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How & Where to Watch Anime for Free in 2026: the 10 Best Anime Sites

Anime is a genre with legions of devoted fans. If you’re among them and are curious about how and where to watch anime for free, take a seat. This guide covers the best free anime sites and how to watch them if they’re geoblocked where you are.

Kit CopsonSandra PattisonJasna Mishevska

Written by Kit Copson (Writer, Briefing Editor)

Reviewed by Sandra Pattison (Editor, Writer)

Facts checked by Jasna Mishevska (Lead Fact-Checking Editor)

Last Updated:

All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.

Key Takeaways: Best Places to Watch Anime

  1. Go to NordVPN’s website and sign up at a 76% discount.
  2. Download and install the VPN client. Connect to a U.S. server.
  3. Log in a legal free anime service and choose a title to watch.

Best VPNs for Watching Anime:

  1. NordVPN — Best VPN overall with great speeds, advanced features and affordable pricing. NordVPN is available at a 76% discount and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  2. Surfshark — Best budget VPN that still packs a punch. You can sign up for Surfshark with a 87% discount and use the 30-day money-back guarantee if you change your mind.
  3. Proton VPN — Privacy-focused VPN with reliable streaming performance and 10 simultaneous connections. Try the free plan or get the two-year paid plan for $2.99 per month, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  4. ExpressVPN — Easy-to-use VPN with great performance and features. ExpressVPN’s biennial plan offers 73% off on the first two years with four months free.

Facts & Expert Analysis:

  • Some of the best legal platforms for watching anime for free include RetroCrush, Tubi and Pluto TV. Crunchyroll discontinued its ad-supported free tier at the end of 2025, although it still offers a seven-day Premium trial.
  • If you can’t access an anime site because of geoblocks, you can connect to a VPN. This is also recommended if you’re streaming on an unofficial free streaming site that hosts or links to pirated content. 
  • We recommend NordVPN for streaming on anime websites. If it’s not your VPN of choice, Surfshark is a cheaper alternative.
Best VPN for Watching Anime

Since anime began to reach an international audience in the 1990s with shows like ‘Pokémon’ and ‘Dragon Ball Z‘, the genre has become a cultural phenomenon for its mind-blowing aesthetics, exploration of diverse themes and unique but relatable characters. Anime lovers, read on to find out how and where to watch anime for free. 

Because anime is so insanely popular, there are plenty of ways to watch free anime online. Some platforms are available in many countries, whereas others are only available in certain countries due to geoblocking. 

To immerse yourself in anime fully without regional restrictions getting in the way, you can connect to a reliable and secure VPN like our top recommendation, NordVPN. This guide will clue you in on the best anime streaming sites (both free and paid) and how to use a VPN to stream anime if a platform isn’t available in your location. 

  • 09/30/2024

    We updated these rankings to reflect current VPN performance, features and pricing.

  • 02/15/2025 Facts checked

    We updated the Crunchyroll and NordVPN sections with new information about these providers.

  • 05/18/2025 Facts checked

    We expanded our Surfshark section and added more details for the top anime streaming options.

  • 09/23/2025 Facts checked

    We updated our ExpressVPN section with the service’s latest features.

Where to Watch Anime for Free: Can You Watch Anime for Free Legally?

Yes, there are plenty of legal sites for free anime streaming, including RetroCrush, Tubi and Pluto TV. These platforms have the necessary licenses to distribute their content. Crunchyroll is another major legal anime streaming service, but it discontinued its ad-supported free tier on December 31, 2025, meaning you now need a paid subscription after its seven-day free trial.

However, some are geoblocked, which means you can only access them from certain locations due to copyright restrictions. In some cases, this means content on platforms differs depending on where you are in the world (Crunchyroll is a good example). Below, we’ll share more on these popular sites and a tutorial on how to get around geoblocks with a VPN. 

On the other hand, some free sites are not legal, which means the content isn’t licensed. You can usually recognize these sites from the abundance of pop-ups (sometimes rather raunchy ones, too, so parents, take note) you get when you use them. Some sites, like 9anime, avoid hosting unlicensed content by linking to it instead. 

