25 Best Anime Streaming Sites in August 2021 (Free & Paid) (2024)

The list below will provide you with the Best Anime Streaming Sites for all your viewing needs.

The best anime streaming sites are Crunchyroll, Funimation, Anime-Planet, 9Anime, AnimeFreak, VIZ, AnimeLab, and many others found in this list.

Just like Anime Torrents, these websites offer tons of Anime content such as movies, TV shows, manga, videos, games, and more.

While the list below contains sites for the best Anime content, these can be used on tons of different devices besides a computer or a laptop.

If you prefer a streaming device such as an Amazon Firestick you will likely need to use a web browser such as Amazon Silk to access them.

Those using Android TV devices like MECOOL Boxes, NVIDIA Shield, Chromecast with Google TV, or any device with the Android TV operating system, we suggest using one of the browsers below.

How to Install Puffin Browser
How to Install TV Bro Browser

I recommend bookmarking this page to keep you up to date on the Best Anime Streaming Sites available. As of the writing of this article, all Anime sites listed below are currently working and available for use.

Best Anime Streaming Sites in 2024

1. Crunchyroll

This anime streaming site features complete entertainment options for anime fans. It has sections for the latest anime news, soon-to-be-released episodes, feature shows, Crunchyroll news and contests, and simulcasts.

The best thing about Crunchyroll is its ad-free feature (for paid subscription) and quick episode release (one hour after Japan airs the episode).

It offers a 14-day free trial so you can watch full videos, try out the Offline Viewing feature, and stream on up to four devices. Paid subscription also offers access to digital manga.

These are the reasons why Crunchyroll made it to TROYPOINT’s popular list of Best Firestick Apps.

Check out the link below for more information on Crunchyroll and how to install the app on any streaming device.

How to Install Crunchyroll App

Monthly Visitors: 58.8 million

Ad Annoyance: 2

VPN Friendly:Yes. Works perfectly with a VPN.

2. Funimation

This Anime streaming site is one of the most reliable anime sources available today.

Produced by Sony Pictures and Aniplex of Japan, Funimation offers episodes of current seasons of some of the most popular anime series today.

Shows are categorized according to Shounen, romance, action/adventure, live-action, psychological, Slice of Life, horror, drama, Shoujo, sci-fi, fan service, comedy, and fantasy.

The site is available in 47 countries and on 15 platforms. If you’re restricted, you need a VPN to access the site.

Monthly Visitors: 10.8 million

Ad Annoyance: 0

VPN Friendly:No, but can use with split tunneling

3. 9Anime

One of the most popular anime streaming sites, 9ANIME features the latest episodes of your favorite series within minutes of the official release.

Due to its popularity, this site now has several clones including 4Anime. This website offers both subbed and dubbed versions of each episode in 1080p quality.

Refer to our guide below for more information on the 9Anime site and how to stream on any device.

How to Stream 9Anime Website On Any Device

Monthly Visitors: 13.5 million

Ad Annoyance: 6

VPN Friendly:Yes. Works perfectly with a VPN.

Mirrors: 9anime-tv.com, 9anime.one, 9anime.at

4. AnimeHeaven

With thousands of episodes of the top anime programs today and in the past decades, AnimeHeaven speaks a lot about its name.

Its content library contains hard-to-find titles apart from the latest releases per episode.

The interface is similar to most movie streaming websites and accommodates comments by users at the bottom of the page.

But because it’s free to watch content, expect ads to appear frequently when you click on the site.

Monthly Visitors: 8.2 million

Ad Annoyance: 8

VPN Friendly:Yes. Works perfectly with a VPN.

5. KissAnime

KissAnime (a sister site of KissCartoon and KissAsian) was one of the most popular Anime sites of all time but is now shut down.

The original kissanime.ru domain was right up there with torrent sites in terms of site traffic and popularity before going offline.

It has thousands of anime episodes tagged as “Completed” if the entire series is done, or lists the latest episode if the series is still ongoing.

Because the original KissAnime.ru domain is permanently shut down by copyright holders, TROYPOINT has prepared a list of alternative sites.

KissAnime.ru Domain Shut Down – Here are Working Alternatives

Monthly Visitors: 10.4 million

Ad Annoyance: 9

VPN Friendly:Yes. Works perfectly with a VPN.

Mirrors:kissanime.nz, kiss-anime.ws, kissanime.uk.com

6. AnimeLab

Stream the best anime from the early 90s to the latest releases this year on AnimeLab.

