The Best AniDB Alternatives for Anime Enthusiasts
AniDB, or Anime DataBase, has long been a go-to non-profit resource for anime fans. It offers an extensive database of Japanese animation, allows users to create and manage personal anime lists (Mylists), and tracks anime-related files. However, while AniDB is an excellent tool for many, users often seek AniDB alternatives for various reasons, including different feature sets, user interfaces, or platform compatibility. This article will explore the top AniDB alternatives that offer similar, or even enhanced, functionalities for tracking, discovering, and managing your anime journey.
Top AniDB Alternatives
Whether you're looking for a more streamlined experience, deeper community integration, or cross-platform accessibility, these AniDB alternatives offer compelling features to enhance your anime tracking and discovery.
Simkl
Simkl is a comprehensive TV, anime, and movie tracker, making it an excellent AniDB alternative for those who watch more than just anime. Available on Freemium, Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, iPhone, Chrome OS, Android Tablet, iPad, Chrome, VLC media player, Plex, and Kodi, Simkl offers extensive platform support. Key features include Kodi extension, airing anime notifications, automatic tracking, a clean design, a powerful discovery engine, and detailed ratings, making it ideal for tracking everything you watch.
MyAnimeList
MyAnimeList is one of the most established and mature anime and manga tracking platforms, serving as a robust AniDB alternative. Available on Freemium, Web, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, and iPad, it allows users to track completed anime and manga, browse an extensive database, and engage in active forums. Its primary features are dedicated anime tracking and manga tracking.
AniList
AniList is a fantastic free AniDB alternative for tracking anime and manga progression, offering a highly customizable experience. Available on the Web, it boasts multiple scoring types, list themes, a public API, and strong community features. It includes features like different scoring systems, airing anime notifications, clean design, custom list creation, list import, manga tracking, and extensive UI customization.
Kitsu
Kitsu, formerly Hummingbird, is a social network for Asian media fans and a strong free and open-source AniDB alternative. Available on Web, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, and iPad, Kitsu emphasizes social features like group chat, a social feed, and friend tagging alongside its excellent anime and manga tracking. It also provides a clean design, mobile-friendly interface, and user ratings.
Anime-Planet
Anime-Planet is a comprehensive free AniDB alternative offering an anime and manga database with recommendations and reviews. Available on the Web, it allows users to keep track of their seen anime and manga, write blogs, and connect with other fans. Key features include anime tracking, manga tracking, and personalized recommendations.
Baka-Updates Manga
Baka-Updates Manga is a specialized free AniDB alternative focusing on manga release updates and news. Available on Web and iPhone, it's perfect for manga enthusiasts to track their reading progress (read, reading, and want to read). Its main feature is a better tags service for manga discovery.
LiveChart.me
LiveChart.me is a fantastic free AniDB alternative for staying updated on new and upcoming anime. Available on Web, Android, and Android Tablet, it simplifies finding the latest information about anime releases. Its primary features are anime tracking and providing timely anime information.
notify.moe
notify.moe is a Freemium and open-source AniDB alternative for tracking anime progress. Available on Web, Chrome, and Firefox, it allows users to easily add anime to their lists and update episode progress via the website, Chrome extension, or mobile app. It features a clean design, community-based functionalities, and real-time statistics.
Annict
Annict is a free and open-source web service and AniDB alternative for tracking anime and writing impressions. Available on Web and Android, it provides a straightforward way to record the anime you've watched. Its core features include anime tracking and real-time statistics.
AnimeDLR
AnimeDLR is a free Android application that acts as an AniDB alternative for watching anime, cartoons, and drama episodes online or offline from various streaming sites. While it focuses more on consumption, it still allows for managing what you're watching directly on your Android device.
Each of these AniDB alternatives offers unique strengths, from extensive cross-media tracking to specialized manga updates and social community features. Consider your specific needs—whether it's advanced tracking, a robust community, platform versatility, or open-source availability—to choose the best fit for your anime journey.