Crunchyroll vs. HiDive vs. Netflix vs. Hulu: Who is Best for Anime Streaming Service?

Crunchyroll Review

Crunchyroll,an American entertainment company based in Coppell, Texas, provides a subscription video-on-demand streaming service for anime, manga, and related content. Founded as Funimation Productions in 1994 and later acquired by Sony Pictures Entertainment in 2017, the company offers a library including simulcasts and original series, along with dubbed content from Funimation and VRV. Crunchyroll also operates an online shop for anime merchandise, manga, and Japanese snacks, and the service is accessible on various platforms. 

What Netflix is to streaming, Crunchyroll is to anime streaming. It is one of the most complete anime streaming services, with more than 1,300 titles in its library.  Crunchyroll has a solid reputation for providing fans with access to the latest anime series just after they air in Japan.If you’re always on the lookout for new anime, Crunchyroll is where you’ll find the most simulcasts shows that drop the same day they air in Japan.Popular shows on the service include Attack on Titan, Death Note, FLCL, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Hunter X Hunter, One-Punch Man, several Naruto series, and Yuri!!! on Ice. Crunchyroll has some original series, such as A Place Further Than the Universe, In/Spectre, and The Rising of the Shield Hero. It also maintains a respectable lineup of about 40 simulcast shows. 

Crunchyroll is also a rare streamer with subtitles and dubbing in multiple languages available worldwide (not just geo-locked to your location) including Spanish, German, Russian, and Arabic.

Platforms Availability

Crunchyroll offers a wide range of device compatibility, including:

• Mobile Devices: iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.

• Gaming Consoles: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.

• Smart TVs and Streaming Devices: Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Samsung Smart TVs, and LG Smart TVs.

• Web Browsers.

It supports as many as six simultaneous streams, depending on your price tier, as well as offline downloads.

Plans and Pricing

Crunchyroll supports HD streams for both free and paid accounts, but you must opt for the premium tier to get rid of ads. 

• Free Option: Crunchyroll’s free plan allows users to watch anime with ads, which means you’ll have to sit through commercial interruptions while streaming. This free version also provides access to a limited number of episodes, with some newer episodes being delayed by a week or more compared to premium subscribers.When you sign up for a Crunchyroll account, you’ll have the option to sign up for a free plan.

• Premium Option: Premium members enjoy an ad-free experience, early access to new episodes, and access to exclusive content.

The basic plan starts at $7.99/month, with options for simultaneous streams and offline downloads.The higher the plan, the more perks

If you want a taste of the premium life, with access to the entire ad-free catalog, you can sign up for a 7-day free trial of any premium subscription tier.Free trial offer valid for new and eligible subscribers. Plan automatically renews after trial period at the price selected in the plan comparison. You may cancel at any time. Restrictions and other terms apply, including changes to prices, discounts, content and features.

Crunchyroll Pros and Cons

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HiDive Review

Hidive is an independent anime streaming company based in Texas that was launched in 2017.HiDive focuses on a smaller, more curated catalog, including some exclusive titles and uncensored content, and has a simpler, more affordable pricing structure. It offers approximately 500 shows and movies, including simulcasts and dubbed versions, and content from parent company Sentai Filmworks, acquired by AMC Networks in 2022. Not only will you find curated anime from all subgenres, but there's an assortment of live-action adaptations too. And though the service has family-friendly titles, it caters to the 18-and-older crowd. Because of a deal between its parent company AMC Networks and MBS, Hidive is the exclusive streaming platform for titles such as The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: From Villainess to Savior. You'll also find the popular Oshi no Ko and The Eminence in Shadow here.

Hidive prides itself on its customizable subtitle options, in-episode live chats and exclusive catalog. You can even choose between censored and uncensored anime. An independent service, the company encourages fans to request their favorite titles if they can't find them on the platform.

They add new content via simulcasts which means that you’ll be able to stream new anime shows online as they’re released in real-time. This service is great for anime lovers who don’t want to wait months for their favorite anime shows to be released on DVD.Consider alternatives if you want more super popular anime hits.While Hidive does carry a few well-known titles and offers simulcasts, your needs might be better met on another platform.

Platforms Availability

HiDive is available at www.hidive.com on web browsers and as an app on these devices:

• TV: Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, LG, Roku, Samsung, Vizio and Xbox.

• Computer: Mac OS, Chrome OS and Windows PC.

