10 Best 9Anime Alternatives (2026)

Key Takeaway: 9Anime is gone and its clones are risky, so I moved to legal platforms that actually stay online. For the biggest simulcast library, Crunchyroll leads, HIDIVE wins on dubs and niche titles, and Tubi streams anime completely free. Netflix, Prime Video, and Pluto TV round out a safe, ad-light setup on Firestick.

Miss 9Anime but tired of shady clones, endless pop-ups, and broken links? These ten legal platforms give you the same anime hits safely, without malware or sudden shutdowns.

I have spent hours streaming anime across every service on this list using my Fire TV Stick, comparing catalog size, simulcast speed, subtitle and dub quality, and price. Below you will find ten safe 9Anime alternatives, each with honest pros, cons, pricing, and who it suits best.

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Best 9Anime Alternatives: Top Recommendations!

1) Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll is the closest thing to a one-stop anime home, and it is the first app I install on any new Firestick. It carries thousands of subbed and dubbed series, simulcasts new episodes within hours of Japan, and now bundles manga and games on higher tiers, making it the most complete 9Anime replacement available today.

Features:

• Massive Simulcast Catalog: You get thousands of series, from Demon Slayer to One Piece, with new seasonal episodes streaming within about an hour of their Japanese broadcast each week.
• Subs and Dubs: Nearly every popular title offers both high-quality subtitles and English dubs, so you can watch however you prefer without hunting across several different sites.
• Ad-Free Paid Tiers: Every paid plan removes ads entirely, and higher tiers add offline downloads, four to six simultaneous streams, and the full Game Vault library.
• Cross-Device Support: The app runs cleanly on Firestick, Android, iOS, consoles, and browsers, syncing your watchlist and progress automatically across every device you sign into.
• Anime-First Layout: Genre filters, seasonal calendars, and a clear queue make finding your next binge quick, and I never feel as lost as I did on cloned sites.
• Manga and Extras: The Ultimate Fan tier adds hundreds of digital manga titles plus games, turning a single subscription into a broader anime ecosystem beyond just streaming episodes.
• Free Trial Available: New members can start a seven-day free trial before paying, letting you test the full catalog and player quality risk-free on your own devices.

Pros	Cons
✅ Huge legal anime library	❌ Free tier discontinued
✅ Fast weekly simulcasts	❌ Premium can feel pricey
✅ Both subs and dubs	❌ Some regional restrictions
✅ Ad-free on paid plans	❌ Occasional licensing gaps
✅ Works on every device
✅ 7-day free trial

Pricing:

• Fan: $9.99/month (ad-free, 1 device)
• Mega Fan: $13.99/month (4 devices, offline, Game Vault)
• Ultimate Fan: $17.99/month (6 devices, manga, extras)
• Free Trial: 7 days

Link: crunchyroll.com

2) HIDIVE

HIDIVE is where I turn for dubs, older classics, and niche shows the bigger platforms skip. It specializes in uncensored releases, exclusive simuldubs, and hard-to-find titles, all at a lower monthly price than most rivals. For anime fans who have already watched the mainstream hits, HIDIVE fills the gaps beautifully.

Features:

• Exclusive Simuldubs: HIDIVE releases English dubs unusually fast, sometimes within weeks of a Japanese premiere, giving dub-first viewers current episodes they cannot stream anywhere else.
• Deep Classic Catalog: Beyond new releases, you get a strong library of older and cult favorites, making it ideal for revisiting shows that vanished from other services.
• Uncensored Versions: Many mature titles stream in their uncensored broadcast form, something mainstream platforms often trim, which longtime fans specifically seek out on HIDIVE.
• Budget-Friendly Price: At well under most competitors, the monthly plan delivers strong value, and the annual option lowers the effective cost even further for regular viewers.
• Dedicated Firestick App: The Fire TV app installs directly from the Amazon store, so setup takes only minutes and playback stays smooth and stable on a big screen.
• Offline Downloads: Paid members can download episodes to mobile devices for flights or commutes, keeping your queue watchable even without any internet connection available.
• Seven-Day Trial: A free week lets you sample the catalog and dub quality before committing, which is plenty of time to judge whether it fits your taste.

