Anime has grabbed the world by storm with thrilling stories, emotional depth, and amazing animation. Whether you’re a diehard otaku or just dipping your toe into the genre, one of the first questions you might ask is, “Where can I watch anime?” There are a lot of choices which makes it hard to find a reputable and free source. Luckily, there are quite a few legitimate places you can watch anime for free. In this article, we’ll discuss the best sites for streaming anime for free and what makes each of them unique.
Why Watch Anime for Free?
Now, before we begin with the list, let’s address a common question – why do people search for free anime streaming sites? Premium services like Netflix and Crunchyroll have great libraries, but not everyone can pay for more than one subscription. While anime is enjoyed by a wide demographic there are a lot of students or younger viewers who simply want to enjoy their favorite shows without breaking the bank to do so. That’s where legal, free platforms come in handy.
Crunchyroll (Free Tier)
Crunchyroll — also known as the best answer to the question, “Where can I watch anime for free?” — is a household name in anime. Although there is a premium Crunchyroll subscription, its free option gives you access to thousands of anime episodes with ads.
Key Features:
- Colossal library of popular and classic anime
- Current show simulcasts (premium only, but older episodes free)
- Most shows have English subtitles
While Crunchyroll’s free service can be ad supported, the sheer volume of content, as well as quality of video, especially given the plethora of free anime streaming options, is hard to beat.
Funimation (Ad Supported)
Funimation has made a name for itself as the premier destination for fans of English-dubbed anime, and those who prefer dubs over the subtitles. Similar to Crunchyroll, it also features a free, ad-supported tier.
Why It’s Worth It:
- Great collection of dubbed anime
- Fast uploads for new episodes
- North America and a few other markets
If your main question is, “How to watch anime with English dubs for free? Funimation is your answer.
Tubi TV
Tubi is an ad-supported free streaming service, and has a surprisingly respectable amount of anime. But the range and quality it features makes it something worth looking into, even if it’s not exclusively about anime.
Highlights:
- Completely free and legal
- Includes anime classic titles such as Naruto, One Punch Man, and Bleach
- You will not require any account to start watching
Tubi is similar to airing anime in the sense that it is best used by someone who just wants to experience some anime without signing up for or committing to a service.
Pluto TV
Another free, legal option, Pluto TV has dedicated channels for anime that run 24/7. You watch it like how you would TV, which is a unique way to watch anime without paying a dime.
Pros:
- No subscription required
- Live-streaming anime channels
- Genres, from action to romance
If you’re in the mood for a “lean-back” experience, Pluto TV could be your next favorite.
YouTube (Official Channels)
Numerous anime studios and distributors post complete episodes or entire series to their official YouTube channels. If you are also wondering “Where I can watch anime in legal and free options?, YouTube provides some answers.
Top Channels to Follow:
- Muse Asia
- Ani-One
- Nozomi Entertainment
- GundamInfo
These are geo-restricted in some countries in the world, when using a VPN, you can access a wider selection of content.
RetroCrush
RetroCrush: Goldmine for Classic Anime Fans Totally free, it focuses on anime from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s — a must for fans of anime’s golden era.
What You’ll Love:
- Content From Other Eras (Nostalgia)
- Playlists and collections, curated by theme
- No subscription fees
If your tastes run retro, head to RetroCrush.
Anime-Planet
Anime-Planet provides a free and legal anime streaming option directly on its site by partnering with Crunchyroll and a few other distributors.
Benefits:
- More than 45,000 podcast episodes
- Legal and ad-supported
- Such as reviews and recommendations and other community features
When someone wants to know, “Where can I watch anime and get recommendations? Anime-Planet is essentially a two-for-one here.
Peacock (Select Titles)
Several anime titles have been added to Peacock, NBC’s streaming service, in its free tier. There isn’t a lot available, but there’s some heavy stuff.
Notable Titles:
- Yu-Gi-Oh!
- Fairy Tail
- Kengan Ashura
It’s not the biggest anime library out there, but it’s a nice bonus if you already use Peacock.
CONtv
Previously, it was known as Viewster, and CONtv caters to comic and pop culture enthusiasts. It has a solid library of anime, all for free and ad-supported.
Features:
- Genre-specific collections
- Available on most devices
- Data set limited only until October 2023
It’s another great answer to, “Where can I watch anime for free?”
Library Services (Hoopla, Kanopy, etc.)
A number of U.S. area libraries partner with services like Hoopla and Kanopy that allow you to stream movies and TV shows — including anime — for free with a library card.
Why Try It:
- Legal and free
- Top rated anime movies and series
- Good for students or bookworms
If you are a library member, this is a hidden gem that is worth exploring.
Things to Watch Out For
When you are looking for free anime sites, be careful of shady or illegal streaming websites. “Such sites carry risks like the following:
Malware or phishing attempts
- Poor video quality
- Dubious or missing subtitles
- Copyright violations
If you want to support the industry and protect your device, stick to the legal platforms listed above.
Final Thoughts
So, how do I find anime that is free to watch legally and malware free? Fortunately, there are numerous reputable platforms. From the giants of the industry like Crunchyroll and Funimation to the lesser-known gems like RetroCrush and Tubi, there’s something for everybody.
On a budget? Streaming anime doesn’t need to feel expensive. Whether you’re watching your first series or revisiting that beloved classic, these platforms give you the chance to indulge in anime freely and legally. Bookmark a few of these and you’ll always be able to find a place to go when the anime itch hits.
