Maybe, you’ve been getting your anime fix from a streaming service like Netflix and want to find even more titles.
Or, that one streaming service just removed the show you want to watch. Whatever the reason, you’re probably looking for the best anime streaming services so that you can dive deeper into the colorful world of Japanese animation.
Well, in this blog post, I’ve rounded up the 6 best anime streaming services that offer free trials. You don’t have to pay upfront to start watching and you might find the service you never knew you needed.
Let’s get into it.
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1. Crunchyroll
If you didn’t already know about Crunchyroll, then you should know that hardcore anime fans consider this the very best anime streaming service there is. No other anime streaming service was going to be #1 on this list for the simple fact that there isn’t any that’s better.
Crunchyroll is like the Goku of anime streaming services – it’s powerful, popular, and packs a punch!
It is owned by Sony and built up it’s library by acquiring a few other anime streamers like Funimation and VRV. The service now has over 1000 anime titles including it’s own “Crunchyroll Originals”.
Subscribers to Crunchyroll can get access not only to anime but also manga and games. You can access some content for free with ads but if you want to watch ad-free or see new episodes the day after they air in Japan, then you’ll need a paid subscription.
Crunchyroll offers a 7-day free trial to get started and then you can get a plan from $7.99 per month. Each plan comes with their own unique benefits.
Features:
- Huge library of over 1,000 anime titles
- Simulcasts of new episodes from Japan
- Ad-free viewing (for premium subscribers)
- Manga library
Free Trial: 7 days
Crunchyroll Pros
Crunchyroll Cons
Crunchyroll is a fan favorite for good reason. With its vast library and quick updates, it’s a top choice for anime lovers. The 7-day free trial gives you plenty of time to explore and decide if it’s right for you.
You can subscribe to Crunchyroll via their own website, on Amazon Prime Video Channels, or through other platforms where you can download the Crunchyroll app.
2. HIDIVE
If Crunchyroll didn’t exist, HIDIVE would be the place to go for your anime viewings. Still, as the streaming service owned by AMC Networks puts it, it’s “where anime fans belong”.
HIDIVE might not be as well-known as some of the other services on this list, but despite having a smaller library of selections, it’s got some tricks up its sleeve.
For one, you can find a lot of uncensored anime on this streamer, as well as exclusive titles. Secondly, there are multiple streams of new simulcasts when you’re looking for the latest series from Japan.
Plans start at $5.99/month. You can get started with a free trial of just 7 days via their website or any of the other services that carry HIDIVE as a subscription channel. You can also start a free trial through the app for the service where available.
Features:
- Uncensored anime
- Exclusive titles
- Dubbed and subbed options
- Multiple simultaneous streams
Free Trial: 7 days
HIDIVE Pros
HIDIVE Cons
HIDIVE offers a 7-day free trial, on their own website and on Amazon Prime Video Channels, as well as The Roku Channel and wherever its apps are available for download. This gives you plenty of time to explore their unique offerings. It’s worth checking out for their exclusive shows alone!
3. Tubi
Tubi is like the friendly neighbor who’s always happy to share their anime collection. Owned by Fox Corporation, the free streaming service allows you to watch movies and TV series without even having to register.
You just need to click on the anime category to reveal their collection of old and new anime titles, both series and full-length features included. There are a lot of titles available to watch but not as many as services dedicated to just anime.
The downside to watching anime on a free ad-supported service like Tubi is that the ads can be a bit annoying. But hey, if you don’t have to pay, or even register, I guess it’s something you just have to get used to.
Features:
- Completely free (ad-supported)
- Mix of old and new anime
- No account required
Free Trial: Always free!
Tubi Pros
Tubi Cons
Tubi doesn’t need a free trial because it’s always free. It’s a great way to watch anime without spending a dime. You just need to get used to the ads.
4. Hulu
Hulu might surprise you with its anime selection. The Disney-owned streaming service might be the go-to place for the latest episodes of your favorite shows, original movies, blockbusters, and live TV, but they also have a good collection of anime.
There’s a good mix of popular and not-so-popular titles available to watch and you can find them all through convenient categories including an A-Z collection of titles. Movies from classic titles like Akira and Castle In the Sky are available but the majority of the content are TV series.
