One of the easiest ways to watch anime today is through free anime websites. These services offer complete anonymity when used with a VPN and usually do not require any form of registration.
Watching anime on a streaming platform, especially one that permits content downloads, is a much better choice than websites like The Pirate Bay. I prefer to stream anime on KissAnime because it is secure and provides access to all the most popular shows.
Since not all anime streaming sites offer the same quality of content, it is essential to educate yourself about the different options. Below is a list of some of the best anime streaming sites available.
With the numerous anime streaming sites available, 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 took into account the number of free anime titles, the availability of HD quality video, and the number of countries where the website is accessible, among other factors.
The list will include only entirely free services, excluding any premium options for watching anime online.
Finally, I will offer 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 leading anime streaming site is based in Russia but is accessible almost worldwide, offering thousands of episodes streamed daily in both subbed and dubbed versions.
Additionally, most of the streams on the website are available in HD quality and can be accessed worldwide.
One drawback of KissAnime is that it necessitates registering for a free account before you can watch any content. However, this can be easily bypassed 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 emphasizes dubbed versions of various Japanese cartoons, offering over 25,000 videos in total, available in both SD and HD resolutions.
Another excellent feature of CartoonCrazy is that it is ad-free, providing a great option for uninterrupted streaming.
In contrast to the previous entry on our list, this one does not require you to become a member to access all of their anime episodes. All you need to begin 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 considered one of the most popular anime streaming sites, allowing you to watch this type of content for free.
This website provides several advantages over many others, including a variety of more controversial anime genres such as Yaoi, Yuri, and others.
Similarly, 4Anime frequently offers subtitles in multiple languages, allowing you to enjoy your favorite anime even if you are not fluent in Japanese or English.
Furthermore, the website is very secure and can be accessed from almost anywhere in the world without delays or lag.
Pros
- Subtitles for several languages
- Highly secure
Cons
- Not the best video quality
4. GoGoAnime
The top 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 providing dubbed versions of your favorite series, GoGo Anime boasts a highly diverse selection of shows, including numerous Chinese anime that are often difficult to find.
Overall, it is an outstanding choice for all anime lovers, regardless of their country of origin.
Just remember to use a VPN for this, as you would with any other anime website, since it will allow you to bypass any regional restrictions you may 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 series
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 leading anime sites, offering an outstanding, user-friendly interface that caters to anime enthusiasts worldwide with high-resolution content and quality.
Furthermore, the videos are almost entirely lag-free, offering you an enjoyable viewing experience.
Creating an account on this site is optional; however, it is recommended because it grants you access to numerous forums that discuss 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 offers a vast collection of exclusive anime titles in 720p and 1080p, many of which are dubbed versions of your favorite Japanese anime, all without requiring any registration.
Consequently, Animeheaven provides an additional layer of security compared to websites that necessitate an account for access, while also offering premium quality anime content.
Pros
- Streaming in 1080p
- Many dubbed shows
Cons
- It has been shut down multiple times
7. MyAnimeList
Available Globally
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 available globally, offering a user-friendly interface and a wide variety 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 known for its low ping and offers excellent service, even if your internet connection is not optimal.
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 provides much more than just the capability to stream anime online; it is an excellent source for a variety of content, including regular TV shows, movies, clips, and even documentary series.
Additionally, TubiTV includes a section specifically for children, offering a strong, free alternative to sites like Nickelodeon.
You don’t need to register; just visit the website, and you can start watching anime immediately.
Pros
- Great for streaming different shows
- You don’t have to register to stream
Cons
- Streams often lag
9. Anime Planet
The site includes 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 main difference between Anime Planet and its competitors is that it is a platform built by fans, for fans.
While it may be somewhat less stable than other popular anime websites on this list, it remains an excellent choice due to the extensive amount of content available.
The total number of videos available on this platform surpasses 50,000.
It also includes a highly active forum that allows users to interact with each other 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 offers not only anime but also a diverse range of movies and series completely for free, SideReel is an excellent option for enjoying your favorite shows with friends or family, as their extensive collection has something for everyone.
They release new episodes promptly, enabling you to watch them online if you missed the premiere.
However, you should remember that they do not provide 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 frequently have the option to watch anime online or download it for offline viewing later. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, making them appropriate for various situations.
The main advantage of watching anime online is that it requires minimal storage space on your device—only a reliable internet connection. Additionally, you will greatly reduce the risk of encountering viruses since you are not downloading any software.
On the downside, you will require a reliable Wi-Fi or mobile connection to watch anime without delays or lag.
When you choose to download anime for viewing, you will face a unique set of challenges while also experiencing considerable benefits.
Downloaded anime can be scanned for viruses, ensuring that your device stays safe from unwanted and malicious software while you enjoy your favorite shows on the go.
Furthermore, losing your internet connection will not result in lag or necessitate abandoning your viewing session, as the entire episode is saved on your device.
Conversely, you will need a considerable amount of free space on your hard drives if you want to keep all your anime easily accessible. Additionally, you may face the risk of downloading viruses or other malicious software along with your anime episodes.
3 Tips for Watching Anime Online
1. Stick to Websites You Trust
There are many websites where you can watch anime; for example, you can even watch anime on Twitch. However, not all of these sites are reliable, nor do they provide quality content. Therefore, it is advisable to stick to those you have had positive experiences with or that have received favorable reviews.
2. Implement Appropriate Security Measures
Antivirus software and a VPN will significantly reduce the chances of your IP being tracked and your computer becoming infected with viruses. Furthermore, you can use a disposable email for websites that require registration.
3. Avoid downloading any third-party applications
These apps can pose a risk to your computer or mobile device, so you should avoid downloading them whenever possible. Watching anime online through a browser is generally much safer.
Are Free Anime Websites Legal?
When watching anime online, you will likely come across 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 allow their members to download various series, they are rarely free.
Therefore, free anime websites are mostly illegal. However, this does not make them unusable, and simply watching or torrenting anime is unlikely to lead to any issues.
However, you can and should take specific precautions when watching anime online.
The first step you can take is to create accounts on these websites using a temporary email. This will make it considerably more challenging for you to be tracked in the event of any legal issues. Here are some temporary email services:
All these services offer a straightforward way to create and dispose of an email address without connecting it to your personal data, making them an ideal choice for watching anime online when registration is necessary.
Another effective method to reduce the risk of facing consequences for watching pirated anime is to use a VPN to conceal 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 increase alongside the genre’s growing popularity, there is a need to help anime lovers find the safest ways to watch anime online for free and connect with communities of like-minded individuals to discuss their favorite series.
Here is a brief overview of my top three selections:
Prepare some popcorn, and I wish you a joyful streaming experience!
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.
