If you’ve been streaming anime online, you must have heard of AniMixPlay. It became a fan favorite because of its clean design, easy navigation, and wide selection of subbed and dubbed anime. Many people loved it because it felt smooth and more user-friendly than other free anime websites.
But AniMixPlay wasn’t legal or licensed. Like other free anime streaming sites, it came with serious risks, such as shady ads and copyright issues, which resulted in its shutdown.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the risks of using AniMixPlay clone sites, list the 17 best AniMixPlay alternatives, and show you how to stream anime securely without compromising your privacy.
Is AniMixPlay Safe?
AniMixPlay may have appeared cleaner than most free anime sites, but it was never truly safe. Over time, multiple cloned versions of AniMixPlay started circulating online, many of which are loaded with intrusive ads or hidden trackers.
Plus, the platform was never licensed, meaning streaming on it always carried legal risks. Even when ads looked minimal, there was still a chance of malware injection or redirects to shady sites. Also, many clones are known to collect user data in the background, putting your information at risk if you browse without a VPN.
17 Best AniMixPlay Alternatives to Try With a VPN
It’s easy to assume some sites are safe, but online security is never guaranteed. Protecting your identity and personal data is essential to avoid exploitation. The same applies when exploring AniMixPlay alternatives; they can be convenient, but you should stay cautious. After all, your data is the new gold today!
1. Crunchyroll
Subscription: Free (ads) or Premium from $7.99/month
Best For: Simulcasts and subbed anime fans
Crunchyroll is hands-down the most popular AniMixPlay alternative. It has the largest anime library worldwide, with simulcasts available just one hour after airing in Japan. Popular shows include Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia, and Blue Lock. The free version has ads, but upgrading to premium unlocks HD, ad-free streaming, offline downloads, and access on multiple devices.
2. Funimation
Subscription: From $5.99/month
Best For: English-dubbed anime
If you prefer dubs over subs, Funimation is a great AniMixPlay alternative. It’s famous for next-day English dubs of big titles like Dragon Ball Super, One Piece, and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Although its library is smaller than Crunchyroll’s (and merging into it), Funimation remains a top choice in regions where it’s still active.
3. Netflix
Subscription: From $6.99/month
Best For: Anime originals and mainstream hits
Netflix has made big moves in anime, making it a strong AniMixPlay alternative. Its library blends mainstream hits like Naruto, Demon Slayer, and Hunter x Hunter with exclusives like Devilman Crybaby, Castlevania, and Spriggan. On top of that, Netflix produces live-action adaptations such as One Piece and Cowboy Bebop, making it ideal if you want variety beyond anime alone.
4. HIDIVE
Subscription: $4.99/month
Best For: Exclusive and niche titles
HIDIVE caters to hardcore anime fans who want something different. This AniMixPlay alternative hosts exclusives like Made in Abyss, Call of the Night, and Legend of the Galactic Heroes. It’s also known for uncensored versions of shows and budget-friendly pricing. While its library is smaller, it shines with unique, hard-to-find titles.
5. Amazon Prime Video
Subscription: Included with Amazon Prime ($14.99/month)
Best For: Casual anime watchers
Amazon Prime Video isn’t anime-focused, but it’s a reliable AniMixPlay alternative if you’re already a Prime member. You’ll find well-loved shows like Vinland Saga, Great Pretender, and Dororo. While it doesn’t offer simulcasts, it’s perfect for casual fans who want anime alongside movies and TV shows.
6. Anime-Planet
Subscription: Free
Best For: Free legal anime with community features
Anime-Planet is a free and legal AniMixPlay alternative that streams anime via its Crunchyroll partnership. It also includes manga recommendations, reviews, and watchlists created by fans. You can watch shows like Re:Zero, Naruto Shippuden, and One Piece safely without worrying about malware.
7. AnimeLab
Subscription: Free (ads) or Premium at $7.95/month
Best For: Viewers in Australia & New Zealand
AnimeLab is a fan-favorite AniMixPlay alternative in the ANZ region. It streams popular titles like Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan, and My Hero Academia in HD, often simulcasting episodes shortly after Japan. The premium tier removes ads and adds offline downloads, but it’s region-locked outside Australia and New Zealand, which could be bypassed with PureVPN.
8. RetroCrush
Subscription: Free (ads) or Premium at $4.99/month
Best For: Classic anime fans
If you’re into nostalgia, RetroCrush is a must-try AniMixPlay alternative. Its library focuses on classics from the 70s–2000s, including City Hunter, Astro Boy, Urusei Yatsura, and Great Teacher Onizuka. While it doesn’t host new releases, it’s perfect for fans of retro anime gems.