Of course, Hulu isn’t a dedicated anime streaming service but they do have a good selection of Japanese animation so they’re worth mentioning here. You will benefit also from the additional content that Hulu has to offer. The service also offers a longer trial than the other streamers here, a full 30 days to try out their service.
Hulu plans start at $7.99 for the ad-supported plan and then $17.99 without ads but you can decide which plan to keep after you’ve watched all the anime you can watch after 30 free days.
Features:
- Mix of popular and lesser-known anime
- Both subbed and dubbed options
- Simultaneous streaming on multiple devices
Free Trial: 30 days
Hulu Pros
Hulu Cons
Hulu’s month-long trial gives you time to explore their anime offerings while also catching up on other shows. Get a 30-day free trial of Hulu to watch all your anime shows.
5. Retrocrush
Retrocrush has apps for most modern devices like Android and iPhone, Roku, FireTV, Google TV, Samsung and more. You an also watch on desktop via the Retrocrush website which itself has a retro look and feel. If you’re feeling nostalgic, this may be your ticket to anime’s golden oldies.
The content is mostly classic anime titles which are available in both subbed and dubbed versions. Movies and series are available on-demand and there is also a live feed if you want that classic TV feel.
Registration to Retrocrush is free and you can start watching free with ads. To remove the ads and access premium-only content, there is a paid option for $4.99/month starting with a 7-day free trial. An annual option is also available which also carries a 7-day trial.
If you’re looking for the latest series from Japan, you might want to skip Retrocrush as their focus is on older titles. However, there’s a lot of great classic titles and even some lesser known titles available to make it worth a try.
Features:
- Focus on classic anime
- Both subbed and dubbed options
- Free with ads or paid ad-free option
Free Trial: 7 days (for ad-free premium)
Retrocrush Pros
Retrocrush Cons
RetroCrush’s free registration and further free trial is a good combination for accessing older anime titles without having to pay. The ad-free premium service lets you relive the good old days of anime without any interruption.
6. Amazon Prime Video
Finally, a streaming service that you may or may not already have but definitely know about. Amazon Prime Video is like a hidden treasure chest of anime. They even have some exclusive titles and you can also start free trials for Crunchyroll and HIDIVE, two services already mentioned on this list.
If you have Amazon Prime, then Prime Video is one of the perks that you have access to. Prime Video allows you to watch movies and TV series including lots of originals you wouldn’t find anywhere else. To get started with Prime (or even stand-alone Prime Video), they offer a 30-day free trial so that you can try out their service and watch all the anime titles you want.
Even though the anime selections may not be as huge as dedicated services like Crunchyroll, you’ll enjoy high-quality video streaming and additional content. Plus, all the other Prime benefits are available to you like free next-day shipping, Amazon gaming, Kindle reads, and more.
Features:
- Included with Amazon Prime membership
- Some exclusive anime titles
- High-quality video streaming
Free Trial: 30 days
Prime Video Pros
Prime Video Cons
The Amazon Prime free trial lets you dive into their anime selection while also enjoying free shipping and other perks. Take a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime Video to get started.
Wrapping Up
If you just can’t get enough of anime, you’ll enjoy trying out these six awesome anime streaming services listed above, all offering either free trials or free access.
These free trials are your chance to test the waters. Don’t be shy – dive in and see which service fits you best. Maybe you’ll fall in love with Crunchyroll’s massive library, or perhaps HIDIVE’s exclusive content will win your heart. You might even discover a new favorite on a more niche platform like RetroCrush.
The beauty of free trials is that you can hop from one service to another without spending a penny. And if you find one that you ready enjoy using, most of the subscriptions aren’t all that expensive.
Here’s a pro tip: set a reminder for when your trial ends or cancel to remove the automatic billing. You don’t want to accidentally get charged if you decide a service isn’t for you. Cancelling puts your decision to subscribe in YOUR hands.
So, what are you waiting for? Your next favorite anime could be just a free trial away. Whether you’re into shonen action, slice-of-life comedy, or mind-bending sci-fi, there’s a service out there for you.
