AnimeDao became popular for its huge collection of dubbed and subbed anime, but it was never truly safe or legal. From shady ads and hidden trackers to constant copyright takedowns, it followed the same downfall as many other free anime sites, such as unstable domains, sudden shutdowns, and major privacy risks for viewers.
So, where should anime lovers stream now?
This guide explores 20+ trusted AnimeDao alternatives, highlights the dangers of fake or risky clone sites, and explains how to enjoy your favorite anime safely and without regional locks.
Is AnimeDao Safe?
AnimeDao was never truly secure, and after several shutdowns, a bunch of sketchy clone sites started appearing. Most of them are filled with annoying pop-ups, hidden trackers, and sometimes even malware.
Plus, AnimeDao never had official streaming rights. Every episode you watched came with legal risks, and some clones went a step further, redirecting people to shady pages designed to steal personal info. Without proper protection, your data and privacy are always at risk.
That’s exactly why using a VPN matters. A VPN not only lets you bypass geo-blocks but also encrypts your connection and hides your identity, giving you a safe, private way to stream anime without worry.
Best AnimeDao Alternatives to Try in 2025
| Platform | Cost | Best For | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crunchyroll | Free (ads) / From $7.99/month | Simulcasts & subbed anime | Largest anime library, fast simulcasts, HD, offline downloads |
| Funimation | From $5.99/month | English-dubbed anime | High-quality dubs, popular shonen titles |
| Netflix | From $6.99/month | Anime originals & mainstream hits | Exclusive anime, global access, originals & live-action |
| HIDIVE | $4.99/month | Exclusive & niche anime | Uncensored versions, rare titles |
| Amazon Prime Video | Included with Prime ($14.99/month) | Casual anime watchers | Anime + movies, TV shows, Prime benefits |
| Anime-Planet | Free | Free legal anime & community | Crunchyroll partnership, reviews, watchlists |
| AnimeLab | Free (ads) / $7.95/month | Australia & New Zealand viewers | HD simulcasts, offline viewing |
| RetroCrush | Free (ads) / $4.99/month | Classic anime | Retro titles from the ’70s–2000s |
| YouTube (Official Channels) | Free (ads) / $13.99/month | Legal free anime | Ani-One, Muse Asia, GundamInfo |
| Tubi & Pluto TV | Free | Free anime without sign-up | Ad-supported classics |
| Hulu | From $7.99/month | Anime + mainstream TV | Popular anime + live TV (US) |
| Disney+ | From $7.99/month | Anime-inspired originals | Star Wars: Visions, Ghibli (regions) |
| VRV | $9.99/month | Anime + geek culture | Crunchyroll, HIDIVE bundle |
| Apple TV+ | $9.99/month | Anime-inspired originals | High-quality global originals |
| Ani-One Asia | Free (ads) / Paid (varies) | Southeast Asia anime fans | Simulcasts via YouTube & app |
| Muse Asia | Free (ads) | Free anime in South & SE Asia | Legal YouTube streaming |
| Peacock | $5.99/month | Anime + mainstream content | Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh! |
| AniPlus Asia | Premium (varies by region) | Asian simulcasts | Latest anime releases |
| MyAnimeList (MAL) TV | Free (ads) / Premium | Anime + community | Streaming + tracking + forums |
| Plex | Free (ads) / $4.99/month | Free streaming on all devices | Anime, movies, live channels |
| CONtv Anime | Free (ads) / Premium | Cult & niche anime | Rare and classic titles |
| AsianCrush | Free (ads) / $4.99/month | Anime + Asian dramas | Anime, K-dramas, Asian films |
22 Best AnimeDao Alternatives to Try With a VPN
Your personal data and online identity are constant targets, and just one careless click can put you at risk. The same goes for many AnimeDao alternatives; they might look convenient, but plenty of them hide serious dangers beneath the surface. That’s why it’s crucial to stay alert and keep yourself anonymous with a VPN.
1. Crunchyroll
Subscription: Free (ads) or Premium from $7.99/month
Best For: Simulcasts and subbed anime fans
Crunchyroll is hands down the best AnimeDao alternative out there. It hosts the world’s largest anime library and even simulcasts new episodes just an hour after they air in Japan. From Demon Slayer and One Piece to Chainsaw Man and Spy x Family, it’s got all the fan favorites covered. You can stream for free with ads, or go premium for HD quality, ad-free viewing, offline downloads, and seamless access across all your devices.
