Best Ways to Stream Anime for German Binge-Watchers
It’s never been a better time to be an anime fan. Global streaming services make it easy to watch groundbreaking anime classics and the latest shows no matter where you live. Read on to discover which anime streaming services are worth paying for and the best platforms to watch anime for free.
Many streaming services are only available in certain countries. CyberGhost is the top VPN in Germany, and it lets you enjoy your streaming subscriptions even when traveling abroad, so you don’t have to press pause on your favorite series.
Quick Guide: How to Stream Anime With CyberGhost
Safely access anime streaming services from anywhere in just 3 steps:
- Get CyberGhost and set up the app on your device.
- Connect to a VPN server in your home country.
- Discover new anime shows or rewatch old favorites!
The 5 Best Streaming Services for Anime
To identify the best streaming services for anime, I evaluated the size of each platform’s content library, exclusive content, and the ability to simulate shows (watch them as they’re released in Japan).
My review included dedicated anime sites and major streaming platforms with substantial anime collections.
1: Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is a top anime streaming service with a vast library, including hits like Attack on Titan, Naruto, and Demon Slayer, and original shows like TONIKAWA and Tower of God. Available worldwide except in Russia, Belarus, and parts of Asia, content varies by region with multiple language options.
Free ad-supported content is available, while paid subscriptions offer full access, simulcasts an hour after Japan, and offline downloads. Paid plans come with a 7-day free trial.
Pros:
- Extensive anime streaming platform
- Largest selection of simulcast shows
- Dubs available in multiple languages
- Free trial available
Cons:
- Numerous ads in free content
- More streaming glitches compared to other services
2. Netflix
Netflix has improved its anime selection, adding popular shows like My Hero Academia and Black Clover, and now offers simulcasts. It also features original live-action adaptations like One Piece and Avatar: The Last Airbender.
A solid choice for mainstream anime streaming, Netflix includes hits like Demon Slayer and exclusives like Devilman Crybaby. Available globally, the anime catalog varies by region. Netflix offers no free plan or trial, but pricing varies, and some countries have a cheaper ad-based option.
Pros:
- Exclusive live-action adaptations
- User-friendly website and app
- Available in most countries
Cons:
- No free plan or trial
- Limited number of simulcast shows
3. HIDIVE
HIDIVE offers niche anime, including edgy and shojo titles, with live chat for watch parties. It allows choosing between censored and uncensored versions and supports up to three profiles with parental controls.
While its library is smaller than Crunchyroll’s, it features exclusive content. Ideal for anime superfans, but less so for newcomers.
Available in the US, UK, Canada, Ireland, and Australia, HIDIVE offers reasonable prices and a 7-day free trial.
Pros:
- More affordable than other services
- Features live chat for virtual watch parties
- 7-day free trial
Cons:
- No offline viewing option
- Limited selection of well-known titles
- Smaller catalog compared to other streaming services
4. Hulu
Hulu offers a strong anime selection, including hits like Attack on Titan and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, plus more simulcast series than Netflix. It’s ideal for newcomers wanting mainstream anime and other content.
Available only in the U.S., Hulu has ad-based and ad-free plans, with a 30-day free trial.
Pros:
- A great mix of new and classic anime
- 30-day free trial period
Cons:
- Limited original or exclusive anime series
- Only available in the US
5. RetroCrush
RetroCrush is a US-only streaming platform focused on classic anime from the 1970s to 1990s, including titles like Astro Boy. Most content is free with ads, with an ad-free subscription available for extra content. It lacks a new or original series and has a smaller library, but it’s ideal for fans of nostalgic anime.
Pros:
- Plenty of free content
- Limited ads
Cons:
- Small content library
- Only available in the US
- No offline viewing option
Why You Need a VPN for Streaming Anime
Anime streaming services can be region-locked. A VPN masks your IP address, letting you access your favorite shows from anywhere.
It also bypasses streaming restrictions on school or workplace Wi-Fi and protects your data on public networks.
CyberGhost is ideal for anime streaming, offering a global server network and optimized servers for platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu. Enjoy fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth for seamless streaming on any device. Try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 customer support.
Paid platforms like Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Netflix offer extensive libraries and high-quality streaming, while free options like RetroCrush provide classic titles. Use a VPN, such as CyberGhost, to access regional restrictions and protect your data.
