Alternatives for Crunchyroll: Free & Paid
June 12, 2023If you’re an anime enthusiast and find Crunchyroll’s black screen, buffering, and slow loading frustrating, fear not, as there are plenty of alternatives available to satisfy your anime cravings. Whether you prefer free streaming platforms or are willing to invest in a paid subscription for a premium experience, there’s something for everyone. Let’s explore a list of some of the best alternatives for Crunchyroll, encompassing both free and paid options.
Free Crunchyroll Alternatives: If you’re looking for free anime streaming sites, you can consider platforms like Tubi, RetroCrush, YouTube, Vudu, Midnight Pulp, Contv, Viewster, Yahoo View, Yidio, AsianCrush, GoGoAnime, AniMixPlay, Zorro.to, 9anime, Popcornflix, Yugenanime.tv, Allanime.to, and Animepahe.ru. These sites provide a variety of anime titles at no cost, but it’s important to be aware that some of them may operate in a legal gray area, have limited anime selections, contain pop-up ads, or pose safety and security concerns.
Paid Crunchyroll Alternatives: For a premium anime streaming experience, several paid platforms are worth considering. Funimation, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, AnimeLab, HiDive, VRV, Peacock, Disney+, HBO Max, Viz Media, Aniplus Asia, dAnime Store, Wakanim, Animeland, Kocowa, VRV Select, Tencent Video, iQIYI, Bilibili, Youku, Animax Plus, MANGA Plus, Prosieben Maxx, and Adult Swim are among the notable options. These services offer a wider range of anime titles, often including features such as simulcasts, offline viewing, and dubbed versions, and ensure support for the anime industry through legal licensing.
Whether you opt for free streaming sites or choose to invest in a paid subscription, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons of each platform and ensure that your chosen method aligns with your viewing preferences and ethical considerations.
Free Crunchyroll Alternatives
Yugenanime.tv
Yugenanime.tv is a less well-known, yet resourceful site for streaming anime for free.
Pros
- Availability of lesser-known titles: Yugenanime.tv houses some titles that are difficult to find on other platforms.
- No need for subscription: The service is entirely free.
Cons
- Not a legal site: Like most free anime streaming sites, Yugenanime.tv is not a legal site.
- Pop-up ads: The site tends to have a high frequency of ads, which can be irritating for viewers.
Allanime.to
Allanime.to is another platform where you can find a vast library of anime for free.
Pros
- Wide variety of anime: The site houses an extensive library of anime from various genres.
- High-quality streaming: Allanime.to provides high-quality streaming, allowing you to enjoy anime in good resolution.
Cons
- Not a legal site: The free anime on Allanime.to is not provided through official channels.
- Frequent ads: Like many free sites, Allanime.to supports itself through ads, which can be frequent and intrusive.
Animepahe.ru
Animepahe.ru is yet another platform that offers free anime streaming.
Pros
- Large collection of anime: Animepahe.ru boasts a considerable collection of anime across various genres.
- Good video quality: Despite being a free service, Animepahe.ru provides good video quality.
Cons
- Not a legal site: The service is not legal and does not support the creators or distributors of the anime.
- Pop-up ads: As with many free sites, the service has numerous ads that can detract from the viewing experience.
9anime
9anime is a popular anime streaming website with a wide range of anime titles. Its clean user interface and vast library make it a favorite among anime fans.
Pros
- Extensive library: 9anime offers a vast collection of anime, from old classics to the latest releases.
- User-friendly interface: The website is easy to navigate, and it provides a seamless user experience.
Cons
- Pop-up ads: Users often complain about the site’s excessive pop-up ads.
- Illegal: As with many free anime sites, 9anime doesn’t have proper licenses for the content it streams.
GoGoAnime
GoGoAnime is a popular streaming site among anime lovers because of its large catalog of both old and new anime series and movies. This platform offers content for free, and most of it is available in different video quality options (from 240p to 1080p), allowing you to adjust based on your internet speed.
