Anime has grown from a niche subculture to a global entertainment powerhouse, captivating audiences with its compelling stories, stunning visuals, and diverse genres. One of the most popular destinations for streaming anime has been 9anime, known for its extensive library and ease of access. However, users often face issues like intrusive ads, server downtime, and legal uncertainties that make the viewing experience frustrating.
As anime’s popularity continues to rise, many fans are seeking reliable, high-quality alternatives to 9anime—whether for better performance, official content, or a more user-friendly experience. Thankfully, there are several excellent options available, both free and paid, that cater to different needs, whether you prefer subbed, dubbed, or simulcast episodes. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best alternatives to 9anime, highlighting their features, pros, and potential downsides, so you can find the perfect platform to enjoy your favorite anime series without compromise.
Brief History of 9anime
9anime emerged in the mid-2010s as one of the most popular unofficial anime streaming websites on the internet. Known for its sleek, minimalist design and vast catalog of both subbed and dubbed anime, 9anime quickly attracted millions of users worldwide. It gained popularity for providing free access to high-quality anime episodes, often shortly after they aired in Japan, with multiple server options and customizable video resolutions.
Unlike many early anime streaming platforms plagued by poor organization and excessive ads, 9anime stood out for its user-friendly interface and fast streaming capabilities. However, the platform has always operated in a legal gray area, hosting unlicensed content without proper distribution rights. This led to periodic shutdowns, domain changes, and mirror sites that confused users and raised concerns over privacy and malware.
Despite these issues, 9anime has maintained a loyal user base due to its convenience and extensive library. Over the years, it became a blueprint for other anime streaming sites, influencing the layout and functionality of many 9anime alternatives. While it’s still accessible through various domains, the site’s instability and legality have prompted many fans to seek safer, more reliable platforms to enjoy their favorite shows.
List of Best Alternatives to 9Anime
Let’s check out our list of best 9anime alternatives for watching free anime:
1. Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is one of the most well-known and trusted platforms for anime streaming in 2025. With a massive collection of over 1,000 anime titles, it caters to both casual viewers and hardcore fans. While it offers a premium subscription with added perks, its free plan is still one of the best ways to legally watch anime online.
The free version of Crunchyroll is ad-supported, which means you can watch anime without paying, but you’ll encounter a few commercial breaks during each episode. Despite this, the platform provides HD streaming, accurate subtitles, and a user-friendly interface across devices including Android, iOS, smart TVs, and browsers.
Some of the most popular anime available on the free plan include Attack on Titan, One Piece, Naruto, and My Hero Academia. While new episodes (simulcasts) are typically delayed by one week for free users, the rest of the catalog is widely accessible.
Crunchyroll’s commitment to legal and high-quality content makes it a safe and reliable choice for anime fans. With regular updates, community reviews, and an extensive genre list, it’s a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the world of anime without spending.
Website: https://www.crunchyroll.com
Why It’s a Great Alternative:
Crunchyroll remains the gold standard for anime streaming. It offers thousands of episodes, simulcasts straight from Japan, and has official licensing agreements with most major anime studios.
Key Features:
- Massive library (subs and some dubs)
- Simulcasts available within an hour of Japanese airing
- Available in multiple regions
- Free tier with ads; premium plans remove ads and provide HD access
Downside:
- Some geo-restricted content
- Premium subscription required for full access
2. Zoro.to
Zoro.to is a fast-growing free anime streaming site that has gained a large fan base thanks to its speed, design, and ease of use. It features an extensive collection of both new and old anime titles and allows users to stream in 720p or 1080p without registration.
What sets Zoro.to apart is its no-ads policy. Unlike many free platforms, Zoro.to offers an ad-free experience while maintaining high server uptime and fast loading speeds. This makes it a great pick for users who dislike constant pop-ups and interruptions.
You can browse by genre, popularity, release year, and even language (dubbed/subbed). It also includes a dark mode and supports mobile viewing, making it perfect for night binge sessions. Overall, Zoro.to is an ideal Gogoanime replacement for anime fans looking for a cleaner, ad-free alternative.
Website: https://aniwave.to
Why It’s a Strong 9anime Alternative:
AniWave offers a similar user experience to 9anime but with more reliability and fewer pop-ups. It’s one of the most stable unofficial anime streaming platforms out there.
