20 Best Free Anime Websites to Watch - HD, No Ads & Safe in 2025
Tessa Kirkland- 26 September, 2025
- Blog
You love watching anime online? Right! In 2025, there are more ways than ever to watch your favorite anime shows for free. But with so many options, how do you know which anime websites are worth your time? This guide is here to help. We've done the homework for you by checking out what real users are saying on Reddit and other social platforms, and have broken down some best free anime viewing sites for you.
| Website | Max Quality | Ads-Free | Safe | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crunchyroll | 1080p / 4K | ❌ (free tier) | ✅ | Free (ads) / Premium $7.99+/ mo |
| Bilibili.tv | 1080p / 4K | ✅ | ✅ | Free |
| YouTube (e.g., Ani-One Asia) | 1080p / 4K | ✅ | ✅ | Free |
| Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, Prime Video, iQIYI, Viki | 1080p / 4K | ✅ (paid) | ✅ | $5–15 / mo |
| HIDIVE | 1080p | ✅ (paid) | ✅ | Free (ads) / $4.99+ |
| Hianime.to / Gogoanime | 1080p / 4K | ❌ | ⚠️ Risk | Free (ads, risky) |
| 9Anime | 1080p / 4K | ❌ | ⚠️ Risk | Free (ads, risky) |
| Other Unlicensed Sites | 1080p / 4K | ❌ | ⚠️ Risk | Free (ads, risky) |
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#1. Crunchyroll - Best Site for Latest Anime
- Anime Website Link: https://www.crunchyroll.com/
- User Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- User Review: Reddit users in r/anime call Crunchyroll the "go-to for simulcasts" due to its speed and variety.
- Why We Recommend: Crunchyroll is the leading anime platform with over 100M users. And it offers a vast library of 1,300+ anime titles for your choice.
Crunchyroll should be the main hub for anime in 2025, suggested from many anime fans on Reddit. It offers a huge collection of shows - If you want to watch new episodes right after they air in Japan, or dive into a massive library of classics, Crunchyroll is your first choice to watch free anime episodes back-to-back. Now, it offers a 7-day free trial for new subscribers. Just give it a try!
Tips: If you want to watch for free (with ads) and legally, Tubi TV is also a good alternative.
Crunchyroll Basic Info:
| Crunchyroll Plan | Price | Ad-Free | Download | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0.00 | ❌ | ❌ | 720p |
| Fan | $7.99/mo | ✅ | ❌ | 1080p (HD) |
| Mega Fan | $11.99/mo | ✅ | ✅ (up to 100) | 1080p (HD) |
| Ultimate Fan | $15.99/mo | ✅ | ✅ (up to 100) | 1080p (HD) |
Pros and Cons of Crunchyroll Anime Website:
The Good Stuff
- You get access to thousands of anime shows, including the latest hits and all-time classics.
- You can watch new anime episodes just 1-2 hours after they air in Japan.
- You can stream anime videos in high definition.
- You will get English dubs for many popular shows.
- It's safe, legal, and has no pop-up scams.
The Not-So-Good Stuff
- You need to watch ads within Crunchyroll's free plan.
- Anime shows are locked in some regions.
- Some anime videos are for Crunchyroll premium users only.
- The download option is available for paid users only.
#2. Bilibili.tv - Best for Anime Fans in Southeast Asia
- Anime Website Link: https://www.bilibili.tv/en/anime
- User Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- User Review: On Reddit's r/anime and r/gachagaming, fans rave about Bilibili's SEA dominance. See discussion.
- Why We Recommend: If you live in Southeast Asia, this is the top free anime website platform for you - with subtitles in multiple languages like English, Indonesian, and Thai.
Since mid-2025, Bilibili has over 11 million daily active users, specifically in SEA markets like Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. It has become the leading ACG (anime, comics, games) platform in the region.
Bilibili anime website has thousands of shows, like One Piece, Tasokare Hotel, or some other new hits. The best part of Bilibili is its community vibe: you will see live comments from other fans popping up on the screen when you are watching anime.