Pros	Cons
✅ Fast exclusive simuldubs	❌ Smaller catalog than Crunchyroll
✅ Great classic library	❌ Fewer simulcasts
✅ Uncensored releases	❌ Niche focus
✅ Affordable pricing	❌ Ad-free only when paid
✅ Dedicated Firestick app
✅ 7-day free trial

Pricing:

• Monthly: $7.99/month
• Annual: $69.99/year
• Free Trial: 7 days

Link: hidive.com

3) Tubi

Tubi is my go-to when I want anime without paying a cent, and it is completely legal. Backed by Fox, it streams a surprisingly deep catalog of movies and series, from mainstream shonen to older classics, funded by short ads. No account, no trial clock, just open the app and start watching right away.

Features:

• Completely Free: The entire catalog streams at no cost, supported only by short ad breaks, with no subscription, no paywall, and no credit card ever required to watch.
• No Signup Required: You can start streaming instantly without creating an account, though signing in does let you sync your watchlist and resume progress across devices.
• Solid Anime Section: A dedicated anime hub collects hundreds of series and films, mixing well-known titles with cult classics you will not find on the big paid platforms.
• Light Ad Load: Ad breaks are shorter and less frequent than broadcast television, so the free experience stays watchable instead of feeling constantly interrupted mid-episode.
• Wide Device Support: Tubi runs on Firestick, smart TVs, phones, and browsers, and the Fire TV app is a quick, free download from the Amazon Appstore.
• Regularly Updated: Fox adds fresh movies and shows every month, so the library keeps growing and there is usually something new worth queuing up.
• Family Friendly Controls: Built-in parental settings and content ratings help you keep younger viewers on age-appropriate anime without extra apps or complicated setup.

Pros	Cons
✅ 100% free and legal	❌ Ads cannot be removed
✅ No subscription needed	❌ No simulcasts
✅ Decent anime catalog	❌ Library rotates
✅ Light ad load	❌ US-focused catalog
✅ Works on Firestick
✅ No signup to start

Pricing:

• Price: Free (ad-supported)

Link: tubitv.com

4) RetroCrush

RetroCrush is a niche gem I recommend to anyone who loves old-school anime. It focuses entirely on classic and vintage titles from the 1970s through the early 2000s, streaming legends like Lupin III and Galaxy Express 999 free with ads. If nostalgia is what 9Anime gave you, RetroCrush delivers it safely and legally.

Features:

• Curated Retro Library: The whole catalog centers on vintage anime from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, a focused collection you will not find bundled on mainstream services.
• Completely Free: Every title streams at no cost with light ad support, so you can explore decades of classic anime without any subscription or payment required.
• Iconic Titles: You get genuine legends like Lupin III, Captain Harlock, and Galaxy Express 999, officially licensed and presented in the best available restored quality.
• Clean Simple App: The interface is easy to browse on a TV, with clear categories that make digging through classic eras straightforward using a Fire TV remote.
• Firestick Compatible: RetroCrush installs from the Amazon Appstore and also streams through browsers, giving you flexible ways to enjoy retro anime on the big screen.
• Themed Collections: Hand-picked playlists and spotlights surface hidden gems, helping newcomers discover essential older shows without knowing exactly what to search for first.
• No Account Needed: You can dive straight into streaming without registering, though creating a free profile lets you save favorites for later viewing sessions.

Pros	Cons
✅ Unique classic-anime focus	❌ No modern simulcasts
✅ Completely free	❌ Small niche library
✅ Officially licensed titles	❌ Ad-supported only
✅ Easy to browse	❌ Not for new-anime fans
✅ Firestick app available
✅ No signup required

Pricing:

• Price: Free (ad-supported)

Link: retrocrush.tv

5) Ani-One Asia (YouTube)

Ani-One Asia is a fully legal YouTube channel run by Medialink, and I keep it bookmarked for free seasonal simulcasts. It uploads new episodes daily, often the same week as Japan, with clean subtitles and no sketchy redirects. For viewers in Asia especially, it is one of the easiest free 9Anime alternatives around.

