Aniwave was once a go-to platform for anime lovers seeking free, high-quality streams of the latest shows and classic titles. With its recent shutdown due to copyright enforcement, many of the fans are now left searching for reliable and secure alternatives.
Whether you’re looking for free streaming options or premium platforms with official licenses, this guide has the best Aniwave alternatives. We’ll also discuss how to protect your privacy while streaming on any platform online.
What is Aniwave?
This Aniwave was a rebrand of the notorious piracy site 9anime, which began around 2016. It provided free, high-definition anime streams and download links without requiring registration; many could filter by sub/dub, build watchlists, and watch in-browser or offline.
By August 27, 2024, authorities, including the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment and Vietnamese police, took down Aniwave, alongside major piracy sites like FMovies and Zoroxtv. The sites displayed a farewell message urging users to shift to legal services.
Can I Stay Safe While Accessing Free Streaming Websites?
Yes, but only if you’re careful. Free streaming websites, especially the ones that operate without proper licenses, are notorious for being risky. But with the right precautions, you can reduce those risks and stream a little more safely. You must:
- Use PureVPN to hide your IP address and location
- Enable ad blockers and browser anti-tracking extensions
- Avoid entering personal details or downloading any files
- Try to stick to legal alternatives with proper licensing
9 Best Legal Aniwave Alternatives That Still Offer Free Streaming
Explore high-quality, risk-free platforms that let you watch anime legally—no pop-ups, no malware, and no shady mirrors. Whether you’re into seasonal simulcasts, retro classics, or dubbed favorites, these trusted Aniwave alternatives offer a seamless and secure streaming experience.
1. Crunchyroll
Subscription: Free (with ads), Premium plans from $7.99/month
Best For: Latest simulcasts, large anime library, original series
As a legal alternative to Aniwave, Crunchyroll stands out with its industry partnerships and timely access to new episodes. It features one of the largest collections of anime, including simulcasts directly from Japan. While the free version has ads and delayed episodes, premium subscribers get early access, ad-free streaming, and offline downloads.
Pros:
- Vast anime catalog, including seasonal hits
- Simulcast shows are available shortly after airing in Japan
- Supports multiple languages and subtitles
Cons:
- The free version has frequent ads
- The interface may feel dated on some devices
2. Tubi
Subscription: Free (ad-supported)
Best For: Casual anime watching, older and niche titles
Tubi offers a surprising variety of anime completely free and without requiring a sign-up. Though it lacks the latest simulcasts, it’s ideal for fans of cult classics and hidden gems. The platform is 100% legal and funded through advertising, making it a solid option for safe streaming.
Pros:
- No registration needed
- Available on all major devices
- Offers other genres alongside anime
Cons:
- Limited selection compared to premium platforms
- No offline viewing or HD guarantee
3. Pluto TV
Subscription: Free (live and on-demand)
Best For: 24/7 anime channels, retro anime fans
Pluto TV is a lean-back experience with live-streaming anime channels, perfect for viewers who want to tune in without choosing specific episodes. While the on-demand catalog is modest, its linear anime channels showcase titles like Naruto, Bleach, and One Piece.
Pros:
- Always-on live anime channels
- User-friendly and ad-supported
- Great for background viewing
Cons:
- No control over what’s playing on live channels
- Small on-demand library
4. RetroCrush
Subscription: Free (with ads), Premium at $4.99/month
Best For: Classic and vintage anime fans
RetroCrush caters to fans of old-school anime with a curated collection of titles from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s. This legal streaming service brings nostalgic gems to the forefront, many of which aren’t available on mainstream platforms, hence an amazing Aniwave alternative.
Pros:
- Focused on hard-to-find classics
- Clean, simple interface
- Free to watch with optional premium tier
Cons:
- Not ideal for fans of newer series
- Limited genre diversity outside retro anime
5. YouTube (Official Anime Channels)
Subscription: Free (ad-supported)
Best For: Clips, full episodes, and anime movies
Several anime publishers, like Muse Asia, Ani-One Asia, and Nozomi Entertainment, host official YouTube channels that legally stream anime content for free. While the selection varies by region and title, it’s a great legal Aniwave alternative to watch legally without spending anything.
