If you're looking to dive into the world of anime in 2025, there are plenty of platforms offering both free and paid options. With so many streaming services available, finding the perfect place to watch your favorite shows can be overwhelming. Some of the most popular titles are scattered across different platforms, making it essential to explore multiple services.
For those seeking a comprehensive anime experience, Crunchyroll stands out as the top choice. With an extensive library featuring classic and contemporary anime, it caters to both casual viewers and die-hard fans. You can catch new episodes of series like Demon Slayer almost simultaneously with their Japanese release. Crunchyroll offers three subscription tiers, all ad-free, starting at $7.99 per month after a 14-day free trial. Additionally, some content remains accessible for free with ads, such as Chainsaw Man and My Hero Academia.
Prefer not to pay a penny? Tubi delivers a vast collection of anime for free, supported by ads. Titles like Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Naruto are readily available, along with a plethora of other classics. No subscription required—just register with your email or Google account to start streaming. Tubi also hosts a variety of free movies and TV shows beyond anime, making it a solid option for budget-conscious viewers.
While Hulu isn't exclusively focused on anime, it boasts a diverse lineup of movies, TV shows, and anime series. Popular titles like Dragon Ball, Attack on Titan, and Naruto are available, both subtitled and dubbed. For $7.99/month with ads or $14.99/month without ads, Hulu also offers streaming bundles, giving you access to multiple services under one roof.
As the global leader in streaming, Netflix offers a solid selection of anime, including timeless favorites like One Piece and Hunter x Hunter. However, its real strength lies in original series like Bubble and video game adaptations such as Tekken: Bloodline. With plans starting at $7.99/month for ad-supported viewing, Netflix provides flexibility depending on your needs.
Max, previously known as HBO Max, houses the complete Studio Ghibli catalog, including timeless classics like Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke. Although its anime offerings are limited compared to other platforms, its focus on quality over quantity makes it worth mentioning. Subscriptions start at $9.99/month for ad-supported access.
In addition to Tubi and Crunchyroll, platforms like RetroCrush and Sling TV's FreeStream offer free anime streaming. RetroCrush focuses on vintage anime, while Sling TV provides on-demand series like Fruits Basket and Maid-Sama.
To watch anime live, you may need a VPN to access Japanese channels like FujiTV. Crunchyroll typically streams new episodes within a day of their Japanese premiere, making it the best option for live updates.