Anime fans know how annoying it is when Aniwatch stops working. Pop-ups, endless ads, or sudden shutdowns ruin the fun. One user said, “I just wanted to watch Jujutsu Kaisen without a hundred pop-ups.” Even worse, Aniwatch has faced shutdowns and geo-restrictions, leaving anime fans scratching their heads.
That’s why we made this guide: 10 Must-Try Aniwatch Alternatives For Anime Streaming (2025). It has the best places to watch anime, with fewer ads and no sudden stops. From huge libraries to sites with fast streams, you’ll find what you need here.
What Is Aniwatch?
AniWatch was a well-known, free website where anime fans could stream a huge collection of shows and movies. It offered a smooth viewing experience with many options.
Here’s a closer look at what AniWatch provided:
- Extensive Content: It boasted a vast library of anime, covering countless genres and titles from various eras, including Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Romance, Horror, Mystery, and many more.
- Flexible Viewing: Users could stream content directly or often download it to watch offline.
- Language Options: It provided both English subtitles (subbed) and English voiceovers (dubbed) for a wide range of titles, catering to different viewer preferences.
- Quality and Performance: AniWatch aimed for a user-friendly experience with fast loading speeds, allowing viewers to select video quality up to Ultra HD (like 360p, 720p, or 1080p) for clear, uninterrupted viewing.
- Easy to Use: The platform featured a simple interface designed for easy navigation, helping users find their favorite anime quickly.
AniWatch was created to give anime lovers free and quick access to a massive amount of content, focusing on broad availability and ease of use.
Why Isn’t Aniwatch Working Anymore?
In recent times, users have reported issues accessing Aniwatch, including server downtimes and playback errors. These disruptions are often attributed to legal challenges and increased scrutiny from authorities targeting unauthorized streaming sites.
It’s important to note that AniWatch has undergone a rebranding and is now widely known as HiAnime. This was reportedly a response to legal pressures and site takedowns.
The site was previously a rebrand of Zoro.to, which was shut down by anti-piracy groups in July 2023. Therefore, AniWatch (and now HiAnime) has a history of changing its domain and branding to continue operation.
For users unaware of trustworthy Aniwatch alternatives or verified new domains, this constant shift may lead to loss of access to favorite anime titles. Even worse, they might end up on fake or malicious copycat sites. These sites can pose serious security threats, such as malware, intrusive ads, or phishing attempts.
10 Best FREE Aniwatch Alternatives to Stream Anime Online
This guide presents the top 10 Aniwatch alternatives free to use along with platforms similar to Aniwatch to meet diverse viewing needs.
1. Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll stands as the most popular legal anime streaming service globally, with over 120 million registered users. It’s the ultimate pick among sites like Aniwatch for fans who want a vast and legally accessible anime library.
Over 1,400 anime series and films, encompassing more than 45,000 episodes including action, sci-fi, slice of life, shounen, shoujo, seinen, isekai, and more. Some famous anime titles are Chainsaw Man, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Hunter x Hunter. New episodes are available within one hour of their broadcast in Japan, ensuring timely access for international viewers.
Key Features:
- Massive library of anime and manga
- Subbed and dubbed content
- Premium simulcasts (new episodes within hours of Japan airing)
| Pros | Cons |
| Extensive and updated anime library | Ads on free version |
| Legal and licensed content | Premium needed for full features |
| Excellent streaming quality | Limited offline viewing |
2. Funimation
Funimation is ideal for English-dub anime lovers and serves as one of the strongest legal Aniwatch alternatives. This website excels in timely dubbed episode releases, often within days of the original airing, over 600 titles and more than 10,000 hours of content. As of April 2024, Funimation’s streaming service has been consolidated into Crunchyroll .
Funimation has long been home to some of the most iconic action-packed shounen anime, notable examples: Dragon Ball Z / Super, My Hero Academia, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.
Key Features:
- Largest dubbed anime library
- SimulDubs released shortly after Japan broadcast
- User-friendly interface
| Pros | Cons |
| Vast library of English-dubbed anime | Region-locked content |
| Legal streaming | Requires subscription for premium |
| Consistent streaming quality | Ads on free accounts |
3. Hulu
Hulu combines anime with mainstream TV and movies, approximately 400+ anime titles, including both series and movies. Regular updates and strong streaming stability make it attractive to anime fans wanting broader content offerings.
