Anime Subscription: Best Services, Costs, and What You Actually Get

When you sign up for an anime subscription, a paid service that gives access to licensed anime series and movies through streaming platforms. Also known as anime streaming service, it’s how most people watch anime today—no DVDs, no torrents, just instant access to hundreds of shows. But not all anime subscriptions are the same. Some give you new episodes the same day they air in Japan. Others lock behind paywalls the classics you grew up with. And a few? They just don’t have what you’re looking for.

There are a few big players: Crunchyroll, the largest library of subtitled and dubbed anime, with simulcasts and exclusive originals, Netflix anime, a mix of global hits and original productions, often with heavy editing for Western audiences, and Hulu anime, a solid middle ground with a curated selection tied to its broader streaming bundle. Then there’s Funimation, now merged into Crunchyroll, which still has a loyal fanbase for its dub-heavy catalog. Each one charges between $7 and $15 a month, but the real cost isn’t the price—it’s the content you miss because you picked the wrong one.

What you get depends on where you live. A show available in the US might be missing in Europe. Some platforms only offer subtitled versions. Others force you into dubs you didn’t ask for. And if you’re watching on mobile, data usage adds up fast—especially with 1080p streams. You don’t need five services. You need one that matches your habits. Do you chase new episodes weekly? Then Crunchyroll’s simulcasts matter. Do you binge old favorites? Netflix’s back catalog might be enough. Are you a parent looking for kid-safe options? Hulu’s family filters help. There’s no single best service—only the best one for you.

Below, you’ll find real guides on how to cancel a subscription you’re not using, how to avoid geo-blocks when traveling, and which platforms actually let you download episodes for offline viewing. No fluff. Just what works.