• Mobile + Tablet: Amazon Fire Tablet, Android Phone & Tablet, iPhone & iPad and Samsung Galaxy.

If you're already subscribed to HiDive, just open the app and sign in. If you're new to HIDIVE, you can create an account and subscribe right within the app.

Plans and Pricing

HiDive offers two options:

• $6.99 for monthly subscribers, charged monthly   

• $69.99 for yearly subscribers, charged annually  

There’s no free tier, but you do get a 7-day free trial to test it out.

HiDive Pros and Cons

Netflix Review

Netflix was founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph in Scotts Valley, California. It is one of the world's leading entertainment services with 207 million paid memberships in over 190 countries. Netflix carries quite the load of shows, movies, anime, documentaries and original content. 

Like Hulu, Netflix isn’t a dedicated anime streaming service, so it’s hard to sort through and browse genres within the anime category. You’ll have to do the Netflix thing of scrolling through algorithm-generated covers and picking based on vibes.There are currently dozens of Japanese imports on the platform as well as Netflix originals Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Sakamoto Days and Onimusha.Though it's not the go-to for more obscure titles, Netflix has a reliable selection of popular anime that includes Vinland Saga, Dandadan, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure and nine glorious seasons of Naruto. Some of its latest releases include Devil May Cry, Moonrise and Delicious in Dungeon.

If Netflix is already a mainstay streaming service for you, it's an added bonus that you can watch anime here, including originals and a smattering of popular titles. Though the amount is small, Netflix is beefing up its simulcast offerings with shows like Ranma 1/2.Netflix seems to be Crunchyroll’s biggest competitor, and has now become a must-have streaming service for anime fans — alongside everyone else.

Platforms Availability

Netflix is widely supported and works on most devices.Netflix support devices: Roku, Roku Streaming Stick, Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV, Fire Stick, Fire Tablet, Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, Android TV, Android phones, Android tablets, Google Chromecast, Nvidia Shield, PlayStation, Xbox, smart TVs, Blu-ray players, and web browsers.

Plans and Pricing

There are three pricing plans – Standard with ads, Standard, and Premium – and the one you choose will determine the number of devices that you can simultaneously use to watch Netflix, in case you want to share the account with someone else.Pricing differs from region to region.Unfortunately, Netflix does not offer a free tier. 

Netflix Pros and Cons

Hulu Review

Hulu is an American subscription streaming media service owned by Disney Streaming, a subsidiary of the Disney Entertainment segment of the Walt Disney Company. It was launched on October 29, 2007, initially as a joint venture between News Corporation and NBC Universal, which was later bought by Comcast.It's known for providing access to current episodes of popular television shows, often with both ad-supported and ad-free options, as well as live TV streaming through its Hulu + Live TV package. 

Hulu boasts more than 300 anime titles and is a prime stop to watch stuff like My Hero Academia, Chainsaw Man, Attack on Titan and more. You'll find content organized into categories such as classic, A-Z or simulcasts. Hulu also carries Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War in the US, which Crunchyroll doesn't offer. There's a batch of simulcasts that stream each season, treating viewers to the newest releases from Japan. This is an area where Hulu one-ups Netflix. Fans will find Pokemon films and oldies but goodies like Sailor Moon and Naruto.Hulu also has partnerships with Crunchyroll to carry some titles, but not their entire catalogs. However, new subtitled episodes may arrive immediately on the streamer while dubbed versions take longer. Debut times vary depending on the series.It doesn't specialize in anime and is a good option if you already have the streaming service for all of its other content.

Platforms Availability

Hulu is primarily available in the United States, including select U.S. territories and U.S. military bases. Hulu + Live TV is specifically limited to the states. The service is accessible on a wide array of devices, including web browsers (Mac and PC), mobile devices (iOS and Android), streaming devices (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV), gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox), and smart TVs. 

Plans and Pricing

Hulu starts at $9.99 a month for a standalone subscription, or you can get it as part of a Disney bundle or the Max bundle package.The Hulu + Live TV plan costs from $82.99 per month, and it combines Hulu's live TV service with the ad-supported streaming plan.(click here for more details).

• Hulu (With Ads): The ad-supported plan costs just $9.99/month (or $99.99/year) and gives you access to the ad-supported streaming library.

• Hulu (No Ads): For $18.99/month, you can watch most of those same shows and movies without the ad breaks. Hulu (No Ads) excludes a few shows that play with ads before and after the video.

• Students: Get Hulu (With Ads) for $1.99/month, if eligible. Additional terms apply.

