subbed or dubbed version, and HD streaming.

Kissanime

Photo by Ilnur Khisamutdinov on Alamy Stock PhotoAvailability: AndroidPrice: Free

One of the best anime streaming apps to watch for free is Kissanime. You can find almost all anime, encompassing multiple genres such as romance, horror, science fiction, comedy, and more. It also has a streamlined interface, giving users easy access to all of the website’s collections. Whether you prefer English-subbed or dubbed versions, they’re all here.

You won’t face problems in terms of video quality as most of its contents are uploaded in a consistent standard of 240p, HD 720p, 1080p, and 4K 2160p. KissAnime also boasts swift episode updates to all of its series. 

As for mobile streaming, the Kissanime app is currently available on Android. However, it isn’t available on Google Play so you’ll have to manually install the app from the website. After installing, you can directly stream anime on your mobile device, save your favorite shows, and add them for mobile viewing. 

The best part? Kissanime is a free anime app on the internet. 

Update

KissAnime seized up its operation in August 2020 because of copyright issues. While the original website doesn’t seem to be coming back to life, there are KissAnime mirror sites like kiss-anime.ws and kissanime.com.ru where you can enjoy its content prior to closure.

FunimationNow

Photo by Funimation on Google Play Store

Availability: Android & iOSPrice: 14-day free trial; $6/month for the Premium service; $8/month for the Premium Plus service

A list of the best anime streaming mobile apps isn’t complete without FunimationNow. Founded in 1994, the service has a long history of providing anime titles to consumers in the US. Back then, its first goal was to deliver the Dragon Ball series to the American audience. Later on, the company expanded to other anime shows and programs with the help of animation studios such as BLT Productions, Ocean Studios, Pioneer, and Saban Entertainment. Today, FunimationNow has over 950 anime titles on its shelf.

If you’re a fan of dubbed anime versions, FunimationNow is your cup of tea. Though it offers subbed anime versions as well, the company’s primary focus is to release anime shows in dubbed versions. Moreover, the service is compatible with various devices:

• Android devices
• iOS devices
• Windows
• Game consoles such as PS3, PS4, PS Vita, Xbox One, and Xbox 360
• Smart TV devices including Android TV, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, LG Smart TV, Chromecast, Roku, and Samsung
• Amazon Kindle

You can find almost all kinds of anime on FunimationNow. However, it focuses mainly on nostalgic anime titles and a few exclusive options, such as the Dragon Ball. 

As for the subscription, upgrading to the premium tier gives the ability to have two simultaneous streams across your linked devices, while the premium plus tier allows you to stream simultaneously on up to five devices at once. If you want apps to watch anime offline, the premium plus tier allows is the option for you. Because of their similarities in terms of features, FunimationNow vs. Crunchyroll is a common dilemma for anime fans looking for a good streaming app.