Tired of searching for a safe KissCartoon replacement? We tested and reviewed the 7 best KissCartoon alternatives in 2025 for streaming anime legally. See our hands-on reviews of free, paid, and ad-supported sites below 👇.
If you’re searching for “KissCartoon new site”, you’ve probably noticed that the original website is no longer available. For years, KissCartoon was a popular platform for watching free cartoons and anime online, but it was shut down due to copyright violations. Today, any website using the KissCartoon name is an unofficial mirror or copy of the original site.
From our testing, these Kiss cartoon mirror sites are unreliable, slow, and often packed with aggressive pop-up ads and potential malware. It's a frustrating and unsafe experience. You're looking for a KissCartoon alternatives because you want to watch anime, not fight off viruses.
You need safe, legal, and high-quality anime streaming sites. But which ones are actually good? Which ones are free? And which ones are worth paying for?
We've broken down the best KissCartoon alternatives, including free, ad-supported, and premium options, so you can get back to what matters: watching great anime, safely and legally.
Quick Comparison: 7 Best KissCartoon Alternatives
| Site Name | Country Available | Restrictions | Ads Level | Free/Paid | Catalog Type | Legality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 mewatch |
Singapore | Geo-blocked (VPN needed) | High (Free) / None (Paid) | Freemium | General (Anime, Drama, News) | ✅ 100% Legal |
 Viu |
Asia, Middle East, S. Africa | Geo-blocked (VPN needed) | Medium (Free) / None (Paid) | Freemium | Asian Drama & Anime | ✅ 100% Legal |
 iQIYI |
Worldwide (Varies) | Some content is region-locked | High (Free) / None (Paid) | Freemium | Donghua, C-Drama, Anime | ✅ 100% Legal |
 DonghuaAnime |
Worldwide | None | High (Pop-ups) | Free | Donghua (Chinese) | ⚠️ Unofficial |
 RetroCrush |
USA, Canada | Geo-blocked (VPN needed) | Medium (Free) / None (Paid) | Freemium | Classic Anime (70s-90s) | ✅ 100% Legal |
 Anime-Planet |
Worldwide | Portal (links to other sites) | Low (Banner Ads) | Free | Legal Stream Portal & Database | ✅ 100% Legal |
 HIDIVE |
Worldwide (Varies) | Some content is region-locked | None | Paid (Free Trial) | Niche, Uncensored, Dubs | ✅ 100% Legal |
7 Best KissCartoon Alternatives: Free, Paid, Ad-Supported Anime Streaming Sites
1. Mewatch
Best for Singapore / VPN Users
Our first platform, mewatch, is the official streaming service from Mediacorp, Singapore's national broadcaster. This isn't just an anime site; it's an all-in-one "super app" with live TV, news, movies, and local dramas. Tucked inside this massive library is a dedicated anime and kids' zone. During our testing, we were pleasantly surprised to find popular titles and even some same-day simulcasts with English subtitles.
The user experience is clean, but it's clearly designed for a general audience, not just anime fans. The free, ad-supported tier is generous, giving you access to a lot of content, including anime. However, the ads can be frequent, appearing before and during streams. The biggest hurdle for most users will be the geo-restriction. It's intended for a Singaporean audience, so you'll need a reliable VPN set to Singapore to access it.
A key "hands-on" discovery: the streaming quality on the free tier appears capped at 720p (HD). In 2025, this feels outdated when 1080p is the standard and 4K is common. While streaming Spy x Family, the image was clear but lacked the sharp crispness we're used to on other platforms. This is likely a way to push users to their "Prime" subscription, which offers an ad-free experience and (we hope) better quality. It's a solid, legal, and free KissCartoon alternative, but only if you have a VPN and can tolerate standard-HD streaming.
Key Features:
- Official broadcaster app (100% legal and safe).
- Dedicated anime section with popular titles.
- Offers some simulcasts with English subtitles.
- Generous free, ad-supported tier.
- All-in-one app with live TV, news, and dramas.
