I have you covered if you’re looking for anime sites to watch your favorite anime. In this article, I’ll list the best free and premium anime streaming sites to watch anime online.
Anime is derived from the word’ animation.’ If you are familiar with both content genres, you may wonder how they differ. Animation adds motion to 2D or 3D models and pictures, emphasizing the characters. On the other hand, anime is a Japanese-style animation with more vibrant graphics and distinctive settings than the typical animation content.
Additionally, anime focuses more on settings and backgrounds and may have more storyline depth than a regular animation film. Anime has been around for several decades. Artists originally hand-painted anime characters but evolved into film after introducing various filming and viewing technologies.
Even though anime movies and series are primarily produced for the Japanese audience, they have found commercial success globally. There are currently vast populations of anime fans, adults and kids alike, from all over the world.
Unfortunately, Anime content aired in Japan isn’t always readily available in other locations. This can frustrate most Anime fans as they don’t have access to high-quality streaming sites with the latest anime content. The few available platforms have limited or older content.
This post will discuss some of the official sites where anime content can be streamed. These sites are high-quality, reliable, and have excellent features and a vast anime content collection. We also cover sites featuring various anime content, from popular shows to classics and less-known content.
Attention Users: Read before you continue
Governments and ISPs across the world monitor their users' online activities. If found streaming copyrighted content online, you could get into serious trouble. Currently, your IP is visible to everyone. I strongly recommend you get a good VPN and hide your identity so that your streaming experience doesn’t take a bad turn.
I use ExpressVPN which is the fastest and most secure VPN in the industry. It is very easy to install on any device including Amazon Fire TV Stick. Also, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don't like their service, you can always ask for a refund. ExpressVPN also has a special deal where you can get 3 months free and save 49% on annual plan.
Read: How to Install and Use a VPN on All Your Devices
The Best Free Anime Streaming Sites to Watch Anime Online
As noted above, I have curated the best official and premium anime websites based on several factors, including the size of the collection of anime content, regular updates, and user-friendly features. Let’s dive into the list.
1. Crunchyroll
Countries/regions: Available worldwide
First on the list is the website Crunchyroll. If you are an anime fan, you’ve likely heard about or used Crunchyroll. This site has everything you need in a content streaming site, from a vast library to excellent streaming resolution between 720p and 1080p.
It has a modern, well-designed layout with three main content categories: anime series, movies, and manga. Furthermore, it has a catalog of over 1200 titles and a subscriber base of over 4 million users, which is a testament to its diverse anime collection and impressive features.
Besides content categories, Crunchyroll has a Browse drop-down menu to filter content and navigate the site. Some menu tabs include Popular, New, Alphabetical, Simulcast Season, Release Calendar, and Music Videos & Concerts.
Other features include a favorites manager to add your everyday content, a search function to enter titles directly, and a profile button to adjust account settings.
Please note that Crunchyroll is a premium anime website. However, it offers a free plan with limited access.
The site offers a 14-day free trial for the premium subscription with additional incentives like ad-free streaming, access to the entire library, and regular content updates.
- Ad Annoyance: Low
- Ad-Blocker Compatibility: Yes
- VPN Compatibility: Yes
- Streaming Quality: Up to HD 1080
- Website: https://www.crunchyroll.com
2. Funimation
Countries/Regions: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil
Funimation is another reliable and high-quality anime website. Its vast library features all the latest anime content. The website is relatively easy to use, with a clutter-free interface and an uncomplicated menu.
Unfortunately, this website is only available in a few countries, including the US, the UK, Brazil, Mexico, and Australia. Streaming content on this site from any location not listed above requires a top VPN service like ExpressVPN.
The anime streaming website is one of North America’s largest distributors of anime content. It has licenses to many TV series, including popular titles like Hunter x Hunter, Black Clover, My Hero Academia, One Piece, Dragon Ball, Assassination Classroom, Attack on Titan, and many more.
