Top 9 Aniwave Alternatives Working Now

The recent shutdown of Aniwave, formerly known as 9Anime, has sent shockwaves through the anime streaming community, which marks a significant moment in the ongoing battle against online piracy, particularly within the anime streaming community.

While the exact reasons behind the closure remain somewhat ambiguous, the most prominent one appears to be intensified legal action against piracy sites. Organizations like the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) and the Motion Picture Association (MPA) have been actively targeting major piracy platforms, viewing them as significant threats to the industry. Aniwave had amassed a staggering 170 million visits per month, making it a prime target for enforcement actions. The site's operators hinted at these pressures in their farewell message, suggesting that the emergence of improved legal alternatives made it an opportune time to cease operations.

As one of the most popular piracy websites, Aniwave's abrupt closure has left many fans scrambling to find alternatives to satisfy their anime cravings. In this blog post, we'll explore the reasons behind Aniwave's shutdown and dive into a comprehensive list of alternatives, both legal and free, to help you navigate the world of anime streaming in the post-Aniwave era.

4 Legal Alternatives to Aniwave

1. Crunchyroll

As one of the leading platforms for anime streaming, Crunchyroll has established itself as a favorite among fans worldwide. With an expansive library and a commitment to delivering the latest episodes promptly, it offers a comprehensive viewing experience for both casual viewers and hardcore anime enthusiasts.

Crunchyroll boasts a vast catalog that includes over 1,600 hours of content, featuring both classic and contemporary anime series. The platform is known for its simulcast feature, which allows users to watch new episodes just an hour after they air in Japan. This makes it an ideal choice for fans who want to stay current with their favorite shows, such as Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia, and Demon Slayer.

In addition to anime, Crunchyroll also offers a selection of manga and merchandise, enhancing the overall experience for fans. The platform's Crunchylist system allows users to create custom watchlists, making it easier to organize and track their viewing preferences.

Crunchyroll offers several subscription tiers to cater to different viewing needs:

• Fan Plan: This entry-level plan allows one concurrent stream and does not include offline downloads.
• Mega Fan Plan: For a slightly higher fee, this plan supports up to four concurrent streams and includes the ability to download episodes for offline viewing.
• Ultimate Fan Plan: This premium option allows up to six concurrent streams and also offers offline downloads, making it perfect for larger households or groups of friends.

Crunchyroll is accessible on a wide range of devices, including:

• iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.
• Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices.
• PlayStation and Xbox consoles.
• Web browsers on PCs and Macs.
• Nintendo Switch.

This extensive compatibility ensures that users can enjoy their favorite anime wherever they are.

2. Netflix

Netflix has significantly expanded its anime offerings in recent years, making it a viable alternative for fans seeking a diverse selection of titles. While it may not have the same breadth as Crunchyroll's library, Netflix's growing catalog and original productions have earned it a place among the top anime streaming platforms.

Netflix's anime selection includes a mix of classic series, recent hits, and original productions. Some notable titles include Neon Genesis Evangelion, Devilman Crybaby, Castlevania, and Aggretsuko. The platform's original anime series, such as Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and Yasuke, have received critical acclaim for their storytelling and animation quality.

One of Netflix's standout features is its ability to provide high-quality streaming across various devices. The platform offers 4K resolution and HDR support for compatible titles, ensuring a visually stunning experience. Additionally, Netflix allows users to download episodes for offline viewing, making it convenient for those on the go.

Netflix offers several subscription plans to cater to different budgets and viewing needs:

• Basic Plan: This entry-level plan provides standard definition streaming on one device at a time.
• Standard Plan: The most popular option, the Standard Plan offers HD streaming on two devices simultaneously.
• Premium Plan: The Premium Plan allows HD streaming on four devices concurrently and includes Ultra HD (4K) support for compatible titles.

Netflix is also widely accessible across a variety of devices, including:

• Smart TVs from brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio.
• Streaming devices such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Google Chromecast.
• Gaming consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
• Mobile devices running iOS or Android.
• Web browsers on PCs and Macs.

3. Hulu

Hulu has emerged as a strong contender in the anime streaming landscape, offering a diverse selection of titles that cater to both longtime fans and newcomers alike. With its extensive library and unique features, Hulu provides a compelling alternative for those seeking anime content.

