Hidive vs Crunchyroll: Best Platform for Anime Fans in 2025

If you’re into anime, you’ve probably heard of Hidive vs Crunchyroll comparison. Both platforms offer a huge selection of anime, but which one is the best for you? Choosing between Hidive and Crunchyroll depends on what you’re looking for. Do you prefer a larger catalog or unique hidden gems? Are you focused on video quality, pricing, or social features? In this guide, we’ll compare everything from anime library, subscription plans, video quality, and device compatibility to help you decide. Keep reading to find out which is the best anime streaming service 2025!

1. Hidive vs Crunchyroll: Introduction

What is Hidive?

Hidive is an anime streaming service owned by AMC Networks, and a big chunk of its library comes from Sentai Filmworks. Unlike mainstream services, Hidive anime focuses on bringing lesser-known gems, classic anime, and simulcasts that aren’t always available on bigger platforms like Crunchyroll.

One of Hidive’s standout features is its uncensored anime content, so if you prefer watching anime the way it was meant to be seen, this is the place for you. It also provides dubbed and subbed anime options, giving you flexibility in how you watch. Another major advantage is Hidive’s watch party, where you can stream anime with friends in real time.

What is Crunchyroll?

Crunchyroll is one of the biggest names in anime streaming for beginners, known for bringing all anime lovers the latest and greatest Japanese anime. Owned by Sony Group, it has a massive library packed with everything from popular mainstream hits to fresh seasonal releases. If you’re always on the lookout for new anime, Crunchyroll is where you’ll find the most simulcasts shows that drop the same day they air in Japan.

Besides anime, Crunchyroll also offers manga, drama, and even merch. Plus, you can watch in subbed or dubbed versions, and the platform supports HD streaming on almost every device, including PC, mobile, gaming consoles, smart TVs, and more.

2. Hidive vs Crunchyroll: Which is the Best One to Watch Anime?

Now that you’ve got a general idea of what Hidive vs Crunchyroll offer, you’re probably wondering: Hidive vs Crunchyroll, which one is actually the best anime streaming service 2025? Which service has the shows you want, and which one gives you the best overall experience? To help you decide, let’s compare Hidive vs Crunchyroll side by side, starting with anime library.

1. Anime Library

If you’re after a massive anime collection, Crunchyroll is the way to go. It’s packed with thousands of anime, from big-name hits to seasonal simulcasts that drop right after they air in Japan. Whether you're into long-running series like One Piece or new fan favorites like Jujutsu Kaisen, you'll find it here.

Hidive, on the other hand, has a smaller but more unique selection. A lot of its anime comes from Sentai Filmworks, so you’ll find hidden gems, niche titles, and exclusives that you won’t get on Crunchyroll. Plus, Hidive anime sometimes offers uncensored versions of certain shows, which can be a big deal if you prefer the original cut.

2. Subscription Plans

When it comes to pricing, Hidive vs Crunchyroll have pretty different subscription plans.

• Hidive offer just one paid plan at $5.99/month or $59.99/year. There’s no free tier, but you do get a 7-day free trial to test it out.

• Crunchyroll gives you three paid tiers: Fan ($7.99/month), Mega Fan ($11.99/month), and Ultimate Fan ($15.99/month). The higher the plan, the more perks—like offline downloads and streaming on multiple devices. Plus, there’s a free plan, but it comes with ads and limited episodes.

3. Video Quality

Both Hidive vs Crunchyroll offer HD streaming, but there are some differences in quality. Crunchyroll lets you stream anime in 240p, 360p, 480p, 720p, and 1080p, depending on your internet speed and subscription tier. Hidive anime also supports 360p, 480p, 720p, and 1080p, giving you similar quality to Crunchyroll.

In terms of pure resolution, both max out at 1080p, so you won’t see a difference there. However, Crunchyroll has more adaptive quality settings, which can be helpful if your connection isn’t always stable.

4. Device Compatibility

When comparing Hidive vs Crunchyroll, it's essential to consider the devices each platform supports, especially if you prefer watching anime on specific device.