While Crunchyroll and Funimation focus exclusively on anime, Hulu offers a well-rounded experience by combining a solid anime catalog (400+ titles) with a massive library of mainstream movies, TV shows, and originals. You can watch My Hero Academia and Attack on Titan, then switch to The Bear, Only Murders in the Building, or Marvel films—all without changing platforms. This makes Hulu a stronger choice for viewers who want more than just anime.
Key Features:
- Strong mix of anime, movies, and TV shows
- High-quality streams
- Regularly updated content
| Pros | Cons |
| Diverse content library | Limited anime compared to Crunchyroll |
| Reliable and legal service | Frequent ads without premium |
| Accessible across many devices | US-centric content |
4. Anime-Planet
Anime-Planet offers legal, community-driven anime streaming with a vast database for anime and manga recommendations. Users can rate it (1–5 stars) and apply descriptive tags like “slow-burn,” “wholesome,” or “psychological thriller after watching. These tags and scores feed into the system to help surface shows with similar themes or appeal and custom recommendation lists.
While Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Funimation prioritize licensed anime streaming, Anime-Planet doesn’t host content itself but legally embeds shows from partners like Crunchyroll and Hulu.
Key Features:
- Extensive anime recommendations
- Legal partnerships with Crunchyroll and Hulu
- Interactive community
| Pros | Cons |
| Community recommendations | Ads on free streaming |
| Fully legal anime content | Limited video player features |
| User-friendly UI | Limited newer anime titles |
5. VRV
VRV bundles various anime channels, including Crunchyroll, HiDive, Rooster Teeth and Cartoon Hangover under one platform, ideal for exploring similar sites to Aniwave.
Having multiple channels in one platform like VRV gives users several advantages. You get access to mainstream anime, niche classics, indie animations, and western-style shows without jumping between platforms. Instead of paying for multiple individual services, you get bundled access under one subscription. Last but not least, all shows are accessible from one app/interface with shared user features like watch history, personalized recommendations, and watchlists.
Key Features:
- Multiple channels in one service
- Simulcasts and exclusives
- Variety of genres
| Pros | Cons |
| Access multiple anime services | Ads unless subscribed |
| Robust streaming platform | Limited offline viewing options |
| Broad anime genre coverage | Region-specific availability |
6. Netflix
Netflix is a legal, ad-free, high-quality alternative to Aniwatch with a growing library of both exclusive and popular anime.
Netflix, a leading streaming giant, has invested heavily in producing exclusive anime you can’t find on free sites. Examples include: Devilman Crybaby, Yasuke, Eden. This platform acquires official streaming rights from anime studios, production companies, and distributors. This means every anime you watch is licensed, compensating the creators and avoiding piracy concerns.
They sometimes offer early or simultaneous releases in Japan or selected countries, such as JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean.
Key Features:
- Original anime productions
- High-quality streams
- Extensive global availability
| Pros | Cons |
| Exclusive anime originals | Requires subscription |
| High-quality, reliable streaming | Limited anime compared to Crunchyroll |
| Great device compatibility | Content rotation (titles come and go) |
7. Zoro.to
Zoro.to has gained popularity as one of the top Aniwatch unblocked alternatives, offering anime streaming with minimal interruptions. The platform offers over 5,000 anime series and movies across various genres, especially mystery and darker themes. Trending hits like One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan, and more.
Key Features:
- Vast anime library
- Easy-to-navigate website
- Frequent updates
| Pros | Cons |
| Huge library of anime titles | Operates in legal grey area |
| Minimal ads | Risk of sudden shutdowns |
| User-friendly design | Occasional pop-up ads |
8. AnimeOwl
AnimeOwl stands out for its clean design and comprehensive catalog, an appealing choice among Aniwatch alternatives free for users. With over 15,000 anime series and movies, AnimeOwl’s extensive catalog spans a wide array of genres. Action and Isekai are safe bets to start with on AnimeOwl because they dominate the rankings and have tons of binge-worthy content.
