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20+ Best Crunchyroll Alternatives

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If you’re an anime fan, you’ve likely heard of Crunchyroll, which is like Netflix but for anime, manga, and dorama.

Crunchyroll has over 100 million registered users around the world who use it to watch anime and manga in multiple languages. 

However, not everyone likes Crunchyroll. Some people find their premium plans, which allow you to stream anime on up to four devices with no ads (some plans also allow for offline viewing) to be too expensive. 

Fortunately, there are many Crunchyroll alternatives out there for all you manga and anime fans.

There are more than 20 Crunchyroll alternatives for manga and anime fans. The best Crunchyroll alternative is Funimation. Other sites similar to Crunchyroll are VRV, HIDIVE, AnimeLab & Hulu Anime.

What's In This Guide?

Best Crunchyroll Alternatives

1. Funimation

Best Crunchyroll Alternatives

Funimation is another popular site for anime streaming.

Although they have partnered with Crunchyroll in the past, Funimation is now owned by Sony, which has partnered with Hulu to increase its streaming selection. 

While both Funimation and Crunchyroll have a free option, Funimation’s cheapest premium plan is cheaper than Crunchroll’s cheapest plan, and it allows for up to two simultaneous streams. 

Also, if you want to sign up for offline viewing (and up to 5 simultaneous streams), it will cost you less on Funimation than on Crunchyroll. 

Of course, since pricing can always change, make sure to check the Funimation pricing page for updated pricing information. 

However, pricing is far from the only thing you should be looking at when comparing the two platforms.

The Funimation website is easier to navigate and not as outdated-looking as Crunchyroll’s website is, though that may change in the future. 

Funimation also tends to be better for dubs. If you prefer subs, Crunchyroll might be better, but if you prefer to watch dubbed anime, go for Funimation. 

Since the selection of shows you can stream is different as well, check out Funimation to see if it has anything that you like that is not on Crunchyroll. 

Funimation also has mobile apps, which you can use to download media to your phone for offline viewing (depending on the plan you have). 

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2. VRV

VRV is only available in the United States, but it is a great alternative to Crunchyroll if you can’t decide between Crunchyroll and Funimation.

That’s because it streams several channels, including both Crunchyroll content and Funimation content. 

In addition to Crunchyroll and Funimation content, VRV features content from other media libraries, such as Rooster Teeth and Mondo Media. 

VRV is a great option if you want more than what Crunchyroll has to offer and are willing to pay a little extra each month to get that.

While Crunchyroll is cheaper, VRV has all of Crunchyroll’s content plus a lot more. 

However, the website is not as great as Crunchyroll’s when it comes to functionality, including things such as searching for anime with filters.

Also, it is only available in the United States, so it’s not a great alternative to Crunchyroll for those of you living in other areas. 

So, how much does VRV cost? To get access to all the content and enjoy an ad-free experience, it will cost you $9.99/month + tax (check their main website for updated pricing information). 

That’s only around $2/month more than Crunchyroll, and you will get a lot more content.

It’s also a great alternative if you would like more dubbed content than what Crunchyroll has to offer. 

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3. HIDIVE

HIDIVE is an anime streaming service that offers a cheaper plan than Crunchyroll, as well as a longer free trial. 

You can try HIDIVE Premium free for 30 days, after which you will only have to pay $4.99/month for ad-free access to exclusive content and dubs (check the main website for updated pricing information). 

HIDIVE has a decent selection of dubbed content, simulcasts, series, and movies.

It is also supported by Sentai Filmworks, so some of their content can be streamed on HIDIVE. 

Do keep in mind that while HIDIVE is only half the price of VRV, a VRV subscription will include HIDIVE content.

So, if you are willing to pay double, you will get a lot more content. 

However, that is only possible if you live in the United States. If you don’t, VRV won’t be available to you, but HIDIVE will be. 

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4. AnimeLab

AnimeLab is an excellent free alternative to Crunchyroll for streaming anime, with shows available within one hour after being broadcast in Japan. It is an entirely legal site, too. 

However, AnimeLab is only available in Australia and New Zealand. So, if you live in one of those countries, AnimeLab can be a good Crunchyroll alternative. 

The free AnimeLab version has some limitations, though. For example, only subbing is available on the free plan, not dubbing. 

Also, there are ads shown when you watch, your selection of shows is limited, and simulcasts have a one-week delay.

If you upgrade to the premium plan, you will get unlimited access to ad-free content with no delays in simulcasts, and the ability to download shows for offline viewing. 

Check the AnimeLab plans page for updated information. 

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5. Hulu Anime

While Hulu isn’t a site that streams anime and manga exclusively, it does have a selection of anime content, and it costs only $5.99/month if you watch with ads (check this page for updated pricing information). 

You can upgrade to an ad-free account for $11.99/month, but it may not be worth it for you, as the anime content is not as varied as on some of the other sites mentioned in this list. 