Hulu Pros and Cons

Crunchyroll vs. HiDive vs. Netflix vs. Hulu: Comparison Side by Side

1. Anime Library

Crunchyroll is the juggernaut here, with over 1,500 titles and counting. It has also exclusive streaming rights to many of the biggest shows airing each season.Crunchyroll also boasts a massive backlog of classics and niche gems, plus simulcasts that drop episodes just hours after they air in Japan.

Hidive, on the other hand, has a smaller but more unique selection. A lot of its anime comes from Sentai Filmworks, so you’ll find hidden gems, niche titles, and exclusives that you won’t get on Crunchyroll. Plus, Hidive anime sometimes offers uncensored versions of certain shows, which can be a big deal if you prefer the original cut.

Netflix and Hulu both offer anime streaming.Anime accounts for 11.8% of the demand in Hulu’s TV catalog—almost double that of Netflix. Hulu also offers the largest anime library, with 9.0% of its catalog dedicated to the genre.While Netflix is expanding its anime offerings and has a strong library of anime originals and licensed titles. Netflix has a more diverse catalog with anime as a growing but smaller part.

2. Video Quality

Crunchyroll primarily offers anime in Full HD (1080p) resolution for its premium subscribers. While some older content might be in lower resolutions like 480p, most current anime is produced in 720p or 1080p. Crunchyroll also uses upscaling technology to enhance the viewing experience on 4K displays. 

HiDive primarily streams anime at 720p resolution, with 1080p available for premium subscribers. Some users have reported that the platform can sometimes drop to lower resolutions during playback, even on higher-tier plans. 

Netflix generally offers good video quality for anime, including options for 4K and HDR in some titles. While some users have reported issues with lower bitrates or visible artifacts, especially in older or more difficult-to-compress scenes, Netflix has also invested in technologies like 4K and HDR to enhance the viewing experience for anime. Netflix's playback settings allow users to adjust data usage per screen, impacting video quality, with options for 720p, 1080p, or 4K + HDR. 

Hulu’s streaming library and live TV programming is available to stream in various high definition (HD) video qualities, like 720p, 1080p, 4K Ultra HD, and 60fps high definition (HD) video qualities.Quality will automatically adjust based on your available bandwidth, ensuring you always have the best picture quality possible for streaming.

3.  Sub vs. Dub (and Simulcasts)

Crunchyroll has significantly ramped up its dubbed offerings lately, especially since merging with Funimation. New dubs roll out regularly, and their simulcast schedule is unbeatable. Episodes often land within an hour of airing in Japan, subtitled and ready to binge.

HiDive, though smaller, actually punches above its weight in the dub department. Its dubbed versions are often faster than expected, and many are produced in-house through Sentai Filmworks, so quality is consistent. It doesn’t have as many simulcasts, but when it does, they’re typically niche shows you won’t find on Crunchyroll.

Netflix generally has a more integrated approach, offering both dubbed and subbed versions within the same title. This makes switching between languages hassle-free, allowing you to choose based on mood or preference at any given time.

On the other hand, Hulu’s approach to dubbed and subbed versions can create a fragmented viewing experience. Subs and dubs are often listed as separate entries, making users hunt for the specific version they desire (source).

4. Original Content and Exclusives

Crunchyroll has started dipping into original productions, with titles like Onyx Equinox and Noblesse under its Crunchyroll Originals banner. Some have been hit or miss, but it shows a growing investment in unique content.

HiDive may not have a splashy “Originals” label, but thanks to its partnership with Sentai Filmworks, it gets exclusive streaming rights to a number of shows like The Executioner and Her Way of Life, that Crunchyroll users don’t have access to.

Netflix has embraced the anime world with gusto, crafting a niche for itself in original productions. With household names like "Devilman: Crybaby," "Beastars," and the visually stunning "Violet Evergarden," the platform has transformed into a hub for fresh and inventive anime content.Their Originals often take daring creative liberties absent in mainstream productions, making them a must-watch for fans seeking new twists and turns.

Hulu focuses on streaming existing popular series that fans consistently return to.This means less reliance on original content creation and more emphasis on grabbing what's already successful—a safe but fruitful bet in the anime world.

5. Release Schedule and Simulcasts

Crunchyroll's new dubs roll out regularly, and their simulcast schedule is unbeatable. Episodes often land within an hour of airing in Japan, subtitled and ready to binge.HiDive doesn’t have as many simulcasts, but when it does, they’re typically niche shows you won’t find on Crunchyroll.

