AnimeFreak was once a fan favorite, boasting an extensive library of dubbed and subtitled anime. But it was never legal or truly safe. Shady ads, hidden trackers, and copyright takedowns eventually led AnimeFreak down the same path as many other free anime sites: unstable domains, frequent shutdowns, and numerous risks for viewers.
So, where should anime fans turn now?
We’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll explore the best 20+ AnimeFreak alternatives, highlight the dangers of using clone sites, and show you how to enjoy anime securely and without any region locks.
Is AnimeFreak Safe?
The platform was never truly safe. After repeated shutdowns, dozens of clone sites began appearing, many stuffed with intrusive pop-ups, hidden trackers, and even malware injections.
AnimeFreak never had streaming rights or licenses. That meant every episode you watched carried legal risks. Some of its clones even redirected users to shady third-party pages designed to harvest personal data. Without protection, your privacy and security were always at risk.
This is why using a VPN is critical, not just for bypassing geo-blocks, but also for encrypting your traffic and protecting your identity when browsing.
23 Best AnimeFreak Alternatives to Try With a VPN
It’s easy to believe some streaming sites are harmless, but the truth is, nothing online comes without risks. Your personal data and identity are valuable targets, and careless browsing can leave you exposed. The same applies to AnimeFreak alternatives, while they may feel convenient, they can also carry hidden dangers. That’s why staying cautious is key.
| Platform | Best For |
|---|---|
| Crunchyroll | Simulcasts and subbed anime fans |
| Funimation | English-dubbed anime |
| Netflix | Anime originals and mainstream hits |
| HIDIVE | Exclusive and niche titles |
| Amazon Prime Video | Casual anime watchers |
| Anime-Planet | Free legal anime with community features |
| AnimeLab | Viewers in Australia & New Zealand |
| RetroCrush | Classic anime fans |
| YouTube (Official Channels) | Free anime streaming via official uploads |
| Tubi & Pluto TV | Free anime without sign-ups |
| Hulu | Anime + mainstream TV shows |
| Disney+ | Anime-inspired originals and family content |
| VRV | Anime + geek culture content |
| Apple TV+ | Anime-inspired projects and originals |
| Ani-One Asia | Anime fans in Southeast Asia |
| Muse Asia | Free anime in South & Southeast Asia |
| Peacock | Anime + mainstream entertainment |
| AniPlus Asia | Simulcasts in Asia |
| MyAnimeList (MAL) TV | Anime + fan community |
| Plex | Free streaming on all devices |
| CONtv Anime | Cult classics and niche anime |
| AsianCrush | Anime + Asian dramas |
| Apple TV+ | Anime-inspired projects and originals |
1. Crunchyroll
Subscription: Free (ads) or Premium from $7.99/month
Best For: Simulcasts and subbed anime fans
Crunchyroll is the king of AnimeFreak alternatives. With the largest anime catalog worldwide, it simulcasts episodes within an hour of their Japanese release. From Demon Slayer and One Piece to Chainsaw Man and Spy x Family, its lineup covers nearly every big title. You can stream for free with ads, or go premium for HD, ad-free viewing, offline downloads, and multi-device support.
2. Funimation
Subscription: From $5.99/month
Best For: English-dubbed anime
If you’re more into dubs than subs, Funimation is your go-to. It’s famous for fast English dubs of hits like Fairy Tail, Black Clover, and Sword Art Online. While its library isn’t as massive as Crunchyroll’s (and is merging into it), Funimation is still a top pick in regions where it’s active. Perfect for fans who want polished English audio without waiting months.
3. Netflix
Subscription: From $6.99/month
Best For: Anime originals and mainstream hits
Netflix has become a serious player in the anime world. It mixes global hits like Death Note and Bleach with exclusives like Yasuke, Beastars, and Kakegurui. Plus, Netflix has invested in live-action adaptations such as Cowboy Bebop and One Piece. If you want anime alongside movies, series, and originals, Netflix is one of the best AnimeFreak alternatives.
4. HIDIVE
Subscription: $4.99/month
Best For: Exclusive and niche titles
HIDIVE is a hidden gem for anime fans. Known for unique exclusives, it features series like Akame ga Kill!, Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions, and The Executioner and Her Way of Life. It’s also popular for streaming uncensored versions of shows that are often edited elsewhere. Affordable and edgy, HIDIVE is perfect if you like exploring beyond the mainstream.
5. Amazon Prime Video
Subscription: Included with Amazon Prime ($14.99/month)
Best For: Casual anime watchers
If you’re already a Prime member, Amazon Prime Video has anime worth checking out. You’ll find titles like Banana Fish, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress, and Parasyte: The Maxim. While it doesn’t offer simulcasts, its catalog includes cult favorites and original exclusives. It’s great for casual fans who want anime bundled with TV shows, movies, and next-day delivery perks.