Nevertheless, it is a decent option for finding some anime content, although it is only available to people in the USA. If you already have a Hulu account, it might be a great Crunchyroll alternative. 

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6. RetroCrush TV

Retrocrush TV is an excellent alternative to Crunchyroll, especially if you are interested in classic shows and movies. If you’re interested in old anime classics like 1998’s Devil Lady, Retrocrush is the place for you. 

It has both subbed and dubbed movies and shows, and you can easily find the content you are looking for by searching by category. 

Its free selection is very good, and if you want an ad-free experience and unlimited access to retro anime content, consider signing up for the premium plan, which is only $4.99/month or $49.99/year. 

Always check the Retrocrush pricing page for updated pricing information. 

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7. Netflix

Like Hulu, Netflix isn’t centered around anime, and its anime selection isn’t massive. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find some awesome anime content on Netflix. 

You can find some classics and other anime content there, so if you already have a Netflix account, don’t discount Netflix as a Crunchyroll alternative, especially if the anime you want is already on Netflix. You can see their anime selection here.  

Netflix pricing can vary based on country, so always check the Netflix pricing page for updated pricing information. 

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8. Viz Media

Viz Media is a massive publisher of anime content, not just video content. 

Viz Media lets you both read and watch anime. If you’re looking for a Crunchyroll alternative, you’re probably interested in watching anime, so head over to the Watch section to see the latest anime releases available to watch on Viz. 

You can also search for a title or character by using the search bar at the top of the page. You can also download seasons or episodes. 

If you want to read anime, head over to the Read section, where you will find tons of volumes on adventure, mystery, romance, and much more. 

All in all, Viz Media is a great place for finding free anime to read or watch online. If you like to both read and watch anime, it can be a great Crunchyroll alternative. 

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9. YouTube

Like Hulu and Netflix, don’t discount YouTube as a place to find anime content online. For example, both Crunchyroll and Funimation have YouTube channels, where you can watch anime-related content. 

Tons of other channels have anime content, and you may even be able to find episodes of your favorite shows available on YouTube, just by searching for them.

As you can see in the screenshot, you can often find fully dubbed episodes. 

YouTube is free to use, and you can find funny snippets and anime content you may not find on Crunchyroll. 

10. Anime-Planet

Anime-Planet is a great resource for all kinds of anime-related content, and it also allows you to watch anime online. 

On Anime-Planet, you can read reviews about anime shows and find recommendations about which shows to watch. 

The best part is that you can stream over 45,000 legal anime episodes.

It is free to sign up, and once you create your account, you will be able to discover popular and trending anime content and track your watching and reading progress. 

Anime-Planet is a great website for anime and manga fans and a great Crunchyroll alternative. 

11. AniPlus Asia

AniPlus Asia is a great Crunchyroll alternative with a great community. It has a wide selection of great anime series, and it provides you with a way to connect with others via Japanese anime. 

Registration is free, making it a good alternative to Crunchyroll. It also has an awesome store with a nice selection of anime-related merchandise and much more. 

12. Nico Video

Nicovideo, or Niconico, is a Japanese site where you can watch anime. It might not be as exciting if you don’t speak Japanese, as everything is in Japanese. 

However, if you were looking for a Japanese language alternative to Crunchyroll, this might be just what you are looking for. 

13. Wakanim Anime

Wakanim is a French streaming service that also runs an anime streaming service. Unfortunately, however, it is not available to people living in the United States. 

However, it can be a good alternative to Crunchyroll if you are located in any of the following countries: 

  • Finland
  • Iceland
  • Norway
  • Denmark
  • Sweden

Although Wakanim used to be available in the UK as well, Wakanim UK was shut down. So, unless you live in any of those countries, you can’t use Wakanim. 

The reason Wakanim is restricted in most countries is that it broadcasts all anime legally, having all rights to broadcast anything they stream. Therefore, they have to deal with legal restrictions and rights. 

However, they have a good selection of anime, and they’re pretty popular in those countries among those who love Japanese anime. 

14. Prosieben Maxx

Prosieben Maxx is a German online streaming channel that has an anime channel as well. 

It’s the perfect alternative for those looking for a German language alternative to Crunchyroll, though it is accessible outside of Germany as well, and you can use Google Translate to automatically translate the entire website so you can understand what the text and titles are about. 

15. AnimePahe

AnimePahe literally calls itself an “okay-ish anime website.” That’s exactly what it is – you can watch anime for free, which is cool, but it’s not like you will find every favorite series or anime classic there. 

Go to their website to see the latest releases featured on the site. 

16. Amazon Prime Video

I already mentioned that Hulu especially, and even Netflix, can be great sources of certain anime films. The same goes for Amazon Prime. 

While Amazon Prime is not cheap, it includes a lot of videos and movies in its subscription, including many anime series.

Click on Genres > Anime to browse some anime movies and films that are available to Amazon Prime subscribers and films for rent or for purchase. 

In addition, if you have Amazon Prime, you can enjoy free two-day delivery on most products listed on Amazon (in the US).