Pros:
- 100% free and globally accessible
- Good for sampling different shows
- Legal and high-quality uploads
Cons:
- Not all episodes or seasons are complete
- Limited to what’s offered by channel partners
6. HIDIVE
Subscription: Free trial available, then $4.99/month
Best For: Exclusive titles, uncensored anime, classic collections
HIDIVE is a lesser-known but legal anime streaming platform known for curating unique and uncensored content not always found on mainstream services. It hosts cult favorites, older OVAs, and a growing list of simulcasts. Though it’s not entirely free, the free trial and affordable subscription make it accessible.
Pros:
- Strong library of uncensored and rare titles
- Clean, minimalist user interface
- Affordable subscription
Cons:
- Smaller library than Crunchyroll or Netflix
- Limited subtitle and dub options
7. Anime-Planet
Subscription: Free (supported via Crunchyroll)
Best For: Anime discovery, integrated streaming, user reviews
Anime-Planet is more of an anime discovery platform, but it offers free, legal streaming through its partnership with Crunchyroll. You can legally stream thousands of episodes directly from its interface, while also reading user reviews and creating watchlists.
Pros:
- Free streaming via Crunchyroll integration
- Great for planning and tracking anime
- Built-in manga recommendations
Cons:
- Relies on Crunchyroll for hosting
- Interface more suited to desktop
8. CONtv
Subscription: Free (with ads)
Best For: Indie anime, geek culture content, comic con fans
CONtv is geared toward fans of comic conventions and genre media, but it includes a niche selection of anime. While it doesn’t offer blockbusters or simulcasts, it’s free and has rare titles alongside comics, horror, and fantasy content.
Pros:
- Niche anime titles mixed with geek media
- Free to use with no subscription
- Good cross-genre platform
Cons:
- Small anime library
- Interface can feel outdated
9. Midnight Pulp
Subscription: Free (with ads), Premium from $4.99/month
Best For: Horror, thriller, and adult-themed anime
Midnight Pulp offers a mix of cult and edgy content, including horror, noir, and mature-themed anime. It’s not a mainstream anime hub, but an Aniwave alternative if you are looking for dark, experimental, or fringe animation.
Pros:
- Focused on horror and thriller genres
- Free with optional upgrade
- Available on major devices
Cons:
- Limited mainstream anime
- Not suitable for younger audiences
Premium Aniwave Alternatives For Real Anime Fans
If you’re ready to upgrade your anime experience with reliable streaming, better video resolution, official subs and dubs, and early access to simulcasts, premium services are absolutely worth considering.
1. Crunchyroll
Subscription: $7.99–$14.99/month
Best For: Simulcasts, classic and new anime, manga fans
As a premium Aniwave alternative, Crunchyroll is widely regarded as the go-to anime streaming platform. It offers one of the largest collections of legal anime, including simulcasts from Japan, exclusive dubs, and manga access. Fans can enjoy everything from shonen hits like Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan to niche titles and seasonal picks.
Pros:
- Massive anime catalog (classic + new)
- Early access to simulcasts
- Ad-free HD streaming
Cons:
- No offline downloads on basic plan
- UI can be buggy on some devices
2. HIDIVE
Subscription: $4.99/month
Best For: Underrated gems, retro anime, exclusive dubs
HIDIVE is a strong premium alternative to Aniwave if you are looking beyond the mainstream. It offers cult hits, exclusive dubs, and titles unavailable on Crunchyroll or Netflix. It is a great choice for anime fans who appreciate diversity and depth in their watchlist.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Niche and rare anime selection
- Exclusive English dubs
Cons:
- Smaller library than competitors
- Limited device compatibility
3. Netflix
Subscription: $6.99–$22.99/month (varies by plan)
Best For: Anime films, mainstream hits, binge-watchers
Netflix has invested heavily in anime, offering both licensed classics and original productions like Devilman Crybaby, Yasuke, and Baki Hanma. It’s an excellent Aniwave substitute if you want anime and entertainment options like movies and dramas.
