Looking for the best websites to watch anime online for free? Whether you’re a fan of subbed or dubbed anime, classic shows, or the latest simulcasts, this updated 2025 guide covers safe and high-quality free anime streaming sites that work in most countries, including the US, UK, and more.
We’ll compare each site’s features, language options, and available titles, and provide you with tips to stream anime safely, avoiding malware and annoying ads.
10 Best Free Anime Websites
1. Funimation
Best Free Anime site focused on English-dubbed anime
Originally launched in 2016, Funimation quickly became one of the most popular anime streaming platforms in North America, hosting fan favorites like Dragon Ball, One Piece, Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer, and My Hero Academia.
The service was owned by Sony, which also acquired Crunchyroll in 2021. By 2024, Funimation officially merged with Crunchyroll, and many of its anime titles and user base were moved to the Crunchyroll platform.
If you’re looking for free dubbed anime today, you’ll still find that many former Funimation exclusives are now available via Crunchyroll’s free tier with ads.
- Hundreds of anime titles are available in English dubbing, including popular series such as Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia, and One Piece.
- Watch selected episodes for free without a subscription.
- Funimation is a licensed platform that provides high-quality, ad-free streaming.
- Premium plans offer offline viewing.
2. Crunchyroll
Best Free Anime Site with Rich Collection of Works
Crunchyroll is a legal, trustworthy streaming site with a huge anime library. It offers over 1,300 anime episodes, including both subtitled and dubbed content.
Crunchyroll has a complete anime ecosystem, with dubbed and subtitled episodes, simulcasts, offline viewing, and even collectibles. After merging with Funimation and VRV, Crunchyroll is now the go-to platform for free anime streaming.
- Thousands of titles across genres like Attack on Titan, Naruto, One Piece, Death Note, and Jujutsu Kaisen.
- Watch new Japanese series in as little as an hour after they become available.
- Subtitled shows are available, and now Funimation’s dubbed content is fully integrated.
- Shop anime figures, apparel, and even Japanese snacks.
- Play mobile anime games with the Crunchyroll app.
- Available on mobile, consoles, smart TVs, Chromecast, Roku, and more.
Pricing:
- Free: Ads included, limited content
- Fan: $7.99/month
- Mega Fan: $11.99/month
- Ultimate Fan: $15.99/month
3. Amazon Prime
A Solid Option for Classic Anime Fans
If you’re already an Amazon Prime member, you’ll have access to Amazon Prime Video’s vast and amazing anime library. While Prime Video isn’t a dedicated anime streaming platform like Crunchyroll or HIDIVE, it does have a curated selection of beloved classics and award-winning series.
If you also enjoy other types of content, like movies, documentaries, or original series, Amazon Prime Video is a well-rounded hub.
- All anime and video content is ad-free.
- Watch seamlessly on your smartphone, smart TV, tablet, laptop or gaming console.
- Prime Video doesn’t have the same large library as Crunchyroll, but it focuses more on high-quality, fan-favorite anime.
- All content is free for Prime members, with additional titles available for rent or purchase.
- 30-day free trial available
Pricing:
- Full Prime Membership: $14.99 per month
- Prime Video Only: $8.99 per month
- Discounted Membership: $5.99
- Free trial: 30-day free trial available
4. Hulu
Best Anime site that offers multi-device viewing
Hulu is one of the best streaming platforms, and it also works as an anime streaming platform. Although Hulu is not as focused on anime as Crunchyroll or 9anime, its anime collection is more extensive and diverse than many people think.
- Many popular titles, including Attack on Titan, Chainsaw Man, One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, Naruto, and more.
- Most shows have multiple audio tracks, and you can choose between the original Japanese dub or the English dub.
- Hulu streams new Japanese series as soon as they air.
- You can use Hulu on your phone, tablet, TV, or computer.
Pricing:
- With ads: $7.99/month
- No ads: $17.99/month
- Free trial: A 30-day free trial
5. HIDIVE
Offers classic, simulcast anime content
HIDIVE offers over 500 carefully curated anime titles. While its library isn’t as vast as Crunchyroll or Netflix, its curated editorial and exclusive licensing deals make it a top choice for veteran anime fans looking to dig deeper.
- HIDIVE has many exclusives, such as Legend of the Galactic Heroes, Princess Academy, Made in Abyss (Season 1), and Blooming into You.
- HIDIVE simulcasts selected anime titles each season, usually within an hour of their Japanese airing time.
- Enjoy smooth, ad-free viewing in full HD, even during your free trial.
- Multiple subtitle options available for some titles (English, Spanish, etc.)
- Available on Android, iOS, Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, and browsers. Watch on up to two devices simultaneously.