Features:

• Free Legal Simulcasts: The channel streams current seasonal anime free, uploaded officially by the licensor, so you watch new episodes without any piracy or malware risk.
• Daily Uploads: Fresh content lands almost every day, keeping seasonal series current and giving you a steady stream of new episodes to follow each week.
• Quality Subtitles: Episodes ship with professional English and regional subtitles, a clear step up from the error-filled fansubs common on old pirate anime sites.
• YouTube Convenience: Because it lives on YouTube, it plays on virtually any device, including the Firestick YouTube app, with no separate install or account setup.
• Solid Back-Catalog: Alongside simulcasts, the channel keeps full past seasons available, so you can binge older complete series whenever you want at no cost.
• Membership Perks: Optional channel memberships unlock early access and extras, but I stick with the free uploads, which already cover most seasonal titles I care about.
• Region-Friendly: Licensing focuses on Asian territories, making it especially reliable there, though a VPN can help match your region for fuller title availability.

Pros	Cons
✅ Free and fully legal	❌ Region-restricted titles
✅ Daily new uploads	❌ Availability varies
✅ Professional subtitles	❌ Ads between videos
✅ Plays on any device	❌ Not all shows licensed
✅ Good back-catalog
✅ No app install needed

Pricing:

• Price: Free on YouTube

Link: youtube.com/c/AniOneAsia

6) Muse Asia (YouTube)

Muse Asia is another legal YouTube channel I rely on for free seasonal anime, and it pairs perfectly with Ani-One thanks to different licensing. It simulcasts popular new shows with high-quality subtitles across Southeast Asia, all free and ad-supported. When a title is missing from one channel, Muse Asia usually has it, making the two a strong combo.

Features:

• Free Seasonal Streaming: Muse Asia posts new episodes of trending seasonal anime free and officially licensed, so you follow current shows legally without paying anything at all.
• Complementary Library: Its licensing differs from Ani-One, meaning titles missing on one channel often appear here, and together they cover most of each anime season.
• High-Quality Subs: Episodes include polished, accurate subtitles, giving a far cleaner viewing experience than the machine-translated fansubs old pirate sites usually relied on.
• Universal Access: As a YouTube channel, it streams on Firestick, phones, and smart TVs through the standard app, with nothing extra to sideload or configure.
• Playlists by Series: Content is organized into per-show playlists, so you can start a series from episode one and let it autoplay straight through to the finale.
• Frequent Updates: New episodes drop on a consistent weekly schedule during each season, keeping your queue fresh without you needing to hunt for working links.
• Community Features: YouTube comments, notifications, and subscriptions help you track releases, and I simply hit the bell to know when my shows update.

Pros	Cons
✅ Free legal anime	❌ Region restrictions apply
✅ Strong seasonal lineup	❌ Some titles geo-locked
✅ Clean subtitles	❌ Ads on videos
✅ Works everywhere	❌ Limited older catalog
✅ Organized playlists
✅ Weekly updates

Pricing:

• Price: Free on YouTube

Link: youtube.com/@MuseAsia

7) Netflix

Netflix has quietly become a serious anime destination, and it is a subscription I already keep for everything else. It funds exclusive originals like Devil May Cry and Pluto while licensing big hits, all in polished 1080p or 4K with reliable dubs. If you want anime alongside mainstream movies and shows, Netflix covers both effortlessly.

