Anime has taken the planet by storm and fans are desperate for where to watch their favorite shows and movies. Whether you’re just getting started or have been an otaku for a while, being aware of where you can watch anime for free with legal sources ensures a seamless viewing experience that won’t break the bank. In this guide, we shared the best free anime sites out there where you won’t have to give away any payment deets and can enjoy a wide variety of content, reliable streaming, and a safe user experience.
Why use free anime streaming sites?
Now without further ado, here’s our list of the best anime streaming websites with free options: Reasons to Use Free Anime Websites Before you dive into our list, here are some of the benefits of using free anime websites:
- Need not to sub – Watch anime free without subscriptions.
- Classics and trending series – From “Naruto” to “Demon Slayer,” you can watch popular and timeless series for free.
- Legal and Safe – The top free anime sites grant an absolutely legal access and allow you avoid dangerous ads and viruses.
- Subbed and Dubbed versions – The websites offer both the Japanese audio with English subtitles as well as the dubbed versions to cater to the non-Japanese audience.
- If you’re trying to figure out where to watch anime without spending much money, the list below will be a good guide.
Crunchyroll (Free with Ads)
Website: www.crunchyroll.com
Crunchyroll is probably the most well-known legal anime streaming site across the the world. Though it has premium subscriptions, users can also get much of its library for free, supported by ads. It has thousands of anime episodes, including hits such as One Piece, Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen.
Pros:
- Extensive library
- Simulcast Show Not shown with subtitles
- Legal and safe
Cons:
- Ad interruptions
- Some tiers are behind a paywall
Tubi TV
Website: www.tubitv.com
Tubi TV is an ad-supported, free streaming service that has a nice, if limited collection of Anime. It’s not as extensive as Crunchyroll or Funimation, but it does contain some of the most well-known series, like Naruto, Bleach and Afro Samurai.
Pros:
- No registration required
- Available on multiple devices
- High-quality video
Cons:
- Limited anime selection
- Limitations for certain content based on region
Pluto TV (Anime All Day Channel)
Website: www.pluto.tv
Pluto TV has a 24/7 anime channel all of its own. A live TV-like experience that casual viewers will appreciate, you can tune in to watch. You’ll see a lot of Death Note, FLCL, and Samurai Champloo.
Pros:
- No signup necessary
- Completely free and legal
- Works like live TV
Cons:
- No on-demand functionality
- Not much ability to control what’s being played
RetroCrush
Website: www.retrocrush.tv
For fans of vintage anime, RetroCrush is a hidden gem. It’s greatest speciality is anime from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, and the site offers series like Cyborg 009, Space Adventure Cobra and Urusei Yatsura, all for the low price of “free.”
Pros:
- Nostalgic library
- Free access and no registration With your existing account from Optional registration:.
- Superb for old-school anime enthusiasts
Cons:
- Lacks modern titles
- Mostly subbed content only
Crunchyroll on VRV (Free-level Tier)
Website: www.vrv.co
VRV is a curated bunch of streaming channels: Crunchyroll, Mondo and more. Although you’ll have to pay for full libraries, a majority of the shows are free with ads. So, if you are still searching for a place on where to watch anime legally, this site can be an ideal solution.
Pros:
- A wide and varied selection of geek-friendly content
- Free tier available
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Limited availability by region
- Ads can be frequent
YouTube (Official Channels)
Website: www.youtube.com
Believe it or not, YouTube is one of the best sites for watching anime online for free. The official channels for anime such as Muse Asia, Ani-One and Toei Animation upload full episodes legally, and even with multiple language subtitles you can choose.
Pros:
- Instantly accessible
- No subscription needed
- Great for new and niche anime
Cons:
- Not all shows are complete
- May be region-blocked
Aniwatch.to
Website: www.aniwatch.to
Aniwatch There is so much to love about Aniwatch which is why it’s a favorite among anime fans, including a good selection, fast playback, a clean layout, and more. Though not entirely legal, it’s heavily used for free streaming, with both subbed and dubbed anime and low ad amounts.
⚠️ Note: Aniwatch occupies a grey area when it comes to legality. Safety first: VPN and ad-blocker.
Pros:
- Large selection which includes series not yet completed
- Fast loading times
- Intuitive design
Cons:
- Legal status is questionable
- Threat of pop-up ads or tracking
9anime
Website: www.9anime.pl
Another widely popular free anime site is 9anime, and it’s for a reason: not only is the collection of anime on 9anime staggering, the website’s sleek design and high-definition quality of most of the streams is the big winner for otaku like us. It’s a hangout for users who are hungry for speed and variety.
⚠️ Note: Just like Aniwatch, 9anime is unofficial. Proceed with caution.
Pros:
- Virtually all of the anime ever released
- Fast, high-resolution streams
- Filter search by genre, status, or year
Cons:
- Legality concerns
- Intrusive ads unless blocked
Tips for Safe Anime Streaming
If you’re watching anime for free on the web, particularly on unofficial sites, follow these tips:
- Ad blocker – Don’t you hate pop-ups and malicious ads?
- Enable VPN – It’s safe for protecting your identity, online and bypass geo-restrictions.
- Do NOT download any video content – Streaming is secure and safer then downloading unverified content.
Add the official domains to your bookmarks – Many imitation mirror sites are out there, and they could be harmful.
Conclusion: The Best Free Anime Streaming Sites
Knowing where to watch anime without spending a bit helps expand your viewing experience, without limiting yourself to lower-quality streams. Whatever you LDV, these great websites have everything covered. If your preference is for the safest possible browsing experience, begin with safe-for-work services like Crunchyroll, Tubi, or RetroCrush. Though if you’re willing to veer into not-entirely-legal waters, sites like Aniwatch and 9anime boast a similarly vast catalog; just be careful.
So stock up on your favorite snacks, cue up your favorite show and explore the world of anime — without spending a dime.
