Indian Anime Streaming Wars: Where to Watch Paid Anime Content

In recent years, the Indian entertainment landscape has been transformed by the explosive growth of anime. Once a niche interest confined to a dedicated few in the country, anime has now captured the hearts and minds of a vast and diverse audience across the country. From bustling metropolises to quiet rural towns, the colorful, imaginative worlds of Japanese animation have become a beloved escape for millions of Indian viewers. This surge in popularity has seen anime transition from late-night TV slots to mainstream streaming platforms, with a growing number of fans eagerly following the latest series and eagerly discussing plot twists and character arcs on social media.

The cultural impact of anime in India is undeniable. Conventions, cosplay events, and fan clubs have mushroomed, bringing together enthusiasts who celebrate their favorite shows and characters with a passion previously reserved for Bollywood stars and cricket legends. As anime continues to weave itself into the fabric of Indian pop culture, the demand for quality content has skyrocketed. Today, anime aficionados are spoilt for choice, with multiple platforms vying for their attention. From the convenience and variety of streaming services like JioCinema, Netflix, Hotstar, Crunchyroll, and Prime Video, to the nostalgic charm of traditional TV channels such as Sony Yay, Anime Booth, and Animaz, the options are endless. But with so many choices, which platform offers the best value for money and the richest anime experience? Let’s explore the contenders and find out.

Who Offers The Best Anime Content in India?

Streaming services have revolutionized how we consume media. With just a click, viewers can dive into vast libraries of content. For anime enthusiasts, platforms like JioCinema, Netflix, Hotstar, Crunchyroll, and Prime Video promise a suite of popular anime but they are not the only competitors on the block. Traditional DTH services are also offering anime content with Airtel DTH and Sony Yay being notable players in the market. 

JioCinema, beloved by many for its extensive Indian content, is one of the most affordable services if you are new to anime. But for an ardent anime fan, it’s a mixed bag. While JioCinema has started incorporating popular anime titles, the selection remains sparse. Various Jio services may have JioCinema bundled as part of mobile or internet plans so you might be able to experience all of the anime content JioCinema has to offer for “free” as an existing Jio user. 

Netflix needs no introduction. With its massive library and original productions, it’s a powerhouse in the streaming world. For anime lovers, Netflix is a treasure trove with over 150 anime on offer. Netflix Originals add a unique flavor, offering titles like Devilman: Crybaby and Baki that have been produced by the streaming platform itself. However, this extensive library comes at a price, with subscription tiers that might stretch some budgets. It is one of the most expensive subscription services in India for not just anime, but for any type of streaming content. 

Hotstar (Disney+ Hotstar), known for its live sports and Disney content, ventures into anime but doesn’t lead the pack. Anime movies and a few series dot its catalog, but for fans seeking an extensive library of content, it is rarely the first place to look. However, just like JioCinema, Hotstar is often offered as part of mobile and broadband plans from operators like Airtel and Jio so you might be able to get a bundled subscription at a discounted price.

Every anime fan has heard of Crunchyroll. With over 1,000 titles, it’s a paradise for anime purists across the globe but its Indian library offers only a fraction of what some countries get to experience. The streaming service does offer regional pricing in India, which lowers its subscription cost from $8 (INR 1000) per month to just INR 79 Whether it’s classics or new releases, Crunchyroll’s extensive library is unmatched in India.

Prime Video, part of the Amazon Prime ecosystem, offers a growing anime collection. Titles like "Vinland Saga" and "Dororo" add depth to its library, though it’s not as vast as Crunchyroll’s. If you already have Amazon Prime, you can subscribe to Anime Times which is a modular add-on introducing over 100 shows for a small subscription fee. Anime Times offers a host of popular anime and it is one of the best alternatives to Crunchyroll if you are looking for mainstream titles. 

Anime Booth is an affordable offering that is currently bundled with Airtel DTH and xStream broadband plans. It currently features just seven popular anime but all of them are dubbed in multiple regional languages and it is a great starting point for existing Airtel DTH or broadband subscribers. 

If you don’t want to spend any money, there’s an option for you as well. Ani-One Asia’s YouTube channel offers a small selection of anime from smaller studios that you can watch for free. While the shows may not share the same mass market appeal, there are some great anime that you can watch on the channel.

What Service Should You Opt For?

Objectively, Crunchyroll offers the most value for money thanks to its massive library of anime. The service is also cheaper than some of the other services we evaluated. But if you are already a Jio or Airtel subscriber, chances are that you can opt for something like JioCinema or Hotstar for free. 

For a complete beginner to anime, Anime Booth which is currently available via Airtel is a great option despite its tiny library. You get access to Naruto and Demon Slayer, which are two of the most popular anime among young adults and they come in multiple regional dubs. If we had to pick one, Crunchyroll would get our topmost recommendation, and its asking price of INR 79 per month. You can also opt for the INR 99 plan which allows you to use the account on four devices simultaneously, opening up room for sharing with friends and family. There is an annual plan Mega Fan plan for INR 999 per year and the platform has introduced a host of localised content with over 80 anime receiving dubs in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.