Top 10 Anime Streaming Sites to Watch Series Online Legally

Watching anime online has always been a challenge for fans of the art of Japanese animation, especially when you're forced to search for sites with constant pop-ups and redirects (you know the ones). There must be a way to watch your favorite animated series online legally?

Here is a list of websites where you can watch some of the best anime of all time online. Some of them are even free!

RELATED: Is 9anime a Legal Anime Streaming Site?

1. YouTube (Ani-One Channel)

For several years, YouTube has been one of the largest video streaming platforms on the planet. Luckily, this giant company hosts several channels that stream your favorite anime for free. One such channel is Ani-One Asia.

Ani-One was launched in 2019 and aimed to bring free anime to everyone. The channel belongs to the Medialink group.

Popular series like My Hero Academia (currently streaming on Adult Swim), To Your Eternity, and Higurashi: When They Cry are currently uploaded to the channel.

Not only that, but they also post fun videos such as cosplaying and other wacky things. If you suddenly get tired of watching anime online, there's a lot more to discover.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/c/AniOneAsia/featured

2. YouTube (Muse Asia Channel)

Muse Asia came into existence in 2019. It was established under the name Muse Communications, which has companies based in Singapore and Taiwan. And the best part is that everything is free!

Muse Asia has a lot, and I mean a lot, of top anime on its channel. From the Tokyo Revengers series to Classroom of the Elite to Assassination Classroom, this channel is definitely a giant in itself. It even offers Japanese voice acting if you are a weeb who has reached the highest levels.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/c/MuseAsia/featured

3. Funimation

Funimation was one of the first websites to watch anime online. Over the years, it has grown a lot, especially after the broadcast of Dragon Ball, one of the most popular shonen anime of the time.

Funimation is not only a streaming platform, it is also one of the leading English-language anime dubbing companies. This includes Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid and Violet Evergarden.

Besides dubbing popular anime series, Funimation has also partnered with studios in Japan to license and release subtitled versions of current shows shortly after they air. Fans can quickly access the latest episodes of the anime.

The platform also has apps for mobile devices and gaming consoles, making it easy to watch your favorite anime on the go. With the different subscription tiers available, users can choose the viewing experience that fits their budget and needs, while making Funimation the perfect option for a family of anime fans.

Link: https://www.funimation.com/shows/

4. Amazon Prime Video

Although Amazon Prime Video requires a Prime membership of around $9 per month, there is also a 30-day free trial period. This is long enough to access and watch the variety of animated content. The streaming service offers some old classics that others don't have. These include Cowboy Bebop, Akira, and even new releases like Dororo.

One of the advantages that Prime Video has over other sites is that its anime collection includes popular animated films and OVAs. These additional items are harder to find legally on many competing platforms. For example, Prime Video hosts all of the Evangelion Reconstruction films, which are mecha anime in all their glory.

Link: https://www.primevideo.com

5. Hulu

Hulu is another option. With a $10 per month subscription, the streaming service offers access to dozens of your favorite movies or animated shows.

Some of the most popular anime series online are masterpieces like Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer, and One Punch Man.

Hulu has developed a close relationship with Disney and its properties, which is why modern classics such as Osamu Tezuka's Phoenix: Osamu Tezuka's Eden 17 have made their way onto the platform. Hulu (and Disney+) subscribers can therefore enjoy high-quality animated films in addition to hit animated series.

The streaming quality on Hulu is also very good, offering crisp HD videos for new episodes in particular. While Hulu still lags behind Netflix in terms of user interface and app functionality, it more than makes up for it with its ever-expanding anime library and ties to major entertainment brands like Disney.

Link: https://www.hulu.com/hub/anime

6. Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll was established in 2006 and is one of the most popular platforms for watching anime online, especially in the United States. This site is available in over 180 countries and gives users free access to thousands of anime. It is also possible to upgrade to the premium subscription for $7 to watch ad-free.

We can say that Crunchyroll is at the top of the food chain since it even has its own annual awards ceremony, the Crunchyroll Anime Awards. This event recognizes the best anime series and characters in categories such as Best Animation, Best Fight Scene, and Anime of the Year, based on fan voting. Winners even receive unique Crunchyroll trophies!

In terms of streaming technology, Crunchyroll offers decided advantages over sites like Netflix. As an anime-focused platform, Crunchyroll prioritizes the speed of simulcasting new anime episodes. This means that premium subscribers can watch episodes of a currently airing anime series just one hour after it airs in Japan.

The site also hosts an extensive catalog of classic anime titles, niche series, and Crunchyroll originals like Tower of God. With a user-friendly app, offline viewing, and community features, Crunchyroll provides fans with a top-notch anime watching experience, regardless of the device they use.

Check out anime like Boruto, Darling in the FRANXX, and more!

Link: https://www.crunchyroll.com

7. Netflix

Netflix needs no introduction. But most people don't realize that the streaming service offers a wide variety of animated movies and series. In fact, you'll find some of the best animated films of all time hidden among your regular content. Castlevania, anyone?

The best part is that Netflix offers some of the highest quality streams on the market. From classics to moderns to exclusives, the streaming giant is a safe haven for all anime fans.

The Netflix app works on most (if not all) modern devices, from iPhones to tablets, Smart TVs, Roku sticks or Xbox consoles, meaning you can watch your favorite animes without problem.

Link: https://www.netflix.com

8. Anime-Planet

With one of the most diverse anime libraries online, Anime-Planet surpasses even “free anime sites” like Chia-Anime. And the best part is that you support hard-working animators. By registering on their site, you support hard-working animators.

Unlike other alternatives, Anime-Planet is completely free. It offers the option to connect to a paid Crunchyroll account, but you can watch most TV series for free. Some anime episodes require membership, but they are few and far between.

Available in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and mostly the rest of the world, this anime site is a goldmine for fans of subtitled anime. Anime-Planet also offers forums with user recommendations for new fans.

Link: https://www.anime-planet.com

9. Aniplus

For fans who want to support anime creators but don't want to pay for a premium Crunchyroll account, Aniplus is the perfect alternative. The site offers a legal way to watch the best anime of the season, either on demand or in simulcast.

Aniplus doesn't have an app, but has one of the best anime websites we've ever seen. This free anime site is clean and well-organized thanks to its intuitive user interface. All you need is an account and password, and you'll be watching anime with English subtitles in no time.

The lack of a real application could, however, be a negative point for Aniplus. Although most users use their PC to stream anime, the ability to stream anime from your Android or iOS device is nice.

Link: https://www.aniplus-asia.com

10. HIDIVE

Easily one of the most popular streaming platforms currently available, HIDIVE's server offers an impressive selection of titles for a nominal price. Although not free to use like Kissanime and other similar sites, HIDIVE, like all other premium streaming platforms, provides a way for fans to directly support creators through their subscriptions.

While you won't find classics like Dragon Ball Z on HIDIVE, the platform has a solid selection of modern anime to stream. From the popular comedy Oshi no Ko to more “mature” fantasy anime, HIDIVE has it all.

One of the main reservations fans have with HIDIVE is that the site heavily compresses its streams. This results in an image that isn't as sharp as what you get on sites like Crunchyroll. However, at just $3.99 per month, HIDIVE remains an attractive option for more budget-conscious users.

Recently, the platform announced that it would end its service in most territories. HIDIVE will only work for users located in the United States, Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom and Australia. For users living in Asia or South America, Netflix and Crunchyroll remain excellent alternatives to this site.

Link: https://www.hidive.com

What are other legal online anime streaming sites that we missed?