If you’re serious about anime, you’ve probably stared at your streaming menu wondering: Crunchyroll, Netflix, or Hulu? It’s not just about which one has the most shows-it’s about which one actually lets you watch what you love, when you want it, without paying for stuff you don’t care about.
Crunchyroll: The Original Anime Home
Crunchyroll started in 2006 as a fan-run site for subtitled anime. Today, it’s the go-to for fans who want the latest episodes the same day they drop in Japan. If you’re chasing My Hero Academia Season 7 or Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2, Crunchyroll gets them within hours of the Japanese broadcast. That’s not a rumor-it’s their core promise.
They own over 1,200 anime titles, including exclusive rights to major hits like Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan, and One Piece. Their library isn’t just big-it’s deep. You’ll find niche titles like March Comes in Like a Lion alongside mainstream blockbusters. And if you’re into dubs, Crunchyroll’s voice acting has improved dramatically. They now hire top-tier English voice actors, not just voice-over studios that churn out filler.
They also run Crunchyroll Games and Crunchyroll Expo, which tells you they’re not just a streaming service-they’re a culture hub. Their interface is clean, with filters for genre, year, and sub/dub. No clutter. No ads on the premium tier. If you want the most authentic anime experience, this is where you start.
Netflix: Big Budget, Big Picks
Netflix doesn’t care about being the most comprehensive. They care about being the most talked-about. That’s why they’ve spent over $1 billion on anime since 2018. Their strategy? Invest in original productions that get global attention.
Shows like Castlevania, Blue Lock, and Aggretsuko were made for Netflix. They don’t just stream them-they commission them. That means you won’t find these anywhere else. And their originals often have Hollywood-level production. Devilman Crybaby by Hideaki Anno? That’s a visual storm you won’t see on other platforms.
But here’s the catch: Netflix’s library of licensed anime is shrinking. They lost rights to One Piece, My Hero Academia, and Demon Slayer after their deals expired. What’s left? A mix of older hits like Death Note, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, and some hidden gems like Yakusoku no Neverland. If you’re looking for new seasons of popular series, Netflix won’t always have them.
They also push dub-first. Many anime on Netflix get English dubs before subs. That’s great if you hate reading, but frustrating if you prefer the original voice. And their search is messy-no proper anime category. You’ll find Attack on Titan buried under “Action” or “Sci-Fi.”
Hulu: The Middle Ground
Hulu doesn’t make anime. It doesn’t even lead in licensing. But it’s the quiet winner for fans who want a solid mix of old and new-without paying extra.
Through its partnership with Sony, Hulu has access to a ton of classic and recent titles. You’ll find Neon Genesis Evangelion, Death Note, Code Geass, and Haikyuu!! all in one place. They also carry newer hits like Chainsaw Man and The Promised Neverland. Their library is smaller than Crunchyroll’s, but it’s well-curated.
Here’s the real advantage: Hulu is bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+ in the same plan. If you already pay for Hulu, you get anime as a bonus. No need for a second subscription. And unlike Netflix, Hulu keeps subs available alongside dubs. Most titles offer both.
The interface? Not perfect. It’s cluttered with reality TV and sitcoms. But if you know where to look, the anime section is surprisingly solid. And if you’re a fan of older 2000s anime-think Fullmetal Alchemist, Samurai Champloo, FLCL-Hulu is your best bet among the three.
Price Comparison: What You’re Really Paying
Let’s cut through the noise. Here’s what each service costs as of December 2025:
| Service | Basic Plan | Ad-Free Plan | Additional Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crunchyroll | $7.99 | $11.99 | Early access, simulcasts, manga library, events |
| Netflix | $6.99 | $15.49 | Originals only, no simulcasts, no manga |
| Hulu | $9.99 | $18.99 | Bundled with Disney+, ESPN+, live TV option |
Crunchyroll’s $11.99 plan gives you the most anime-specific value. You get everything: simulcasts, dubs, subs, manga, and access to exclusive events. Netflix’s $15.49 plan? You’re paying for originals and nothing else. Hulu’s $18.99 plan is the most expensive-but if you already use Disney+, you’re already paying for it.
