9Anime was a popular piracy site that streamed anime content without permission from creators or distributors. The site frequently shut down and changed domains to avoid legal action, exposing users to malware, intrusive ads, and potential legal risks. Instead of risking your device’s security and supporting piracy, you can access thousands of anime titles through legitimate streaming platforms that offer better quality, reliability, and user experience.
Top Legal Streaming Alternatives to 9Anime
Legal streaming services have dramatically expanded their anime libraries in recent years. You’ll find everything from classic series to the latest seasonal releases, often with professional dubbing and subtitles.
| Service | Free/Paid | Content Library | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crunchyroll | Free/Paid | 1,000+ anime series | Dedicated anime fans |
| Netflix | Paid | 300+ anime titles | Exclusive originals |
| Funimation (now part of Crunchyroll) | Paid | 800+ anime series | English dubs |
| Tubi | Free | 200+ anime titles | Classic anime |
| Hulu | Paid | 250+ anime series | Current season simulcasts |
| Pluto TV | Free | 100+ anime titles | 24/7 anime channels |
Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll remains the gold standard for anime streaming with the largest dedicated anime library available legally. The free tier includes ads but gives you access to most content, while premium removes ads and offers simulcast episodes within hours of Japanese broadcast.
You’ll find everything from mainstream hits like Attack on Titan to niche series across every genre. The platform also offers manga reading and anime news to complete your otaku experience.
Netflix
Netflix has invested heavily in anime, producing exclusive series like Castlevania, Yasuke, and Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045. Their anime collection spans both original productions and licensed classics.
The streaming giant excels at high-budget anime originals and often provides multiple language options. If you already have Netflix for other content, their anime selection offers excellent value.
Tubi
Tubi stands out as the best free option for anime streaming without requiring a subscription. The ad-supported platform hosts hundreds of anime series and movies, including classics like Naruto, Bleach, and Studio Ghibli films.
While you’ll encounter ads, the selection rivals some paid services. Tubi regularly adds new titles and maintains good streaming quality across devices.
Hulu
Hulu partners with multiple anime distributors to offer current-season simulcasts alongside a substantial back catalog. You can watch new episodes of popular series within 24 hours of their Japanese premiere.
The platform combines anime with general entertainment content, making it ideal if you want variety beyond just anime. Their ad-supported tier keeps costs reasonable while premium removes interruptions.
Free vs Paid: What You Get
Free streaming services like Tubi, Pluto TV, and Crackle offer legitimate anime content supported by advertisements. You’ll find older series, classic movies, and some current titles without paying monthly fees.
Paid services provide larger libraries, faster access to new episodes, and ad-free viewing. Premium platforms often include exclusive content, better video quality, and multiple device support for family sharing.
Many paid services offer free trials, letting you test their anime libraries before committing to subscriptions.
Why Choose Legal Streaming
Legal streaming platforms ensure your money directly supports anime creators, studios, and voice actors. This funding enables more anime production and better working conditions for industry professionals.
You avoid malware risks that plague piracy sites, which often inject malicious code through ads and pop-ups. Legal platforms also provide consistent uptime, professional customer support, and guaranteed content availability.
Quality remains consistently high with official sources offering HD and 4K streaming, professional subtitles, and multiple audio options. You won’t encounter broken links, missing episodes, or sudden site shutdowns that interrupt your viewing experience.
Setting Up Multiple Services
Consider rotating between different streaming services based on their exclusive content and seasonal offerings. Many anime fans subscribe to Crunchyroll year-round while adding Netflix or Hulu for specific shows.
Free services like Tubi complement paid subscriptions perfectly, filling gaps in your watchlist without additional cost. Check your local library for Kanopy access, which offers curated anime films and series.
Most platforms allow account sharing within households, making premium subscriptions more affordable when split among family members or roommates.
Is 9Anime Safe?
No, 9Anime and similar piracy sites pose significant security risks including malware, phishing attempts, and invasive advertising. These sites also operate illegally and can expose users to copyright infringement claims.
The constant domain changes and shutdowns make these platforms unreliable for consistent viewing. Legal alternatives provide safer, more stable access to the same content.
What’s the Best Free Alternative?
Tubi offers the most comprehensive free anime library with over 200 titles including popular series and classic films. Crunchyroll’s free tier also provides excellent value with ads, giving you access to current seasonal anime.
Pluto TV specializes in 24/7 anime channels if you prefer linear viewing, while Peacock includes select anime titles alongside other entertainment content.
Which Service Has the Most Anime?
Crunchyroll maintains the largest dedicated anime library with over 1,000 series spanning every genre and decade. Netflix follows with substantial original anime investments, while Funimation (now integrated with Crunchyroll) specialized in English dubs.
For the most comprehensive anime experience, Crunchyroll premium provides the best value and content variety available legally.
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.
