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In an age of streaming hegemony, anime remains to find its own dedicated fan base. A niche category beyond Japan in the past, anime is now a worldwide phenomenon, powering billion-dollar franchises, international conventions, and entire categories on streaming services. From high-octane epics and feel-good slice-of-life stories to psychological suspense and supernatural mystery, the draw of anime is vast and diverse.
But with more and more streaming services competing for attention, fans are asking the same question: where can you stream anime without burning a hole in your wallet? Thankfully, a number of sites are providing free, yes you heard it right, free access to plenty of anime, legally and with little loss of quality.
The following are seven sites that lead the pack in 2025 for streaming anime without paying a subscription fee. It is worth mentioning that these streaming platforms are not placed in rank-wise positions.
Arguably the most well-known name in anime streaming, Crunchyroll is still the go-to destination for most fans. It boasts an enormous library of titles from popular simulcasts to retro favourites. Although premium access removes ads and grants early access, Crunchyroll still provides viewers with the ability to watch most episodes for free with ads. Top current titles in 2025 include Kaiju No. 8, Spy x Family, My Hero Academia, and Wind Breaker.
RetroCrush is a nostalgic love letter to anime’s golden age. This ad-supported, free service focuses on retro titles between the 70s and the early 2000s. In April 2025, the platform made waves by adding Future Boy Conan, a cult-classic film directed by Hayao Miyazaki. For anime die-hards and fans of hand-drawn narrative, RetroCrush is required viewing.
For die-hard anime fans who want the latest episode fast, Chia-Anime continues to be a popular option. The platform offers free streaming without the need for registration, though users should be cautious of intrusive ads. Its library spans both mainstream and niche series, with updates typically appearing shortly after Japanese broadcasts.
Viz Media, which is famous for its reign in manga publication, also offers some anime series for free on its official website. Series such as Death Note, Inuyasha, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, and Boruto: Naruto Next Generations are offered without a paywall. The website offers great-quality, legal streams with minimal ads, just right for fans who want to support the creators
Tubi is not an anime-first service, but its expanding anime library is worth noting. Free and ad-supported, Tubi has family-friendly shows such as Pokémon, Sailor Moon, and Naruto. No login is necessary, making it a great option for both occasional viewers and revisiting old favourites.
While not technically free in the absolute sense, Netflix is frequently available on family or bundle accounts, essentially making it ‘free’ in practice for many. Its anime library has experienced significant expansion, with both mainstream successes and ambitious originals. Among the largest anime launchers of 2025 on the platform is Devil May Cry animated series. Netflix provided both subbed and dubbed options, ensuring it is a safe bet for casual and hard-core viewers.
Amazon is not the first place one might think of when considering anime, but it’s gradually adding to its catalogue. As part of prime Membership, customers have access to a selection of anime series and films with no extra cost. One highlight of the year is, a new installment in the venerable mecha franchise. Prime’s selection features both lesser-known titles and classics.
In 2025, anime will be as accessible as ever. Whether you are waiting to catch up on the latest simulcast or getting back into vintage favourites, you don’t have to break the bank to remain entertained. These sites, ranging from niche services such as Crunchyroll to hidden gems such as Tubi, allow fans to watch high-quality anime legally for free. With the industry evolving further, anticipate more sites doing the same, making anime simpler to watch at any time and any place.
