Best Anime Apps For IPhone: Watch On The Go!
Hey anime lovers! Ever wished you could carry your favorite shows in your pocket? Well, guess what? With the rise of smartphones, especially iPhones, watching anime on the go has never been easier. Let's dive into some of the best anime apps that’ll keep you entertained wherever you are. From simulcasts straight from Japan to classic series, we’ve got you covered.
Why Watch Anime on Your iPhone?
Before we jump into the apps, let's talk about why watching anime on your iPhone is a total game-changer.
- Convenience is key, guys. Instead of being glued to your TV or computer, you can catch up on episodes during your commute, lunch break, or even while waiting in line. Seriously, any downtime becomes anime time!
- High-quality streaming: Most of these apps offer crisp, high-definition video, so you’re not sacrificing visual quality for portability. Plus, iPhones have fantastic screens that make the colors pop and the action sequences even more thrilling.
- Offline viewing: Yes, you heard that right! Many apps let you download episodes to watch offline. Perfect for long flights or when you know you'll be in an area with spotty Wi-Fi. Say goodbye to boredom and hello to uninterrupted anime marathons!
- Staying up-to-date: With simulcast options, you can watch new episodes almost as soon as they air in Japan. No more waiting for fan subs or dodgy streams. You'll be part of the global anime community, discussing the latest twists and turns in real-time. How cool is that?
- Personalized experience: These apps often come with features like personalized recommendations, watchlists, and the ability to track your progress. So, you can easily keep tabs on what you’ve watched and discover new shows tailored to your tastes.
So, ready to transform your iPhone into an anime powerhouse? Let’s get started!
Top Anime Streaming Apps for iPhone
Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here are some of the best anime streaming apps you can download on your iPhone right now. Each one has its own perks, so find the one that fits your viewing style and budget.
Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is like the king of anime streaming. It's got a massive library with thousands of episodes and movies, covering everything from popular hits to obscure gems. If you’re serious about anime, this is the place to start. The user interface is super friendly, making it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for, whether it’s the latest episode of your favorite show or a classic series you’ve been meaning to check out.
One of the best things about Crunchyroll is its simulcast feature. You can watch new episodes of ongoing series shortly after they air in Japan. This is a huge plus if you want to stay up-to-date with the latest anime trends and participate in online discussions without worrying about spoilers. The app also offers a premium subscription, which gets rid of ads and gives you access to higher-quality streams, as well as offline viewing. The premium subscription is totally worth it if you're a heavy anime watcher. The ad-free experience alone is a major selling point. Plus, you can download episodes to your iPhone and watch them offline, which is perfect for those long commutes or when you're traveling and don't want to rely on Wi-Fi.
Beyond just anime, Crunchyroll also offers a selection of manga, so you can read your favorite stories on the go as well. The app keeps track of your viewing history, so you can easily pick up where you left off. It also provides personalized recommendations based on your viewing habits, helping you discover new series that you might enjoy. The ability to create a watchlist is also super handy. You can add shows that you want to watch later, so you don't forget about them. Overall, Crunchyroll is a must-have app for any anime fan with an iPhone. It has a vast library, simulcast capabilities, and a user-friendly interface, making it easy to enjoy your favorite anime anytime, anywhere.
Funimation
Funimation is another heavy hitter in the anime streaming world, especially known for its extensive collection of dubbed anime. If you prefer watching anime in English, Funimation is your go-to app. They’ve got a solid lineup of popular series and exclusive titles. If you're someone who prefers to watch anime dubbed in English, Funimation is definitely worth checking out. While they do offer some subtitled content, their focus is primarily on providing high-quality dubs. The app interface is pretty straightforward, allowing you to easily browse through their library and find what you're looking for. You can sort by genre, popularity, and simulcast to quickly discover new and exciting shows.
Like Crunchyroll, Funimation also offers a premium subscription that unlocks ad-free viewing, HD quality, and offline downloads. The premium subscription also gives you access to exclusive content and early access to certain episodes. This can be a major draw if you want to stay ahead of the curve and watch the latest episodes as soon as they're available. Funimation's app includes a watchlist feature, which allows you to keep track of the shows you want to watch. It also provides personalized recommendations based on your viewing history, helping you discover new anime that you might enjoy. One thing that sets Funimation apart is its focus on home video releases. If you're a collector, you can often find special editions and exclusive merchandise through their online store. The app also integrates with their home video offerings, allowing you to easily access digital copies of the anime you own on Blu-ray or DVD.
For those who love behind-the-scenes content, Funimation often includes extras like interviews with voice actors and production staff. This can give you a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into creating your favorite anime. Overall, Funimation is a great option for iPhone users who prefer dubbed anime. With a vast library, a user-friendly interface, and a focus on high-quality dubs, it's a solid choice for any anime fan.
Netflix
Alright, guys, you probably already know about Netflix, but did you know they have a pretty decent selection of anime? While it's not solely dedicated to anime like Crunchyroll or Funimation, Netflix has been investing heavily in anime content, including both licensed titles and original productions. This makes it a great option for casual anime watchers or those who want a mix of different types of entertainment. The Netflix app is super easy to use, and you can watch on pretty much any device. Whether you're at home on your TV or on the go with your iPhone, Netflix has you covered. The app allows you to create multiple profiles, so everyone in your family can have their own personalized viewing experience.