Key Features:
- Free HD streaming
- No sign-up required
- Minimal ads compared to 9anime
- Multiple subtitle and dub options
Downside:
- Still operates in legal gray areas
- May be blocked in some regions without a VPN
3. AsianCrush
AsianCrush is a free, ad-supported streaming platform that offers a curated selection of Asian entertainment, including anime, Korean dramas, and Chinese films. It provides a legal and accessible way for viewers to enjoy a variety of content from East Asia. While the platform is primarily available in the United States, users outside the U.S. can access it using a VPN service that provides a U.S. IP address.
AsianCrush’s anime library includes both classic and contemporary titles, catering to diverse tastes. The platform is accessible on various devices, including iOS, Android, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Google TV. This wide device compatibility ensures that users can enjoy their favorite anime series across different platforms.
For those who prefer an ad-free experience, AsianCrush offers a premium subscription at $4.99 per month, which includes a 7-day free trial. This subscription provides additional features such as access to exclusive content and an uninterrupted viewing experience.
In summary, AsianCrush is a valuable resource for anime enthusiasts seeking a legal and free streaming option. Its diverse content library, device compatibility, and premium subscription option make it a convenient choice for viewers interested in Asian entertainment.
Website: https://www.asiancrush.com
4. Midnight Pulp
Midnight Pulp is a free, ad-supported streaming platform that offers a curated selection of cult classics, including anime, horror, sci-fi, and action films. Accessible on various devices such as Roku, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Google TV, it provides instant access without the need for a subscription or login.
The platform’s anime library features a mix of classic and niche titles, appealing to fans of retro and genre-specific anime. While the selection may not be as extensive as some dedicated anime services, it offers a unique blend of cult films and series, making it a valuable resource for enthusiasts seeking unconventional content.
Midnight Pulp is part of Cineverse, a company that also owns other streaming services like RetroCrush and AsianCrush, which focus on classic and Asian cinema, respectively. This affiliation allows Midnight Pulp to tap into a broader network of cult and genre-specific content, enhancing its appeal to a niche audience.
For viewers interested in exploring a diverse range of cult films and anime, Midnight Pulp offers a convenient and cost-free option. Its unique programming and accessibility make it a noteworthy choice for those seeking something different in the streaming landscape.
Website: https://www.midnightpulp.com
5. AnimeFreak
AnimeFreak is a free, ad-supported anime streaming website that offers a wide selection of anime series and movies, including both dubbed and subbed versions. It provides users with access to a variety of genres, from action and adventure to romance and slice-of-life, catering to diverse tastes within the anime community.
The platform is accessible without the need for registration, allowing users to stream content directly. However, it’s important to note that AnimeFreak operates in a legal grey area. The site does not have official licensing agreements with content creators or distributors, which raises concerns about copyright infringement. Additionally, users may encounter intrusive ads and potential security risks, including exposure to malware or phishing attempts.
For those seeking legal and secure alternatives to AnimeFreak, several reputable platforms offer extensive anime libraries. Services like Crunchyroll, Funimation, Netflix, and HiDive provide licensed content with high-quality streaming options. These platforms ensure that creators are compensated for their work and offer a safer viewing experience.
In summary, while AnimeFreak may appeal to viewers seeking free access to anime content, its legal status and potential security risks make it a less advisable choice. Opting for legitimate streaming services supports the anime industry and provides a more reliable and secure viewing experience.
Website: https://animefreak.to/
6. Pluto TV
Pluto TV is a free, ad-supported streaming service that offers a diverse range of anime content, making it an excellent choice for fans seeking accessible and legal viewing options. As of May 2025, Pluto TV has significantly expanded its anime offerings, providing a variety of channels and on-demand content to cater to different tastes.
One of the standout features of Pluto TV is its “Anime All Day” channel, which broadcasts a continuous lineup of popular anime series. This channel allows viewers to enjoy a curated selection of shows without the need for a subscription or login. Additionally, Pluto TV has partnered with HIDIVE to launch the “Anime x HIDIVE” channel, offering a mix of fantasy, slice-of-life, and romance genres, complete with English subtitles and dubs.
For those interested in anime films, Pluto TV has introduced the “Anime Movies” channel, featuring titles from franchises like Naruto Shippuden, Lupin the 3rd, and Bleach. The platform also offers a dedicated “Anime Comedy” channel, showcasing series such as Pop Team Epic and Ghost Stories.
