10 Best Aniwave Alternatives For Free Watching
For years, AniWave (formerly 9anime) stood as a premier destination for free anime streaming, celebrated for its massive library and timely episode updates. However, its abrupt shutdown in August 2024 left a significant void in the community, sending countless fans in search of reliable AniWave alternatives.
As we navigate 2025, the demand for accessible anime content remains strong, prompting a closer look at the current landscape of streaming services. This guide is designed to help you find a new go-to platform by detailing the best 10 free alternatives to AniWave. Continue reading.
Part 1. Top 10 Free AniWave Alternatives
Legal and Safe Free Streaming Services
For a completely free and legal anime viewing experience, these ad-supported platforms offer a fantastic selection of titles without the risks associated with unofficial sites.
1. Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll remains a top contender in the anime streaming world, offering a substantial library of anime for free with ads. While the premium subscription unlocks the full catalog and removes ads, the free tier still provides access to a wide variety of popular and classic series.
Key Features:
- Officially licensed with the largest anime library in the world.
- Offers a free, ad-supported viewing tier.
- Provides simulcasts of new shows shortly after they air in Japan.
- Features a mix of subbed and dubbed content.
Pros:- Vast and diverse selection of anime, from mainstream hits to niche titles.
- High-quality streaming up to 1080p.
- Using the service legally supports the anime creators.
Cons:- The free tier has frequent ad breaks that interrupt viewing.
- The latest episodes and a significant portion of the catalog are restricted to premium subscribers.
2. Tubi
Tubi is a completely free streaming service with a surprisingly robust and growing collection of anime. You can find everything from classic series like Cowboy Bebop to more recent hits.
Key Features:
- Completely free, ad-supported streaming service.
- No subscription or credit card required.
- Offers a surprisingly large and diverse collection of anime series and movies.
- Content is available in both subbed and dubbed formats.
Pros:- Entirely free with no premium paywalls.
- Good selection of popular titles like Attack on Titan and Death Note.
- Available on a wide range of devices, including smart TVs and consoles.
Cons:- Lacks the newest simulcasts that air in the current season.
- Video quality is typically limited to 720p.
3. Pluto TV
Owned by Paramount, Pluto TV offers a unique live TV experience with several channels dedicated to anime. It also has an on-demand section with a rotating selection of anime series and movies.
Key Features:
- Free service that mimics a live TV experience with scheduled programming.
- Features several dedicated, 24/7 anime channels (e.g., "Anime All Day").
- Includes an on-demand section with a rotating library of anime.
- Owned by Paramount, ensuring a legal and safe platform.
Pros:- Great for passive viewing; you can just turn on a channel and watch.
- Offers popular, well-known series on its live channels.
- No sign-up is required to start watching.
Cons:- Limited control over what you watch on the live channels.
- The on-demand library is smaller and less consistent than competitors.
4. RetroCrush
For fans of classic anime, RetroCrush is an essential streaming service. It specializes in older and more obscure titles from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, many of which are not available on other platforms.
Key Features:
- Niche focus on classic anime, primarily from the 1970s, 80s, and 90s.
- Offers a free, ad-supported plan.
- Provides access to many rare and hard-to-find titles.
- Curated selections for fans of old-school animation.
Pros:- An unmatched library for fans of vintage anime.
- Many titles have been digitally restored for better viewing quality.
- The service is dedicated to preserving anime history.
Cons:- The library contains almost no modern or recently released anime.
- Not the right choice if you want to keep up with current trends.
5. Anime-Planet
Anime-Planet offers a unique, legal way to watch anime for free by partnering with Crunchyroll to provide a vast catalog of officially licensed shows. It also serves as a comprehensive database for tracking the anime you've watched and getting recommendations.
Key Features:
- A hybrid platform that combines anime tracking with legal streaming.
- Partners with Crunchyroll to offer a vast catalog of free, ad-supported anime.
- Strong community features, including reviews, recommendations, and custom lists.
- Acts as a database to discover new anime based on your preferences.
Pros:- Provides access to a massive, legal library of over 45,000 episodes.
- Excellent recommendation engine and community integration.
- A great way to legally watch anime while tracking your viewing history.
Cons:- The streaming experience is identical to Crunchyroll's free tier, including all ads.
- The user interface can feel more like a database than a dedicated streaming site.
Unofficial Streaming Sites
These sites operate in a legal gray area and are not officially licensed to distribute the content they host. While they often have vast libraries that closely resemble what was available on Aniwave, users should proceed with caution due to the potential for intrusive ads and security risks. Using a reliable ad-blocker and antivirus software is highly recommended when visiting these sites.
6. Gogoanime
A long-standing name in the free anime streaming scene, Gogoanime is known for its massive library and quick updates with new episodes. It offers a wide variety of both subbed and dubbed anime.
Key Features:
- One of the most established unofficial anime streaming sites.
- Extremely large library of both old and new anime.
- Known for uploading new episodes very quickly after they air.
- Multiple servers available for each video stream.
