App to watch doramas in English

If you've ever experienced the frustration of starting a dorama and not being able to see the end, whether due to a lack of episodes, an unexpected charge, or an ad that won't close, this guide is for you. Those who want to watch doramas in English often find many options, so I've gathered 4 apps to watch doramas in English. Read on and find out which one is best for you!

Kocowa: the home of K-dramas

The Kocowa gathers content from South Korean broadcasters KBS, SBS, and MBC. This means fresh doramas and variety shows, which arrive on the app shortly after airing in South Korea. To watch doramas in English safely, it's an excellent choice.

Kocowa advantages and features

• Library focused on K-dramas, variety shows, and Korean music.
• Subtitles in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, for you to switch whenever you want.
• Fast releases, so you don't fall behind in fan discussions.
• Downloads to watch offline, without using internet data.
• Casting from phone to TV.

Does Kocowa work on Android and iPhone?

Yes. The app is called KOCOWA+.

• Android: open Google Play, type “KOCOWA” and tap Install.
• iPhone: open the App Store, type “KOCOWA” and tap Get.

After installing, create your account and, in the player, tap the subtitles icon to choose English.

Is Kocowa free or paid?

It is mainly paid, by monthly or annual subscription. There is a 14-day free trial, which can be canceled whenever you want. Some new episodes are also available for 24 hours, through the “Enjoy for 24H” option.

How to close ads on Kocowa

For subscribers, the idea is to watch without interruptions. If an ad appears on free content:

1. Wait for the skip button or the X to appear, usually in a corner of the screen.
2. Tap it once, calmly.
3. If another page opens, use the Android back button or the arrow at the top left of the iPhone.
4. If the video freezes, close the app and open it again.

Crunchyroll: top-tier anime, with doramas in the catalog

The Crunchyroll is famous among anime fans, but it also gathers doramas and other Asian content. The doramas catalog is smaller than the anime one, so it works well as a complement. If you like Japanese series and want to watch doramas in English, it's worth checking out.

Crunchyroll advantages and features

• Organized and easy-to-navigate interface, even for beginners.
• Subtitles in several languages, including English.
• Anime premieres almost simultaneously with Japan, great if you also love anime.
• Download episodes to watch without internet.
• Paid plans without ads.

Does Crunchyroll work on Android and iPhone?

Yes, on both:

• Android: on Google Play, search for “Crunchyroll” and tap Install.
• iPhone: on the App Store, search for “Crunchyroll” and tap Get.

Is Crunchyroll free or paid?

It's paid. The old free plan with ads ended on December 31, 2025. Eligible new subscribers can get a 7-day free trial.

Be wary of websites that promise Crunchyroll for free. Besides potentially being unsafe, they often leave episodes incomplete, and that's precisely their biggest annoyance.

How to close ads on Crunchyroll

Since it's an ad-free subscription, you shouldn't see commercials during episodes. Sometimes prompts to upgrade your plan appear. In this case:

1. Tap the X in the corner or “Not now”.
2. If the store or browser opens, go back using the Android back button or the iPhone arrow, at the top left.
3. If the episode stops, close the app and open it again. It usually resumes where you left off.

Viki: fan-made subtitles, including in English

The name Viki comes from “video” and “wiki,” because a community of fans helps subtitle episodes. The app gathers doramas from Korea, China, Japan, and Thailand, as well as K-pop shows. To watch doramas in English, it's a very popular option, and you can even switch languages when you want to practice.

Viki advantages and features

• Subtitles in over 150 languages, including English.
• Favorites list to save what you want to watch later.
• Actor pages, to discover new series.
• Free version, with ads.
• Viki Pass, with HD and without ads.

Does Viki work on Android and iPhone?

It works on both:

• Android: open Google Play, search for “Viki” and tap Install.
• iPhone: open the App Store, search for “Viki” and tap Get. At the time of the search, the store required iOS 18 or newer.

Is Viki free or paid?

Both. The free version unlocks many titles with ads. To watch without interruptions, there's Viki Pass: the plans are Standard and Plus. Some titles may not be available in all countries due to broadcasting rights.

How to close ads on Viki

Ads last from 5 to 30 seconds and appear before or during the episode. You can only skip after at least half of the ad has played. So:

1. Wait for the ad to reach halfway.
2. Tap the skip button or the X.
3. If the browser or store opens, go back with the Android back button or the arrow at the top left of the iPhone.
4. If nothing happens, wait for it to end. The episode will resume automatically.

Netflix: popular doramas in an app you already know

A Netflix has a selection of K-dramas and other Asian series, including original productions and big hits. For those who already use the app, it's the easiest way to watch doramas in English, because many titles offer English subtitles and audio.

Netflix advantages and features

• Familiar interface, with simple search and good organization.
• English subtitles and audio on many titles, which you can check in the episode options.
• Downloads for offline viewing.
• Separate profiles for each person in the household.
• Favorites list and the option to continue where you left off.

Does Netflix work on Android and iPhone?

Yes:

• Android: on Google Play, search for “Netflix” and tap Install.
• iPhone: on the App Store, search for “Netflix” and tap Get.

Is Netflix free or paid?

Netflix only has paid plans; ads only appear on the cheapest plan. Generally, there's no skip button: just wait a few seconds and the episode will resume automatically. If the ad freezes, close the app and open it again.

Those who want to get rid of ads can change their plan by clicking on Account in the profile menu.

Which app to choose to watch K-dramas in English?

The best choice depends on what you want to watch and how much you want to spend:

• Want K-dramas fresh from Korea? Kocowa is a great start.
• Want variety and a chance to try for free? Try Viki.
• Already love anime and want some bonus K-dramas? Crunchyroll is a good fit for you.
• Prefer the app that's already on your phone? Netflix offers a practical solution.

If your biggest pain point is not being able to watch full K-dramas, remember that paid plans usually remove ads and unlock final episodes. And if an ad appears, look for the X, the skip button, or the back button. With a little practice, you'll be back to the episode in seconds.

Now it's up to you: choose an app, hit play, and tell us in the comments which K-drama became your favorite.