20 Free Anime Websites to Watch Anime Online

Welcome to the fascinating Japanese anime world! The global anime market’s tremendous growth, with a CAGR of 9.8% from 2023-2030, is proof of its popularity. Do you want a simple way to watch your favorite anime series online?

You don’t need to go any further since we are here to provide an extensive compilation of free anime streaming websites.

With their engaging storytelling, distinctive art forms, and wide range of genres, anime movies, and series have won the hearts of millions of people worldwide. 

These free anime websites offer an abundance of animated goodness that is only a click away, whether you are an experienced anime fan or are just beginning your anime journey. The availability of subtitles or dubbed versions on numerous websites guarantees an uninterrupted viewing experience for anime fans everywhere.

Expert Advice

While anime is interesting to watch, it's also crucial for viewers to abide by the rules. Hence, understand the laws first before watching anime videos online. Our comprehensive list of anime websites will help you find your favorite show online!

Grab some popcorn, settle in, and start to watch free anime online to experience interesting adventures without breaking the budget. Explore these free anime websites to become engrossed in the fascinating anime worlds that will keep you entertained and wanting more.

From the comfort of your screen, take in the magic of anime with our list of the top 20 free anime websites!

What Is An Anime Website?

Before getting into the lists of the best free anime websites, let’s first explain what an anime website is.

Anime websites are live video streaming sites that contain huge online collections of various animated movies, series, cartoons, and other TV shows related to anime. All those anime collections are perfectly organized and categorized on anime websites, enabling users to browse and watch their favorite anime videos and movies.

You can find free anime sites and paid anime sites where you need to pay a subscription fee to access premium anime content.

What Are the Standard Features of Good Anime Websites?

If you are looking for the best anime websites to watch your favorite anime series, you need to find sites with the below listed key features. Anime websites with the below-listed standard features will allow users to watch high-quality Japanese anime without hassles. 

• Anime websites should categorize (action, drama, games, comedy, and so on) their anime content.
• Anime websites should offer a request option for users. So that users can request their interested anime.
• Anime sites should have an easy user interface, allowing users to watch anime series without any hassles.
• Sites should have an SSL certificate so that users feel more secure while watching anime.

List of Free Anime Websites to Watch the Best Anime Online

1. Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll is one of the most trusted and popular free anime streaming websites, offering a comprehensive collection of anime shows from all genres. Besides its extensive library, Crunchyroll provides an excellent viewing experience with high-quality video and easy navigation.

Features

• High-quality on-demand anime content
• Option to review the anime content by users
• Option to share anime videos on social media platforms

Payment Modes: Credit Card, PayPal, and Paymentez.

Supported Device: iOS, Android, Apple TV, Xbox, Roku, and PS4

Crunchyroll Pros and Cons

Simple and highly intuitive interface

Lots of accessibility features.

No ad-free plans

User Review

Crunchyroll is my go-to platform for all things anime. The subtitles are accurate, and I appreciate the option to watch in different languages. The only downside is the ads for free users, but the premium subscription is worth it. – Jessica. W

2. Funimation

Funimation is another top-rated anime streaming website that boasts a vast collection of old and new anime shows. The website offers a free plan with ads and limited access to anime shows.

Features

• A vast collection of anime shows
• Excellent video quality
• Discover clips featuring your favorite movie characters effortlessly with the search function on the platform

Payment Modes: Credit card, PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, Discover.

Supported Device: Android, iOS, Amazon Kindle, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung smart TV, LG smart TV, PS3, PS4, PS Vita, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.

Funimation Pros and Cons

High-resolution anime content

Dubbed and subbed anime content

No dubbed anime on the free version

User Review

Funimation offers a great selection of dubbed anime series. I love that they focus on providing English dubs for many shows, which makes it easier for me to enjoy the content. However, their free version has limited access, so I eventually upgraded to a premium subscription. – Alex. M

3. Anime-Planet

For those seeking a website that allows them to stream anime shows, track their progress, and discover new series, Anime-Planet is a perfect choice to watch anime free online. This platform suggests new anime shows based on the user’s preference and viewing history.

Features

• Unique recommendation system
• Extensive database of anime reviews and ratings
• Option to track progress and discover new anime series
• Personalized recommendation

Payment Modes: Free.

Supported Device: Web.

Anime-Planet Pros and Cons

Impactful anime collection

Easy to access anime content

Nice and welcoming community

Too many ads

User Review

Anime-Planet is a fantastic platform for discovering new anime series. The website has a clean layout and is easy to navigate. I like their personalized recommendation feature, which suggests anime based on my preferences. – Sarah W.

4. 9anime

9anime is one of the popular anime streaming websites having a huge collection of anime shows, movies, and OVAs (Original Video Animations). The platform is known for its fast streaming speed and high-quality video playback, making it a top choice among anime enthusiasts worldwide. 

