Crunchyroll killed its free tier. Here are 10 legal alternatives where you can still watch anime for free — no piracy, no shady sites.
What happened to Crunchyroll's free tier?
In 2024, Crunchyroll removed its free, ad-supported tier after the Sony/Funimation merger. All content now requires a paid subscription starting at $7.99/month. This left millions of anime fans looking for legal free alternatives — which is exactly what this guide covers.
2,000+ anime episodes
The biggest free anime library in 2026. Tubi offers thousands of anime episodes with ads (no sign-up required for most content). Major titles include Naruto, One Piece, Death Note, and Bleach. The catalog is constantly expanding.
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Ad-supported24/7 anime channels
Pluto TV features dedicated 24/7 anime channels that stream continuously — like cable TV but free. Channels include Anime All Day, Tokusho, and more. Also has on-demand anime titles. No sign-up needed.
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Ad-supportedSoutheast Asia's best free anime
Muse Asia is a YouTube channel that legally streams anime for free in Southeast Asia. They simulcast new seasonal anime and maintain a library of popular titles with high-quality subtitles. One of the best free anime sources for SEA viewers.
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Free (YouTube)Classic anime (North America)
VIZ Media's official YouTube channel streams full episodes and movies of classic anime including Naruto, Death Note, Sailor Moon, and Inuyasha. Limited catalog but high-quality official uploads.
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Free (YouTube)Vintage anime classics
RetroCrush specializes in classic and vintage anime from the 70s-2000s. If you love retro aesthetics, this is your destination — titles include Lupin III, Galaxy Express 999, and Captain Harlock. Free with ads.
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Ad-supportedNew releases for Asia
Ani-One Asia is another excellent YouTube channel for Asian viewers. They simulcast new seasonal anime and maintain a solid back-catalog. Complements Muse Asia with different licensing agreements.
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Free (YouTube)Complete Gundam series
The official Gundam YouTube channel streams full Gundam series for free worldwide. If you're into mecha anime, this is essential — includes Mobile Suit Gundam, Gundam Wing, Iron-Blooded Orphans, and more.
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Free (YouTube)Chinese anime (donghua) free
Bilibili is the leading anime platform in China, and their global site offers free donghua (Chinese anime) worldwide. Great for titles like Scissor Seven, The King's Avatar, and exclusive Bilibili originals.
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FreemiumTencent anime & donghua
WeTV (by Tencent) offers a large library of Chinese anime and some Japanese anime for free with ads. Premium tier removes ads and unlocks early access. Particularly strong for cultivation and action donghua.
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FreemiumFree anime on Roku
The Roku Channel offers a rotating selection of free anime (with ads). While the catalog is smaller than Tubi, it's a solid option if you already have a Roku device. Also accessible via web browser.
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Ad-supported| Site | Model | Account? | Regions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tubi | Ad-supported | No | US, CA, AU, MX |
| Pluto TV | Ad-supported | No | US, UK, CA, DE, BR |
| Muse Asia | Free (YouTube) | Optional | IN, PH, ID, TH, MY, SG |
| VIZ Media | Free (YouTube) | Optional | US, CA |
| RetroCrush | Ad-supported | No | US, CA, UK, AU |
| Ani-One Asia | Free (YouTube) | Optional | IN, PH, ID, TH, MY, SG |
| GundamInfo | Free (YouTube) | Optional | Global |
| Bilibili Global | Freemium | Optional | Global (varies) |
| WeTV | Freemium | Optional | Global (varies) |
| Roku Channel | Ad-supported | Optional | US, CA, UK |
Many free anime sites are region-restricted. A VPN lets you connect to servers in any country, unlocking free anime libraries worldwide.
Some streaming platforms are geo-restricted. A VPN lets you access anime libraries from any country — unlock Crunchyroll US, Netflix Japan, and more.
See Best VPNs for AnimeEven without a free tier, Crunchyroll Premium ($7.99/month) remains the gold standard for anime streaming. It offers the largest legal catalog (1,000+ titles), simulcast new episodes within hours of Japan broadcast, and ad-free HD/4K streaming.
However, if you're on a budget, the free sites above cover a surprising amount of popular anime. Between Tubi, Pluto TV, and YouTube channels, you can watch hundreds of series legally without spending anything.
Our recommendation: start with the free options above, and upgrade to Crunchyroll Premium when you want simulcast access to brand-new seasonal anime.
No. Crunchyroll discontinued its free, ad-supported tier in 2024. All content now requires a paid subscription (starting at $7.99/month). This is why many anime fans have turned to alternatives like Tubi, Pluto TV, and YouTube channels that still offer free anime legally.
For most viewers, Tubi is the best free anime streaming site in 2026. It has the largest library (2,000+ episodes), requires no account, and is available in the US, Canada, Australia, and Mexico. For Southeast Asian viewers, Muse Asia on YouTube is the top choice with simulcast new anime.
Yes! Every site on our list is 100% legal. They either operate on an ad-supported model (like Tubi and Pluto TV), are official YouTube channels from licensed distributors (like Muse Asia and VIZ Media), or offer freemium tiers (like Bilibili and WeTV). We never recommend piracy.
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