The best anime sites combine massive libraries with reliable streaming, safety, and the right mix of free and paid options. Whether you want to binge the latest simulcasts or revisit classic series, this list covers the top platforms for watching anime online, from premium services to safer free alternatives.
The best anime sites for discovering new shows
Before you start streaming, you need to know what to watch. MyAnimeList is the primary resource for finding new series, offering user reviews, community rankings, and release schedules. You can check ratings, read detailed feedback, and track upcoming seasons all in one place. It also provides cast information, episode counts, and trailers, making it easy to decide what fits your taste.
1. MyAnimeList
Best subscription-based anime sites
Paid streaming services offer the most reliable experience with high-quality video, legal access, and often offline viewing. Here are the top choices ranked for anime fans.
2. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video offers a solid anime catalog including headlining titles like Vinland Saga and RWBY. Amazon Prime Video offers an ad-free tier with additional features like concurrent streams, downloads, and 4K/UHD streaming for an extra monthly fee.
3. Netflix
Netflix provides a strong anime selection with popular shows such as Naruto, Demon Slayer, YuYu Hakusho, and Attack on Titan. It supports both dubbed and subtitled versions and allows downloads for offline viewing across multiple device plans.
4. Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is a top choice for subbed anime with one of the largest libraries, spanning classics to the newest simulcasts. It also offers Japanese dramas. Offline downloads are available with the Mega Fan tier, and new subscribers can start with a free trial.
5. Funimation
Funimation specializes in dubbed anime, making it ideal if you prefer English audio. It brought major titles like Dragon Ball to the U.S. and supports offline downloads. Availability is limited in some regions, so a VPN may be needed.
6. Hulu
Hulu offers a mix of classic and new anime, including the Dragon Ball franchise and Naruto series. Its ad-free plan enables offline downloads, and it can be bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+.
7. VRV
VRV bundles content from multiple genres, including Crunchyroll's library, and offers many free episodes. It supports multiple household streams but is not available everywhere, so a VPN can help with access.
8. Hidive
HIDIVE is an anime streaming service that offers simulcasts, fresh dubs, and a deep catalog of titles. It provides a dedicated platform for anime fans. Subscriptions are available, and it can also be accessed via Apple TV Channels, Amazon Prime Video Channels, or The Roku Channel. Plans start from $7.99.
Best free anime streaming sites
Disclaimer: This article does not promote piracy. Free streaming sites vary widely in safety and legality. The options below are safer, legal, or more reliable choices, but unofficial sites carry risks including malware and intrusive ads. For the best experience, consider a paid subscription.
9. Tubi.TV
Tubi.tv is a safe, free platform with a solid selection of anime, especially lesser-known and classic retro titles. It has a mobile app but no download feature.
10. RetroCrush
RetroCrush focuses on old-school anime with a nostalgic interface and minimal ads. A premium subscription removes ads, and a mobile app is available.
11. Adult Swim
Adult Swim streams Toonami shows and simulcasts for free, including popular animated series like Rick and Morty.
12. AnimeLab
AnimeLab offers a wide library of free anime with simulcasts, ratings, and a clean interface. It is only available in Australia and New Zealand, but a VPN can provide access.
13. Soul Anime
For those seeking alternatives to KissAnime to watch anime for free, sites like Soul Anime and AnimeFrenzy offer comprehensive libraries with both subbed and dubbed options, though they may include ads and are not officially licensed.
14. AnimeFrenzy
15. AsianCrush
AsianCrush is an OTT channel operated by Digital Media Rights, specializing in pan-Asian content, including anime. It is available as a video-on-demand (AVOD and/or SVOD) app on Smart TVs, mobile, and connected TV devices, on the web, and as a linear FAST channel. It offers a selection of Asian films and TV series. It is a free, ad-supported service.
16. Pluto TV
Pluto TV is a free, ad-supported streaming service with over 350 live channels and thousands of on-demand titles. It has dedicated anime channels like "Pluto TV Anime," "Pluto TV Anime Movies," "It's Anime," and "Big A Anime." Its anime collection includes titles like One Piece, Naruto, Sailor Moon, Hunter x Hunter, Death Note, and Yu-Gi-Oh!. It offers both English-dubbed and subtitled versions of series.
17. The Roku Channel
The Roku Channel is a free, ad-supported streaming service available on Roku devices and other platforms. It features a dedicated Crunchyroll channel, offering 24/7 anime programming. It also hosts other anime content and channels, including some from HIDIVE. No subscription or login is required to access its free content.
18. Freevee (Amazon Freevee)
Freevee is a free, ad-supported streaming service from Amazon. It offers a selection of movies and TV shows, including some anime. It hosts a dedicated Crunchyroll channel with 24/7 anime programming. Freevee content is also integrated into Amazon Prime Video.
19. Xumo Play
Xumo Play is a free streaming service with over 350 live channels and 15,000 on-demand titles. It features a dedicated Bizaar FAST Channel for adult animation, including acclaimed anime. It also carries a Crunchyroll channel and other anime content. No subscriptions or logins are needed to enjoy its content.
20. Microsoft Store (Movies & TV)
The Microsoft Store offers anime movies and TV shows for purchase. While new content purchases have stopped on Microsoft.com, previously purchased content remains accessible in the Movies & TV app on Xbox or Windows devices. It has offered deals on anime titles like Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, and Attack on Titan, so you might want to watch attack on titan in the correct order after grabbing a season. Content can be downloaded for offline playback.
21. Apple TV App / iTunes Store
The Apple TV app allows users to purchase or rent anime films and series. It also integrates with other streaming services, including Crunchyroll as an Apple TV Channel. The iTunes Store (accessed via the Apple TV app) offers a wide range of anime for digital ownership.
22. Philo (with ANIME x HIDIVE channel)
Philo is a live TV streaming service that includes a variety of channels. It offers "ANIME x HIDIVE" as a free channel, providing access to HIDIVE's anime content. Philo also includes the RetroCrush channel in its free offerings. The base package includes over 70 paid channels, and it also has a selection of free channels.
23. Sling TV (with Anime channels)
Sling TV is a live TV streaming service with various channel packages. Its "Freestream" service offers free ad-supported channels, including Crunchyroll, Anime x HIDIVE, and RetroCrush. It has a "Sling Anime Channel" with programming from various licensors. Sling Freestream offers over 600 live channels and 41,000 on-demand titles.
24. LG Channels
LG Channels is a free streaming service available on LG Smart TVs. It offers a variety of live and on-demand content. No subscription is required for its free content.
25. Vizio WatchFree+
VIZIO WatchFree+ is a free streaming service available on VIZIO Smart TVs. It features a dedicated Crunchyroll channel with 24/7 anime programming. It offers hundreds of free channels and on-demand content. No subscription or login is needed.
How to choose the right anime site for you
Selecting the best platform depends on your preferences for dubbing versus subtitles, budget, and regional availability.
Dubbing and subtitle options: If you prefer English audio, choose Funimation or check if Netflix and Amazon Prime Video offer dubbed versions. For subbed content, Crunchyroll is a strong choice. Many free sites like AnimeFrenzy also provide both options depending on the title.
Affordability and accessibility: Paid services like Crunchyroll and Funimation offer reliable streaming with extra features, while free sites like Tubi and RetroCrush are budget-friendly but may have ads. Regional restrictions can limit access; using a VPN is a common workaround to reach services not available in your area.