Pros
- Wide range of anime: GoGoAnime houses an impressive selection of anime across various genres. If there’s a particular anime you’re looking for, there’s a good chance you’ll find it here.
- Availability of English dubbed and subbed versions: GoGoAnime offers both subtitled and dubbed versions for many anime, catering to different viewer preferences.
- Free to use: The service is free to use, making it accessible for everyone.
Cons
- Illegal streaming site: GoGoAnime is not a legal streaming site. It doesn’t have the proper licenses for the anime it streams. Using such sites can present legal and ethical issues.
- Pop-up ads and redirects: As with many free (and especially illegal) streaming sites, GoGoAnime has many pop-up ads and redirects that can be intrusive and disruptive to the viewing experience.
- Safety and security concerns: Illegal streaming websites like GoGoAnime can sometimes lead to safety and security issues. They may contain malicious ads or malware.
Tubi
Tubi is a free streaming platform known for offering a wide variety of TV shows and movies, including anime. Despite being a free service, Tubi maintains a decently-sized anime catalog, allowing users to explore many popular series without any cost. As with most free services, Tubi is ad-supported.
Pros
- Free and legal: Tubi offers a variety of anime series and movies for free.
- Good selection: Despite being free, Tubi still manages to offer a decent selection of both classic and recent anime.
- User-friendly interface: The website is easy to navigate, and the streaming quality is generally good.
Cons
- Ad-supported: As a free service, Tubi is ad-supported, which might be annoying for some viewers.
- Limited offerings: Its library might not be as extensive as dedicated anime streaming services.
RetroCrush
RetroCrush is a unique streaming platform that caters specifically to fans of classic anime. It’s a fantastic resource for fans interested in shows and movies from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. This platform is also free, but it does feature ads.
Pros
- Focus on classic anime: RetroCrush is dedicated to classic anime series and movies, making it a haven for fans of older titles.
- Free to use: Like Tubi, RetroCrush is also free and legal.
Cons
- Lack of new titles: Those looking for the latest anime shows might not find them on RetroCrush.
- Ads: Being a free service, expect to see ads during viewing.
YouTube
YouTube is a global video-sharing platform where users can upload, share, and view videos, including anime. The anime content on YouTube varies greatly in terms of quality and legality. Some anime production companies have official channels where they share content, while other content may be user-uploaded clips and episodes.
Pros
- Accessible: Almost everyone knows how to use YouTube. Some official channels upload full episodes and movies.
- Wide range: YouTube offers a variety of anime, both old and new, due to user uploads and official releases.
Cons
- Inconsistent availability: Finding specific anime shows or movies can be a hit-or-miss experience.
- Quality issues: Some uploads may not be of the highest quality, or may be in a language you don’t understand without proper subtitles.
Vudu
Vudu is a digital video-on-demand service. For anime fans, Vudu offers a large library of titles that you can either rent or buy. The service is known for its high-quality video streaming, including 4K UHD.
Pros
- High-quality streams: Vudu is known for offering high-quality video, including some in 4K.
- Large library: Vudu boasts a large library of anime titles.
Cons
- Paid service: Most of the content on Vudu needs to be rented or purchased.
- Limited free content: While there is some free content, it’s limited compared to other platforms.
Midnight Pulp
Midnight Pulp is a streaming platform focusing on horror, sci-fi, and action. This includes a decent collection of anime falling into these categories. Midnight Pulp offers both a free, ad-supported service and a paid ad-free service.
Pros
- Specialized content: Midnight Pulp focuses on horror, sci-fi, and action anime, providing a niche selection for fans of these genres.
- Free option available: The platform offers both a free, ad-supported service and a paid ad-free service.
Cons
- Limited selection: The selection may not be as wide as on other platforms, especially for those not into the genres it focuses on.
- Paid for ad-free: You need to pay for the ad-free service.
Contv
Contv is a digital streaming platform that offers a mix of genre programming, including anime. While not solely dedicated to anime, it does have a decent selection as part of its larger library.
Pros
- Variety of content: Contv doesn’t only offer anime, but also live-action series, movies, and original content.
