With the gaining popularity of anime within the western world, we are always eager to binge-watch anime series. However the problem arises on where to watch Anime for free. Unlike Japan, USA does not have extensive anime culture and thus many free anime websites such as ABEMA TV or Lemino are exclusive to Japan.
To address this we have brought you a comprehensive guide which explores the most popular options with their pros and cons, helping you to watch anime online for free if you are living in the USA.
Best free anime websites 2024 updated
1. Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll stands as a major player in the free anime streaming world. It has a vast library of simulcasts (shows airing simultaneously in Japan and the US with subtitles) and dubbed anime series. Almost all of the popular shonens like One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba are available to stream on Crunchyroll, besides it also has licensing agreements with the producers of many upcoming anime.
- Pros:
- Extensive library of anime, including simulcasts and popular classics.
- User-friendly interface with search filters by genre, release date, and popularity.
- Option to create an account to track watch history and receive recommendations.
- Free Premium trial of 7 days for new users
- Cons:
- Free users experience ad breaks during episodes.
- Some simulcasts and newer series might be locked behind a premium membership.
2. Tubi TV
Tubi TV offers a diverse selection of movies and TV shows, including a dedicated anime section. While the anime library isn’t as expansive as Crunchyroll, it features popular titles like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Cowboy Bebop, and Durarara!!.
- Pros:
- Completely free with no subscription required.
- No account creation necessary to start watching.
- Offers a mix of dubbed and subtitled anime.
- Cons:
- Smaller anime library compared to dedicated anime streaming services.
- May not have the latest simulcasts or highly anticipated series.
- Ad breaks are more frequent than on Crunchyroll.
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3. Pluto TV
Similar to Tubi TV, Pluto TV is a free, ad-supported streaming service with a dedicated anime channel. While the selection isn’t as vast, you might find hidden gems or classic shows like Astro Boy and Yu Yu Hakusho.
- Pros:
- Completely free with no subscription required.
- Offers a mix of dubbed and subtitled anime.
- Features a live TV-style experience with scheduled anime blocks.
- Cons:
- Limited anime library with a focus on older series.
- Lacks the latest simulcasts or popular ongoing shows.
- Viewing experience can feel less customizable compared to on-demand platforms.
Other options to watch anime online for free
1. YouTube
YouTube offers a surprising variety of anime content. Some official anime channels upload full episodes or compilations, while fan communities create content like reviews and episode breakdowns. It’s a good option for discovering new shows or revisiting classics.
- Pros:
- Other than anime series, YouTube also has variety of anime content, including official channels and fan-made creations such as AMVs and anime breakdowns.
- Often features classic or lesser-known anime series not readily available elsewhere.
- One does not need to have a YouTube account to browse these content, however account creation is mandatory for access to seinen anime or 18+ content and the creation absolutely free.
- Cons:
- Inconsistent availability of full episodes due to copyright restrictions.
- Viewing experience can be disrupted by ads and unrelated content.
- Quality can vary depending on the source uploading the videos.
Official channels on YouTube providing anime content:
- Muse Asia: This channel features a diverse library of anime simulcasts and dubbed series, primarily focusing on Southeast Asian audiences. Recently Muse Asia has uploaded the complete series of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic and many more. Black Butler anime is also available as of now but for only a limited time.
- Ani-One Asia: Similar to Muse Asia, Ani-One Asia caters to Southeast Asian viewers with a wide selection of simulcasts and dubbed anime. You might find series like My Hero Academia, Blue Archive, and even season 1 of Gintama.
- BiliBili (Made by BiliBili): This channel from the Chinese streaming platform BiliBili features a variety of anime, including some simulcasts and dubbed series. However, availability might be limited depending on your region.
- Viz Media: While not strictly an anime channel, Viz Media uploads trailers, clips, and sometimes even full episodes of anime they license for North America.
RetroCrush
For fans of retro anime, RetroCrush offers a treasure trove of shows from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, completely free and legal. It features iconic titles like Lupin the Third, Urusei Yatsura, and Maison Ikkoku.
- Pros:
- Niche platform specializing in classic and nostalgic anime.
- Completely free to access with no subscription required.
- Offers a select historical gems.
- Cons:
- Limited library focused solely on older anime series.
- Lacks modern or ongoing shows.
- May not be ideal for viewers seeking the latest releases.
How to download anime for free?
Some websites offer legal ways to download anime for free. However, this option is less common and requires caution. Here are a few reputable download sites:
- Archive.org: This non-profit library offers a vast collection of digital media, including some anime series. However, the selection is limited and might focus on older or public domain titles.
- RetroCrush download store: RetroCrush allows downloading select classic anime for free, but the availability might change.
Important considerations
- Legality: Always ensure you’re using a legitimate platform to watch anime online. Avoid websites with a reputation for hosting pirated content, as it can be unsafe and illegal.
- Ad Breaks: Free streaming services typically support themselves through advertising. Be prepared for ad breaks during your viewing experience.
- Content availability: Licensing agreements can affect which shows are available on specific platforms. A show you’re looking for might be on one platform but not another.
- Video quality: Free platforms might offer a lower video quality compared to paid subscriptions.
To watch anime online for free in the USA we have several options. Free anime websites provide a good starting point, with Crunchyroll offering the most extensive library. Download sites and YouTube channels might have limited selections but can be helpful for finding specific titles. Now that you have the sources, keep looking for anime of your favorite genre, you might find something to binge. Till then, Adios.