Aniwatch Alternatives
PureVPNAlternativesBest Aniwatch Alternatives for Anime Fans

If you’ve been hunting for Aniwatch alternatives, you’re in good company. Once a trusted free anime streaming site, Aniwatch (formerly Zoro.to) offered HD-quality anime with almost no ads. But after copyright strikes and constant domain takedowns, the platform became unreliable, spawning dangerous clone sites filled with pop-ups and malware.

So, what’s next for anime fans? Whether you want free anime sites or premium streaming platforms with full legal access, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ll explore the best Aniwatch alternatives.

Top Free Aniwatch Alternatives To Try Now

These are safe, ad-light anime streaming sites offering strong libraries of subbed and dubbed titles. Most are free, though some have optional premium tiers for ad-free viewing.

1. Crunchyroll (Free + Premium)

Crunchyroll is the largest legal anime streaming platform in the world. It offers both free (ad-supported) and premium memberships, giving fans access to the latest simulcasts directly from Japan.

Why You’ll Love It:
Its catalog includes classics like Naruto Shippuden, One Piece, Dragon Ball Super, and new hits like Solo Leveling and Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2. Sub and dub options are both available in full HD.

2. 9Anime (Free)

9Anime is one of the oldest and most popular free anime sites, known for its smooth playback and vast genre diversity.

Why You’ll Love It:
You can find everything from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Tokyo Ghoul to lesser-known gems like Made in Abyss and Erased. It also offers fast loading and multiple server options.

3. HiAnime.to (Free)

Previously known as Aniwatch and Zoro.to, HiAnime.to continues the legacy with a user-friendly interface and HD streaming options, still requires caution.

Why You’ll Love It:
Its catalog spans Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, My Hero Academia, Chainsaw Man, and Attack on Titan: The Final Season. The site doesn’t require registration and runs directly in your browser.

4. AnimeHeaven (Free)

AnimeHeaven remains one of the most trusted free anime portals, offering clean streaming and minimal ads.

Why You’ll Love It:
You can enjoy One Punch Man, Black Clover, Blue Exorcist, and Death Note with fast buffering and multiple subtitle options. It also works well on Chromebooks and mobile browsers.

5. Gogoanime (Free)

A veteran in the anime world, Gogoanime provides a massive library of both mainstream and niche titles.

Why You’ll Love It:
Watch Spy x Family, Dr. Stone, Haikyuu!!, and Vinland Saga in HD with easy navigation and fast updates. The site regularly uploads new episodes within hours of release.

If you’re ready to invest in a premium, ad-free anime experience, these platforms are the safest and most stable replacements for Aniwatch. They’re completely legal, high-quality, and often include exclusive simulcasts unavailable on free sites.

1. Netflix

Netflix’s anime catalog has grown dramatically, offering both classic and exclusive anime titles. Over the past few years, it has invested heavily in original productions and secured global streaming rights for popular franchises. 

Why You’ll Love It:
Stream One Piece, Hunter x Hunter, Castlevania, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, and Netflix Originals like Blue Eye Samurai, all in 4K with subtitles and dubs in multiple languages.

2. Disney+

Disney+ may surprise some fans, as it now licenses several top anime titles, particularly from Japan’s biggest studios. The platform combines family-friendly content with high-quality anime series and movies. With ad-free streaming and HD playback, it’s a reliable choice, Aniwatch alternative.

Why You’ll Love It:
Enjoy shows like Tokyo Revengers, Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, and Black Rock Shooter Dawn Fall, all in ad-free HD. 

3. HIDIVE

HIDIVE has carved out a niche as the home of underground and exclusive anime gems. It offers a wide range of titles that are often hard to find on mainstream platforms. With crisp HD streams, simulcasts, and flexible subtitle options, HIDIVE is perfect for dedicated anime enthusiasts.

Why You’ll Love It:
Get titles like Oshi no Ko, DanMachi, Call of the Night, and Made in Abyss in crisp HD. The platform’s low subscription fee and fast simulcasts make it ideal for hardcore anime fans.

