American anime fans have had a tough journey over the years. While a few influential shows made it onto broadcast, US studios often tampered with editing or delivered subpar dubs.

In the early 2000s, enthusiasts traded illegally duplicated VHS tapes or minuscule RealPlayer files burnt onto CD-Rs to access their beloved anime.

However, a significant shift occurred with the arrival of legal, subscription-based video streaming services. These anime streaming platforms revolutionized the scene, offering fans vast libraries with subtitled or dubbed releases within hours of episodes premiering overseas. These established and recommended services are the prime spots for those eager to start their anime journey online.

Delve deeper to discover how to optimize your anime streaming experience.

Crunchyroll

Renowned anime streaming powerhouse Crunchyroll has over 1,300 titles in its catalog, including popular shows like "Naruto," "Death Note," and "Attack on Titan." It's a haven for anime fans with simulcast episodes and original content like "A Place Further Than the Universe."

They sell manga and products in their shop. It supports free and premium HD streaming accounts, catering to a wide range of tastes. It's downloadable offline and supports up to six concurrent streams with apps across many platforms.

Despite being busy, it's lauded for its simulcast possibilities, a large amount of material, and Funimation-dubbed shows.

Get it here: Crunchyroll

Netflix

A wide range of authentic anime films, including popular titles like "Aggrestuko" and "Devilman Crybaby," are available on Netflix. Well-known for having a varied and constantly growing library, this is the place to find new books.

Despite the high cost, the plans aren't inexpensive; HD streaming will cost you fifteen dollars per month, and the top tier is twenty dollars. The $7 a month version with commercials is possible, but the free trial is over. There are good mobile apps and offline downloads available.

However, the promotional version of the collection only contains a portion. It does a fantastic job creating original shows, but changes to the content are unclear.

Get it here: Netflix

Tubi

Tubi earns praise as a free streaming service showcasing diverse content , including anime like "Naruto" and "One-Punch Man." While free, it's clean interface and organized categories don't compromise quality.

However, it maxes out at 720p resolution and lacks ad-free viewing. Parental controls and watchlist features are available, but offline downloads aren't supported.

It's a handy platform for those seeking a free, well-structured streaming service with various shows and movies across genres.

Get it here: Tubi

RetroCrush

RetroCrush, a free anime streaming service, caters to lovers of classic anime from bygone eras like "Golgo 13" and "Urusei Yatsura."

Despite a smaller library of older shows and movies, it offers an ad-light experience and a 24/7 "live" feed.

However, its limited content may not satisfy those seeking contemporary anime. Yet, for fans cherishing nostalgic anime experiences from 20 to 30 years ago, RetroCrush offers an exclusive collection and a free tier with minimal ads.

Get it here: RetroCrush

Hidive

Hidive, though less mainstream, offers an array of exclusive anime titles like "Darwin's Game," "Food Wars!," and "Made in Abyss."

Catering to audiences seeking uncensored content, it's a platform free from typical cultural censorships, ensuring mature exclusives and a range of dubs and simulcast subs.

However, it lacks recognizable titles and offline downloads and features a basic mobile app. Despite this, for users desiring a diverse and uncensored anime experience, Hidive is available at a starting price of $4.99 per month, supporting up to three profiles per account.

Get it here: Hidive

Hulu

Hulu stands out as an all-in-one solution for cord-cutters, offering a diverse streaming selection, including classic anime like "Cowboy Bebop," "FLCL," "Ranma 1/2," "Slayers," and "Trigun."

Beyond its impressive library, Hulu provides over 70 live TV channels and robust DVR options. Plans start at $7.99 per month for on-demand streaming, reaching $69.99 per month for Hulu + Live TV. Enhanced Cloud DVR, allowing 200 hours of storage, comes standard.

Hulu's vast device compatibility and bundle offers enhance its appeal, despite ads in its base plan and limitations on offline downloads.

Get it here: Hulu