Netflix typically releases an entire season of a series all at once, which means fans have to wait longer for new content but get to devour it in one sitting when it finally arrives. This model has its perks, particularly for those who enjoy spending a weekend lost in a series without the frustration of cliffhangers.

Hulu frequently offers simulcasts, meaning they release new episodes concurrently with their airing in Japan or very shortly thereafter. Anime enthusiasts who thrive on staying current with their favorite series will appreciate Hulu's consistency in this area.

6. Interface and User Experience

Crunchyroll’s interface has gone through some glow-ups in recent years, but it still feels a little clunky at times. The search function can be hit-or-miss, and curated lists aren’t always as helpful as you’d like. However, it gets the job done, and the mobile app is solid.

HiDive keeps things simple. The UI is clean and intuitive, though not flashy. It’s easier to browse and discover new content here, especially if you’re just exploring and not looking for a specific title. That said, the mobile app can be buggy depending on your device.

Netflix uses a highly specialized algorithm to suggest what you might enjoy based on your viewing history. It also has secret codes that can unlock anime subcategories like Adult Animation and Anime Sci-Fi for those who love to dig deeper.

Hulu's categorization is more traditional. Anime titles are often split between subs and dubs as separate listings due to varying rights or distributors (source).This can be a hassle if you prefer to switch between subbed and dubbed versions but ensures a straightforward and easy-to-navigate library for those who know what they’re looking for.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

The "best" choice depends on individual preferences.If you're a dedicated anime enthusiast seeking a vast library, timely simulcasts, and a curated anime experience, Crunchyroll is the best choice. After absorbing its competitor Funimation, its power level is over 9,000 (not an exact number; we’re just guessing). No other service on the ‘net comes close to its gigantic catalog, including recent simulcasts that air here in the US on the same day as their premiere in Japan. It’s also a great place to check out manga and catch up on the latest anime news.If you're looking for mature and niche anime content, HiDive is a strong contender. 

If you’re more of a casual fan just looking for full seasons of super popular titles and want a general streaming service with a good mix of content, including anime, and don't mind a potentially smaller anime library, though, you might have a better time with Netflix or Hulu. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to watch anime on Hulu or Crunchyroll?

Crunchyroll is dedicated solely for anime. Hulu has some anime, but it's mostly other forms of media. So Crunchyroll is the obvious choice, if you only want to watch anime.

Why does Crunchyroll not have all anime?

Crunchyroll doesn't have every anime due to licensing agreements and regional restrictions. Anime distribution rights are often sold on a regional basis, meaning a show might be available on Crunchyroll in one country but not in another. Additionally, some anime titles are exclusively licensed to other streaming services like Netflix or Hulu.

Is Crunchyroll worth it to watch anime?

If you're a big anime fan, yeah, absolutely. It's got a huge catalog of shows and it's relatively cheap to go ad-free compared to a lot of other streaming services.

Is Crunchyroll completely free?

No, Crunchyroll doesn't offer its whole catalog for free. A lot of dubs and simulcasts are locked behind a paywall. However, you can still watch a decent amount of anime with a free Crunchyroll plan, no credit card required—as long as you’re okay with ads.

Is HiDive included with Prime?

No, HiDive is not included with a standard Amazon Prime subscription. It is available as a separate, ad-free add-on subscription through Amazon Prime Video Channels in select countries. This means you need to pay an additional monthly fee to access HIDIVE content via Prime Video. 

Is Crunchyroll included with Amazon Prime?

No, Crunchyroll is not included with Amazon Prime. However, it is available as an add-on subscription through Prime Video Channels. This means that Prime members can subscribe to Crunchyroll and access its content library directly within the Prime Video platform, for an additional monthly fee. 

How much does HiDive cost a month?

A HiDive subscription costs $6.99 per month in the United States, according to HiDive. It also offers an annual subscription for $59.99 per year. New users can also access a 7-day free trial. 

Is HiDive better or Crunchyroll?

It depends on what you’re looking for. Crunchyroll is better if you want a massive anime selection, more simulcasts, and broad device support. However, if you prefer exclusive titles, niche anime, and uncensored versions then choose Hidive. It’s also cheaper than Crunchyroll.

Is HiDive anime worth it?

Yes, HiDive is worth it for fans seeking affordable access to rare and all-niche anime titles. Its curated library includes exclusives and classics not easily found elsewhere.

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