Features:

• Exclusive Anime Originals: Netflix produces and licenses standout originals you cannot stream elsewhere, from Devil May Cry to Cyberpunk Edgerunners, often with unusually generous production budgets.
• High-Quality Playback: Depending on your plan, titles stream in crisp 1080p or 4K HDR with strong audio, a noticeable upgrade over any pirate anime site.
• Reliable Dubs: Most licensed and original anime include professional English dubs and subtitles, so both dub and sub fans are comfortably covered on one account.
• Everything In One App: Beyond anime, you get films, series, and documentaries, meaning a single subscription entertains an entire household rather than only the anime viewers.
• Rock-Solid Uptime: As a major platform, Netflix almost never goes down, eliminating the dead links and sudden shutdowns that plagued 9Anime and its clones.
• Firestick Optimized: The Fire TV app is fast and remote-friendly, with profiles, downloads, and smart recommendations that surface anime you are likely to enjoy next.
• Offline Downloads: Every plan lets you download titles to watch offline, so I load up episodes before travel and keep watching without any connection.

Pros	Cons
✅ Exclusive anime originals	❌ Anime catalog is limited
✅ 4K on premium plans	❌ No simulcasts
✅ Reliable dubs and subs	❌ Pricier 4K tier
✅ All-in-one library	❌ Titles come and go
✅ Excellent uptime
✅ Offline downloads

Pricing:

• Standard with Ads: $8.99/month
• Standard: $19.99/month
• Premium (4K): $26.99/month

Link: netflix.com

8) Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video is an easy pick if you already shop with Prime, and I often watch anime there without a second subscription. It hosts licensed series, occasional exclusive simulcasts, and add-on channels, all within an app already built into most Firesticks. For a mixed household, it blends anime with mainstream entertainment at a reasonable price.

Features:

• Built-In on Firestick: Prime Video comes preinstalled on Fire TV devices, so there is nothing to sideload, and it launches instantly from the home screen.
• Licensed Anime Library: You get a rotating selection of popular series and films, plus occasional exclusive simulcasts, covering both new seasonal hits and older established classics.
• Add-On Channels: Optional anime channels like Crunchyroll can be attached directly to your account, consolidating billing and playback inside one familiar interface.
• Included With Prime: If you already pay for Amazon Prime, video streaming is bundled at no extra charge, effectively making the anime you watch feel free.
• Quality Streaming: Most titles play in 1080p or 4K with dubs and subtitles, and X-Ray overlays add cast and trivia details while you watch.
• Offline Viewing: The app supports downloads on mobile devices, so you can save episodes for trips and keep watching without relying on Wi-Fi.
• Household Sharing: Prime benefits and profiles extend across a household, letting family members keep separate watchlists while sharing a single subscription cost.

Pros	Cons
✅ Preinstalled on Firestick	❌ Thin native anime catalog
✅ Bundled with Prime	❌ Best titles need add-ons
✅ Anime add-on channels	❌ Catalog rotates
✅ 4K on many titles	❌ Ads without upgrade
✅ Offline downloads
✅ Household sharing

Pricing:

• Prime Video standalone: $8.99/month
• Full Amazon Prime: $14.99/month or $139/year
• Ad-free add-on: +$4.99/month

Link: primevideo.com

9) Pluto TV

Pluto TV brings back the lean-back TV feel, and I leave its anime channels running when I do not want to pick a title. Owned by Paramount, it streams free, ad-supported live channels dedicated to anime, plus an on-demand section, with no signup at all. It is a relaxed, completely free way to keep anime playing.

Features:

• Free Live Anime Channels: Dedicated 24/7 channels stream anime nonstop, so you can lean back and watch curated blocks without choosing individual episodes yourself.
• Zero Signup: The service is entirely free and requires no account, letting you launch the app and start watching within seconds on any Firestick.
• On-Demand Section: Alongside live channels, an on-demand library lets you pick specific anime movies and series whenever you want more control over playback.
• Paramount-Backed: As a legitimate Paramount service, everything is licensed and safe, with none of the malware or legal worries tied to old pirate streams.
• Lightweight App: The Fire TV app is small and quick, running smoothly even on older Firestick models where heavier streaming apps sometimes struggle to keep up.
• Constantly Refreshed: Channel lineups and on-demand titles rotate regularly, so the free anime selection stays varied instead of looping the same handful of shows.
• Cross-Platform: Pluto TV works across phones, browsers, and smart TVs, and I can start a channel on one device and pick it up on another.