Pros:
- High-quality Netflix Originals
- Offline downloads and 4K support
- Global content access via VPN
Cons:
- Anime catalog varies by region
- Few simulcasts or seasonal titles
4. Amazon Prime Video (with Anime Strike content)
Subscription: $14.99/month (Prime) + optional anime channel fees
Best For: Movie rentals, Prime Originals, anime films
Amazon Prime Video has an anime catalog, including classics like Vinland Saga, Made in Abyss, and select Studio Ghibli films (in some regions). It’s great if you want anime alongside shopping benefits, music, and exclusive shows.
Pros:
- Access to premium movie rentals and channels
- Ghibli and exclusive film options
- Bundle with Amazon shopping perks
Cons:
- Smaller anime catalog
- Some anime titles are behind additional paywalls
6. Disney+ (Star / Hotstar in Some Regions)
Subscription: $7.99–$10.99/month (varies by region)
Best For: Action-packed anime, exclusive originals, Marvel/Star Wars crossover fans
Disney+ has entered the anime space through exclusive partnerships and global distribution deals. It streams anime like Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, Tokyo Revengers, and Summer Time Rendering in select regions. This makes it an emerging premium alternative for fans of stylish, high-production-value anime.
Pros:
- Home to Bleach reboot and exclusive simulcasts
- 4K playback and offline downloads
- Works seamlessly across all devices
Cons:
- Limited anime selection
- Some anime not available in all countries
7. Apple TV+ (via Channel Add-ons)
Subscription: $9.99/month (base) + optional anime channel costs
Best For: Renting anime movies, adding Crunchyroll/HIDIVE as channels
Apple TV+ doesn’t host much anime natively, but it integrates Crunchyroll, HIDIVE, and other anime channels via its Apple TV Channels system. This makes it a flexible hub for anime lovers who prefer centralized access on Apple devices.
Pros:
- Integrates top anime services in one place
- Excellent UI and streaming quality
- Great for anime films and rentals
Cons:
- Limited native anime content
- Add-on channels cost extra
8. Peacock (NBC Universal)
Subscription: $5.99/month (with ads) | $11.99/month (Premium Plus)
Best For: Streaming classic series and anime-adjacent content
Peacock isn’t anime-first, but it includes popular titles like Yu-Gi-Oh!, Pokémon, and even Studio Ghibli documentaries. It’s a viable option for fans who also enjoy Western animated series or are looking for Aniwave alternative, plus family-friendly anime options.
Pros:
- Includes some kid-friendly anime and spin-offs
- Affordable pricing
- Bundled with other NBC content
Cons:
- Not anime-focused
- Catalog changes often
9. VRV (U.S. Only)
Subscription: $9.99/month
Best For: Crunchyroll + HIDIVE bundle, nerd culture fans
VRV bundles anime, gaming, and geek culture into one platform. It previously included Crunchyroll, HIDIVE, Rooster Teeth, and more in a single subscription, ideal for anime fans who also enjoy adjacent media, and want an alternative to Aniwave in the US.
Pros:
- Multi-platform bundle
- Unified billing for multiple services
- Strong anime + fandom culture focus
Cons:
- U.S.-only
- Platform updates have slowed post-Crunchyroll merger
10. YouTube Premium (via Official Channels)
Subscription: $13.99/month
Best For: Ad-free streaming of official anime channels (Muse Asia, Ani-One)
Several anime studios publish legal episodes and full seasons on YouTube via official channels. With YouTube Premium, you can stream ad-free, download episodes, and access exclusive YouTube content in HD or 4K, thus it is an ideal Aniwave alternative.