Funimation is more than just anime streaming. This website offers fans all the news and information they need on anime games, manga, new and trending anime series, movies, merch, collectibles, and so much more.
There are premium plans for a more immersive experience, but you can watch anime for free on this website.
- Ad Annoyance: Low
- Ad-Blocker Compatibility: Yes
- VPN Compatibility: Yes
- Streaming Quality: Up to HD 1080
- Website: https://www.funimation.com
3. Gogoanime
Countries/regions: Available worldwide
Anime sites don’t get much better than Gogoanime. This website has been around since 2014 and is an excellent source for anime streaming for tons of fans.
Gogoanime has a vast library of Japanese TV shows and movies and a sizeable collection of Chinese titles for viewers who enjoy them. Users enjoy regular updates of anime episodes soon after they air in Japan.
This anime website has a lot to offer. For example, it is ad-free, meaning you can stream content without interruption. Additionally, the site is free and even has a download option to view movies or series offline.
You don’t need to sign up or create an account to watch anime on Gogoanime. However, you will need an account to download content.
The latest anime episodes are uploaded on the home screen as soon as they are updated. The site’s advanced search box has several filters to help you narrow your search. An anime list on the home page gives you an alphabetical list of available titles.
- Ad Annoyance: Low
- Ad-Blocker Compatibility: Yes
- VPN Compatibility: Yes
- Streaming Quality: Up to HD 1080
- Website: https://www9.gogoanimes.fi
4. RetroCrush
Countries/regions: Available worldwide
RetroCrush is a feature-packed anime website with an enormous anime content library. The content spans multiple niches, with a priority on action and adventure. This website also features classics, unique and lesser-known titles, and the latest and most popular releases.
As noted above, RetroCrush has several outstanding features. The most notable features include the stylish and contemporary layout with well-categorized sections and an intuitive menu.
Some navigation buttons featured on the menu include Live TV, Movies, and Shows. Other highlights include the Watchlist function to curate your content, the search function to find titles directly, and the Genres button to filter content.
RetroCrush has excellent streaming quality, is ad-free, and doesn’t require an account to stream. However, you may need to sign up to access all the site’s functions, like creating a watchlist.
It’s crucial to note that while most of RetroCrush’s content is available globally, some movies and shows are limited to specific audiences. If a particular show is unavailable in your location, you need a reliable VPN to stream it.
- Ad Annoyance: Low
- Ad-Blocker Compatibility: Yes
- VPN Compatibility: Yes
- Streaming Quality: Up to HD 1080
- Website: https://www.retrocrush.tv
5. Anime Planet
Countries/regions: Available worldwide
Anime-Planet is a legal website that allows you to watch anime online for free. It has been around for two decades and has since grown to hold a collection of over 45,000 industry-supported episodes.
Anime-Planet is proudly operated by fans and does not charge a subscription fee to its visitors. However, you can donate through Patreon to keep the website running.
With such a vast catalog, Anime-Planet offers anime across several genres. Its content is culled through partnerships with streaming platforms like Crunchyroll and Hulu.
Fan favorites like One Piece, Black Clover, and Tokyo Revengers have episodes uploaded regularly. There are ads, but not a lot.
With a clean, intuitive user interface, navigating the anime website to watch your favorite anime is easy. When you register, you can create an anime list with your favorite anime TV series and movies.
Apart from anime, you can read manga online, explore manga recommendations, and read light novels. Because Anime-Planet is big on community, the website has a discussion forum. Here, fans review anime and manga and hold general discussions.
- Ad Annoyance: Low
- Ad-Blocker Compatibility: Yes
- VPN Compatibility: Yes
- Streaming Quality: Up to HD 1080
- Website: https://www.anime-planet.com
6. HIDIVE
Countries/regions: Available worldwide
HIDIVE is a diverse, well-designed anime site with a contemporary interface and vast library. This website features various anime niches, including simulcasts, dubs, series, and movies. The layout is easy to navigate.
