Technologies

Best Anime Streaming Services for 2023

From hit franchises like Attack on Titan to obscure titles, here’s where to stream anime series and films.

If you’re an anime fan, then you know the coming months will bring us some of the hottest releases on screen. It’s why you’ll want subscriptions to streaming services that carry all the shows and movies on your watchlist. Attack on Titan’s final arc, Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 and more Spy x Family are only a glimpse of what you don’t want to miss in 2023. To help you watch it all, we’ve compiled the top anime streaming platforms available.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a longtime anime fan with specific tastes, an occasional viewer or a newbie, look no further than these streaming services.

Hajime Isayama, Kodansha/Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll

Best anime streaming service overall

$8 at Crunchyroll

Because of its robust stable of content, Crunchyroll has become the global destination for anime streaming. The brand boasts over 100 million registered users and more than 5 million subscribers. Crunchyroll merged its vast lineup with fellow genre titan Funimation to deliver thousands of titles 24/7. All that anime is under one umbrella, which includes Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen and To Your Eternity.According to Crunchyroll, it’s now «the world’s largest anime library of more than 40,000 episodes and over 16,000 hours of content.»

The biggest selling points? New episodes land on the streamer one hour after they premiere in Japan. Viewers can also count on surprise releases like special OAD episodes when shows are on break.

Anime fans love the variety and appreciate that for some content, they can watch the uncut Japanese versions of their favorite series on this service. Additionally, there’s a carousel of original, in-house creations that spin alongside the freshest releases out of Japan.

You can sign up for a free account to stream ad-supported content on the service. Just note that not all titles are available with this version, and there is a wait for new releases. However, anime watchers who want immediate access to new episodes should opt for Crunchyroll’s basic $8 ad-free subscription. There’s a free 14-day trial for new subscribers.

Tite Kubo/Shueisha/TV Tokyo/Viz Media

Hulu

Features dedicated anime hub

$8 at Hulu

If you’re on the fence about a Crunchyroll subscription, Hulu boasts more than 300 anime titles and is a prime stop to watch hits My Hero Academia, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, Attack on Titan, Soul Eater and more. Hulu is the exclusive streamer for Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War and Tokyo Revengers season 2 in the US. There are also 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 Akira, too.

Hulu also has partnerships with Crunchyroll and Funimation to carry some titles, but not their entire catalog. However, new subtitled episodes may arrive immediately on the streamer while dubbed versions take longer. Debut times vary depending on the series.

An added benefit is the dedicated Anime Hub, where you’ll find content organized into categories such as classic, A-Z or simulcasts. Hulu starts at $8 a month.

Netflix

Mix of popular anime and original creations

$7 at Netflix

Netflix has increased its anime offerings, though it lacks the fresh installments and simulcasts of Hulu. There are currently dozens of Japanese imports on the platform as well as Netflix originals Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Castlevania, Yasuke and Devilman Crybaby.

Though it’s not the go-to for more obscure titles, Netflix has a reliable selection of popular anime that includes Vinland Saga, Demon Slayer, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure and nine glorious seasons of Naruto. Its 2023 releases include Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre, Aggretsuko, Ultraman and The Way of the Househusband.

Another major plus for the streamer is the option to watch without ads if you pay for a plan that’s $10 or more. But subscribers should be aware they’ll need to take the extra step of nixing the skip function when episodes end to see if there are post-credits scenes in their favorite show. Netflix starts at $7 a month.

Netflix

Hidive

Inexpensive, carries uncensored content and throwbacks

$5 at Hidive

A cheap option for viewers, Hidive streams content to fans around the globe, including simulcasts. 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 new deal between its parent company AMC Networks and MBS, Hidive will be the exclusive streaming platform for titles such as The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: From Villainess to Savior.

Hidive prides itself on its customizable subtitle option, 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.

Hidive is supported on iOS, Android and smart TVs, and it runs content directly through its site. There’s no free subscription option, and the monthly rate is $5 after the 14-day free trial.

2023’s Best TV and Streaming Shows You Can’t Miss on Netflix, HBO, Disney Plus and More

The Bad Batch pose dramatically on the Star Wars show's season 2 poster

+59 more

See all photos

Anime streaming FAQs

What’s the difference between dub and sub?

In the anime community, the terms dubbed and subbed are used to describe the difference between a piece of content that streams in Japanese with subtitles or an English-dubbed (or other language) version. It’s a matter of personal preference, but some fans like one type over the other. Funimation (before its merger with Crunchyroll) was once known for its extensive dubbed collection.