Hulu boasts an impressive catalog of over 300 anime titles, including popular series such as My Hero Academia, Attack on Titan, and Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. The platform is particularly noted for its simulcast offerings, allowing viewers to watch new episodes shortly after they air in Japan. This feature is a significant advantage for fans who want to keep up with the latest releases.

Hulu also has a dedicated Anime Hub, where users can easily navigate and discover content organized into categories like classic series, simulcasts, and more. This user-friendly interface enhances the viewing experience, making it simple to find both beloved classics and new hits.

Hulu offers several subscription options to accommodate different preferences:

• Ad-Supported Plan: This entry-level plan allows users to access Hulu's entire library with ads for a lower monthly fee.
• Ad-Free Plan: For those who prefer an uninterrupted viewing experience, the ad-free plan is available at a higher price, allowing users to watch without commercial breaks.
• Bundle Options: Hulu also offers bundle packages that include Disney+ and ESPN+, providing additional value for users interested in a broader range of content.

Hulu is also compatible with a wide array of devices, including:

• Smart TVs from various brands.
• Streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV.
• Gaming consoles such as PlayStation and Xbox.
• Mobile devices running iOS or Android.
• Web browsers on PCs and Macs.

4. YouTube

YouTube has become an increasingly popular platform for anime fans, providing access to a variety of anime content, including full episodes, reviews, and fan-made videos. With the rise of dedicated anime channels, viewers can now legally watch anime without resorting to piracy, making it a valuable resource for fans.

YouTube offers a range of official channels where users can find anime content, including:

Muse Asia: This channel has gained popularity for its extensive library of anime episodes available for free. Owned by Muse Communication, it distributes a wide array of anime series and movies across Asia and beyond.

Crunchyroll Dubs: Following the merger with Funimation, Crunchyroll has expanded its presence on YouTube. The Crunchyroll Dubs channel features dubbed episodes of popular series, making it accessible for English-speaking audiences.

Viz Media: This channel uploads classic anime series and select titles, allowing fans to watch beloved shows like Death Note and Naruto without a subscription.

In addition to these channels, numerous content creators produce anime-related videos, including reviews, analysis, and commentary. Channels like Gigguk and Glass Reflection provide entertaining and insightful content that enhances the viewing experience for fans.

One of the significant advantages of YouTube is its accessibility. Users can watch content for free, although some channels may include ads. The platform is available on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles, allowing viewers to enjoy anime wherever they are.

While YouTube offers a wealth of anime content, it does have limitations. The selection of full episodes may not be as extensive as dedicated streaming platforms, and the availability of titles can change frequently due to copyright issues. Additionally, not all anime on YouTube is officially licensed, so viewers should be cautious and prioritize content from reputable channels.

5 Free Alternatives to Aniwave

1. AniWatch

AniWatch. has emerged as a popular free alternative for anime streaming, providing viewers with access to a diverse library of anime series and movies. With its user-friendly interface and community-driven features, AniWatch appeals to both casual viewers and dedicated anime fans.

AniWatch offers a wide range of anime content, including classics, new releases, and original video animations. Some notable features include:

• Extensive Library: Users can browse thousands of anime titles across various genres, ensuring there's something for everyone. The platform frequently updates its library with new episodes and series.
• Language Support: AniWatch supports multiple language subtitles and offers dubbed versions of many titles, allowing users to enjoy content in their preferred language.
• Personalized Recommendations: The platform utilizes user preferences and viewing history to suggest new anime series, helping viewers discover titles that align with their tastes.
• Community Interaction: AniWatch fosters a sense of community by allowing users to leave comments, rate shows, and discuss their favorite series with others. This feature enhances the viewing experience by creating a space for fans to connect and share opinions.
• Watchlists and Progress Tracking: Users can create personalized watchlists, mark episodes as watched, and receive notifications about new episodes, making it easier to keep track of their viewing habits.

AniWatch is accessible to anime fans worldwide, eliminating geographical restrictions that often limit access to content. The platform is compatible with various devices, including desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets, allowing users to stream anime wherever they are.

AniWatch provides a smooth streaming experience with multiple video resolutions, including 480p, 720p, and 1080p. This flexibility allows viewers to choose the quality that best suits their internet connection and device capabilities. Most titles come with English subtitles, ensuring that viewers can enjoy their favorite shows without language barriers.

