Anime fans, prepare for a treat! The world of Japanese animation has never been more accessible, with a plethora of free streaming services offering vast libraries of beloved series and films. Our team has thoroughly tested and reviewed each service, considering factors like content variety, streaming quality, and user experience. Whether you’re a seasoned otaku or just dipping your toes into the vibrant world of anime, our curated list of the best free streaming services will help you find your next binge-worthy series without spending a penny.
Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is a leading platform for anime enthusiasts, offering a vast library of popular and niche titles. The service provides a free tier that allows users to access a significant portion of its catalogue, making it an excellent starting point for those new to anime or casual viewers.
While the free plan includes advertisements and doesn’t offer the latest episodes immediately, it still provides a rich selection of content. Users can enjoy classics and fan-favourites across various genres, from action-packed shonen series to heartwarming slice-of-life shows. The platform’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to discover new anime and keep track of your watching progress.
Key Features
- Large library of anime titles
- User-friendly interface
- Available on multiple devices
- Simulcast of some new episodes (with delay for free users)
- Community forums and news section
The free plan includes ads and limited access to new episodes. For ad-free viewing, HD quality, and immediate access to new episodes, users can upgrade to the premium plan starting at £6.50 per month.
Funimation
Funimation has established itself as a powerhouse in the anime streaming world, known for its extensive collection of dubbed content. The platform’s free tier offers a taste of its impressive library, allowing users to explore a variety of series without commitment. While the selection is more limited compared to the paid version, it still provides a solid range of titles across different genres.
Free users can enjoy older shows and a rotating selection of newer releases, albeit with advertisements. Funimation’s strength lies in its focus on English dubs, making it an ideal choice for viewers who prefer watching anime in English or are new to the medium and find subtitles challenging.
Key Features
- Extensive collection of dubbed anime
- Some subtitled options available
- User-friendly mobile and desktop apps
- Ability to create a watchlist
- Regular updates to the free content library
The free plan includes ads and a limited selection of titles. For full access to the library, ad-free viewing, and simulcasts, users can upgrade to the premium plan starting at £5.99 per month.
Tubi
Tubi is a free streaming service that offers a diverse range of content, including a noteworthy selection of anime. While not exclusively focused on anime, Tubi’s anime category provides viewers with a mix of classic titles and some newer releases. The platform stands out for its completely free model, supported by advertisements.
This makes it an excellent option for casual anime watchers or those looking to explore the genre without financial commitment. Tubi’s anime library, though not as extensive as dedicated anime platforms, includes a variety of genres and styles, from action and adventure to romance and comedy. The service’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate and discover new titles.
Key Features
- Completely free service
- No account required to start watching
- Available on multiple devices and smart TVs
- Mix of subbed and dubbed anime
- Regular updates to the content library
Tubi is entirely free, supported by ads. There is no paid tier or subscription option available.
RetroCrush
RetroCrush caters to fans of classic and retro anime, offering a unique niche in the streaming world. This free service, supported by advertisements, provides a curated selection of anime titles from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. It’s a treasure trove for those looking to explore the roots of anime or revisit nostalgic favourites.
The platform’s focus on older content means it doesn’t compete with the latest releases but instead offers a journey through anime history. RetroCrush’s library includes a mix of well-known classics and obscure gems, making it an excellent resource for both long-time anime enthusiasts and newcomers interested in the medium’s evolution.
Key Features
- Specialised in classic and retro anime
- Curated selection of titles from past decades
- Available on web browsers and mobile devices
- Mix of subbed and dubbed content
- Regular additions to the library
RetroCrush offers a free ad-supported tier. A premium ad-free version is available for £4.99 per month, providing uninterrupted viewing of the same content library.
YouTube
YouTube, while not traditionally considered an anime streaming platform, has become a valuable resource for anime fans through its official anime channels. Many production companies and distributors have established a presence on YouTube, offering free, legal access to a variety of anime content. These channels often include full episodes of select series, promotional videos, and behind-the-scenes content.
The availability of anime on YouTube varies, with some channels providing complete seasons and others offering only sample episodes or clips. This platform is particularly useful for discovering new series or revisiting snippets of favourites. The accessibility of YouTube across devices and its familiar interface make it an easy option for casual viewing.
