Originating in Japan, anime has become a worldwide sensation over the years. As someone who recently discovered this art form, I felt compelled to find the best anime streaming apps for iPhone and iPad.
For the uninitiated, anime refers to animated films or series often based on Japanese comics known as manga. With distinctive characters and unique and compelling storylines, anime has a lot to offer in terms of entertainment. Start watching right now with the apps below.
- Crunchyroll
- Tubi
- YouTube
- Amazon Prime Video
- Netflix
- RetroCrush
- Hulu
- Funimation
- VRV – different together
1. Crunchyroll – Editors’ Choice
Crunchyroll is the number one anime app in the US, and for good reason. It boasts an extensive collection of over 1,000 titles, including the critically acclaimed Crunchyroll Originals.
Some of the best shows include One Piece, Naruto Shippuden, My Hero Academia, Dr. STONE, Tower of God, Black Clover, Food Wars!, Fire Force and more. At the same time, you can access other content such as manga and Asian dramas.
If you’re looking for the best free anime streaming app, Crunchyroll is the way to go, but it’s full of ads!
Luckily, you can get a premium membership to get rid of ads and enjoy additional benefits. These include access to the latest episodes just an hour after they air in Japan, 6-screen simulcast, and offline viewing.
You can even try the premium version for free for 14 days to try it out before paying. No matter what genre you like, from comedy to action, adventure, fantasy, romance, supernatural and more. In addition, it also features the latest news on upcoming anime shows, voice acting, and animators.
The interface is well thought out and easy to navigate. All of these factors make Crunchyroll a one-stop destination for anime lovers and newcomers alike.
pros
- The largest catalog of anime
- Comfortable
- 14 day premium free trial
Minuses
- Excessive ads in the free version
Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $7.99)
2. Tubi is the best free app to watch anime
Every anime fan wants to know how to watch anime without ads for free. But the truth is, if you want free content, ads will help offset the streaming platform.
However, here is an app that has a lot less ads than others. The anime collection is not as extensive as other platforms, but still worth checking out.
It has a friendly, eye-pleasing interface and includes key features such as a customizable private video queue and the ability to cast to your TV using AirPlay or Chromecast.
In addition, it serves as an alternative to Netflix, offering many award-winning films and series from Paramount, Lionsgate, MGM and other studios. Tubi has a dedicated “Not on Netflix”section that includes unique content and hidden gems.
Not only is it one of the best anime streaming apps for iOS, but it is also available on a number of other platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku, and Xbox.
You can even stream online at tubitv.com. Oh and did I mention it’s completely free with no subscription.
pros
- New videos added every week
- Sync across online devices including Apple TV, Roku, Xbox and Amazon.
- Free
- Available online
Minuses
- No offline browsing
- Limited Anime Collection
Price: Free
3. YouTube is the easiest access anywhere
Let’s get back to the basics! YouTube is the most popular video streaming app, but did you know that it also offers a great anime collection? I didn’t know until recently and just started watching Death Note.
Other popular shows include Hajime No Ippo, Beyblade, Hellsing, Soul Eater and many more. Just search for the anime you are looking for and see if it’s on YouTube. Of course, the more you watch, the more recommendations the YouTube algorithm will give you.
You can also enjoy other YouTube features such as adjustable playback speed and offline downloading. It’s legal, free, and easily accessible almost anywhere. Of course, if you want to get rid of ads, you can purchase a premium YouTube subscription.
pros
- Easily accessible anywhere
- Many titles available
- Easy to use
- Offline downloads
Minuses
- Sometimes episodes are missing or incomplete
- Often poor quality
Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $6.99)
4. Amazon Prime Video – The Best Variety of Content
You probably already know about Amazon’s subscription-based video streaming service. It offers a huge catalog of movies and series which includes famous anime titles such as Great Teacher Onizuka, Akira, Cowboy Bebop, Fire of Recca, and more.
Your all-in-one subscription allows you to watch on multiple devices, download for offline viewing, stream from your phone or tablet to the big screen, and even learn more about the show or movie with the x-ray feature. It is easy to use and constantly updated with fresh content.
pros
- Nice collection
- Watch on multiple devices
- Quality anime with dubbing and subtitles
- Includes other shows and movies
Minuses
- Interface could be better
Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $8.99)
5. Netflix is the best for original content
Netflix – The name itself is enough for this global streaming service known for its amazing content. It boasts a good collection of popular anime such as Pokemon, Naruto, Your Lie in April, Hunter x Hunter and many more.
