Kitsu API alternatives
Anime discovery platform. A free anime API by kitsu.docs.apiary.io. If it doesn't fit your project, here are the 10 best free Anime APIs to use instead in 2026, out of 19 in the directory.
For reference, Kitsu API: Callable from the browser (CORS) · HTTPS.
- 1

AnimeFacts API
Online · 1068 msAn API in Node.js that will return anime facts.
- No API key needed
- Callable from the browser (CORS)
- HTTPS
No authHTTPSCORS - 2
NekosBest API
Online · 1115 msNeko Images & Anime roleplaying GIFs.
- No API key needed
- Callable from the browser (CORS)
- HTTPS
No authHTTPSCORS - 3

Trace Moe API
Online · 1055 msA useful tool to get the exact scene of an anime from a screenshot.
- No API key needed
- Callable from the browser (CORS)
- HTTPS
No authHTTPSCORS - 4
AnimeNewsNetwork API
Online · 1561 msAnime industry news. A free anime API by Anime News Network:W.
- No API key needed
- Callable from the browser (CORS)
- HTTPS
No authHTTPSCORS - 5

Jikan API
Online · 1269 msJikan is an unofficial MyAnimeList REST based API.
- No API key needed
- Callable from the browser (CORS)
- HTTPS
No authHTTPSCORS - 6

Waifu.im API
Online · 1846 msGet waifu pictures from an archive of over 4000 images and multiple tags.
- No API key needed
- Callable from the browser (CORS)
- HTTPS
No authHTTPSCORS - 7
Catboy API
Online · 1546 msNeko images, funny GIFs & more.
- No API key needed
- Callable from the browser (CORS)
- HTTPS
No authHTTPSCORS - 8
Studio Ghibli API
Online · 1302 msResources from Studio Ghibli films.
- No API key needed
- Callable from the browser (CORS)
- HTTPS
No authHTTPSCORS - 9
AniAPI
Online · 1157 msAnime discovery, streaming & syncing with trackers.
- Callable from the browser (CORS)
- HTTPS
OAuthHTTPSCORS - 10
Danbooru Anime API
Online · 1448 msThousands of anime artist database to find good anime art.
- Callable from the browser (CORS)
- HTTPS
apiKeyHTTPSCORS
Kitsu API vs alternatives
| API | API key | HTTPS | CORS | Uptime | Response | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OAuth | Yes | Yes | Up | 1896 ms | Not rated | |
| No | Yes | Yes | Up | 1068 ms | Not rated | |
| No | Yes | Yes | Up | 1115 ms | Not rated | |
| No | Yes | Yes | Up | 1055 ms | Not rated | |
| No | Yes | Yes | Up | 1561 ms | Not rated | |
| No | Yes | Yes | Up | 1269 ms | Not rated | |
| No | Yes | Yes | Up | 1846 ms | Not rated | |
| No | Yes | Yes | Up | 1546 ms | Not rated | |
| Studio Ghibli | No | Yes | Yes | Up | 1302 ms | Not rated |
See also: best Anime APIs · all Anime APIs
Kitsu API alternatives FAQ
What is the best free alternative to the Kitsu API in 2026?
The top-ranked free alternatives to the Kitsu API are AnimeFacts API, NekosBest API and Trace Moe API, all in the Anime category. Rankings combine access (API key, HTTPS, CORS), daily uptime checks and developer ratings.
Is there a Kitsu API alternative that doesn't need an API key?
Yes: AnimeFacts API, NekosBest API and Trace Moe API work without an API key, unlike the Kitsu API, which uses OAuth authentication.
How many Anime APIs are similar to the Kitsu API?
The directory lists 19 other free Anime APIs. This page compares the top ones side by side.