2. Funimation
Subscription: From $5.99/month
Best For: English-dubbed anime
Prefer dubs over subs? Then Funimation is your go-to choice. Famous for its fast and high-quality English dubs of hits like Fairy Tail, Black Clover, and Sword Art Online, it lets you enjoy your favorite shows without the long wait. While its library isn’t as massive as Crunchyroll’s, and much of its content is gradually moving there, Funimation still shines in regions where it’s available, especially for fans who love crisp, well-done English voiceovers.
3. Netflix
Subscription: From $6.99/month
Best For: Anime originals and mainstream hits
Netflix has rapidly become a powerhouse in the anime world. Its library mixes timeless favorites like Death Note and Bleach with exclusive hits such as Yasuke, Beastars, and Kakegurui. Plus, Netflix keeps expanding its reach with ambitious live-action adaptations like Cowboy Bebop and One Piece. For viewers who want to enjoy anime alongside blockbuster movies, binge-worthy shows, and Netflix Originals — it’s easily one of the top AnimeDao alternatives.
4. HIDIVE
Subscription: $4.99/month
Best For: Exclusive and niche titles
HIDIVE is one of the anime world’s best-kept secrets. It’s loaded with exclusive titles like Akame ga Kill!, Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions, and The Executioner and Her Way of Life, perfect for fans who crave something off the beaten path. What really sets HIDIVE apart is its access to uncensored versions of shows that are usually toned down elsewhere. Affordable, daring, and refreshingly different, it’s the ideal choice for anime lovers who like to explore beyond the mainstream.
5. Amazon Prime Video
Subscription: Included with Amazon Prime ($14.99/month)
Best For: Casual anime watchers
If you’re already an Amazon Prime Video member, Prime Video gives you easy access to a surprisingly strong anime lineup. With titles like Banana Fish, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress, and Parasyte: The Maxim, it offers a mix of cult classics and exclusives worth watching. While it doesn’t feature simulcasts, Prime Video is perfect for casual fans who want to enjoy anime alongside movies, TV shows, and all the added benefits that come with a Prime membership.
6. Anime-Planet
Subscription: Free
Best For: Free legal anime with community features
Anime-Planet is a free, fully legal alternative to AnimeDao. In partnership with Crunchyroll, it lets you stream popular titles like Re:Zero, Toradora!, and Fruits Basket without any worries. But it’s more than just a streaming site, Anime-Planet doubles as a vibrant fan community where you can explore manga recommendations, build watchlists, and read reviews from fellow anime lovers. If you’re after a safe and social anime experience, this platform has you covered.
7. AnimeLab
Subscription: Free (ads) or Premium at $7.95/month
Best For: Viewers in Australia & New Zealand
For anime fans in Australia and New Zealand, AnimeLab is a real gem. It offers a strong lineup of hits like Erased, Assassination Classroom, and Noragami, with HD simulcasts arriving just hours after they air in Japan. A premium plan adds extra perks like ad-free viewing and offline downloads for on-the-go watching. Although AnimeLab is geo-restricted, you can easily unlock it from anywhere in the world with PureVPN.
8. RetroCrush
Subscription: Free (ads) or Premium at $4.99/month
Best For: Classic anime fans
RetroCrush is a paradise for classic anime lovers. Dedicated to hits from the ’70s through the 2000s, it revives timeless favorites like Revolutionary Girl Utena, Urusei Yatsura, and Lupin III. While it doesn’t offer new simulcasts, RetroCrush truly stands out as a vault of retro anime you won’t easily find elsewhere. You can stream for free with ads or upgrade to a low-cost premium plan for an ad-free, nostalgia-packed experience, perfect for old-school anime fans.
9. YouTube (Official Channels)
Subscription: Free (ads) or YouTube Premium at $13.99/month
Best For: Free anime streaming via official uploads
Surprisingly, YouTube is one of the safest and most accessible AnimeDao alternatives out there. Official channels like Ani-One, Muse Asia, and GundamInfo stream anime legally and for free. You can enjoy everything from timeless classics to modern favorites, including Sailor Moon Crystal, Mobile Suit Gundam, and Psycho-Pass. Some channels are region-restricted, but with a VPN, you can easily unlock their full libraries and watch from anywhere in the world.