4. Hulu

Hulu’s anime section, powered by partnerships with Funimation and Crunchyroll, offers an extensive range of both dubbed and subtitled titles. From popular hits to hidden gems, it covers genres for every type of anime fan. 

Why You’ll Love It:
Watch Naruto, One Piece, Demon Slayer, and Attack on Titan seamlessly on any device, ad-free with premium plans.

Region-Specific Aniwatch Alternatives To Access With a VPN

Not all anime platforms are available worldwide, some are restricted to certain countries or regions due to licensing agreements. These sites provide high-quality, legal streaming, but you may need a VPN to access them if you’re outside the supported region. 

WebsiteRegionWhy It’s TrustedWhat They Host
FunimationU.S., Canada, U.K., IrelandLicensed anime, official dubs, HD streamingDragon Ball Super, My Hero Academia, One Piece
WakanimFrance, Germany, Nordic countriesLegal simulcasts, fast updates, ad-free premiumDemon Slayer, Black Clover, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
AnimeLabAustralia, New ZealandOfficially licensed anime, clean UI, HD qualityAttack on Titan, Tokyo Revengers, Re:Zero
CRunchyroll EUEurope (select countries)Licensed catalog, multiple language subtitlesNaruto Shippuden, Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man
HIDIVEU.S., Canada, U.K.Legal HD streams, exclusive underground titlesOshi no Ko, Made in Abyss, DanMachi

How a VPN Helps You Stream Anime Safely Around the Globe

Many networks, like schools, workplaces, or even ISPs block access to anime sites. A VPN like PureVPN helps you bypass limits keeping you secure.

With PureVPN, you can:

  • Access blocked anime sites in your region.
  • Protect your identity from trackers and malicious ads.
  • Reduce lag using optimized streaming servers.
  • Access global libraries on Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+.

So whether you’re binging Attack on Titan during lunch break or watching Jujutsu Kaisen on a trip abroad, a VPN ensures your anime sessions stay smooth, private, and unrestricted.

Why Does Aniwatch Keep Disappearing?

Aniwatch earned millions of loyal users because it offered free, high-quality anime streaming without signup requirements. However, it hosted copyrighted content, putting it in direct violation of international copyright laws.

Over time, this led to:

  • DMCA takedowns and IP bans across regions.
  • Frequent rebrands — from Zoro.to → Aniwatch.to → HiAnime.to.
  • Fake mirror sites exploiting the brand name for ad revenue or phishing scams.

As of 2025, there’s no official Aniwatch domain, and any site using the name Aniwatch should be treated cautiously.

Final Thoughts

While Aniwatch may no longer be the safe anime platform, there are plenty of reliable Aniwatch alternatives, both free and premium. Sites like Crunchyroll and Netflix keep anime streaming alive for everyone. To stay safe and stream without limits, pair your favorite site with PureVPN to enjoy securely, privately, and without interruptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to use Aniwatch or HiAnime?

No. These platforms host anime without official licenses, which violates copyright laws in many regions. For safe, legal streaming, use verified platforms like Crunchyroll, HIDIVE, or Netflix.

What’s the best free alternative to Aniwatch?

If you want the closest free experience, 9Anime or HiAnime.to offer huge libraries and quick loading speeds. Just be cautious that these are also fake mirror sites and carry risks.

Do VPNs really help for anime streaming?

Yes. PureVPN encrypts your traffic, hides your activity, and lets you access region-locked anime on platforms like Netflix Japan or Crunchyroll US.

Can I watch anime on my Chromebook or mobile browser?

Absolutely. Most free anime sites are built on HTML5, so you can stream directly on Chrome, Edge, Safari, or any mobile browser without apps, but make sure that free anime sites may carry risks, such as data exposure, malware and phishing attempts.

Why do free Aniwatch alternatives sites sometimes stop working? 

They get blocked by ISPs or move to new domains after copyright complaints. Use a VPN to reconnect and to keep your identity safe.

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