Introduction
For anime fans, finding quality anime streaming sites for free can be a daunting task. With so many options on the Internet, it’s hard to know which ones are trustworthy, legal, and offer a satisfying viewing experience. Moreover, many anime streaming sites are region-blocked, meaning that fans outside Japan or North America may have limited access to their favorite anime titles. The purpose of this article is to help anime fans solve this problem by providing a comprehensive guide to finding free anime online, legally and safely.
Top 5 Websites to Watch Anime for Free in 2021
When it comes to free anime streaming sites, not all websites are created equal. Here are the top five websites to watch anime for free in 2021, along with their pros and cons:
1. Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is one of the most popular anime streaming sites, offering a vast selection of anime titles from Japan, Korea, and the United States. It has a clean and modern interface, and you can watch anime for free with ads. Additionally, Crunchyroll offers premium features, such as ad-free streaming, simulcasts, and access to manga and drama series.
Pros: Wide selection of anime titles, user-friendly interface, community forums.
Cons: Ads can be disruptive, limited access to recent and licensed anime titles, some features locked behind a paywall.
2. Funimation
Funimation is another popular anime streaming site, specializing in English dubbed anime. It offers both free and premium plans, with the latter providing ad-free streaming and exclusive content. Funimation has a simple and intuitive interface, and you can browse anime by genre, popularity, or release date.
Pros: Large selection of English dubbed anime, high-quality video, easy navigation, simulcasts.
Cons: Limited access to subbed anime, some content locked behind a paywall, ads in the free version.
3. AnimeHeaven
AnimeHeaven is one of the oldest anime streaming sites, with a vast library of anime titles from different genres and decades. It has a cluttered interface, but you can easily find anime by searching for the title or browsing the categories. AnimeHeaven offers both subbed and dubbed anime versions, and you can stream anime in HD quality.
Pros: Large selection of anime titles, HD video quality, both subbed and dubbed anime.
Cons: Pop-up ads, slow loading time, outdated design.
4. 9anime
9anime is a popular anime streaming site that offers a wide selection of anime titles, including the latest releases and classics. It has a relatively clean interface, and you can use the search bar or browse by genre to find anime. 9anime offers both subbed and dubbed anime versions, and you can stream anime in HD quality.
Pros: Large selection of anime titles, HD video quality, both subbed and dubbed anime.
Cons: Pop-up ads, some links may lead to malware, server issues.
5. AnimeDao
AnimeDao is a new anime streaming site that promises to provide ad-free and virus-free anime streaming. It has a sleek interface, and you can browse anime by genre, type, or season. AnimeDao offers both subbed and dubbed anime versions, and you can stream anime in HD quality.
Pros: No ads, user-friendly interface, HD video quality, both subbed and dubbed anime.
Cons: Limited selection of anime titles, no community forums, video player may be slow.
Overall, each of these anime streaming sites has its pros and cons, and it’s up to you to decide which one suits your needs and preferences the most. Some tips for navigating these sites include using the search bar to find specific titles, checking the genre categories for hidden gems, and reading reviews and ratings from other anime fans.
How to Stream Anime for Free: Legal and Safe Solutions
While free anime streaming sites may seem like a paradise for anime fans, it’s important to remember that not all of these sites are safe or legal. Some free anime streaming sites may jeopardize your online security and privacy, while others may infringe on copyright laws and harm the anime industry. Fortunately, there are legal and safe ways to stream anime for free, such as:
1. Ad-supported streaming sites
Many anime streaming sites, such as Crunchyroll and Funimation, offer free access to anime with ads. By watching anime with ads, you support the anime industry and ensure that more anime titles will be licensed and produced in the future. However, keep in mind that some ads may be inappropriate or malicious, and you should avoid clicking on them or downloading suspicious software.
2. Free trials for subscription-based services
Some anime streaming services, such as Netflix and Hulu, offer free trials for new users. By signing up for these trials, you can access a wide range of anime titles for a limited time, without paying anything. However, remember to cancel the subscription before the trial period ends, or you may be charged for the monthly subscription fee.
3. Library databases
Your local or university libraries may have a collection of anime DVDs or streaming services that you can access for free with your library card. Check with your library to see if they offer any anime titles and how to access them. This is a legal and safe way to watch anime for free, and you support the library system at the same time.
When choosing a free anime streaming site or service, make sure to check its legitimacy, reputation, and safety measures. Some free anime streaming sites may be infected with malware, phishing scams, or copyright infringement notices, and you should avoid them at all costs. Look for trusted and verified sites, and use antivirus software to protect your device from potential threats.
The Best Free Anime Streaming Sites to Check Out Right Now
Aside from the top five anime streaming sites mentioned earlier, there are many other free anime streaming sites that may cater to your niche interests or time-sensitive anime releases. Here are some of the best free anime streaming sites to check out right now:
1. AnimeFreak
AnimeFreak offers a vast collection of anime titles, including ongoing series, movies, and OVAs. It has a simple and classic interface, and you can search for anime by letter, genre, or status. AnimeFreak has both subbed and dubbed versions of anime, and you can stream anime in SD and HD quality.
2. Kissanime
Kissanime is a popular anime streaming site that has a wide selection of anime titles, including the latest releases and classics. It has a unique interface and navigation system, and you can browse anime by year, genre, or status. Kissanime offers both subbed and dubbed versions of anime, and you can use the video player to adjust the quality and speed of the stream.
3. Anime-Planet
Anime-Planet is a community-based anime streaming site that allows users to create and share their own anime watchlists, reviews, and ratings. It has a clean and customizable interface, and you can search for anime by keyword, genre, or demographic. Anime-Planet offers both subbed and dubbed versions of anime, and you can watch anime on multiple devices.
4. Animedao24
Animedao24 is a new anime streaming site that promises to provide ad-free and virus-free anime streaming. It has a similar interface to AnimeDao, and you can browse anime by genre, type, or season. Animedao24 offers both subbed and dubbed versions of anime, and you can stream anime in HD quality.
Remember that these free anime streaming sites may have some drawbacks and limitations, such as pop-up ads, server downtime, or limited selection of anime titles. However, if you’re on a budget or want to try out new anime titles, these sites are worth checking out.
Free vs Paid Anime Streaming: Which is Worth It?
Now that we’ve discussed the top free and legal anime streaming sites, you may be wondering if it’s worth paying for anime streaming. The answer depends on your personal preferences, budget, and watching habits. Here are some pros and cons of free and paid anime streaming:
Free anime streaming
Pros: No payment required, wide selection of anime titles, easy accessibility, ad-supported.
Cons: Limited access to new and licensed anime titles, lower video and audio quality, occasional pop-up ads, fewer features and services.
Paid anime streaming
Pros: High-quality video and audio, access to exclusive and new anime titles, ad-free streaming, offline viewing, additional features and services.
Cons: Higher cost, limited selection of anime titles, limited accessibility, occasional technical issues.
Ultimately, the choice between free and paid anime streaming depends on your priorities and preferences. If you’re a casual anime fan or don’t have a lot of disposable income, free anime streaming sites may be enough for your needs. If you’re a hardcore anime fan or want to support the anime industry, paid anime streaming services may provide a richer and more satisfying anime experience.