- Accessible: Available on a variety of devices, including mobile and Smart TVs.
Cons
- Not dedicated to anime: Anime is not the main focus, which might limit the selection.
- Paid service: While there is some free content, most requires a subscription.
Yidio
Yidio is a platform that aggregates TV shows and movies from various streaming services. It helps you discover where you can watch your favorite shows or movies, including anime, online.
Pros
- Aggregator: Yidio is an aggregator, meaning it gathers anime from multiple streaming platforms in one place.
- Ease of use: It’s a one-stop-shop for finding where to watch your favorite anime online.
Cons
- Subscription-based: While Yidio itself is free, some linked content may require a subscription to other platforms.
- Not a direct provider: Yidio doesn’t host the content, so the availability and quality can vary.
AsianCrush
AsianCrush is a digital streaming service dedicated to Asian content, including anime. They have both a free ad-supported version and a premium ad-free version of their service.
Pros
- Focused on Asian content: AsianCrush offers a variety of Asian programming, including anime.
- Availability: It’s available in many countries and offers both a free, ad-supported service and a premium ad-free service.
Cons
- Limited selection: AsianCrush’s anime library might not be as extensive as other dedicated anime platforms.
- Ads: As a free service, you’ll need to sit through some ads unless you opt for the premium service.
Table Summary
| Streaming Service | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Tubi | Free, good selection, user-friendly interface | Ad-supported, limited offerings |
| RetroCrush | Focus on classic anime, free | Lack of new titles, ads |
| YouTube | Accessible, wide range | Inconsistent availability, quality issues |
| Vudu | High-quality streams, large library | Paid service, limited free content |
| Midnight Pulp | Specialized content, free option available | Limited selection, paid for ad-free |
| Contv | Variety of content, accessible | Not dedicated to anime, paid service |
| Yahoo View | Free, partnership with Hulu | Discontinued, limited offerings |
| Yidio | Aggregator, ease of use | Subscription-based, not a direct provider |
| AsianCrush | Focused on Asian content, availability | Limited selection, ads |
| VRV Select | Bundle of channels, wide variety | Paid service, availability |
| GoGoAnime | Wide range of anime, English dubbed and subbed versions, free | Illegal streaming site, pop-up ads and redirects, safety and security concerns |
| 9anime | Extensive library, user-friendly interface | Pop-up ads, illegal |
| Yugenanime.tv | Availability of lesser-known titles, free | Not a legal site, pop-up ads |
| Allanime.to | Wide variety of anime, high-quality streaming | Not a legal site, frequent ads |
| Animepahe.ru | Large collection of anime, good video quality | Not a legal site, pop-up ads |
Paid Sites
Funimation
Funimation is a global leader in the world of anime. It offers a wide range of dubbed anime, making it a favorite among those who prefer dubbed versions.
Pros
- Wide selection of dubbed anime: Funimation specializes in dubbing, providing English-dubbed versions of many popular anime series.
- SimulDub feature: Funimation offers dubbed versions of anime soon after their original airing in Japan.
- Offline viewing: With Funimation, you can download your favorite anime to watch offline.
Cons
- Limited subbed anime: While Funimation excels in dubbed anime, it falls short when it comes to subtitled anime.
- Availability: Funimation’s service is not available worldwide.
Hulu
Hulu is a comprehensive streaming service that offers a wide variety of content, including a large selection of anime series and movies.
Pros
- Large library: Hulu has a vast selection of both anime and other TV shows and movies.
- High-quality streaming: Hulu offers high-quality video streaming, ensuring a good viewing experience.
- Simulcast feature: Hulu offers new episodes of select anime series soon after their original broadcast in Japan.
Cons
- Availability: Hulu is currently available only in the U.S.
- Additional cost for ad-free viewing: To remove ads, users have to subscribe to a more expensive plan.
Netflix
Netflix, one of the largest streaming platforms in the world, also offers a good selection of anime.
Pros
- Wide selection: Netflix has a substantial selection of anime titles.
- Original anime series: Netflix has started producing its own original anime series.
