Looking for a safe alternative to WCO Anime? Here are 10 legal anime streaming platforms — free and paid — that are safer, higher quality, and won't put your device at risk.
Why You Should Stop Using WCO Anime
WCO Anime operates under various domains (wcofun.org, wcostream.tv, etc.) and continues to face legal challenges. The site's broad scope — covering both anime and Western animation — means it faces pressure from both Japanese and American rights holders.
WCO Anime (WatchCartoonOnline / WCOStream) started as an unauthorized cartoon streaming site and expanded to include anime. It's known for hosting both Western cartoons and Japanese anime, appealing to a broader animation audience.
WCO Anime's unique appeal was its combination of anime and Western cartoons in one place. Users could watch everything from Naruto to Avatar: The Last Airbender on a single platform, with both subbed and dubbed options available.
The good news? You don't need WCO Anime anymore. The legal streaming landscape has evolved dramatically, and there are now excellent free and affordable options that offer better quality, reliability, and safety.
All platforms below are legal, safe, and verified. Ranked by catalog size, free availability, and user experience.
Largest legal anime library (1,200+ titles)
Crunchyroll is the world's largest dedicated anime streaming platform with over 1,200 titles. It simulcasts new episodes within hours of Japan broadcast. While the free tier was removed in 2024, plans start at $7.99/month — and the catalog is unmatched. If you watch anime regularly, this is the gold standard.
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Paid ($7.99/mo)2,000+ free anime episodes
Tubi is the biggest free anime library in 2026. It offers thousands of anime episodes with ads and no sign-up required for most content. Major titles include Naruto, One Piece, Death Note, and Bleach. The catalog is constantly expanding with new additions every week.
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Free (Ad-supported)24/7 anime channels
Pluto TV features dedicated 24/7 anime channels that stream continuously — like cable TV but free. Channels include Anime All Day and more. Also has on-demand anime titles. No sign-up needed, making it one of the easiest free options available.
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Free (Ad-supported)High-budget anime originals & classics
Netflix has invested heavily in anime, producing originals like Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Devilman Crybaby, and Castlevania. It also licenses popular titles like Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, and One Piece. The anime catalog varies significantly by region — use a VPN to access different libraries.
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Paid ($6.99/mo)Free simulcast anime on YouTube
Muse Asia is a YouTube channel that legally streams anime for free in Southeast Asia. They simulcast new seasonal anime and maintain a library of popular titles with high-quality subtitles. One of the best free anime sources for viewers in India and Southeast Asia.
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Free (YouTube)Best donghua (Chinese anime) library
Bilibili is the leading anime platform in China, and their global site offers free donghua and select Japanese anime worldwide. Great for exclusive titles like Scissor Seven, The King's Avatar, and Link Click. The free tier is generous with ads.
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FreemiumClassic anime from the 70s–2000s
RetroCrush specializes in classic and vintage anime from the 70s to 2000s. If you love retro aesthetics, this is your destination — titles include Lupin III, Galaxy Express 999, and Captain Harlock. Completely free with ads, no account required.
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Free (Ad-supported)Seasonal anime for Asian viewers
Ani-One Asia is another excellent YouTube channel for Asian viewers. They simulcast new seasonal anime and maintain a solid back-catalog. Complements Muse Asia with different licensing agreements, so between the two you get great coverage.
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Free (YouTube)Free anime on any device
The Roku Channel offers a rotating selection of free anime with ads. While the catalog is smaller than Tubi, it's accessible via web browser on any device — not just Roku hardware. A solid supplementary free anime source.
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Free (Ad-supported)Tencent anime & donghua
WeTV by Tencent offers a large library of Chinese anime and some Japanese anime for free with ads. Premium tier removes ads and unlocks early access. Particularly strong for cultivation and action donghua series.
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Freemium| Platform | Pricing | Account? | Regions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crunchyroll | Paid ($7.99/mo) | Yes | Global |
| Tubi | Free (Ad-supported) | No | US, CA, AU, MX |
| Pluto TV | Free (Ad-supported) | No | US, UK, CA, DE, BR |
| Netflix | Paid ($6.99/mo) | Yes | Global |
| Muse Asia | Free (YouTube) | No | IN, PH, ID, TH, MY, SG |
| Bilibili Global | Freemium | Optional | Global (varies) |
| RetroCrush | Free (Ad-supported) | No | US, CA, UK, AU |
| Ani-One Asia | Free (YouTube) | No | IN, PH, ID, TH, MY, SG |
| Roku Channel | Free (Ad-supported) | No | US, CA, UK |
| WeTV | Freemium | Optional | Global (varies) |
Many free anime platforms are region-restricted. A VPN lets you connect to servers in the US, Japan, or Southeast Asia to unlock their full libraries — legally and safely.
Some streaming platforms are geo-restricted. A VPN lets you access anime libraries from any country — unlock Crunchyroll US, Netflix Japan, and more.
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Read moreWCO Anime is not recommended due to its aggressive pop-up ads, redirect chains, and the proliferation of fake mirror sites. The security risks are significant, and legal free alternatives now offer better anime libraries with zero risk. Use Tubi, Pluto TV, or YouTube anime channels instead.
Tubi offers both anime and Western animation for free. Pluto TV has dedicated channels for both anime and cartoons. Netflix and HBO Max (paid) have extensive libraries of both. For anime specifically, add Muse Asia on YouTube for a comprehensive free experience.
Tubi is the best free alternative since it carries both anime and Western cartoons like WCO did. For anime specifically, Crunchyroll ($7.99/mo) has the biggest library. For a free combo of both, Tubi + Pluto TV covers most of what WCO Anime offered.
Yes! Tubi has a strong selection of dubbed anime that you can watch for free without an account. Pluto TV's anime channels also feature dubbed content. Crunchyroll offers the most comprehensive dub library if you're willing to pay $7.99/month.
The safest free anime streaming options in 2026 are: Tubi (backed by Fox Corporation), Pluto TV (owned by Paramount), Muse Asia and Ani-One Asia (official YouTube channels), RetroCrush (classic anime), and Bilibili Global. All are legal, ad-supported, and completely safe.
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