10. Tubi & Pluto TV
Subscription: Free
Best For: Free anime without sign-ups
Tubi and Pluto TV are hidden gems when it comes to free anime streaming. These ad-supported platforms offer rotating collections packed with classics like Yu Yu Hakusho, Fist of the North Star, and Samurai 7. You don’t even need an account, just click play and start watching instantly. For anyone looking for safe, legal, and hassle-free AnimeDao alternatives, Tubi and Pluto TV are hard to top.
11. Hulu
Subscription: From $7.99/month
Best For: Anime + mainstream TV shows
Hulu brings anime and mainstream entertainment together in one seamless platform. Its anime lineup includes fan favorites like Tokyo Revengers, Dr. Stone, and Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War. For viewers in the U.S., Hulu stands out as one of the best AnimeDao alternatives, letting you enjoy top-tier anime, blockbuster movies, trending TV shows, and even live sports. It’s a true all-in-one streaming destination.
12. Disney+
Subscription: From $7.99/month
Best For: Anime-inspired originals and family content
Disney+ is steadily making its mark in the anime world. It features standout titles like Star Wars: Visions, exclusive Studio Ghibli content in certain regions, and originals such as Twisted Wonderland. While its anime catalog is still growing, Disney+ remains a safe, family-friendly option, ideal for fans who enjoy anime-inspired stories alongside Marvel, Pixar, and classic Disney favorites.
13. VRV
Subscription: $9.99/month
Best For: Anime + geek culture content
VRV is the perfect all-in-one hub for anime and geek culture fans. It brings together Crunchyroll, HIDIVE, and several niche channels under a single subscription, giving you access to favorites like JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Made in Abyss, and a range of indie animations. If you’re into more than just anime, from gaming and comics to pop culture fandoms, VRV is a must-try platform.
14. Apple TV+
Subscription: $9.99/month
Best For: Anime-inspired projects and originals
Apple TV+ isn’t a major anime platform yet, but it’s starting to explore the space with anime-inspired originals and high-quality animations. Titles like Drops of God, Invasion, Scavengers Reign, and Monarch: Legacy of Monsters showcase its growing interest in global storytelling. While it’s not among the top AnimeDao alternatives just yet, Apple TV+ is definitely one to watch as it continues expanding into the world of international and animated entertainment.
15. Ani-One Asia
Subscription: Free (ads) or Paid Membership (varies)
Best For: Anime fans in Southeast Asia
Ani-One Asia is one of the top AnimeDao alternatives for viewers across Southeast Asia. It simulcasts popular titles like Spy x Family, Fire Force, and Dr. Ramune, all available through its YouTube channel and dedicated app. You can watch for free with ads or go premium for added features and early access. Plus, with a VPN, you can easily bypass regional barriers and stream Ani-One Asia’s full catalog from anywhere in the world.
16. Muse Asia
Subscription: Free (ads)
Best For: Free anime in South & Southeast Asia
Muse Asia is another excellent free option for anime fans. Its official YouTube channel legally streams popular titles like Fairy Gone, Black Clover, and The God of High School, all completely free to watch. Although its content is limited to South and Southeast Asia, you can easily unlock it from anywhere with a VPN. If you’re looking for safe, legal, and high-quality anime streaming, Muse Asia is absolutely worth exploring.
17. Peacock
Subscription: $5.99/month
Best For: Anime + mainstream entertainment
Peacock TV might not be famous for anime, but it has a few hidden gems in its catalog. You’ll find titles like Pokémon Journeys, Beyblade Burst, and Yu-Gi-Oh! streaming alongside NBC favorites like The Office and Parks and Recreation. If you already have a subscription, Peacock offers a convenient way to mix a little anime into your everyday TV lineup.
18. AniPlus Asia
Subscription: Premium (varies by region)
Best For: Simulcasts in Asia
AniPlus Asia keeps anime fans informed about the latest simulcasts across the region. Its catalog includes popular titles like Attack on Titan: Final Season, KonoSuba, and The Ancient Magus’ Bride. While the platform is limited to regions like Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea, you can easily access AniPlus Asia from anywhere in the world by using a VPN.