- High-quality streams: Netflix provides high-quality video and audio.
Cons
- Anime availability varies by region: Not all anime on Netflix is available in every country.
- Delayed release of episodes: Unlike some services that offer simulcast, Netflix typically releases an entire season at once, which could be long after the original airing.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is another major streaming service that provides a variety of content, including anime.
Pros
- Decent selection of anime: While not its focus, Amazon Prime Video offers a good range of anime series and films.
- Included with Amazon Prime: Subscribers get access to Prime Video along with other Amazon Prime benefits like free shipping on eligible items.
- High-quality streaming: Amazon Prime Video provides high-quality streaming and good subtitle options.
Cons
- Limited compared to dedicated anime platforms: The anime library is not as extensive as that on some anime-specific platforms.
- Extra cost for some anime: Some anime titles are only available for purchase or rental at an additional cost.
AnimeLab
AnimeLab is a streaming service dedicated to anime. It’s known for its extensive library and availability of simulcasts.
Pros
- Wide selection of anime: AnimeLab offers a large library of anime titles, from classics to new releases.
- Simulcasts: AnimeLab offers episodes of ongoing anime series soon after their original broadcast in Japan.
- Subbed and dubbed options: Viewers can choose between subtitled and dubbed versions for many anime series.
Cons
- Availability: AnimeLab is only available in Australia and New Zealand.
- Some features require a premium subscription: While AnimeLab offers free streaming, some features and content are only available with a premium subscription.
HiDive
HiDive is a streaming service that specializes in anime, including less mainstream and more mature content.
Pros
- Unique content: HiDive offers anime that is often not available on other platforms.
- Subbed and dubbed options: Both subtitled and dubbed versions are available for many series.
- Affordable: Compared to other paid platforms, HiDive has a relatively low monthly fee.
Cons
- Limited selection: While it offers unique content, HiDive’s library is not as large as other platforms’.
- Availability: The service is not available worldwide.
Peacock
Peacock is a streaming service by NBCUniversal and offers a variety of content, from movies and series to live sports and news.
Pros
- Variety of content: Peacock offers a diverse range of content beyond anime.
- Free tier available: Peacock offers a free ad-supported tier, making it accessible for everyone.
Cons
- Limited anime selection: Compared to dedicated anime platforms, Peacock’s anime library is quite limited.
- Availability: The service is currently only available in the U.S.
Disney+
Disney+ is a streaming service from Disney, featuring movies and series from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more.
Pros
- High-quality content: Disney+ offers a wide range of high-quality movies and series.
- Family-friendly: Disney+ content is generally suitable for viewers of all ages.
Cons
- Limited anime selection: Disney+ does not focus on anime, and the anime selection is very limited.
- Availability: While Disney+ has expanded rapidly, it’s still not available everywhere.
HBO Max
HBO Max is a streaming platform that offers a wide range of content, from HBO series and Warner Bros. movies to a selection of anime from Crunchyroll.
Pros
- Diverse content: HBO Max offers a diverse range of content, including a selection of anime.
- High-quality streaming: HBO Max offers high-quality video and audio streaming.
Cons
- Limited anime selection: While HBO Max includes some anime, its library can’t compete with dedicated anime platforms.
- Pricey: HBO Max is one of the more expensive streaming platforms.
Viz Media
Viz Media is a manga and anime distribution company that offers a small selection of anime streaming through its website.
Pros
- Quality translations: Viz Media is known for its high-quality English dubs and subtitles.
- Free options available: Some content is available to stream for free.
Cons
- Limited selection: Viz Media’s streaming selection is relatively small compared to dedicated streaming platforms.
- Availability: Some content is region-locked and may not be available outside the U.S.
Aniplus Asia
Aniplus Asia is a popular destination for anime fans in Southeast Asia. It offers a variety of Japanese anime, often soon after they air in Japan.
Pros
- Simulcasts: Aniplus Asia offers new episodes of ongoing anime series soon after their original broadcast in Japan.
- Wide selection of anime: It offers a large library of anime titles, including popular series and films.