Key Features:
- Well-organized interface
- Extensive anime catalog
- Minimal advertising
| Pros | Cons |
| Minimal interruptions during streaming | Legal grey area |
| Fast updates for new anime episodes | Stability concerns long-term |
| Strong search functionality | Occasional buffering issues |
9. 9anime
9anime is highly favored as one of the go-to sites like Aniwatch, offering extensive anime libraries and quick updates. As of 2025, it boasts over 3,000 anime titles, including both subtitled and dubbed versions, catering to a diverse audience. From those seeking action-packed adventures to viewers interested in heartfelt dramas or speculative fiction. This genre variety ensures that 9anime caters to a broad spectrum of anime enthusiasts.
Key Features:
- Extensive catalog of anime
- Multiple streaming servers
- Frequent updates
| Pros | Cons |
| Wide-ranging anime availability | Intrusive ads occasionally |
| Quick uploads of latest episodes | Legal risks |
| Multiple servers to avoid downtime | Variable video quality |
10. Aniwave
Aniwave is the current popular choice as the Aniwatch new name. This anime heaven is often cited to have over 10,000 anime titles, including Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy,…. And many more niche sub-genres like Isekai, Shonen, Shoujo, Seinen, Josei, etc., allowing users to filter and discover content that matches their preferences.
Key Features:
- Massive anime library
- Regularly updated database
- Clean, user-friendly interface
| Pros | Cons |
| Large anime collection | Operates in legal grey area |
| Fast streaming speeds | Occasional pop-up ads |
| User-friendly navigation | Potential stability issues |
How To Stream Anime Safely With TurisVPN?
A VPN can help bypass geo-restrictions, protect your privacy, and reduce the risk of encountering malicious ads or trackers commonly found on free streaming sites. To ensure a secure and uninterrupted anime streaming experience, consider using a Free VPN service like TurisVPN.
Use Singapore VPN for Content Not Available in Your Region
For anime content not available in your country, it’s best to connect to a server in Singapore VPN. This region has a good mix of licensing agreements and offers a wider variety of anime libraries.
How To Stream Anime Safely With TurisVPN
- Sign Up & Install: Get TurisVPN from its official site and install it on your device.
- Log In: Open the app and log in with your account.
- Choose Singapore Server: Select a Singapore server from the list to access more anime.
- Connect & Confirm: Click “Connect” and check your new IP using sites like “whatismyipaddress.com.”
- Start Watching: Visit your preferred Aniwatch alternatives and enjoy safe, smooth streaming!
Our tips: To avoid slow speeds, close unnecessary apps using your internet connection. Also, using ethernet cables can help you get a steadier connection than Wi-Fi.
Similarly, if you’re looking to watch major sports events like the Cricket World Cup, a Singapore VPN can also be beneficial for accessing regional broadcasts
Bottom Line
Aniwatch (now HiAnime) often causes headaches with its pop-ups, sudden shutdowns, and legal issues. Luckily, many great aniwatch alternatives exist for free anime streaming in 2025. You can choose from fully legal services like Crunchyroll and Funimation for peace of mind, or explore other free options that offer vast libraries.
No matter which path you pick, your online safety matters. For any free or unofficial site, always use a VPN like TurisVPN. A VPN keeps your online activity private, helps you bypass geo-blocks for more content, and protects you from harmful ads. By choosing smart and staying secure, you can enjoy all your favorite anime safely and smoothly.
FAQs
Q1. Is Aniwatch illegal?
Yes, Aniwatch is considered illegal in many countries. This web operates in a legal gray area, as it streams content without proper licensing agreements. Accessing such platforms may violate copyright laws in your jurisdiction. For example, the U.S. government’s piracy watchlist in 2023 included many anime streaming sites like Aniwatch.
Q2. What replaced Zoro.to?
After Zoro.to’s shutdown, Aniwatch emerged as its successor, offering similar content and user experience. Aniwatch offered a very similar experience to Zoro.to, with a wide collection of anime shows and a user-friendly interface that many fans loved.
Q3. What is the new site for Aniwatch?
While HiAnime (aniwatch’s new name) is popular, the best Aniwatch Alternatives depends on whether you want legal streaming: Crunchyroll. It offers a huge catalog of anime, licensed and subtitled/dubbed. So if you’re looking for the safest and most legal option, definitely go for Crunchyroll.
Q4. Are HiAnime and AniWatch the same?
Yes, HiAnime is the rebranded version of Aniwatch, continuing its legacy with a new identity and improved features. While it’s still the same team behind the platform, they changed the name to avoid legal issues and improve stability. Since those websites operate in a legal grey area, many anime fans use a TurisVPN to access the site safely.
