As an avid anime fan, I understand the struggle of finding a reliable and convenient platform to watch our favorite shows. Gone are the days of waiting for a specific time on TV or purchasing DVDs. With the rise of mobile apps, we now have access to a wide variety of anime at our fingertips. In this article, I will introduce you to the 7 best apps to watch anime for free, ensuring you never miss out on the latest episodes or timeless classics.
Criteria for Selecting the Best Anime Apps
Before diving into the list of the best anime apps, it’s important to establish the criteria used to evaluate them. The following factors were taken into consideration:
- Library Size and Variety: A good anime app should offer a vast selection of shows across different genres and categories.
- Video Quality: The app should provide high-quality video streaming, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the anime world.
- User Interface and Experience: A user-friendly interface and smooth navigation enhance the overall watching experience.
With these criteria in mind, let’s explore the 7 best apps to watch anime for free.
1. Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is undoubtedly one of the most popular anime streaming apps available. It boasts an extensive library of over 1,000 anime series, including both subbed and dubbed versions. The app covers a wide range of genres, from action and adventure to romance and slice of life. With regular updates and simulcasts, you can stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favorite shows.
The video quality on Crunchyroll is impressive, with options to stream in high definition. The user interface is intuitive, making it easy to navigate through the app and discover new anime. While Crunchyroll offers a free version with ads, you can also subscribe to their premium membership for an ad-free experience and access to exclusive content.
2. Funimation
Funimation is another top-notch anime streaming app that deserves a spot on this list. With a vast collection of both subbed and dubbed anime, Funimation caters to a wide range of viewers. The app features popular shows like “Attack on Titan,” “My Hero Academia,” and “Dragon Ball,” along with many others.
One of the standout features of Funimation is its dedication to dubbing anime in English. This makes it a great choice for those who prefer watching anime in their native language. The video quality is excellent, ensuring an immersive viewing experience. Funimation offers both free and premium subscriptions, with the latter providing ad-free streaming and early access to new episodes.
3. AnimeLab
AnimeLab is the go-to app for anime fans residing in Australia and New Zealand. This streaming platform offers a vast collection of anime series and movies, including popular titles like “One Piece,” “Naruto,” and “Demon Slayer.” With its sleek and user-friendly interface, AnimeLab provides a seamless watching experience.
The app allows you to stream anime in high definition, ensuring crystal-clear visuals. AnimeLab offers both free and premium subscriptions, with the latter providing ad-free streaming and access to simulcasts. If you’re an anime enthusiast in Australia or New Zealand, AnimeLab is a must-have app on your device.
4. VRV
VRV is a unique anime streaming app that brings together a multitude of channels and platforms under one roof. With VRV, you can access not only anime but also other popular channels like Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Cartoon Hangover. This makes it a comprehensive entertainment hub for fans of various genres.
The app offers a diverse range of anime series and movies, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The video quality is top-notch, allowing for an immersive viewing experience. VRV offers a free version with ads, as well as a premium subscription that removes ads and provides exclusive content.
5. Hulu
While Hulu is primarily known for its vast collection of TV shows and movies, it also offers a decent selection of anime. Although the anime library on Hulu may not be as extensive as some dedicated anime apps, it still includes popular titles like “One Punch Man” and “Tokyo Ghoul.” If you’re already a Hulu subscriber, you can easily access the anime section without the need for an additional subscription.
Hulu provides a smooth streaming experience with high-quality video playback. The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, ensuring a hassle-free anime-watching experience. While Hulu does have a subscription fee, it offers a free trial period for new users.
6. Tubi
Tubi is a free streaming app that offers a wide range of TV shows and movies, including a decent collection of anime. While the anime library on Tubi may not be as extensive as some other platforms, it still includes popular titles like “Fruits Basket” and “Inuyasha.” The app is easy to navigate, with a simple and clean interface.
Tubi provides video streaming in high quality, ensuring an enjoyable viewing experience. The best part is that Tubi is completely free, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious anime fans. With its diverse content and user-friendly interface, Tubi is definitely worth checking out.
7. AnimeGlare
AnimeGlare is a relatively new app in the anime streaming scene but has quickly gained popularity among anime enthusiasts. It offers a vast collection of anime series and movies, including both subbed and dubbed versions. The app provides a user-friendly interface, making it easy to search for and stream your favorite anime.
AnimeGlare offers high-quality video streaming, ensuring a visually appealing experience. The app is free to use, but it does contain ads. However, considering the extensive library and smooth streaming experience, AnimeGlare is a great option for watching anime on your mobile device.
Other Honorable Mentions
While the above 7 apps are our top recommendations for watching anime for free, there are a few other honorable mentions worth considering. These include:
- Crackle: Although not primarily an anime app, Crackle offers a small but decent collection of anime series and movies.
- Netflix: While Netflix is known for its vast library of TV shows and movies, it also offers a selection of popular anime titles.
- Amazon Prime Video: Similar to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video provides a range of anime series and movies, including both old classics and new releases.
These honorable mentions may not specialize in anime, but they still provide a variety of quality content for anime enthusiasts.
Conclusion
With the rise of mobile apps, watching anime has never been easier. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a die-hard fan, the 7 best apps to watch anime for free mentioned in this article are sure to enhance your anime-watching experience. From Crunchyroll’s extensive library to Funimation’s English-dubbed shows, these apps cater to a wide range of preferences. So, grab your popcorn, sit back, and immerse yourself in the captivating world of anime, all at the touch of a button.
