Reader’s Question:
I’m currently subscribed to Amazon Prime, but I’m considering switching to a different subscription service. I mainly watch anime, so I’m looking for a service that offers a wide variety and a large number of anime titles, preferably at a lower cost. Which subscription would you recommend? It would
be helpful if you could outline the pros and cons as well. Thank you!

Finding the Perfect Anime Subscription: My Journey and Recommendations

As a dad in my early 30s, I know how precious our downtime can be, especially when it comes to enjoying a good series or movie. My love for anime has been a thrilling ride, and while I started with the classics back in the day, I now find myself exploring new titles every week. If you’re like me and you’re currently on the hunt for an anime streaming service that doesn’t break the bank but still offers an epic library, you’ve landed in the right place! Recently, I found myself in a bit of a dilemma. I was subscribed to Amazon Prime, but I was feeling the itch to switch things up. They do have some anime, but let’s be honest—it’s nowhere near the extensive selection that true anime fans crave. So, I took a deep dive into the world of anime streaming services, and let me tell you, it was quite the adventure.

My Top Picks: dアニメストア vs DMMTV

After scouring the internet and doing my homework (and by that, I mean scrolling through forums while my toddler was napping), I settled on two main contenders: dアニメストア and DMMTV. Both have garnered a lot of praise, but I had to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

dアニメストア

First up is dアニメストア. You might have heard of it—it’s pretty popular in Japan and has a vast collection of anime. Here are some pros and cons based on my findings. Pros: – Extensive Library: With thousands of titles, including classics and the latest hits, it’s a goldmine for anime lovers. You can find everything from slice-of-life gems to action-packed series. – User-Friendly Interface: I found navigating the app pretty easy, which is a massive plus for those late-night binge sessions. You don’t want to waste precious time hunting for a show! – High-Quality Streaming: The streaming quality is top-notch, ensuring that you catch every single detail in those beautifully animated scenes. Cons: – Limited Profiles: You can only create one profile per account. This can be a bummer if you have family members who want their own watchlists. Sometimes my kid decides he wants to watch something annoying like “Doraemon” on repeat, and I can’t have that mixed in with my own anime preferences! – Price: While it’s reasonably priced, there are cheaper alternatives out there.

DMMTV

Now, let’s talk about DMMTV. Initially, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the more I read, the more intrigued I became. Pros: – Similar Library Size: Honestly, the anime collection is pretty much on par with dアニメストア. You’re not losing out on titles regardless of which one you pick. – Multiple Profiles: This is a game-changer for me! DMMTV allows you to create up to four profiles. Perfect for when I want to indulge in my shonen battles without my child’s preference for kid-friendly content getting in the way. – Additional Content: They’ve got live-action dramas and movies, which is a nice bonus if you want a little variety in your viewing. I mean, sometimes you want to switch gears from anime to something a bit more… real, right? Cons: – Less Established: DMMTV isn’t as recognized as dアニメストア, which makes me wonder if it will stick around or if it will vanish like a bad anime filler episode. It’s a bit of a risk, but the content they have is solid.

What to Choose?

So, what did I end up going with? Honestly, it was a tough choice, but DMMTV won me over. The ability to create multiple profiles was a deal-breaker. Plus, the price points are the same—550 yen a month—which felt like a win-win. Now, don’t get me wrong; dアニメストア is an excellent option too, especially if you plan to focus solely on anime. But as a dad juggling multiple interests and a toddler’s whims, DMMTV just made more sense for my family dynamic.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, both services are solid, and it really comes down to what you value more in a subscription. If you’re strictly in it for the anime, dアニメストア might still be your best bet. But if you want flexibility and a few extras on the side, DMMTV is the way to go. As I settle into my new DMMTV subscription, I’m looking forward to diving into some new series and maybe introducing my kiddo to a few classic titles. After all, nothing brings a family together like a good laugh over a hilarious anime moment, right? So, what about you? Have you tried either of these services? What are your go-to anime picks? Let’s chat in the comments!