Netflix's anime library includes a mix of classic series and newer titles, as well as some exclusive anime that you won't find anywhere else. They've also been producing their own original anime, which have gained a lot of popularity. Some of these include shows like "Devilman Crybaby," "Violet Evergarden," and "Aggretsuko." One of the biggest advantages of Netflix is its offline viewing feature. You can download episodes to your iPhone and watch them without an internet connection. This is perfect for long flights, commutes, or any situation where you might not have reliable Wi-Fi. Netflix also offers a variety of subscription plans to suit different budgets and needs. You can choose a basic plan for standard definition viewing or upgrade to a premium plan for 4K Ultra HD quality.
The app keeps track of your viewing history and provides personalized recommendations based on what you've watched. This can be a great way to discover new anime that you might enjoy. Netflix also has a parental control feature, which allows you to restrict certain content based on age ratings. This is useful if you have kids who use the app. Overall, Netflix is a solid option for watching anime on your iPhone, especially if you're already a subscriber. With a decent selection of anime, a user-friendly interface, and offline viewing capabilities, it's a convenient way to enjoy your favorite shows.
Hulu
Hulu is another streaming service that offers a selection of anime, along with a wide variety of other TV shows and movies. It’s a great option if you want a more diverse range of content beyond just anime. Hulu offers both subtitled and dubbed versions of many anime series, so you can choose the format that you prefer. The app interface is pretty straightforward, making it easy to find the shows you want to watch. You can browse by genre, popularity, or simulcast to discover new anime.
Hulu also offers a live TV option, which allows you to watch live channels in addition to on-demand content. This can be a great way to catch up on your favorite shows as they air. Like Netflix, Hulu also produces its own original content, including some anime. One of the main advantages of Hulu is its simulcast capabilities. You can watch new episodes of ongoing series shortly after they air in Japan. This is a major plus if you want to stay up-to-date with the latest anime trends. Hulu offers a few different subscription plans, including an ad-supported plan and an ad-free plan. The ad-free plan is more expensive but provides a more seamless viewing experience.
You can also add on premium channels like HBO or Showtime for an additional fee. The app keeps track of your viewing history and provides personalized recommendations based on what you've watched. This can be a great way to discover new anime that you might enjoy. Hulu also offers a watchlist feature, which allows you to keep track of the shows you want to watch later. Overall, Hulu is a solid option for watching anime on your iPhone, especially if you're looking for a streaming service with a diverse range of content. With simulcast capabilities, a user-friendly interface, and a wide variety of TV shows and movies, it's a convenient way to enjoy your favorite anime.
HIDIVE
HIDIVE might be a lesser-known name compared to Crunchyroll or Funimation, but it's a hidden gem for anime fans. It boasts a unique selection of anime, including some hard-to-find titles and niche series. If you're looking for something beyond the mainstream, HIDIVE is worth checking out. HIDIVE's library includes a mix of classic series and newer titles, as well as some exclusive anime that you won't find on other streaming services. They also focus on acquiring unique and underappreciated anime. The app interface is pretty straightforward, allowing you to easily browse through their library and find what you're looking for.
HIDIVE offers both subtitled and dubbed versions of many anime series, so you can choose the format that you prefer. The app also includes a simulcast feature, which allows you to watch new episodes of ongoing series shortly after they air in Japan. This is a major plus if you want to stay up-to-date with the latest anime trends. HIDIVE offers a premium subscription that unlocks ad-free viewing and access to higher-quality streams. The premium subscription also gives you access to exclusive content and early access to certain episodes. HIDIVE's app includes a watchlist feature, which allows you to keep track of the shows you want to watch. It also provides personalized recommendations based on your viewing history, helping you discover new anime that you might enjoy.
One thing that sets HIDIVE apart is its focus on creating a community for anime fans. They often host online events and discussions, allowing you to connect with other viewers and share your thoughts on your favorite shows. For those who are interested in supporting smaller streaming services, HIDIVE is a great option. By subscribing, you're helping to support the acquisition and distribution of unique and underappreciated anime. Overall, HIDIVE is a great option for iPhone users who are looking for something beyond the mainstream. With a unique library, a user-friendly interface, and a focus on community, it's a solid choice for any anime fan.
Tips for the Best Anime Viewing Experience on Your iPhone
Okay, now that you know about the best apps, here are a few tips to make your anime-watching experience even better:
- Invest in good headphones: Trust me, the audio quality makes a huge difference, especially during intense fight scenes or emotional moments.
- Adjust video quality: If you're on a limited data plan, lower the video quality to save data. Most apps let you adjust this in the settings.
- Use Wi-Fi whenever possible: Streaming anime can eat up your data quickly. Stick to Wi-Fi when you can to avoid overage charges.
- Explore different genres: Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try new genres. You might discover your next favorite series!
- Join online communities: Discussing anime with other fans can enhance your viewing experience and introduce you to new shows.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! Watching anime on your iPhone is super convenient and opens up a whole new world of entertainment. Whether you're a long-time anime fan or just getting started, these apps will keep you entertained for hours. Happy watching, guys!