AnimeLab was a popular anime streaming service created by Madman Entertainment for audiences in Australia and New Zealand.
It launched in beta on May 28, 2014, with 50 anime series and around 700 episodes. Madman later reported that AnimeLab reached 250,000 concurrent subscribers in 2018.
What Was Anime Lab?
Anime Lab was an anime-focused streaming platform operated by Madman Entertainment in Australia and New Zealand. It was launched in beta on May 28, 2014, initially offering 50 series and approximately 700 episodes.
The service became an important part of the anime streaming market in its region. In 2018, Madman reported that AnimeLab had reached 250,000 concurrent subscribers.
In February 2019, Madman sold its Madman Anime Group to Aniplex, and Madman’s corporate history states that AnimeLab was subsequently transitioned into Crunchyroll.
Anime Lab at a Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Service | AnimeLab |
| Company | Madman Entertainment |
| Launch | May 28, 2014 |
| Main region | Australia & New Zealand |
| Initial library | 50 series / ~700 episodes |
| 2018 milestone | 250,000 concurrent subscribers |
| Android app | AnimeLab – Watch Anime Free |
| Current status | Discontinued |
AnimeLab APK – Quick Specifications
The official Android application was called AnimeLab – Watch Anime Free and was developed by Madman Entertainment.
Historical app information lists 2.7.4 as the final version. The application required Android 5.0 or later and had an APK size of approximately 19.42 MB.
AnimeLab APK Specifications
| Specification | Historical Information |
|---|---|
| App name | Anime Lab – Watch Anime Free |
| Developer | Madman Entertainment |
| Final listed version | 2.7.4 |
| Package name | com.animelab.android.handset |
| Android requirement | Android 5.0+ |
| APK size | ~19.42 MB |
| App category | Entertainment |
| Status | Discontinued |
Important: These specifications describe the historical Anime Lab Android application. A third-party website offering an APK with the same name today should not automatically be considered an official AnimeLab release.
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Anime Lab Features
AnimeLab was designed specifically for anime fans and offered a combination of free and premium streaming options during its operating period.
Its historical service included features such as:
- Anime streaming
- Simulcast episodes
- Subtitles
- Selected English-dubbed anime
- Free ad-supported viewing
- Premium viewing options
- Mobile streaming
- Support for selected connected devices
- Offline viewing on supported content and devices
- HD streaming for eligible premium users
The platform also developed a substantial audience. Madman’s corporate history records 250,000 concurrent subscribers in 2018.
Because these features belonged to the former service, they should not be interpreted as features currently available through an Anime Lab APK.
AnimeLab Download & Rating Statistics
Historical Android app data provides useful information about the popularity of the Anime Lab application.
According to AppBrain, the original AnimeLab Android app had an estimated 940,000 downloads before becoming unavailable. The same historical listing shows 500,000+ Google Play downloads, a 4.47/5 rating, and approximately 6,351 ratings.
Historical Anime Lab Statistics
| Metric | Historical Data |
|---|---|
| Estimated downloads | ~940,000 |
| Google Play milestone | 500,000+ |
| Average rating | 4.47/5 |
| Ratings | ~6,351 |
| Final listed version | 2.7.4 |
| APK size | ~19.42 MB |
The 940,000 figure is a third-party estimate, while 500,000+ was the Google Play download milestone. These numbers should not be presented as current active users.
Anime Lab Version History
The Android application received several updates during its lifetime. Historical records list version 2.7.4 as the final available version.
| Version | Historical Date | Main Information |
|---|---|---|
| 2.7.4 | February 2022 | Final listed release |
| 2.7.3 | October 2021 | Bug fixes / account changes |
| 2.7.2 | September 2021 | Bug fixes |
| 2.7.1 | May 2020 | Offline storage improvements |
| 2.6.7 | March 2020 | Offline playback improvements |
| 2.5.9 | October 2019 | Maintenance update |
| 2.5.4 | September 2019 | Playback and Android TV improvements |
The dates above should be treated as archived app-record dates, rather than assuming every date represents the exact original Google Play publication date.