In celebration of “Ani-May,” Pluto TV has added over 800 hours of anime content, including more than 120 movies and 50 new series. Highlights include marathons of Hunter x Hunter, Speed Racer, and Death Note, providing fans with an opportunity to binge-watch their favorite series. It is accessible on various devices, including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, and through web browsers. This wide compatibility ensures that viewers can enjoy their favorite anime anytime, anywhere.
In summary, Pluto TV offers a comprehensive and free anime streaming experience, with a wide range of channels and content to suit diverse preferences. Its user-friendly interface and extensive library make it a valuable resource for anime enthusiasts.
Website: https://pluto.tv/
7. Tubi TV
Tubi TV is a free, ad-supported streaming service offering a diverse selection of anime titles, making it an excellent choice for fans seeking accessible and legal viewing options. As of May 2025, Tubi continues to expand its anime library, providing a variety of genres and series to cater to different tastes.
The platform’s anime collection includes both classic and contemporary titles, ensuring that viewers can enjoy a wide range of content. Tubi’s partnerships with major anime distributors, such as VIZ Media, Sentai Filmworks, and Toei Animation, have bolstered its catalog, bringing popular series and films to its audience. These collaborations have made Tubi a valuable resource for anime enthusiasts seeking free and legal streaming options.
Tubi is accessible on various devices, including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, iOS, Android, and web browsers, allowing users to enjoy their favorite anime series anytime, anywhere. The service does not require a subscription or account, providing a hassle-free viewing experience.
Overall, Tubi TV offers a comprehensive and free anime streaming experience, with a wide range of titles and genres to suit diverse preferences. Its partnerships with leading anime distributors and user-friendly interface make it a go-to platform for anime fans looking for quality content without the need for a subscription.
8. YouTube (Bonus)
YouTube remains one of the most accessible and popular platforms for watching anime content in 2025. While it is not primarily an anime streaming service, YouTube hosts a wealth of official channels from anime studios, distributors, and licensors that offer legal and often free anime episodes, clips, and specials. Channels like Crunchyroll, Funimation, and even individual studios upload episodes, trailers, and promotional content, making it a convenient way to watch select anime safely.
One of the key advantages of YouTube is its widespread availability on virtually all internet-connected devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and computers. This accessibility allows fans to watch anime anytime and anywhere without the need for a subscription. Additionally, many creators and fans upload reviews, analyses, AMVs (anime music videos), and fan-made content, enriching the overall anime experience.
However, YouTube’s free content is often limited in terms of full episodes and the latest releases due to licensing restrictions. Viewers might also encounter ads, but these help support content creators and the platform itself. For those looking for legal, free anime streaming combined with extra content and community interaction, YouTube is a valuable supplement to dedicated anime streaming services.
Recommended Channels:
- Ani-One Asia
- Muse Asia
- Nozomi Entertainment
- Toei Animation
Final Thoughts
While 9anime has long been a staple in the anime streaming world, it’s not the only option out there — nor is it always the best one. Whether you’re looking for a more stable user experience, official licenses, or simply fewer ads, there are plenty of worthy alternatives in 2025.
For the best of both worlds, combining an official platform like Crunchyroll with a free one like AniWave (used responsibly) can help you stay caught up on your favorite shows without compromising quality or safety.
Before choosing a site, make sure to:
- Use a reliable ad blocker on unofficial sites
- Consider using a VPN to protect your privacy
- Support official releases whenever possible to help the industry grow
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is 9anime legal?
9anime operates in a legal gray area, as it streams copyrighted content without official licenses. While users typically aren’t prosecuted for watching, the platform itself isn’t legal in most countries. Using it may violate copyright laws depending on your region.
Is 9anime safe to use?
9anime itself doesn’t host viruses, but the pop-up ads, redirects, and fake buttons on mirror sites can be risky. Using a trusted ad blocker and antivirus software is strongly recommended if you choose to use it.
Are there free legal alternatives to 9anime?
Yes! Platforms like Muse Asia (YouTube), Bilibili, and Crunchyroll’s free tier offer legal access to anime with ads. These support the creators and are safe to use.
Can I download anime from these platforms?
Many sites like Crunchyroll, Netflix, AnimeHeaven, and AniWave offer download options. Availability depends on the platform and your subscription level.
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