Best anime related sites and apps for your smartphones
Last year we did a review of the best manga apps for all you anime/manga lovers out there (you can find it here). Although it has been a long time since then, I only now found the time to create a similar list, this time with more variety, based on the best apps (and not only) associated with anime. I hope this list will be helpful to many of you and make your hobby more accessible and fun. So, turn on some of your favorite anime music and let’s begin!
Crunchyroll (site, app)
Crunchyroll is by far the most famous legal anime streaming site, with over 25,000 anime episodes, all translated in English and other languages. You can join the site for free or sign up for the premium features that allow you to access new episodes as soon as they are available from Japan (usually an hour after the original Japanese broadcast), enjoy the shows in HD and with no annoying ads, and access all their library which is partially restricted for the free users. If you want to make a free account you will still be able to enjoy your shows but you will have limited access to the titles and with standard definition, plus ads. Please keep in mind that depending on where you’re from, some shows might not be available so make sure you check your options before signing up.
Crunchyroll has also made it available for the members to watch the shows through their smartphones with a very handy app available for all devices. Instead of having to download a file on your PC and move it to your phone, you can stream your favorite anime shows with ease and with the least amount of effort.
Site: www.crunchyroll.com
App: Click for iOS, Android and Windows.
MyAnimeList (site, app)
If you are one of those people who like to have everything organized and keep track of your shows, then Anime List will be your heaven. By creating an account you can organize your own anime and manga list, and not only update which episode you’re on, but also categorize your anime or manga depending on whether you’re completed them, are currently watching them and more. On top of that you can find any title and all information regarding it as it has a huge library and is constantly updated. The forums are also a great place to visit and discuss news or episodes and you can even become a member of various clubs. It is completely free and also has an easy to use app in which you can update your lists fast and easy.
Site: https://myanimelist.net
App: Download MAL for iOS or Android.
Taiga (PC only)
If you want to access your anime list without having to visit the site, then Taiga is the program that will make your wish come true. Taiga allows you to make changes to your list from your desktop simply by logging in with your MAL account or your Hummingbird account. Simply by doing this, your whole list will appear at your desktop and you won’t have to visit MAL again to update it. Information about each anime is also available and the most important of all, you can also use Taiga to find anime torrents simply by typing the title you wish to find and Taiga will do the rest. It is an amazing program, necessary for all anime fans. Unfortunately it doesn’t include MAL’s manga list but this is a really tiny issue compared to what it offers.
Download Taiga here.
Anime Amino (app only)
Amino is an app that allows you to obsess over your favorite things and hobbies by joining communities with similar interests as you. It has a large anime community and you can discuss with them all the things you’re into, watch videos and even write your own blog or read other members’ posts. If you don’t have people into anime near you, then Amino is a lovely alternative for you to expand your horizons and talk about this amazing hobby. Of course, you will find the occasional trolls or people who might not be your cup of tea, but that’s how most communities and forums are so I’m sure you’re prepared for it.
Download Anime Amino for iOS or Android.
LoveLive! School Idol Festival (app only)
I wanted to end this list with what is for me, the best anime game available. I’m not sure how many of you are familiar with the highly successful anime Love Live! but whether you’re into idol anime or not, the game version of the anime is totally worth your time. For starters, it is an official release which found its way to the international app store in English for everyone to enjoy. Festival is a rhythm game in which the player is tasked with tapping circles properly according to the rhythm of the songs in order to receive score and level up. Your rewards are cards and characters and there are plenty of events and features that will keep you coming back for more again and again.
Download LoveLive! School Idol Festival for iOS or Android.
Honorable Mention: HummingBird (site only)
Hummingbird is a site that works similarly to MAL as it includes a large anime library and a large anime-fans’ community that makes joining very tempting. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have an app available and you can only visit the site through your browser.
Site: https://hummingbird.me
And this concludes our list. I hope you found the options featured useful. If you have more suggestions, please let us know in the comments below!
