As the year wraps up, one of the biggest disappointments for anime fans is the news that Crunchyroll will be ending its free ad-supported streaming option. This move has shocked many, as Crunchyroll was seen as the go-to platform for watching anime without a subscription. Still, the service offers some free content through its official YouTube channel and a 24/7 anime channel available on platforms like Roku, LG, Vizio, and Pluto TV. There are also several legal, no-cost alternatives for those seeking easy access to anime. Many fans are reluctant to pay for a subscription if most of the content doesn’t appeal to them, so these free streaming sites let them explore and find the option that best matches their preferences.
RetroCrush
RRetroCrush is the perfect site for an affordable trip down memory lane. For nostalgic fans who see the 90s as anime’s golden age, it offers a huge library of classics, from industry-shaping series like Astro Boy to more modern titles for those wanting to relive the 2010s. You can watch RetroCrush on a web browser or through its app, available on Android, Roku, Fire TV, and other platforms. It’s completely free, supported by ads, and requires no subscription. While the free catalog has its limits, it’s packed with hidden anime gems worth revisiting or discovering for the first time.
The Roku Channel
While The Roku Channel is a popular choice for streaming in the US, many don’t realize its anime library is also accessible through a web browser. Most titles come with English dubs, perfect for viewers who want to dive right into the story. The selection ranges from beloved shōnen hits like Death Note and Hunter x Hunter to critically acclaimed films like Paprika. Best of all, it’s free with ads that aren’t too distracting, making it a great spot for easy, hassle-free anime binges.
Tubi
Tubi TV is a free streaming service that’s become popular with anime fans thanks to its huge and varied library. Unlike many platforms, it offers free, ad-supported content not just in the United States and Canada, but also in the United Kingdom and parts of Latin America. While it doesn’t provide simulcast releases like Crunchyroll, anime lovers can still find a wide range of titles. From hidden gems released in recent years, like Tasokare Hotel and Tonbo, to movies and shows from iconic franchises such as Pokémon, Naruto, and Yu-Gi-Oh!, there’s plenty worth checking out on Tubi TV.
YouTube
Anime fans can enjoy their favorite shows not only on major streaming platforms like Crunchyroll but also through various distributors offering free content on YouTube. Crunchyroll’s channel features a growing library of full episodes, both subbed and dubbed, and sometimes even entire seasons to promote new releases.
In the US, Viz Media’s YouTube channel streams hundreds of episodes from its biggest titles, including Sailor Moon, Inuyasha, and the first part of Naruto. Gundam fans are in luck too—the franchise’s official channel regularly uploads complete series, rotating them periodically.
REMOW, in partnership with Shueisha, offers full episodes on its “It’s Anime Powered by REMOW” channel, including limited-time anime premieres. For those interested in donghua, Tencent also provides a great selection for Western audiences.
While it offers exclusive content for channel members, the Tencent Video Animation channel also features plenty of series with English subtitles. Still, this is just a fraction of the huge selection of legal anime that fans can easily enjoy on YouTube.
Pluto TV
Pluto TV is a great choice for anyone wanting a free, legal, English-language platform with a mix of newer and older shows. Along with its on-demand library, it features nonstop anime channels, including ones from services like HIDIVE and Crunchyroll that stream 24/7 on a rotating schedule. The live programming is perfect for stumbling upon classic titles, and some channels are dedicated entirely to hits like One Piece and Naruto. Plus, thanks to its partnership with HIDIVE, Pluto TV’s on-demand section includes newer anime too. With such a wide variety, it’s an excellent option for enjoying anime without spending a dime.
Recommended Comments