Hey weebs—Jordan here. Anime keeps leveling up every season, and so do the apps. I’ve tested a stack of them this year, and this is the shortlist I’d recommend right now. We’ll focus on legal streaming options that support the industry—and I’ll show you why Tachiyomi is still the MVP companion every anime fan should have on their phone.
Quick picks
- All-around anime streaming: Crunchyroll
- Exclusives and deep cuts: HIDIVE
- Big mainstream catalog + movies/TV: Netflix, Hulu (US)
- Free retro goodness: RetroCrush (and Tubi as a bonus)
- Manga companion that ties it all together: Tachiyomi
Why Tachiyomi deserves the edge (your anime fan power-up)
If you watch anime, you probably read manga—or you’ve been meaning to. Tachiyomi is the perfect companion app: a free, open‑source manga reader with insane customization, tracking integrations, and offline support. It doesn’t host content itself; instead, you connect to catalogs via extensions.
- Download: Get the official build here: Tachiyomi APK
- Add sources: Browse and install catalogs via Tachiyomi Extensions
- Trackers: Sync reading and watching with AniList, MyAnimeList, and more
- Power features: Offline downloads, backup/restore, per-source settings, custom readers, themes, and extensions for a huge range of catalogs
Pro tip: Pair Tachiyomi with Crunchyroll or HIDIVE for a watch-read loop. Track anime on AniList/MAL, then read ahead in Tachiyomi when the wait between episodes gets real.
Note: Use extensions responsibly and according to your local laws. Tachiyomi itself is clean, open-source software; content comes from the extensions you choose.
The best anime streaming apps (2025)
- Crunchyroll — Best overall for anime
- Why it’s great: Biggest simulcast lineup, fast subs/dubs, robust apps, manga tie-ins via Manga UP! partners, and watchlists that play nice with trackers.
- Price: From around $7.99/month (varies by region and plan)
- Highlights: One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, My Hero Academia, Chainsaw Man, Solo Leveling, Blue Lock, and tons more
- Good to know: Funimation’s library has largely moved into Crunchyroll. If you were using Funimation, this is the upgrade path.
- HIDIVE — Best for exclusives and cult favorites
- Why it’s great: Strong Sentai Filmworks catalog, surprise-hit exclusives, clean UI, and good simulcasts.
- Price: Around $7.99/month
- Highlights: Oshi no Ko (S1), Made in Abyss, DanMachi, The Eminence in Shadow (S1), Non Non Biyori, and seasonal sleeper hits
- Good to know: Smaller library than Crunchyroll, but it punches above its weight in exclusives.
- Netflix — Big originals and easy bingeing
- Why it’s great: Polished app, global reach, and Netflix Originals that drop full seasons.
- Price: Varies by region; ad-supported plans often start around $6.99/month
- Highlights: Baki, Beastars, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure entries, Violet Evergarden, classic films in some regions
- Good to know: Catalog organization can be messy; availability changes by country.
- Hulu (US) — Deep catalog and current episodes
- Why it’s great: Strong mix of classic and current series, seasonal drops, and TV/movie bundle value.
- Price: From around $7.99/month with ads (US)
- Highlights: Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War (US), Gintama, Inuyasha, classic shonen staples, plus a massive non-anime library
- Good to know: Best in the US; availability varies elsewhere via Disney+/Star hubs.
- RetroCrush — Free retro classics
- Why it’s great: A curated library of old-school gems with minimal friction—and it’s free with ads.
- Price: Free (ad-supported), optional premium tier in some regions
- Highlights: City Hunter, Urusei Yatsura (1981), Galaxy Express 999, Wicked City, Metabots
- Good to know: Perfect for nostalgia trips and discovering the roots of your favorite genres.
Bonus: Free ad-supported picks
- Tubi: Lots of anime with ads; availability varies by region.
- Pluto TV: Live channels + on-demand blocks with occasional anime runs.
What happened to VRV and Funimation?
- VRV: Discontinued. Most of what made VRV great is now consolidated into Crunchyroll.
- Funimation: Library and new simulcasts migrated to Crunchyroll. Use the Crunchyroll app instead.
How I’d stack your setup
- If you want one paid app: Crunchyroll
- If you want two: Crunchyroll + HIDIVE for maximum seasonal coverage
- On a budget: RetroCrush + Tubi, then add a month of Crunchyroll or HIDIVE when your must-watch airs
- If you read manga: Install Tachiyomi, add your favorite Tachiyomi Extensions, and link your AniList/MAL. It’s the perfect sidekick to any streaming lineup.
Final thoughts
Anime’s never been easier (or more affordable) to watch legally. For streaming, Crunchyroll and HIDIVE lead the pack. For manga and tracking, Tachiyomi is the no-brainer install—it ties your whole anime life together, no ads, complete control. Grab the Tachiyomi APK, explore Tachiyomi Extensions, and you’re set.
What’s the best anime streaming app right now?
Crunchyroll and Tachiyomi covers the most simulcasts and dubs, with HIDIVE for exclusives if you can budget two.
Is Tachiyomi worth it if I mostly watch anime?
Yes—install the Tachiyomi APK to track series, read ahead offline, and sync with AniList/MAL as the perfect anime companion.
How do I add more catalogs in Tachiyomi?
Use Tachiyomi Extensions to install sources in-app, and choose responsibly per your local laws.
What’s the cheapest way to watch anime legally?
Start with free options like RetroCrush and Tubi, then rotate a month of Crunchyroll or HIDIVE for seasonal must-watches.