Top 9Anime Alternatives 2025: The Ultimate Guide for Anime Streaming Fans
With the closure of 9Anime and AniWave, the anime streaming landscape has changed forever. But don't worry—this guide reveals the best 9anime alternatives for 2025! Whether you seek free streaming, legal options, or unique anime features, we've got you covered. Dive in and discover your next favorite anime destination!
What Was 9Anime and Why Did It Shut Down?
9Anime was a legendary anime streaming site, beloved for its huge library, fast episode updates, and crisp HD streams—entirely for free! In 2024, however, legal action by the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) and Vietnamese authorities forced AniWave (the 9Anime successor) offline. The shutdown left millions searching for new ways to watch their favorite shows.
- Peak popularity: Over 170 million monthly visits before shutdown
- Reason for closure: Copyright enforcement and anti-piracy efforts
- Official message: AniWave’s admins encouraged fans to support legal streaming services
Is It Safe to Use 9Anime Mirrors or Unofficial Sites?
- Intrusive ads and pop-ups (potential malware risk)
- Unstable domains and frequent takedowns
- Possible legal risks depending on your country
Safety Tips:
- Use reputable ad-blockers and antivirus software
- Never download suspicious files or click on misleading ads
- Consider using a VPN for extra privacy
- Support legal platforms to help anime creators
Best 9Anime Alternatives in 2025
Here are the top alternatives to 9Anime, including both free and legal streaming sites. Each offers unique features, pros, and cons to help you find the perfect fit.
1. Miruro Multi-Language
- Ads: Yes
- Login: Optional
- Video Quality: No manual selection
- Subtitles: English, French, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, Arabic
Miruro stands out for its weekly anime schedule, automatic intro/outro skipping, and a massive library with multi-language subtitles. The clean interface and genre browsing make it easy to discover new shows. However, expect frequent ads and redirects.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extensive anime catalog, multi-language subs, auto-skip features | Ads and redirects, no manual video quality option |
2. 9Anime Mirrors Classic Experience
- Ads: Yes
- Login: Optional
- Video Quality: 360p–1080p
- Subtitles: English
Various 9Anime mirror sites still operate, offering the classic 9Anime experience: high-quality streams, auto-skip intro, and auto-next episode. Beware of fake clones and excessive ads.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Familiar interface, high-quality streams, auto features | Ads, redirects, only English subs, legal risk |
3. Animension Ad-Free
- Ads: Minimal/None (on official sources)
- Login: Optional
- Video Quality: 360p–1080p
- Subtitles: English
Animension offers a clean, ad-free interface, auto-next, and download options for offline viewing. Official sources may require payment, but unofficial ones can be slower and ad-supported.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ad-free UI, offline downloads, bookmarks | Official sources may charge, unofficial sources slower |
4. HiAnime No Ads
- Ads: None
- Login: Optional
- Video Quality: 360p–1080p
- Subtitles: English, Portuguese, Spanish
HiAnime is a top choice for ad-free, uninterrupted anime streaming. Features include auto-play, intro skipping, customizable subs, and a large library of dubbed/subbed anime. Requires login for watchlist and comments.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ad-free, auto features, multi-language subs | Login needed for some features, no offline downloads |
5. Aniwatch HD Downloads
- Ads: None
- Login: Optional
- Video Quality: 360p–1080p
- Subtitles: English
Aniwatch is great for fast, free streaming and HD downloads without registration. The interface is clean and mobile-friendly. Only English dubs are available, and commenting/watchlist require an account.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free HD downloads, fast, clean UI | English only, account needed for some features |
6. Chia-Anime Community
- Ads: None
- Login: Optional
- Video Quality: Fixed/Low
- Subtitles: English
Chia-Anime provides a weekly update schedule, bookmarking, and a commenting community. The site is free from pop-up ads but lacks video quality controls and sometimes has missing sources.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free, bookmarks, community comments | Low/fixed video quality, missing sources |
7. Crunchyroll Official
- Ads: Free with ads, premium ad-free
- Login: Optional
- Video Quality: 360p–1080p
- Subtitles: Multiple languages
Crunchyroll is the gold standard for legal anime streaming. It offers simulcasts, high-quality streams, multiple subtitle languages, and a 7-day free trial. Ad-free viewing requires a subscription.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Legal, safe, HD quality, simulcasts, multi-language subs | Subscription needed for ad-free, some region restrictions |
Other Notable 9Anime Alternatives
- Funimation – Extensive dubbed anime, legal, premium option
- Anime-Planet – Free legal streaming in partnership with Crunchyroll
- GoGoAnime – Free, large library, unofficial
- VRV – Bundles Crunchyroll, HiDive, and more
How to Choose the Best Anime Streaming Site for You
- Legal vs. Free: Legal sites like Crunchyroll and Funimation support creators and offer better safety. Free sites may have more ads and legal risks.
- Subtitles & Dubs: Check if your preferred language is available.
- Video Quality: Look for 720p/1080p options for the best experience.
- Features: Auto-play, intro skipping, bookmarks, downloads, and community features can enhance your experience.
- Device Compatibility: Ensure the site works well on your devices (mobile, tablet, desktop, smart TV).
How to Stay Safe While Streaming Anime Online
- Use trusted sites with a good reputation.
- Install ad-blockers and keep antivirus software updated.
- Never enter personal or payment info on unofficial sites.
- Consider a VPN for privacy, especially on free sites.
- Support legal platforms when possible to help the anime industry thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best alternative to 9Anime?
Crunchyroll is the best legal alternative, offering simulcasts, HD quality, and a vast catalog. For free, ad-free streaming, HiAnime and Aniwatch are top picks.
Why is 9Anime not working?
9Anime may be down due to server issues, domain changes, ISP blocks, or legal takedowns. Try searching for official mirrors or consider alternatives listed above.
Is it legal to use these anime streaming sites?
Legal sites like Crunchyroll and Funimation are safe and fully licensed. Unofficial sites may violate copyright laws depending on your country. Always check local regulations.
Do these sites offer English subtitles?
Yes, most sites provide English subs. Legal platforms often have higher quality and more subtitle options.
Can I download episodes for offline viewing?
Legal platforms like Crunchyroll and Funimation allow downloads for premium users. Some free sites offer downloads, but be cautious of malware and copyright issues.
Are there risks to using free anime streaming sites?
Risks include ads, malware, legal issues, and unstable access. Use ad-blockers, antivirus, and avoid sharing personal info.
How can I support the anime industry?
Subscribe to legal streaming services, buy official merchandise, and share your favorite shows to help creators and studios.