KissAnime was once the go-to haven for anime lovers worldwide. But after its shutdown in 2020 due to copyright infringement, fans were left scrambling for alternatives. Years later, some anime fans on Reddit continue to claim there are no longer good KissAnime alternatives. However, I disagree!
But let’s set the record straight—there are amazing KissAnime alternatives out there. In fact, some are even better. I’ve tested and compiled the best anime streaming sites that actually work in 2025. Whether you’re looking for free anime sites or legal options, this list has you covered.
Top 13 Best Sites Like KissAnime (2025)
It can be difficult to find the right KissAnime alternative. Most sites are on shaky ground, hosting unofficial streams that could be shut down at any time. Here are my favorite streaming sites for anime right now!
13 Top Sites Like KissAnime: A Quick Summary
- AniWatch – A great place to find new releases with an active community.
- AnimeFreak – One of the best KissAnime alternatives with a vast anime series.
- Chia-Anime – Offers English-dubbed anime, but an ad blocker is recommended.
- GoGoAnime – A KissAnime alternative for late-night streaming with a dark theme
- Crunchyroll – The best legal KissAnime alternative with a vast catalog
- HiAnime – The biggest free KissAnime alternative available right now.
- Animeland – A large anime collection, though ad-heavy.
- KickAssAnime – A small but well-designed alternative to KissAnime.
- Anime-Planet – A KissAnime alternative where you can track and discover anime.
- GrAnime – Fewer ads than some alternatives but slower loading times.
- 9Anime – A sleek, ad-free anime site with HD streams and fast loading.
- Zoro.to – A rising anime platform with minimal ads and a smooth UI.
- AnimeHeaven – A well-organized site with subbed, dubbed, and anime movies.
When visiting these sites, you should use a VPN to cloak your IP address to protect your identity from your internet service provider, who may be against unlicensed streaming sites like KissAnime. A VPN with additional features, such as ExpressVPN, protects you from ads and malware, which can be common on these sites.
I think ExpressVPN is the best choice, and I’ll explain why as I go over my list of the best KissAnime alternatives!
Why Do I Need a KissAnime Alternative?
KissAnime was shut down in 2020, so it has been gone for a while. If Reddit user comments are any indication, this was difficult news for a lot of anime fans. Fortunately, there are KissAnime alternatives available, such as the anime enthusiasts on the VPNSociety team (me!)
A KissAnime alternative may be necessary if:
- In August of 2020, KissAnime closed, leaving you disappointed.
- You’re dissatisfied with the small selection of anime films and television series offered on platforms like Netflix or Disney.
- You’re looking for a certain old anime series that you can’t find anywhere else
Fortunately, there are a number of excellent KissAnime alternatives. Based on my tests and suggestions from other anime fans on the VPNSociety team, I’ve included the best options below!
The Best KissAnime Alternatives Right Now (2025)
I tested over 30 sites that claim to be the best KissAnime alternatives. It took some work to find the good, functional recommendations because many of the ones I found are no longer available online! These are the best KissAnime alternatives that allow you to watch anime for free as of this writing.
1. AniWatch: A great place to find new releases with an active community
- VPNSociety Rating: 4.8
- Price: Free
Visit AniWatch—I selected AniWatch because: Its user community and interface are excellent.
AniWatch is a sleek and feature-packed KissAnime alternative with a modern, Netflix-style interface. Its intuitive categories let you filter by top-airing anime, trending shows, and fan-favorite series with ease. That’s why AniWatch stands out as my top pick.
The site’s sense of community is one feature that I truly enjoy. You can participate in discussions and post comments regarding various series. When I tested the site, it appeared to be very active, and these comments are pushed to the homepage. For even more fun, you can utilize AniWatch’s “watch together” feature!
AniWatch has ads, just like most KissAnime alternatives. I never recommend interacting with advertisements on free streaming websites. If you use ExpressVPN, you will see no ads during video play and only the occasional redirect while browsing. This allows you to enjoy one of the most extensive collections of anime series available online.
✅Pros:
- Netflix-Like UI – Sleek and user-friendly design.
- Community Features – Comment and discuss with others.
❌Cons:
- Annoying Pop-ups – Ads can be intrusive.
