10 Best Anime Streaming Sites 2024: Watch Free & Without Ads

Finding a reliable site to stream anime can be a daunting task, especially with the countless options available in 2024. Many free anime sites are not only riddled with ads but also operate illegally, posing risks to your online security and privacy.

To help you navigate this overwhelming landscape, I've compiled a list of the 10 best anime streaming sites. These platforms not only offer a vast library of anime titles but also ensure a seamless viewing experience without intrusive ads.

Best Anime Streaming Sites in 2024

These platforms provide a variety of content that can be accessed on numerous devices — making it easy to catch up on your favorite anime shows and movies, even on the go.

1. Crunchyroll — The Go-To Place for Paid and Free Anime Streaming in HD Quality

Crunchyroll stands out as a leading platform for anime streaming, offering both paid and free options. You can access an extensive library of anime titles, from the latest seasonal releases like Bartender Glass of God to beloved classics such as Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation, all in Full HD quality. The service also offers original content, most of which is available in English, Dutch, French, Italian, and more.

During my streams, the quality remained consistent without stutters or audio delays

With its intuitive interface, the service allows seamless browsing and discovery of new anime, making it a convenient choice for both casual viewers and dedicated fans. The platform also offers a community aspect through its forums and news sections, where you can engage with other anime enthusiasts and stay updated on the latest in the genre.

The premium plan removes ads, allows simultaneous streaming on multiple devices, and gives you access to new episodes just an hour after they air in Japan. You can try it out for free for a week with the 7-day free trial. The completely free version of the site, while ad-supported, still offers a substantial catalog of anime (including original features) too.

2. Netflix — Stream Your Favorite Anime With Dubbing and Subtitles in Various Languages

Netflix provides a diverse range of anime with multiple dubbing languages. You can enjoy popular anime series like Death Note and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba in English, Spanish, Russian, German, and more. A great feature is that you don’t need to restart the episode if you decide to switch the language midway through.

In case you can't find dubbing in your language, you can always use the subtitles

The service’s user-friendly interface and robust recommendation algorithm make it easy to discover and enjoy various genres. It also allows you to download content for offline viewing, ideal for home and on-the-go entertainment. I found the image quality to be great, with 1 Full HD episode of Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure coming in at roughly 140MB.

Subscribing to Netflix’s top-tier plans provides you with an ad-free viewing experience across multiple devices — including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, and PCs. Additionally, you can share your account with up to 4 people, allowing them to enjoy the content as well. Lastly, as a bonus, Netflix offers the ability to download premium anime games for your phone for free.

3. Pluto TV — Explore Free Anime Channels With No Subscription Required

Pluto TV offers a unique streaming experience with free access to various anime channels, no subscription required. I particularly like that there are specialized channels for various shows, like Mobile Suit Gundam and Sailor Moon. You don’t even need an account to enjoy all these shows. Just bear in mind that the library varies between regions, with the US having the largest anime selection.

There's also a live schedule at the bottom that makes it easy to keep track of episodes

Additionally, the platform's user-friendly interface enables smooth channel switching. There’s also a picture-in-picture mode and you can save your favorite shows across multiple devices and pick up right where you left off.

That said, Pluto does have a bunch of ads. For example, every time you switch channels, you'll need to watch a short ad, which is a bit annoying. Thankfully, unlike other free streaming services, the platform doesn’t force you to watch a gazillion ads in a row.

4. Tubi — Safe Anime Streaming for Kids, With Dedicated Children's Mode

Tubi offers a wide selection of free anime series and movies without requiring a subscription. It hosts classics such as Bakuman, various Lupin the Third entries, and Monsuno, all in HD quality. What I appreciate the most is its dedicated children's mode, which blocks or heavily blurs all M-rated anime — making it a great option for households with kids.

You can lock this mode with a password too

Creating an account unlocks extra benefits, including the ability to create personalized watchlists, receive tailored notifications, and set parental controls. I especially appreciate the “Leaving Soon” and the “First Time On Tubi” sections, which are excellent for discovering new content and tracking shows that might soon require a subscription.

