11 Best Anime Show Apps for Android & iOS

Ready to fuel your anime passion? We’ve got smth for you!

We’ve rounded up the best anime show apps for Android & iOS you could try. These let you watch anime in English or with subs, whatever you like.

Whether you’re a seasoned anime veteran or a newbie, these will cover your needs. We’ll cover all the essential aspects to help you decide. Let’s dive in!

Funimation

Craving the latest simulcasts and the hottest trending shows? This app has an up-to-date lib and famous titles.

What Makes It Stand Out:

• Dubbed Paradise: It reigns supreme with its massive library of English-dubbed shows, allowing you to enjoy your favorite characters’ voices without needing subtitles.
• Extensive Lib: Beyond the dubs, Funimation offers hundreds of subtitled shows, ensuring you have a vast selection to explore. It has classics and trending faves.
• Simulcasts and Speedy Dubs: It features simulcasts of shows right from Japan. Ad for dubbed fans, new episodes arrive within two weeks of their broadcast.

Pros:

• Unmatched collection of dubbed anime
• Ad-free
• Simulcasts and fast dub releases
• Fiendly UI with queue management and playback controls

Cons:

• App stability issues reported by users
• Limited selection for subtitle purists
• Subscription cost might not be the most competitive

Who Should Think Twice:

• Sub Purists: If subtitles are your preference, Funimation’s strength lies in dubs, so explore other options.
• Tech-Wary Users: The app has reported issues with stability and crashing, so be prepared for potential glitches.
• Budget-Conscious Viewers: While the free trial exists, consider if the subscription cost fits your budget.

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Crunchyroll

It’s an anime streaming giant, with a huge lib of over 1,000 series and movies. It fits all types of fans and makes it simple to find smth new via curated lists.

What Makes It Stand Out:

• Massive Anime Library: Boasting over 1K series, it’s a must-try for fans.
• Subbed and Dubbed Options: Watch anime your way, there are both subbed and dubbed versions.
• Simulcasts: Be among the first to watch the latest shows, with simulcasts airing on the same day as Japan.
• Diverse Features: Explore curated genre lists, and save episodes for offline viewing.

Pros:

• Huge collection of anime
• A free tier with limited access
• Simulcasts for the latest shows
• Offline viewing
• Watchlist customization

Cons:

• The free tier includes ads
• High-definition streaming requires a pro sub-pack
• Limited game selection

Who Should Think Twice:

• Ad-Averse Viewers: The free tier comes with ads, so be prepared for interruptions.
• High-Definition Seekers: The pro pack is needed for HQ streaming.

GoGoAnime 

This app boasts a vast library of anime, from classic gems to the hottest new releases. And with its regular updates, it’s a gem for those who crave variety.

What Makes It Stand Out:

• Massive Anime Library: Dive deep into a seemingly endless ocean of anime, from classics to the latest releases.
• Unique Recognition Feature: Snap a picture of an anime you don’t recognize, and the app will identify it for you.
• Free to Use: No subscriptions or fees, making it appealing to budget-conscious anime fans.
• Real-time Updates: Stay updated on the latest anime releases and never miss a premiere.

Pros:

• Free access to a vast anime lib
• Innovative features like anime recognition and personalized collections
• User-friendly interface for easy navigation
• Real-time updates on new releases

Cons:

• Potential legal concerns depending on your location
• Inconsistent video quality and buffering issues reported by some users
• Security risks associated with free streaming apps

Who Should Think Twice:

• Users Concerned About Legality: It’s important to note that the legality of streaming content on GoGoAnime can vary depending on your location. Always check your local laws before using the app.
• Quality Seekers: While GoGoAnime offers various streaming qualities, some users report inconsistent quality and buffering issues.

4anime

If you enjoy recs and interacting with fellow fans, this app is for you. It also has an upvote/downvote system and curated suggestions can be a fun way to discover new anime.

What Makes It Stand Out:

• Granular Search and Filtering: Go beyond basic search by filtering based on specific criteria. This lets you pinpoint exactly what you’re looking for.
• Image Recognition: The image search lets you upload a pic to find the title, saving you from endless “What’s the sauce?” comments.
• Community-Driven Recs: Discover new faves through curated recs from fellow anime fans. You can even upvote or downvote suggestions to help refine the rec engine.