Features

• Scheduling option
• Option to request favorite anime
• Advanced anime filtering option

Payment Modes: Free.

Supported Device: PCs, Laptops, Tablets, Android and iOS mobile, smart TVs, and much more.

9anime Pros and Cons

User-friendly design

Easy to navigate

No registration is needed

HD video streaming

High loading time

User Review

9anime has an extensive collection of anime series, including both subbed and dubbed versions. The website has a simple interface and offers multiple streaming servers, ensuring smooth playback. However, the site is ad-supported, and some ads can be intrusive. – Elon. J.

5. Kissanime

Kissanime is also one of the popular anime watching websites among viewers to watch various anime shows, movies, and OVAs from various genres. Kissanime has become widely acclaimed among anime enthusiasts due to its extensive library of titles and easy-to-use interface. 

Features

• A diverse range of anime shows, movies, and OVAs
• Fast video loading speed
• Advanced video filtering option
• Anime request option.
• Numerous anime genres. 

Payment Modes: Free.

Supported Device: Firestick, Fire TV, Fire TV Cube, NVIDIA Shield, Windows OS computers, MAC OS computers, Android gadgets, Apple iOS gadgets, etc.

Kissanime Pros and Cons

Download and watch anime offline

Custom video quality to watch

Sleek and user-friendly design 

Too many ads

Copyrights issues  

User Review

Kiss Anime used to be my go-to site for streaming anime, but lately, the ads have become overwhelming. They pop up frequently and can disrupt the viewing experience. On the positive side, the website has a massive library of anime, and the video quality is generally good. – Meghan. K

6. AnimeHeaven

One of the most popular free anime websites, AnimeHeaven offers a vast anime collection. With a user-friendly interface and high-quality video streaming, you can easily find your favorite shows and start watching them right away. The website has a search bar that makes it easy to navigate through its extensive library. 

Features

• A vast anime series and movies collection
• User-friendly interface
• Easy navigation with a search bar

Payment Modes: Free.

Supported Device: Firestick, Windows, iOS, Android, etc.

AnimeHeaven Pros and Cons

High-quality anime content

Dubbed and subbed anime content

Fast video streaming

No account is needed to play video

Irrelevant ads

A high volume of ads

User Review

Anime Heaven has an extensive collection of both old classics and new releases. The site is easy to navigate, and the quality of the video is generally good. However, occasional server issues and ads can be frustrating. Overall, it’s a reliable source for streaming anime. -Ryan. T

7. AnimeFreak

Another top website for anime enthusiasts, AnimeFreak contains a wide range of anime series and movies. The site has a sleek and modern interface that makes navigating through its extensive library easy. Its advanced filter options help you find exactly what you’re looking for: the latest releases or old classics. 

Features

• Sleek and modern interface
• Advanced filter options for easy navigation
• Separate tabs for anime lists

Payment Modes: Free.

Supported Device: Android, Windows, Firestick, and iOS.

AnimeFreak Pros and Cons

High-quality anime content

Completely free

Subbed and dubbed anime content

Too many ads on the home page

No one clicks on the option to play a video

User Review 

AnimeFreak is a decent platform for streaming anime online. They have a vast library of anime series and episodes to choose from. The site is user-friendly, and the video player works well. However, the frequent pop-up ads can be annoying. -Walter. F

8. Aniwatcher

For those who crave a simple anime-watching experience, Aniwatcher is the website for you. Its clean and intuitive interface makes navigating through its vast collection of anime series and movies a breeze. 

 Features

• Chatbox interaction with other streamers
• Option to send a request
• Option to download anime videos in various resolutions

Payment Modes: NA

Supported Device: NA

Aniwatcher Pros and Cons

No account is needed to access anime content

Huge anime content libraries

Dubbed & subbed anime content

Irrelevant ads

Server issues 

User Review

Aniwatcher offers a wide range of anime series across various genres. The streaming quality is generally good, and the site is easy to navigate. However, they lack some of the latest releases, and the occasional buffering can be frustrating. Nonetheless, it’s worth checking out for older anime titles. -Kevin. J.

9. Chia-Anime

Chia-Anime has an extensive collection of anime series and movies where users can easily find their favorite shows or discover new ones. Moreover, the website regularly updates its collection with the latest anime and manga releases, ensuring that fans always have access to the newest content.

Features

• Easy to navigate
• Option to filter anime quickly
• Wide range of anime genres

Payment Modes: Free.

Supported Device: Mac, Windows PC, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TVs, and Smart TVs.