Why Did Anime Lab Shut Down?
Anime Lab’s closure was part of a broader transition of anime streaming services rather than simply an issue with the Android application.
Madman’s corporate history records that its Anime Group was sold to Aniplex in February 2019 and that Anime Lab was transitioned into Crunchyroll.
The wider transition eventually led to the retirement of the Funimation service. Crunchyroll states that the Funimation website and app closed on April 2, 2024, while most of the Funimation catalog had been migrated to Crunchyroll.
Anime Lab Timeline
2014 → Anime Lab launches in beta
↓
2019 → Madman Anime Group sold to Aniplex
↓
2019 onward → Anime Lab transitioned into Crunchyroll ecosystem
↓
2024 → Funimation website and app discontinued
↓
Today → Crunchyroll is the active successor platform
This history explains why searching for a working Anime Lab APK does not provide access to the original streaming service.
Is Anime Lab Still Available?
No. Anime Lab is no longer an active streaming service.
The original application is no longer available through Google Play. AppBrain records that the Android app was removed from Google Play on January 6, 2024 and lists version 2.7.4 as its final available version.
Current Status
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Anime Lab streaming service | Discontinued |
| Original Android app | No longer available on Google Play |
| Version 2.7.4 | Historical/final listed version |
| Original AnimeLab servers | No longer available as an active service |
| Old APK archives | May still exist |
| Current successor ecosystem | Crunchyroll |
An important distinction is:
An old Anime Lab APK may still exist, but that does not mean Anime Lab is still operating.
Installing an archived application cannot restore discontinued servers or the original streaming catalog.
Is Anime Lab APK Safe?
Because the original AnimeLab app is discontinued, users should be particularly careful with APK files found on third-party websites.
An APK can potentially be modified after leaving its original distribution channel. Therefore, the name “Anime Lab APK” alone does not prove that a file is genuine.
Before Installing an Old APK
Check:
- Developer: Madman Entertainment
- Package name:
com.animelab.android.handset - Version: historically 2.7.4
- File size: approximately 19.42 MB for the archived version
- Source: use a reputable archive
- File scan: scan the APK before installation
- Permissions: review unusual permissions
- Modified APKs: avoid cracked or “MOD APK” versions
Historical app information can help identify the original application, but it cannot guarantee that every third-party APK copy is safe.
How to Install Anime Lab APK
If you are researching or testing an archived Anime Lab APK, remember that installation does not bring the discontinued streaming service back.
Basic Installation Process
Step 1: Obtain the APK from a reputable archive.
Step 2: Check the file’s version, package name, and size.
Step 3: Scan the file with a trusted security tool.
Step 4: If Android requires permission for installation from an unknown source, review that setting carefully.
Step 5: Install the APK.
Step 6: Keep Android security features such as Play Protect enabled.
Step 7: If the application displays connection, login, or server errors, understand that these may result from Anime Lab’s discontinued service rather than an installation problem.
Important
Installing Anime Lab 2.7.4 today should be considered an archival/software-history activity. It should not be advertised as a way to access a currently operating Anime Lab streaming service.
Anime Lab Problems & Troubleshooting
Users searching for Anime Lab APK may encounter installation or connection problems.
| Problem | Possible Reason |
|---|---|
| APK will not install | Android compatibility or damaged APK |
| App crashes | Old application/software compatibility |
| Login does not work | Original service is discontinued |
| Videos do not play | Streaming servers are no longer operating |
| Connection error | Discontinued online infrastructure |
| APK is blocked | Android security or file-source issue |
| Content is missing | Original service is no longer active |
What Should You Do?
First, verify that the APK is from a trustworthy source and matches the historical application details.
If the app installs but cannot connect to Anime Lab, repeatedly reinstalling the APK is unlikely to solve the problem because the original service is discontinued.
For current anime streaming, using an active licensed platform is a more practical option.