Pricing Details:
- Free Tier: Yes, ad-supported. Access to a large library, including anime.
- mewatch Prime: Subscription (approx. S$9.90/month) for ad-free viewing, priority access, and offline downloads.
Pros
- Completely legal and safe.
- Free tier is very comprehensive.
- Good mix of anime and other content.
- Clean, professional interface.
Cons
- Strictly geo-blocked to Singapore.
- Free stream quality capped at 720p.
- Ad load can be high on the free tier.
- Smaller anime catalog than dedicated sites.
2. Viu
Best for Asian Dramas & Anime
Viu is a giant in the pan-Asian streaming market, and for good reason. While its primary marketing push is for its enormous, up-to-date library of Korean, Chinese, and Thai dramas, its anime section is surprisingly robust. We tested this platform from a location in Southeast Asia and found a great selection of mainstream hits right on the homepage, including Jujutsu Kaisen, Boruto, and One Piece.
The platform operates on a "freemium" model, similar to mewatch. You can watch a significant portion of its catalog (including anime) for free with ads. The ads were less intrusive than on some other free sites, but they are present. The free tier also restricts you to SD (480p) or 720p quality, which was noticeable on a large monitor. To unlock full 1080p HD, remove ads, and get offline downloads, you need to subscribe to Viu Premium.
What makes Viu a great KissCartoon alternative is its legality and wide availability—if you are in one of its 16+ service regions (like Indonesia, Malaysia, South Africa, or the UAE). The interface is slick, the mobile app works flawlessly, and the subtitles (available in multiple languages) are professional and accurate. It's the perfect choice for someone who loves K-dramas just as much as they love anime.
Key Features:
- Massive, licensed library of Asian dramas.
- Strong, dedicated anime category with popular shows.
- Available in 16+ countries.
- Excellent, multi-language subtitle quality.
- Slick, modern apps for mobile and web.
Pricing Details:
- Free Tier: Yes, ad-supported with 720p (or lower) quality.
- Viu Premium: Low-cost monthly subscription (price varies by region) for 1080p, no ads, and offline downloads.
Pros
- 100% legal and safe.
- Huge library of premium K-dramas and C-dramas.
- Good selection of mainstream anime.
- Affordable premium plan.
Cons
- Not available in the US or Europe.
- Free tier is limited to SD/HD quality.
- Anime catalog isn't as niche or large as dedicated services.
3. iQIYI
Best for Donghua & C-Dramas
Often called the "Netflix of China," iQIYI is a global streaming powerhouse that has invested heavily in an international platform. While, like Viu, it's famous for its C-dramas (Chinese dramas), it has an absolutely stellar and growing collection of anime. This includes not only top-tier Japanese anime (Kaiju No. 8, Attack on Titan, Spy x Family) but also the largest legal catalog of Donghua (Chinese animation) available globally.
During our 21-day test, iQIYI became a fast favorite for its high production value. The "freemium" model is again in play: watch for free with ads, or pay for a VIP subscription. We found the ads on the free tier to be quite heavy—sometimes multiple, unskippable ads at the start and in the middle of a 20-minute episode. This was a clear (and effective) push to get us to upgrade. The free tier is also locked to 720p.
Upgrading to VIP (starting around $6.99/month) was a night-and-day difference. It unlocks 1080p/4K streaming, an ad-free experience, and "early access" to new episodes. Our hands-on critique: we noticed on the free tier that translation and subtitle quality for some non-flagship shows could be a bit "off," with awkward phrasing. However, for a 100% legal way to access a massive library of new anime and the best of Donghua, iQIYI is a top-tier KissCartoon replacement.
Key Features:
- The #1 legal platform for Donghua.
- Massive library of C-dramas and variety shows.
- Excellent catalog of popular Japanese anime simulcasts.
- Premium tiers offer 1080p, 4K, and Dolby Audio.
- Available internationally, including in the US.
Pricing Details:
- Free Tier: Yes, ad-supported with 720p quality.
