Hey anime lovers! Are you looking for the best free anime streaming apps for iOS? You're in luck! In this article, we'll dive into some fantastic options that will let you watch your favorite shows on your iPhone or iPad without spending a dime. Let's get started!

Why Use Free Anime Streaming Apps?

Before we jump into the list, let's talk about why you might want to use free anime streaming apps in the first place. First off, who doesn't love free stuff? But beyond the obvious, these apps offer some serious advantages.

Cost-Effective Entertainment: The most significant advantage is, of course, the cost. Instead of subscribing to multiple streaming services, you can access a wide range of anime content without paying a monthly fee. This is perfect for students, casual viewers, or anyone looking to save a bit of money.

Variety of Content: Many free apps offer a vast library of anime, including both popular titles and hidden gems. You can explore different genres, discover new shows, and keep up with the latest releases—all in one place.

Accessibility: With an iOS device, you can watch anime on the go. Whether you’re commuting, traveling, or just relaxing at home, these apps make it easy to access your favorite shows anytime, anywhere. The convenience factor is a huge plus for busy anime fans.

Discover New Anime: Free streaming apps often have curated lists and recommendations, making it easier to find new anime that you might enjoy. These platforms can introduce you to series you might not have otherwise discovered.

However, it's important to note that free apps often come with ads, and the video quality might not always be as high as paid services. But if you're willing to put up with a few commercials, you can enjoy a ton of anime content without spending any money.

Top Free Anime Streaming Apps for iOS

Okay, let's get to the good stuff! Here are some of the best free anime streaming apps available for your iOS devices. These apps have been selected based on their content library, user interface, streaming quality, and overall user experience.

Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll is a titan in the anime streaming world, and for good reason. It's one of the most popular and comprehensive platforms for anime fans. While it does offer a premium subscription, its free tier is surprisingly robust.

Content Library: Crunchyroll boasts an extensive library of anime, including many simulcast series. This means you can watch episodes shortly after they air in Japan. From classics like "Naruto" and "One Piece" to newer hits like "Attack on Titan" and "My Hero Academia," Crunchyroll has something for everyone.

User Experience: The app is well-designed and easy to navigate. You can search for anime by title, genre, or popularity. The video player is reliable, and you can adjust the streaming quality to suit your internet connection. The user interface is intuitive, making it simple to find and watch your favorite shows.

Ads: The main downside of the free tier is the ads. You’ll encounter commercials before and during episodes. However, the ads are generally short and infrequent enough that they don’t completely ruin the viewing experience. If you find the ads too disruptive, you can always consider upgrading to a premium subscription for an ad-free experience.

Simulcast: One of the biggest draws of Crunchyroll is its simulcast feature. This allows you to watch new episodes of popular anime series just hours after they air in Japan. This is a huge advantage for fans who want to stay up-to-date with the latest releases and participate in online discussions.

Community Features: Crunchyroll also has a strong community element. You can comment on episodes, participate in forums, and connect with other anime fans. This adds an extra layer of engagement to the viewing experience.

Tubi

Tubi is another excellent option for free anime streaming. It's a completely free service supported by ads, offering a wide range of movies and TV shows, including a solid selection of anime.

Content Library: Tubi's anime library is diverse, featuring both classic and contemporary titles. While it may not have as many simulcast series as Crunchyroll, it still offers a great selection of anime movies and TV shows. You can find popular series like "Yu-Gi-Oh!," "Street Fighter" and lesser-known gems waiting to be discovered.

User Experience: The Tubi app is straightforward and user-friendly. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it simple to find the anime you want to watch. The video player is reliable, and you can adjust the streaming quality.

Ads: Like Crunchyroll, Tubi is ad-supported. You’ll encounter commercials during your viewing experience, but they are generally short and not too frequent. The ad breaks help keep the service free for everyone.

Legal and Safe: Tubi is a legitimate streaming service, so you can rest assured that you’re not violating any copyright laws by using it. This is a big advantage over some of the less reputable free streaming sites out there.

No Subscription Required: One of the best things about Tubi is that you don’t need to create an account to start watching. You can simply download the app and start streaming right away. This makes it a convenient option for casual viewers who don’t want to commit to a subscription.

Viki

Viki is primarily known for its extensive collection of Asian dramas and movies, but it also has a decent selection of anime. It's a great option if you're interested in exploring other types of Asian content in addition to anime.

Content Library: Viki's anime selection includes a variety of genres, from action and adventure to romance and comedy. While it may not have the same breadth of titles as Crunchyroll or Tubi, it still offers a solid selection of anime to choose from. You can find popular series as well as lesser-known gems.

User Experience: The Viki app is well-designed and easy to use. The interface is intuitive, and you can easily search for anime by title, genre, or popularity. The video player is reliable, and you can adjust the streaming quality to suit your internet connection.

Ads: Viki is ad-supported, so you’ll encounter commercials during your viewing experience. However, the ads are generally short and not too frequent. If you find the ads too disruptive, you can consider subscribing to Viki Pass for an ad-free experience.

Community Features: One of the unique features of Viki is its community aspect. You can leave comments on episodes, participate in discussions, and connect with other fans. Viki also has a volunteer subtitle community, which helps to ensure that all content is accurately translated.

Subtitles: Viki is known for its high-quality subtitles. The service relies on a community of volunteers to provide accurate and timely translations, ensuring that you can understand everything that’s happening on screen.

Other Options

While Crunchyroll, Tubi, and Viki are the most popular and reliable free anime streaming apps for iOS, there are a few other options you might want to consider:

• Anime Planet: Offers a wide variety of anime episodes for free, with a focus on providing a legal and safe streaming experience.
• VRV: VRV is a streaming platform that bundles together several niche streaming services, including Crunchyroll and other animation channels. While VRV does offer a premium subscription, it also has a free tier with a selection of anime content.

Things to Keep in Mind

Before you start streaming, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Legality: Make sure you’re using legal streaming services. Unofficial or pirated apps might offer a wider selection of content, but they pose security risks and support illegal activities. Sticking to legitimate apps ensures you’re not contributing to piracy and keeps your device safe.

Ads: Free streaming apps are supported by ads, so be prepared to encounter commercials during your viewing experience. The frequency and length of ads can vary depending on the app. If you find the ads too disruptive, consider upgrading to a premium subscription for an ad-free experience.

Video Quality: The video quality on free streaming apps might not always be as high as on paid services. However, most apps allow you to adjust the streaming quality to suit your internet connection. If you have a fast internet connection, you should be able to stream in HD quality. However, if your internet connection is slow, you might need to lower the streaming quality to avoid buffering.

Content Availability: The availability of specific anime titles can vary depending on the app and your region. Some apps might have certain series that others don’t. If you’re looking for a specific anime, it’s worth checking multiple apps to see where it’s available.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! The best free anime streaming apps for iOS to keep you entertained on your iPhone or iPad. Whether you're a die-hard anime fan or just looking to explore a new genre, these apps offer a convenient and cost-effective way to watch your favorite shows. Remember to consider the content library, user experience, and ad frequency when choosing an app. Happy streaming, anime fans!