Supporting licensed anime platforms contributes to an industry worth trillions of yen. According to the Association of Japanese Animations, the global anime market reached a record 3.84 trillion yen (approximately $25 billion) in 2024, growing 14.8% from the previous year. This includes spending on streaming, merchandise and other anime-related products and services, rather than revenue earned directly by animation studios.

If you opt for streaming on free anime sites that host unlicensed content, we recommend connecting to a VPN to protect your data. It’s also prudent to use antivirus software and an ad blocker service to protect against potential malware and prevent intrusive pop-ups, which can significantly improve your anime streaming experience. 

Is Anime on Netflix?

Yes, Netflix has a wide range of anime content, including TV series ‘Naruto’ and ‘Demon Slayer: Entertainment District Arc‘ as well as classic Hayao Miyazaki movies like ‘Spirited Away‘ and ‘Princess Mononoke‘. However, the anime available on Netflix depends on where you are.

For example, Hayao Miyazaki movies aren’t available on Netflix in the United States, but they are available on Netflix in other countries, including France, Canada and the United Kingdom. A VPN changes your IP address to one in another country, so you can use one to sidestep geoblocks and check out the anime available on Netflix in different countries.  

Netflix has also invested heavily in direct-to-stream original anime productions like ‘Cyberpunk: Edgerunners’ and ‘Devilman Crybaby,’ creating exclusive content that never airs on Japanese television and is unavailable on other platforms.

How to Access Other Netflix Libraries

If the above information has piqued your curiosity, all you need to do is download a VPN, connect to a server in a country outside the one you’re in, launch Netflix and search for anime. The new Netflix library will be different (sometimes a little, sometimes a lot) from the one in the country you’re in.

For example, if you’re in the U.S., you can connect to a British, Canadian or French server to access Hayao Miyazaki movies. Once you’ve got a VPN, you can experiment with a diverse range of servers to see which libraries you enjoy the most. 

Which Streaming Services Have Anime for Free?

The streaming services that have anime for free include RetroCrush, Tubi, Pluto TV and several others. While free anime sites may use video compression to reduce bandwidth, most maintain HD quality streams above 720p resolution. Most free streaming platforms rely on ads, and the available titles and streaming quality vary between services.

Most of the platforms we recommend offer dedicated mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices, allowing you to conveniently watch anime on your smartphone or tablet wherever you go.

Many platforms also offer anime download options for offline viewing, so you can enjoy your favorite shows even when you don’t have an internet connection. Just be sure to check each service’s specific terms regarding downloads.

Several premium platforms even offer multi-audio track selection functionality, allowing viewers to switch between Japanese original audio, English dubs and other language options without changing video sources or subtitle settings.

Streaming ServiceFree AccessBest For
1. RetroCrushFree with ads; paid tier availableClassic and retro anime
2. The Roku ChannelFree with adsCasual anime viewing
3. TubiFree with adsAnime movies and TV shows
4. Anime-PlanetLimited free content; some linked content requires paymentAnime discovery and recommendations
5. Pluto TVFree with adsLive anime channels
6. BilibiliFree and paid contentAsian animation and simulcasts
7. CONtvFree and paid contentCult classics and niche anime
8. Crunchyroll7-day free trial; subscription required afterwardNew releases and simulcasts
9. Amazon Prime VideoFree trial for eligible users; selected ad-supported contentAnime alongside other entertainment
10. HuluNo standard free trialPopular anime and general entertainment

How We Chose the Best Free Anime Streaming Sites

We evaluated anime streaming platforms based on their content libraries, free viewing options, regional availability, ease of use and overall reliability. We prioritized legal services that offer genuinely free, ad-supported streaming, while also including subscription platforms with free trials for readers interested in larger anime libraries.

We also considered the variety of available anime, including classic series, recent releases, dubbed content and simulcasts. Since streaming rights and subscription terms change frequently, we distinguish between permanently free services and temporary trials to help readers choose the most suitable option.

We’ve split the options into two sections: legal free sites and sites that require subscriptions but offer free trials. 

1. RetroCrush

retrocrush
RetroCrush is a free on-demand and live TV anime service in the U.S. and Canada.

