The Best Anime Streaming Services in 2026
Anime streaming is bigger than ever in 2026. More platforms are chasing exclusives, Japan-first releases, and simulcasts — while regional restrictions and licensing changes make it confusing to know where to watch. This guide breaks down the best anime streaming services in 2026 and shows how a VPN router can unlock Japanese-only shows and fix streaming headaches on every device in your home.
For more background on streaming and VPNs, see Why Streaming Services Block VPNs and
VPN by Streaming Service.
Quick Overview – Best Anime Streaming Platforms (2026)
- Best Overall Anime Library: Crunchyroll
- Best for Dubs & Originals: Netflix (especially Netflix Japan)
- Best Free Option: Tubi
- Best for Classic Catalog: RetroCrush
- Most Underrated JP Catalog: Disney+ Japan
To build the ideal setup, pair this list with our VPN Service Overview and Best VPN Routers guide.
1. Crunchyroll – Best Overall Anime Streaming Service
Crunchyroll remains the top dedicated anime platform in 2026. It offers the most simulcasts, the deepest anime-only catalog, and strong support for both subs and dubs.
- Fastest simulcasts outside Japan
- Large dub catalog after the Funimation merger
- Huge genre spread: shonen, slice-of-life, sports, romance, mecha, and more
Popular titles on Crunchyroll (2026): Solo Leveling, Jujutsu Kaisen, Blue Lock, Demon Slayer, Kaiju No. 8.
2. Netflix (& Netflix Japan) – Best Originals + Global Variety
Netflix continues to invest heavily in anime-inspired originals and premium animation. But the biggest win is still Netflix Japan, which usually gets more titles and earlier releases than the US catalog.
- Exclusive anime and anime-adjacent originals
- Japan library with additional series and movies
- Great option if you already subscribe for non-anime content
Popular titles on Netflix: Blue Eye Samurai, Castlevania: Nocturne, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Beastars, Monster.
For a deeper dive into regional catalogs, see How to Watch Netflix Japan from Anywhere.
3. Tubi – Best Free Anime Streaming
Tubi has quietly become one of the best free anime streaming services. It offers a large library with limited ads and a steady rotation of older hits.
- Completely free with ad support
- Great for casual viewers and kids
- Surprisingly strong selection of shonen and classic titles
Popular titles on Tubi: Naruto, Yu Yu Hakusho, InuYasha, Case Closed.
4. Hulu – Best Mix of Anime + TV
Hulu is a solid choice if you want anime plus live TV, general series, and movies. Its anime catalog isn’t the largest, but it carries many fan-favorite franchises and simulcast carryovers.
Popular titles on Hulu: Attack on Titan, Tokyo Revengers, Spy x Family.
5. RetroCrush – Best for Classic Anime
RetroCrush is all about 80s–2000s classics and cult favorites. It’s the perfect second service if you love older animation styles and niche OVAs.
Popular titles on RetroCrush: Urusei Yatsura, Galaxy Express 999, City Hunter.
6. Disney+ Japan – Underrated Anime Library
Disney+ Japan offers regional exclusives, anime-adjacent projects, and localized releases that rarely appear in the US library. It’s a strong bonus catalog for sci-fi and action fans — especially if you already use Disney+.
7. Amazon Prime Video – Hidden Gems & Rotating Titles
Prime Video includes scattered anime exclusives, older favorites, and occasionally the first seasons of bigger shows. It’s not a dedicated anime platform, but it’s a useful extra library if you’re already a Prime member.
Best VPNs for Japanese Anime Libraries (2026)
To unlock the full power of Netflix Japan, Crunchyroll JP/EU, Disney+ Japan, and other regional libraries, you need a VPN with strong Japan servers and stable streaming performance.
- NordVPN – excellent Japan speeds with NordLynx; ideal when paired with the Privacy Hero 2 NordVPN Router.
- Surfshark – budget-friendly with a large Japan server cluster and unlimited devices; great for anime-heavy households.
- ExpressVPN – long-time favorite for Netflix Japan reliability and SmartDNS options.
Compare providers and find the right VPN for your setup on the
FlashRouters VPN Types page.
