With so many different streaming platforms to choose from, which one is the best fit for anime fans? Netflix, for example, has been putting tons of effort into its anime library. In the merge with Hulu, Disney+ also has a decent library of anime to stream. Recently, I’ve even learned Amazon Video has a decent selection of anime to watch as well.
When searching for a place to stream anime, however, there are two powerhouse platforms: HIDIVE or Crunchyroll. So, the question is: Which one of these streaming platforms is the better option? Or should an anime fan commit to both streaming platforms? Keep reading for some inside info to help make the decision a little easier.
Anime Selections on Netflix
What About Funimation?
Technically, Funimation does still exist. The streaming platform will still take your money. Crunchyroll, however, owns Funimation. So, you are really doing yourself a disservice if you have a Funimation subscription. Cancel it and switch to Crunchyroll.
Crunchyroll vs HIDIVE: The Cost
It’s easy to see why Crunchyroll is often regarded as the unchallenged king of anime streaming when compared to HIDIVE. Crunchyroll offers three membership tiers including: Fan ($7.99/month), Mega Fan ($9.99/month), and Ultimate Fan ($14.99/month). Although the number of devices that can stream at one time varies, all tiers offer unlimited and ad-free access to Crunchyroll’s entire collection. Several additional bonuses, such as store benefits and exclusive merch possibilities, are included in the higher tiers. Furthermore, Crunchyroll claims to be the largest anime-only streaming service in the world, boasting of a collection of over 1,000 titles and over 30,000 episodes.
HIDIVE, on the other hand, offers a far significantly more limited selection of anime titles to stream. This, however, comes at a cheaper monthly cost which may be more budget-friendly for some anime fans. Customers can choose to pay $4.99 per month or $47.99 for a yearly membership. This means that, annually, HIDIVE is nearly 50 percent cheaper than Crunchyroll. Sadly, HIDIVE’s library is home to about 50 percent less content than Crunchyroll. So, ultimately, there is no money to be saved with this option.
Sasaki and Miyano clip from YouTube
Anime Selection: What’s The Difference?
Again, Crunchyroll tends to be the obvious choice as it is home to many titles with massive fanbases including Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan, One Piece, and Dragon Ball. Likewise, Crunchyroll is usually home to most new titles released in Japan. This currently includes titles such as A Condition Called Love and Tadaima, Okaeri (Welcome Home). This, however, doesn’t mean HIDIVE doesn’t have exclusive titles to bring to the table. Presently, the streaming platform is releasing episodes of a romance anime called Whisper Me A Love Song. Anime fans agree this new series features a love story so sweet it is almost cavity-inducing.
Tadaima Okaeri/YouTube
One big hang-up with some of the titles on HIDIVE is that you can easily find them on different streaming platforms. Many of the titles in the romance genre are also available on Hulu or Amazon Video. So, unless you are looking to watch some of the new releases (such as Whisper Me A Love Song), HIDIVE probably isn’t an ideal choice to get your anime fix.
Crunchyroll Or HIDIVE: Which Is Better?
If you fancy yourself a hardcore anime fanatic, Crunchyroll is the best way to keep up with all the new releases and the most popular titles. While there is nothing wrong with having a subscription to both if you can afford the expense, HIDIVE is better suited for the casual fan looking for a more budget-friendly streaming option.
Mommy Needs Advice does recommend getting a free trial to Crunchyroll or HIDIVE via Amazon Video. The trial gives you a week to explore the library and decide if you like the service. Subscribing through Amazon Video also makes streaming across different devices a little easier as Crunchyroll and HIDIVE don’t always have applications across all platforms. For example, there are a lot of smart TVs that still don’t offer a Crunchyroll app despite having a Funimation app before Crunchyroll purchased Funimation. Subscribing through Amazon Video just makes the content easier to access.
Horimiya/YouTube
Keep in mind, Netflix is also a great source of anime. The streaming giant has been working hard to expand their collection with newer additions, such as Romantic Killer and My Happy Marriage. Furthermore, Hulu is also home to a pretty impressive anime selection of their own.
Where do you like to stream your favorite anime series? Let us know in the comments below.