RetroCrush is a free streaming service with a focus on classic anime titles from the 80s, 90s and early 2000s, including nostalgic favorites like ‘Fist of the North Star,’ ‘Bubblegum Crisis’ and many cult classics that shaped the medium. However, it has a premium tier, too, which can be paid for monthly or annually. The free plan comes with ads, but the premium tier is ad-free and unlocks more content.

This old-school anime-based service is only available in the U.S. and Canada, though it plans to branch out to more countries in the future. In the meantime, you can connect to an American or Canadian server on a VPN to enjoy the content. 

RetroCrush is available through web browsers and supported mobile devices, streaming players and smart TVs, including Roku and select Samsung TVs. However, device support varies, so check compatibility before signing up.

2. The Roku Channel

the roku channel
You can enjoy anime on The Roku Channel whether you have a Roku device or not.

The Roku Channel has a humble selection of free (with ads) anime content, including classics like ‘Naruto’ and ‘Pokémon’. You don’t need to own a Roku device to use The Roku Channel — you can install it on other streaming devices or watch it on a web browser.

That said, it’s only available in the U.S., Canada, Mexico (on Roku devices only) and the U.K., so connect to a VPN if you want access from outside these countries. To learn more about Roku devices, check out our article on the topic. If you’re interested in other streaming devices, we also have a Roku vs Amazon Firestick vs Google Chromecast guide. 

3. Tubi

tubi
Tubi is an American free live TV, movie and TV show streaming service. 

If you’re interested in exploring other genres in addition to anime, Tubi is a great (and completely legal) choice because it hosts movies and series in a wide variety of genres, all for free. Although Tubi isn’t solely an anime streaming service like some of our other picks, its anime content selection is generous.

Tubi does not have any paid subscription options, so all its content comes with ads. Ad breaks are approximately every 15 minutes. If you’re outside the U.S., Canada, Australia, Mexico, Puerto Rico or select Latin American countries, you’ll need to use a VPN to get into Tubi. 

4. Anime-Planet

anime planet
Anime-Planet is the place for all things anime and manga,
including recommendations and online comics. 

Anime-Planet is run by anime fan volunteers, and millions flock to the site every month to enjoy free episodes, read manga comics for free and get anime and manga recommendations. You can also read reviews and add content to lists.

In addition, the platform’s active anime community forums provide a vibrant space for discussing your favorite series, sharing recommendations and connecting with fellow fans who share your specific anime interests.

All streaming content is licensed and provided by Crunchyroll, so you’ll need a premium subscription for some content. Since Crunchyroll is available in most regions, Anime-Planet shouldn’t be hard to access unless it happens to be unavailable where you are. If this is the case, a secure VPN can help. 

5. Pluto TV

pluto tv
Pluto TV is another completely free streaming service with a selection of anime. 

In addition to a selection of on-demand anime (we even spotted anime classic ‘Naruto’ in its library), you can watch the Anime All Day channel on Pluto TV. Like Tubi, Pluto TV does not have paid plans, and its service is ad-supported. You don’t need to register to watch, but you can sign up for a free account if you want.

Pluto TV is available in several countries, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, Hispanic America, Brazil, European Union countries and Australia via 10Play. If Pluto TV isn’t available in your location, you know what to do — download a VPN. 

6. Bilibili

bilibili
Bilibili is a Chinese site with a global version for international viewers.

Bilibili is a Chinese anime-dedicated site that releases new content on a daily basis. Bilibili is based in Shanghai, but there is a global edition of the site, which has subtitles in various languages, including English. The global edition is bilibili.tv.

Additionally, Bilibili distinguishes itself from other platforms by featuring works from Chinese donghua studios like B.CMAY PICTURES and Haoliners Animation League alongside traditional Japanese anime, introducing viewers to diverse animation styles and storytelling approaches from across Asia.

Bilibili is widely available — we were able to use the site and stream content in France without a VPN and also while connected to a U.S. server. If you have any problems, though, you can always use a VPN. 

7. CONtv

contv
Contv offers a mix of premium and free anime titles. 

