KissCartoon shut down in 2017, but mirror sites and alternatives exist. The safest alternatives include legal platforms like Crunchyroll and Tubi, plus unofficial options like 9Anime and WcoStream. Use ad blockers and VPNs when accessing unofficial sites to protect your device and privacy.
KissCartoon was the place to watch cartoons online for free. Millions of people used it to stream everything from classic Looney Tunes to modern anime. But the original site went dark in 2017 due to copyright issues.
Today, you’ll find dozens of sites claiming to be KissCartoon. Some are legitimate mirrors. Many are scams loaded with malware. This guide covers the safest alternatives where you can actually watch cartoons without risking your device or data.
What Happened to KissCartoon
The original KissCartoon operated from 2012 to 2017. It hosted thousands of cartoons and anime series without proper licensing. Copyright holders eventually caught up, and the site was forced to shut down.
Mirror sites appeared almost immediately. These clones copied the KissCartoon name and design but often added dangerous elements. Some inject malware through fake download buttons. Others collect your personal information through phishing schemes.
The KissCartoon landscape today is messy. Real mirror sites exist alongside fake ones. Domains change constantly as copyright holders issue takedown notices. What worked last month might be gone today.
How to Choose a Safe Cartoon Streaming Site
Not all streaming sites are created equal. Some will wreck your device with malware. Others are genuine platforms offering free content legally.
Watch for these warning signs. Sites asking you to download software before watching are usually scams. Excessive pop-ups that appear with every click signal danger. Domain names with random numbers or odd extensions (.xyz, .top) are often suspicious.
Safe streaming requires basic tools. Install an ad blocker like uBlock Origin to stop malicious ads. Use a VPN to hide your location and protect your identity. Keep antivirus software running and updated.
Legal platforms are always safer than piracy sites. They won’t harm your device or steal your data. The trade-off is you’ll see ads or need a subscription. But you get reliable streaming without the risk.
Legal Cartoon Streaming Platforms
Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is the top legal anime streaming platform. You’ll find thousands of anime series with professional subtitles and dubs. The free tier includes ads, but you get access to most content.
The library spans decades. Classic shows like Dragon Ball Z sit alongside current releases. New episodes often appear within hours of airing in Japan. Video quality reaches 1080p on free accounts and 4K with premium.
The site works on all devices. You can watch on phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Search filters help you find specific genres or release years.
Tubi
Tubi offers completely free streaming with no subscription required. The platform hosts hundreds of cartoon series and animated movies. You’ll see ads, but they’re less frequent than cable TV commercials.
The cartoon selection includes both Western and anime content. Classic Nickelodeon shows appear alongside modern releases. Tubi secures proper licensing for everything, so you’re watching legally.
Content rotates regularly. New titles appear monthly while others leave the platform. The video quality maxes out at 1080p. Tubi works on practically every device with internet access.
Pluto TV
Pluto TV operates like traditional television but streams online. Several channels run 24/7 cartoon marathons. You can’t pick specific episodes, but you can tune into live cartoon programming anytime.
The service is completely free and legal. Pluto TV makes money through ads shown during programming. The cartoon channels include dedicated anime streams, classic cartoon blocks, and kids’ programming.
No account creation is required. Simply visit the website or download the app and start watching. The channel guide shows what’s playing now and what’s coming up next.
Unofficial KissCartoon Alternatives
9Anime
9Anime hosts one of the largest anime collections online. The site offers both subbed and dubbed versions of most series. Multiple servers provide backup options if one fails.
The interface loads quickly and looks modern. You can filter by genre, release year, or popularity. The video player supports multiple quality options from 480p to 1080p.
Expect ads and pop-ups. The site generates revenue through advertising. Use an ad blocker for a cleaner experience. The domain changes periodically to avoid takedowns.
WcoStream
WcoStream specializes in Western cartoons and anime. The library includes everything from Cartoon Network classics to current anime releases. Episodes are organized by season and number.