2. AnimeFreak: One of the best KissAnime alternatives with a vast anime series
- VPNSociety Rating: 4.7
- Price: Free
Visit AnimeFreak—I selected AnimeFreak because: There are numerous helpful categories to navigate the site, making it simple to find anything you’re looking for.
One of the most straightforward KissAnime alternatives I’ve come across is AnimeFreak. You have the option to browse popular series, currently airing series, or other categories on the homepage. In our tests, I quickly started an episode of Shen Yin Wangzou.
Unfortunately, this site has a lot of ads. Using ExpressVPN’s adblocker was necessary once more to stop the persistent pop-ups that kept opening in new windows. The ads are also harmful. Be wary of what you see on AnimeFreak! I saw a fake McAfee antivirus pop-up that attempted to convince me that I had malware on my laptop.
✅Pros:
- User-friendly interface – Effortless navigation with categorized content.
- Huge Library – 10,000+ HD anime titles available.
❌Cons:
- Annoying Ads – Pop-ups in new windows (block with ExpressVPN).
3. Chia-Anime: Offers English-dubbed anime and use an adblocker
- VPNSociety Rating: 4.6
- Price: Free
Visit Chia-Anime—I selected Chia-Anime because: This website has a ton of anime content to keep you occupied once you get past the ads.
There is a lot of anime on Chia-Anime. During our tests, I found that watching anime on this website was very simple because the homepage features all of the most recent episodes. The audio dubbing is one of the primary reasons I gave Chia-Anime a high ranking on this list; everything has been translated into English, so you don’t need subtitles.
Chia-Anime, however, is not without its problems. Immediately after I disabled ExpressVPN’s adblocker, chaos ensued. Ads were all around me. Every advertisement I saw was basically pornographic as well. Fortunately, you can block these obnoxious advertisements with ExpressVPN. You can stream on Chia-Anime anonymously and stay safe from malware with this VPN.
Chia-Anime is the best place to go if you’re looking for new episodes of Japanese anime series because it gets them almost as soon as Japan does!
✅Pros:
- English Dubbed – No subtitles needed!
- Easy Navigation – Recent content right on the homepage.
❌Cons:
- Overloaded with Ads – Nearly unusable without an adblocker.
4. GoGoAnime: A KissAnime alternative for late-night streaming with a dark theme
- VPNSociety Rating: 4.5
- Price: Free
Visit GoGoAnime—I selected GoGoAnime because: The website’s user interface is appealing, and it’s easy to locate the best new releases that are still available on official platforms
The site’s dark theme is ideal for late-night browsing! I could see new releases like High Card Season 2, which is now available on official streaming services, right on the homepage. From the longer table of the newest series, I could go straight to a show I enjoy or filter by genres further down.
However, this website requires you to use an adblocker. I had to close eight pop-up advertisements from the homepage to load a stream. They even attempted to allow downloads! Thankfully, ExpressVPN will remove all of those advertisements for you, including harmful ones that could infect your device with malware.
✅Pros:
- Instant Access – Recent releases on the homepage.
- Eye-Friendly – Dark theme for comfortable viewing.
❌Cons:
- Intrusive Ads – Requires an ad blocker.
5. Crunchyroll: The best legal KissAnime alternative with a vast catalog
- VPNSociety Rating: 4.4
- Price: Free
Visit Crunchyroll—I selected Crunchyroll because: It’s a reliable platform and legal to use; you avoid the risks associated with streaming copyrighted content.
Crunchyroll is a rare gem among KissAnime alternatives; it’s completely legal. Owned by Sony Entertainment, it regularly streams anime at the same time as Japan. Based on my tests, it also boasts a solid library, featuring all the biggest titles of the last two decades.
Sounds perfect, right? Not completely. Sony was accused of disclosing user information from the platform toward the end of 2023. This shocked me. It’s also why you need a VPN to protect your data while streaming. I use ExpressVPN to securely access the platform: this VPN encrypts your traffic and hides all of your personal data.
✅Pros:
- Massive Content Library – Tons of anime to explore.
- 100% Legal – Owned by Sony, safe to use.
❌Cons:
- Privacy Concerns – A 2023 lawsuit alleged user data sharing.
6. HiAnime: The biggest free KissAnime alternative available right now
- VPNSociety Rating: 4.3
- Price: Free
Visit HiAnime—I selected HiAnime because: It is widely regarded as the best AniWave alternative and 9anime alternatives, which were once my favorites.