6. Anime-Planet
Subscription: Free
Best For: Free legal anime with community features
Anime-Planet is a free and legal AnimeFreak alternative. Partnered with Crunchyroll, it streams anime like Re:Zero, Toradora!, and Fruits Basket. Beyond streaming, it’s also a massive fan hub with manga recommendations, watchlists, and community reviews. If you want a safe, interactive experience, Anime-Planet offers both content and community.
7. AnimeLab
Subscription: Free (ads) or Premium at $7.95/month
Best For: Viewers in Australia & New Zealand
For fans in Australia and New Zealand, AnimeLab is a gem. Its catalog includes Erased, Assassination Classroom, and Noragami. The platform offers HD simulcasts shortly after Japan’s release, and premium adds offline downloads and ad-free streaming. While it’s geo-locked, PureVPN helps unlock AnimeLab from anywhere in the world.
8. RetroCrush
Subscription: Free (ads) or Premium at $4.99/month
Best For: Classic anime fans
RetroCrush is built for anime nostalgia. If you love classics from the 70s through 2000s, you’ll find gems like Revolutionary Girl Utena, Urusei Yatsura, and Lupin III. It may not host the latest releases, but it’s a treasure chest of retro anime you can’t easily find elsewhere. Free with ads or super cheap with premium, it’s perfect for old-school fans.
9. YouTube (Official Channels)
Subscription: Free (ads) or YouTube Premium at $13.99/month
Best For: Free anime streaming via official uploads
Believe it or not, YouTube is one of the safest AnimeFreak alternatives. Official channels like Ani-One, Muse Asia, and GundamInfo legally upload anime for free. You can watch titles like Sailor Moon Crystal, Mobile Suit Gundam, and Psycho-Pass. While some channels are region-locked, a VPN can help you unlock them globally.
10. Tubi & Pluto TV
Subscription: Free
Best For: Free anime without sign-ups
Tubi and Pluto TV are goldmines for free anime. These ad-supported platforms offer rotating catalogs with shows like Yu Yu Hakusho, Fist of the North Star, and Samurai 7. They don’t require sign-ups, making them super convenient. If you’re after safe, free alternatives to AnimeFreak, these platforms are hard to beat.
11. Hulu
Subscription: From $7.99/month
Best For: Anime + mainstream TV shows
Hulu combines anime with mainstream TV. Its catalog includes Tokyo Revengers, Dr. Stone, and Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War. For U.S. audiences, it’s one of the best AnimeFreak alternatives since you get anime alongside popular series, movies, and live sports. It’s a solid all-in-one option.
12. Disney+
Subscription: From $7.99/month
Best For: Anime-inspired originals and family content
Disney+ is slowly making space for anime-inspired shows. It’s home to Star Wars: Visions, exclusive Studio Ghibli content in some regions, and original projects like Twisted Wonderland. While it’s not anime-heavy yet, it’s a safe choice for fans who want family-friendly anime alongside Marvel and Pixar hits.
13. VRV
Subscription: $9.99/month
Best For: Anime + geek culture content
VRV is a bundle for anime and geek culture. It includes Crunchyroll, HIDIVE, and other niche channels under one plan. That means you can enjoy JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Made in Abyss, and indie cartoons all in one place. If you like anime but also dabble in comics, gaming, and fandom culture, VRV is perfect.
14. Apple TV+
Subscription: $9.99/month
Best For: Anime-inspired projects and originals
Apple TV+ isn’t anime-first, but it has dabbled in anime-inspired projects and exclusive animations. While not a leading AnimeFreak alternative yet, it’s worth watching as Apple continues expanding into global entertainment.
15. Ani-One Asia
Subscription: Free (ads) or Paid Membership (varies)
Best For: Anime fans in Southeast Asia
Ani-One Asia is a top AnimeFreak alternative in Southeast Asia. It simulcasts popular shows like Spy x Family, Fire Force, and Dr. Ramune. Available on YouTube and its app, Ani-One Asia offers both free ad-supported streams and premium memberships. With a VPN, you can bypass regional barriers to watch anywhere.
16. Muse Asia
Subscription: Free (ads)
Best For: Free anime in South & Southeast Asia
Muse Asia is another great free anime option. It offers series like Fairy Gone, Black Clover, and The God of High School on its official YouTube channel. While restricted to South and Southeast Asia, VPN access makes it available worldwide. For free, legal anime, Muse Asia is a must-try.