Bilibili.tv Basic Info:
| Bilibili.tv Plan | Price | Ad-Free | Download | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0.00 | ❌ | ❌ | 720p |
| Premium | $4.99/mo | ✅ | ✅ | 1080p (HD) / 4K |
Pros and Cons of Bilibili.tv Anime Website:
The Good Stuff
- Thousands of licensed anime titles are available on Bilibili.
- You can watch anime videos with unique "bullet comments", it's interesting.
- You can watch with subtitles in English, Indonesian, Thai, and more.
- Support 1080p & 4K resolution.
- It's safe and has no virus.
The Not-So-Good Stuff
- You need to watch ads within Bilibili's free plan.
- Bilibili's free plan provides 720p only.
- The newest episodes or certain popular shows may require a Premium subscription to watch.
- If you want to save anime to watch offline later, you'll need to pay for Premium.
#3. YouTube Channel (Ani-One Asia) - Your Go-To for Free Anime Site
- Anime Website Link: https://www.youtube.com/@AniOneAsia
- User Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Why We Recommend: It's a free, safe, and legal way to watch anime shows.
Just imagine you are browsing videos on YouTube, then you find this Ani-One Asia Anime channel, it's like you are opening a huge gift. Just visit this channel and get ahead of watching popular shows like Spy x Family, Mushoku Tensei, and 2025's breakout The New Gate without a single subscription fee.
Ani-One Asia YouTube channel suits when you watch anime on smart TV or console, as YouTube backbone does a good job on Roku, PS5, or Android TVs' compatibility.
YouTube Basic Info:
| YouTube Plan | Price | Ad-Free | Download | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0.00 | ❌ | ❌ | 1080p (HD) |
| YouTube Premium | $13.99/mo | ✅ | ✅ (via app) | 1080p (HD) / 4K |
Pros and Cons of Ani-One Asia YouTube Channel:
The Good Stuff
- You can start watching anime shows on YouTube immediately without downloading an app.
- You can use the YouTube app on your phone, smart TV, game console, or computer to view anime movies or shows freely.
- You can chat with other anime fans in the YouTube comments.
The Not-So-Good Stuff
- Just like regular YouTube, you need to watch ads under a YouTube Free account.
- You can't download anime videos under a free tier.
#4. Netflix Anime - Best for High-Quality Anime Streaming
- Anime Website Link: https://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/7424
- User Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- User Review: Reddit user praised Netflix for "unmatched 4K visuals", with a March 2025 thread calling Pluto a "visual masterpiece".
- Why We Recommend: Netflix is a leading streaming video platform. Here you will also get growing, curated anime shows, with 4K HDR quality and multi-language subtitles/dubs.
In 2025, Netflix has become a major player for anime fans who prefer high video quality (4K HDR). It suits long flights or premium smart TVs. You can find some anime exclusives on Netflix that other services don't provide, like Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and Beastars. However, for simulcast chasers, Crunchyroll will be faster than Netflix.
You may also like: How to Convert Netflix to MP4 on PC/Mac/Android/iOS?
Netflix Basic Info:
| Netflix Plan | Price | Ad-Free | Download | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard with Ads | $7.99/mo | ❌ | ✅ | 1080p (HD) |
| Standard Ads Free | $17.99/mo | ✅ | ✅ | 1080p (HD) |
| Premium | $24.99/mo | ✅ | ✅ | 4K / HDR / Dolby Vision |
Pros and Cons of Netflix Anime:
The Good Stuff
- You can watch anime on Netflix without any interruptions.
- You can stream many anime titles in ultra-sharp 4K HDR.
- Not just anime shows, you will also get Netflix Originals, popular movies, etc.
The Not-So-Good Stuff
- There is no free version of Netflix.
- The total number of anime titles on Netflix is smaller than on dedicated platforms like Crunchyroll.
- Netflix is slower than Crunchyroll at adding new episodes.
#5. JioHotstar (Disney+ Hotstar) - Popular Anime Titles for India
- Anime Website Link: https://www.hotstar.com/in/browse/category/anime/1260081433
- User Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
- User Review: Reddit's r/animeindian calls JioHotstar's anime slate "fairly good post-merger". It also added Spy x Family and Mob Psycho 100 additions, which is great.
