15+ Best Anime Streaming Sites in August 2026 (Free & Paid)

The following article lists the best Anime Streaming Sites for 2026. This covers both free platforms and paid services with massive libraries.

These anime websites work on tons of different devices besides a computer or laptop. That includes the Amazon Firestick, Android TV/Google TV boxes, Roku, and more.

Our list covers both official anime platforms and “unofficial” platforms. Verified sites offer licensed content with reliable playback and minimal ads, while unverified sites may provide more content but come with legal risks, malware, and annoying pop-ups.

Unverified anime platforms are also frequently targeted by anti-piracy authorities and shut down. We’ve seen this happen with popular names like KissAnime, AnimeFenix, HiAnime, and AniWatch. Every option we’ve listed on this page is updated and working properly.

Our reviews team ranked the best anime streaming websites below based on popularity, content library, categories, user interface, stream quality, ad frequency, safety, and user feedback from forums.

Quick Picks: Top Sites/Apps for 2026

Here are Troy’s “Quick Picks” for Best anime based on what you may be looking for.

• Best Overall: Crunchyroll – the biggest legal anime catalog (and most popular worldwide)
• Best Free (No Sign-Up): Tubi – fully licensed, ad-supported, runs on every device.
• Best Live TV Channels: Pluto TV – 24/7 anime channels for free.
• Best for Dubs and Niche Titles: HIDIVE – great alternative for popular outlets.
• Best for Classics: RetroCrush – ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s anime all absolutely free.
• Best Unofficial Pick: AnimePahe – fast, lightweight, and has downloading capabilities.

The following list was last updated on Sun, Aug, 16, 2026

Best Anime Streaming Sites in 2026

The list below starts with official, legal platforms and then moves into unofficial sites below that.

1. Crunchyroll

Official Website: Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll holds the largest legal anime library on the web, with shows like Attack on Titan, Solo Leveling, and Jujutsu Kaisen. After absorbing Funimation’s entire catalog in the 2024 merger, it’s the single biggest legal anime destination in 2026.

NOTE: Crunchyroll’s free, ad-supported tier ended December 31, 2025, and the service raised prices in February 2026. A paid plan is now required, which costs $9.99/month for the Fan tier, $13.99 for Mega, and $17.99 for Ultimate. If you want Crunchyroll content for free, the Crunchyroll Channel still runs on Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, and Samsung TV Plus.

Crunchyroll App Details & More

2. Netflix

Official Website: Netflix

Netflix has quietly built one of the strongest anime libraries outside of Crunchyroll, with exclusives like Devilman Crybaby, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Pluto, and select Pokémon series. Most popular series also drop with both subbed and dubbed audio on day one.

A Netflix subscription is required, but if you’re already paying for it, the anime section is worth bookmarking. The mobile and TV apps support offline downloads, which is rare for anime services.

If you want to find hidden Anime Content and more, consider using a Netflix Secret Code and access restricted content that you won’t find on the main interface!

3. Pluto TV

Official Website: Pluto TV

Pluto TV runs free, ad-supported live channels and on-demand content with dedicated anime sections. You’ll find linear channels for Anime All Day, Anime Movies, Anime Action, and the new Crunchyroll Channel playing classics on a 24/7 schedule.

It’s fully legal, requires no sign-up to start, and runs on virtually every streaming device. The catalog rotates regularly, so check back often if a series you wanted is missing.

Pluto Details, Description, & More

4. Tubi

Official Website: Tubi

Tubi is a fully licensed, ad-supported streaming platform with a diverse selection of anime. The collection features both new and classic titles, including Naruto and Bleach.

It’s entirely free to use on most devices, with fewer ads than other free services. With a growing library, Tubi is an increasingly popular choice for anime fans on Fire TV and Android TV.

Tubi App Guide

5. Hulu

Official Website: Hulu

Hulu’s anime hub holds a strong rotating catalog of subbed and dubbed series, including My Hero Academia, One-Punch Man, and Hunter x Hunter. Many series air same-day as Japan through Hulu’s Funimation licensing carryover.

A subscription is required, but Hulu’s ad-supported plan is one of the cheaper ways to get a deep anime library alongside a full US streaming service.

6. Peacock

Official Website: Peacock

Peacock hosts a surprisingly strong anime lineup, including the full run of Naruto, plus Yu-Gi-Oh! and several Studio Ghibli-adjacent titles. The Premium tier runs $10.99/month with ads, and Premium Plus is $16.99/month ad-free.

Peacock’s free tier was closed to new sign-ups in 2023, so a paid plan is the only way in for newcomers. If you already have it bundled with another service, the anime section is worth a look.

Peacock Review & Installation

7. Prime Video

Official Website: Prime Video

Amazon’s Prime Video offers a mix of classic and exclusive anime titles, including Vinland Saga and Re:Creators. With a Prime subscription, you get access to a growing anime catalog alongside the full Prime movie and TV library.

