Best 10 Crunchyroll Alternatives in 2026: Where to Stream Anime Next

Introduction

HIDIVE is the best overall pick among Crunchyroll alternatives for anime-first viewers. You get simulcasts, dubs and exclusives at a lower price. This list covers 10 options, from paid anime specialists to general streamers and free ad-supported services.

Why people look for alternatives

People leave or supplement Crunchyroll for practical reasons:

• Price: some want a cheaper plan or a free, ad-supported option.
• Catalog gaps: a title may be licensed elsewhere or exclusive to another service.
• Region: libraries differ by country.
• One bill: some want a single subscription that also covers films and non-anime TV.
• Classics and donghua: older anime and Chinese donghua may not be a priority for a service built around the current season.

Quick comparison table

Simulcast strength is described qualitatively, based on each service's published information.

Prices and catalogs vary by region, so check each site.

1. HIDIVE

Best for: anime fans who want a cheaper, anime-focused service.

HIDIVE mixes simulcasts, dubs, niche titles and some live-action Asian content. The catalog is smaller than Crunchyroll's, and that's the trade-off. What sets it apart is exclusive series at a lower price.

Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV.

2. Netflix

Best for: viewers who want anime alongside films and TV on one bill.

Netflix has a large library of licensed and original anime. It isn't anime-specific like Crunchyroll, and weekly simulcasts aren't its focus. The draw is original anime on a broad platform.

Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, Smart TV, Consoles.

3. Amazon Prime Video

Best for: existing Prime members who want occasional anime.

Amazon Prime Video has a rotating catalog, and titles outside Prime can be rented or bought. Anime is only a small slice of what's there. The useful part is being able to pay for individual titles.

Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, Smart TV, Consoles.

4. Hulu

Best for: US viewers who want popular anime next to mainstream TV.

Hulu carries a selection of popular anime series and films. Compared with Crunchyroll, you get fewer simulcasts and a US focus. Its strength is well-known anime sitting beside a general TV library.

Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, Smart TV, Consoles.

5. Disney+

Best for: households that want anime alongside family entertainment.

Disney+ has a growing anime selection and a few simulcasts, but it's not an anime specialist. Its best card is Studio Ghibli, in regions where it's offered.

Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, Smart TV, Consoles.

6. Tubi

Best for: budget viewers who accept ads in exchange for free anime.

Tubi offers a sizable library of anime series and films. Versus Crunchyroll, you put up with ads and get no new simulcasts. In return, the on-demand catalog is free.

Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, Smart TV.

7. Pluto TV

Best for: viewers who like channel-style, lean-back watching.

Pluto TV runs dedicated anime channels alongside on-demand content. It shows ads and has no on-demand simulcasts, unlike Crunchyroll. The upside is anime channels that are always on, at no cost.

Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, Smart TV.

8. RetroCrush

Best for: fans of classic and retro anime.

RetroCrush is free and ad-supported. It offers older titles rather than new seasonal releases, so it complements Crunchyroll more than it replaces it. The catalog leans hard into classics.

Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, Roku, Fire TV.

9. Muse Asia

Best for: viewers in Asia who want free official episodes.

Muse Asia is Muse Communication's official YouTube channel, free and ad-supported. The catalog is focused, and availability depends on region. What you get is legal, free anime episodes and films on YouTube.

Platforms: Web, YouTube.

10. Bilibili

Best for: fans of Chinese donghua and community-driven viewing.

The international version of Bilibili streams donghua and Japanese series, with a free tier and a paid premium option. Community features such as comments set it apart. Donghua coverage is strong, and the free tier makes it easy to try.

Platforms: Web, iOS, Android.

How we picked these tools

We looked at anime availability, price model, platform support and fit for different viewers. The list mixes paid specialists, general streamers and free services. Picks rest on published service information, not hands-on testing, ratings or scores. Catalogs and prices change, so check each site.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a free Crunchyroll alternative?

Yes. Tubi, Pluto TV, RetroCrush and Muse Asia are free with ads, and Bilibili has a free tier.

Which alternative is best for new simulcasts?

HIDIVE. The free services here don't offer new simulcasts.

Which is best for classic anime?

RetroCrush, which focuses on classic and retro anime.

Can one service replace Crunchyroll entirely?

It depends on the titles you watch and your region. Many viewers pair a specialist with a free or general service.

The verdict

HIDIVE is the strongest overall pick for anime-focused viewers, thanks to simulcasts, dubs, exclusives and a lower price. Netflix is the runner-up for a broad library with original anime, and Tubi is the runner-up for free viewing.

Choose RetroCrush for classics and Bilibili for donghua. Check regional catalogs before subscribing.