Handpicked List of Free Apps for Streaming Anime

Last Updated: Apr 23, 2024 by

Best Apps to Watch Anime for Free Online

Anime has quickly become a global phenomenon, offering a unique blend of art, storytelling, and culture that captivates audiences worldwide. If you’re eager to explore this vibrant world, numerous free apps are now available to help you enjoy anime series and movies conveniently and affordably. With extensive libraries that include everything from timeless classics to the latest releases, these apps ensure that whether you’re a seasoned Otaku or a newcomer, you can experience the best of anime anytime, anywhere, without straining your budget.

These apps not only provide free access to a wide range of anime but also offer many series and movies in dubbed versions, available in Japanese, English, and Hindi catering to a diverse global audience.

Free Anime Apps for Android and iPhones

1. Crunchyroll: World’s Largest Anime Library

Device Compatibility: Available on Android Play Store, iOS App Store, and Web.

Crunchyroll: World’s Largest Anime Library

Crunchyroll is one of the foremost authorities in anime streaming, offering a vast library of anime series, including classics like “Naruto” and “Bleach.” It’s a popular platform that caters to both beginners and seasoned anime fans.

Features:

  • Over 25,000 episodes of anime
  • Available in multiple languages
  • Offers both subtitled and dubbed anime

Content Library: Extensive library including popular series like “Naruto” and “Bleach.”

Release Date: Crunchyroll has been around since 2006, with the app consistently updated for better user experience.

Pros
  • Massive library of anime
  • High-quality streaming
  • Regular updates with new episodes
  • Offers both subtitled and dubbed anime
Cons
  • Contains ads in the free version
  • Some content is region-locked
  • Premium version required for early access to new episodes

2. Funimation – Watch Anime Streaming Online

Device Compatibility: Available on Android Play Store, iPhone App Store, and Web.

Funimation - Watch Anime Streaming Online

Funimation is another leading platform in the anime world, offering both subtitled and dubbed anime content. It’s a well-known distributor of anime in the U.S. and offers a streaming service with a focus on dubbed anime.

Features:

  • Offers both subtitled and dubbed anime
  • Regular updates with new episodes
  • Offers a merchandise store

Content Library: Wide variety of anime series and movies.

Release Date: Funimation has been a key player in anime streaming for years, with their app regularly receiving updates.

Pros
  • Wide variety of dubbed anime
  • High-quality streaming
  • Regular updates with new episodes
  • Offers a merchandise store
Cons
  • Contains ads in the free version
  • Some content is region-locked
  • Premium version required for early access to new episodes

3. Tubi TV – Watch Free Movies and TV Shows Online

Device Compatibility: Available on Android, iPhone, and Website.

Tubi - Movies & TV Shows

Tubi TV is a free streaming service that offers a wide range of content, including a dedicated anime section. With a diverse library of both classic and contemporary anime series, Tubi TV is a great choice for anime enthusiasts.

Features:

  • Extensive library of anime series
  • Regularly updated content
  • User-friendly interface

Content Library: Wide variety of both classic and contemporary anime series.

Release Date: Tubi TV has been available for several years, with new content added regularly.

Pros
  • Wide variety of anime content
  • High-quality streaming
  • Regular updates with new content
  • User-friendly interface
Cons
  • Contains ads
  • Some content is region-locked
  • Does not offer a premium ad-free version

4. Crackle – Watch Free Anime Online

Device Compatibility: Available on Android, iOS, and web.

Crackle - Watch Free Movies Online, TV Shows

Crackle is a free streaming service owned by Sony. While it’s not exclusively an anime app, it does offer a good selection of anime series and films.

Features:

  • Good selection of anime series and films
  • High-quality streaming
  • User-friendly interface

Content Library: Good selection of both classic and contemporary anime series and films.

Release Date: Crackle has been in the streaming space for a while, with the app receiving periodic updates.

Pros
  • Good selection of anime content
  • High-quality streaming
  • User-friendly interface
  • Owned by a reputable company (Sony)
Cons
  • Contains ads
  • Limited compared to dedicated anime apps
  • Some content is region-locked

5. Peacock TV – Streaming Anime

Device Compatibility: Available on Android Play Store, iPhone App Store, and Website.

 

Peacock TV - Stream TV & Movies

Peacock TV is a streaming service from NBCUniversal. It offers a wide range of content, including a selection of anime series.

Features:

  • Selection of anime series
  • High-quality streaming
  • User-friendly interface

Content Library: Selection of anime series along with a wide range of other content.

