Anime and cartoons have captured the imagination of audiences around the world. With hundreds of new series released yearly spanning genres like action, romance, comedy, sci-fi, etc., their popularity continues growing tremendously. While some anime find their way on mainstream TV channels and streaming platforms, most can only be accessed online. This article lists the top 7 websites to watch your favorite anime and cartoons online for free. So grab your snacks and get ready to binge-watch!
1. Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is like Netflix for anime lovers, with one of the largest collections of anime series and movies to stream. It has content in Japanese audio with English subtitles and English dub. The free account allows you to watch anime with ads. Opt for their premium subscription to enjoy ad-free viewing and unlock the latest simulcast series. However, their free account has plenty of top animes to keep you hooked for hours.
Why choose Crunchyroll?
- Massive content library with 1000+ anime series and 15000+ episodes
- Simulcasts latest episodes one hour after they air in Japan
- Apps are available on iOS, Android, Gaming Consoles, etc.
- Legal platform with licenses to stream the content worldwide
2. Funimation
Owned by Sony Pictures, Funimation has been growing its anime library rapidly. It now has around 600 anime series with 10,000+ episodes to watch. Their streaming service is available in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Like Crunchyroll, you can watch anime free with ads or pay a subscription for ad-free viewing.
Why choose Funimation?
- Massive collection of popular anime series like Dragon Ball, One Piece, Attack on Titan, etc.
- Dubs are available in English and Japanese, along with subtitles
- HD video quality for uninterrupted streaming
- Apps for Android, iOS, Gaming Consoles, Smart TVs, etc.
3. Tubi TV
Tubi TV is an ad-supported video-on-demand service with a decent collection of anime. It has apps across various devices like Android, iOS, Roku, FireTV stick, and smart TVs. You can stream anime for free but must watch some ads in between. The content is available only in Japanese audio with English subtitles.
Why choose Tubi TV?
- Completely free anime streaming without any subscription
- No account is needed. Just launch the app and start watching
- Added new anime series like Tokyo Ghoul, Snow White with Red Hair, Lupin the 3rd, etc.
- Apps available for all major platforms
4. AnimeLab
AnimeLab is Australia and New Zealand’s premier anime streaming service featuring high-quality shows just hours after they are broadcasted in Japan. They partner with top animation studios to simulcast new series. You can watch the latest and classic anime free with ads or subscribe to an Ultimate Fan pack.
Why choose AnimeLab?
- The latest shows streamed right after they air in Japan
- Massive library of popular anime series and movies
- Watch in original Japanese audio with English subtitles
- Free viewing option available with ads
- Apps for all devices like iOS, Android, Gaming Consoles, etc.
5. Anime-Planet
Anime-Planet is an anime streaming site with a large community of anime fans. You can create your watchlist, read reviews, join forums, and stream anime episodes for free. The site is ad-supported, but you won’t be bombarded with excessive ads. The video quality is decent, and it flows fast.
Why choose Anime-Planet?
- Legal site for streaming anime for free
- Create a watchlist and track everything you’ve watched
- Enthusiastic community to connect with other anime fans
- Content available in Japanese audio with English subtitles
- Minimal ads that don’t disrupt your viewing experience
6. AnimeDao
AnimeDao provides both subbed and dubbed anime shows for free. They have a clean interface; you can filter anime based on various genres and seasons. Streaming servers are fast with decent video quality. Click on the episode you want to watch, and it will start playing instantly.
Why choose AnimeDao?
- A vast catalog of subbed and dubbed anime series
- Latest episodes shortly after they air in Japan
- Minimal ads that don’t interfere much
- Watch in HD quality with fast streaming servers
- Instant playback. No signups are required.
7. CartoonCrazy
If you’re looking for a site to stream cartoons, then CartoonCrazy has an excellent collection. It provides both classic and latest cartoon series in high quality for free. There are some ads on the site, but they won’t disrupt your viewing experience. You can also request cartoon series that are not available.
Why choose CartoonCrazy?
- Great library of cartoon shows from various studios like Disney, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, etc.
- New cartoon episodes were added shortly after the TV broadcast
- Nostalgic classics like Tom & Jerry, Looney Tunes, and Popeye are available
- Excellent video quality with fast streaming servers
- Minimal ads that can be ignored easily
Conclusion
Anime and cartoons provide an escape into fantasy worlds full of adventure, stunning visuals, and lovable characters. With the top free streaming sites listed in this article, you can now watch anime and cartoons conveniently on any device. So explore these options and immerse yourself in binge-watching the best of anime and cartoons. Happy viewing!
FAQs
Q1: Is it legal to watch anime on these free streaming websites?
Most sites mentioned here are legal and stream anime with proper licensing agreements. However, laws differ across countries, so you should check your local laws.
Q2: Can I watch anime with subtitles instead of dubbed audio?
Most of these sites offer anime with original Japanese audio and English subtitles. Few also provide English dubs along with subs.
Q3: Do these sites have mobile apps?
Yes, all of these free anime streaming platforms have Android and iOS mobile apps, so you can watch on the go.
Q4: Do I need to create an account to start watching anime?
Most sites allow instant streaming without creating an account. However, only some require signup to keep track of your watchlist and favorites.
Q5: Can I watch offline by downloading anime episodes?
Unfortunately, offline downloads are not available on free streaming sites. You’ll need to subscribe to premium plans that allow downloads.