If you loved the convenience of 9anime huge library, fast streaming, lots of subs and dubs you’re probably on the hunt for alternatives. Whether 9anime was your go-to for simulcasts, classic series, or obscure OVAs, there are plenty of places that offer comparable experiences. Below I’ll walk you through the best sites like 9anime, explain the differences (free vs. paid, legal vs. gray), and give practical tips for choosing the right service for your needs.
Quick overview: what people mean by “sites like 9anime”
When users say “sites like 9anime,” they usually mean platforms that share a few key traits:
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Large and diverse anime libraries (new simulcasts + older series)
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Subtitles and dubbed options
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Low-friction streaming (fast playback, multiple video players or mirrors)
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Free access or ad-supported tiers
Important note: 9anime-style sites include both legal streaming services and unofficial/piracy-hosting sites. I strongly recommend choosing legal services when possible they’re safer, support creators, and rarely come with malware or shady ads.
Best legal alternatives (paid + free tiers)
Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is often the first recommendation for anime fans. It began as a niche streaming site and has grown into an anime powerhouse. Pros: huge library focused on simulcasts and seasonal shows, official subtitles, community features, and device support (mobile, smart TVs, consoles). There’s a free ad supported tier; premium removes ads and gives access to simulcasts shortly after Japanese broadcast.
Funimation (now merged with Crunchyroll in many regions)
Funimation was the go-to for dubbed anime. Since the consolidation with Crunchyroll, many of its dubbed titles migrated there. If you prefer English dubs, Crunchyroll’s catalog now covers most of them, but check availability by region.
Netflix
Netflix has become a heavyweight in anime, investing in exclusives and high-quality originals (e.g., Beastars, B: The Beginning, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners). It’s not free, but its production values and polished UX make it a top pick for casual viewers and binge-watchers.
Hulu (where available)
Hulu carries a mix of current-season anime and older series, often with both subs and dubs. It’s a solid mainstream option if you already subscribe for general streaming.
HIDIVE
HIDIVE offers a curated catalog with some exclusives, dubs, and classic titles. It’s smaller than Crunchyroll but appreciated by fans for niche content and collector-friendly features.
Amazon Prime Video
Prime Video has region-specific anime picks and some exclusives. Availability varies a lot by country, but if you already have Prime it’s worth checking.
Free & ad-supported legal options
Tubi (Free)
Tubi has a growing anime section with both mainstream and lesser-known titles. You’ll encounter ads, but the service is legal and safe.
Pluto TV
Pluto TV offers live-stream “channels” including anime blocks. Good if you like linear viewing or want free access to older shows.
RetroCrush
Specializing in classic anime, RetroCrush is the place for older series and nostalgic titles free with ads or an optional premium tier.
Crunchyroll Free Tier & VRV
Crunchyroll’s free tier and VRV (bundled anime & nerd culture service in some regions) offer ad-supported access to a wide library. VRV can be great if you want anime plus other geeky channels (when available in your country).
Anime-Planet
More of a library + reading hub than a single-streaming site, Anime-Planet partners with Crunchyroll to provide legal streaming links and has plenty of recommendations and user lists.
Gray-area / unofficial alternatives (know the risks)
Sites that closely mimic the 9anime experience multiple mirrors, user-uploaded files, latest simulcasts for free often operate in legal gray areas or outright infringe copyright. They may have:
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Flashy download buttons and pop-up ads
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Unofficial subtitle uploads
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Inconsistent streaming quality and missing metadata
Risks include malware, intrusive ads, poor video quality, and legal exposure in some regions. I don’t recommend these sites; if you value safety, quality, and the future of anime production, stick to legal services.
How to choose the right “9anime alternative” for you
Here are practical criteria to compare services:
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Library size & focus
If you want the newest simulcasts, Crunchyroll is top choice. For classic titles, RetroCrush or HIDIVE may be better. -
Subs vs dubs
Prefer dubs? Look at Crunchyroll and Netflix (and previously Funimation content). Sub-only purists may enjoy the fast simulcasts on Crunchyroll. -
Cost
Free tiers (Crunchyroll free, Tubi, Pluto TV) work well if you’re price-conscious. Paid plans remove ads and often unlock exclusives and HD streaming. -
Regional availability
Some services are geo-locked. Netflix and Amazon vary greatly by country. Use a legal regional option first; consider a VPN only for privacy or when using services you’re subscribed to and accessing your region’s catalog never to bypass paid restrictions to access content you haven’t legally purchased. -
Device support
Want to watch on smart TV, phone, or console? Major services offer wide device support; niche services may be mobile/desktop only. -
User experience & extras
Community features, watchlists, and offline downloads can matter if you’re a heavy user.
Tips for a safe & enjoyable anime streaming experience
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Use legal services first. They fund anime production and reduce the risk of malware/adware.
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Use ad-blockers carefully. On free legal sites, some ads are okay; ad-blockers can break playback. Consider premium plans to avoid ads entirely.
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Beware of fake “download” buttons on dubious sites they may be malicious ads.
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Check video quality options. Many legal services support 720p+ and even 4K on select titles.
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Enable subtitles/dub preferences in the player so your playback is consistent.
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Follow official social accounts of streaming services to catch announcements about new arrivals and region expansions.
If you really want the 9anime vibe: what to look for
Some users gravitate to 9anime for features beyond legality quick access to obscure OVAs, multiple mirrors, and community subtitle fixes. If that’s your priority, here’s how to replicate the experience legally:
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Combine services: Crunchyroll + RetroCrush + Tubi + HIDIVE covers a lot of ground.
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Use aggregator sites (legal ones like Anime-Planet) that point to official streams.
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Join anime communities (Reddit, MyAnimeList, Discord) for pointers to rare titles and legal purchase options.
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Buy or rent missing OVAs/box sets on Amazon, iTunes, or local distributors when possible to support creators.
The future of anime streaming
The streaming landscape keeps changing: mergers (like Funimation + Crunchyroll), platform exclusives, and big players investing in original anime are reshaping where fans watch. That means catalogs shift, but it also means better production budgets and accessibility long-term. Supporting legal platforms is the best way to ensure your favorite creators keep making new series.
Conclusion
If you’re searching for sites like 9anime, there’s good news: you don’t have to rely on sketchy sources to get wide anime selection and smooth streaming. Crunchyroll (free and premium tiers) is the safest all-around replacement for simulcasts; Netflix and Amazon offer polished exclusives and dubs; RetroCrush, Tubi, and Pluto TV give free access to classic and filler titles. Combine a couple of legal services, and you’ll match or even surpass the variety you used to find on 9anime, without the security risks.
Switching to legal options may cost a bit, but it’s safer, higher-quality, and helps the studios that create the anime we love. If cost is a concern, rotate between free services and share a subscription with family or friends where allowed by the provider’s terms.