Release Date: Peacock TV launched in July 2020 and has been expanding its library since.

Pros
  • Selection of anime content
  • High-quality streaming
  • User-friendly interface
  • Owned by a reputable company (NBCUniversal)
Cons
  • Contains ads
  • Limited compared to dedicated anime apps
  • Some content is region-locked

6. AnimeLab – Watch Anime Free

Device Compatibility: Available on Android and iPhone.

AnimeLab - Watch Anime Free

AnimeLab is a streaming service that specializes in anime. It’s a fantastic platform for anime fans, offering a wide range of anime series and movies, including popular titles like “Naruto” and “Dragon Ball.”

Features:

  • Wide range of anime series and movies
  • High-quality streaming
  • Regular updates with new content

Content Library: Wide variety of anime series and movies, including popular titles like “Naruto” and “Dragon Ball.”

Release Date: AnimeLab has been around since 2014, catering primarily to the Australian and New Zealand market.

Pros
  • Wide variety of anime content
  • High-quality streaming
  • Regular updates with new content
  • User-friendly interface
Cons
  • Contains ads
  • Some content is region-locked
  • Does not offer a premium ad-free version

7. VRV: Stream Anime

Device Compatibility: Available on Android.

 

VRV: Stream Anime

VRV is a streaming platform that combines multiple channels into one app. It includes Crunchyroll and other channels popular among anime and animation fans. With a single subscription, users can access a wide variety of content, making it a great choice for anime addicts.

Features:

  • Combines multiple channels into one app
  • Wide variety of content
  • A single subscription for multiple channels

Content Library: Wide variety of content from multiple channels, including Crunchyroll.

Release Date: VRV was launched in November 2016 and has been a favorite among anime fans.

Pros
  • Wide variety of content
  • Single subscription for multiple channels
  • High-quality streaming
  • User-friendly interface
Cons
  • Contains ads
  • Some content is region-locked
  • Does not offer a premium ad-free version

8. Pluto TV – Stream Anime Free

Device Compatibility: Available on Android, iOS, and web.

Pluto TV - Live TV and Movies, Anime

Pluto TV is a free streaming service that offers a wide range of content, including a dedicated anime section. With a diverse library of both classic and contemporary anime series, Pluto TV is a great choice for anime enthusiasts.

Features:

  • Extensive library of anime series
  • Regularly updated content
  • User-friendly interface

Content Library: Wide variety of both classic and contemporary anime series.

Release Date: Pluto TV has been operational since 2013, with the anime channel being a more recent addition.

Pros
  • Wide variety of anime content
  • High-quality streaming
  • Regular updates with new content
  • User-friendly interface
Cons
  • Contains ads
  • Some content is region-locked
  • Does not offer a premium ad-free version

9. Plex – Free Anime Streaming

Device Compatibility: Available on Android Play Store, iPhone App Store, and the Website.

Plex: Stream Movies & TV

Plex is a media server platform that allows users to organize and stream their media collections. While it’s not exclusively an anime app, it does offer a good selection of anime series and films.

Features:

  • Good selection of anime series and films
  • High-quality streaming
  • User-friendly interface

Content Library: Good selection of both classic and contemporary anime series and films.

Release Date: Plex has been around since 2008, with the streaming service continuously evolving.

Pros
  • Good selection of anime content
  • High-quality streaming
  • User-friendly interface
  • Allows users to organize their media collections
Cons
  • Contains ads
  • Limited compared to dedicated anime apps
  • Some content is region-locked

10. The Roku App (Official)

Device Compatibility: Available on Android Play Store, iOS App Store, and Web.

The Roku App for Streaming Movies and Anime

The Roku Channel is a free streaming service that offers a wide range of content, including a dedicated anime section. With a diverse library of both classic and contemporary anime series, The Roku Channel is a great choice for anime enthusiasts.

Features:

  • Extensive library of anime series
  • Regularly updated content
  • User-friendly interface

Content Library: Wide variety of both classic and contemporary anime series.

Release Date: The Roku app has been available for several years, complementing the Roku streaming experience.

Pros
  • Wide variety of anime content
  • High-quality streaming
  • Regular updates with new content
  • User-friendly interface
Cons
  • Contains ads
  • Some content is region-locked
  • Does not offer a premium ad-free version

11. 9anime – Watch Anime online with DUB and SUB for FREE

Device Compatibility: Available on the Website.

9anime - Watch Anime online with DUB and SUB for FREE

9anime is a free anime streaming platform with an extensive collection of anime series and movies covering various genres. It’s a great choice for anime fans who want to explore a wide range of anime content.

