JustDubs was a popular piracy site that offered dubbed anime content for free, but it faced constant shutdowns, legal threats, and malware risks. Like many illegal streaming sites, JustDubs operated in a legal gray area that put both the site operators and users at risk. The site frequently changed domains, disappeared without warning, and exposed visitors to potentially harmful ads and malicious software.
If you were relying on JustDubs for your anime fix, you don’t need to resort to risky piracy sites anymore. The legal anime streaming options have exploded with quality alternatives that offer better video quality, reliable service, and extensive libraries without the legal headaches.
Top Legal Anime Streaming Alternatives
Here’s a breakdown of the best legal alternatives to replace JustDubs, covering both free and premium options:
| Service | Free/Paid | Content Library | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crunchyroll | Both | 1,000+ anime series | Largest anime selection |
| Funimation | Paid | 800+ dubbed series | English dub fans |
| HIDIVE | Paid | 600+ series | Niche and classic anime |
| Netflix | Paid | 300+ anime titles | Mainstream anime and originals |
| Tubi | Free | 200+ anime titles | Free classic anime |
| RetroCrush | Free | 150+ retro anime | 80s and 90s anime |
Crunchyroll: The Anime Giant
Crunchyroll dominates the legal anime streaming market with over 1,000 series and simultaneous releases of new episodes. The free tier includes ads but gives you access to most content, while premium removes ads and adds simulcast access. You’ll find everything from current seasonal anime to classic series, though the English dub selection is smaller than dedicated dub-focused services.
Funimation: Dub Paradise
If you specifically loved JustDubs for its English-dubbed content, Funimation is your best bet. They specialize in high-quality English dubs and have exclusive rights to many popular series. The service costs around $8-10 monthly but offers excellent video quality and day-and-date dub releases for many shows.
HIDIVE: The Hidden Gem
HIDIVE focuses on harder-to-find anime, classic series, and unique content you won’t see elsewhere. At about $5 monthly, it’s one of the more affordable premium options. Their library includes both subbed and dubbed content, with a particular strength in older anime and niche genres.
Netflix: Mainstream Appeal
Netflix has significantly expanded its anime library and produces original anime content. While not exclusively an anime service, their selection includes popular mainstream titles and high-budget originals like “Castlevania” and “Yasuke.” If you already have Netflix, their anime section is worth exploring.
Free Legal Options Worth Considering
You don’t need to pay to watch anime legally. Several free services offer solid anime libraries supported by ads.
Tubi provides a surprisingly extensive anime collection including classic series and some newer titles. The ads are manageable, and the video quality is decent for a free service.
Pluto TV runs dedicated anime channels with 24/7 programming. It’s perfect for background viewing or discovering new series without actively choosing what to watch.
RetroCrush specializes in classic anime from the 80s and 90s. If you enjoy older animation styles and storytelling, this free service is a goldmine.
Why Choose Legal Streaming
Legal anime streaming services offer advantages beyond just avoiding legal trouble. You get consistent HD video quality without compression artifacts or random quality drops that plague piracy sites.
Your viewing directly supports anime creators, studios, and the industry. This financial support enables more anime production and official English dubs. Legal services also provide reliable subtitles with proper translation and timing.
You’ll never deal with malicious pop-ups, crypto miners, or malware that commonly infect illegal streaming sites. Legal services work consistently without sudden shutdowns or domain changes.
Making the Switch
Most legal streaming services offer free trials, so you can test them before committing. Many anime fans use multiple services to access different libraries. For example, combining Crunchyroll’s massive catalog with Funimation’s dub focus is common.
Consider seasonal subscriptions if you don’t watch anime year-round. Subscribe during seasons with shows you want to watch, then cancel until the next interesting season begins.
Is JustDubs safe?
No, JustDubs and similar piracy sites pose significant security risks. They often host malware, display malicious ads, and expose your personal information to cybercriminals. These sites also face constant legal pressure, leading to frequent shutdowns and unreliable service.
What’s the best free alternative?
Crunchyroll’s free tier offers the largest anime selection without cost, though you’ll watch ads. For purely free services, Tubi provides the most diverse anime library with decent video quality and reasonable ad placement.
Can I watch dubbed anime legally for free?
Yes, though options are more limited than subbed content. Crunchyroll’s free tier includes some English dubs, and Tubi has a decent selection of dubbed classic anime. For the best dub selection, Funimation’s paid service remains the top choice, but free options do exist.
Ted Cisneros
Ted Cisneros is a senior entertainment journalist and celebrity biographer at Explosion.com, where he has published over 1,300 in-depth celebrity profiles. With more than 5 years of experience in entertainment journalism, Ted specializes in biographical research using public records, verified interviews, court documents, and industry databases. His work focuses on the personal stories of public figures and their families, providing accurate, well-sourced profiles for readers seeking reliable celebrity information.