17. PeacockTV
Subscription: $5.99/month
Best For: Anime + mainstream entertainment
Peacock may not scream anime, but it has some gems. You’ll find Pokémon Journeys, Beyblade Burst, and Yu-Gi-Oh! alongside NBC classics like The Office. If you already subscribe, it’s a handy way to get a little anime on the side.
18. AniPlus Asia
Subscription: Premium (varies by region)
Best For: Simulcasts in Asia
AniPlus Asia delivers fresh simulcasts across Asia. Its catalog includes Attack on Titan Final Season, KonoSuba, and The Ancient Magus’ Bride. While it’s region-locked to places like Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea, a VPN makes it accessible from anywhere.
19. MyAnimeList (MAL) TV
Subscription: Free (ads) or Premium
Best For: Anime + fan community
MyAnimeList isn’t just a database, it streams too. Through partnerships with Crunchyroll and HIDIVE, you can watch titles like Clannad, Steins;Gate, and Monster. Plus, you can track your progress, join forums, and browse recommendations all in one place.
20. Plex
Subscription: Free (ads) or Premium $4.99/month
Best For: Free streaming on all devices
Plex is expanding its free anime catalog fast. Expect classics like Lupin the Third, cult hits, and a mix of dubbed and subbed content. Since it also offers movies, TV, and live channels, Plex is a great AnimeFreak alternative for those who like variety without subscriptions.
21. CONtv Anime
Subscription: Free (ads) or Premium
Best For: Cult classics and niche anime
CONtv Anime is for fans who love niche and cult classics. You’ll find shows like Galaxy Express 999, Street Fighter II V, and other lesser-known gems. It’s free with ads and a nice way to discover anime you won’t see on mainstream platforms.
22. AsianCrush
Subscription: Free (ads) or Premium $4.99/month
Best For: Anime + Asian dramas
AsianCrush mixes anime with Asian dramas and films. Its anime section includes series like Arjuna, Astro Boy, and Street Fighter Alpha. If you want variety alongside your anime, it’s one of the more unique AnimeFreak alternatives out there.
23. Apple TV+
Subscription: $9.99/month
Best For: Anime-inspired projects and originals
Apple TV+ may not be an anime-first platform, but it’s steadily branching into anime-inspired content and unique exclusives. Titles like Invasion, Central Park, and Wolfwalkers show Apple’s growing interest in animation and global storytelling. While its anime catalog is limited compared to Crunchyroll or Netflix, Apple TV+ is positioning itself as a platform for high-quality originals. As Apple continues to expand into international entertainment, it’s an AnimeFreak alternative worth watching for future anime-inspired projects.
Why Using a VPN is Essential to Watch Free Streaming Platforms Securely
Free anime streaming sites may look harmless, but many hide trackers, malware, and risky redirects that can expose your identity. Hackers and ISPs can easily monitor your activity, leaving your personal data vulnerable. With PureVPN,
- Bypass geo-blocks to unlock region-exclusive anime catalogs
- Protect your privacy with encrypted traffic
- Avoid ISP throttling for smoother HD streaming
- Stay secure if you ever explore unofficial or clone sites
Conclusion
AnimeFreak might have been a favorite for free anime streams, but its unstable domains, shady ads, and legal issues make it unsafe today. By switching to trusted AnimeFreak alternatives, you can stream safely, support the creators, and enjoy high-quality anime anytime. Pair it with PureVPN, to explore region-blocked libraries, protect your privacy, and watch anime without interruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
AnimeFreak didn’t disappear by accident, it faced repeated copyright takedowns and domain bans, making it unstable and frustrating to access. In its place, dozens of clone sites popped up, but most are riddled with intrusive ads, trackers, or even malware.
PureVPN can hide your IP and encrypt your traffic, but it can’t fix the fact that AnimeFreak was never licensed. That means streaming there always carries legal and security risks. The smarter move is to switch to legal AnimeFreak alternatives that deliver safety and quality without worry.
Yes! Platforms like YouTube’s official anime channels (Muse Asia, Ani-One), Tubi, and Pluto TV offer legal, free streaming. The libraries aren’t as huge as Crunchyroll or Netflix, but they’re safe, ad-supported, and don’t require sign-ups.
Yes, if you go premium. Free services rely on ads, but platforms like Crunchyroll, HIDIVE, Funimation, and Netflix let you pay for ad-free HD streaming, plus extras like simulcasts and offline viewing.
For global fans, Crunchyroll, Netflix, HIDIVE, and Funimation are your best bets. And if you’re stuck in a region with restricted libraries, PureVPN helps bypass geo-blocks so you can access the shows you love from anywhere.
Yes. Premium services like Crunchyroll, Netflix, Funimation, and Amazon Prime Video let you download episodes for offline viewing, perfect for travel, commuting, or saving mobile data.
