Navigating the vast landscape of streaming services can be overwhelming, especially when searching for anime. With major titles often spread across multiple platforms, finding your favorite shows can be challenging. Here's a comprehensive guide to the best places to watch anime online in 2025, covering a range of options from subscription-based services to free platforms.
Crunchyroll
Best Anime Streaming Service Overall
Crunchyroll offers three different subscription tiers, all providing ad-free access to their full library. New users can enjoy a 14-day free trial, after which the most affordable plan is priced at $7.99 per month. Even without a subscription, Crunchyroll offers some anime for free with ads, including "Chainsaw Man" and "My Hero Academia."
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 Crunchyroll
Tubi
Best Free Anime Streaming Service
In addition to anime, Tubi provides a variety of free films and TV shows across different genres, making it one of the best free streaming options available.
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 Tubi
Hulu
Best All-in-One Streaming Service
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.
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 Hulu
Netflix
Best for New Original Anime
Netflix's ad-supported plan is priced at $7.99 per month, with standard and premium plans 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
Max provides 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 Max
Anime Streaming Sites FAQ
What are the best sites to watch anime for free?
In addition to Tubi and the limited free offerings on Crunchyroll, other platforms provide free anime streaming. RetroCrush specializes in vintage anime, featuring classics like "Astro Boy," "Yu-Gi-Oh!," and "City Hunter." Sling TV's FreeStream also includes several anime channels with on-demand series such as "Fruits Basket," "Maid-Sama," and "Ghost Stories."
AnswerSee ResultsHow can I watch anime live in the U.S.?
Most anime is broadcast live in Japan before becoming available for streaming in the United States. Crunchyroll's licensing agreements enable it to stream new episodes within a day of their original airtime, making it the best option for watching anime promptly. Although some exclusives may eventually appear on Netflix or Hulu, they typically debut on Crunchyroll first.
To watch new episodes or specials live, you may need to use a VPN to access Japanese channels like FujiTV.
For more anime recommendations, check out our guides to the best horror anime and the saddest anime of all time.