It features a menu at the top of the home page and search and profile icons at the top-right corner. The main page also contains various content categories, including Exclusives, Recently Added, Romance, Most Popular.
It’s vital to note that HIDIVE is a premium anime site. Its free-access library is limited to specific titles. You must subscribe to a monthly or yearly plan to access the entire library, including exclusive and latest releases.
The good news is that HIDIVE offers a 7-day free trial for its premium service, allowing users to review the site and its features before committing to a paid plan.
Regarding quality, HIDIVE has impressive resolution and is ad-free for premium subscribers. The videos also open fast, and the streaming links are lag and buffer-free.
- Ad Annoyance: Low
- Ad-Blocker Compatibility: Yes
- VPN Compatibility: Yes
- Streaming Quality: Up to HD 1080
- Website: https://www.hidive.com/dashboard
7. VIZ
Countries/regions: Available worldwide
VIZ is one of the most vibrant and feature-rich anime websites available today. This site has everything you need in an anime site, from a vast library and regular updates to an immersive interface that’s easy to navigate.
Like other top anime sites, VIZ has a comprehensive menu at the top to guide users. The site also features various series and content banners on the main page. It has a diverse catalog of anime content, including classics, most popular titles, and unique movies and series.
Besides streaming anime content on the VIZ site, you can click the various publications about your favorite genres and characters through the Read and My Hero Academia sections. It also has a Create section where fans create their original Manga characters and submit them through the portal.
Other highlights of the VIZ site include the Calendar function, where you can view upcoming anime title releases. Additionally, VIZ has a search function on the home page, allowing you to find content directly instead of browsing the extensive library.
This website is ad-free and doesn’t require an account to stream. However, signing up gives you access to additional features and lets you subscribe to newsletters and publications.
- Ad Annoyance: Low
- Ad-Blocker Compatibility: Yes
- VPN Compatibility: Yes
- Streaming Quality: Up to HD 1080
- Website: https://www.viz.com
8. AsianCrush
Countries/regions: Available worldwide
AsianCrush is not a standalone anime website. The streaming service offers a host of Asian movies and series spread across various genres. One of those genres is anime, and you’ll find dozens of titles under it.
Signing up is not mandatory to use the website. However, you must be registered and logged in for some content. AsianCrush has a premium subscription that unlocks the whole service experience.
The website has a sleek user interface, but it is not the easiest to use. There are no categories for anime, so you’re limited to the search button to narrow down on titles.
- Ad Annoyance: Low
- Ad-Blocker Compatibility: Yes
- VPN Compatibility: Yes
- Streaming Quality: Up to HD 1080
- Website: https://www.asiancrush.com
9. CONtv
Countries/regions: Available worldwide
If you love comics, you’ll love CONtv. This streaming service is dedicated to members of the Comic-Con community, providing them with exclusive content and access to conventions in different locations in the United States.
CONtv’s catalog covers a wide variety of videos. There are movies and series in several genres, including horror, supernatural, action, and horror. More relevantly, the website has many anime you can watch for free.
Beyond these, CONtv lets users look at behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, discussions, reviews, and more from the Comic-Con. It has both free and premium versions.
- Ad Annoyance: Low
- Ad-Blocker Compatibility: Yes
- VPN Compatibility: Yes
- Streaming Quality: Up to HD 1080
- Website: https://www.contv.com
10. YouTube
Countries/Regions: Available Worldwide
YouTube has become a one-stop shop for all kinds of content, from music videos, pranks, recipes, tutorials, and full movies. Don’t be surprised to realize that it’s one of the best platforms to find full episodes of anime series as well as anime original films.
The best place to look on YouTube is the official channels of anime creators and distributors. These entities upload never-seen-before anime clips, fully dubbed episodes, and originals. Other times, you’ll be lucky to find interesting full-length anime through the main search tab.