Key Features
- Free access to official anime content
- Wide variety of channels and content types
- Easily accessible on multiple devices
- Option to subscribe to channels for updates
- Community engagement through comments and likes
YouTube’s anime content is generally free with ads. Some channels may offer ad-free viewing through YouTube Premium, priced at £11.99 per month.
Pluto TV
Pluto TV offers a unique streaming experience with its live TV format, including dedicated channels for anime content. This free, ad-supported service provides a blend of on-demand viewing and scheduled programming, reminiscent of traditional television. While its anime selection is not as extensive as specialised platforms, Pluto TV offers a convenient way to discover and enjoy anime without the need for active selection.
The service’s anime channels feature a mix of popular titles and lesser-known series, catering to various tastes within the genre. Pluto TV’s linear format can be particularly appealing to viewers who enjoy the serendipity of stumbling upon new shows or prefer a more passive watching experience.
Key Features
- Live TV format with dedicated anime channels
- Mix of scheduled programming and on-demand content
- No account required to start watching
- Available on multiple devices and smart TVs
- Regular rotation of anime titles
Pluto TV is entirely free and ad-supported. There is no paid subscription option available.
Crackle
Crackle is a free, ad-supported streaming service that includes a modest selection of anime among its broader content library. While not primarily focused on anime, Crackle offers a handful of popular titles and some lesser-known series, making it a good supplementary option for anime fans. The platform’s anime selection tends to fluctuate, with titles rotating in and out of availability.
This can make Crackle an interesting place to discover new or overlooked anime series. The service is particularly appealing to casual viewers or those who enjoy mixing their anime watching with other types of content. Crackle’s user-friendly interface allows for easy navigation and discovery across its various genres, including its anime offerings.
Key Features
- Free access to a variety of content, including some anime
- No account required to start watching
- Available on multiple devices and platforms
- Rotating selection of anime titles
- Mix of popular and niche anime series
Crackle is completely free and supported by advertisements. There is no paid tier or subscription option available.
VIZ Media
VIZ Media, a major publisher and distributor of anime and manga in English-speaking countries, offers free access to select episodes of various anime series on their website. This service is particularly valuable for fans of popular shonen titles, as VIZ holds the rights to many well-known series in this genre.
While the free offerings are limited, typically consisting of the first few episodes of a series or promotional content, it provides an excellent way to sample new shows before committing to a full series. VIZ Media’s platform is straightforward and easy to navigate, focusing on delivering content rather than complex features. It’s an ideal starting point for newcomers to anime or for fans looking to explore VIZ’s catalogue without financial commitment.
Key Features
- Free access to select episodes of popular anime series
- Focus on shonen and mainstream titles
- Regular updates with new series and episodes
- No account required for free content
- Information about manga counterparts often available
VIZ Media offers free episodes for many series. Full access to series often requires purchase or subscription to other streaming services.
Ani-One
Ani-One is a YouTube channel that has become a valuable resource for anime fans, offering a selection of full episodes and series for free. As a subsidiary of Medialink, a major anime licensor in Asia, Ani-One provides legal access to a variety of anime titles, including some simulcasts of currently airing shows.
The channel’s content is primarily subtitled, catering to fans who prefer watching anime in its original Japanese audio. Ani-One’s YouTube format makes it easily accessible across devices and familiar to use. While the selection is not as vast as dedicated streaming platforms, it regularly updates with new titles and episodes, making it a great supplementary source for anime viewing.
Key Features
- Free, legal access to full anime episodes
- Some simulcast titles available
- Primarily subtitled content
- Easy to access through YouTube’s platform
- Regular updates with new episodes and series
Ani-One’s content on YouTube is free with ads. Viewers can opt for an ad-free experience through YouTube Premium, priced at £11.99 per month.
Midnight Pulp
Midnight Pulp is a niche streaming service that offers a unique selection of content, including a notable anime library. The platform specialises in cult, horror, and off-beat titles, making it an interesting destination for anime fans looking for something different from mainstream offerings.
While not exclusively focused on anime, Midnight Pulp’s anime selection tends to include more mature, avant-garde, or lesser-known titles that might not be available on larger streaming services. This makes it a valuable resource for seasoned anime viewers seeking to explore beyond popular series. The free, ad-supported tier provides access to a significant portion of the library, allowing users to delve into its eclectic mix of anime without a subscription.
