Crunchyroll vs Hidive: Which Service is Better?

Platforms like Crunchyroll and Hidive offer a huge number of anime shows in different genres. But to choose between Crunchyroll vs HiDive is a bit difficult due to multiple factors such as content availability, pricing, simulcasts, dubs, and device support. To make it ease for you in this in-depth comparison, we will analyze both of the platforms to help you decide which is the best for anime streaming.

Features	Crunchyroll	HiDive
Content Library	Extensive anime collection	Smaller library, niche exclusives
Simulcasts	Fastest release time	Limited simulcasts
Dubbed Content	Extensive multilingual content	Good but limited
Device Support	Available on all devices	Supports fewer devices
Pricing	$7.99/month	$4.99/month
Exclusives	Crunchyroll Originals	Sentai Filmworks exclusives

Content Library

Crunchyroll

• One of the largest anime libraries with more than 1000+ titles.
• Popular anime are: One Piece, Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, Naruto, and Dragon Ball.
• Features Crunchyroll Originals (e.g., Tower of God, The God of High School).

Hidive

• Smaller collection with 500+ titles.
• Exclusive access to Sentai Filmworks anime like: Made in Abyss, No Game No Life, Parasyte: The Maxim.
• Focus on underground and niche anime.

✅ Verdict: If you want mainstream anime, Crunchyroll is better. If you enjoy exclusive, lesser-known titles, Hidive is worth considering.

Pricing & Subscription Plans

Crunchyroll Pricing

• Free Plan: Ad-supported, limited access.
• Fan Plan ($7.99/month): No ads, full access.
• Mega Fan ($9.99/month): Offline viewing, 4 devices.
• Ultimate Fan ($14.99/month): Extra perks & exclusive merch discounts.

Hidive Pricing

• No Free Plan, but a 7-day trial.
• $4.99/month or $47.99/year.
• Includes offline viewing & multiple device support.

✅ Verdict: Hidive is cheaper, but Crunchyroll offers more flexibility with a free plan.

Simulcasts & Release Speed

Crunchyroll

• Fastest simulcasts (new episodes within 1 hour of Japan’s broadcast).
• Large collection of seasonal anime.

Hidive

• Slower simulcasts compared to Crunchyroll.
• Offers Sentai Filmworks exclusives.

✅ Verdict: For the fastest new episodes, Crunchyroll is the better option.

Dubbed Content

Crunchyroll

• Extensive dubs in multiple languages.
• Multilingual subtitle options.

Hidive

• Exclusive dubs for Sentai Filmworks titles.
• Smaller selection of dubbed content.

✅ Verdict: For more dubs, Crunchyroll is the better choice.

Streaming Quality & Device Support

Crunchyroll

• Streaming Quality: 1080p, with some content also in 4K
• Supported Devices: Android, iOS, Smart TVs, PlayStation, Xbox, Firestick, Roku, Apple TV, and Web Browsers.

Hidive

• Streaming Quality: Mostly 1080p.
• Supported Devices: Apple TV, Android, iOS, Roku.
• HiDive supports fewer devices as compared to Crunchyroll.

✅ Verdict: For better quality and device support, Crunchyroll wins.

Regional Availability

Crunchyroll

• Available in many countries, but some anime are region-locked.
• Users often use VPNs to access more content.

Hidive

• Fewer geographical restrictions
• Better availability where Crunchyroll is blocked.

✅ Verdict: Crunchyroll has a wider reach, but Hidive has fewer geo-restrictions.

Community Engagement

Crunchyroll

• Active community forums, events, and news.
• Manga reading service is included in some plans.
• Integrates with Funimation’s library.

Hidive

• Simple streaming-only service.
• No community features or extra content.

✅ Verdict: For interactive features & extra content, Crunchyroll is the better platform.

Pros and Cons

Crunchyroll

Hidive

Choose Crunchyroll if

Choose Hidive if

If you’re considering general streaming services that offer anime along with movies, TV shows, and originals, check out our article on Crunchyroll vs Hulu to see how it compares to a multi-genre platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Both Crunchyroll and Hidive are excellent choices for anime lovers, but due to their anime content and different genres, they have different audiences. Crunchyroll is best for mainstream anime lovers, with a massive selection of shows and the fastest same-day simulcast features. You can stream anime on Hidive if you are in need of a budget-friendly option and prefer niche and lesser-known anime that you won’t find elsewhere