- Ad annoyance: Average
- Ad-Blocker Compatibility: Yes
- VPN Compatibility: Yes
- Streaming Quality: Up to HD
- Website: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=anime
11. Pluto TV
Countries/Regions: United States
Pluto TV is another free content streaming website mainly focusing on movies, TV shows, and live channels. This site has a limited anime library featuring titles like Naruto, Mr. Osomatsu, Saint Seiya Soul of Gold, All Day, Death Note, and many more.
Regarding features and the layout, Pluto TV’s interface is contemporary and easy to navigate. The home page features various content categories with a simple menu at the top. You can select content from the home page or use the other menu on the site’s left-side panel.
Searching for anime titles on Pluto TV is straightforward. Use the Search function to enter anime for a broader selection, or type in the specific anime title you want to watch.
Despite Pluto TV’s limited anime collection, the site has several user-friendly features, like a favorites manager and regular updates for TV shows and movies. The streaming resolution varies between 720p and 1080p.
You don’t need an account to stream anime on Pluto TV, but you will need one to access exclusive features.
- Ad Annoyance: Average
- Ad-Blocker Compatibility: Yes
- VPN Compatibility: Yes
- Streaming Quality: Up to HD
- Website: https://pluto.tv
12. TubiTV
Countries/regions: United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand
Tubi TV is not a standalone anime service. Instead, it is an over-the-top (OTT) streaming platform that provides tons of video content, ranging from movies to TV shows and documentaries. You can even watch Live TV on Tubi TV – several channels cover the news, sports, and entertainment.
Anime fans are not left out. While it does not have the most robust library of anime videos on this list, you can legally watch dozens of titles. These include popular anime series like One Punch Man, One Piece, Toriko, and Fairy Tail. Most anime videos on Tubi TV are dubbed for the convenience of English speakers.
Tubi TV does not exactly shine in terms of viewing quality. Users get a choice of video quality for watching anime on the website, but it tops off at 72op. It’s not the worst thing in the world, but videos in full HD or higher would enhance the viewing experience.
- Ad Annoyance: Low
- Ad-Blocker Compatibility: Yes
- VPN Compatibility: Yes
- Streaming Quality: Up to HD 1080p
- Website: https://tubi.tv
13. Aniplus
Countries/regions: Available worldwide
If you are looking for a free and legal all-in-one anime streaming site with a vast library, interactive layout, and new anime titles, then Aniplus will not disappoint. This anime site has a comprehensive menu that lets you filter anime titles alphabetically. Additionally, it has a TV schedule you can use to review release dates for upcoming titles. The TV schedule also shows the number of episodes, ratings, and genre.
In addition to the TV schedule, Aniplus has a news section where you can learn more about your favorite anime shows, productions, and storylines. You can also click the Store menu button to purchase popular anime merchandise.
Streaming on Aniplus is straightforward. Click on the title you wish to stream, then play on the video player to start watching. This website’s video resolution is excellent, with most varying between 720p and 1080p.
All anime titles have a brief synopsis explaining what the movie or show is about.
You don’t need an account to stream on Aniplus. However, you may register for real-time updates on new stories and fresh episodes of your favorite anime.
- Ad Annoyance: None
- Ad-Blocker Compatibility: Not required
- VPN Compatibility: Yes
- Streaming Quality: Up to HD 1080
- Website: https://www.aniplus-asia.com
Premium Sites to Watch Anime
Here are premium platforms to watch your favorite anime content:
14. Hulu
Countries/regions: United States, Japan
Easily one of the most popular streaming services in the world, Hulu is also one of the best websites to watch anime series and movies. It is best known for its TV shows, movies, and Originals, but Hulu also has a sizeable anime content library.
On this platform, you can watch anime series like One Piece, Dragon Ball Super, Assassination Classroom, My Hero Academia, and Attack on Titan. Most anime series are dubbed in English.
