15 Best Free Anime Websites to Watch Anime Online (2025)

Anime has become one of the most popular forms of entertainment around the world. Millions of fans love watching new episodes every week, and the demand for free anime websites continues to grow. Even though paid streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu now offer anime, many viewers still look for anime websites free to enjoy shows without spending money. To make things easier, we created this detailed guide to the best free anime websites where you can watch your favorite shows without worries. The list includes trusted anime websites for free that work well on both desktop and mobile.

Part 1: What to Look for in a Free Anime Website

When searching for websites to watch anime free, you need to be careful. Not all of them provide safe or good-quality viewing. Here are the main things to keep in mind:

1. Safety and Legality

Some anime websites free may host pirated content. Stick to official or well-known platforms to avoid risks. Using a VPN or ad-blocker can also add extra safety when using an anime free website.

2. Video Quality

Always look for a free anime website that offers HD as well as SD options. This way, you can enjoy better quality when streaming on Wi-Fi or switch to lower resolution on mobile data.

3. Sub vs. Dub Availability

Anime lovers have different preferences some like subtitles, while others prefer dubbed versions. The best free anime websites usually offer both, making them more user-friendly.

4. Mobile and Desktop Support

Good anime free websites should load quickly on both phones and laptops. Responsive websites are easier to use compared to slow or outdated ones.

Part 2: 15 Best Free Anime Websites in 2025

Here are the top anime free websites you can rely on this year. Each free anime website listed below has its own features, so you can choose based on your needs.

1. Crunchyroll (Free Plan)

Crunchyroll is one of the most trusted free anime websites. Its free plan includes ads but gives you access to many popular titles. As an official source, it is completely safe, making it better than random anime websites free. While premium members get more shows, the free tier is still worth using.

2. Funimation (Free Tier)

Funimation is perfect if you love dubbed anime. Its free anime website version includes classics and newer shows with ads. Compared to other anime websites for free, it focuses more on dubs than subs. If you want English versions of popular anime without paying, Funimation is a solid pick.

3. 9Anime

9Anime is one of the most popular anime free websites. It has a massive library of shows in HD, with both sub and dub. Fans like it because it updates quickly and is easy to use. While it is not official like Crunchyroll, many anime lovers still trust it as their go-to anime free website.

4. Gogoanime

Gogoanime is one of the oldest websites to watch anime free. It has almost every title, from old classics to the latest episodes. The clean layout and reliable streaming make it one of the best free anime websites even in 2025. If you can't find an anime elsewhere, Gogoanime usually has it.

5. AnimeHeaven

AnimeHeaven is another great anime free website with a wide collection. You'll find both dubbed and subbed versions of your favorite shows. Unlike many other anime websites for free, it organizes episodes neatly, making it easy to watch in order.

6. Animedao

Animedao is known for its simple interface and smooth performance. This free anime website is light, meaning it loads fast even on slower internet. If you don't like too many ads, Animedao is one of the best anime websites free for a distraction-free experience.

7. AnimeFreak

AnimeFreak is one of the most used anime free websites. It has thousands of shows, including both classics and trending titles. The layout is beginner-friendly, and new episodes are added quickly. If you are looking for a reliable free anime website, AnimeFreak is worth bookmarking.

8. Chia-Anime

Chia-Anime has been around for years and is still loved in 2025. It's a fast-updating free anime website with lots of subbed and dubbed shows. While ads can be a bit annoying, its wide selection makes it one of the best anime websites for free.

9. Kissanime Alternatives

Kissanime was once the king of anime free websites, but it was shut down. Luckily, many alternatives now exist. These anime websites free continue the legacy by offering a similar collection and streaming quality. Fans still search for Kissanime-style platforms as their favorite websites to watch anime free.

10. AnimeLab (Free Version)

AnimeLab is a regional platform available in countries like Australia and New Zealand. Its free anime website version lets you watch with ads. While it's limited by region, it is official and safe, making it better than random anime free websites.

11. Tubi TV

Tubi TV is a legal streaming service with a large anime library. Unlike many anime websites free, it is 100% safe and licensed. You just need to create a free account. For fans looking for legal websites to watch anime free, Tubi is a great option.

12. RetroCrush

RetroCrush is a must for fans of old-school anime. This free anime website is focused on classic shows from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Unlike modern anime websites for free, it offers a nostalgic experience for those who love vintage anime.

13. YouTube Official Anime Channels

Yes, YouTube has many official anime channels that upload episodes legally. From old hits to newer shows, it has plenty of options. Since it's free and legal, it's one of the safest anime websites free in 2025.

14. AnimePlanet

AnimePlanet works in partnership with Crunchyroll to provide free streaming. This anime free website has a huge catalog and a strong community of fans. You can also make lists, reviews, and track your favorite shows, making it more interactive than other free anime websites.

15. Midnight Pulp

Midnight Pulp is great if you enjoy niche or cult classic anime. While it also streams movies and shows, its anime section is strong. This free anime website is a little different from mainstream anime websites for free, offering unique titles you may not find elsewhere.

Part 3: Best Free Anime Websites vs. Paid Platforms

While anime free websites are popular, paid streaming services also have their advantages. Platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and HiDive provide legal and ad-free viewing. But they don't always have the full library that fans want.

In short, anime free websites give more variety, while paid services give peace of mind and better quality.

Part 4: Safety Tips When Using Free Anime Websites

If you use websites to watch anime free, here are some tips to stay safe:

• Use ad-blockers to reduce unwanted ads.
• Avoid clicking suspicious pop-ups.
• Stick to well-known anime websites free like Crunchyroll, Funimation, or AnimePlanet.
• Do not download random files from an anime free website.

Bonus Tip: How to Interact with Your Favorite Anime Characters

Watching anime is exciting, but today's tools allow you to go further than simply streaming shows. With HitPaw Online AI Video Generator, anime fans can design short anime-style clips and even create interactive scenes with their favorite characters. This tool makes it possible to add expressions, dialogues, and fun actions, giving a personal touch that most free anime websites cannot provide. Whether you want to recreate a dramatic fight, generate funny skits, or just imagine conversations with beloved heroes, HitPaw makes it simple. It offers a new way to enjoy anime beyond regular watching.

Key Features

• AI-powered video creation instantly turns text or ideas into anime-style animated clips that look lively and engaging.
• Customizable character actions adjust expressions, poses, and dialogues to make the interaction feel more personal.
• User-friendly interface simple controls let even beginners create anime-style content without needing editing skills.
• Web-based convenience no heavy software needed, since everything runs online and works on both desktop and mobile.
• Fun for social sharing export your anime clips quickly and share them with friends or on social media platforms.

Steps to use HitPaw Online AI Video Generator

• Step 1.Open the HitPaw Online AI Video Generator in your browser to start creating your anime interaction.

• Step 2.Upload an image of your favorite anime character or simply type a descriptive text prompt to generate one.

  

• Step 3.Select your preferred interaction type, such as AI Hug, AI Kiss, or AI Conversation.

  

• Step 4.Customize by adding effects, backgrounds, or even an AI-generated soundtrack.

• Step 5.Export your video in high quality and share it instantly with friends or on social media platforms.

  

Conclusion

The demand for free anime websites is still strong in 2025. From official platforms like Crunchyroll and Funimation to popular fan favorites like Gogoanime and 9Anime, there are plenty of safe websites to watch anime free. We always recommend trying legal anime free websites when possible. But whichever free anime website you choose, remember to stay safe online. And if you want something extra, try tools like HitPaw to create your own anime-style videos. That way, anime fans can not only watch but also experience their favorite shows in new ways.