One of the simplest ways to watch anime today is through free anime websites. These services provide complete anonymity when using a VPN and typically do not require any form of registration.
Watching anime on a streaming platform, particularly one that allows content downloads, is a far better option than websites like The Pirate Bay. I prefer to stream anime on KissAnime because it is safe and offers all the most popular shows.
Since not all anime streaming sites provide the same quality of content, it is important to educate yourself about the various options. Below is a list of some of the best anime streaming sites available.
Given the multitude of anime streaming sites, both free and paid, it has become essential to compile lists like this one to help identify the best options.
In selecting websites for the list, I considered the number of free anime titles, the availability of HD quality video, and the number of countries in which the website is accessible, among other factors.
The list will include only completely free services, excluding any premium options for watching anime online.
Finally, I will provide some tips and tricks for watching anime shows online, along with a list of things to avoid.
Table of Contents
1. KissAnime
The best overall
Stefan’s Take:
My go-to service for watching anime is KissAnime, because of the wide selection of different anime series, as well as the option to switch to dubbed versions.
Another big plus is that it’s entirely free.
| Number of Free Titles | 10 |
|---|---|
| Video Quality | 10 |
| Availability | 10 |
| Number of Ads | 9 |
The top anime streaming site is based in Russia but is accessible nearly worldwide, with thousands of episodes streamed daily, available in both subbed and dubbed versions.
Additionally, most of the streams on the website are available in HD quality and accessible worldwide.
One downside of KissAnime is that it requires you to register for a free account before you can watch anything. However, this can be easily circumvented by creating a disposable email.
Pros
- Thousands of shows to stream
- Entirely free to use
Cons
- You have to log in to watch
2. CartoonCrazy
The highest video quality
Stefan’s Take:
The best one for ad-free watching is CartoonCrazy. Once again, I really liked the selection of shows, the quality of the videos, and that it was free.
| Number of Free Titles | 9 |
|---|---|
| Video Quality | 10 |
| Availability | 10 |
| Number of Ads | 9 |
This popular free anime streaming website primarily focuses on dubbed versions of various Japanese cartoons, featuring over 25,000 videos in total, available in both SD and HD resolutions.
Another excellent aspect of CartoonCrazy is that it is ad-free, making it a great option for uninterrupted streaming.
Unlike the previous entry on our list, this one does not require you to become a member to access all their anime episodes. All you need to start watching is a VPN.
Pros
- Videos of great quality
- You don’t have to sign in to watch
Cons
- Fewer shows to stream compared to other websites
3. 4Anime
The best platform for streaming controversial anime
Stefan’s Take:
If you’re into more controversial anime, my recommendation is 4Anime.
This isn’t really my cup of tea, but I explored some of the anime series and was pleased to see that they have subtitles in numerous languages.
| Number of Free Titles | 10 |
|---|---|
| Video Quality | 9 |
| Availability | 9 |
| Number of Ads | 9 |
4Anime is regarded as one of the most popular anime streaming sites, enabling you to watch this type of content for free.
This website offers several advantages over most others, including a selection of more controversial anime genres like Yaoi, Yuri, and others.
Likewise, 4Anime often provides subtitles in various languages, enabling you to enjoy your favorite anime even if you aren’t fluent in either Japanese or English.
Additionally, the website is highly secure and accessible from nearly anywhere in the world without delays or lag.
Pros
- Subtitles for several languages
- Highly secure
Cons
- Not the best video quality
4. GoGoAnime
The best platforms for streaming Chinese anime
Stefan’s Take:
I really enjoyed Chinese anime and was excited when I stumbled upon a site that has many of them. It’s free to use, the video quality is okay, and it includes English subtitles.
| Number of Free Titles | 9 |
|---|---|
| Video Quality | 9 |
| Availability | 9 |
| Number of Ads | 9 |
Primarily offering dubbed versions of your favorite series, GoGo Anime features a highly diverse selection of shows, including many Chinese anime that are often challenging to locate.
Overall, it is an excellent choice for all anime lovers, no matter which country they are from.
Just remember to use a VPN for this, as you would with any other anime website, since it will enable you to bypass any region locks you might encounter.