On the other hand, the anime movies here are more likely to be subtitled. They include titles such as Akira, K Missing Kings, Afro Samurai Resurrection, and Fairy Tail the Movie.
You can watch your favorite anime on Hulu in various video qualities, like 720p, full HD, 4K Ultra HD, and 60fps HD.
Hulu is not a free website, but new subscribers enjoy everything on offer for up to 7 days if they take advantage of its free trial. It is also available as an app on the Google PlayStore and App Store.
- Ad Annoyance: Low
- Ad-Blocker Compatibility: Yes
- VPN Compatibility: Yes
- Streaming Quality: Up to HD 1080
- Website: https://www.hulu.com/hub/anime
15. YouTube
Countries/Regions: Available globally
Many people know YouTube is the most popular video streaming site, but most don’t know it has an anime content catalog.
YouTube features popular anime content, such as One Punch Man, Revolutionary Girl Utena, Spy x Family, Shibi Maruko, Beyblade, Naruto, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Emma, A Victorian Romance, Death Note, and others.
Even though YouTube doesn’t have a vast library like other websites, it still offers a decent selection for the average anime fan.
The good news is YouTube has a straightforward and well-optimized search system that allows you to find content within seconds. Additionally, the interface is clutter-free, and the resolution is excellent.
YouTube is free and available on various internet-enabled devices, including PCs and mobile phones. This allows you to conveniently stream your favorite anime from wherever you are.
- Ad Annoyance: Average
- Ad-Blocker Compatibility: Yes
- VPN Compatibility: Yes
- Streaming Quality: Up to 4K
- Website: https://www.youtube.com
16. Amazon Prime Video
Countries/Regions: Available globally
Prime Video is another popular premium streaming site typically known for movies and TV shows. However, Prime Video also offers a decent selection of classic and newly released anime content.
You can stream some anime titles on this platform, including Vinland Saga, Rebuild of Evangelion, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, Banana Fish, Ghost in the Shell, Princess Principal, Watakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku, and Naruto.
Prime Video offers high-quality resolution between HD and 4K, depending on your device and the content’s specifics. Additionally, it follows a buy or rent content system, meaning most of the content available is payable.
Regarding the interface, Amazon Prime Video is easy to use and navigate and offers several user-friendly features, such as downloadable content and multiple user profiles.
Prime Video offers a 30-day free trial as a standalone service and a 7-day free trial when subscribing through secondary platforms like Hulu, Max, and STARZ.
The free trial allows users to check out the anime collection and evaluate other valuable features. Subscription prices vary between $8.99 and $14.99 monthly.
- Ad Annoyance: None
- Ad-Blocker Compatibility: Not required
- VPN Compatibility: Yes
- Streaming Quality: Up to 4K
- Website: https://www.primevideo.com
17. Max
Countries/Regions: United States, Latin America, Caribbean
Formerly known as HBO Max, Max has upgraded its anime library over the last several years to feature more current and classic anime content. Like other premium streaming sites, Max’s anime content is incomparable to that of its TV shows and movies, but it is still enough for the average fan.
Examples of anime titles available on Max include Castle in the Sky, Death Note, Berserk, My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Erased, and Kill la Kill. The Max app has everything you need in a streaming site, from a navigable interface to well-defined content categories.
Max offers three subscription plans: Ad-lite, Ad-free, and Ultimate. These plans cost $9.99, $15.99, and $19.99 monthly. The Ad-lite plan contains ads and doesn’t support 4K content or a download option. The other plans support 4 K content and have a download cap for 30 and 100 titles, respectively.
Max is a standalone service without a free trial. However, you can get a 7-day free trial to check out the anime library if you subscribe to the service through Amazon or Hulu.
- Ad Annoyance: Low
- Ad-Blocker Compatibility: Not required
- VPN Compatibility: Yes
- Streaming Quality: Up to 4K, depending on the plan
- Website: https://www.max.com
18. Apple TV+
Countries/Regions: Over 100 countries, including the United States
Apple TV+ has much to offer TV show and movie fans, including hundreds of originals and exclusives. However, the platform has a limited anime collection.
