If you loved 9anime for its massive catalog of subbed and dubbed anime, fast episode updates, and flexible player options, you’re not alone and the good news is there are plenty of sites like 9anime that can fill that void. Some are fully legal and support creators (but often behind a paywall or with geo-limits), while others are free fan-run libraries that come with privacy and safety trade-offs. Below I’ll walk you through the best alternatives, group them by type, and give practical tips so you can watch anime without regret.
Why people search for “sites like 9anime”
9anime’s appeal came from three simple things: a huge library, quick updates of new episodes, and multiple sources/players for each title. When it’s down, blocked, or simply isn’t your cup of tea, fans hunt for replacements that deliver those same perks especially free access, both sub and dub tracks, and high-quality streams. That demand created a bustling ecosystem of both licensed streaming services (the “legal” ones) and fan-hosted aggregators (the “free but risky” ones).
The legal, dependable alternatives (support creators)
If supporting studios, getting reliable streams, and avoiding malware/popups matters to you, start here.
Crunchyroll (freemium) The closest legal counterpart in terms of anime variety and speed of simulcast. Crunchyroll has a huge library, simulcasts many shows shortly after Japan, and offers a free ad-supported tier alongside premium subscriptions. It’s a top choice for mainstream anime watching.
Funimation / Crunchyroll combined catalogs After corporate reshuffling in recent years, dubbed-heavy catalogs and some regional content are available through the Crunchyroll ecosystem (Funimation’s content has largely moved). If you prefer dubs, check what’s available in your region.
Netflix / Amazon Prime Video / Hulu These mainstream streamers now host exclusive anime and high-quality dubs. Catalogs vary wildly by country but they’re excellent for polished releases and films (think: popular seasons, exclusives, or movie premieres).
HiDive Smaller but focused: HiDive offers niche titles, older series, and some exclusives. It’s a good lower-cost option if you want something different from Crunchyroll/Netflix.
Free, legal niche services Tubi, RetroCrush, and Anime-Planet provide a rotating library of licensed content for free with ads. They’re reliable and safe ways to watch older series and some hidden gems.
Why choose these? They pay licensors, they’re safe, and they don’t force you into dodgy popups or downloads but expect geo-restrictions and some titles behind pay tiers.
Free fan-hosted sites (fast updates, but use caution)
These are the places most people mean when they say “sites like 9anime” huge libraries, fast episode uploads, and often both sub and dub options. They’re popular but come with risks: intrusive ads, popups, possible malware, and copyright/legal gray areas.
Common choices include:
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Gogoanime enormous catalog, frequently updated. Popular for quick episode availability.
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Zoro.to / AniWatch / 4anime / AnimePahe / AnimeDao each offers a different UI and server set; some are lighter on ads, others mirror many sources to keep streams up. Community threads often point fans to these when one site goes down.
Important warning: these sites can carry aggressive ads, trackers, and sometimes malicious redirects. Many security blogs and VPN providers advise extra protections if you use fan sites (adblockers, script blockers, or browsing in a sandbox). If you’re privacy-conscious or worried about malware, prefer legal services.
Which option is best for you? Quick help
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Want the freshest simulcasts and to support creators? Crunchyroll (or Crunchyroll + Netflix + HiDive depending on the title).
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Want free anime, legally, and don’t mind ads? Tubi or RetroCrush or Anime-Planet.
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Want the largest free catalog with fast uploads and don’t mind risk? Gogoanime, Zoro.to, AniWatch but take safety steps.
How to use “sites like 9anime” safely (practical checklist)
If you decide to visit free aggregator sites, do these four things to reduce risk:
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Use an ad-blocker + script blocker uBlock Origin and a script blocker reduce popups and malicious scripts.
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Never download random players or installers if a site prompts you to “install player” it’s usually malware. Use browser playback.
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Consider a privacy VPN it masks your IP and can block some shady tracking; choose reputable VPN providers (and be mindful of the VPN’s own jurisdiction and logging policy).
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Don’t log in with important passwords make a disposable account where possible; never reuse your main email/password on sketchy platforms.
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Prefer official apps on smart TVs or consoles official Crunchyroll/Netflix/Amazon apps are safer and often higher quality.
How to find a show when you can’t on one site
Many anime fans use a blended strategy: check a legal service first, then fall back to a free aggregator when a show isn’t available in their region. Tools like anime trackers (MyAnimeList, AniList) can show where a series is licensed and which platforms stream it in your country useful before you start hunting random mirrors.
Pros and cons side-by-side
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Legal services (Crunchyroll, Netflix, HiDive)
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Pros: safe, high quality, supports creators, reliable apps
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Cons: paywalls, regional limits, not every niche title available.
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Free fan sites (Gogoanime, Zoro.to, AniWatch, 4anime)
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Pros: large catalog, fast episode uploads, often both subs and dubs
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Cons: intrusive ads, possible malware redirects, legal gray area.
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Final thoughts be smart, enjoy more anime
If your search term was “sites like 9anime,” you’ve got options: pick a legal service if you want peace of mind and to support the industry, or use fan-hosted sites only with the safety measures above if you need something that’s otherwise unavailable. For most viewers the best compromise is a freemium legal service (Crunchyroll/Tubi/RetroCrush) supplemented by a paid subscription to one of the bigger platforms when a show is exclusive.
Remember: streaming choices affect the people who make the shows. If you love a series and want more seasons, buying or streaming it legally whenever possible helps make that happen. If you want a short list to try right now:
Recommended starters: Crunchyroll, Netflix, HiDive, Tubi, RetroCrush (legal). If you still need free mirrors: Gogoanime, Zoro.to, AniWatch, but use adblock + VPN.
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