Pros
- It has Chinese anime
- Numerous anime series you can stream
Cons
- Not available in all countries so you need a VPN
5. Masterani.me
The best platform for watching popular anime shows
Stefan’s Take:
The selection of shows on Masterani is great but not as wide compared to other websites. However, if you like to stick to only the most popular shows, it’s a great site.
| Number of Free Titles | 8 |
|---|---|
| Video Quality | 9 |
| Availability | 9 |
| Number of Ads | 9 |
Masterani.me is one of the top anime sites available, featuring an excellent, user-friendly interface that serves anime enthusiasts around the globe with high resolution and quality.
Furthermore, the videos are nearly entirely lag-free, providing you with an enjoyable viewing experience.
Creating an account on this site is optional; however, it is recommended, as it provides you access to numerous forums discussing the finer points of all the anime movies available on the site.
Pros
- Lag-free streaming
- Great video quality
Cons
- It doesn’t have so many shows you can stream
6. Animeheaven
The best platforms for watching dubbed anime
Stefan’s Take:
If you don’t like subtitles, I suggest you hop on to Animeheaven. Many of their anime series are dubbed, plus you have the option to stream them in 1080p.
| Number of Free Titles | 9 |
|---|---|
| Video Quality | 8 |
| Availability | 9 |
| Number of Ads | 8 |
This well-designed free anime website provides a vast collection of exclusive anime titles in 720p and 1080p, many of which are dubbed versions of your favorite Japanese anime, all without the need for any registration.
As a result, Animeheaven offers you an added layer of security compared to websites that require an account for access, all while delivering premium quality anime content.
Pros
- Streaming in 1080p
- Many dubbed shows
Cons
- It has been shut down multiple times
7. MyAnimeList
Available Worldwide
Stefan’s Take:
The biggest advantage of MyAnimeList is that it’s available globally, so you don’t have to get a VPN to stream shows on it. Another thing I really liked about this website was notifications on new episodes.
| Number of Free Titles | 8 |
|---|---|
| Video Quality | 8 |
| Availability | 10 |
| Number of Ads | 7 |
MyAnimeList is a free anime streaming service accessible worldwide, featuring a user-friendly interface and a diverse range of titles.
One of its key features is the notification system, which is designed to inform you in real-time about new additions to your previously watched shows, such as the release of a new episode or season.
Furthermore, this website is recognized for its low ping and provides excellent service, even if your internet connection is not ideal.
Pros
- Alerts for new shows
- Available worldwide
Cons
- Too many ads
8. TubiTV
The best option for streaming all shows
Stefan’s Take:
If you’re looking for a site that has it all, not just anime, I suggest you check out TubiTV. I really enjoyed versatility. It’s free, and the videos have great quality.
| Number of Free Titles | 8 |
|---|---|
| Video Quality | 8 |
| Availability | 8 |
| Number of Ads | 8 |
TubiTV offers much more than just the ability to stream anime online; it serves as an excellent source for various types of content, including regular TV shows, movies, clips, and even documentary series.
Furthermore, TubiTV features a section specifically designed for children, providing a solid, free alternative to websites like Nickelodeon.
You don’t even need to register; simply visit the website, and you can start watching anime right away.
Pros
- Great for streaming different shows
- You don’t have to register to stream
Cons
- Streams often lag
9. Anime Planet
The site featuring an active forum
Stefan’s Take:
Anime forums are a great place to meet like-minded people, and I was surprised by just how active forums on Anime Planet were. You can watch your favorite anime and then discuss episodes with other fans.
| Number of Free Titles | 8 |
|---|---|
| Video Quality | 8 |
| Availability | 7 |
| Number of Ads | 8 |
The primary distinction between Anime Planet and its competitors is that it is a platform created by fans, for fans.
Although it may be slightly more unstable than some other popular anime websites on this list, it remains an excellent choice because of the vast amount of content available.
The total number of videos available on this platform exceeds 50,000.
It also features a highly active forum that enables users to interact with one another in real time, sharing ideas and impressions about their favorite anime.