If you are an Apple TV+ fan looking for classic anime, check out Apple TV’s classic anime collection, which features vintage titles from the 1920s and 1930s.
Even though the Apple TV+ anime library is limited, the platform has a stylish interface with a well-categorized home page. The search function is responsive, and the streaming quality is up to 4K.
A monthly Apple TV+ subscription costs $9.99. This platform offers a 7-day free trial to review its features and content and decide if it’s worth investing in.
- Ad Annoyance: None
- Ad-Blocker Compatibility: Not required
- VPN Compatibility: Yes
- Streaming Quality: Up to 4K
- Website: https://www.apple.com/apple-tv-plus
19. Disney+
Countries/Regions: North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Europe
Disney Plus is currently one of the top streaming services available, thanks to its 150 million+ subscribers. This streaming giant recently increased its services by expanding their anime library to feature more recent anime titles. Even though the anime library is still far from other niche-focused websites, it dramatically improves from what was previously available.
Disney Plus offers anime titles such as Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, Attack on Titan, Kill la Kill, and Sailor Moon.
Regarding features, Disney Plus has a lot to offer. The platform is interactive, with smooth navigation and a vast library of other content.
Disney+ has four subscription plans: Basic, Premium, Trio Basic and Trio Premium. These plans vary between $7.99 and $19.99. The Trio Basic and Trio Premium plans offer access to Hulu, allowing better access to additional anime titles.
Unfortunately, Disney Plus recently got rid of its free trial.
- Ad Annoyance: None
- Ad-Blocker Compatibility: Not required
- VPN Compatibility: Yes
- Streaming Quality: Up to 4K
- Website: https://www.disneyplus.com
20. Netflix
Countries/Regions: Available globally
Like Disney Plus, the Netflix anime library has grown steadily over the last few years. Unlike premium websites, Netflix offers the most extensive and versatile anime catalog. It features classics and new titles cutting across multiple anime niches.
Some popular anime titles on Netflix include Death Note, InuYasha, Castlevania: Nocturne, Naruto, Dinosaur King and Cardcaptor Sakura. Some new releases on Netflix include One Piece, Pokémon Horizons: The Series, and Delicious in Dungeon.
Netflix’s interface is sleek and easy to use. The search button and the content categories are on the home page. There are also several filter options to find anime titles directly.
Like Disney Plus, Netflix scrapped its famous free trial. Its basic ad-supported subscription plan starts at $6.99, making it one of the most affordable streaming services.
- Ad Annoyance: Low
- Ad-Blocker Compatibility: Not required
- VPN Compatibility: Yes
- Streaming Quality: Up to 4K streaming
- Website: https://www.netflix.com
FAQ’s
Are free anime sites legal?
Yes, all the websites mentioned in this post are official and legal.
Are free anime sites safe?
Legal anime sites are perfectly safe. This is because the anime on these websites is vetted before it is uploaded.
Do I need a VPN to stream anime online?
VPNs are recommended for streaming anime videos for several reasons. First, VPNs protect user traffic from interception by ISPs, scammers, and the Government. Second, they help bypass the geo-restrictions set by anime websites to lock content to specific regions. I use and recommend ExpressVPN.
Can I stream anime on FireStick?
Yes, you can. Check out the best apps for streaming anime on your FireStick.
Wrapping Up
Birthed in Japan, anime has taken over the world. Nowadays, people from virtually every country watch anime and read the manga. But getting the anime content you want for free online is not always easy.
This article lists 20 of the best free anime streaming sites for watching anime online. I hope you find them helpful. Please use the comment box below if you have any comments.
Related:
- Best Anime Apps For FireStick
- Best Free Online Movie Streaming Sites
- Best APKs for Streaming Movies & TV Shows
- Best Torrent Sites
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