However, note that Tubi does not offer an ad-free tier, which might be a drawback if you prefer watching without ads. That said, the ads are brief (around 30 seconds) and only appear at the beginning of an episode, which is a good time to prepare snacks.

5. Peacock TV — Access a Collection of Hidden Gem Anime Shows at No Additional Cost

Peacock TV lets you access a collection of anime TV shows at no additional cost. For instance, I enjoyed golden hits like Appleseed, Great Teacher Onizuka, and Hitman Reborn, all of which are available in their entirety as streams. Plus, all of these shows either have subtitles or include official dubbing.

All these shows aren't locked behind a paywall either

Peacock is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, streaming devices, smartphones, tablets, and PCs. This flexibility allows you to watch your favorite anime anywhere, anytime. The platform also supports watchlists, enabling you to organize and keep track of your favorite anime shows and movies.

My main gripe is that the service doesn’t allow you to create new free accounts. However, you can sign up for a free, 7-day trial of the paid tier. After that, you can continue to use the service for free with ads or purchase a $5.99/month subscription to remove them.

6. HIDIVE — Exclusive Access to Lesser-Known Anime Titles

HIDIVE is an independent anime streaming service offering access to rare and niche titles, with rights to over 500 series, movies, and OVAs. Niche series aside, it’s also home to some real heavy hitters, including My Isekai Life and Oshi no Ko — so there’s something for everyone.

The platform provides features such as switching between censored and uncensored versions, changing subtitle colors, and chatting with fans while streaming in HD. You can also enjoy simulcasts, dubs, exclusives, and live-action titles. I especially like that there’s a feature that lets you create private chat rooms.

The service offers a free 7-day trial. However, once it’s up, you’ll need a subscription. That said, the plans are quite cheap, costing only $4.99/month. You can share your subscription with up to 3 people per account, making it a cost-effective option for group viewing.

7. Amazon Freevee — Stream Anime With Premium Features for Free

Amazon Prime Video’s free channel, Amazon Freevee offers a selection of anime, with features typically found in paid services, all for free. For starters, streams are available in premium Full HD with a high bitrate, resulting in a crisp image. Additionally, its X-Ray feature allows you to see which characters are voiced by which seiyū and explore other content the actors have voiced. For example, I discovered that Hunter X Hunter's Hisoka and Overwatch's Torbjorn share the same voice actor.

The selection itself is quite diverse, featuring classics such as Yu-Gi-Oh, Pokemon the Series: XY, and Street Fighter. While you do have to watch an ad or two before viewing, they are generally brief. My only issue is that access is limited to the US and a handful of European countries.

8. Midnight Pulp — Niche and Edgy Anime for the Adventurous Viewer

Midnight Pulp is a fantastic platform for enjoying niche and edgy anime. It features a respectable library of shows and movies, including popular titles like Goku: Midnight Eye and Cybersix. Best of all, you don’t even need an account to enjoy the shows.

For even more content, you can subscribe to the paid tier, which costs $5.99 per month and offers a 7-day free trial. This subscription unlocks additional content and removes ads. Just bear in mind that the service is only available in the US and Canada. Plus, the streaming quality is a bit all over the place.

9. RetroCrush — Dive Into Vintage Anime Classics and Nostalgic Hits for Free

RetroCrush is an excellent platform for enjoying vintage anime and nostalgic hits for free. Owned by Digital Media Rights, the same company as Midnight Pulp, it features popular titles like Great Teacher Onizuka, Beelzebub, and Hajime no Ippo. While ads are minimal, you can remove them and gain access to exclusive content for $4.99/month. Note that a subscription to one platform does not unlock content on the other.

The platform offers great discoverability with an efficient search function that works for genres, titles, and voice actors. Streaming quality varies, but most shows are in HD. Plus, you can watch everything without creating an account. Like Pulp, the service is also exclusive to the US and Canada.