Pros:
- Legal anime via Muse Asia, Ani-One, VIZ Media
- Offline downloads and background playback
- Global availability with VPN
Cons:
- No centralized anime UI
- Anime discovery is less intuitive than on Crunchyroll or HIDIVE
Which anime channels are best on YouTube Premium?
Top official Anime channels include:
- Muse Asia: Full episodes of popular seasonal anime
- Ani-One Asia: Broad catalog including both simulcasts and classics
- Nozomi Entertainment: Classic series like Mobile Suit Gundam, El-Hazard
- Toei Animation: For shows like One Piece and Digimon
What are the Risks of Using Free Streaming Platforms?
Using free streaming platforms, especially unlicensed ones like the former Aniwave, comes with risks. These sites might offer access to popular content at no cost, but they compromise your safety, privacy, and legality.
1. Legal Issues
Most free streaming platforms operate without proper licensing agreements. Watching or downloading copyrighted content from them may violate intellectual property laws in your region, such as DMCA warnings, fines, or ISP throttling. Viewers in countries with strict copyright enforcement (e.g., the U.S., the U.K., Germany) are mostly affected.
2. Malware and Adware Infections
Free streaming sites often rely heavily on advertising revenue. Many display pop-ups, redirects, or fake play buttons that lead to malware sites.
3. Data Privacy Violations
These platforms often track your activity using third-party cookies or hidden trackers, which harvest your data to sell to shady advertisers or brokers.
4. Lack of HTTPS Encryption
Many free streaming domains do not use secure HTTPS protocols, meaning data between your device and the site isn’t encrypted.
5. Unreliable Content & User Experience
Free sites are often plagued with low video quality or broken links, inconsistent availability of episodes, frequent downtime, or domain changes due to takedowns and excessive ads interrupting playback.
Top Free Aniwave Alternatives Still Working
These free streaming sites often operate without official licenses. As a result, they frequently face takedowns, change domain names, or reappear as clones. Always double-check the URL, avoid suspicious pop-ups, and consider using a VPN to stay safer.
Platform | Pros | Cons |
Zoro.to | – Clean UI with minimal ads- Subbed & dubbed content- Fast streaming speeds | – Operates in a legal gray area and has many clones.- May go offline without notice |
AnimePahe | – Lightweight and fast- No registration required- Direct downloads available | – Limited content catalog- Pop-up ads may appear |
Gogoanime | – Large anime library- Frequently updated episodes- Dubbed and subbed options | – Redirects and ad pop-ups- Often cloned under fake domains |
9anime.id | – High-quality video (HD/1080p)- Filter tools by genre/type- Auto-play next episode | – Clone of original Aniwave- Ads and malicious redirects are possible |
Animeflix | – User-friendly layout- Low buffering- Downloadable episodes | – Might not work in all regions- Not officially licensed |
Aniwatch.to | – Supports watchlists and bookmarks- Thousands of series available- Minimal buffering | – May face downtime or legal blocks- Ad-supported |
SimplyAWeeb.to | – Focused on community & recommendations- Lightweight interface- Easy navigation | – Smaller library- Some UI elements may feel basic |
Wrap Up
As AniWave phases out, it’s the perfect time to upgrade with platforms that offer high-quality streams, proper subtitles, and full legal support. Try out a few free options first, and if you’re a serious fan, consider a premium plan that fits your needs. Also, remember to use PureVPN to keep your data safe.
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Frequently Asked Questions
If Aniwave or similar sites are not working, you should shift to legal options, which are secure and offer better quality of streams.
AniWave likely shut down due to copyright enforcement and legal pressure. It operated without official licenses, making it a target for DMCA actions. The site was also encouraged to switch to legal streaming platforms, as a Goodbye notice.
Yes, official channels like Ani-One and Muse Asia provide HD streams. Some titles come dubbed, while others are subbed.
In the U.S., Studio Ghibli movies are available on Max. Internationally, most Ghibli titles are on Netflix (excluding the U.S. and Japan). You can also purchase or rent them on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. You can access region locked Ghibli by changing your location via PureVPN.