Prime Video supports HD streaming and offline downloads, which makes it a convenient option for anime fans who travel. It isn’t a free platform, but the inclusion in a Prime membership makes it a strong value for existing subscribers.

8. HIDIVE

Official Website: HIDIVE

HIDIVE is the legal anime service for fans who want what Crunchyroll skips. Owned by AMC Networks, it focuses on niche, cult, and uncensored titles, with a strong simulcast lineup and an emphasis on dubs.

The service costs $6.99/month with a 7-day free trial to test the library before paying. Its catalog includes classic series and exclusive simulcasts you won’t find anywhere else.

9. AnimePlanet

Official Website: AnimePlanet

AnimePlanet is a legal streaming directory supported by industry partners like Crunchyroll. The library lists over 45,000 episodes spanning every genre from comedy to horror.

Alongside streaming, the site includes user reviews, watchlists, and manga recommendations. That makes it a solid all-in-one resource for anime fans who want recommendations alongside playback.

10. Viz

Official Website: Viz

Viz is filled with anime movies and series, and lets users browse, preview, and order favorites in digital copies, DVDs, or paperback magazines.

You can build your own collection or see what’s popular among the anime community and find purchase options from numerous outlets with up-to-date pricing.

11. RetroCrush

Official Website: RetroCrush

RetroCrush is the go-to platform for classic anime fans. Its curated selection includes iconic shows from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, all available for free.

The ad-supported model is user-friendly, with minimal interruptions during viewing. RetroCrush appeals to both nostalgic viewers and newcomers exploring older anime styles.

12. MyAnimeList

Official Website: MyAnimeList

MyAnimeList is a full-fledged anime platform that keeps you in the know about everything happening in the anime community.

It’s updated daily with top-airing episodes and series, news, community-driven forums, reviews, and direct streaming via partnerships with Crunchyroll and HIDIVE. If anime is part of your daily life, MyAnimeList is worth bookmarking.

Unofficial Anime Sites (Use With Caution)

The sites below aren’t licensed, so pair them with a VPN and an ad-blocker before browsing. Domains rotate often, so double-check the URL against what’s listed here.

Hikari

Unofficial Website: Hikari

Hikari is a niche anime streaming service focused on Japanese culture and content, including lesser-known titles. The platform offers free and premium plans, with the latter granting HD streaming and exclusive content.

Heads up: the old hikari.gg domain went offline in 2026. A working mirror is hikarime.app. Its library includes genres like slice-of-life and historical dramas, ideal for viewers digging into hidden gems.

Yomi

An all-inclusive website for free anime and more, Yomi stays updated with the latest and greatest media with a built-in Calendar and Schedule for instant access.

Beware of the popups/ads that can be fairly intrusive (block these with CleanWeb), but once you get past them, the library of content is massive and plays in high definition.

YoAnime

Unofficial Website: YoAnime

A brand new addition to our list of top Anime Sites, YoAnime was developed with the end user in mind. It focuses on high-quality features that set it apart from other options most anime fans use.

This includes multiple server options per episode with auto-switch capabilities so you can always find a working link. Those who prefer to download media can also find options with subtitle files and more. Give this one a try!

Anilili TV

GitHub Website: Anilili TV

While not an anime website, Anilili TV may be a better option as it functions as a streaming app built specifically free media devices like Google TV or Fire TV.

Various features including metadata, login, progress sync, and library lists are optimized with AniList so all of your favorites are directly at your fingertips. If you use APKs for viewing Movies and Shows, add Anilili to your list for a full streaming setup.

AnimeHeaven

Unofficial Website: AnimeHeaven

AnimeHeaven provides an impressive catalog of anime, including the latest episodes of trending shows such as Solo Leveling. The platform streams in resolutions up to 1080p, and its interface is friendly for first-time users.

Heads up: the real AnimeHeaven is at animeheaven.me, but a flood of malware-laden clone domains try to impersonate it. A VPN and ad-blocker are non-negotiable here.

Miruro

Miruro focuses on TV Shows and pulls in links from various third-party providers including some of the other sites within our list. You can use the Filter option to sort by Genre, Latest Update, and more.

Subtitles can easily be added along with other integrations such as Dark Mode, Comments, and full screen capabilities.

Animenana

Unofficial Website: Animenana

If you want a high-quality website with no ads, Animenana belongs at the top of your shortlist.

This free site makes it easy to locate anime content, including the latest episodes from all your favorites. Use the Bookmarks feature to access shows you’re following with one click.

AnimePahe

Unofficial Website: AnimePahe

AnimePahe is a fan favorite for its speed, clean layout, and lightweight HD streams. It serves both subbed and dubbed episodes and is known for posting new releases within hours of airing.

Unlike most unverified sites, AnimePahe also offers direct download links, which is rare. As with any unverified platform, pair it with a VPN and ad-blocker before browsing.

