With the proliferation of streaming services, finding the perfect platform to watch anime online can be overwhelming. In 2025, anime enthusiasts have a variety of options, each with its own unique offerings. Whether you're looking for a comprehensive collection, free access, or exclusive originals, there's a service tailored to meet your needs. Below, we explore some of the best platforms for streaming anime, from fully loaded subscriptions to free ad-supported options.
Crunchyroll
Best Anime Streaming Service Overall
Crunchyroll offers three subscription tiers, all of which provide ad-free streaming of their entire catalog. New users can enjoy a 14-day free trial, after which the most affordable plan is priced at $7.99 per month. Even without a subscription, you can watch select anime for free with ads, including hits like Chainsaw Man and My Hero Academia.
Anime Recommendations on Crunchyroll:
### Dragon Ball: DAIMA
0See it at Crunchyroll### Jujutsu Kaisen
0See it at Crunchyroll### Solo Leveling
0See it at Crunchyroll### My Hero Academia
0See it at CrunchyrollTubi
Best Free Anime Streaming Service
Anime Recommendations on Tubi:
### Death Note
0See it at Tubi### JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
0See it at Tubi### Inuyasha
1See it at Tubi ### Yu-Gi-Oh!
0See it at TubiHulu
Best All-in-One Streaming Service
Hulu offers two subscription plans: an ad-free option for $14.99 a month and an ad-supported plan for $7.99 a month. Additionally, Hulu is available in various streaming bundles for added value.
Anime Recommendations on Hulu:
### Chainsaw Man
0See it at Hulu### Attack on Titan
0See it at Hulu### Cowboy Bebop
0See it at Hulu### Spy x Family
0See it at HuluNetflix
Best for New Original Anime
Netflix currently offers an ad-supported plan for $7.99 a month, with standard and premium subscriptions available at higher rates, which include the ability to download content for offline viewing.
Anime Recommendations on Netflix:
### The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.
0See it at Netflix### Devilman Crybaby
0See it at Netflix### Cyberpunk Edgerunners
0See it at Netflix### Violet Evergarden
0See it at Netflix### Max (HBO Max)
Best Streaming Service for Anime Movies
Max offers three subscription tiers, starting at $9.99 for the ad-supported plan.
Anime Recommendations on Max:
### The Boy and the Heron
0See it at Max### Spirited Away
0See it at Max### Suicide Squad Isekai
0See it at Max### Uzumaki
0See it at MaxAnime Streaming Sites FAQ
What are the best sites to watch anime for free?
In addition to Tubi and the limited free offerings on Crunchyroll, several other platforms provide free anime streaming. RetroCrush specializes in "vintage" anime and cartoons, featuring classics like Astro Boy, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and City Hunter. Sling TV's FreeStream also includes a variety of anime channels with on-demand series such as Fruits Basket, Maid-Sama, and Ghost Stories.
AnswerSee Results### How can I watch anime live in the U.S.?Most anime episodes air live in Japan before becoming available for streaming in the U.S. Thanks to Crunchyroll's licensing agreements, new episodes are typically available within a day of their original airtime, which is a key reason why it's considered the best overall streaming service for anime. Even exclusive titles that eventually appear on platforms like Netflix or Hulu usually debut on Crunchyroll first.
For those eager to watch a new episode or special live, a VPN service might be necessary to access local Japanese channels such as FujiTV.
Looking for some anime suggestions? Check our guides to the best horror anime and the saddest anime of all time.