Contv is an American streaming service with an emphasis on cult classics and shows and movies outside the mainstream. Anime fans can choose from a range of both free and paid content, but the anime selection doesn’t appear to be as extensive as what some sites offer. Nevertheless, it’s worth checking out if your favorite anime titles are there.

Contv is only available in the U.S., so be sure to connect to a VPN server in the U.S. if you’d like to explore the site’s offerings. 

8. Crunchyroll

crunchyroll
Crunchyroll has an extensive licensed anime library, but watching requires a Premium subscription or free trial.

Crunchyroll is one of the largest legal anime streaming platforms, offering an extensive library of subtitled and dubbed anime. However, it discontinued its ad-supported free tier on December 31, 2025, so you can no longer watch its regular streaming library for free indefinitely.

Eligible new subscribers can instead sign up for a seven-day Premium trial, which provides ad-free access to the library. You’ll need a valid payment method, and the trial automatically converts to a paid subscription unless you cancel before it ends.

Another great thing about Crunchyroll is that it offers simulcast episodes, which become available shortly after their original Japanese broadcast. This makes it ideal for following ongoing series. Premium subscribers can also enjoy device synchronization to keep their watchlist and progress updated across all platforms.

Crunchyroll also updates its library with seasonal anime releases four times per year (in winter, spring, summer and fall), making it easy to discover new shows as they premiere in Japan.

While Crunchyroll is known for its extensive subtitled content, it also offers a growing library of English dubbed anime for viewers who prefer watching content in English rather than reading subtitles. Premium subscribers can even enjoy customizable subtitles, allowing you to adjust the font size, style and color to match your viewing preferences.

What’s more, Crunchyroll’s integrated fan community features include discussion forums, user reviews and episode comment sections, so you can interact with other anime enthusiasts on the platform.

Crunchyroll is available in most countries, but there are exceptions (including Russia). Like Netflix, its content library isn’t the same in every country, so you can use a VPN to explore Crunchyroll in other regions or access it from unavailable locations.

The U.S. has the most extensive Crunchyroll library. 

9. Amazon Prime Video

amazon prime
You can change your Amazon Prime Video library with a VPN. 

Amazon Prime Video has begun investing in original anime content through exclusive licenses and co-productions, offering unique shows you won’t find on other streaming platforms.

Amazon Prime Video offers a selection of anime through its subscription library, alongside some free, ad-supported titles where available. Eligible customers may also receive a free trial of Amazon Prime, although the length and availability of promotional offers vary by account and region. Like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video content varies by location, so switch on your VPN to check out libraries in other countries. 

10. Hulu

hulu
Hulu is an American streaming platform with an immense content library. 

Hulu is a paid streaming service with a selection of popular anime, including titles such as ‘Naruto,’ ‘Demon Slayer’ and ‘Bleach.’ Although Hulu occasionally offers free trials on eligible packages and add-ons, its standard streaming subscriptions don’t currently include a general 30-day free trial. You’ll need a paid subscription to access its regular anime library.

Hulu isn’t an anime-dedicated streaming service, so its library also includes movies, live-action shows and Western animation; for example, you can also use that same trial to find where to watch Krapopolis, a new series that fans of myth-based storytelling will appreciate.

If you’re still looking for something more anime, you might consider a subscription with Crunchyroll instead. 

“Unofficial” Free Anime Websites 

Unofficial anime streaming websites often provide free access to large libraries of shows and movies without the necessary distribution licenses. However, these platforms frequently change domains, rebrand or shut down, making them difficult to recommend reliably.

For example, 9Anime rebranded to AniWave in 2023 before shutting down in August 2024. Gogoanime has also become difficult to verify, with multiple unrelated websites operating under similar names. Readers should be cautious of sites claiming to be official successors, as familiar branding doesn’t guarantee authenticity or safety.

Unlicensed streaming sites can also expose users to aggressive advertising, misleading download buttons and potentially malicious redirects. A VPN can help protect your connection and privacy, but it doesn’t make an unlicensed streaming service legal or guarantee protection against malware.

For a more reliable experience, I recommend legal, ad-supported platforms such as Tubi, Pluto TV and RetroCrush, though their anime libraries vary by region.

