As inflation continues to climb and fears of a potential recession loom, many consumers are re-evaluating their entertainment budgets. This shift is likely to have a significant impact on the competitive streaming market, as users decide which services they can afford to keep. For anime fans, this might mean making tough choices about their streaming subscriptions, or even foregoing paid services altogether.
While anime has become more affordable in recent years—especially compared to the days when fans had to buy VHS or DVD collections—this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s within everyone’s budget. Ultimately, anime is a luxury, and when finances tighten, some fans may seek alternative ways to access their favorite shows without paying for them.
However, while it might be tempting to turn to illegal streaming or download sites, doing so is strongly discouraged. Besides being illegal, these sites often pose significant risks, such as malware infections and potential breaches of personal information. It’s crucial to remember that free anime can still be accessed through legal, reputable sources.
Fortunately, for those struggling to maintain their anime subscriptions, there are several options to watch anime online without spending a cent. Just as fans in the past relied on TV networks like Kids WB and Cartoon Network for their anime fix, today’s viewers have access to multiple streaming platforms that offer free, legal anime. Some of these platforms might not be widely known, or their anime offerings might be overlooked. Below are some options for those on a tight budget to enjoy anime without cost.
Crunchyroll
Surprisingly, the world’s largest anime streaming service, Crunchyroll, offers free streaming for certain anime series. Although the company recently announced that newer series would no longer be available for free, older shows can still be streamed without a paid subscription. The primary limitation is that these free shows must be watched on a computer or tablet via a web browser, as the app for streaming devices is restricted to paying subscribers.
While it may be disappointing to see popular titles like Dragon Ball Z, One Piece, and Sailor Moon Crystal behind a paywall, there are numerous lesser-known series available for free that can be just as enjoyable.
“The only thing we can’t promise is that this will be the case forever. Crunchyroll seems more interested in eventually abolishing their free tier and moving completely to a paid subscription, so enjoy the free anime while you can.”
Freevee
Previously known as IMDB TV, Freevee is Amazon’s ad-supported video service that offers a selection of movies and TV shows at no cost. While the anime catalog may not be extensive, it does include some beloved franchises like Digimon, Case Closed, and Beyblade.
When browsing anime on Amazon’s platform, it’s essential to pay attention to the content symbols: titles marked with the “Ads” symbol are included in Freevee, while those with a “Prime” symbol require an Amazon Prime membership, and content marked with a “$” symbol requires a purchase. Make sure to click on titles that are actually available for free.
Pluto TV
Pluto TV, owned by NBCUniversal, operates differently from most streaming services. Instead of offering on-demand content, Pluto TV allows users to watch live TV for free. For anime fans, there are several channels dedicated to streaming anime 24/7, including a channel that exclusively airs One Piece around the clock.
“The big drawback here is that there is nothing on this app that is ‘on demand,’ and if a show you want to watch isn’t airing until later in the day you simply have to wait for that time to come before you can watch it.”
While the lack of on-demand content might be inconvenient, especially if you’re used to the flexibility of modern streaming, Pluto TV’s free offerings are a solid alternative for those willing to watch anime as it airs, much like the pre-DVR days.
Retro Crush
Retro Crush is unique among the options listed here, as it was specifically designed as an anime streaming service. True to its name, Retro Crush focuses on classic anime from the 1980s and early 1990s, offering a nostalgic trip for long-time fans and a discovery opportunity for newer viewers. Series like City Hunter, Bubblegum Crisis, and Kimagure Orange Road are just a few examples of what’s available.
“Retro Crush is not only a great place to watch a lot of ad-supported free anime, it’s a viable competitor to established giants like Crunchyroll and HiDive.”
Retro Crush also allows viewers to choose between subbed and dubbed versions of many shows, with new content added monthly. Additionally, it features live channels that stream anime continuously, akin to Pluto TV, as well as on-demand content. For those interested in classic anime, Retro Crush is a treasure trove worth exploring.
Tubi
Tubi might be the best-kept secret for budget-conscious anime fans. With over 100 anime series and movies available, Tubi offers a range of content from hidden gems to mainstream hits. Fans can watch popular titles like Naruto, Pokemon, Sailor Moon Crystal, and Lupin III for free, supported by ads.
“This is also one of the few services on this list where fans cannot pay to bypass the ads, so if there is a major drawback, it’s that there are no ways to skip the ads in any way.”
Despite the presence of ads, Tubi provides a substantial amount of content at no cost, making it an excellent option for viewers who need to cut back on their paid subscriptions but still want access to a wide variety of anime.
Netflix
Netflix does stream anime in South Africa. The platform has a growing catalog of anime titles, ranging from popular mainstream series to lesser-known gems. Some of the anime available on Netflix South Africa include globally recognized titles like Naruto, Attack on Titan, One Piece, and Demon Slayer. Additionally, Netflix has also produced and streamed original anime series, such as Castlevania and Yasuke.
The selection of anime on Netflix can vary based on licensing agreements and regional availability, so the catalog might not be identical to what is offered in other countries. However, Netflix remains a popular option for South African anime fans looking for a mix of both new releases and classic series.
Showmax
Showmax streams anime in South Africa, though its selection is more limited compared to other dedicated anime platforms like Crunchyroll or Netflix. Showmax offers a variety of content, including movies, series, documentaries, and a smaller, curated selection of anime. The anime available on Showmax typically includes a mix of popular titles and family-friendly series.
However, if you’re an avid anime fan looking for a wide range of anime genres and series, you might find the selection on Showmax to be somewhat limited. For a more extensive anime library, platforms like Netflix or Crunchyroll might be better suited to your needs in South Africa.
HIDIVE
HIDIVE offers an affordable subscription plan, making it accessible for anime fans. The service is priced at $4.99 per month, or users can opt for an annual subscription at $47.99, which averages out to just under $4 per month. This pricing includes full access to HIDIVE’s entire library, simulcasts, and exclusive titles. The platform also provides a free 7-day trial for new users, allowing them to explore its content before committing to a paid plan. Compared to other anime streaming services, HIDIVE’s pricing is competitive, especially for fans seeking a mix of popular and lesser-known anime series and movies.
Along with its low-cost subscription, HIDIVE allows users to stream on multiple devices, including web browsers, iOS, Android, and streaming platforms like Roku and Fire TV. It supports both subbed and dubbed anime, offering something for every kind of anime viewer. HIDIVE’s exclusive features, such as customizable subtitles and live chats during simulcasts, further enhance the user experience, providing great value for the price.
My Family Cinema
“My Family Cinema” is a streaming platform that offers a wide range of content, including anime, movies, and TV shows, with a focus on delivering a personalized viewing experience. Unlike traditional streaming services, it works as a media player that allows users to connect to cloud storage accounts where they can access content they already own or have stored. For anime fans, “My Family Cinema” offers a rich library of titles from different genres and regions, making it a flexible option for streaming anime along with other entertainment. The platform provides detailed descriptions, multiple subtitle options, and frequently updates its catalog to keep content fresh and relevant.
When it comes to pricing, “My Family Cinema” offers different subscription plans to cater to various user needs. The basic plan starts at approximately $5 per month, while more advanced plans that include additional features such as simultaneous connections on multiple devices, faster playback options, and higher resolution support can cost up to $30 annually. The service doesn’t offer content directly but enhances users’ personal libraries, making it a unique choice for anime fans who prefer a more customizable and personal approach to streaming.