How VPN Routers Help You Stream More Anime
Most people try to unblock anime with a VPN app on a laptop or phone. That works, but it doesn’t help the devices that matter most for big-screen anime marathons: smart TVs, Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, PlayStation, Xbox, and more.
A VPN router solves this by running your VPN connection at the router level. Once it’s set up, anything connected to your WiFi benefits from the VPN — no extra apps, logins, or manual region switching on each device.
- Unlock Japanese streaming libraries on every device
- Fix “content not available in your region” errors
- Reduce the number of times streaming apps block your VPN
- Secure your entire network with one configuration
For more examples of what you can do, see
What Can I Do With a FlashRouter?
Best VPN Routers for Anime Streaming in 2026
These three VPN routers are ideal for anime fans who want smooth 4K streaming, easy access to Japanese libraries, and strong WiFi performance.
Asus RT-BE88U
A WiFi 7 powerhouse for large homes streaming multiple 4K anime titles across many devices.
- Ultra-fast WiFi 7 throughput
- Great for multi-room anime streaming
- Excellent for Netflix Japan and Crunchyroll
Privacy Hero 2
The official NordVPN-partnered router built to make Netflix Japan and other region hops as simple as choosing a location.
- Integrated NordVPN / NordLynx support
- Cloud controls and app-based management
- Streaming relocation for Netflix, Crunchyroll & more
Slate WiFi 7 Travel Router
A compact WiFi 7 VPN router you can toss in a bag for hotel, Airbnb, dorm, or convention streaming.
- Encrypts hotel and public WiFi in seconds
- Carry your “home region” anime apps anywhere
- Perfect sidekick for frequent travelers
Stream Anime Without Borders in 2026
A VPN router lets you watch anime the way it was meant to be watched — in high quality, on the biggest screen in your house, without worrying about what region you’re in.
- Unlock Japanese-exclusive anime libraries
- Fix “not available in your region” errors
- Improve WiFi stability for 4K anime marathons
- Protect every device on your network automatically
The Best Anime Streaming Services in 2026
Anime streaming is bigger than ever in 2026. More platforms are chasing exclusives, Japan-first releases, and simulcasts — while regional restrictions and licensing changes make it confusing to know where to watch. This guide breaks down the best anime streaming services in 2026 and shows how a VPN router can unlock Japanese-only shows and fix streaming headaches on every device in your home.
For more background on streaming and VPNs, see
Why Streaming Services Block VPNs and
VPN by Streaming Service.
Quick Overview – Best Anime Streaming Platforms (2026)
- Best Overall Anime Library: Crunchyroll
- Best for Dubs & Originals: Netflix (especially Netflix Japan)
- Best Free Option: Tubi
- Best for Classic Catalog: RetroCrush
- Most Underrated JP Catalog: Disney+ Japan
To build the ideal setup, pair this list with our
VPN Types Overview and
Best VPN Routers guide.
1. Crunchyroll – Best Overall Anime Streaming Service
Crunchyroll remains the top dedicated anime platform in 2026. It offers the most simulcasts, the deepest anime-only catalog, and strong support for both subs and dubs.
- Fastest simulcasts outside Japan
- Large dub catalog after the Funimation merger
- Huge genre spread: shonen, slice-of-life, sports, romance, mecha, and more
Popular titles on Crunchyroll (2026): Solo Leveling, Jujutsu Kaisen, Blue Lock, Demon Slayer, Kaiju No. 8.
2. Netflix (& Netflix Japan) – Best Originals + Global Variety
Netflix continues to invest heavily in anime-inspired originals and premium animation. But the biggest win is still Netflix Japan, which usually gets more titles and earlier releases than the US catalog.
- Exclusive anime and anime-adjacent originals
- Japan library with additional series and movies
- Great option if you already subscribe for non-anime content
Popular titles on Netflix: Blue Eye Samurai, Castlevania: Nocturne, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Beastars, Monster.
For a deeper dive into regional catalogs, see
How to Watch Netflix Japan from Anywhere.