The collection of original anime will continue to grow as Netflix partners with four Japanese anime production companies, namely ANIMA & COMPANY, which owns NAZ, Science SARU and MAPPA, and Studio Mir from Korea.
There are different Netflix subscription plans available depending on how many devices you want to stream on. In addition, within the same account, you can create separate user profiles so that several people can receive personalized recommendations.
This makes it a comprehensive app for wholesome entertainment for the whole family.
pros
- Original content in partnership with Japanese studios
- Add up to 5 profiles to one account
- Great Recommendations
- Numerous other original films and shows
Minuses
- Screen limits per plan
Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $9.99)
6. RetroCrush – classic anime
If you’re wondering which anime streaming apps are best for classic games, RetroCrush is your answer. You can find many 90s favorites covering many genres including action, adventure, fantasy and more.
Enjoy everything for free with a minimum of ads that don’t distract you from the content.
You can get rid of ads entirely by choosing a RetroCrush Plus membership, which also gives you access to exclusive content not available to free users.
I especially appreciate this app’s minimalist design and easy to use interface. Enjoy streaming to multiple devices at the same time.
What’s more, just because it’s retro doesn’t mean you’re not getting fresh content. The app is regularly updated with new series and movies so you don’t get bored. Plus, it has an active online community across all major social media platforms so you can connect with other fans.
Finally, you can also watch anime on its website if you don’t want to download the app.
pros
- Large library of nostalgic anime
- Minimum ads in the free version
- Join the anime community
Minuses
- Search functionality could be better
Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $4.99)
7. Hulu is an affordable all-in-one streaming service.
Another anime streaming option is Hulu. Unlike Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, Hulu is not available in many countries, but only in the US and Japan.
It offers some of the best anime shows like Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia, Hunter x Hunter, Akira, Cowboy Bebop and many more.
Also, it is one of the best apps to watch anime offline because you can easily save things to watch later. This feature is only available when you subscribe to the Hulu No Ads plan.
Of course, there is plenty of other great content out there, including original series, movies, and even live TV.
pros
- Add up to 6 profiles to one account
- Affordable prices
- Personal recommendations
- Watch live
Minuses
- Even the paid plans have ads; need to pay extra to remove ads
Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $6.99)
8. Funimation – Best for dubbed anime.
It is one of the oldest anime streaming apps founded in 1994. It began with an offer to the American audience of the TV series Dragon Ball. Today it has an extensive catalog of anime with English dubbing and subtitles.
I prefer to watch dubbed shows and this app is geared towards that. It features English dubbed programming from various animation studios such as BLT Productions, Ocean Studios, Pioneer and Saban Entertainment.
It is available on a variety of devices, so you can enjoy your content anywhere. Watch on iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows, game consoles and Smart TV.
Upgrading to the premium plan allows you to have two simultaneous streams on your linked devices, while the Premium Plus plan allows you to stream up to five devices simultaneously.
pros
- Many anime with English dubbing
- Content Diversity
- Affordable prices
Minuses
- Not many new episodes; focuses on nostalgia
Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $5.99)
9. VRV – different all together – access to multiple streaming services
This anime app for iPhone and iPad combines multiple streaming services into one directory for your convenience.
It includes shows and movies from Crunchyroll, Cartoon Hangover, Boomerang, HIDIVE, MONDO, NickSplat, Rooster Teeth and VRV Select.
You can combine your subscription with other channels to get access to more anime. The content is updated regularly and regular users can watch it for free with ads.
To get rid of ads, upgrade to a premium plan that gives you access to exclusive games.
VRV is compatible with many devices including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Android, Xbox, Playstation, Fire TV, Roku, etc.
pros
- Access to multiple platforms on one
- No pressure to get a bonus
- Bright comments section
Minuses
- Difficult to find titles
Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $2.99)
This completes my list of the best anime streaming apps for iPhone and iPad. I’ve been studying them all since I recently became interested in anime. Do you have any recommendations for a TV series or movie? Share with me in the comments below.