It contains a huge collection of titles from action to supernatural genres that appeal to fans of all ages.

The site also features simulcasts straight from Japan complete with detailed schedules so you’re updated with the latest episodes.

Shows are categorized according to Recently Added, Popular Shows, Subbed Shows, and Dubbed Shows.

As of this writing, AnimeLab is available only to subscribers in Australia and New Zealand. If you’re restricted, you need a VPN to access the site.

Monthly Visitors: 3.6 million

Ad Annoyance: 5

VPN Friendly:No, but can use with split tunneling

7. AnimeDao

For an anime streaming site that contains thousands of shows, users will love AnimeDao’s simple interface and neat layout.

Browse through its list of the latest episode releases, ongoing series, and freshly added old titles.

If you’re not sure of what to watch, click the Random button and the site will provide you with a recommendation. Be warned of pop-up ads, however, when streaming episodes.

Monthly Visitors: 990,000

Ad Annoyance: 7

VPN Friendly:Yes. Works perfectly with a VPN.

8. VIZ

Offering the latest anime series as well as well-loved classics, VIZ has been in the manga industry for three decades already.

It credits itself for bringing Japanese pop culture to the United States to become the primary source of manga in the country.

Today, it also offers anime shows from the old favorite Ranma 1/2 to the latest episode of Boruto. Users can save their favorite shows in their own library to make their binge-watching habit more convenient.

Monthly Visitors: 7.6 million

Ad Annoyance: 1

VPN Friendly:Yes. Works perfectly with a VPN.

9. Anime-Planet

Founded in 2001, Anime-Planet prides itself on offering more than 45,00 Anime episodes.

You can browse through shows and movies categorized according to popularity, release date, user tags, user favorites, and recent updates.

On its Anime Recommendations section, title suggestions include content from fellow users or personal suggestions based on tags and related content.

Monthly Visitors: 11.4 million

Ad Annoyance: 1

VPN Friendly:Yes. Works perfectly with a VPN.

10. Fire Anime

Although Fire Anime is not a standalone streaming site like the others on this list, this streaming app pulls quality links from anime sites across the Internet.

The main categories within Fire Anime include Extra Anime, Popular Anime, Latest Subbed Anime, New Seasons, All Anime, and Settings.

If you are using a streaming device like the Amazon Firestick, you will enjoy Fire Anime!

Monthly Visitors: 400,000

Ad Annoyance: 3

VPN Friendly:Yes. Works perfectly with a VPN.

11. Chia-Anime

Since 2009, anime fans have been hooked on Chia-Anime because it carriers the top anime shows in HD quality such as Naruto Shippuden, Bleach, and One Piece, among others.

Within an hour of the Japanese broadcast, users can already access the show on Chia-Anime. You can also access the most popular and random suggested episodes to fill your anime needs.

Take note that all shows on the site are free and are indexed since they’re hosted by third-party websites. With this, expect ads to pop up most of the time.

Monthly Visitors: 3.8 million

Ad Annoyance: 8

VPN Friendly:Yes. Works perfectly with a VPN.

12. VRV

This streaming site carries anime titles sourced from HIDIVE and Crunchyroll catalogs so users are guaranteed high-quality versions and superb subs.

Users outside the US need VPN to access the site. There’s a 30-day free trial (which is a lot longer than most complimentary trials offered by streaming sites).

The ad-free package of $9.99 allows access to the newest episodes, exclusive series, and ad-free entertainment.

Monthly Visitors: 4.6 million

Ad Annoyance: 0 (Paid Plan)

VPN Friendly:No, but can use with split tunneling

13. GoGoAnime

Anime fans have a lot of choices on this streaming website given the range of genres available from standards such as comedy and action to more specific like mecha and Shounen Ai.

The English dubbed series are also plenty and are sure not to limit you with hours and hours of entertainment content. And there’s also an option to stream Chinese subs too.

Access to all series is free since shows are hosted by external sources.

Monthly Visitors: 23.1 million

Ad Annoyance: 7

VPN Friendly:Yes. Works perfectly with a VPN.

Mirrors: gogoanime.life, gogoanime.pro, gogoanime.app

14. Hulu

The popular streaming website, Hulu, is known for its live TV, movies, and original shows but its selection of anime content can rival that of other streaming sites in this niche.