3. Tubi – Best Free Anime Streaming
Tubi has quietly become one of the best free anime streaming services. It offers a large library with limited ads and a steady rotation of older hits.
- Completely free with ad support
- Great for casual viewers and kids
- Surprisingly strong selection of shonen and classic titles
Popular titles on Tubi: Naruto, Yu Yu Hakusho, InuYasha, Case Closed.
4. Hulu – Best Mix of Anime + TV
Hulu is a solid choice if you want anime plus live TV, general series, and movies. Its anime catalog isn’t the largest, but it carries many fan-favorite franchises and simulcast carryovers.
Popular titles on Hulu: Attack on Titan, Tokyo Revengers, Spy x Family.
5. RetroCrush – Best for Classic Anime
RetroCrush is all about 80s–2000s classics and cult favorites. It’s the perfect second service if you love older animation styles and niche OVAs.
Popular titles on RetroCrush: Urusei Yatsura, Galaxy Express 999, City Hunter.
6. Disney+ Japan – Underrated Anime Library
Disney+ Japan offers regional exclusives, anime-adjacent projects, and localized releases that rarely appear in the US library. It’s a strong bonus catalog for sci-fi and action fans — especially if you already use Disney+.
7. Amazon Prime Video – Hidden Gems & Rotating Titles
Prime Video includes scattered anime exclusives, older favorites, and occasionally the first seasons of bigger shows. It’s not a dedicated anime platform, but it’s a useful extra library if you’re already a Prime member.
Best VPNs for Japanese Anime Libraries (2026)
To unlock the full power of Netflix Japan, Crunchyroll JP/EU, Disney+ Japan, and other regional libraries, you need a VPN with strong Japan servers and stable streaming performance.
- NordVPN – excellent Japan speeds with NordLynx; ideal when paired with the Privacy Hero 2 NordVPN Router.
- Surfshark – budget-friendly with a large Japan server cluster and unlimited devices; great for anime-heavy households.
- ExpressVPN – long-time favorite for Netflix Japan reliability and SmartDNS options.
Compare providers and find the right VPN for your setup on the FlashRouters VPN Types page.
How VPN Routers Help You Stream More Anime
Most people try to unblock anime with a VPN app on a laptop or phone. That works, but it doesn’t help the devices that matter most for big-screen anime marathons: smart TVs, Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, PlayStation, Xbox, and more.
A VPN router solves this by running your VPN connection at the router level. Once it’s set up, anything connected to your WiFi benefits from the VPN — no extra apps, logins, or manual region switching on each device.
- Unlock Japanese streaming libraries on every device
- Fix “content not available in your region” errors
- Reduce the number of times streaming apps block your VPN
- Secure your entire network with one configuration
For more examples of what you can do, see What Can I Do With a FlashRouter?
Best VPN Routers for Anime Streaming in 2026
These three VPN routers are ideal for anime fans who want smooth 4K streaming, easy access to Japanese libraries, and strong WiFi performance.
Asus RT-BE88U
A WiFi 7 powerhouse for large homes streaming multiple 4K anime titles across many devices.
- Ultra-fast WiFi 7 throughput
- Great for multi-room anime streaming
- Excellent for Netflix Japan and Crunchyroll
Privacy Hero 2
The official NordVPN-partnered router built to make Netflix Japan and other region hops as simple as choosing a location.
- Integrated NordVPN / NordLynx support
- Cloud controls and app-based management
- Streaming relocation for Netflix, Crunchyroll & more
Slate WiFi 7 Travel Router
A compact WiFi 7 VPN router you can toss in a bag for hotel, Airbnb, dorm, or convention streaming.
- Encrypts hotel and public WiFi in seconds
- Carry your “home region” anime apps anywhere
- Perfect sidekick for frequent travelers
Stream Anime Without Borders in 2026
A VPN router lets you watch anime the way it was meant to be watched — in high quality, on the biggest screen in your house, without worrying about what region you’re in.
- Unlock Japanese-exclusive anime libraries
- Fix “not available in your region” errors
- Improve WiFi stability for 4K anime marathons
- Protect every device on your network automatically
Best Streaming Anime Services
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