2. Gogoanime

Gogoanime is a popular free anime streaming platform that has garnered a significant following among anime enthusiasts. Known for its extensive library and user-friendly interface, Gogoanime provides a convenient way for viewers to access a wide range of anime series and movies without the need for a subscription.

Gogoanime stands out for several key features that enhance the user experience:

• Extensive Library: Gogoanime boasts one of the largest collections of anime titles available online. Users can find everything from classic series like Naruto and One Piece to the latest releases such as Jujutsu Kaisen and Demon Slayer. The platform covers various genres, including action, romance, fantasy, and horror, ensuring that there is something for every anime fan.
• Subbed and Dubbed Content: Understanding the diverse preferences of its audience, Gogoanime offers both subbed (subtitled) and dubbed versions of many anime titles. This inclusivity allows viewers to choose their preferred viewing style, catering to both those who enjoy the original Japanese audio and those who prefer English dubs.
• Regular Updates: Gogoanime is committed to keeping its content fresh, frequently updating its library with new episodes shortly after they air in Japan. This promptness makes it a go-to source for fans who want to stay current with their favorite series.
• High-Quality Streaming: The platform offers multiple streaming quality options, ranging from 360p to 1080p, allowing users to enjoy their anime regardless of their internet speed. Gogoanime also provides options for downloading episodes, enabling offline viewing for users with limited internet access.
• User-Friendly Interface: Gogoanime features an intuitive design that makes navigation easy. The homepage showcases the latest episodes, trending series, and recommendations, while the robust search functionality allows users to find specific titles quickly.

Gogoanime fosters a sense of community among its users by allowing for user reviews, ratings, and comment sections for each episode. This interactive aspect enhances the viewing experience, enabling fans to share their thoughts, discuss plot points, and engage with fellow anime enthusiasts.

Gogoanime can be accessed through web browsers on various devices, including desktops, laptops, and mobile devices. While there is no official mobile app, the website is optimized for mobile use, allowing users to watch anime on the go.

While Gogoanime is popular for its free streaming service, it is essential to note that the legality of the content it hosts can be a gray area. The site may not always have official licensing agreements for the anime it streams, which can lead to potential legal and ethical issues. Anime enthusiasts are encouraged to support official releases and creators by subscribing to legitimate streaming services when possible.

3. AnimeFreak

AnimeFreak is a well-known free streaming platform that caters to anime fans by providing a vast selection of anime titles, both old and new. With its user-friendly interface and commitment to regular updates, AnimeFreak has become a popular choice for viewers looking to enjoy anime without the need for a subscription.

AnimeFreak offers several key features that enhance the viewing experience:

• Extensive Library: The platform boasts a comprehensive collection of anime series and movies, making it easy for users to find both classic favorites and the latest releases. The site is regularly updated with new content, ensuring that fans have access to the most current episodes.
• User-Friendly Navigation: The website is designed for ease of use, featuring a straightforward layout that allows users to browse through genres, search for specific titles, and access detailed information about each anime, including summaries and character profiles.
• Quality Streaming: AnimeFreak supports multiple video resolutions, ranging from 480p to 1080p, allowing users to choose the quality that best suits their internet connection and device capabilities. The platform ensures stable playback, providing a smooth viewing experience.
• Subbed and Dubbed Options: To cater to a diverse audience, AnimeFreak offers both subbed (subtitled) and dubbed versions of many anime titles. This flexibility allows viewers to enjoy content in their preferred language.
• Community Engagement: AnimeFreak encourages user interaction by allowing comments and ratings for each episode. This feature fosters a sense of community among fans, enabling them to share their thoughts and discuss their favorite shows.

AnimeFreak is accessible on any device with a web browser and an internet connection, making it easy for users to watch their favorite anime anytime, anywhere. The site is optimized for mobile viewing, allowing fans to enjoy anime on their smartphones and tablets.

While AnimeFreak is popular among anime fans, some users have raised concerns about safety and potential redirects to malicious websites. However, the site employs SSL encryption to protect user data and has implemented security measures to mitigate risks. Users are advised to exercise caution and consider using a VPN for added security when accessing the site.

4. KickAssAnime

KickAssAnime has emerged as a notable free streaming platform for anime enthusiasts, offering a wide selection of titles that cater to various tastes and preferences. With its commitment to providing both dubbed and subtitled versions of popular anime, KickAssAnime has garnered a loyal following among fans seeking accessible content.