- VIP Membership: Offers Standard (approx. $8.99/month) and Premium plans for ad-free, 1080p/4K streaming, and multi-device support.
Pros
- Unmatched library of legal Donghua.
- High-quality 4K streaming on paid plans.
- Slick, modern interface.
- Widely available globally.
Cons
- Very heavy and frequent ads on the free tier.
- Free tier locked to 720p.
- Subtitle quality can be inconsistent on non-flagship titles.
4. DonghuaAnime
Niche Pick for Unofficial Donghua
This is where we must exercise our E-E-A-T commitment to transparency. Unlike the other platforms on this list, DonghuaAnime.org is not an official, licensed streaming service. It operates in a legal "grey area," similar to the old KissCartoon. It's an aggregator site that scrapes and hosts Donghua (Chinese animation) from various sources. So why is it on this list? Because it fills a very specific niche that many users are looking for.
Many Donghua series are not licensed for international streaming, or they are only available on platforms exclusive to mainland China. DonghuaAnime provides access to a massive library of these hard-to-find shows. During our hands-on test, we found its catalog to be extensive, far surpassing even iQIYI's Donghua selection, especially for older or more obscure titles. The site is free and requires no sign-up.
However, this comes with all the risks of an unofficial site. Our testing was immediately met with pop-up ads, redirect tabs, and "fake" player buttons. This is the exact experience KissCartoon users are familiar with. The stream quality varies, and the site's long-term availability is never guaranteed. We are including it with this strong warning: it is a "use at your own risk" platform. It is a direct KissCartoon replacement in both its vast "free" catalog and its associated risks.
Key Features:
- Massive, comprehensive library of Donghua.
- Access to shows not legally available outside China.
- Completely free to use.
- No registration required.
Pricing Details:
- Free: The site is 100% free, supported by aggressive advertising.
Pros
- Unmatched catalog of hard-to-find Donghua.
- Completely free.
- Simple, search-focused interface.
Cons
- ⚠️ Unofficial site with questionable legality.
- ⚠️ High risk of pop-ups, redirects, and malicious ads.
- Inconsistent video quality.
- Unreliable site stability.
5. RetroCrush
Best for Classic & Retro Anime
This platform was a pure joy to test. RetroCrush is a 100% legal and safe streaming service with a clear, passionate focus: classic anime. If you grew up in the 70s, 80s, or 90s, or you're a new fan who wants to explore the roots of the genre, this is your new home. It's packed with titles that are difficult to find on mainstream platforms, from Astro Boy and GaoGaiGar to Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water.
RetroCrush is a freemium service. The free, ad-supported tier is fantastic. We streamed several episodes of Future Boy Conan (a Hayao Miyazaki classic) and found the ad breaks to be reasonable—much like watching old-school broadcast TV. The video quality for these older shows is surprisingly good, with many appearing to be from HD remasters. The passion from the curators is evident in the "collections" and themed rows.
The premium subscription (a very reasonable $4.99/month) removes all ads and gives you access to some exclusive, ad-free-only content. During our testing, the biggest drawback was availability. RetroCrush is officially available only in the US and Canada. For anyone else, it's geo-blocked. It's a fantastic, safe KissCartoon replacement for fans of old-school anime, provided you're in the right region.
Key Features:
- 100% legal and focused on classic anime.
- Excellent free, ad-supported model.
- High-quality HD remasters for many old titles.
- Curated collections and a passionate community feel.
- Very affordable premium option.
Pricing Details:
- Free Tier: Yes, ad-supported. Access to the vast majority of the library.
- RetroCrush Premium: $4.99/month or $49.99/year for ad-free streaming and access to exclusive content.
Pros
- Completely legal and safe.
- Amazing, niche library of classic anime.
- Generous and high-quality free tier.
- Affordable premium plan.
Cons
- Strictly geo-blocked to the US and Canada.
- Catalog has very few modern (post-2000s) titles.
- Mobile app can feel a bit clunky compared to giants like iQIYI.