9. YouTube (Official Channels)
Subscription: Free (ads) or YouTube Premium at $13.99/month
Best For: Free anime streaming via official uploads
YouTube has official anime channels like Muse Asia, Ani-One, and Toei Animation that legally upload anime for free. Titles include One Punch Man, Black Clover, and Sailor Moon. As a free and legit AniMixPlay alternative, it’s excellent, though the library is smaller and often region-locked.
10. Tubi & Pluto TV
Subscription: Free
Best For: Free anime without sign-ups
Tubi and Pluto TV both offer free anime catalogs, making them easy AniMixPlay alternatives. You’ll find titles like Naruto, Yu Yu Hakusho, and Fist of the North Star. While the libraries rotate and ads can be frequent, they’re safe, legal, and completely free.
11. Hulu
Subscription: From $7.99/month
Best For: Anime + mainstream TV shows
Hulu is another great AniMixPlay alternative, especially for U.S. viewers. Its anime library includes Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, Attack on Titan, and Tokyo Revengers. Alongside anime, you also get access to top U.S. shows and movies, making it a strong all-in-one choice.
12. Disney+
Subscription: From $7.99/month
Best For: Anime-inspired originals and family content
Disney+ is slowly building an anime presence, offering projects like Star Wars: Visions and exclusive Studio Ghibli documentaries. It’s not anime-heavy yet, but as an AniMixPlay alternative, it’s ideal for families and fans who want anime alongside Marvel and Pixar.
13. VRV
Subscription: $9.99/month
Best For: Anime + geek culture content
VRV is an AniMixPlay alternative that bundles Crunchyroll, HIDIVE, and other niche channels in one subscription. That means you get shows like Chainsaw Man (via Crunchyroll) and Made in Abyss (via HIDIVE) under one account. Perfect for fans who love anime but also want cartoons and gaming shows.
14. Apple TV+
Subscription: $9.99/month
Best For: Anime-inspired projects and originals
Apple TV+ isn’t an anime-first platform, but it has experimented with anime-inspired titles and exclusive animations. While not a leading AniMixPlay alternative, it’s worth keeping an eye on as Apple expands 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 strong AniMixPlay alternative in Asia, streaming simulcasts like Spy x Family, Chainsaw Man, and Bleach. Available on YouTube and its app, it’s one of the most convenient ways to watch anime legally in the region.
16. Muse Asia
Subscription: Free (ads)
Best For: Free anime in South & Southeast Asia
Muse Asia is another official YouTube-based AniMixPlay alternative. It offers shows like One Punch Man, The God of High School, and Black Clover. Region-locking applies, but PureVPN can help you bypass location barriers.
17. Peacock
Subscription: $5.99/month
Best For: Anime + mainstream entertainment
NBC’s Peacock isn’t anime-focused, but it carries titles like Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh!, making it a niche but useful AniMixPlay alternative if you’re already subscribed to shows like The Office or sports.
Why You Must Use a VPN to Watch AniMixPlay and Its Alternatives Securely
Watching AniMixPlay or its alternatives without protection can expose you to ads, trackers, and even data theft. PureVPN helps you to:
- Bypass geo-blocks to access region-exclusive anime catalogs.
- Protect your privacy with encrypted traffic.
- Avoid ISP throttling for smoother streaming.
- Stay secure in case you ever try unofficial sites.
Conclusion
AniMixPlay was popular because it was free and easy, but the risks, malware, privacy leaks, and copyright issues make it unsafe. Luckily, you don’t have to compromise. You can switch to AniMixPlay alternatives, stream anime legally, support the creators, and enjoy high-quality playback. Plus, get PureVPN for safe, unblocked, and smooth streaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, AniMixPlay isn’t a licensed streaming site, so it falls into a legal grey area. It also shows third-party ads that may carry security risks. Using a VPN and antivirus software is essential if you still access it.
AniMixPlay often faces domain bans or takedowns due to copyright issues. That’s why many anime fans switch to safe and legal AniMixPlay alternatives like Crunchyroll, Netflix, or HIDIVE.
Free legal platforms include YouTube (official channels), Tubi, and Pluto TV. While their libraries are smaller than AniMixPlay, they’re secure and ad-supported.
Yes. Services like Funimation, Crunchyroll, and Netflix are excellent for dubbed anime, with shows such as Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia, and One Piece.
