9Anime is the perfect option for anime fans seeking for the latest movies and shows. It has become the most used website with an appealing layout, less buffering, subbed and dubbed titles of all genres. 9anime provides an experience that’s comparable to, and sometimes better than, some paid-for streaming services.
Unfortunately, users have convenience with concerns. While there are multiple concerns, including shady advertisements, the possible introduction of malware, and copyright concerns, it’s important for users to recognize it could be perilous when using 9anime. Let’s explore risks of using 9Anime, highlighting top legit anime alternatives, and how to use them safely with PureVPN.
Is 9Anime Safe?
9Anime offers free anime access, but it has some potential risks. The site displays aggressive ads that may contain malware links. There is also the legal grey area because it is not a licensed website. Using the site without protection like VPN/ad-blocker, may introduce a security threat and privacy issue.
Comparison of the Best 10 9Anime Alternatives
The chart below compares the best legal streaming platforms for anime watchers, who want a legal, safe, and stable experience. It takes into account what you want to watch, how you want to watch, and ebook availability or not in your region.
| Platform | Best For | Pros | Cons |
| Crunchyroll | Simulcasts and subbed anime | Largest library, free, simulcast in an hour | Ads with free tier, content locked behind paywall |
| Funimation | English-dubbed anime | User friendly, offline downloads, fast English dubs | Smaller catalog, being phased in Crunchyroll |
| Netflix | Popular & Original anime | Free of ads, live-active adaptations, anime originals | Limited content, no simulcasts |
| HIDIVE | Niche & Exclusive seasonal title | Budget friendly, unique titles, uncensored versions | Basic UI, limited and less-known titles |
| Amazon Prime Video | Casual anime watchers | High quality, no extra charges for Prime members | No simulcasts, limited anime catalog |
| Anime-Planet | Free legal streaming | Custom watchlist, legal content via Crunchyroll integration | Dependent on Crunchyroll, outdated interface |
| AnimeLab | Australian/NZ viewers | Fast, high-quality, localized content | Small library, regionally restricted |
| RetroCrush | Classic anime | Free, rare-retro anime titles | No new content, slow ads |
| YouTube (Official Channels) | Free legal streaming | Legit, free, easy access, few new episodes simulcasts | Limited library, regional restrictions |
| Tubi/Pluto TV | Free anime with ads | Free legal anime, no sign up | Frequent ads, random selection |
10 Best 9Anime Alternatives to Use with a VPN
While 9Anime may come with potential risks, these are the legit and secure 9Anime alternatives. Choose according to your content preferences or that fits your budget. To prevent exposure of your device to any malware, or be a part of violation of any laws, enhanced privacy protection, and bypass regional restrictions, use a trusted VPN like PureVPN with these alternatives.
Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is the biggest anime streaming service in the world, with more than 1,200 titles, including simulcasts from Japan, if you’re a fan of subbed anime.
Subscription Plans
- Fan Plan: $7.99/month
- Mega Fan: $9.99/month (offline viewing + 4 devices)
- Ultimate Fan: $14.99/month (more perks + merch discounts)
Pros
- Free tier ad service
- Premium version provides HD, air’s one hour after Japan, and offline mobile downloads.
Cons
- Free tier includes no new episodes.
- Paywall locks most desirable content.
Funimation
While Funimation was well-known for its fast English dubs and classic titles, it was previously a great service for dub fans prior to its merger with Crunchyroll. Some regions may still have it. Dedicated to dubbed anime with next-day simul-dubs.
Subscription Plans
- Premium: $5.99/month (2 streams)
- Premium Plus: $7.99/month (5 streams + offline)
- Premium Plus Ultra: $99.99/year
Pros
- It is a good service for fans of English dubs.
- Accessible on PC, mobile, and tv apps
Cons
- Limited content library in comparison to Crunchyroll
- Requires premium for HD screening
Netflix
Shows an extensive selection of mainstream anime series like One Piece, Demon Slayer, and Castlevania, as well as originals and live-action adaptations. Legitimately licensed anime such as Demon Slayer, Vinland Saga, Spy x Family.