- Why We Recommend: If you're in India, JioHotstar, also called Disney+ Hotstar, is a fantastic all-in-one service. You can browse a selection of popular anime here (around 150 titles).
Disney+ Hotstar is a major streaming hub in India, where you can watch a solid collection of anime, including hits like Tokyo Revengers, Undead Unluck, Spy x Family (from JioCinema's side), and Macross series - alongside Bollywood blockbusters. Plus, you can now get a price drop from the promotion of a mobile data plan from providers like Jio or Airtel.
To download anime from Disney+ and Disney+ Hotstar in high quality? Use this Disney Anime Downloader!
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JioHotstar Basic Info:
| JioHotstar Plan | Price (INR/Month) | Ad-Free | Download | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile | ₹149/3mo | ❌ | ❌ | 720p |
| Super | ₹299/3mo | ❌ | ✅ | 1080p (HD) |
| Premium | ₹249/mo | ✅ | ✅ | 1080p (HD) / 4K |
Pros and Cons of Disney+ Hotstar:
The Good Stuff
- Provide tons of anime, blockbuster movies, and live sports.
- You can watch with Indian local dubs and subs.
- With paid plan, you can download anime movie for offline playback.
- Safe and legal.
The Not-So-Good Stuff
- The number of anime titles available has become smaller recently.
- You will need a Disney Premium plan to remove ads and unlock downloads.
#6. Prime Video - Recommended for Licensed Anime Library
- Anime Website Link: https://www.primevideo.com/gp/video/genre/anime
- User Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
- Why We Recommend: If you already have an Amazon Prime membership for shopping, now you get a solid anime catalog as part of the package, no extra cost.
Anime collection is the greatest bonus for Amazon Prime subscribers! With no extra fee, your membership benefit is packed with critically acclaimed hits like Vinland Saga and Haikyu. Besides that, you can also watch Amazon Originals freely.
Amazon Prime Video Basic Info:
| Plan | Price (US) | Ad-Free | Download | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prime (Standard) | $14.99/mo | ✅ | ✅ | 1080p (HD) / 4K HDR |
| Prime Video Only | $8.99/mo | ✅ | ✅ | 1080p (HD) / 4K HDR |
Pros and Cons of Prime Video Anime Website:
The Good Stuff
- You can get a curated library of licensed anime on Prime Video.
- You can stream in up to 4K HDR with multilingual subs/dubs.
- You can enjoy ad-free anime streaming across devices.
- Amazon Prime is bundled with Prime Video, Prime Music, with no extra cost.
The Not-So-Good Stuff
- Anime library dipped to ~150 titles post-2025 merger removals.
- There's no free tier for anime content, you need to pay Prime or Prime Video subscription.
- Amazon Prime Video's Anime library is smaller than Crunchyroll.
#7. iQIYI - Good for Asian Anime Streaming
- Anime Website Link: https://www.iq.com/anime?lang=en_us
- User Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
- User Review: Reddit's r/donghua and r/anime communities call iQIYI "a must for Link Click fans".
- Why We Recommend: It's a dynamic hub for fans of Asian animation, with blending Japanese anime with Chinese donghua and Korean aeni. If you subscribe to its premium tier, the 4K video quality is so good it rivals what you get on Netflix.
If you're curious about animation from across Asia, iQIYI is the perfect platform. You will find some exclusive hits here, like the time-travel thriller Link Click (Seasons 1-3), esports gem The King's Avatar, and 2025's breakout donghua Scumbag System Season 2.
iQIYI Basic Info:
| iQIYI Plan | Price (US/Month) | Ad-Free | Download | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0.00 | ❌ | ❌ | 720p |
| Standard VIP | $6.99 | ✅ | ✅ | 1080p (HD) |
| Premium VIP | $9.00 | ✅ | ✅ | 1080p (HD) / 4K |
Pros and Cons of iQIYI:
The Good Stuff
- Offer a huge collection of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean animation.
- You can enjoy subtitles in multiple languages.
- You can stream anime videos in up to 4K quality.
The Not-So-Good Stuff
- The free, ad-supported plan includes commercial breaks.
- Many of the newest and most popular anime shows are locked behind the VIP paywall.
