Top 5 Free and Legal Anime Websites in the US (Updated Guide)
Free & Legal Anime Streaming in the US

Anime is more popular than ever in the United States, but finding free anime websites that are truly legal is still confusing for many viewers. Countless sites host pirated content, suffer from poor video quality, or disappear without warning.

Why Legal Anime Streaming Matters in the US

Anime licensing in the US is tightly controlled. Legal platforms:

Pay creators and studios

Offer consistent video quality

Protect users from malware and scams

Remain accessible long term

Free and legal anime exists mainly through ad-supported streaming or public-domain archives, not unofficial fan sites.

Read more:

- 5 Best Free Websites to Download Movies Legally in the US (Latest Guide)

- A Ultimate Guide to Downloading Movies and TV Series from Netflix for Offline Viewing

1. Tubi

Best overall free anime website

Tubi has quietly become one of the strongest free anime platforms in the US. Its catalog includes action, sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and classic anime titles. Episodes are available on demand, and no account is required.

  • Website: https://tubitv.com

  • Ads: Yes

  • Sub/Dub: Both

  • Best for: Casual anime fans and variety

Read more: How to Download Movies Legally for Free to Watch Offline

2. Pluto TV

Best for live anime channels

Pluto TV offers dedicated anime channels that stream continuously, similar to traditional TV. This format appeals to viewers who prefer discovery over binge-watching.

  • Website: https://pluto.tv

  • Ads: Yes

  • Sub/Dub: Mostly dub

  • Best for: Live anime viewing

3. RetroCrush

Best for classic and retro anime

RetroCrush focuses on older, cult-favorite anime titles from the 70s to early 2000s. It’s one of the few legal platforms dedicated entirely to anime history.

Read more: Top 5 Free and Legal Websites to Watch TV Shows in the US Without Subscriptions

4. Crunchyroll

Best for modern anime (free tier)

Crunchyroll offers a limited free tier supported by ads. While premium access unlocks more features, the free option still provides legal access to popular series in the US.

5. Internet Archive

Best for rare and classic anime

Internet Archive hosts legally uploaded anime, mostly older titles and independent releases. Some content is downloadable, which is rare among anime platforms.

Comparison Table
Comparison Table

What to Expect From Free Anime Streaming

Free anime platforms typically:

  • Rotate content regularly

  • Include ads every 10–20 minutes

  • Limit access to the newest episodes

In return, viewers avoid subscriptions, piracy risks, and unstable websites.

How These Anime Websites Were Selected

Each platform below meets all of the following standards:

Licensed or legally distributed anime content

Free access in the United States

Transparent business model (ads or public domain)

Active user base and ongoing updates

Works on web, mobile, and smart TVs

Final Recommendation

For most viewers, Tubi + Crunchyroll (free tier) offer the best balance of variety and modern anime. Add RetroCrush for classics and Pluto TV for passive, live viewing.

Using multiple platforms together gives US anime fans broad, legal access without paying.