Pros	Cons
✅ Free live anime channels	❌ Ads are unavoidable
✅ No signup or account	❌ Limited on-demand control
✅ On-demand library too	❌ No simulcasts
✅ Fully licensed and safe	❌ Modest catalog
✅ Runs on old Firesticks
✅ Regularly refreshed

Pricing:

• Price: Free (ad-supported)

Link: pluto.tv

10) Plex

Plex is the flexible option I use to combine free streaming with my own media library. Its free, ad-supported movies and shows include a growing anime selection, and the same app organizes any files you own. For Firestick users who want free legal anime plus a personal media hub, Plex quietly does both jobs well.

Features:

• Free Ad-Supported Anime: Plex streams a rotating library of free movies and series, including anime, funded by light ads with no subscription required to watch.
• Personal Media Server: The same app can stream your own ripped or downloaded files from a home computer, unifying free content and personal media in one place.
• Clean Universal App: Plex runs on Firestick, phones, browsers, and consoles, with a polished interface that keeps free content and your library neatly organized.
• Live TV Channels: Free ad-supported live channels add another layer of no-cost viewing, some featuring anime and Asian content alongside general entertainment.
• Smart Organization: Automatic metadata, artwork, and recommendations make browsing both the free catalog and your own collection feel like a premium service.
• Optional Plex Pass: A paid upgrade unlocks extras like downloads and skip-intro, but the free tier already covers streaming, and I rarely feel pushed to pay.
• Multi-User Profiles: Separate profiles let household members keep their own watch history and libraries, so everyone gets tailored recommendations from one shared setup.

Pros	Cons
✅ Free legal streaming	❌ Limited anime catalog
✅ Doubles as media server	❌ Server setup for own files
✅ Works on all devices	❌ Ads on free tier
✅ Free live TV channels	❌ Interface can overwhelm
✅ Great organization
✅ Optional paid extras

Pricing:

• Price: Free (Plex Pass optional)

Link: plex.tv

How to Watch 9Anime Alternatives on Firestick

Setting up any of these legal apps on your Fire TV Stick takes only a few minutes, and most install straight from the Amazon Appstore with no sideloading required. For the two YouTube channels, you simply use the built-in YouTube app. Here is the quick path I follow to get streaming on a fresh Firestick.

• From the Appstore: Open the Find or search bar on your Firestick, type an app name like Crunchyroll or Tubi, select it, and click Get to install.
• Sign In or Skip: Launch the app, then sign in for paid services or start watching immediately on free ones like Tubi, Pluto TV, and RetroCrush.
• YouTube Channels: For Ani-One and Muse Asia, open the YouTube app, search the channel name, subscribe, and play episodes directly with no extra setup needed.
• Add a VPN: Install a reputable VPN first if you want privacy or a different region, then connect before opening region-limited channels for fuller access.

How I Ranked These Anime Alternatives

Rather than copying another list, I judged every platform on what actually matters after 9Anime disappeared: is it legal, does it stay online, and does it deliver anime worth watching? I weighed catalog depth, simulcast speed, subtitle and dub quality, price, and how well each app runs on a Firestick specifically.

• Legality and Safety: Every pick is a licensed, malware-free service, because the whole point of leaving 9Anime is escaping pop-ups, trackers, and real legal risk.
• Catalog and Simulcasts: I favored platforms with deep libraries or fast simulcasts, since a safe app is useless if it never has the shows you actually want.
• Price and Value: Free services scored well for accessibility, while paid ones had to justify their cost with catalog size, dubs, or exclusive originals.
• Firestick Experience: Apps that install easily and run smoothly with a remote ranked higher, because most readers here stream primarily on Fire TV devices.

Free vs Paid 9Anime Alternatives: Which Should You Pick?

The honest answer depends on how much anime you watch and how much you care about new releases. Free platforms like Tubi, RetroCrush, Pluto TV, Plex, and the YouTube channels cost nothing and are perfectly safe, but they lack current simulcasts. Paid services unlock same-week episodes and dubs; if you prefer free apps, our guide to the best CloudStream extensions covers another route.