You can even enjoy next-day delivery on a wide range of products. 

Also, you will get access to Amazon Prime music and various other perks. 

Amazon Prime is actually a good option for students due to its student discount. Usually, it costs $12.99/month or $119/year for a Prime membership. 

That itself is not a bad price considering all the perks you are getting – if you order on Amazon regularly, the free two-day shipping is very appealing, and it is something I have used many times myself. 

However, if you are a student, you only have to pay $6.49/month or $59 a year, which is a significantly reduced rate. 

Always check this page for updated pricing information. 

17. Tubi TV

Tubi TV is a popular app and website used by many who want to watch TV, movies, and series for free.

Unlike Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, you can use Tubi TV for free, making it very attractive. 

While it is not centered on anime specifically, it does have a nice selection of free anime films and series, which you can browse by entering “anime” into the search bar or simply clicking here. 

For example, on Tubi TV, you can view Bubble Gum Crisis, Street Fighters: The New Challengers, and Spider Riders. Many other popular anime films and movies are there as well, so head over and take a look – it’s free, so it’s not like you have anything to lose. 

18. Adult Swim

Adult Swim is a website where you can watch live simulcasts, TV, and movies. 

You can head over to their Toonami section to see what’s on in anime. 

19. Masteranime

Masteranime was a popular site for watching anime content for free, but it has recently moved to Masteranime.es. 

However, while it is free to watch all types of anime content on Masteranime, there are tons of ads, and the site looks a bit sketchy. 

20. 9anime

9anime is another website where you can watch anime for free. However, like Masteranime, it has a lot of ads and it also has some suspicious pop-ups. 

That’s something you will have to deal with when using free sites. There are a bunch of different 9anime web domains floating around the web, including: 

For a list of various 9anime sites, visit 9anime.zone/. 

There is even a 9anime mobile app on the Google Play Store. However, keep in mind that not all of these 9anime versions may be connected to each other or created by the same people, and I can not speak for their legality, so remember that when accessing sites like 9anime, Masteranime, or KissAnime, you are doing so at your own risk. 

21. 123 Anime

123anime is an alternative to 9 anime. It is a site where you can find a lot of anime shows and TV series online, for free, without needing to sign up or pay money. 

Do keep in mind that like 9anime, 123anime has a lot of ads, as that is something that comes with the territory when looking for sites that provide free anime like this. 

22. KissAnime

KissAnime is another website where you can watch free anime. Again, it has a lot of ads, so if you don’t enjoy all those ads, use a more trusted website, like the ones I mentioned earlier in this article. 

KissAnime lets you watch dubbed anime too, and you can even request anime that you can not find on the site. 

23. AnimeUltima

AnimeUltima is another site you can visit to watch free anime online. Just enter the title of the anime you are looking for in the search bar. 

Like the preceding sites, AnimeUltima is free but comes with its drawbacks. You may experience all kinds of ads popping up or new tabs opening. 

Free Vs Paid Anime Sites

Although there are many sites that allow you to watch anime for free, not all of them have the right licensing to show you that content. They may be pirating the content or otherwise displaying it without permission. 

Therefore, it is always best to choose a site that has legal rights to the content they are showing, such as Crunchyroll, Funimation, VRV, HIDIVE, AnimeLab, and all the other ones I listed prior to Masteranime. 

Many of these legal sites do have free versions as well, so you can watch anime for free without paying. 

The sites that are entirely free, such as 9anime, often look sketchy. They change web addresses often, which is why you might find the site you always use taken down, with another version taking its place quickly. 

It is also why there are so many versions of 9anime out there. 

In addition, the free sites are not the safest. There are tons of ads, which can be really annoying, but what is even more annoying are the pop-ups that take you to sites you don’t want to visit. 

Some of the pop-ups have adware in them. If you do use one of the free sites, I would recommend that you use an ad blocker so you don’t have to deal with all of the annoying sites that pop up. 

In addition, I would recommend ensuring your computer has strong antivirus and antimalware security software installed. For example, you can use Avast’s free antivirus software together with Malwarebytes’ free anti-malware software. 

There are many firewalls that you can use as well for added security. 

Also, even if some sites are blocked in your country, you may be able to access them by using a VPN. There are many free VPNs out there, which change your IP address to a different country so it appears you are elsewhere. 

Some of the free VPNs are slow, however, so it might be worth it to invest in a premium VPN. 

Wrapping It Up: What Is The Best Crunchyroll Alternative? 

I would recommend Funimation, especially if you are looking for a slightly lower price and dubbed content.

However, if you like Crunchyroll but are looking for more content and would not mind paying a little extra, I recommend VRV (if you live in the US), so you can enjoy both Crunchyroll and Funimation, as well as some other channels like HIDIVE. 

Finally, don’t forget to check your existing subscriptions, such as Netflix, to see if there is any content there you like, and if you are looking for entirely free options, I have listed some sites you can use as well.