From anime classics such as Dragon Ball Z and Cowboy Bebop to English-dubbed movies such as Akira and Studio Ghibli productions, Hulu won’t disappoint anime fans who want HD quality shows.

Hulu also offers simulcasts of the latest anime TV series. Plans come in ad-supported, ad-free, and ad-free with live TV options.

Hulu TV Review

Monthly Visitors: 216.1 million

Ad Annoyance: 3 (Hulu Plan); 0 (Hulu No Ads Plan)

VPN Friendly:No, but can use with split tunneling

15. AnimeFreak

With thousands of episodes of your favorite anime shows in various genres (fantasy, music, mystery, parody, adventure, and even supernatural to name a few), AnimeFreak is your go-to destination for all free streaming content.

Get treated to the latest OVA series, movies, and other anime favorites on this site. Plus, it also has thousands of manga updated right after the chapter release in Japan.

The one thing that can be frustrating with AnimeFreak, however, are the pop-up ads.

Monthly Visitors: 6.6 million

Ad Annoyance: 10

VPN Friendly:Yes. Works perfectly with a VPN.

16. Tubi TV

From classic hits such as Akira and You You Hakusho to the latest episodes of Boruto and Fairy Tail, Tubi TV is one of the best free streaming services available today.

Watch episodes in high quality and wait for the latest releases to keep up to date with your favorite series.

Refer to our guide below for more information on Tubi TV and how to install it on any device.

How to Install Tubi TV App

Monthly Visitors: 15.4 million

Ad Annoyance: 6

VPN Friendly:No, but can use with split tunneling

17.IQIYI International

This streaming service boasts of some of the most popular anime cult favorites to date from Dr. STONE to Monster Girl Doctor.

English subtitles are available in most programs aside from Chinese, Thai, Bahasa Malaysia and Vietnamese.

The best thing about it is that ads are very limited, which is a good thing for free streaming sites such as this that feature HD quality shows.

Monthly Visitors: 2.3 million

Ad Annoyance: 2

VPN Friendly:Yes. Works perfectly with a VPN.

18. MyAnimeList

This streaming site has become a staple among anime fans because of its wide selection of content and its reputation for being an all-in-one source of anime reviews, news, forum discussions, and promotional videos.

What sets apart MyAnimeList from others is its detailed information for every anime series or movie it features.

Users can access the synopsis, background, alternative titles, production information, characters, voice actors, opening themes, ending themes, reviews, and statistics (score, rank, popularity, members, and favorites).

MyAnimeList offers one of the most affordable monthly plans at only $2.99 per month for an ad-free experience, expanded Favorites section, profile badge, and other perks.

Take note that if you are not logged in, ads will be displayed while watching.

Monthly Visitors: 51.1 million

Ad Annoyance: 0 (Paid Plan)

VPN Friendly:Yes. Works perfectly with a VPN.

19. All4

Channel 4’s streaming service not only carries some of the best European shows but now features top-rated anime shows such as Cardcaptor Sakura, Megalobox, Vision of Escaflowne, and Tokyo Ghoul, just to name a few.

Earlier this year, it added additional popular series such as Kill la Kill and Persona 5.

Add your favorite anime to your My List library and start streaming each episode. The All4+ Plan allows users to skip ads and comes with a free trial too.

Monthly Visitors: 13.6 million

Ad Annoyance: 0 (Paid Plan)

VPN Friendly:Yes. Works perfectly with a VPN.

20. Anime Digital Network

This French anime streaming website takes pride in being one of the leading anime resources in France, Luxembourg, and Belgium.

Its streaming service is completely legal, having formed an alliance with Kaze and Kana Home Video publishers from Japan.

Take note that content is available in French version or in Japanese with French subtitles. The Streaming package is at €6.99 with access to HD videos.

Monthly Visitors: 4.9 million

Ad Annoyance: 0 (Streaming package)

VPN Friendly:No, but can use with split tunneling

21. AsianCrush

Anime junkies are drawn to AsianCrush because it carries a wide range of anime shows from action to rom-com.

Fans can also filter their choices according to region and themes (revenge, family, historical, sports, etc.).

Access to content is at $4.99 per month, which comes ad-free and content can be watched on iOS, Android, Amazon Firestick, Roku and Chromecast devices.

Monthly Visitors: 1.3 million

Ad Annoyance: 0 (Paid Plan)

VPN Friendly:Yes. Works perfectly with a VPN.