While we don’t condone unlicensed sites, if you plan to use them, it’s best to protect yourself with a VPN, antivirus software and an ad blocker. 

How to Watch Anime Unblocked

You can watch anime unblocked by using a VPN to connect to a server in a country where your preferred streaming platform is available. This can help you access region-restricted anime libraries on services such as Tubi, Pluto TV and Crunchyroll, although Crunchyroll requires a subscription or an eligible free trial.

If you’re trying to watch anime on a restricted network, such as at school or work, a VPN may also help bypass network-level blocks. However, some networks prohibit VPN use, and streaming platforms can detect and block VPN connections. Make sure you follow your school’s or workplace’s network policies.

For the most reliable experience, I recommend using licensed streaming platforms rather than unofficial anime websites, which may expose you to malicious ads or misleading links. Check the availability of your preferred service before connecting, as using a VPN doesn’t guarantee access.

How Do I Watch Anime With a VPN?

You can use a VPN to access anime streaming services available in other countries. For example, Crunchyroll offers a seven-day free trial for eligible new subscribers, although continued access requires a paid subscription. The steps below use Crunchyroll as an example, but you can follow the same process with free, ad-supported anime platforms available in your chosen region.

  1. Subscribe to a VPN Provider

    Go to NordVPN’s website and sign up at a 76% discount. The two-year plan is the cheapest and a 30-day money-back guarantee is available if you change your mind.

    nordvpn step 1
  2. Download and Install the VPN

    Download the app from the provider’s website and open the file to begin installation. If you’re using a mobile device, download the app from the Apple app store or Google Play store.

    nordvpn step 2
  3. Connect to a Server

    Launch Crunchyroll or your preferred free anime streaming service and start watching. Crunchyroll requires a paid subscription or an eligible seven-day free trial, while services such as Tubi and Pluto TV offer free, ad-supported content.

    NordVPN USA server
  4. Start Streaming on Crunchyroll

    Launch Crunchyroll or your favorite free anime site and start streaming. If you have any issues accessing streaming sites with your VPN, try clearing your browser cookies.

    Streaming services can detect location mismatches between your cookies and VPN connection, potentially leading to blocks. If the problem persists, try connecting to a different server.

    crunchyroll homescreen

What Are The Best VPNs for Watching Anime for Free?

The best VPNs for watching anime for free are NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN and ExpressVPN, as they’re highly reputable providers that protect your personal data (which is especially useful when you’re using public WiFi networks). The following VPNs are our top recommendations for streaming anime because they’re all highly reputable providers that won’t compromise your data.

1. NordVPN — Best VPN for Watching Anime

hulu nordvpn us
NordVPN consistently gets around streaming service geoblocks.
Best VPN for Watching Anime

Pros:

  • Best speeds on average
  • Very secure & private
  • Cheap long-term plans 

Cons:

  • Fiddly mobile interface

Unlock a world of content — get NordVPN now and enjoy 76% off your first two years.

down md
Download
287 Mbps
up md
Upload
48 Mbps
lat md
Latency
7 ms
Very Fast
Source: Cloudwards VPN Speed Test. We test daily. Data from 10/05/26 to 11/02/26
Data for region:

NordVPN is a VPN industry trailblazer with a strong security record, extensive collection of features and excellent speeds. As the fastest VPN on average, NordVPN is ideal for streaming because VPNs with poor speeds can make it an irksome experience. 

The service’s new NordWhisper protocol helps users bypass VPN restrictions on networks that typically block VPN traffic, ensuring access to your favorite anime streaming sites even on restricted networks. The VPN also includes advanced location spoofing that matches your device’s time zone to your chosen server location, making it harder for streaming services to detect VPN usage.

While connected to the VPN, users can maintain access to local network devices (like smart TVs or streaming devices), so it’s even easier to stream anime from your device to your TV while accessing geo-restricted content.

Pricing is another of NordVPN’s strong points — its long-term plans are well worth checking out, and you get a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

When it comes to general use, it’s quite easy to get to grips with NordVPN. However, its more advanced features take a bit of time to get used to. Learn more in our NordVPN review and NordVPN vs ExpressVPN comparison. 

