With so many different streaming platforms available, anime fans have more choices than ever. Netflix has been putting serious effort into building its anime library, and with its merger with Hulu, Disney+ also offers a growing collection. Even Amazon Video has stepped up its anime game with an impressive variety of titles to stream.

Still, when it comes down to true anime powerhouses, the big debate often centers around HIDIVE vs. Crunchyroll. So which one should you choose? Or is it worth subscribing to both? Keep reading — Mom Unfiltered has the inside scoop to help you decide which streaming service is right for your anime watchlist.

What About Funimation?

Technically, Funimation still exists — and yes, it will still happily take your subscription money. However, since Crunchyroll owns Funimation now, maintaining both accounts doesn’t make much sense. Cancel Funimation and switch to Crunchyroll.

Crunchyroll vs. HIDIVE: The Cost

It’s easy to see why Crunchyroll is often considered the king of anime streaming. It offers three membership tiers: Fan ($7.99/month), Mega Fan ($9.99/month), and Ultimate Fan ($14.99/month). All plans include ad-free viewing and access to their massive library, while the higher tiers unlock store discounts, offline viewing, and exclusive merchandise perks. Crunchyroll claims to host over 1,000 anime titles and 30,000+ episodes — making it the largest anime-only streaming platform in the world.

HIDIVE, on the other hand, is far more affordable. Its plans start at $4.99 per month or $47.99 per year, making it roughly half the annual cost of Crunchyroll. However, its anime library is also about 50% smaller. So while it’s easier on your wallet, you’re getting fewer titles and exclusives overall. If budget is a priority, HIDIVE is worth considering — but if variety matters most, Crunchyroll wins hands down.

Anime Selection: What’s the Difference?

Crunchyroll shines with its massive lineup of popular series such as Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan, One Piece, and Dragon Ball. It’s also the go-to destination for most new releases straight from Japan, including titles like A Condition Called Love and Tadaima, Okaeri.

That said, HIDIVE does have a few exclusives worth mentioning. One standout is the adorable romance series Whisper Me a Love Song — a sugary-sweet story that fans can’t get enough of. HIDIVE also tends to spotlight smaller, underrated series that don’t always get attention elsewhere, which can be refreshing if you’re tired of the same mainstream titles.

However, one big downside is that many of HIDIVE’s titles are also available on platforms like Hulu or Amazon Video. If you already subscribe to one of those, you might not get much added value from HIDIVE unless you’re specifically after its exclusives.

Crunchyroll or HIDIVE: Which Is Better?

If you’re a dedicated anime fan who likes to stay up to date with the latest simulcasts and blockbuster series, Crunchyroll is absolutely the better choice. Its collection, quality, and release speed make it the ultimate anime hub. However, if you’re a more casual fan who only watches a few shows here and there, HIDIVE offers a solid and budget-friendly alternative.

For those who want the best of both worlds, Amazon Video occasionally offers free trials to both Crunchyroll and HIDIVE. Signing up through Amazon can also make streaming easier on smart TVs and devices that don’t natively support the Crunchyroll or HIDIVE apps. It’s a simple way to test both services before committing.

Other Great Options for Anime Fans

Netflix has been expanding its anime catalog rapidly, adding beloved titles like Romantic Killer and My Happy Marriage. Hulu also continues to maintain a strong anime collection, often overlapping with both Crunchyroll and HIDIVE. If you already have one of these subscriptions, you might be surprised how many great series are available right under your nose.

At the end of the day, the best streaming service depends on what kind of anime fan you are. Hardcore otaku? Go with Crunchyroll. Casual viewer? HIDIVE might be all you need. Or, if you’re like me — maybe you just find yourself subscribed to both because choosing between them feels impossible.

Where do you love to stream your favorite anime series? Let us know in the comments below — I’d love to hear which platform you think deserves the crown!