Subscription Plans
- Standard with Ads: $6.99/month
- Standard (2 devices): $15.49/month
- Premium (4K, 4 devices): $22.99/month
Pros
- No ads and supports HD and 4K
- It has live-action adaptations too
Cons
- Limited library and no simulcasts
- Must have a standard streaming plan or above
HIDIVE
An emerging service that focuses on exclusives, seasonal anime, quirky genres, and uncut versions—great for serious fans looking for something back or different. Specialty titles and exclusive licence such as Made in Abyss.
Subscription Plans
- Monthly: $4.99/month
- Annual: $47.99/year
Pros
- Many different language lines
- Budget friendly $4.99/month
Cons
- Overall limited library
- Feels like user interface is less polished
Amazon Prime Video
Hosts well-known shows like Vinland Saga, Dororo, and Great Pretender as part of its general entertainment library.
Subscription Plans
- Included with Amazon Prime: $14.99/month or $139/year
- Student Plan: $7.49/month
Pros
- No additional costs to Prime members
- Supports offline downloads
Cons
- No simulcast
- Anime is a small chunk of their library.
Anime-Planet
Interesting combination of a free legal streaming site through their sharing of content from Crunchyroll, along with community features such as watchlists, user-generated reviews, and manga recommendations.
Subscription Plan
- Free (powered by Crunchyroll integration)
Pros
- Legit
- Community driven reviews and ratings
Cons
- Old user interface
- Streaming redirected to Crunchyroll
AnimeLab
A regional platform with simulcasts and archives from Funimation and others in HD with stable performance and mobile capabilities. Provides HD streams of archive and recent titles. Limited within Australia/New Zealand.
Subscription Plans
- Free (with ads, limited access)
- Premium: $7.95/month or $79.50/year
Pros
- Fast and high quality with local servers
- Offline viewing with affordable prices
Cons
- Smaller content available
- Regionally limited outside Australia/NewZealand
RetroCrush
A scenery for vintage anime enthusiasts, with 60s–2000s classics like City Hunter and Astro Boy. Free as a bird.
Subscription Plans
- Free (with ads)
- Premium (ad-free, early access): $4.99/month
Pros
- Totally free with ad-supported viewing
- Concentrating on hard-find classic titles
Cons
- No recent hits or simulcast content
- Ads sometimes load slow
YouTube (Official Channels)
There are Channels like Muse Asia, Ani-One Asia, and Toei Animation all legally uploading anime episodes for free which is great for people in Southeast Asia.
Subscription Plans
- Free (ad-supported)
- YouTube Premium (ad-free + offline): $13.99/month
Pros
- Legit, free, and high quality
- Few channels simulcast new episodes
Cons
- Ads present according to regions
- Offer limited series, article-wise
Tubi/Pluto TV
These platforms have advertising, and they’re rotating the anime selection freely and without having to create an account, from Naruto to Fist of the North Star. Both platforms offer free anime sections.
Subscription Plan
- Completely free
Pros
- Sign-up not required
- Rotating libraries completely free
Cons
- Random and limited content
- Frequent ads
How to Use 9Anime Alternatives Securely with a VPN?
Here are five essential safeguards when you choose to use unofficial streaming services:
- Make sure to use a reliable VPN like PureVPN to hide your real IP address, traffic encryption, and bypass ISP tracking.
- Download robust ad-blockers like uBlock Origin or AdGuard for blocking overlay malware.
- Use antivirus softwares to be always on-protection.
- Use incognito modes and never share your financial info on these sites.
- Only watch unlicensed streams in a disposable VM or sandbox browser without any sensitive information.
Conclusion
9Anime alternative sites may feel convenient, but in reality, there are serious risks, both legally and security-wise. If you truly want to stream safely, you should consider licensed sources, such as the ones above, like Crunchyroll, Funimation, or Netflix. These are safe options to use along with simple measures like trusted PureVPN, ad-blockers, if you venture onto unofficial sites. Ultimately, protecting your device and supporting the creators is better than free streaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, fake download buttons or malicious redirects on 9Anime can expose your device to malware.
Yes, a reliable VPN like PureVPN encrypts your traffic, hides your IP, and helps avoid ISP throttling or surveillance.
Yes, 9Anime is blocked in several countries. Use PureVPN to bypass geo-restrictions and regain access.
Yes, without a VPN, your ISP or third parties can monitor your streaming habits on 9Anime.
PureVPN encrypts your data, hides your location, and blocks malicious domains to protect you while browsing 9Anime.
No account is required to stream, but fake sign-up prompts could be phishing traps.
Related Posts