HiAnime gets more monthly visitors than Disney+—so I had to check it out. It didn’t disappoint! Within seconds, I found all my favorites: Attack on Titan, Fullmetal Alchemist, and One Piece. The best part? With ExpressVPN on, I didn’t see a single ad!
Since HiAnime is now in the public eye, its popularity may be a sign that it is about to be taken down, but it also has a drawback: occasionally, when I browse it, the site doesn’t load at all. In the meantime, I know what I’ll do: enjoy HiAnime before it meets the same end as KissAnime!
✅Pros:
- Vast Anime Library – Tons of choices with easy navigation.
- High-Quality Streams – Smooth and crisp viewing experience.
❌Cons:
- Highly Popular – At risk of being taken down soon.
7. Animeland: A large anime collection with many ad
- VPNSociety Rating: 4.2
- Price: Free
Visit Animeland—I selected Animeland because: There are numerous English dubs and a sizable library.
Animeland is a hidden gem among KissAnime alternatives. At first glance, its outdated design and pop-up ads didn’t impress me. But beneath the surface lies a massive anime library, with many titles available in English. Once I started exploring, I quickly realized its true value—earning it a top spot on my list.
Due to its abundance of advertisements, make sure you install ExpressVPN before visiting Animeland. Ads appeared in the center, side, and bottom of my screen, along with pop-ups. Not only does ExpressVPN block advertisements, but it also shields you from any dangers that may be present on the website and lets you visit Animeland anonymously.
✅Pros:
- Free & No Sign-Up – Watch anime instantly.
- Offline Viewing – Download and watch anytime.
❌Cons:
- Intrusive Ads – Some of the most frustrating during testing.
8. KickAssAnime: A small but well-designed alternative to KissAnime
- VPNSociety Rating: 4.1
- Price: Free
Visit KickAssAnime—I selected KickAssAnime because: It has an attractive user interface and a sizable content library.
For anime fans, KickAssAnime offers fantastic features like HD streaming and support for subtitles. Compared to other websites, I thought the library was lacking, but it appears to be dependable for locating recent releases.
Ads were annoying as usual. In my testing, I only came across two or three, but the content worries me. Each of the phony Adobe alerts pushed me to download a “update.” If you clicked it, I have no doubt that malware would be installed on your device. You’ll be much safer, though, if you use ExpressVPN to access KickAssAnime!
✅Pros:
- Diverse Anime Library – Features recent releases.
- Premium-Like UI – Smooth and intuitive navigation.
❌Cons:
- Risky Ads – Avoid them with ExpressVPN’s adblocker.
9. Anime-Planet: A KissAnime alternative where you can discover new and old anime
- VPNSociety Rating: 4.0
- Price: Free
Visit Anime-Planet—I selected Anime-Planet because: It’s the best place to discover your next favorite anime.
Anime-Planet differs from the other sites on my list of the best KissAnime substitutes in that it is a tracking website first, followed by a streaming platform. Anime-Planet is ideal if you wish to keep track of every show you watch. It not only has a huge collection of manga and anime, but it also permits you to watch some of them legally.
Although Anime-Planet doesn’t have a lot of streaming content, it might provide you with quick access to the one show you were searching for. This website is very pleasant to use because it has few advertisements. You’ll also discover that you can access the most content if you change your VPN to a US server!
✅Pros:
- Legal & HD Streaming – Access new and classic anime.
- Smart Categories – Easily find any show.
❌Cons:
- Catalog-Style Platform – Focuses on listing, not streaming.
10. GrAnime: Fewer ads than some alternatives but slower loading times
- VPNSociety Rating: 3.9
- Price: Free
Visit GrAnime—I selected GrAnime because: The platform makes it simple to find both dubbed and subtitled content.
I was excited to find that GrAnime offers a vast library of content, including one of my latest favorites—Link Click. Even with ExpressVPN’s ad blocker enabled, it wasn’t needed since there were no on-screen ads. Without it, I only encountered two ads that opened in new tabs.
GrAnime’s long loading times have pushed it to the bottom of my list. Whenever I wanted to watch an episode of a show – and I tried a lot of them – I was met with a loading wheel and forced to wait longer than with any of the other KissAnime options. In short, GrAnime has a lot of potential, but I’m hoping they can resolve the speed issue soon!
✅Pros:
- Minimal Ads – Non-intrusive and few in number.