Anime Lab Alternatives
Since Anime Lab is no longer active, users looking for anime streaming services need to consider currently operating platforms.
Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is the most directly connected platform in Anime Lab’s later history. Crunchyroll’s own support page states that former Anime Lab subscribers can access Crunchyroll using their Anime Lab email address and password. It also provides anime-focused features including simulcasts and offline viewing for eligible Premium plans.
Netflix
Netflix offers anime alongside movies, TV series, documentaries, and other entertainment. Its available anime catalog and plans vary by country.
Disney+
Disney+ offers a broader entertainment catalog and includes selected anime titles depending on region.
Amazon Prime Video
Prime Video also offers selected anime titles alongside movies, series, and Amazon Originals. Availability varies by country.
Anime Lab Alternatives Comparison
| Platform | Main Focus | Anime Availability | Other Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crunchyroll | Anime | Extensive anime-focused catalog | Anime, manga, games |
| Netflix | General streaming | Large selection in some regions | Movies, series, documentaries |
| Disney+ | General streaming | Selected titles | Disney, Marvel and more |
| Prime Video | General streaming | Selected titles | Movies, series, originals |
The exact anime catalog depends on country, licensing agreements, subscription plan, and availability.
For former AnimeLab users, Crunchyroll is particularly relevant because Crunchyroll officially provides account-access information for former Anime Lab subscribers.
Anime Lab FAQ
Is Anime Lab still available?
No. The original AnimeLab streaming service has been discontinued.
What happened to Anime Lab?
Anime Lab was part of the transition of Madman’s anime business and was eventually incorporated into the wider Crunchyroll ecosystem.
What was the latest Anime Lab APK version?
The last listed Android version was 2.7.4. Historical records list Android 5.0+ compatibility and an APK size of approximately 19.42 MB.
How many downloads did Anime Lab have?
AppBrain estimates approximately 940,000 downloads, while the historical Google Play listing showed the app had passed the 500,000+ download milestone.
What was Anime Lab’s rating?
The archived Android listing records a 4.47/5 rating from approximately 6,351 ratings.
Can I still download Anime Lab APK?
Historical copies may exist on third-party APK archives, but the original app is no longer available through Google Play.
Can I still watch anime through Anime Lab APK?
No. Installing an old APK does not restore the discontinued Anime Lab streaming infrastructure.
Can former Anime Lab users access Crunchyroll?
Crunchyroll states that former Anime Lab subscribers can access Crunchyroll using their Anime Lab email address and password.
Why does Anime Lab APK show a connection error?
The original service is discontinued, so connection and login problems can occur because the original online infrastructure is no longer operating.
Is Anime Lab APK safe?
Safety depends on the exact APK file and its source. Historical information can help identify the original application, but third-party APK files should always be checked before installation.
Is Anime Lab coming back?
There is currently no official information indicating that the original AnimeLab streaming service is returning. Current official information instead directs former Anime Lab subscribers toward Crunchyroll.
Final Overview
Anime Lab was an important anime streaming service launched by Madman Entertainment in 2014 for Australia and New Zealand. It began with 50 series and around 700 episodes and later reached 250,000 concurrent subscribers in 2018.
Its Android application, Anime Lab – Watch Anime Free, reached a final listed version of 2.7.4. Historical app data records approximately 940,000 estimated downloads and a 4.47/5 rating from around 6,351 ratings.
However, AnimeLab is no longer an active streaming service. The old APK may be useful for historical reference, but installing it does not restore the original platform.
For users searching for Anime Lab APK, Anime Lab download, Anime Lab 2.7.4, or Anime Lab alternatives, the key point is simple: Anime Lab is discontinued, while Crunchyroll is the current platform most directly connected to its later transition. Crunchyroll also confirms that former Anime Lab subscribers can use their Anime Lab credentials to access Crunchyroll.
Anime Lab remains a notable part of anime streaming history, but users looking for anime today should use currently operating services rather than relying on an archived Anime Lab APK.