Pros:

• Free access to a extensive lib
• Unique features like image search, music discovery, and random anime recs
• Personalized recs based on community engagement
• Diverse categories and filtering options for easy navigation

Cons:

• Potential legal concerns
• Security risks associated with free streaming apps

Who Should Think Twice:

• Security-Conscious Users: As with many free streaming apps, there might be a potential risk of encountering malware or pop-up ads.
• Quality Seekers: Some users report inconsistent quality and buffering issues.

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Erzanime 

Here’s an app that lets you dive into a world of action, adventure, and storytelling without spending a dime. It’s a great way to discover new shows and explore genres.

What Makes It Stand Out:

• Free and Unlimited: It lets you watch as much anime as you want, whenever you want, without paying a dime.
• Massive Library: Browse through thousands of shows and movies.
• Multiple Servers: Choose from different servers to ensure smooth streaming with minimal buffering.
• Bookmarking: Keep track of your progress and easily pick up where you left off.

Pros:

• Free to use
• Enormous range of shows and movies
• Nno watch time limits
• Multiple servers for smooth streaming
• Bookmarking feature to track your progress

Cons:

• Primarily streams in lower video resolutions
• Occasional ads throughout the app and during playback
• Limited availability of certain anime titles due to copyright

Who Should Think Twice:

• Ad-Averse Viewers: While not excessive, Erzanime does include ads throughout the app and during playback.
• Specific Title Hunters: Due to copyright restrictions, Erzanime might not have every anime you’re looking for, especially newer or less popular titles.

RetroCrush

It’s your time machine to a bygone era, jam-packed with classic shows and movies. From beloved childhood faves to hidden gems you might have missed, it lets you relive the golden age of anime.

What Makes It Stand Out:

• Unmatched Classic Library: It boasts a massive lib of classic anime.
• Free with Ads: It offers a selection of shows with manageable ad breaks, allowing you to sample the platform before committing.
• Affordable Premium: If you crave an ad-free exp and unlimited access, the pro plan is surprisingly budget-friendly.

Pros:

• Largest library of classic anime available
• Free tier with manageable ads
• Affordable pro plan

Cons:

• No new-gen anime
• Outdated user interface and occasional bugs
• Lacks a watchlist feature

Who Should Think Twice:

• Modern Anime Fans: If you’re solely interested in the latest anime releases, RetroCrush won’t be your cup of tea. Its focus is strictly on classic titles.
• Tech-Savvy Viewers: The user interface can feel outdated, and the media player might encounter occasional bugs.
• Organization Enthusiasts: Currently, it lacks a watchlist feature, making it harder to track your progress or plan your viewing exp.

Hulu

Here’s a well-rounded streaming platform with a decent anime selection. It’s literally a happy medium. While not solely dedicated to anime, it’s a solid starting point for newcomers and casual viewers.

What Makes It Stand Out:

• Variety Beyond Anime: Craving a break from anime? Hulu’s vast lib of films, TV shows, and even adult animation keeps you entertained.
• Beginner-Friendly Anime: New to anime? It offers popular titles, easing you into the genre.
• Genre Exploration: Explore the basics of anime with titles spanning shounen, shoujo, seinen, and isekai categories.
• Modernized Interface: Enjoy a fresh and friendly UI that makes navigating the platform a breeze.

Pros:

• Modern UI
• Vast range of movies, TV shows, and adult animation
• Offers popular titles for beginners
• Genre exploration with shounen, shoujo, seinen, and isekai options

Cons:

• Limited anime content compared to dedicated services
• No simulcast feature for the latest releases
• Offline download feature limited to premium users

Who Should Think Twice:

• Hardcore Anime Fans: With a limited anime lib and no simulcast feature for the new releases, Hulu might not satisfy your deep anime cravings.
• Offline Viewers on a Budget: The offline download feature is only available with the pro plan, which might not be ideal for budget-conscious viewers who want to watch on the go.
• Specific Title Seekers: Need a specific, niche anime? Hulu’s lib might not have everything you’re searching for.

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Netflix

Wanna dive into the world of anime? Netflix throws open its doors with a substantial lib of famous movies and shows. Hereby, it’s more of a gateway for beginners, not smth for seasoned fans.