19. MyAnimeList (MAL) TV
Subscription: Free (ads) or Premium
Best For: Anime + fan community
MyAnimeList isn’t just an anime database, it’s also a streaming hub. Through partnerships with Crunchyroll and HIDIVE, you can watch classics like Clannad, Steins;Gate, and Monster right on the platform. Beyond streaming, MyAnimeList helps you track your watchlist, join community discussions, and get personalized anime recommendations, making it a one-stop destination for every anime fan.
20. Plex
Subscription: Free (ads) or Premium $4.99/month
Best For: Free streaming on all devices
Plex is rapidly expanding its free anime collection, offering everything from timeless classics like Lupin the Third to cult favorites across genres. With a mix of dubbed and subbed options, there’s something for every type of anime fan. Plus, Plex goes beyond anime, featuring movies, TV shows, and live channels, making it a versatile and budget-friendly AnimeDao alternative for anyone who enjoys streaming variety without a subscription.
21. CONtv Anime
Subscription: Free (ads) or Premium
Best For: Cult classics and niche anime
CONtv Anime is a haven for fans of niche and cult classic anime. Its library includes gems like Galaxy Express 999, Street Fighter II V, and other hard-to-find favorites rarely available on mainstream platforms. It’s completely free with ads, making it a great way to discover and enjoy underrated anime treasures without spending a dime.
22. AsianCrush
Subscription: Free (ads) or Premium $4.99/month
Best For: Anime + Asian dramas
AsianCrush offers a refreshing mix of anime, Asian dramas, and films, perfect for viewers who enjoy a bit of everything. Its anime section includes timeless classics like Arjuna, Astro Boy, and Street Fighter Alpha, alongside a selection of newer titles and hidden gems. What makes AsianCrush stand out is its variety; you can seamlessly switch from watching a slice-of-life anime to a gripping Korean drama or a Japanese action film.
Why Using a VPN is Essential to Watch Free Streaming Platforms Securely
Free anime streaming sites might look harmless, but many of them secretly hide trackers, malware, and shady redirects that can compromise your privacy. Hackers and even your ISP can easily monitor your activity, putting your personal data and identity at risk. That’s where PureVPN makes a difference:
- Bypass geo-blocks to unlock region-exclusive anime catalogs
- Protect your privacy with military-grade encryption
- Prevent ISP throttling for smooth, buffer-free HD streaming
- Stay safe online, even if you accidentally visit an unofficial or clone site
With PureVPN, you can enjoy anime the way it’s meant to be, safely, privately, and without limits.
Conclusion
AnimeDao was once a go-to site for free anime streaming, but constant domain changes, intrusive pop-ups, and legal risks have made it unreliable and unsafe. The smarter move is to switch to trusted AnimeDao alternatives that offer secure, high-quality streaming while supporting the creators. Pair your favorite platform with PureVPN to unlock region-locked anime, stay anonymous online, and stream without buffering or privacy worries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Using a VPN is legal in many countries, but you still need to use it responsibly and stream from legitimate sources. A reliable VPN keeps your identity and data safe even if you land on the malware-filled anime websites.
Yes, many free anime sites embed trackers, pop-ups, or malicious redirects. You must always try to watch content through legal platforms, which might cost you a bit, but are secure.
Yes, without encryption, your traffic can be monitored. A VPN helps shield your online activity.
Most major anime platforms like Crunchyroll, HIDIVE, and Hulu support VPN access, to unlock region-exclusive titles. With a VPN like PureVPN, you can switch virtual locations to watch anime available only in Japan or the U.S. It also works for Ani-One Asia and Muse Asia, which are region-locked to Southeast Asia.
Yes, a good VPN can prevent ISP throttling, which may actually improve your streaming during peak hours.
Free VPNs often come with risks of limited speeds, hidden data logging, ads, or weaker encryption, and are risky for streaming. You must always use a premium and secure VPN.
A VPN protects your connection, data, and identity, which keeps you secure while you are accessing risky sites. Always be cautious about which sites you browse.