22. Netflix

As the leading streaming service, Netflix’s anime section offers a wide variety of movies (A Silent Voice, Pokémon) and series (Attack on Titan, Sword Art Online).

Netflix does a great job at categorizing its anime according to teen TV, crime, fantasy, comedy, action, sci-fi, adventure, drama, and the best selections from some of Japan’s leading studios.

And to further boost its selections, Netflix carries original anime such as Japan Sinks: 2020 as well as exclusives such as Castlevania and Little Witch Academia.

Check out our tutorial below for installing Netflix on Kodi.

How to Install Netflix Kodi Addon

Monthly Visitors: 2.6 billion

Ad Annoyance: 0

VPN Friendly:No, but can use with split tunneling

23.HIDIVE

This Houston-based streaming service offers subscribers the best anime titles and a catalog of shows released since the 70s.

The latest simulcasts from Japan are streamed in 1080p or HD quality.

What makes it different from competing sites is its selection of hard-to-find titles and OVAs that can make true anime fans excited.

And you can customize your viewing by setting it to uncensored and changing the color of subtitles.

HIDIVE’scontent discovery engine is also one of the best in the field.

Subscription is only at $4.99 per month with a 30-day free trial to new users.

Monthly Visitors: 680,600

Ad Annoyance: 0

VPN Friendly:Yes. Works perfectly with a VPN.

24. HBO Max

With more than 10,000 hours (and growing!) of content, HBO Max doesn’t shortchange its subscribers with anime stuff.

From the complete Ghibli Library collection to the classic favorite Rorouni Kenshin, there’s plenty of anime to choose from.

And since it’s owned by AT&T together, HBO Max allows users to stream 17 anime series (Fullmetal Alchemist and Re:ZERO, for example) direct from the streaming platform, Crunchyroll, which is also part of the AT&T network.

Current HBO Now subscribers or those with a subscription to the channel through a TV or mobile service provider automatically gain access to HBO Max.

How to Install HBO Max on Firestick/Fire TV

Monthly Visitors: 36.1 million

Ad Annoyance: 0

VPN Friendly:No, but can use with split tunneling

25. RetroCrush

Fans of cult classics have only one destination online: Retro Crush. With titles such as Lupin III, Voltes V, Appleseed, Bubblegrum Crisis and Great Teacher Onizuka, users will never run out of choices.

In addition, the anime movies are a sure hit among fans who want to relive their childhood memories watching Galaxy Express, Space Adventure Cobra, and Wicked City.

The best thing about this is it has no annoying ads and access if free if you’re in the US or Canada. Otherwise, you need a VPN.

Monthly Visitors: 51,600

Ad Annoyance: 0

VPN Friendly: Yes. Works perfectly with a VPN.

Streaming Anime Sites on Firestick/Fire TV

As stated above, the sites on this list have been chosen specifically for their functionality on different platforms.

While there are thousands of free anime streaming sites, these work perfectly on PC’s as well as Amazon’s Fire TV devices and Android TV Boxes.

As of the writing of this article, the most popular streaming device is the Amazon Firestick 4K.

If you are using a Firestick or Fire TV device, the Silk Browser can be easily installed from the Amazon App Store.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Best Anime Streaming Sites?

The best anime streaming sites include Crunchyroll, Funimation, Anime-Planet, 9Anime, AnimeFreak, VIZ, AnimeLab, and many others found in this list. and many others we include in this list.

Are These Sites Legal?

Yes, anime streaming sites are legal if viewing anime content from verified services or within the public domain.

Do You Need a VPN for Anime Streaming Sites?

Yes. Having a VPN is a must if using these anime streaming sites. This will hide your streaming activities and keep you anonymous from website operators, hackers, app developers, and your ISP.

What Happens if you Get Caught With Using These Sites?

If you are caught using anime streaming sites to watch copyrighted content, you may face legal issues. TROYPOINT recommends having a VPN when using anime streaming sites, and only viewing content from verified services or within the public domain.

What Can I Watch Without Signing Up?

Some anime streaming sites that don’t require you to sign up for an account include 9Anime, AnimeDAO, AnimeFreak, KissAnime, GoGoAnime, and Fire Anime.

This page includes affiliate links where TROYPOINT may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Many times, visitors will receive a discount due to the special arrangements made for our fans. Learn more on my Affiliate Disclaimer page.