Hoping to catch up on Attack on Titan or dive into One Piece without paying for another streaming subscription? You’re in luck. While premium services like Netflix charge monthly fees, there are actually plenty of ways to watch anime for free on your iPhone or Android device, you just need to know where to look.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best free anime apps and sites that work on smartphones. Some are completely legal with ads (like Crunchyroll’s free tier), while others operate in legal gray areas. We’ll be upfront about which is which, so you can make the call that’s right for you.
What Are Free Anime Apps and Sites?
Free anime apps and sites let you stream Japanese animation without paying subscription fees. They fall into two main categories: legal ad-supported platforms (like Crunchyroll’s free tier and Tubi) and unofficial sites that host content without proper licensing.
Key things to know:
- Legal options: Support creators, safer to use, but have ads and limited libraries
- Browser-based sites: Many work better in mobile browsers than as dedicated apps
- Quality trade-offs: Free tiers often mean standard definition and more ads
- Dub availability: Free versions usually focus on subtitled content over English dubs
1. Crunchyroll (Free Tier)
Let’s start with the obvious choice: Crunchyroll’s free tier. While the premium version costs $7.99/month, the free option still gives you access to a massive anime library with ads. You’ll get standard definition streaming and mostly subtitled content, but honestly? That’s still a solid deal for zero dollars.
The app works well on both iPhone and Android, and you can pick up where you left off across devices. Plus, you get simulcast episodes meaning you can watch new episodes as they air in Japan. For anime fans just getting started, this is probably your best legal option.
Download for iOS
Download for Android
2. Tubi
Tubi has quietly become one of the best free streaming services, and their anime selection keeps growing. You’ll find popular titles like Naruto, Bleach, and plenty of anime movies — all completely free with ads. The app works great on mobile and doesn’t even require an account (though signing up lets you save your watchlist).
The ads aren’t too overwhelming, and the streaming quality is solid. Just search “anime” in the app and you’ll be surprised how much content is available. It’s also owned by Fox, so it’s completely legitimate.
Download for iOS
Download for Android
3. RetroCrush
If you’re into classic anime from the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s, RetroCrush is your jam. Think Astro Boy, City Hunter, and other retro gems that are hard to find elsewhere. The app even has a 24/7 live channel that just plays classic anime all day.
All content is free with ads, though you’ll need to create a free account to access some shows. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it perfect for discovering older anime you might have missed.
Download for iOS
Download for Android
4. Pluto TV
Pluto TV offers both on-demand anime content and live anime channels. Like Tubi, it’s completely legal and ad-supported. You can find popular series like One Piece and various anime movies without needing to sign up for anything.
The live channels are particularly nice if you just want to put on some anime in the background. The mobile app works well, and since it’s owned by Paramount, you know it’s not going anywhere.
Download for iOS
Download for Android
5. YouTube
Don’t sleep on YouTube for anime content. Sure, finding complete series in the right order can be a pain, but there’s actually a surprising amount of official anime content uploaded by distributors. Plus, you probably already have the app.
Search for specific anime titles and you might find complete episodes or even full series. Some distributors upload episodes officially, and there are also compilation videos and anime movie collections. It’s hit or miss, but worth checking before trying other options.
Download for iOS
Download for Android
6. Hulu (30-Day Free Trial)
Okay, technically Hulu isn’t free forever, but that 30-day trial gives you access to over 100 anime titles. If you’re strategic about it, you can binge through several complete series before the trial ends.
Hulu’s anime selection is solid, and the streaming quality is excellent. Just remember to cancel before the trial ends if you don’t want to pay. The mobile app works great and syncs across all your devices.
Download for iOS
Download for Android
7. HIDIVE (7-Day Free Trial)
HIDIVE specializes in anime and has over 500 titles, including some rare finds and uncensored versions that other platforms don’t offer. The free trial is only seven days (pretty stingy), but the collection includes both popular series and hard-to-find OVAs.
The app has nice features like customizable subtitles and community discussions. If you’re looking for something specific that other platforms don’t have, it might be worth the short trial.
Download for iOS
Download for Android
8. Amazon Prime Video (30-Day Free Trial)
Prime Video isn’t known for anime, but it actually has some unique titles you won’t find elsewhere — including the Evangelion rebuild movies. The 30-day trial gives you access to everything, including their growing anime collection.
While the anime selection is smaller than dedicated platforms, the quality is excellent and you get some exclusive content. Plus, if you already shop on Amazon, you might want to keep the subscription anyway.
Download for iOS
Download for Android
What About Unofficial Sites?
We need to talk about the elephant in the room, which are sites like AniWatch (formerly Zoro.to), Gogoanime, and 9Anime. These unofficial platforms offer huge libraries with HD quality and same-day releases from Japan. They’re popular because they’re free and have everything.
Here’s the deal:
- Legal risks: These sites operate in gray areas and could face takedowns
- Safety concerns: Pop-ups, ads, and potential malware are common
- No creator support: Your views don’t help the anime studios that make the content
- Frequent domain changes: Sites often disappear and reappear under new URLs
If you go this route, use an ad-blocker and VPN, and understand the risks. But honestly? The legal options above are getting better every year, and supporting creators is the right thing to do.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Free Anime Streaming
Making Legal Platforms Work Better
- Use Wi-Fi when possible: Streaming anime can eat through mobile data quickly, especially with ads
- Download for offline viewing: Some apps like Crunchyroll let premium users download episodes, but free users are stuck streaming
- Try different platforms: If one app doesn’t have what you want, another might. Libraries vary significantly
- Check YouTube first: Some distributors upload full episodes officially — it’s worth a quick search
Common Issues and Solutions
Problem: Too many ads interrupting episodes
This is the trade-off for free content. Legal platforms need ad revenue to pay licensing fees. Consider upgrading to premium if a platform becomes your go-to, or use the ad breaks to grab snacks!
Problem: Limited selection on free tiers
Free versions often have smaller libraries than premium subscriptions. Try multiple platforms — between Crunchyroll, Tubi, and RetroCrush, you’ll find a decent variety.
Problem: Only subtitles available, no English dubs
Free tiers typically prioritize subtitled content. If you need dubs, YouTube sometimes has English versions, or consider a short premium trial during a binge session.
Problem: Geo-blocking restricts content in your region
Some content isn’t available in all countries due to licensing. Legal platforms have to respect these restrictions, while unofficial sites often don’t.
Our Take: Start Legal, Stay Safe
After testing these options, we’d recommend starting with the legal platforms, especially Crunchyroll’s free tier and Tubi. The experience is getting better, the libraries are growing, and you’re supporting the creators who make the anime you love.
Sure, the ads can be annoying and the free selections aren’t as comprehensive as paid services, but it’s a solid way to watch anime without breaking the bank. If you find yourself using one platform constantly, the premium upgrades are usually worth it for the improved experience.
The unofficial sites offer more content and fewer restrictions, but they come with real risks and ethical concerns. We get why people use them, but the legal alternatives are closing the gap fast. Give the legitimate options a shot first — you might be pleasantly surprised.