• Choose Free If: You mainly watch older or classic anime, do not mind ads, and want zero cost with no commitment or account required to start.
• Choose Paid If: You follow new seasonal releases, want fast simulcasts and quality dubs, and value an ad-free experience across several devices at once.
• Best Free Combo: Pair Tubi or Pluto TV with Ani-One and Muse Asia to cover classics, on-demand, and current simulcasts entirely for free.
• Best Paid Combo: Crunchyroll plus HIDIVE together cover nearly every new and niche title, and cost less than most single premium video subscriptions.

Do You Need a VPN for These Anime Platforms?

Because every service here is legal, you do not need a VPN for safety the way you did with 9Anime clones. However, a VPN still helps in two real situations: unlocking region-locked catalogs and keeping your streaming private on shared or public networks. It is optional, not mandatory, but many anime fans keep one running for the extra flexibility.

• Unlock Regional Titles: Some anime is licensed only in certain countries, so a VPN lets you switch regions to reach shows missing from your local catalog.
• YouTube Channel Access: Ani-One and Muse Asia restrict some videos by territory, and matching your region with a VPN often restores full episode availability.
• Privacy on Public WiFi: A VPN encrypts your connection, protecting your streaming activity when you watch on hotel, cafe, or other shared public networks.
• Choose a Reliable Provider: Stick to a reputable paid VPN with fast servers, since free VPNs often throttle speeds and struggle with HD anime streaming.

Are These 9Anime Alternatives Legal and Safe?

Yes, and that is the entire point of this list. Unlike 9Anime, Aniwave, and their endless clones, every platform here holds proper licenses to stream the anime it offers. That means no malicious pop-ups, no legal grey area, and no sudden domain shutdowns. You trade a little cost or a few ads for genuine peace of mind.

• Fully Licensed Content: Each service pays for the rights to stream its anime, so you are watching legally rather than risking copyright complications yourself.
• No Malware Risk: Official apps from the Amazon Appstore and YouTube contain no sketchy redirects or hidden downloads that plagued old pirate anime sites.
• Stable and Reliable: Licensed platforms do not vanish overnight, so your watchlist and progress stay intact instead of disappearing with a seized domain.
• Safer for Everyone: With parental controls and clean interfaces, these services are far more suitable for families and younger anime fans than pirate mirrors.

Verdict:

After testing all ten, the best 9Anime alternative depends on your budget, but three stand out. For most fans who want current anime safely, these give you the biggest catalogs and the smoothest Firestick experience with the least hassle.

• Crunchyroll: The most complete anime service, with huge simulcasts, both subs and dubs, and manga on its top tiers.
• HIDIVE: The best-value companion, unbeatable for fast dubs, uncensored cuts, and niche titles others skip.
• Tubi: The top free pick, streaming a solid legal anime library with no signup or subscription at all.

FAQs

What is the best 9Anime alternative in 2026?

Crunchyroll is the best overall 9Anime alternative because it offers the largest legal anime library and the fastest simulcasts. If you want a free option, Tubi and Pluto TV are the strongest safe choices.

Are there any free 9Anime alternatives?

Yes. Tubi, RetroCrush, Pluto TV, and Plex all stream anime completely free and legally with ads, while the Ani-One Asia and Muse Asia YouTube channels offer free seasonal simulcasts.

Why did 9Anime and Aniwave shut down?

9Anime, later renamed Aniwave, faced ongoing legal pressure from anime rights holders and repeated domain seizures. Like most pirate sites, it eventually closed, pushing viewers toward the safer licensed platforms listed above.

Can I watch these anime apps on Firestick?

Absolutely. Crunchyroll, HIDIVE, Tubi, RetroCrush, Netflix, Prime Video, Pluto TV, and Plex all have Fire TV apps, and the two YouTube channels play through the built-in Firestick YouTube app. For movies too, see our 123Movies alternatives.

Do I need a VPN for legal anime streaming?

No, a VPN is not required because these services are legal and safe. It only helps if you want to unlock region-locked titles or keep your streaming private on public networks.