2. Surfshark — Best Budget VPN for Watching Anime

surfshark step 3
Surfshark is a budget-friendly option with unlimited simultaneous connections.

Pros

  • Strong security suite options
  • Solid security
  • Excellent speeds

Access your favorite shows from anywhere — try Surfshark risk-free for 30 days and save 87%.

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284 Mbps
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48 Mbps
lat md
Latency
7 ms
Very Fast
Source: Cloudwards VPN Speed Test. We test daily. Data from 10/05/26 to 11/02/26
Data for region:

Surfshark is another reputable VPN provider that can help you access geoblocked anime streaming sites. The service recently launched its own DNS servers, which provide enhanced privacy as they don’t log or track your activity. These servers can also improve connection speeds by directing you to the closest server, potentially providing smoother anime streaming.

All of its servers have also been upgraded to 10 Gbps speeds, ensuring faster connections and smoother streaming experiences when watching high-definition anime content.

Surfshark’s Bypasser feature (split tunneling) is available across all major platforms, including macOS. This allows you to route only certain apps or websites through the VPN while keeping others on your regular connection, which is a useful feature for optimizing streaming performance when watching anime.

For more details on all of Surfshark’s features and offerings, check out our full Surfshark review.

Surfshark Starter
  • Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker. Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
  • Unlimited GB
  • Unlimited
  • Yes
Surfshark One
  • Everything in Starter, plus Antivirus protection, Identity protection, Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts, Online Alias Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
  • Unlimited GB
  • Unlimited
Surfshark One+
  • Everything in One, plus Data removal Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
  • Unlimited GB
  • Unlimited

3. Proton VPN — Best Privacy-Focused VPN for Watching Anime

proton vpn us server
Proton VPN combines Swiss-based privacy with reliable streaming unblocking capabilities.

Pros:

  • Free plan available
  • 10 simultaneous connections
  • Reliable streaming unblocking
  • Strong privacy credentials with Swiss jurisdiction

Cons:

  • No RAM-only servers
  • Smaller server network than competitors

Get Proton VPN for free or try a paid plan with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

down md
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273 Mbps
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Upload
46 Mbps
lat md
Latency
8 ms
Very Fast
Source: Cloudwards VPN Speed Test. We test daily. Data from 10/05/26 to 11/02/26
Data for region:

Proton VPN is an excellent choice for anime fans who prioritize privacy alongside streaming performance. Based in Switzerland — known for its strong privacy laws — Proton VPN offers a no-logs policy that has been independently audited by Securitum.

In our VPN speed testing, Proton VPN has proven to be one of the most stable choices for streaming anime, averaging 275 Mbps on U.S. servers and maintaining consistently fast speeds across the U.S., U.K. and Australia. This makes it more than capable of handling 4K anime streams without buffering issues.

The service successfully unblocks major streaming platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, MAX, BBC iPlayer, Peacock and Paramount Plus — giving you access to anime libraries across different regions. Its Stealth protocol is particularly useful for bypassing VPN restrictions on networks that typically block VPN traffic, ensuring you can access your favorite anime sites even on restrictive networks.

For anime streaming, Proton VPN’s NetShield feature provides built-in ad blocking and malware protection, which is especially useful when visiting free anime sites that may have intrusive pop-ups. The kill switch works reliably on both desktop and mobile, ensuring your real IP is never exposed if the connection drops mid-stream. Proton VPN allows 10 simultaneous device connections, which is generous compared to many competitors. 

The service also offers an unlimited-data free plan with servers in 10 countries (Singapore, Poland, U.S., the Netherlands, Mexico, Japan, Switzerland, Norway, Romania and Canada) — though speeds are reduced to “medium” and streaming support is limited on the free tier. The free version also connects to the fastest server within those 10 countries, which means you can’t choose (which is why we don’t consider it to be the best free VPN for streaming anime).

Opting for a paid plan might be your better option, with the two-year plan costing just $2.99 per month; all paid plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Learn more in our full Proton VPN review.