Chia-Anime Pros and Cons

Huge collections of classics and new anime content

Frequent update

English subbed & dubbed version

No downloading option

User Review

ChiaAnime is a reliable platform for streaming anime. They have a vast collection of anime series and movies, and the website layout is clean and intuitive. The video quality is generally good, but the presence of ads can be a downside. Overall, it’s a good option for watching anime online. -Michelle. K

10. Gogoanime

Gogoanime is a popular website among anime fans for its vast collection of anime shows and movies, including classics and new releases. The website offers English-subbed versions of anime titles, making it a great platform for those who prefer watching with original Japanese audio. 

Features

• Large collection of both classic and new anime releases under numerous genres
• Video requesting option
• Easy to watch ongoing anime series
• Option to download videos without any subscription

Payment Modes: Free.

Supported Device: Android, iOS, Roku, Amazon FireStick TV, PC, and other devices.

Gogoanime Pros and Cons

High-quality anime content

Daily update

Excellent customer support

No standard URL to view the site gets changed frequently

User Review

GogoAnime is a popular choice for anime streaming. The quality of the video is generally good, and they provide both subbed and dubbed versions. However, frequent ads can be intrusive. Despite that, it’s a reliable platform for anime fans. -Brian. K

11. Animedao

Animedao is a popular website among anime enthusiasts that brings high-quality anime shows and movies to watch online. One of its key features is its user-friendly interface, making it easy for anime-lovers to browse through its collection.

Features

• Accessibility control
• Video bookmarking
• Notification alert

Payment Modes: Free.

Supported Device: PC and Mac.

Animedao Pros and Cons

User-friendly interface

Subbed and dubbed anime versions

No downloading option

User Review

AnimeDao is a fantastic website for streaming anime. They have many anime series and movies, including subbed and dubbed versions. The site is user-friendly and offers a seamless streaming experience. The absence of ads is a big plus. -Brianne. K

12. Watchcartoononline

Watchcartoononline is a website for cartoon lovers of all ages to watch popular anime cartoons. The site allows users to stream content for free without any registration or subscription.

Features

• Free streaming of animated shows and movies
• Huge classic and modern cartoons collections

Payment Modes: NA

Supported Device: NA

Watchcartoononline Pros and Cons

Easily accessible website

Many viewing options 

Website takes too long to load

User Review

WatchCartoonOnline is a versatile platform that offers both anime and cartoons. They have a wide range of animated content available. The site is easy to navigate, and the quality of the video is generally good. However, the presence of ads can be bothersome. It’s a good option if you enjoy anime and cartoons. -Samantha. P

13. Tubi TV

Tubi TV is one of the most popular streaming platforms having a collection of movies and TV shows from different genres. You can find it all, from action to romance, horror to comedy, on Tubi TV. What distinguishes it from other streaming services is its free access with minimal advertisements.

Features

• Option to create watch lists, get recommendations, & Parental controls
• More than 20 thousand old TV shows
• 200+ live streaming channels

Payment Modes: Free.

Supported Device: Android, iOS, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xfinity X1, Xbox, Samsung Smart TVs, Sony Smart TVs, PlayStation, and the web.

Tubi TV Pros and Cons

Large anime libraries

Supports numerous platforms

Free with limited ads

No ad-free option

User Review

Tubi TV is a free streaming platform with a decent selection of anime. While their anime library might not be as extensive as some dedicated anime websites, they offer a variety of popular titles. The video quality is satisfactory, and the absence of subscription fees is a big advantage. -Eric. M

14. VRV

VRV is a streaming service that offers a unique mix of anime, gaming, and geek culture content all in one place. With VRV, you can access channels like Crunchyroll, Rooster Teeth, Cartoon Hangover, and exclusive content on the platform.

Features

• Option to choose mature content
• Exclusive content
• Adjustability option

Payment Modes: Paypal, Credit Card.

Supported Device: iOS, Android, Apple TV, Android TV, Fire HD, Roku, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S.

VRV Pros and Cons

Offline downloads

A la carte option

Sudden disappearance of channels

Lack in community

User Review

VRV is a fantastic streaming service for anime lovers. They offer a comprehensive collection of anime series from various genres. The streaming quality is excellent, and their user interface is sleek and user-friendly. Although it requires a subscription, the quality and variety make it worth it. – Michael. J

15. Animelab

If you’re a fan of anime, Animelab is a streaming service you won’t want to miss. Animelab is the go-to destination for anime lovers having a vast selection of classic and new anime titles.

Features

• High-resolution video
• Anime with subtitles & dubbed version
• Frequently updated

Payment Modes: Credit Card, PayPal, Visa and Paymentez.

Supported Device: Web, Android, and iPhone.