Cons
- Availability: The service is limited to certain Southeast Asian countries.
- Paid subscription: A paid subscription is required to access most content.
dAnime Store
dAnime Store is a Japanese anime streaming service operated by NTT Docomo. It offers a large selection of anime, both current series and classics.
Pros
- Wide selection: The service offers a wide variety of anime titles.
- Affordable: dAnime Store offers competitive pricing compared to other services.
Cons
- Availability: The service is primarily available in Japan. Outside Japan, access can be limited.
- Language: The service is mainly in Japanese, which can be a barrier for non-Japanese speakers.
Wakanim
Wakanim is a streaming service specializing in anime, offering a large selection of series with subtitles in several languages.
Pros
- Wide selection of anime: Wakanim offers a large selection of anime titles, including simulcasts of current series.
- Multiple language options: Wakanim provides subtitles in several languages, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Cons
- Availability: The service is not available worldwide.
- Requires subscription: Free viewing is limited, and a subscription is needed for full access.
Animeland
Animeland is a French anime streaming service that offers a variety of anime series and films.
Pros
- French dubbing: Animeland offers a good selection of French-dubbed anime.
- Wide selection of anime: The service has a diverse range of anime titles.
Cons
- Language: The service is mainly in French, which can limit its accessibility for non-French speakers.
- Requires subscription: A paid subscription is needed to access most content.
Kocowa
Kocowa is a streaming service that specializes in Korean TV shows and dramas, but it also offers a limited selection of anime.
Pros
- Korean content: Kocowa is a great resource for fans of Korean TV shows and dramas.
- Subtitles: The service offers English subtitles for its content.
Cons
- Limited anime selection: Kocowa’s anime selection is very limited compared to other services.
- Availability: The service is currently available only in the Americas.
Tencent Video
Tencent Video is a Chinese video streaming website that offers a large selection of content, including a substantial anime library.
Pros
- Wide selection of anime: Tencent Video offers a diverse range of anime titles, including Chinese anime (donghua).
- Subtitles: Many titles offer subtitles in multiple languages.
Cons
- Availability: While the service can be accessed worldwide, not all content is available outside China.
- Language: The interface is mainly in Chinese, which may be a barrier for non-Chinese speakers.
iQIYI
iQIYI is a Chinese streaming service that offers a variety of content, including a good selection of anime.
Pros
- Wide selection of anime: iQIYI offers a diverse range of anime titles.
- Subtitles: Many titles offer subtitles in multiple languages.
Cons
- Availability: While the service can be accessed worldwide, not all content is available outside China.
- Language: The interface is mainly in Chinese, which may be a barrier for non-Chinese speakers.
Bilibili
Bilibili is a Chinese video sharing website that hosts a wide variety of content, including a large selection of anime.
Pros
- Wide selection of anime: Bilibili offers a diverse range of anime titles, including Chinese anime (donghua).
- Community features: Bilibili has strong community features, such as bullet comments.
Cons
- Availability: While the service can be accessed worldwide, not all content is available outside China.
- Language: The interface is mainly in Chinese, which may be a barrier for non-Chinese speakers.
Youku
Youku is a Chinese video hosting service that offers a variety of content, including a good selection of anime.
Pros
- Wide selection of anime: Youku offers a diverse range of anime titles.
- Subtitles: Many titles offer subtitles in multiple languages.
Cons
- Availability: While the service can be accessed worldwide, not all content is available outside China.
- Language: The interface is mainly in Chinese, which may be a barrier for non-Chinese speakers.
Animax Plus
Animax Plus is a Japanese anime streaming service from Animax, a Japanese anime satellite television network.
Pros
- Japanese content: Animax Plus offers a wide variety of anime directly from Japan.
- High-quality streaming: The service offers high-quality streaming and good subtitle options.
Cons
- Availability: The service is primarily available in Japan.
- Language: The interface and subtitles are mainly in Japanese, which may be a barrier for non-Japanese speakers.