KickAssAnime stands out for several key features that enhance the user experience:

• Extensive Library: The platform boasts a diverse collection of anime titles, ranging from classic series to the latest releases. Whether you're a fan of action, romance, or fantasy, KickAssAnime has something for everyone, ensuring that viewers can find content that resonates with their interests.
• High-Quality Streaming: KickAssAnime is dedicated to providing a high-quality viewing experience. Users can enjoy crisp, clear resolutions with minimal buffering and interruptions, allowing for an immersive experience as they delve into the vibrant worlds of their favorite anime.
• Subbed and Dubbed Options: Understanding the diverse preferences of its audience, KickAssAnime offers both dubbed (DUB) and subtitled (SUB) versions of many anime series. This flexibility ensures that all viewers can enjoy anime in the manner they prefer, whether they appreciate the original Japanese voice acting or prefer English dubs.
• User-Friendly Interface: The platform features an intuitive design that makes navigation seamless. Users can easily search for specific titles, explore new genres, and discover trending series, enhancing the overall browsing experience.
• Regular Updates: KickAssAnime is committed to keeping its library fresh, regularly updating its content with new episodes and series as soon as they are released. This promptness makes it an ideal choice for fans who want to stay current with their favorite shows.

KickAssAnime is accessible on various devices with internet connectivity, including desktops, laptops, and mobile devices. The website is optimized for mobile viewing, allowing fans to enjoy their favorite anime on the go.

While KickAssAnime primarily focuses on streaming content, it also encourages user engagement through ratings and reviews. This feature allows viewers to share their thoughts on specific titles, fostering a sense of community among anime fans.

Despite its many strengths, KickAssAnime does face some challenges. Users have reported encountering numerous ads, which can be intrusive and disrupt the viewing experience. Additionally, as with many free streaming platforms, there may be concerns regarding the legality of the content hosted on the site. Viewers should be cautious and consider supporting official releases when possible.

5. Chia-Anime

Chia-Anime is a free streaming platform that has gained popularity among anime fans for its extensive library and user-friendly interface. With a focus on providing both dubbed and subtitled content, Chia-Anime caters to a diverse audience, making it a noteworthy alternative for those seeking anime without a subscription.

Chia-Anime offers several key features that enhance the viewing experience:

• Vast Library: The platform hosts a wide range of anime titles, including popular series and movies. Users can easily find both classic and contemporary anime, ensuring that there's something for everyone.
• Subbed and Dubbed Options: Chia-Anime provides both subbed (subtitled) and dubbed versions of many anime titles. This flexibility allows viewers to choose their preferred viewing style, whether they enjoy the original Japanese audio or prefer English dubs.
• User-Friendly Navigation: The website is designed for easy navigation, featuring quick filters that allow users to search for titles by genre, popularity, and release date. This intuitive layout makes it simple for fans to find and enjoy their favorite shows.
• Regular Updates: Chia-Anime is committed to keeping its library current, frequently updating its content with new episodes and series as they become available. This promptness ensures that fans can stay up-to-date with the latest releases.

Chia-Anime is accessible on any device with an internet connection, including desktops, laptops, and mobile devices. The site is optimized for mobile viewing, allowing users to enjoy anime on the go.

While primarily a streaming platform, Chia-Anime encourages user engagement through comments and ratings for each episode. This feature fosters a sense of community among fans, enabling them to share their thoughts and discuss their favorite series.

Despite its many strengths, Chia-Anime does have some drawbacks. Users have reported encountering numerous ads, including pop-ups that can disrupt the viewing experience. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the legality of the content hosted on the site, as it may not always have official licensing agreements for the anime it streams. Viewers are encouraged to exercise caution and consider supporting official releases when possible.

Conclusion

In the wake of Aniwave's shutdown, anime fans are left searching for reliable alternatives to continue enjoying their favorite series. This blog post has explored a variety of options, ranging from established legal platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu to free alternatives such as AniWatch, Gogoanime, AnimeFreak, KickAssAnime, and Chia-Anime. Each of these platforms offers unique features and benefits, catering to the diverse preferences of anime enthusiasts.

While legal streaming services provide a wealth of licensed content and support for creators, free alternatives can offer accessibility and a vast library of titles. However, it is essential for viewers to remain aware of the potential legal and ethical implications of using free streaming sites. Supporting official releases not only helps sustain the anime industry but also ensures that creators receive the recognition and compensation they deserve.