Key Features
- Unique selection of cult and niche anime titles
- Focus on mature and avant-garde content
- Mix of classic and contemporary anime
- Available on multiple devices
- Regular updates to the content library
Midnight Pulp offers a free ad-supported tier. For ad-free viewing and access to additional content, users can subscribe to the premium plan for £4.99 per month.
How to choose the best free anime streaming service for you
Consider the content library
Examine the range and variety of anime titles available on each platform. Look for services that offer a mix of classic series, recent releases, and exclusive content. Check if they provide both subtitled and dubbed versions to suit your preferences. Some platforms might specialise in certain genres or studios, so consider which types of anime you enjoy most.
Evaluate streaming quality and device compatibility
Assess the video quality offered by each service, as some free platforms may limit resolution or have more frequent buffering issues. Ensure the streaming service is compatible with your preferred devices, whether you’re watching on a smart TV, mobile phone, tablet, or gaming console. Look for services that offer a smooth, user-friendly interface across different platforms.
Weigh additional features and limitations
Compare extra features like offline viewing, simultaneous streams, or personalised recommendations. Be aware of any limitations such as geographical restrictions, mandatory ads, or the need to create an account. Some services might offer a better experience with optional paid tiers, so consider if these upgrades align with your viewing habits and budget constraints.
Which Free Anime Streaming Service Is Best?
Crunchyroll’s free plan offers an impressive library of anime content. You’ll find a wide selection of popular and classic series, with new episodes often available shortly after their Japanese broadcast. While ads are present, the breadth of content makes it an excellent choice if you’re an anime enthusiast on a budget. We recommend Crunchyroll if you’re a dedicated anime fan who wants access to the latest releases.
Looking for a blend of both subbed and dubbed anime? Funimation’s free tier might be a great choice. It provides access to a good selection of titles, including some exclusive dubs. The ad-supported model allows you to enjoy a range of anime without subscription fees, though the library is more limited compared to its paid version. Funimation is ideal if you prefer English dubs and don’t mind a smaller selection.
Tubi is worth considering if you enjoy a mix of anime and other content. This free, ad-supported platform offers a decent selection of anime alongside films and TV shows from various genres. While it may not have the largest anime catalogue, its diverse content makes it a solid option for casual viewers or those exploring the genre. We recommend Tubi if you’re new to anime or enjoy a variety of entertainment alongside your anime viewing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Free Anime Streaming Services
What are the best free anime streaming services?
Some of the best free anime streaming services include Crunchyroll, Funimation, Tubi, RetroCrush, YouTube (official anime channels), Pluto TV, Crackle, VIZ Media, Ani-One (YouTube), and Midnight Pulp. These platforms offer a range of anime content with ad-supported free plans.
Do I need to create an account to watch anime on these free services?
Most of these services require you to create a free account to access their content. However, some platforms like YouTube and Pluto TV allow you to watch without signing up. It’s best to check each service’s requirements.
Are there any limitations to the free versions of these streaming services?
Yes, free versions often come with limitations such as ads, lower video quality, limited content libraries, and delayed access to new episodes. Premium subscriptions usually remove these restrictions.
Can I watch newly released anime episodes on these free services?
Some services like Crunchyroll and Funimation offer simulcast episodes of new anime, but they may be available to free users with a delay. Other platforms might focus more on older or classic anime series.
Are these streaming services legal?
Yes, all the mentioned services are legal streaming platforms that have the rights to distribute the anime content they offer.
Can I download anime episodes to watch offline with these free services?
Generally, offline viewing is a feature reserved for paid subscribers. Free plans typically don’t allow downloads for offline viewing.
What types of devices can I use to access these free anime streaming services?
Most of these services are accessible through web browsers, mobile apps (iOS and Android), and some smart TV platforms. Availability may vary by service, so it’s best to check each platform’s supported devices.
Are subtitles available on these free anime streaming services?
Yes, most of these services offer subtitles for their anime content. Some may also provide dubbed versions, though the availability of dubs might be more limited on free plans.
How often is new content added to these free anime streaming services?
The frequency of new content additions varies by platform. Services like Crunchyroll and Funimation often add new episodes weekly for ongoing series, while others might update their libraries less frequently.
Can I watch these free anime streaming services outside of the UK?
Availability and content libraries may vary by region due to licensing agreements. Some services might be restricted to specific countries, while others offer worldwide access. It’s advisable to check each service’s regional availability.