MANGA Plus
MANGA Plus is a free manga reader app that allows you to read manga released on the same day as in Japan. It also offers a few anime titles.
Pros
- Simulpub feature: MANGA Plus offers manga chapters on the same day they are released in Japan.
- Official and legal: MANGA Plus is an official platform run by Shueisha, the publisher of popular manga magazines like Weekly Shonen Jump.
Cons
- Limited anime selection: The service mainly focuses on manga, so the anime selection is very limited.
- Language: Only English and Spanish versions are currently available.
Prosieben Maxx
Prosieben Maxx is a German television channel that offers a variety of content, including a decent selection of anime.
Pros
- German dubbing: Prosieben Maxx offers a good selection of German-dubbed anime.
- Wide selection of anime: The service has a diverse range of anime titles.
Cons
- Language: The service is mainly in German, which can limit its accessibility for non-German speakers.
- Availability: The service is mainly available in German-speaking countries.
Adult Swim
Adult Swim is a nighttime programming block on the Cartoon Network that offers a variety of animated and live-action shows for adults, including the anime programming block Toonami.
Pros
- Unique content: Adult Swim offers anime that is often not available on other platforms.
- English dubbing: Many anime series on Adult Swim are available in English.
Cons
- Limited viewing window: Shows are only available for a limited time.
- Requires cable subscription: To access most content, you need to authenticate with a cable subscription.
Table Summary
| Streaming Service | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Funimation | Wide selection of dubbed anime, SimulDub feature, offline viewing | Limited subbed anime, availability |
| Hulu | Large library, high-quality streaming, simulcast feature | Availability, additional cost for ad-free viewing |
| Netflix | Wide selection, original anime series, high-quality streams | Anime availability varies by region, delayed release of episodes |
| Amazon Prime Video | Decent selection of anime, included with Amazon Prime, high-quality streaming | Limited compared to dedicated anime platforms, additional cost for some anime |
| AnimeLab | Wide selection of anime, simulcasts, subbed and dubbed options | Availability, some features require a premium subscription |
| HiDive | Unique content, subbed and dubbed options, affordable | Limited selection, availability |
| Peacock | Variety of content, free tier available | Limited anime selection, availability |
| Disney+ | High-quality content, family-friendly | Limited anime selection, availability |
| HBO Max | Diverse content, high-quality streaming | Limited anime selection, pricey |
| Viz Media | Quality translations, free options available | Limited selection, availability |
| Aniplus Asia | Simulcasts, wide selection of anime | Availability, paid subscription |
| dAnime Store | Wide selection of anime, affordable | Availability, language |
| Wakanim | Wide selection of anime, multiple language options | Availability, requires subscription |
| Animeland | Wide variety of anime, German dubbing | Language, availability |
| Kocowa | Korean content, subtitles | Limited anime selection, availability |
| Tencent Video | Wide selection of anime, subtitles | Availability, language |
| iQIYI | Wide selection of anime, subtitles | Availability, language |
| Bilibili | Wide selection of anime, community features | Availability, language |
| Youku | Wide selection of anime, subtitles | Availability, language |
| Animax Plus | Japanese content, high-quality streaming | Availability, language |
| MANGA Plus | Simulpub feature, official and legal, free | Limited anime selection, language |
| Prosieben Maxx | German dubbing, wide selection of anime | Language, availability |
| Adult Swim | Unique content, English dubbing | Limited viewing window, requires cable subscription |
Please note that the availability and specific content offerings of these paid sites may vary depending on the region.
Conclusion
if you’re having trouble with Crunchyroll being slow or if you want to try different places to watch anime, there are lots of other options out there. Some websites let you watch for free, like Tubi and RetroCrush. But you have to be careful because they might not be legal or have as many shows. If you’re willing to pay, there are services like Funimation, Hulu, and Netflix that have a bigger selection of anime. Just remember to think about things like the shows they have, the quality of the videos, and if they’re following the rules. No matter which option you choose, you can keep enjoying the exciting world of anime with all its cool stories and awesome animations. So, sit back, relax, and have fun watching your favorite anime series and movies!