Price:
- Monthly: $4.99
- Yearly: $47.99
- 7-day free trial available
6. 9anime
Free and high-quality online viewing
9anime is a free, 1080p anime site that doesn’t require a login. You’ll find popular titles like Death Note, Naruto, Dragon Ball, and Psycho-Pass here, with new episodes coming out fast. The platform even shows you a schedule of upcoming episodes so you don’t miss out.
Pros:
- Free to use, no account required
- Watch in HD (up to 1080p)
- Subtitled and dubbed versions available
- Release calendar for upcoming anime
7. AnimeSuge
Simple, Clean, and Packed with Anime
AnimeSuge offers a vast collection of free anime in both subtitled and dubbed formats, and features a simple, easy-to-use interface that surpasses most anime sites cluttered with ads.
You can find all kinds of anime here, and there are convenient filters to filter by release year, genre, or completed episodes. If you’re looking for a reliable, easy-to-use site to enjoy free anime without being bothered by ads, AnimeSuge is a good choice.
- Tons of free anime
- Simple, sleek interface with minimal ads
- Helpful filters make browsing easier
- Some pop-up ads
8. YouTube
The best anime community interaction platform.
YouTube isn’t a full-blown anime streaming service, but it’s one of the most active hubs for anime fans. You’ll find thousands of trailers, credits, behind-the-scenes footage, and full episodes on official publisher channels, as well as in-depth analysis, fan edits, interactive videos, and reviews from creators around the world.
Key Highlights:
- Publishers like Toei Animation, TMS Entertainment, Muse Asia, and Ani-One upload episodes, trailers, and even full episodes (with subtitles).
- From episode recaps and theories to AMVs and fan dubs, YouTube has one of the most active anime communities online.
- Watch for free, no subscription required, just hit play.
- Watch anime on any device.
9. RetroCrush
The best anime site for retro anime
RetroCrush specializes in anime series from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, bringing you back to the golden age of Japanese animation. From Devilman to City Hunter, the platform brings together iconic works that shaped anime culture, many of which are not available on major streaming services.
- Most content is free to watch, but with ads.
- RetroCrush offers authentic retro anime movies and OVAs that are hard to find elsewhere.
- Stream 24/7 for a retro TV experience.
- Available on web, iOS, Android, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and more.
Pricing:
- Free tier
- Premium subscription: $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year
10. Tubi
Best Free Anime Streaming Site with Classic
Tubi is a completely free streaming platform that not only provides a large number of movies and American TV series, but also includes a lot of high-quality anime works. It does not require subscription fees. Just open the website or app to watch classics and new shows for free.
Its anime categories include popular works such as “Naruto”, “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba”, “Natsume’s Book of Friends”, and many less popular masterpieces.
- Permanently free, no registration required to watch.
- Whether on mobile phones, computers, Apple TV, or Roku, you can seamlessly continue where you last left off.
- It provides TV series, documentaries, horror films, children’s programs, and other content.
What Are the Best Anime Websites?
Now that you know what the best anime sites are, what features did we consider when selecting the best anime sites?
Here are some for your reference:
- Rich library: The best anime sites should have a large and diverse collection of anime titles, from popular series to niche works.
- Subtitle and dubbing options: These platforms should offer subtitled and dubbed versions of anime to cater to different audiences.
- Simulcast: A good anime site should offer simulcasts of new episodes, allowing fans to watch the latest content as soon as it airs in Japan.
- High-quality streaming: The best anime sites offer high-definition streaming, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable viewing experience.
With these basic features, the best anime sites can provide a comprehensive, enjoyable, and user-friendly experience for anime fans around the world. Of course, there are more features to discover.
How to Use Anime Websites Safely?
While the free anime sites listed in this guide are popular and widely used, it’s still vital to protect your privacy. Here are some quick safety tips:
- Use a VPN: A VPN encrypts your connection and hides your IP address. We recommend LightningX VPN for fast, secure, and stable access, perfect for watching region-locked anime safely.
- Use Incognito Mode: Browse in private mode to avoid storing your history and cookies on shared devices.
- Avoid suspicious links: Stick to recommended anime sites and avoid pop-ups or unfamiliar ads that could lead to malware.
- Check user reviews: Before using a new anime site, a quick check of user ratings can help you steer clear of unreliable or unsafe platforms.
Follow these tips, and you can enjoy your favorite anime safely and with less risk.
FAQ about Best Anime Websites
1. Are all anime sites legal?
No, not all anime streaming sites are legal. Many free platforms host pirated content, which can violate copyright laws and expose you to malware, intrusive ads, or data tracking.
To stay safe, choose official services like Crunchyroll, Funimation, or legal free platforms like Anime-Planet.
2. What’s the difference between anime and manga?
Manga refers to Japanese comic books or graphic novels, usually in black and white. Anime, on the other hand, is animated content including shows and films. While many anime series are adapted from manga, the key difference is that manga is read, and anime is watched.