10. The Roku Channel — Watch Over 100 Popular Anime Titles for Free in High Quality

The Roku Channel is home to over 100 different anime titles, including classics like Naruto and InuYasha. The streaming is top-notch, with most content available in HD quality. Creating an account enhances your viewing by allowing you to create watchlists, receive recommendations, and resume watching from where you left off.

To use The Roku Channel, you'll need to create an account, but the site is user-friendly and easy to navigate. It displays age ratings for each anime and has a search function for finding specific titles. Conveniently, you don't need a Roku device to access The Roku Channel; it can be installed on other streaming devices or accessed via a web browser.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

How to Choose the Best Anime Streaming Sites

Choosing the best anime streaming sites involves considering several key factors to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and high-quality viewing experience. Here are some important points to consider:

• Diverse content library. Look for platforms that offer a wide range of anime genres, such as Shonen, Seinen, Shoujo, Mecha, and more. Ensure the site has a large library with both classic and new releases.
• Subs vs dubs. Check if the site provides both subbed and dubbed options to suit your preferences.
• Ad experience. If you prefer uninterrupted viewing, consider paid services that offer ad-free experiences. Free sites may come with ads, but the best ones keep them minimal and non-intrusive.
• Video quality. Look for sites that offer HD streaming (720p or higher) for the best viewing experience.
• User interface and experience. A user-friendly interface with easy navigation and search functionality enhances your streaming experience. Features like watchlists, recommendations based on viewing history, and customizable settings can be very helpful.
• Device compatibility. Ensure the site supports various devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and PCs — allowing you to watch anime on your preferred device.
• Subscription plans and pricing. Evaluate the pros and cons of free versus paid subscriptions. Paid services often offer additional features like ad-free viewing, higher video quality, and exclusive content. Consider the cost in relation to the content and features offered. Some platforms offer free trials or tiered pricing plans.
• Community and reviews. Check user reviews and ratings to gauge the reputation and reliability of the streaming site. Some platforms have active communities, forums, and social features that can enhance your anime-watching experience.

Tips on Staying Safe When Visiting Anime Streaming Sites

When exploring anime streaming sites, ensuring your safety and privacy is crucial. With so many dubious platforms out there, it's important to take steps to protect yourself from potential risks such as malware, data breaches, and privacy invasions. Here are some essential tips to help you stay safe while enjoying your favorite anime online:

FAQs on the Best Anime Streaming Sites

Are free anime streaming sites against the law?

It depends on the site's broadcasting rights. Free anime streaming sites are legal if they have proper licensing agreements with the content creators and distributors. All sites on this list are legal, and some offer free streaming options.

Many free streaming sites, such as Anime-Planet, Anime Frenzy, KickAssAnime, and 9anime, stream content illegally. They often host pirated shows, and watching on these illegal platforms can constitute copyright infringement. That’s why so many popular sites — like GoGoAnime, AniWave, AnimeFreak, AniWatch, Anime Land, and Chia-Anime — have been shut down.

Where can I watch anime for free legally?

There are several legal platforms offering free anime streaming. You can safely watch anime for free on platforms like Crunchyroll, Tubi, The Roku Channel, and RetroCrush. These services provide a wide range of anime titles supported by ads, making it possible to enjoy anime without a subscription.

Some of the bigger streaming platforms, like Hulu, also offer anime content and free trials that let you watch without paying.

Can I use a free VPN to stream anime?

Free VPNs come with limitations and risks. They often have data caps, slower speeds, and fewer server options — meaning they don’t work with many anime platforms. For a more reliable and secure experience, it's best to use a reputable paid VPN service.

Plus, free VPNs often fail to provide the same level of security and privacy as paid services. At worst, they can be safety risks themselves, hiding malware or spyware in their apps.

Conclusion

Navigating the vast number of anime streaming websites can be challenging. But, with my list of the 10 best anime streaming sites for 2024, you’ll find plenty of options for both paid and free anime.

These platforms ensure high-quality streaming, providing you with a reliable and enjoyable viewing experience. Whether you're an avid anime enthusiast or just starting, these sites offer a wide range of shows to keep you entertained without the hassle of registration or ads. Enjoy your anime worry-free with these top picks.