Japanese anime fans have never had so many options to enjoy streaming their favorite animated series and films. They can choose an established platform like Hulu, Netflix or Crunchyroll, or watch anime online using one of several alternative websites with their own unique offerings.
Anime websites were once a minefield of viruses, ads, broken links and other annoying obstacles. However, many sites have sprung from the dark recesses of the cyber world to offer their members or occasional tourists high-quality content libraries with several features, including English subtitles and hard-to-find directors’ cuts.
Top 10 Free Anime Streaming Sites
Not all anime-watching sites are created equally. Read on to discover how all the competitors on this list keep an edge over other options. However, these are not risk-free options, so surf their content at your own risk.
1. KissAnime
KissAnime is one of the premier choices on the web for streaming anime. Thanks to its extensive collection of anime titles — which you can view free with ads — the site has a strong user interface and average loading speed. However, some users become deeply annoyed by intrusive ads and a rage-inducing captcha system.
2. GogoAnime
The second entry on this list ranks near the top for subbed and dubbed anime websites. There are no restrictions for global access, and the site remains free with ads and no requirement for a subscription.
3. AnimixPlay
AniMixPlay is another ad-free option that stands head-and-shoulders above other anime-streaming sites. Like GogoAnime, it offers top-notch titles from various genres that are accessible globally.
Anime without borders is a huge plus for all the globe-trotting nerds out there who may deal with frustrating workarounds for content not permitted in their region.
4. AnimeHeaven
AnimeHeaven is a relatively trustworthy and safe site heralded as one of the best for regularly updated content and new episodes of your favorite anime series. However, you may have to go a different route if you search for classic anime, as older content might be limited on this site.
5. 9Anime
This is another excellent option for users looking for quick updates with new releases and the latest episodes of their favorite series. The site’s categories span everything from popular action and comedy genres to deep-cut historical and romance titles.
6. Funimation
Funimation is the flagship anime streaming site for Sony, so you can expect it to lean strongly into its English-speaking clientele. This site offers a wide array of dubbed versions of popular titles with multiple languages for users across the globe.
7. Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is famous worldwide as the premiere place to find an Ultra-HD quality content library with a huge number of new titles and classic favorites. The site’s monthly search volume has exploded recently, leading the service to expand to mainstream platform status with paid subscriptions.
8. Anime-Planet
Your epic search-for-anime journey would not be complete without a trip to Anime-Planet. The user interface is simple and to the point, making it a straightforward resource to peruse over 45,000 episodes of your favorite shows.
9. MyAnimeList
This site differs slightly from other top names on this list, as it is more of a database than a direct streaming service. MyAnimeList does not offer a centralized content library but makes up for it with extensive reviews and links to track down hard-to-find episodes and films.
A significant downside is that this complex spiderweb of information can often lead to broken links and other issues.
10. AnimeKaizoku
AnimeKaizoku is one of the few free streaming options allowing you to download subbed and dubbed anime to watch offline. Although this is a convenient feature, it opens another door for cyber security issues and legal gray areas.
Where to Watch Anime Online
Customers often choose Tubi TV and other well-known sources for their anime-watching needs because they believe an established platform may offer a smoother streaming experience, simplified user interface and great customer service compared to free anime sites.
However, anyone who has ever navigated an automated gatekeeper and remained on hold until their hair went gray or spoken with a customer service agent about a billing issue or business-related inquiry knows the struggle all too well.
Although some anime websites are less established, their agile operations often yield a more convenient outcome for many customers who would rather avoid the red tape and bureaucracy of larger platforms.
Is It Legal to Watch Anime Free Online?
Due to the entertainment industry’s complicated copyright laws and the “Wild West” nature of the internet, free anime streaming sites are not considered 100 percent legal platforms. Many legal concerns come into play when users download or share copyrighted content.
It should also be noted that many sites are still breeding grounds for a broad spectrum of annoyances and threats, ranging from subpar video quality to harmful ads and spyware.
Whether you’re exploring these sites or just going about your daily business on trusted sites, it’s always best practice to maintain your cyber security continuously. Using VPNs, changing passwords regularly and monitoring your information will pay dividends.
So, as always, understand all the risks and protect yourself as much as possible as you peruse these many options for anime streaming.
Now That’s Interesting
Modern anime stems from a long history of Japanese manga comics, which has become one of the nation’s most influential cultural exports. The global demand is so high that Japan uses more paper for manga printing than for toilet paper. This unusual consumption pattern may be attributed to the widespread popularity of futuristic toilets and bidets in Japan. However, it’s still an excellent illustration of the cultural importance of the manga medium.
Original article: 10 Anime Websites Where You Can Stream for Free
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