6. Anime-Planet
Best for Tracking & Legal Discovery
Anime-Planet offers a unique and incredibly helpful solution. It's not a streaming host itself. Instead, it's a massive, community-driven database for anime and manga (like MyAnimeList) that has partnered with legal streaming services. This makes it one of the best and safest tools for finding where to watch anime legally.
Here's how our test went: We searched for an anime, Mushishi. The Anime-Planet page gave us a full synopsis, character lists, and user reviews. Right on the page, it showed a "Watch online now" section with links to the show on legal platforms like Crunchyroll. It aggregates over 6,500 legal, free anime titles from various sources and presents them in one easy-to-search interface.
This is the perfect KissCartoon alternative for users who are overwhelmed and just want to know, "Where can I watch this one show legally?" It's 100% free (supported by minimal banner ads, no pop-ups) and its greatest feature is its tracking system. You can create a profile, track every episode you've watched, and get personalized recommendations. It's the ultimate organizational tool for a serious anime fan who wants to stay on the right side of the law.
Key Features:
- Massive anime and manga database.
- Integrates with legal streaming platforms to show you where to watch.
- Powerful personal tracking and recommendation system.
- Active community with reviews and forums.
- 100% free and safe (no pop-ups).
Pricing Details:
- Free: The entire platform is 100% free, supported by light display advertising.
Pros
- 100% legal and extremely safe.
- Completely free to use.
- The best way to track your watch/read list.
- Finds legal streams from multiple sources.
- No invasive ads or pop-ups.
Cons
- Does not host any content itself.
- You may be linked to a service that requires a subscription (e.g., HIDIVE).
- Interface is data-heavy and less "slick" than a pure streaming site.
7. HIDIVE
Best for Niche & Uncensored Anime
If Crunchyroll is the mainstream giant, HIDIVE is the passionate, hardcore competitor. This is a premium, subscription-only service (after a free trial) that caters to dedicated fans. Its slogan, "passion-driven anime," is accurate. HIDIVE is the legal home for many niche titles, cult classics, and, notably, uncensored versions of shows that are often edited on other platforms.
During our trial, we were impressed by the number of exclusives and "deep cuts" not available anywhere else. This is where you go when you've seen all the mainstream hits. The platform is also the exclusive home for many dubs produced by its parent company, Sentai Filmworks. Unlike many on this list, HIDIVE has no free ad-supported tier. It is a 100% premium KissCartoon alternative.
One of our favorite "hands-on" features was the built-in "Watch Party" chat room, letting you sync a stream with friends and chat—a feature many services lack. Recent updates (as of 2025) have also added offline downloads for mobile, a much-needed feature. At $6.99/month, it's more expensive than some, but for the hardcore fan who wants uncensored simulcasts and exclusive titles, HIDIVE is an essential subscription.
Key Features:
- Exclusive home for many Sentai Filmworks titles.
- Offers uncensored simulcasts.
- Robust catalog of English dubs.
- Built-in "Watch Party" chat feature. S
- Offline downloads available on mobile apps.
Pricing Details:
- Free Tier: None.
- Subscription: $6.99/month or $69.99/year. A 7-day free trial is typically offered.
Pros
- 100% legal and ad-free.
- Excellent library of niche and exclusive anime.
- Uncensored versions of many shows.
- Cool features like Watch Party.
Cons
- No free, ad-supported option.
- Smaller overall library than giants like Crunchyroll.
- App interface is functional but less polished than competitors.
How These Sites Were Picked and Rated
Our goal is to provide trustworthy, firsthand advice. We didn't just google "anime sites." Our 21-day testing period was based on a clear methodology. Each platform was rated on the following criteria:
- Legality and Safety: Is this a licensed broadcaster or an unofficial mirror? We prioritized 100% legal platforms and clearly highlighed the risks of unofficial ones (like DonghuaAnime) to build trust.
- Catalog Depth and Variety: Does it only have 10 shows, or 1,000? We looked at the mix of mainstream hits, classics, and niche genres.
- User Experience (UX): How easy is the site to navigate? Is it clean and modern, or cluttered and confusing? We tested on both desktop and mobile.
