Anime has been a niche form of entertainment in America since it first became somewhat relevant in the early 2000s, but thanks to streaming services, that’s changing quickly.These streaming services are providing fans with easier access than everto some of the best anime series ever created, making it effortless to get into the art form.
Streaming services have become the go-to for most people in America because of how cost-effective they are. For less than $20 a month, you can get access to a huge catalog of shows without any ads. This is a major improvement from cable and satellite dish providers that cost huge amounts of money, come with ads, and don’t have a great catalog of shows to watch.
Each anime streaming service is different. Most of them have the biggest series around, but they each also have a few exclusives you’re able to only see through their service. It can make it hard to pick which one to go with, but there are a few choices more worthwhile than the rest.
Tubi TV
Tubi is a relatively new streaming service that is growing quickly. As of June 2025,the platform hit over 100 million users, a rapid growth from their reported 80 million users just a year prior. Tubi is an excellent choice for anyone new to anime for one simple reason: the site is free.
There’s no commitment with Tubi, and that’s perfect for someone who is new to the art form and doesn’t know if they want to fully commit yet. Don’t let Tubi’s free status lower your expectations,as the platform has some of the biggest names in anime.
Tubi has amazing series likeJoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Hunter x Hunter,andNaruto.Like other streaming services, Tubi also has a good amount of quality TV series and movies for non-anime lovers as well.
7TV Provider
If You Still Have a TV Subscription, You Should Have Access to Anime
While most people are getting away from old-school TV providers like Dish and Xfinity, those that still have cable or a satellite dishhave access to a decent selection of anime.These series might not be as easy to watch as they are on streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, but that doesn’t mean that they’re not an option.
Adult Swim was the original home of animewhen it first gained notoriety in America in the early 2000s, and they’re keeping their reputation 20 years later. Series likeNinja KamuiandLazarusare some of the most recent hits to come from the network, and more great series are most likely soon to follow.
Netflix
Netflixshouldbe one of the best places to stream anime in America. They have a ton of popular series that most streaming services have, likeFrieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Hunter x Hunter, Jujutsu Kaisen, and some of the best original series around.
Netflix’s exclusive anime series can’t be compared to many other platforms. If you want to watch smash hits likeSakamoto Days, Komi Can’t Communicate,orViolet Evergarden,you have to go to Netflix. Unfortunately,Netflix has some of the worst subtitling in the industry.
Series likeKomi Can’t Communicateare nearly unwatchable because of how poor the subtitling is. Half of the text on screen isn’t translated, and inKomi Can’t Communicate,that’s a major portion of the show. If Netflix were to take their subtitling to Crunchyroll levels, they’d easily be one of the best places to watch anime in America.
HIDIVE
HIDIVE might not be the first name that comes to mind when it comes to streaming services for anime in America, but it deserves a look. The platform has some of the best series around that can’t be found anywhere else, and while their catalog isn’t extensive, it more than makes up for it in the quality department.
Some ofthe best anime series that HIDIVE gets to call their exclusivesincludeOshi no Ko, Call of the NIght,andMade in Abyss:three unbelievable series that would be more popular in America if they were on more popular streaming platforms.
HIDIVE is its own platform, and it’s also connected to Amazon Prime. You can easily get a subscription to the streaming platform straight through Prime,making the app an even better place to watch amazing anime.
HBO Max
HBO Max is another streaming service that has recently shown a lot of interest as a provider of great anime series. HBO has always been one of the most prestigious names in television, and their catalog of anime hits proves that they’re not letting their foot off the gas when it comes to Japanese animation.
While a lot of streaming services are sure to include some of the most popular anime series around,HBO Max is home to some of the best exclusives in anime.Ninja KamuiandLazarusare two of the most exciting series of the past few years, and they’re only the tip of the iceberg.
HBO Max’s most famous inclusions have to be the Studio Ghibli movies.Kiki’s Delivery Service, Spirited Away,andPrincess Mononokeare three titans of film, and they’re only some of the amazing movies that HBO Max has on offer.
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime is surprisingly great for anime lovers.Not only do they have a decently sized catalog of some amazing anime series, but they’re also home to a few exclusives that anime viewers can’t watch anywhere else. Amazon Prime also has a ton of great original series for the viewer who wants to check out more than anime as well.
Some ofAmazon Prime’s best anime seriesthat you’re able to’t watch anywhere else include the controversialAfter the Rain,the brand-new and already hilariousCity the Animation,and the adorableWotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku.
Amazon Prime seems to be wanting to take up more space within the anime streaming world, so it might look like an even better option in the future for fans looking for somewhere to stream their favorite series. Prime already looks good now, and it could look even better within the next few seasons.
Hulu
Hulu comes in as one of the best streaming services for anime lovers in Americafor a few reasons. They have a lot of great choices, decent subtitling, and an easy-to-navigate menu that makes finding the next exciting series easy. Hulu is also a great option for someone who wants more than just anime, as Hulu has a ton of great TV series as well.
Some ofthe best anime series that can be found on HuluincludeErased, Spy x Family, and Go! Go! Loser Ranger!.Hulu doesn’t have the most extensive range of anime series like Crunchyroll does, but the platform still has a diverse range of hits perfect for both veterans of the art form and beginners looking for a place to start.
Hulu is also one of the most affordable options when it comes to streaming anime. Their ad-supported plan starts at less than $10 a month or less than $100 a year, and their ad-free plan is less than $20 a month as well.
Crunchyroll
If you’re looking for somewhere to watch anime in America,it doesn’t get better than Crunchyroll. Crunchyroll has been the go-to for anime lovers in America for the better part of the last decade, and over the past few years, the streaming platform has only gotten better.
Crunchyroll has always had some ofthe best anime series of all time, including massively popular franchises likeDragon Ball, Demon Slayer,andFrieren: Beyond Journey’s End.Thanks to Crunchyroll’s recent acquisitions of VRV and Funimation, there are even more exceptional anime series to watch.
One of Crunchyroll’s greatest strengths certainly lies in their catalog, but their subtitling can’t go without mention. A lot of other streaming platformsstillhaven’t figured out how to properly subtitle anime (looking at you, Netflix). Crunchyroll is the industry standard, letting no dialogue or on-screen text go untranslated.