Here’s the real math: If you only watch one or two anime a year, Netflix might be enough. But if you’re bingeing five shows a month, Crunchyroll is cheaper per title. And if you want everything else-movies, TV, sports-Hulu’s bundle makes sense.
Who Should Pick What?
Let’s cut to the chase.
- Choose Crunchyroll if you want the newest episodes the same day they air in Japan, or if you’re into deep cuts like Monster, Parasyte, or Golden Kamuy. This is the service for fans who treat anime like a lifestyle.
- Choose Netflix if you want big-budget originals that feel like movies. If you loved Castlevania or Blue Lock, and you don’t mind missing out on the latest seasons of One Piece, this is your pick.
- Choose Hulu if you already pay for Disney+ and want a decent selection of classics and recent hits without adding another bill. It’s the quiet, reliable option.
Most hardcore fans end up using two services: Crunchyroll for new releases, and Netflix for originals. But if you’re on a budget, stick with one. And if you’re not sure? Start with Crunchyroll’s free tier. It’s ad-supported but still lets you watch over 500 titles.
What’s Missing? The Other Players
Let’s be honest-there are more options. Amazon Prime Video has Fire Force and Blue Exorcist. Disney+ has Star Wars: The Bad Batch and some Studio Ghibli films. But if you’re looking for a consistent, weekly anime experience, these three are the only ones that matter.
Funimation is gone now. It merged into Crunchyroll in 2022. So if you’re still thinking about it-don’t. Everything Funimation had is now on Crunchyroll.
And no, YouTube doesn’t count. Sure, you can find One Piece clips or fan subs-but that’s not streaming. That’s piracy risk.
Final Verdict
There’s no single “best” anime service. But there is a best for you.
If you’re new to anime and want to dive in without commitment, start with Crunchyroll’s free tier. Watch My Hero Academia, Attack on Titan, and Death Note for free. If you get hooked, upgrade. If not, you lost nothing.
If you’re a binge-watcher who loves big, cinematic stories and doesn’t mind waiting for seasons to drop, Netflix is your show. But don’t expect the latest episodes.
If you’re already paying for Disney+ and want to add anime without a second credit card, Hulu is your quiet win.
For most fans, the answer is Crunchyroll. It’s the only one that respects the culture, the schedule, and the fans. Everything else is a bonus.
Is Crunchyroll worth the price?
Yes-if you watch more than two anime a month. Crunchyroll’s $11.99 plan gives you early access to new episodes, a library of over 1,200 titles, manga, and no ads. For comparison, Netflix’s equivalent plan costs $15.49 but doesn’t offer simulcasts or manga. If you’re serious about anime, Crunchyroll delivers more value per dollar.
Can I watch Crunchyroll on my TV?
Yes. Crunchyroll works on Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, Android TV, PlayStation, Xbox, and smart TVs from Samsung, LG, and Sony. You can also cast from your phone or tablet. The app is clean, fast, and supports 4K streaming on premium plans.
Does Netflix have more anime than Crunchyroll?
No. Crunchyroll has over 1,200 titles. Netflix has around 300-400, and many of those are originals. Crunchyroll’s library includes classics, cult hits, and new simulcasts. Netflix focuses on quality over quantity-and often loses licensing rights to popular shows.
Is Hulu good for new anime releases?
Not really. Hulu gets some new anime, but not the same day as Japan. Crunchyroll is still the leader for simulcasts. Hulu’s strength is in its back catalog-older titles like Neon Genesis Evangelion, Code Geass, and Haikyuu!! are better represented there than on Netflix or Crunchyroll.
Can I cancel one service and still watch everything?
Only if you’re okay missing out. Crunchyroll has the most complete library. If you cancel Crunchyroll, you lose access to Demon Slayer, One Piece, and My Hero Academia on the day they drop. Netflix and Hulu don’t replace that. You’ll need at least Crunchyroll to stay current.
If you’re still unsure, try this: pick one show you absolutely want to watch-say, Jujutsu Kaisen. Go to Crunchyroll. See if it’s there. Then check Netflix and Hulu. That’s your answer. The service that has your favorite show is the one you should start with.