Finding free anime apps for offline viewing is challenging because most legal streaming services reserve downloads for paid subscribers. This list covers the best free anime apps offline, including ad-supported platforms and free trials that let you save episodes to watch without an internet connection.
Can you really watch anime offline for free?
Most legal anime streaming services offer offline viewing as a premium feature, not for free. While some apps provide free trials that include downloads, truly permanent offline access almost always requires a subscription. The apps below are categorized as "free" because they offer ad-supported tiers or free trial periods that include download capabilities.
Best free anime apps with offline viewing
The following apps are ranked based on their offline viewing features, catalog size, and overall usability. "Free" includes ad-supported models and free trials that grant download access.
1. Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll has the largest dedicated anime library and supports offline viewing on its mobile app for iOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch. To download an episode, tap the show, then the "Download" icon next to the episode, or "Download All" for a season. Downloaded content can be accessed in the "My Lists" section under "Downloads" within the app. A paid subscription is required for downloads, but a free trial eligible for first-time users includes ad-free HD streaming and latest episodes one hour after Japan release. Crunchyroll also offers manga titles and news on upcoming shows, voiceover artists, and animators. Supported devices: Wii U, Chromecast, Xbox One/360, PlayStation 4/3/Vita, Apple iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Apple TV, Roku Box, Fire TV.
2. VRV
VRV is a bundle platform that integrates Crunchyroll, HIDIVE, Rooster Teeth, and other channels into one catalog. It offers offline viewing for its Premium members on both iOS and Android devices. The premium tier removes ads and grants access to exclusive content from all bundled channels.
3. AnimeLab
AnimeLab allows subscribers to download episodes for offline viewing, with a 14-day free trial before a paid subscription is required. Downloaded episodes remain accessible indefinitely as long as the subscription is active. The service is region-locked to Australia and New Zealand and offers over 718 shows across 32 genres. The free version limits access to a subset of titles with English subtitles only; premium unlocks full library, dubbed versions, and HD streaming. Supported devices: Xbox One, PlayStation, Samsung TV, Telstra TV, Apple TV, iOS, Android, Sony TV, Chromecast, PC on TV, Apple AirPlay, Foxtel Now Box.
4. Funimation
Funimation focuses on dubbed anime and offers offline viewing on its Premium Plus tier. FunimationNow Premium ($6/month) allows 2 simultaneous streams; Premium Plus ($8/month) allows 5 simultaneous streams and offline viewing. The service has over 950 anime titles and is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, PS3/PS4/PS Vita, Xbox One/360, Android TV, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, LG Smart TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung, Amazon Kindle.
5. Netflix
Netflix boasts a handful of anime catalog, including Pokemon, Naruto, Your Lie in April, Hunter x Hunter, and more. You can save anime for offline viewing if you wish to watch them on the go. Plans: $9 for the Basic, $14 for the Standard, and $18 for the Premium Plan. Available on Smartphones and tablets, Streaming Media Players, Smart TVs, Game Consoles, Set-top Boxes, Blu-ray Players, PCs and Laptops.
6. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video offers a handful of anime titles such as Great Teacher Onizuka, Akira, Cowboy Bebop, Flame of Recca, and Toradora! You can download these shows over WiFi and save them for offline viewing. Videos are uploaded in HD. A 30-day free trial is available; $9/month after. Compatible with Fire TV or Fire TV Stick, Set-top Box, Smart TV, Blu-ray player, Game console, Fire Tablet, and Chromecast.
7. YouTube
YouTube has tons of videos including complete episodes of classic anime shows such as Hajime No Ippo, Beyblade, Death Note, Hellsing, and Soul Eater. To save an anime video for offline viewing, simply look for the "Add to Offline" icon below the video, select your preferred resolution, and hit OK. You can browse your saved videos on the Account tab. Free with ads; $12 for YouTube Premium to remove ads.
8. Mubi
Mubi showcases limited hand-curated classic films and animations, including top-rated movies from Studio Ghibli. Mubi supports offline viewing for Android and iOS. It has a dynamic movie line-up that changes every day. 7-day free trial; $10/month. Available on Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Samsung, Sony, Android TV, LG Smart TV, Mac/PC.
9. Hulu
Hulu has a diverse library including anime such as Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia, Hunter x Hunter, Akira, and Cowboy Bebop. You can save anime videos for offline viewing by clicking the download icon next to the anime title. The offline viewing feature is only available to paid subscribers of Hulu's ad-free plans. 30-day free trial; $6 for the Basic tier; $12 for the Premium tier.
10. RetroCrush
RetroCrush is a free, ad-supported app specializing in classic anime from the 1990s and earlier. Offline viewing is not a native feature, but the app offers a large catalog of nostalgic titles for free streaming. A $6/month ad-free premium tier is available.
11. Bilibili
Bilibili is a free ACG (anime, comic, game) community platform with a large anime catalog including Naruto, Demon Slayer, and My Hero Academia. Offline viewing is available for VIP subscribers, who also get early access and HD streaming. The app also functions as a creator platform similar to YouTube.
12. Tubi
Tubi is a completely free, ad-supported streaming service with a selection of classic anime like Yu-Gi-Oh! and Ronin Mecha. The Tubi app has yet to include offline viewing features, but its library is accessible on smart TVs, consoles, and mobile devices. For a broader selection of free streaming options, you can check the 15 best free TV streaming apps that are legit and safe, or the top 16 free movie apps you should try out for more entertainment choices.
13. Kissanime
Kissanime video quality options: 240p, HD 720p, 1080p, and 4K 2160p. The Kissanime app is not on Google Play; must be manually installed from the website. The original site ceased operations in August 2020 due to copyright issues; mirror sites like kiss-anime.ws and kissanime.com.ru exist.
![10 BEST Anime Streaming Mobile Apps for Offline Viewing [Android & iOS]](/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/anime-app.png)
Other ways to watch anime offline
General streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video include anime catalogs and offer offline viewing for paid subscribers. Netflix has titles like Hunter x Hunter and Naruto, with plans: Basic $9, Standard $14, Premium $18 per month. Hulu offers Attack on Titan and My Hero Academia. Amazon Prime Video includes classics like Cowboy Bebop and Akira. All require a subscription for downloads. If you want to know how to watch movies using the Tubi TV app, it is available on Android, iOS, and most smart TV platforms, though downloads are not supported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download anime from free apps without a subscription?
Most legal free apps (ad-supported) do not offer native offline downloads. The exceptions are free trial periods on services like Crunchyroll and AnimeLab, which temporarily grant download access.
Which app has the largest free anime library?
Crunchyroll has the largest dedicated anime library, but its offline viewing requires a paid subscription. For free streaming without downloads, Tubi and RetroCrush offer sizable classic anime catalogs.
Is it legal to use third-party downloaders for anime apps?
Using third-party downloader sites to save videos from apps like Tubi or RetroCrush may violate the app's terms of service and copyright laws. Stick to official download features offered by subscription services.
Do any free anime apps work on smart TVs?
Yes. Tubi, RetroCrush, and Bilibili are available on smart TV platforms including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. However, only Bilibili offers offline viewing (for VIP subscribers) on mobile devices.