Crunchyroll offers a wide range of device compatibility, including:

• Mobile Devices: iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.
• Gaming Consoles: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.
• Smart TVs and Streaming Devices: Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Samsung Smart TVs, and LG Smart TVs.
• Web Browsers.

Hidive, meanwhile, is available on:

• Mobile Devices: iPhone, iPad, Android phones, and tablets.
• Smart TVs and Streaming Devices: Android TV, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast.
• Mobile Devices: iPhone, iPad, Android phones, and tablets.
• Web Browsers: www.hidive.com on major web browsers.

While Hidive covers many popular devices, it currently lacks support for PlayStation consoles and certain smart TV brands.

5. Social Features

When it comes to social interaction, Hidive vs Crunchyroll take different approaches. Hidive’s Watch Party feature is perfect for watching anime with friends in real time, no matter where you are. You can sync up an episode, chat while watching, and react together, making it feel like a virtual anime night. This is great if you and your friends live in different places but still want to binge your favorite series together. Unlike just texting about an episode afterward, Hidive lets you experience the exciting anime at the same time.

Crunchyroll, on the other hand, leans more into community engagement. It has forums, user discussions, and official news updates, making it easy to discover new anime recommendations and interact with other fans. Some forums are even organized by genre and fan interests, so you can join conversations that match your taste.

6. Safety

Both Hidive and Crunchyroll are 100% legal and safe, no sketchy ads or risky downloads. Crunchyroll is owned by Sony, a major company with strong security and official licensing deals, while Hidive is owned by AMC Networks and also fully licensed, though it’s a smaller platform. So, whichever you choose, you’re streaming legally and supporting the anime industry, so there’s no downside in terms of safety.

3. How to Download Hidive and Crunchyroll Anime to Watch Offline [100% working]

Streaming Hidive and Crunchyroll anime is great, but there are times when you might want to watch your favorite shows offline, like during travel or when you have limited internet access. The best way at this time is to download the anime as MP4 format and watch it offline.

VidiCable is a versatile tool that supports downloading anime in MP4 from Crunchyroll, Hidive and over 1,000 streaming services. Whether you've chosen your preferred anime service or haven't subscribed to a plan that offers offline downloads, VidiCable has you covered. It ensures high-quality downloads with excellent audio, up to 1080P video resolution. Additionally, it allows you to retain multiple audio tracks and subtitles, catering to your language preferences. The download speed is impressive; tests have shown that you can download an episode in just a few minutes.

Step 1 Choose Streaming Service

Open VidiCable, select Crunchyroll or Hidive as the source, and log into your account within the built-in browser.

Step 2 Access Settings

Click the Settings button and adjust the video format and output path.

Step 3 Search for the Video

Use the search bar to look for the anime you want to download. Click on the episode or season you’d like to save.

Step 4 Adjust Advanced Settings

Click the green Download button, and the Advanced Download window will pop up. Here you can choose the language of audio track and subtitles to download.

Step 5 Download Crunchyroll or Hidive Anime

Hit the download key and the Hidive or Crunchyroll Anime will be quickly saved in your computer, then you can watch it offline anytime.

4. FAQs about Hidive vs Crunchyroll

Is HiDive better or Crunchyroll?

It depends on what you’re looking for. Crunchyroll is better if you want a massive anime selection, more simulcasts, and broad device support. However, if you prefer exclusive titles, niche anime, and uncensored versions then choose Hidive. It’s also cheaper than Crunchyroll.

Where can I watch Call of the Night, Hidive or Crunchyroll?

Call of the Night is only available on Hidive, not Crunchyroll. Since Sentai Filmworks owns the streaming rights, Hidive is the only legal platform to watch it. If you want to watch this anime, you’ll need a Hidive subscription.

Final Word

Choosing between Hidive vs Crunchyroll comes down to what kind of anime fan you are. If you want quantity, Crunchyroll wins. If you want hidden gems and exclusives, Hidive is the better choice. No matter which one you choose, if you want to download anime for offline viewing, VidiCable makes it easy to download Crunchyroll and Hidive anime in MP4.