Search for any anime with the word "free" and the top results are usually sites streaming every series from every studio, the same day it airs. They look convenient. They are also unlicensed, and the way they make money is the part that puts you at risk.

The real risks

Pirate sites cannot work with mainstream ad networks, so they rely on the ones that will take anyone. That is where most of the danger comes from.

• Redirects and pop-unders. Clicking play, or anywhere on the page, opens new tabs to gambling sites, fake prize pages and phishing pages.
• Fake download buttons. Buttons that promise an HD download or a faster player often install adware or worse.
• Notification spam.A prompt to "allow notifications to continue" gives the site permission to push scam alerts to your phone or desktop long after you leave.
• Fake virus warnings. Pages that claim your phone is infected and push you to install an app or call a number are scams.
• Account phishing.Some sites ask you to sign in with a social account or email to "unlock" HD, and collect the password.

Seven signs you are on a pirate site

• Every new episode of every series, from every studio, free on day one.
• The domain keeps changing, or the site lists its "new official mirror".
• Clicking the video opens a new tab before it plays.
• It asks you to allow notifications to watch.
• It asks you to install a player, codec, extension or app.
• It asks you to turn off your ad blocker before it will play anything.
• There is no company name, no terms of service and no way to contact anyone.

How to check a free site in thirty seconds

• Is it a known service? Tubi, Pluto TV, RetroCrush, Crunchyroll, Hoopla and the major app stores are licensed.
• Is the YouTube channel verified? Official channels such as Muse Asia, Ani-One Asia and GUNDAM.INFO are verified and link to the publisher.
• Does the catalog make sense? A legal free service has gaps, because it only carries what it licensed. A site with no gaps at all is a red flag.

If you already clicked something

• Do not install anything the site offered, and delete anything you downloaded.
• Remove the site's notification permission in your browser settings under site settings or notifications.
• If you typed a password into a page from the site, change it, and turn on two-factor sign-in for that account.
• Run your device's built-in security scan and keep it updated.

Safer ways to watch for free

There is more free, licensed anime than most people realize. Our guide to where to watch anime for free legally covers the ad-supported apps, the official YouTube channels and the library apps worth knowing about.

And if what you love about anime is the cliffhanger at the end of every episode, short dramas deliver that every minute. Sutorichat streams vertical short dramas with every episode free in the app, from a licensed catalog. See short dramas for anime fans for where to start.