Animelab Pros and Cons

Completely free

Huge collection of both classic and new anime content

No Offline streaming

No dubbed anime

User Review

AnimeLab is a great platform for streaming anime. They have a diverse library of anime series and movies, including subbed and dubbed versions. The website is easy to navigate, and the video quality is excellent. The only downside is that it’s limited to certain regions, so availability may vary. -Lauren. M

16. Hulu (has a free trial)

Hulu provides a vast catalog of current and timeless TV shows, blockbuster movies, and beloved classics for unlimited instant streaming. With the flexibility to watch from various devices such as televisions, phones, laptops, and tablets, this application offers ease and convenience to its users.

Features

• Extensive streaming library
• Downloading option to view content offline
• Personalized TV experience

Payment Modes: PayPal, Venmo, American Express, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover.

Supported Device: Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, Firetv, iOS, and Android, Pcs, Macs, and much more.

Hulu Pros and Cons

Low ads

Screen recording option

Ads are visible in all plans except ads-free versions

User Review

Hulu offers a good selection of anime alongside their other content. The platform has a user-friendly interface, and the quality of streaming is generally good. However, the anime library is not as extensive as dedicated anime platforms. – Mark. S

17. Yahoo View

Yahoo View is one of the best anime streaming sites with a user-friendly interface, and a vast selection of anime shows to cater to your viewing preference. If you appreciate a clutter-free browsing experience and a wide range of options, Yahoo View is an excellent platform to indulge in your favorite anime series.

Features

• A vast collection of movies, TV series, and OVA (Original Video Animation)
• Different categories to browse from 

Payment Modes: NA

Supported Device: NA

Yahoo View Pros and Cons

Easy streaming of videos

Website is not accessible at times

User Review

Yahoo View is a decent platform for streaming anime. They have a limited but respectable collection of anime series and movies. The video quality is satisfactory, and the website is easy to navigate. However, the platform has been discontinued in some regions, which is disappointing. -Emily. J

18. RetroCrush

If you’re a fan of anime and looking for a top-rated streaming platform to watch the latest releases, RetroCrush is worth checking out. With its high-quality video content and user-friendly interface, you’ll have access to all the newest anime shows and movies just a few days after their release. 

Features

• Supports VPN
• Easy to navigate
• Lots of  subtitled & dubbed content

Payment Modes: Credit card, Visa, Paypal, and more

Supported Device: iOS, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Android, Roku, and Web.

RetroCrush Pros and Cons

24/7 live feed

Limited ads

Small library

No community access

User Review

RetroCrush is a fantastic platform for fans of classic anime. They specialize in offering a curated selection of older anime series and movies. The quality of the video is excellent, and the website design captures a nostalgic vibe. The only downside is that their library is focused on retro content. -David. J

19. Midnight Pulp

Midnight Pulp offers a diverse collection of anime series and movies on its website, catering to the interests of anime enthusiasts. Additionally, the platform allows viewers to enjoy their favorite animation content on their mobile devices.

Features

• Parental controls
• Playback speed adjustment

Payment Modes: Credit card, Visa, Paypal, and more

Supported Device: iOS, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Android, Roku, and Web.

Midnight Pulp Pros and Cons

Lots of cult movies & shows

Best video streaming VPNs

Hard to recognize the titles

Hard to access available features

User Review

Midnight Pulp is an interesting platform for fans of niche and cult anime. They offer a unique collection of anime series and movies that cater to specific tastes. The streaming quality is generally good, and the website has a visually appealing aesthetic. However, the selection may not be extensive enough for those seeking mainstream anime. -Olivia. S

20. Pluto TV

Pluto TV is a remarkable online platform that offers a vast collection of animations dubbed anime for viewers to watch at no cost. With an impressive library of over 4000 anime series and 60000 episodes, Pluto TV provides an extensive range of options for anime enthusiasts to explore and enjoy.

Features

• Creating watch lists 
• Pausing & resuming programs
• Closed captioning settings

Payment Modes: Free.

Supported Device: Android and Apple iOS/iPadOS devices, Android TV, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku,  Vizio SmartCast, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Chromecast, and many more.

Pluto TV Pros and Cons

Free

Can access live streaming and on-demand content

High ads

Less features

User Review

Pluto TV is a surprising find for anime enthusiasts. It is among the lesser-known anime platforms, but they have a dedicated anime channel that offers a continuous stream of anime series and movies. The quality of the video is good; the best part is that it’s among the free anime sites with no ads. -Jason. H

Wrapping Up

Anime, which originated in Japan, has become a global phenomenon. If you’re an anime enthusiast, here are some highly recommended free anime-watching websites to watch anime online for free. Using free anime streaming websites may come with certain challenges, such as ads, privacy concerns, and other issues. It is recommended to consider opting for paid versions or using a reputable VPN for anime viewing is highly advised.

Heena Soni

I have been working in the IT industry, writing on whatever fascinates me about the craft, with a special interest in mobile, web, and emerging technologies. Much of my writing is tied to modern innovations in technology.