#8. Viki – Stream Asian Dramas and Anime Online
- Anime Website Link: https://www.viki.com/categories/country/all/genre/animation
- User Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
- User Review: Reddit's r/anime and r/VikiTV communities call Viki's fansubs "a game-changer".
- Why We Recommend: Viki is also a unique streaming platform, per Rakuten's 2025 reports and SimilarWeb analytics, with 40 million monthly active users.
Across 190+ countries, you may also know about Viki anime platform. It has a niche anime library, around 100 titles, includes gems like Horimiya, My Teen Romantic Comedy Yahari, and 2025's Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku film, complemented by a vast library of K-dramas and C-dramas. What makes it stand out is its volunteer "fansubber" community. You can enjoy authentic translations there.
Viki Basic Info:
| Viki Plan | Price (US/Month) | Ad-Free | Download | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0.00 | ❌ | ❌ | 480p (SD) |
| Viki Pass Standard | $5.99 | ✅ | ❌ | 720p–1080p (HD) |
| Viki Pass Plus | $9.99 | ✅ | ✅ | 720p–1080p (HD) |
Pros and Cons of Viki Anime Website:
The Good Stuff
- You will get the more nuanced subtitles, translated by anime fans.
- Not just free anime shows, you will also find K-Dramas and C-Dramas.
The Not-So-Good Stuff
- Viki's free version contains ads.
- Its anime selection is more niche.
#9. HIDIVE – Good for Classic & Independent Anime Streaming
- Anime Website Link: https://www.hidive.com/
- User Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
- User Review: Reddit's r/anime community hails HIDIVE as "a haven for uncut classics".
- Why We Recommend: If you've already seen all popular Anime, HIDIVE is a second choice to view uncensored classics, exclusive simulcasts, and unique indie titles that bigger platforms often overlook.
Till mid-2025, HIDIVE already has over 1 million subscribers. It contains 500+ anime titles, like Made in Abyss, Oshi no Ko, and 2025's indie darling Girls' Band Cry. Though HIDIVE doesn't have a massive anime selection of a "big box" service like Crunchyroll, it gets a collection of cult classics, thought-provoking series, and uncut versions you can't easily find elsewhere.
HIDIVE Basic Info:
| HIDIVE Plan | Price (US/Month) | Ad-Free | Download | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Standard | $6.99 | ✅ | ✅ | 1080p (HD) |
Pros and Cons of HIDIVE:
The Good Stuff
- You can access some hard-to-find anime titles, like Made in Abyss and Oshi no Ko.
- You watch uncensored and uncut anime here.
The Not-So-Good Stuff
- No free tier, need a paid subscription to watch anime.
- There's no mainstream anime hit providing here.
- HIDIVE could be clunky and slow on some devices.
#10. HiAnime.to / Gogoanime - Vast Free Anime Libraries
⚠️ Avoid unlicensed sites like 9Anime, HiAnime, Gogoanime, etc. They are often filled with pop-up ads and malware.
- Anime Website Link: https://hianime.to/ (HiAnime) | https://gogoanime3.cc/ (Gogoanime)
- User Rating: ⭐⭐
- Why We Recommend: They are popular free anime websites, and you can find a huge selection of the latest anime shows or movies. Use an ad-blocker for safety.
HiAnime and Gogoanime are popular because they are totally free for you to access - from the newest hits to hard-to-find classics. It's your perfect choice if you want to avoid subscription fees, but it's important to be cautious and use an ad-blocker.
HiAnime / Gogoanime Basic Info:
| HiAnime.to / Gogoanime | Price | Ad-Free | Download | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0.00 | ❌ | ❌ (via third-party tools) | 480p–1080p (HD, depends on source) |
Pros and Cons of HiAnime / Gogoanime:
The Good Stuff
- Free anime websites with an enormous collection of shows. No registration required.
- You can watch new episodes just 1-2 hours after they air in Japan.
- You can stream in high quality (up to 1080p) on your phone, computer, or tablet.
The Not-So-Good Stuff
- These free anime sites are covered in pop-up ads, and some can be risky.
- The free anime sites may sometimes get shut down.