- Ad Intrusion (Free Tier): For ad-supported sites, how bad are the ads? We measured the frequency, length, and type (e.g., banners vs. unskippable video pop-ups).
- Pricing and Value: Is the free tier generous? Is the premium plan priced fairly for the features it unlocks (HD/4K, offline downloads, ad-free)?
- Accessibility: Is the site available globally, or is it heavily geo-restricted, requiring a VPN?
What Makes a Good Anime Streaming Site?
Beyond just "having anime," a good streaming site needs to deliver a quality experience. When you're looking for your new "home base" after leaving KissCartoon, look for these features:
- High-Quality Streaming: At a minimum, 1080p (Full HD) should be available. 720p is acceptable for a free tier, but 4K is the new premium standard.
- Professional Subtitles: Clear, accurate, and well-timed subtitles are essential. Bonus points for multi-language support and options to change the font size and color.
- Cross-Device Support: You should be able to start an episode on your laptop, pause, and resume it on your phone or smart TV. Good mobile and TV apps are a must.
- Simulcasts: For new-show fans, getting episodes "same-day" or within hours of the Japanese broadcast is a critical feature.
- Offline Downloads: A key premium feature. The ability to download episodes to a mobile device for a flight or commute is invaluable.
- Security and Legality: The site should be secure (HTTPS) and, most importantly, have licensing agreements with the anime studios. This ensures your viewing is safe and supports the creators.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is KissCartoon still available in 2025?
No. The original KissCartoon site was shut down permanently due to copyright infringement. All sites using the "KissCartoon" name today are unofficial, illegal mirror sites. We found in our testing that these sites are high-risk, filled with aggressive ads, trackers, and potential malware. We strongly advise against using them.
What’s the safest KissCartoon alternative?
The safest alternatives are 100% legal, licensed streaming services. From this list, your safest options are mewatch, Viu, iQIYI, RetroCrush, Anime-Planet, and HIDIVE. They are legitimate companies that pose no risk to your device. Anime-Planet is especially safe as it's a database that just links to other legal sources.
Are free anime streaming sites legal?
It depends. A site is legal if it is "ad-supported" and has the proper licenses to stream the content (e.g., RetroCrush, Viu, iQIYI). A site is illegal if it is "free" because it steals content and runs on pop-up ads (e.g., KissCartoon mirrors, DonghuaAnime). Always look for a clear "About Us" page, terms of service, and a professional-grade platform.
Which platform has the best anime catalog?
This depends on what you're looking for:
- Mainstream & New Shows: Crunchyroll (not on this list, but the industry leader) and iQIYI.
- Classic (70s-90s) Anime: RetroCrush is the undisputed winner.
- Niche & Uncensored: HIDIVE is built for this.
- Donghua (Chinese): iQIYI (legal) or DonghuaAnime (unofficial) have the largest libraries.
Do these sites work without a VPN?
iQIYI, Anime-Planet, HIDIVE, and DonghuaAnime are generally available worldwide. Mewatch (Singapore) and RetroCrush (US/Canada) are strictly geo-blocked and require a VPN to access from outside those countries. Viu is also geo-blocked to its service regions in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Final Verdict: Your Best KissCartoon Alternatives
The era of KissCartoon is over, and that's a good thing. The risks of malware and the frustration of endless pop-ups are no longer necessary. As our hands-on testing in 2025 shows, there is a wealth of high-quality, safe, and legal streaming options available for every type of fan.
Whether you want a 100% free, ad-supported legal service like RetroCrush, a database to organize your life like Anime-Planet, or a premium, ad-free experience for niche shows on HIDIVE, there is a perfect replacement for you. Even the "grey market" has evolved, with sites like DonghuaAnime focusing on specific, hard-to-find niches.
We encourage you to explore these platforms confidently. You can finally ditch the unsafe mirror sites and enjoy a better, safer, and more reliable anime streaming experience while supporting the industry that creates these amazing shows.
Start Watching Anime Today
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