Pros
- Free to use
- It has an active forum
Cons
- A bit unstable
10. SideReel
The best option for streaming movies
Stefan’s Take:
This is another website great for streaming movies and TV shows besides anime. However, I had to give it a lower score because I was often redirected to sites like Hulu, where I would have to pay to watch a show.
| Number of Free Titles | 8 |
|---|---|
| Video Quality | 8 |
| Availability | 7 |
| Number of Ads | 7 |
A US-based online streaming platform that provides not only anime but also a wide variety of movies and series entirely for free, SideReel is an excellent choice for enjoying your favorite series with friends or family, as their extensive collection has something for everyone.
They release new episodes quickly, allowing you to watch them online if you missed the premiere.
However, you should keep in mind that they do not offer as many shows available for free.
Pros
- Wide selection of movies and TV series
- New episodes are added fast
Cons
- Getting redirected to Hulu, Amazon, and similar websites
Downloading vs. Streaming Anime
Today, you often have the choice of watching anime online or downloading it for offline viewing later. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, making them suitable for different circumstances.
The primary advantage of watching anime online is that it requires minimal storage space on your device—just a reliable internet connection. Furthermore, you will significantly reduce the risk of encountering viruses since you are not downloading any software.
On the downside, you will need a reliable Wi-Fi or mobile connection to continue watching anime without delays or lag.
When you decide to download anime for viewing, you will encounter a distinct set of challenges while also enjoying significant benefits.
Downloaded anime can be scanned for viruses, ensuring your device remains safe from unwanted and malicious software while allowing you to enjoy your favorite shows on the go.
Additionally, losing your internet connection will not cause lag or require you to abandon your viewing session, as the entire episode is stored on your device.
Conversely, you will require a significant amount of free space on your hard drives if you wish to keep all your anime readily available, and you may encounter the risk of downloading viruses or other malicious software alongside your anime episodes.
3 Tips for Watching Anime Online
1. Stick to the websites you trust
There are many websites where you can watch anime; for instance, you can even watch anime on Twitch. However, not all of these sites are trustworthy, nor do they offer quality content. Therefore, it is best to stick to those you have had positive experiences with or that have received good reviews.
2. Implement appropriate security measures
Antivirus software and a VPN will greatly decrease the likelihood of your IP being tracked and your computer becoming infected with viruses. Additionally, you can use a disposable email for websites that require registration.
3. Avoid downloading any third-party apps
These apps can be harmful to your computer or mobile device, so you should avoid downloading them whenever possible. Watching anime online through the browser is generally much safer.
Are Free Anime Websites Legal?
When watching anime online, you will likely encounter several illegally operated services. In simple terms, most, if not all, anime series are protected by copyright laws. While some websites may be licensed to stream anime or even permit their members to download various series, they are seldom free.
Therefore, free anime websites are primarily illegal. However, this does not render them unusable, and merely watching or torrenting anime is unlikely to cause you any trouble.
Nonetheless, you can and should take certain precautions when watching anime online.
The first step you can take is to sign up for accounts on these websites using a throwaway email. This will make it significantly more difficult for you to be tracked in the event of any legal issues. Here are some throwaway email services:
All these services provide a simple method to create and dispose of an email address without linking your personal data, making them an ideal option for watching anime online if registration is required.
Another effective way to minimize the risk of facing consequences for watching pirated anime is to use a VPN to hide your IP address and location. Here are some of the top VPN services available for public use:
Conclusion
As the number of anime streaming sites continues to grow alongside the genre’s rising popularity, there is a need to assist anime lovers in finding the safest ways to watch anime online for free, as well as to connect with communities of like-minded individuals to discuss their favorite series.
Here is a brief overview of my top three choices:
Prepare some popcorn, and I wish you happy streaming!
FAQ
What website can I watch anime for free?
There are many different websites online that offer free anime streaming services. Still, not all of them offer the same quality of service, so you should check carefully before you decide on one that you like, with a decent ping in your area.
What is the safest free anime website?
There is no way to say which website is the safest. Instead, we will say that there are several reasonably safe websites, though their positions can change drastically depending on where you live and what regulations they are bound to in your country.
Is 4anime safe?
4Anime is regarded as quite a safe free website that allows you to watch a lot of anime content without getting into any legal or other issues. That being said, you are still advised to use a VPN when playing content hosted on this website.