The site doesn’t require account creation. You can start watching immediately. Video quality ranges from standard definition to high definition, depending on the source.
Pop-up ads appear frequently. Close them and continue watching. The streaming servers are generally reliable with minimal buffering. New episodes appear within days of release.
GoGoAnime
GoGoAnime updates constantly with new anime episodes. The site claims one of the fastest upload speeds for current anime. You’ll find shows appearing within hours of their Japanese broadcast.
The layout is simple and functional. Search by title or browse by genre. The video player offers quality selection and playback speed control. Multiple servers provide alternatives if your main choice lags.
The site shows ads, but fewer than many competitors. Registration is optional but unlocks features like watch history and bookmarks. Mobile viewing works well through the browser.
KimCartoon
KimCartoon focuses on Western animated content. The library emphasizes classic cartoons from major studios. You’ll find extensive collections of Looney Tunes, Tom and Jerry, and similar series.
The site organizes content by studio and alphabetically. This makes finding specific shows easier. Video quality varies based on the source material but generally reaches 720p or 1080p.
Ads appear but aren’t as aggressive as other sites. The streaming experience is relatively smooth. New cartoon episodes appear regularly, though not as quickly as anime-focused sites.
AnimeSuge
AnimeSuge offers a clean interface with minimal clutter. The anime library spans multiple genres and decades. Both subbed and dubbed versions are available for popular series.
The site allows quality selection from 480p to 1080p. Streaming is generally stable with fast loading times. The search function includes advanced filters for release year, genre, and status.
You’ll encounter ads, but fewer than many alternatives. An ad blocker makes the experience even smoother. The site works well on mobile devices through the browser.
Staying Safe While Streaming Cartoons
Unofficial streaming sites come with risks. Your device security depends on the precautions you take. These steps minimize danger while letting you watch cartoons.
Install uBlock Origin or AdBlock Plus before visiting streaming sites. These extensions block malicious ads that could infect your device. They also remove annoying pop-ups that interrupt viewing.
Use a VPN whenever you stream from unofficial sources. VPNs hide your IP address and encrypt your internet traffic. This protects you from ISP monitoring and potential legal issues. Free VPNs work, but paid options like NordVPN or ExpressVPN offer better security.
Never download files from streaming sites. Legitimate platforms only need your browser to play videos. Sites asking you to install software or browser extensions are usually scams. Close these prompts immediately.
Keep your antivirus software active and updated. Run regular scans to catch any malware that slips through. Windows Defender works fine for basic protection. Consider Malwarebytes for more comprehensive coverage.
Don’t create accounts on unofficial streaming sites using your primary email. Use a disposable email address instead. Never enter payment information on these platforms. Legitimate free sites won’t ask for credit cards.
Watch your device’s behavior after visiting streaming sites. Sudden slowdowns, unexpected pop-ups, or browser redirects signal infection. Run a full antivirus scan immediately if you notice these symptoms.
FAQs
Is using KissCartoon alternatives illegal?
Streaming copyrighted content without permission violates copyright law in most countries. Legal consequences vary by location. Most authorities target site operators rather than individual viewers. Using a VPN reduces your risk of detection.
Why do streaming sites have so many ads?
Free streaming sites need revenue to operate. They rely entirely on advertising income. More ads mean more money for hosting costs and bandwidth. Legal platforms like Crunchyroll use subscriptions to reduce ad frequency.
Can I watch cartoons offline from these sites?
Most streaming platforms don’t offer official download options. Some unofficial sites include download buttons, but these often lead to malware. Screen recording software lets you save content legally from platforms where you have viewing rights.
Which alternative works best on mobile devices?
Crunchyroll and Tubi offer dedicated mobile apps with the best experience. Among unofficial options, 9Anime and GoGoAnime work well in mobile browsers. Avoid sites requiring Flash player, as mobile devices don’t support it.