What Makes It Stand Out:

• Beginner-Friendly: With a focus on famous titles and both subbed and dubbed options, Netflix eases you into the world of anime.
• Originals and Simulcasts: Discover Netflix’s original anime creations like “Cyberpunk Edgerunners” and catch simulcasts of the latest hits like “Spy x Family” alongside classic favorites.
• Seamless Streaming: Enjoy a clear and user-friendly interface across all devices, making navigation and playback a breeze.

Pros:

• Friendly UI
• Dubbed versions for many shows
• Features original anime content and simulcasts of new releases
• Curated suggestions
• Offline viewing (on paid plans)

Cons:

• Smaller anime lib compared to dedicated streaming services
• Expensive subscription plans
• Inconsistent release schedule for some shows

Who Should Think Twice:

• Anime Aficionados: With a smaller library compared to dedicated services, Netflix might not quench your thirst for niche titles or an exhaustive selection.
• Budget Watchers: Subscription plans can be expensive, especially with offline viewing limited to paid tiers.
• Completionists: Be prepared for an inconsistent release schedule, as some shows might arrive in batches rather than all at once.

HIDIVE

This app curates a remarkable range of titles, catering to fans who prefer venturing off the beaten path. It lets you explore hidden gems, uncut versions of popular shows, and classic titles.

What Makes It Stand Out:

• Niche Library: There are titles you might not find elsewhere.
• Uncut Gems: Experience select shows in their uncut glory, so you can enjoy the story as intended by the creators.
• Simulcasts: Catch the latest and greatest anime as they air in Japan, keeping you up-to-date with the hottest trends.
• Social Features: Engage with fellow anime enthusiasts in private chat rooms.

Pros:

• Uncut versions of select anime
• Unique library with a focus on niche titles
• Simulcasts of the latest anime
• Private chat rooms for community interaction
• Clean and user-friendly interface

Cons:

• Smaller library
• Lacks famous anime titles
• No offline viewing option

Who Should Think Twice:

• Mainstream Anime Fans: Looking for the latest popular hits? HIDIVE’s library might not have everything you’re searching for.
• Offline Viewers: Offline viewing isn’t currently available on HIDIVE.

Anime Watcher

This one caters to both seasoned fans and newcomers. If you need a idiomaticanime viewing exp without committing to a paid subscription, it’s a decent option.

What Makes It Stand Out:

• Completely Free: Enjoy a vast scope of shows absolutely free, making it accessible to budget-conscious viewers.
• Diverse Library: Explore genres like action, romance, and suspense, offering smth for everyone.
• Personalized Exp: Make a watchlist of fave shows and track your history.
• Sub & Dub Options: Enjoy anime with subs or dubbed audio, catering to your viewing pref.

Pros:

• Free
• Vast lib of shows
• Vast genre selection
• Personalized watchlist
• Viewing history
• Dark mode
• Subtitles and dubbed options

Cons:

• Potential video quality and buffering issues
• Copyright concerns for some content
• Lacks features

Who Should Think Twice:

• Quality Seekers: Be aware that the free nature of the app might come with compromises in video quality and potential buffering issues.
• Tech-Savvy Viewers: The app lacks some perks like offline viewing and bookmarks.

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iQIYI 

Here’s a treasure trove of Asian content, including popular dramas, movies, variety shows, and, of course, anime. It’s a gem if you wanna explore Asian entertainment alongside your fave Japanese shows.

What Makes It Stand Out:

• Asian Entertainment Buffet: Dive into a vast library of Chinese, Korean, and Thai dramas, movies, and variety shows alongside your anime fix.
• Free & Premium Content: Enjoy a selection of free shows or upgrade to VIP for exclusive content, ad-free viewing, and higher resolutions (including 1080p and 4K).
• Multilingual Support: Enjoy a user UI, subs, and search in your language, making navigation effortless.
• Regular New Arrivals: Stay entertained with fresh content added weekly, ensuring there’s always something new to discover.

Pros:

• Tons of Asian entertainment beyond anime
• Freemium model
• Multilingual support
• Simple UI
• Multi-device compatibility

Cons:

• Not solely focused on anime
• Free tier has limitations on video quality and content selection
• Geographic restrictions on some content

Who Should Think Twice:

• Anime Purists: While iQIYI offers anime, it’s not its sole focus. If you solely seek a dedicated anime platform, other options might provide a wider anime-specific selection.
• Quality Seekers: The free tier might have limitations on video quality.
• Region-Restricted Viewers: Be aware that content availability can vary depending on your region due to licensing restrictions.