Top 6 Apps to Stream Chinese Animation on Android & iPhone

The global phenomenon of Chinese animation drawing millions of fans with its breathtaking wuxia (martial heroes) epics, stunning 3D cultivation worlds, and rich cultural narratives. From hits like The King’s Avatar to Heaven Official’s Blessing, the quality and quantity of these series demand a reliable streaming solution.

Choosing the right app is essential for a seamless, high-quality viewing experience that includes crucial features like professional subtitles. Whether you’re a long-time enthusiast or a newcomer asking, “What are the best apps to watch Chinese animation for free?”, this guide will help you find the best apps to watch Chinese animation on any device.

The Big Three: China’s Streaming Giants

These apps are the primary hubs for Chinese anime and are the most likely to have the deepest and most current libraries. They offer the best Chinese animation apps for Android and iPhone users who prioritize content depth and reliable localization.

1. iQIYI

As one of China’s largest online video platforms, iQIYI has successfully expanded globally, providing a robust catalog of dramas, movies, and, most importantly, donghua. It offers a compelling mix of free and paid viewing.

• Key Features & Benefits:
  • Freemium Model: Offers select high-quality shows for free (ad-supported) or exclusive content with a VIP subscription.
  • Localization: Supports a user interface, search tools, and subtitles in multiple languages, directly answering the question, “Are there apps to watch Chinese animation with English subtitles?”
  • Quality: VIP membership offers ad-free Chinese animation app streaming in 1080p, 4K, and Dolby Audio.
  • Device Support: Excellent app functionality across phones, tablets, and smart TVs.

2. WeTV (Tencent Video)

WeTV is the international arm of Tencent Video, a major producer and distributor of Chinese content. It is a powerful platform for streaming popular Chinese series and a growing number of donghua titles.

• Key Features & Benefits:
  • Deep Catalog: Home to many popular Tencent-produced donghua (like Soul Land).
  • Subtitling: Provides multilingual subtitles, including English, Thai, and Indonesian.
  • Free Option: Allows viewers to watch Chinese animation online free with a basic, ad-supported account.
  • VIP Perks: Premium subscription removes ads and provides early access to new episodes.

3. YOUKU

YOUKU is another prominent Chinese streaming service known for its extensive library of dramas, films, and animation. Like its competitors, it focuses on bringing its vast domestic catalog to international audiences.

• Key Features & Benefits:
  • Wide Content Range: Features a large collection of Asian and Chinese animation stories, including popular titles and originals.
  • Multi-Device Access: Optimized for streaming smoothly on phones, tablets, and smart TVs.
  • Flexible Viewing: Users can enjoy content freely (ad-supported) or subscribe for a smoother, ad-free Chinese animation app experience.

Global Platforms: Quality and Accessibility

These international streaming services, while not exclusively focused on donghua, offer professionally licensed Chinese animation with excellent infrastructure and are often considered the best apps to stream Chinese anime on Android/iOS.

4. Crunchyroll

Primarily known for Japanese anime, Crunchyroll has strategically expanded its offerings to include high-profile donghua titles like The Daily Life of the Immortal King. This provides a legal, high-quality environment.

• Key Features & Benefits:
  • Simulcasts: Streams new episodes shortly after they air in China.
  • High Quality: Reliable, high-performance servers ensure buffer-free streaming.
  • Professional Subtitles: High-quality, officially licensed subtitles.
  • Free Tier: Offers a limited selection for free (with ads) before requiring a premium subscription.

5. Netflix

Netflix is a global streaming giant with a growing investment in international animation, including Chinese originals and acquisitions (e.g., Scissor Seven).

• Key Features & Benefits:
  • User Experience: Seamless interface and availability on virtually all smart devices.
  • Dubbing/Subtitles: Provides reliable, professionally produced English subtitles and often English dubs.
  • Originals: Produces exclusive Chinese animation content with high production values.
  • Ad-Free: All viewing is ad-free Chinese animation app content with a subscription.

Niche & Community Options

6. Bilibili (International Version)

Often described as a blend of YouTube and Crunchyroll for anime and donghua fans, Bilibili is a massive community-driven platform in China that also offers an international app with professionally translated content.

• Key Features & Benefits:
  • Community Focus: Features the unique danmaku (bullet-screen comments) system for interactive viewing.
  • Variety: Streams a lot of Japanese anime and donghua (Chinese animation) with up to 1080p quality.
  • Subtitles: Offers reliable subtitling and is a great source for Chinese anime apps with English subtitles.

Final Verdict

The best apps to watch Chinese animation depends on your viewing needs in 2025:

Given their comprehensive libraries and dual free/paid models, iQIYI and WeTV are the clear overall winners for top apps to stream Chinese animation online in 2025.