Free
  • Unlimited GB
  • 1
  • Yes
Proton VPN Plus
  • 500 GB storage 1 user 15 extra email addresses for you Support for 3 custom email domains Unlimited folders and labels Unlimited hide-my-email aliases Dedicated customer support Ultra fast and private VPN Encrypted password manager Encrypted cloud storage for photos and documents Advanced account protection
  • Unlimited GB
  • 10
  • Yes
Proton Unlimited
  • **Renewal prices differ for the 1-year and the 2-year plans. Price includes all premium Proton services (Proton Mail, Calendar, Drive, VPN, Pass, & Wallet)
  • Unlimited GB
  • 10

4. ExpressVPN — Best Beginner-Friendly VPN for Watching Anime

Expressvpn usa dallas
ExpressVPN’s easy to navigate apps make it an ideal choice for beginners.

Pros:

  • Ironclad security
  • Easy to use
  • Fast streaming

Cons:

  • Expensive

Break free from geo-restrictions — sign up for ExpressVPN with a 73% discount today.

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Download
284 Mbps
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Upload
48 Mbps
lat md
Latency
6 ms
Very Fast
Source: Cloudwards VPN Speed Test. We test daily. Data from 10/05/26 to 11/02/26
Data for region:

ExpressVPN is another great VPN for streaming anime. Its advanced protection features include a Threat Manager to block malicious sites and trackers, an ad blocker to filter out intrusive ads, and parental controls for family-friendly viewing, which are now available in all supported languages.

For U.S.-based anime fans, ExpressVPN now offers “identity defender,” a suite of tools including ID alerts, ID theft insurance, data removal and a credit scanner to protect your personal information while streaming from various websites.

If you encounter any issues while setting up your VPN for anime streaming, ExpressVPN now offers live chat support directly within its app. Just tap the chat icon in the bottom right-hand corner to get immediate assistance from their support team without interrupting your streaming experience.

ExpressVPN Basic
  • Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
  • Unlimited GB
  • 10
  • Yes
ExpressVPN Advanced
  • Advanced Protection, ExpressVPN Keys, 3 days unlimited eSIM data, Identity Monitoring, IDP Insurance, Credit Monitoring, 25-50% off on Aircove Router Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
  • Unlimited GB
  • 12
ExpressVPN Pro
  • Everything on the Advanced Plan, Credit Monthly Report, Data Removal, 50-75% off on Aircove Router Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
  • Unlimited GB
  • 14

Best Free VPN for Watching Anime: Proton VPN

protonvpn usa free
Proton VPN can be paired with your favorite free anime website
for a completely free experience.

Pros:

  • Secure & private
  • Unlimited free data
  • Unlocks streaming apps

Cons:

  • Limited free locations

Proton VPN is my top choice for a free VPN because it offers unlimited data, which is particularly useful for streaming anime without worrying about monthly data caps. Its free plan also includes strong encryption and a strict no-logs policy. However, free users have access to a limited selection of servers, can’t freely choose every server location and aren’t guaranteed access to streaming services. For more reliable streaming and greater control over server selection, you’ll need a paid plan.

Final Thoughts

There’s an endless supply of free anime websites to watch, and whichever is your favorite, you don’t have to miss out on account of geoblocks. Whether you’re traveling or just want to stream an anime series on a platform unavailable in your country, the right VPN can bust your streaming world wide open in the best possible way.

With a VPN provider, you’ll be able to access different regional content libraries by connecting to various VPN server locations, which can unlock exclusive anime titles.

Moreover, when streaming anime across different platforms and regions, you’ll find varying subtitle and dubbing options. For instance, while Netflix in Singapore, Malaysia and India might offer English subtitles for popular anime series, the same content on Netflix Japan might be available in Japanese only. This is another reason why using a VPN can enhance your anime viewing experience.

If NordVPN seems interesting to you, you can check it out risk-free and claim a refund within 30 days if you’re not satisfied.

In your opinion, what’s the best app to watch anime for free? Do you have any recommendations our other readers might enjoy? If so, please share in the comments section below. Thanks for reading.

FAQ: Best Places to Watch Anime for Free Online

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