AnimeFreak

Unofficial Website: AnimeFreak

AnimeFreak is a free site featuring a large database of anime and manga. It’s easy to search for titles by genre or popularity, and the platform offers both subbed and dubbed content.

IMPORTANT NOTE: AnimeFreak has had repeated outages through 2026, so don’t be surprised if the site is slow or offline. Ads are heavy but manageable with an ad-blocker.

Gogoanime

Unofficial Website: Gogoanime

Gogoanime is a long-running name for free anime, with a vast library of series and movies in multiple resolutions. The original operators stopped updating years ago, so what fans now use is a rotating set of domains run by different groups.

NOTE: As of 2026, the active working domain is gogoanime.by. Dozens of malicious clones use the Gogoanime name, so don’t trust the first result on Google. A VPN is strongly recommended here.

Top Anime Sites No Longer Available

The anime streaming world saw three of its biggest unofficial sites go dark over the past couple of years. The following options are no longer available.

• HiAnime & AniWatch: Shut down in March 2026 after the USTR added the site to its “Notorious Markets” list. Both were operated by the same developer (AniWatch rebranded to HiAnime in early 2024).
• 9Anime & AniWave: Closed August 2024 after a joint ACE and Vietnamese police operation. The domain was originally 9anime, rebranded to AniWave in 2023, and then went offline.
• Funimation: The standalone site no longer exists as it was merged into Crunchyroll in 2021.

Are Anime Streaming Sites Legal?

The legality depends on which platform you pick. Services like Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu, HIDIVE, and Tubi are 100% legal because they have licensing deals with content owners.

Unverified sites often host anime without authorization, which can violate copyright laws. While these sites may offer a broader selection, they pose risks such as malware, intrusive ads, and data breaches. Sticking with verified platforms is the safest way to avoid headaches.

The end-user is responsible for all content accessed through unverified websites. For verified options, see our list of legal streaming platforms.

Are They Safe to Use?

Official platforms are generally safe, but unverified sites can be risky due to malicious ads and security threats.

We always scan unverified platforms with VirusTotal to check for malicious files like viruses and malware that can harm your device.

As you can see from the scan results, VirusTotal flagged malicious files from an unverified anime streaming website that can harm your device.

How to Stream Anime Safely

Unverified anime sites are some of the most ad-heavy and malware-prone destinations on the open web. A few simple habits keep you safe:

1. Run a VPN. A VPN encrypts your traffic so your ISP can’t see what you’re streaming, and it hides your IP address from the sites themselves. We walk through setup in our VPN on Firestick guide.
2. Use an ad-blocker. Most unverified sites monetize through pop-ups and redirect ads. A browser-level ad-blocker cuts most of them out.
3. Scan suspicious files. Never download anime as a file. If you must, scan it with VirusTotal before opening.
4. Verify the domain. Sites like Gogoanime and AnimeHeaven have dozens of fake clones. Check the URL against the one listed in this article before clicking.
5. Stick to legal platforms when possible. Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu, HIDIVE, Tubi, Pluto TV, Peacock, and Prime Video all stream legally with zero risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Crunchyroll still free in 2026?

No. Crunchyroll ended its free, ad-supported tier on December 31, 2025, and raised prices in February 2026. The service now requires a paid plan starting at $9.99/month for the Fan tier. The free Crunchyroll Channel still runs on Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, and Samsung TV Plus.

Did HiAnime and AniWatch shut down?

Yes. Both sites went offline in March 2026 after the USTR added the operator to its “Notorious Markets” list. AniWatch had rebranded to HiAnime in early 2024, and both were run by the same group.

What is the safest free anime streaming site?

Tubi is the safest fully-free option because it’s officially licensed, requires no sign-up, and runs on every major streaming device. Pluto TV and RetroCrush are also safe, legal, and free.

What is the best site for dubbed anime?

HIDIVE is the best paid pick for dubs because of its dub-first licensing strategy. For free dubs, Tubi and AnimePahe have the largest dubbed libraries.

What replaced Funimation after it shut down?

Crunchyroll replaced Funimation. Sony, which owns both, folded Funimation into Crunchyroll on April 2, 2024, and the entire Funimation library migrated to Crunchyroll’s catalog. Existing Funimation subscribers were moved to Crunchyroll accounts.

What is the best anime app for Firestick?

Crunchyroll is the best paid anime app for Firestick because it has the largest licensed library and a native Fire TV app. For free options, Tubi and Pluto TV both have dedicated Firestick apps with strong anime sections. Unofficial sites can be accessed on Firestick through the Silk Browser.

Troy’s Final Thoughts on Anime Streaming Sites

The sites on this list have been chosen for their functionality across PCs, Amazon Fire TV devices, Android TV boxes, and Roku, and active options for anyone looking to stream high definition Anime streams.

Did we miss your favorite anime streaming website? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!