Navigating the vast landscape of streaming services can be overwhelming, especially when searching for anime. With major titles often spread across multiple platforms, finding the perfect spot to watch your favorite shows can be a challenge. In 2025, there are several top-notch sites and apps where you can enjoy anime, ranging from comprehensive libraries to free options. Here's a guide to help you find the best places to watch anime online, tailored to various budgets and preferences.
Crunchyroll
Best Anime Streaming Service Overall
Browse Crunchyroll PlansFor anime enthusiasts seeking the ultimate streaming experience, Crunchyroll stands out as the premier choice. Boasting an extensive catalog of anime movies and series, this service is ideal for those who crave variety. Crunchyroll offers new episodes of popular series like Demon Slayer shortly after their Japanese broadcast, making it a go-to for both classics and the latest releases.
Crunchyroll offers three subscription tiers, all providing ad-free access to their full library. New users can enjoy a 14-day free trial, after which the cheapest plan is available for $7.99 per month. Additionally, Crunchyroll offers some anime for free with ads, including titles like Chainsaw Man and My Hero Academia, regardless of your subscription level.
Anime Recommendations on Crunchyroll:
### Dragon Ball: DAIMA
0See it at Crunchyroll### Jujutsu Kaisen
0See it at Crunchyroll### Solo Leveling
0See it at Crunchyroll### My Hero Academia
0See it at CrunchyrollTubi
Best Free Anime Streaming Service
Register for TubiFor those looking to dive into anime without spending a dime, Tubi is an excellent choice. Supported by ads, Tubi offers a diverse selection of anime, including fan favorites like Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Naruto. Their catalog also includes a mix of classics and new releases, all available for free. To start streaming, you'll need to register using your email or Google account. Tubi also provides a wide range of free movies and TV shows across various genres, making it a versatile option for entertainment.
Anime Recommendations on Tubi:
### Death Note
0See it at Tubi### JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
0See it at Tubi### Inuyasha
1See it at Tubi ### Yu-Gi-Oh!
0See it at TubiHulu
Best All-in-One Streaming Service
Browse Hulu PlansWhile Hulu may not be the top choice for anime alone, it offers a unique advantage with its broad range of content. A Hulu subscription grants access to a vast selection of movies, shows, and anime, including popular series like Dragon Ball, Attack on Titan, and Naruto. Hulu also features the latest episodes of series like Spy x Family and Chainsaw Man.
Hulu offers two plans: an ad-free option for $14.99 per month and an ad-supported plan for $7.99 per month. Additionally, Hulu is available in various streaming bundles, enhancing its value.
Anime Recommendations on Hulu:
### Chainsaw Man
0See it at Hulu### Attack on Titan
0See it at Hulu### Cowboy Bebop
0See it at Hulu### Spy x Family
0See it at HuluNetflix
Best for New Original Anime
Browse Netflix PlansAs the world's largest streaming service, Netflix offers a solid selection of anime, including titles like One Piece, Hunter x Hunter, and Demon Slayer. However, the real appeal for anime fans lies in Netflix's original content, which includes acclaimed films like Bubble and video game adaptations like Tekken: Bloodline. For a comprehensive list of top picks, check out our guide to the best anime on Netflix.
Netflix's current subscription model includes an ad-supported plan for $7.99 per month, with standard and premium options available at higher rates, offering additional features like offline viewing.
Anime Recommendations on Netflix:
### The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.
0See it at Netflix### Devilman Crybaby
0See it at Netflix### Cyberpunk Edgerunners
0See it at Netflix### Violet Evergarden
0See it at Netflix### Max (HBO Max)
Best Streaming Service for Anime Movies
Browse Max Subscription Plans and DealsWith the rebranding from HBO Max to Max, finding anime content has become more challenging. However, Max remains a valuable resource for anime movie enthusiasts, particularly for its complete collection of Studio Ghibli films. Whether you're revisiting classics like Princess Mononoke or Howl's Moving Castle, Max has you covered.
Max offers three subscription tiers, starting at $9.99 per month for the ad-supported option.
Anime Recommendations on Max:
### The Boy and the Heron
0See it at Max### Spirited Away
0See it at Max### Suicide Squad Isekai
0See it at Max### Uzumaki
0See it at MaxAnime Streaming Sites FAQ
What are the best sites to watch anime for free?
In addition to Tubi and the limited free offerings on Crunchyroll, several other platforms provide free anime streaming. RetroCrush specializes in "vintage" anime and cartoons, featuring classics like Astro Boy, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and City Hunter. Sling TV's FreeStream also includes anime channels with on-demand series such as Fruits Basket, Maid-Sama, and Ghost Stories.
AnswerSee Results### How can I watch anime live in the U.S.?Most anime is broadcast live in Japan before becoming available for streaming in the U.S. Thanks to Crunchyroll's licensing agreements, new episodes are typically available within a day of their original airtime, reinforcing its position as the best overall anime streaming service. While some exclusives may eventually appear on Netflix or Hulu, they usually debut on Crunchyroll first.
To watch anime live as it airs in Japan, you might need to use a VPN to access local channels like FujiTV.
Looking for some anime suggestions? Check our guides to the best horror anime and the saddest anime of all time.