- HiAnime-Like UI – Clean and intuitive design.
❌Cons:
- Slow Load Times – Shows take a while to start.
11. 9Anime: A sleek, ad-free anime site with HD streams and fast loading
- VPNSociety Rating: 3.8
- Price: Free
Visit 9Anime—I selected 9Anime because: It offers a sleek, ad-free experience with HD streaming and fast loading times.
I was impressed by 9Anime’s well-designed interface, which feels both modern and user-friendly. Streaming was seamless, with minimal buffering and high-definition quality. Unlike many other free platforms, 9Anime doesn’t bombard users with intrusive ads, making it one of the most enjoyable anime-watching experiences available.
However, while the platform is reliable, occasional server downtimes can affect availability. Still, it remains one of the best KissAnime alternatives.
✅Pros:
- Ad-Free Streaming – No interruptions during playback.
- Fast Load Times – Streams start almost instantly.
❌Cons:
- Server Downtime – Some links may be unavailable at times.
12. Zoro.to: A rising anime platform with minimal ads and a smooth UI
- VPNSociety Rating: 3.7
- Price: Free
Visit Zoro.to—I selected Zoro.to because: It’s a rising anime platform with minimal ads and a smooth UI.
Zoro.to quickly gained popularity thanks to its clean, intuitive design and a vast anime library. I appreciated how effortless it was to find and stream content without dealing with excessive pop-ups or redirects. The platform’s performance was consistently smooth, and video quality remained top-notch.
That said, as a newer site, Zoro.to occasionally experiences stability issues. While rare, some users have reported buffering on certain servers.
✅Pros:
- Minimal Ads – Non-intrusive, making for a seamless experience.
- Sleek Interface – Easy navigation and visually appealing.
❌Cons:
- Occasional Buffering – Some servers may lag at peak times.
13. AnimeHeaven: A well-organized site with subbed, dubbed, and anime movies
- VPNSociety Rating: 3.6
- Price: Free
Visit AnimeHeaven—I selected AnimeHeaven because: It’s a well-organized platform with subbed, dubbed, and anime movies.
AnimeHeaven stood out to me due to its diverse collection of anime content, including both subbed and dubbed versions. The site’s layout is intuitive, making it easy to browse different categories. Plus, the inclusion of anime movies sets it apart from other platforms that focus mainly on series.
However, the downside is that AnimeHeaven has more ads than competitors like Zoro.to and 9Anime. While not overwhelming, they can sometimes disrupt the viewing experience.
✅Pros:
- Diverse Library – Includes anime movies alongside series.
- Organized UI – Easy to navigate and browse content.
❌Cons:
- More Ads – Slightly more intrusive compared to alternatives
How I Choose the Best KissAnime Alternatives
VPNSociety has several guides to the best torrenting and streaming sites, as well as strict ranking criteria, so when I started searching for KissAnime alternatives, I knew exactly what I had to look for.
- Extensive and diverse content libraries: I searched for streaming sites that offered a wide variety of both new and classic anime series.
- High-definition quality: Since I dislike poor streaming quality, shows had to be in high definition whenever possible.
- Secure websites: Although no free streaming website is 100% safe, I made sure these weren’t malicious sites that wanted to infect your device.
One last point: Free streaming sites are unauthorized, third-party-hosted websites. You have no idea who is truly behind them. I strongly recommend that you use a VPN when visiting such websites.
Although these websites might appear secure, the ads they show could contain malware or direct you to dangerous websites. Among the many security features offered by ExpressVPN is a VPN that shields you from intrusive advertisements and enables private streaming without prying eyes.
What Happened to KissAnime?
KissAnime was permanently shut down in August 2020 due to copyright infringement issues. Once one of the most popular free anime streaming platforms, it faced increasing pressure from copyright holders and legal authorities.
Why Did KissAnime Shut Down?
Several key factors led to its shutdown:
- Legal Crackdown – Japan strengthened its copyright laws, making it riskier for illegal streaming sites.
- DMCA Takedowns – Hosting providers and authorities issued repeated copyright strikes.
- Server Shutdown – The site’s servers were taken down, preventing further operation.
- No Official Comeback – While many clones and mirrors exist, the original KissAnime is gone for good.