Why can’t I find certain anime content on some streaming services?

Due to licensing agreements, some streaming providers’ anime lineups will change. This also depends on which country you live in, as various content may only be available in Japan, the US, or other regions.

Timing plays a role and can determine whether a series’ new season or movie hits a platform the same day, month or year of its original release. However, viewers will notice that some shows are streaming on multiple platforms at the same time.

What is the meaning of OAD and OVA in anime and does it matter?

From time to time, you may see streaming services refer to OAD or OVA as special promotions. Generally, OAD and OVA are extra episodes that did not air on television, but are part of the story and may or may not be canon. They can be prequel episodes or storylines that happen during or after what’s seen in a series and act as cool additions for anime lovers.

Which devices support these apps?

Each of these anime streaming providers are accessible via their standalone websites, smart TVs, Roku, iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon FireTV, Apple TV and Xbox One devices. You can watch it on your phone, tablet, PC or TV.

Technologies

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Tuesday, Oct. 14

Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for Oct. 14.

Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.

Today’s Mini Crossword has an odd vertical shape, with an extra Across clue, and only four Down clues. The clues are not terribly difficult, but one or two could be tricky. Read on if you need the answers. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.

If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.

Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword

Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.

Mini across clues and answers

1A clue: Smokes, informally
Answer: CIGS

5A clue: «Don’t have ___, man!» (Bart Simpson catchphrase)
Answer: ACOW

6A clue: What the vehicle in «lane one» of this crossword is winning?
Answer: RACE

7A clue: Pitt of Hollywood
Answer: BRAD

8A clue: «Yeah, whatever»
Answer: SURE

9A clue: Rd. crossers
Answer: STS

Mini down clues and answers

1D clue: Things to «load» before a marathon
Answer: CARBS

2D clue: Mythical figure who inspired the idiom «fly too close to the sun»
Answer: ICARUS

3D clue: Zoomer around a small track
Answer: GOCART

4D clue: Neighbors of Norwegians
Answer: SWEDES

Technologies

Watch SpaceX’s Starship Flight Test 11

Technologies

New California Law Wants Companion Chatbots to Tell Kids to Take Breaks

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the new requirements on AI companions into law on Monday.

AI companion chatbots will have to remind users in California that they’re not human under a new law signed Monday by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The law, SB 243, also requires companion chatbot companies to maintain protocols for identifying and addressing cases in which users express suicidal ideation or self-harm. For users under 18, chatbots will have to provide a notification at least every three hours that reminds users to take a break and that the bot is not human.

It’s one of several bills Newsom has signed in recent weeks dealing with social media, artificial intelligence and other consumer technology issues. Another bill signed Monday, AB 56, requires warning labels on social media platforms, similar to those required for tobacco products. Last week, Newsom signed measures requiring internet browsers to make it easy for people to tell websites they don’t want them to sell their data and banning loud advertisements on streaming platforms.

AI companion chatbots have drawn particular scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators in recent months. The Federal Trade Commission launched an investigation into several companies in response to complaints by consumer groups and parents that the bots were harming children’s mental health. OpenAI introduced new parental controls and other guardrails in its popular ChatGPT platform after the company was sued by parents who allege ChatGPT contributed to their teen son’s suicide.

«We’ve seen some truly horrific and tragic examples of young people harmed by unregulated tech, and we won’t stand by while companies continue without necessary limits and accountability,» Newsom said in a statement.

Don’t miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source.

One AI companion developer, Replika, told CNET that it already has protocols to detect self-harm as required by the new law, and that it is working with regulators and others to comply with requirements and protect consumers.

«As one of the pioneers in AI companionship, we recognize our profound responsibility to lead on safety,» Replika’s Minju Song said in an emailed statement. Song said Replika uses content-filtering systems, community guidelines and safety systems that refer users to crisis resources when needed.

A Character.ai spokesperson said the company «welcomes working with regulators and lawmakers as they develop regulations and legislation for this emerging space, and will comply with laws, including SB 243.» OpenAI spokesperson Jamie Radice called the bill a «meaningful move forward» for AI safety. «By setting clear guardrails, California is helping shape a more responsible approach to AI development and deployment across the country,» Radice said in an email.

One bill Newsom has yet to sign, AB 1064, would go further by prohibiting developers from making companion chatbots available to children unless the AI companion is «not foreseeably capable of» encouraging harmful activities or engaging in sexually explicit interactions, among other things.