Features:

  • Extensive collection of anime series and movies
  • Covers various genres
  • High-quality streaming

Content Library: Extensive collection of anime series and movies covering various genres.

Release Date: 9anime has been a go-to website for anime fans for several years.

User Experience: Easy to navigate with a user-friendly interface.

Pros
  • Wide variety of anime content
  • Covers various genres
  • High-quality streaming
  • Regular updates with new content
Cons
  • Contains ads
  • Some content is region-locked
  • Does not offer a premium ad-free version

12. KissAnime: Watch Anime for Free

Device Compatibility: Available on Android, iOS, and web.

KissAnime - watch anime for free

KissAnime was an extraordinary platform that offered a gigantic library of anime content for free. It was incredibly popular among anime fans, providing a convenient platform to watch their favorite anime series and movies. However, it’s important to note that KissAnime was a piracy site, which means it hosted content without the necessary legal permissions.

Features:

  • Massive library of anime series and movies
  • High-quality streaming
  • Regular updates with new content

Content Library: Huge variety of anime series and movies, including popular titles like “Naruto” and “Dragon Ball.”

Release Date: KissAnime was a long-standing website before its shutdown in August 2020.

Pros
  • Wide variety of anime content
  • High-quality streaming
  • Regular updates with new content
  • User-friendly interface
Cons
  • Was a piracy site, which is illegal
  • Was shut down due to copyright issues
  • Some content was region-locked

Subscription Based 7 Best Apps To Watch Anime

13. Netflix

Device Compatibility: Android | iPhone | Website

Netflix

Review: Netflix is a global powerhouse in the streaming domain, offering an extensive library of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and original content in various languages. Catering to millions of users, it has content from almost every genre imaginable, making it a favorite for families and individuals alike. Its original content, like “Stranger Things” and “The Crown,” has gained immense popularity. The user-friendly interface and personalized recommendations make binge-watching even more enjoyable.

Features:

  • Extensive content library
  • User profiles for personalized recommendations
  • Offline download feature

Content Library: Movies, TV shows, documentaries, and Netflix Originals.

Release Date: Netflix has been streaming anime for several years, with a significant expansion in its anime library over the past few years.

Price: Starts at $8.99/month

Pros
  • Wide range of original content
  • Available globally
  • High-quality streaming options
  • Multiple subscription plans

Cons
  • Can get expensive for premium plans
  • Content varies by region
  • Some content removed frequently

14. Amazon Prime Video

Device Compatibility: Android | iPhone | Website

Amazon Prime

Review: Amazon Prime Video is a formidable competitor in the streaming space, providing a vast selection of movies, TV series, documentaries, and critically acclaimed original content like “The Boys” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” It’s not just about entertainment; Amazon Prime Video often provides educational content and regional movies, catering to a diverse audience. The service also allows renting or buying some titles.

Features:

      • Vast selection of movies and TV series
      • Amazon Originals
      • Option to rent or buy certain titles

Content Library: Movies, TV series, documentaries, and Amazon Originals.

Release Date: Amazon Prime Video has been including anime in its offerings for several years, with a steady increase in titles.

Price: $12.99/month (Includes other Prime benefits)

Pros
  • Regular addition of new content
  • Included with Amazon Prime membership
  • Available in many countries
  • High-quality video streaming

Cons
  • Interface not as intuitive as competitors
  • Some content is region-specific
  • Search functionality can be improved

15. Hulu

Device Compatibility: Android | iPhone | Website

Hulu Streaming App

Review: Hulu is another giant in the streaming industry, best known for uploading episodes of current TV shows a day after they air. This makes it a preferred choice for those who want to keep up with their favorite shows without a cable subscription. Hulu also offers a library of movies, Hulu originals like “The Handmaid’s Tale”, and even live TV for those willing to pay a bit more.

Features:

      • Current TV episodes available shortly after airing
      • Hulu Originals
      • Live TV option available

Content Library: TV shows, movies, Hulu Originals, and live TV.

Release Date: Hulu has been offering anime for quite some time, with a noticeable push to expand its anime catalog in recent years.

Price: Starts at $5.99/month

Pros
  • Up-to-date TV show episodes
  • Variety of subscription plans
  • Can bundle with Disney+ and ESPN
  • Live TV option
Cons
  • Commercials on the basic plan
  • More expensive for ad-free or live TV
  • Limited outside the US

16. Mubi

Device Compatibility: Android | iPhone | Website

Mubi

Review: Mubi stands out from other streaming platforms by its curated approach to movie selections. It introduces a new film every day and keeps it available for 30 days. This method ensures a constantly rotating library of 30 films, focusing on indie, classic, and art-house genres. It’s a haven for cinephiles looking for unique and off-the-beaten-path content.