Looking for KissAnime alternatives? There are plenty of safe and legal options like Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Netflix! 🚀
Latest KissAnime Proxy Sites (2025)
There are still ways to continue ‘using KissAnime’ for online anime streaming, such as KissAnime proxies and mirror sites, which are essentially a snapshot of the website prior to its removal
I would suggest you visit one of the KissAnime alternatives listed above, as I have personally tried and tested each one to make sure it isn’t malicious. But in reality, you’re just using a new website that has stolen KissAnime’s form, and it’s unclear if they’re safe.
KissAnime mirror sites and proxies, however, may be designed specifically to infect your device with malware. Be careful if you decide to go to one.
I’ve compiled a quick list of some KissAnime mirrors that are currently available.
- KissAnime Mirror Site 1: https://w1.kissanimes.cc/
- KissAnime Mirror Site 2: https://www.kissanimes.net/
- KissAnime Mirror Site 3: https://kissanime.monster
Important! Please use ExpressVPN to protect yourself if you’re going to a KissAnime proxy. These websites may be more dangerous by nature than any of the options I’ve looked into for you!
The Best VPN for KissAnime Alternatives: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the champion in streaming anime on KissAnime alternatives. I tested more than 25 VPNs to see which one supported these unofficial websites the best. ExpressVPN came out as the winner. It encrypts all of your data, preventing third-party websites and ISPs from tracking you or stealing your personal information.
Plus, ExpressVPN protects you: if you accidentally visit a website created to infect your laptop with malware, ExpressVPN will stop you in your tracks. ExpressVPN’s ad blocker came in handy during my testing. When I turned it on during my tests, it managed to block almost all of the intrusive ads on these websites.
Lastly, some of the websites on my list provide content that is specific to your location. For example, a person in the US may have access to more anime on Crunchyroll and Anime-Planet than a person in Europe. ExpressVPN is also the answer in this case. To unlock additional anime content, just switch your virtual location within the app!
Generally, when I rank streaming VPNs, ExpressVPN is at the top.
Pros
- Protects your online privacy and data
- Blocks annoying ads on anime sites.
- Uses a firewall to safeguard you from malicious software.
- Lets you unblock libraries of foreign content.
Conclusion: Continue Watching Anime After KissAnime’s Fall
Although many anime fans who had found a home at KissAnime were disappointed by its closure, its spirit endures in strong KissAnime alternatives. To make sure the websites I’ve suggested provide a comparable experience, I spoke with the anime enthusiasts on our team.
While these sites host loads of anime, they’re frequently riddled with ads that may infect your device with malware. If you’re looking for a KissAnime replacement, I strongly advise you to take five minutes to protect yourself—download ExpressVPN and activate its ad blocker.
FAQs: Best KissAnime Alternatives
I’ve compiled our most frequently asked questions concerning KissAnime alternatives below. Feel free to comment if you are unable to find a solution!
Does KissAnime still exist?
KissAnime shut down in August 2020 due to copyright infringement claims related to hosting unofficial broadcasts. This is a common fate for platforms that stream content without authorization.
What is KissAnime’s replacement?
Since KissAnime was shut down, no website has taken its place directly. Although there are a lot of KissAnime clones and proxy sites available online, they are usually not very good and may even contain malware. It is safer to look for a different website. I suggest Chi-Anime, AnimeFreak, or AniWatch.
Sites like KissAnime?
Since KissAnime is no longer available, I have discovered the greatest, most reliable KissAnime alternatives.
- AniWatch – A great place to find new releases with an active community.
- AnimeFreak – One of the best KissAnime alternativeswith a vast anime series.
- Chia-Anime – Offers English-dubbed anime, but an ad blocker is recommended.
- GoGoAnime – A KissAnime alternative for late-night streaming with a dark theme.
- Crunchyroll – The best legal KissAnime alternative with a vast catalog
- HiAnime – The biggest free KissAnime alternative available right now.
- Animeland – A large anime collection, though ad-heavy.
- KickAssAnime – A small but well-designed alternative to KissAnime.
- Anime-Planet – A KissAnime alternative where you can track and discover anime.
- GrAnime – Fewer ads than some alternatives but slower loading times.
- 9Anime – A sleek, ad-free anime site with HD streams and fast loading.
- Zoro.to – A rising anime platform with minimal ads and a smooth UI.
- AnimeHeaven – A well-organized site with subbed, dubbed, and anime movies.