#11. 9Anime - Extensive Free Sub/Dubbed Anime (Gray-Area)
- Anime Website Link: https://9animetv.to/
- User Rating: ⭐⭐
- Why We Recommend: If you're looking for an all-in-one spot to stream anime for free, you've probably heard of 9Anime.
9Anime is a private anime site where you will benefit from its huge library, HD quality, and daily updates. It also remains a popular topic on forums like Reddit because of its massive collection of shows, from major hits like One Piece to obscure gems. Again, to keep you safe, it's suggested to use an ad-blocker.
9Anime Basic Info:
| 9Anime Plan | Price | Ad-Free | Download | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0.00 | ❌ | ❌ | 720p–1080p (HD) |
Pros and Cons of 9Anime:
The Good Stuff
- It's a huge, free anime website.
- You can watch free new anime episodes very quickly.
- Multiple servers on 9Anime mean you can usually find a reliable stream without much buffering.
The Not-So-Good Stuff
- Too many pop-up ads on 9Anime.
- 9Anime is an unofficial site, so its website may shut down unexpectedly.
- Sometimes the subtitles might be out of sync or the translation might be inaccurate, especially for new episodes.
#12. Other Unlicensed Free Anime Sites
- Find & Search: Anitaku, AnimeFenix, 1Anime, 4Anime, Animeowl, AnimeParadise, Kayoanime, AnimeTosho, AnimeOut
- Real User Rating: ⭐⭐
- Why We Recommend: Many "gray-area" free anime websites allow you to watch both mainstream and obscure anime in HD at no cost. Use ad-blockers and a VPN for safety.
There are many "gray-area" free anime websites you can watch both mainstream and obscure anime in HD, all with no cost. They always earn money by popping up ads. So it's crucial to use ad-blockers and a VPN to stay safe.
You may also like: 10 Best Free Dubbed Anime Websites to Watch Online
FAQs to the Best Free Anime Sites
Q1: What are the best safe free anime sites?
If you want to watch anime for free without any safety worries, these are your best bets: Crunchyroll (Free Tier), Bilibili.tv (Free Tier), and YouTube anime channel.
Download anime from Crunchyroll, Bilibili, YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, and more with this easy-to-use Anime Downloader!
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Q2: Is it illegal to watch free anime sites like 9Anime?
Yes, it is considered illegal to watch anime on 9Anime, and it's not safe either. Anime sites like 9Anime are "pirate" sites - they host anime without permission.
Q3: Is it safe to use unlicensed anime free websites?
Such unlicensed anime sites (like 9Anime, GoGoAnime, or clones of old sites) are risky. While they offer free access to anime content, you should be aware of their malicious pop-up ads.
Q4: How can I download anime to watch offline?
You can join into the platform membership to download anime titles for offline watching. Or you can also use VidiCable Anime Video Downloader to get your anime shows downloaded as MP4 and stored on to your device.
What's VidiCable Anime Video Downloader?
VidiCable is a desktop program for you to download videos from over 1,000 websites, including anime sites like Crunchyroll or 9Anime. You can use this tool to save any anime videos as MP4 files in 1080p high quality, while keeping the original audio tracks and subtitles. By this, you can watch free anime shows anywhere, and without ad interruptions.
Main Features:
- Download from free anime websites in 1080p.
- Enjoy fast download speeds with no limits on the number of downloads.
- Download videos in MP4 or MKV from 1000+ sites, including Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, Hulu, Max, and more.
- Support downloading subtitles & dubbing in multiple languages.
- 5X download speed for efficient saving.
How to Download Anime to MP4 with VidiCable
Step 1 Download and Install the VidiCable anime downloader.
Step 2 Inside the VidiCable, copy and paste your anime website on its search bar.
Step 3 Then on the anime website, find your movie or show, and Download.
Tips: You can also select the video quality, video format, subtitle, etc from the Settings window.
Final Words:
In 2025, you, anime fan has a wide range of options to watch your favorite anime shows online and for free. It's highly recommended to use the official anime sites like Netflix and Disney+ Hotstar.
Pro-tip: Don't like the ads and want to watch free anime shows on any device with no limits? Try VidiCable Video One to save all your anime content offline!
Tessa Kirkland | Senior Writer