Features:

  • Curated selection with a new film daily
  • Specialized in indie and art-house movies
  • Detailed film notes and reviews

Content Library: Rotating selection of indie, classic, and international films.

Release Date: Mubi has been around since 2007, with its anime film offerings being a more niche part of its catalog.

Price: $10.99/month

Pros
  • Unique curated film approach
  • High-quality cinema from around the world
  • Community features and discussions
  • Free trial available
Cons
  • Limited selection at any given time
  • Might not appeal to mainstream audiences
  • No TV series content

17. YuppTV

Device Compatibility: Android | iPhone | Website

YuppTv

Review: YuppTV is a popular platform for South Asian content, primarily focusing on Indian channels and movies. It provides live TV, catch-up TV, and a decent library of movies across different regional languages. YuppTV has managed to establish itself as a go-to source for Indian expatriates looking for regional entertainment.

Features:

  • Live TV streaming of Indian channels
  • Catch-up TV for missed shows
  • Movies and series in various regional languages

Content Library: Indian TV channels, movies, and series across different regional languages.

Release Date: YuppTV has been operational since 2006, with anime being a smaller, yet valuable part of its extensive content library.

Price: Varies based on the chosen package (starting at $9.99/month)

Pros
  • Extensive Indian content
  • Multiple subscription packages tailored to user needs
  • Available in multiple countries
  • Offers regional languages

Cons
  • Video quality can vary
  • Might be pricey for some packages
  • Limited to South Asian content

18. HIDIVE

Device Compatibility: Android | iPhone | Website

HIDIVE

Review: HIDIVE is an emerging platform that’s gained traction among anime enthusiasts for its exclusive titles and simulcasts. It boasts a diversified library, spanning from dubbed series to OVAs and live-action dramas. Its uncensored content and versatile subscription options set it apart.

Features:

  • Exclusive anime titles
  • Simulcasts available
  • Uncensored content option

Content Library: Diverse range of anime, including dubbed series, OVAs, and live-action dramas.

Release Date: HIDIVE launched its streaming service in 2017 and has been a favorite among anime connoisseurs for its unique offerings.

Price: $4.99/month

Pros
  • Reasonably priced
  • Offers exclusive and uncensored content
  • Wide variety of titles
  • High-quality streaming
Cons
  • Newer in the market compared to giants like Crunchyroll
  • Some might find its library limited
  • Regional restrictions for some titles

19. VIZ Media

Device Compatibility: Android | iPhone | Website

Viz Media

Review: VIZ Media is synonymous with manga and anime in many circles, known for distributing some of the most iconic titles in the industry. Their digital platform gives fans access to a wealth of anime series, from ongoing releases to complete classics. It’s an excellent source for fans who want both anime and manga content.

Features:

  • Expansive anime and manga library
  • Simulcasts directly from Japan
  • Official source for many iconic titles

Content Library: A mix of classic and new anime series, along with manga titles.

Release Date: VIZ Media has been involved in anime distribution for decades, with its streaming app evolving over the years to include digital viewing.

Price: Varies based on content

Pros
  • Official source for many popular titles
  • Offers both anime and manga content
  • High-quality streaming
  • Regular updates and new releases

Cons
  • Some content behind a paywall
  • Might not have every anime title available
  • App interface can be improved

Conclusion

In conclusion, there’s a vast world of anime out there waiting to be explored, and thanks to the rise of dedicated anime streaming apps, accessing your favorite shows and discovering new ones has never been easier. Whether you’re a long-time anime fan or a newcomer to the genre, the apps we’ve discussed offer a convenient and legal way to enjoy anime for free. From the extensive library of Crunchyroll to the dubbed content of Funimation, there’s something for everyone. So why wait? Start your anime journey today with these fantastic apps!

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. While we aim to provide accurate information, we make no guarantees about the completeness or accuracy of the information presented. The listing of any streaming service or app does not constitute an endorsement. We advise readers to comply with their local laws regarding online streaming and downloading. Use of these services is at your own risk. We will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this information.

About the Author: Junaid Ali

Junaid Ali is a skilled technology author and part-time content writer. He excels in making intricate tech concepts accessible to a broad audience with his lucid style. His writings in both technology and general content showcase his expertise and passion for the written word.