Pros:- Vast content selection that rivals premium services.
- Often the fastest source for the latest simulcast episodes.
- Provides both subbed and dubbed versions for most shows.
Cons:- Aggressive and potentially malicious pop-up ads and redirects.
- The domain name changes frequently, making it hard to find the official site.
7. 9anime Mirror Sites
While the original 9anime has rebranded and its official successors are debated, numerous mirror sites that use the 9anime name and interface continue to operate. These sites aim to replicate the original's vast library and user experience.
Key Features:
- Clones and successors that replicate the interface and library of the original 9anime.
- Typically offer high-quality 1080p streaming.
- User-friendly interface with good search and filter functions.
- Large catalog of subbed and dubbed anime.
Pros:- A familiar experience for former Aniwave/9anime users.
- High-definition streaming is a standard feature.
- Content is usually updated very quickly.
Cons:- It is difficult to distinguish safe mirrors from malicious clones.
- Heavy reliance on ads, some of which can be intrusive and unsafe.
8. Zoro.to (Successors)
Zoro.to was another highly popular free streaming site known for its clean interface and minimal ads. While the original site has undergone rebranding and takedowns, its successors and clones aim to provide a similar high-quality viewing experience.
Key Features:
- Successor sites are known for a clean, modern, and user-friendly interface.
- Historically had fewer ads compared to other unofficial sites.
- Features include watch-party options and Discord integration.
- Provides high-quality streams for a vast library of anime.
Pros:- Excellent user experience that often feels like a premium service.
- Minimal ad disruption enhances the viewing experience.
- Useful features not found on other free sites.
Cons:- Like others, the official domain is subject to frequent changes and takedowns.
- Newer versions may have different ad policies than the original.
9. AnimeDao
AnimeDao is praised for its simplicity and ease of use. It provides a straightforward platform for watching a wide range of anime without many of the frills or heavy ad layouts of other sites.
Key Features:
- Focuses on simplicity and ease of use.
- Clean, straightforward layout with an emphasis on streaming.
- Offers a large selection of subbed anime.
- Content is organized alphabetically for easy browsing.
Pros:- Generally has fewer and less intrusive ads than competitors.
- Fast loading times and a simple navigation system.
- Reliable source for currently airing series.
Cons:- The video player is basic and lacks advanced features.
- The selection of dubbed anime is smaller compared to other sites.
10. HIDIVE (Free Trial)
While primarily a premium service, HIDIVE offers a 7-day free trial that provides full access to its library. HIDIVE is known for its selection of niche titles and uncensored content that may not be available on other platforms.
Key Features:
- A premium, legal streaming service with a 7-day free trial.
- Specializes in exclusive titles, niche genres, and uncensored streams.
- Owned by AMC Networks, ensuring it is a legitimate platform.
- Offers a growing library of dubbed content.
Pros:- Access to exclusive anime you can't find anywhere else.
- High-quality, ad-free streaming during the trial period.
- A legal way to explore a different catalog of shows.
Cons:- It is only a temporary free solution; a paid subscription is required after the trial.
- The overall library is smaller than that of its main competitor, Crunchyroll.
View Also: Part 2. FAQs about AniWave Alternatives
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Q1: What happened to the original Aniwave (9anime) site?
The official Aniwave site, which was the rebrand of the popular 9anime, was shut down permanently in August 2024. This was part of a larger, coordinated effort by copyright enforcement groups, specifically the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), to crack down on large-scale anime piracy operations. The site's operators left a farewell message encouraging users to support legal streaming platforms.
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Q2: Will I find the same anime on legal sites as I did on Aniwave?
Not always. While legal services like Crunchyroll have enormous libraries, Aniwave's catalog was vast because it aggregated content from every source without legal restrictions. You may find that some niche titles, older OVAs (Original Video Animations), or certain dubbed versions are harder to find on legal platforms. However, the vast majority of popular and new anime are available through official channels.
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Q3: Why do unofficial anime sites have so many ads?
Unofficial streaming sites do not have subscription fees, so their primary source of income is through advertising. Hosting large video files and managing massive amounts of website traffic is expensive. They use aggressive ad tactics, such as multiple pop-ups and banner ads, to cover these operational costs and generate profit.
Part 3. How to Fix Aniwave & Its Alternatives Not Working on Your iPhone/iPad
When you're trying to stream your favorite anime on Aniwave or its alternatives and the website suddenly won't work on your iPhone or iPad, it can be frustrating. Issues can range from the site not loading at all to videos refusing to play.
While the problem often lies with the website itself or your network connection, sometimes a persistent glitch within the iOS software can be the culprit. This is where a dedicated repair tool like TunesKit iOS System Recovery can be useful. It is designed to fix over 150 system-level problems, such as iPhone boot loops, black screens, and persistent software glitches, without causing data loss.
Why Choose TunesKit iOS System Recovery?
Easily fix Aniwave and other app issues on iPhone/iPad with TunesKit iOS System Recovery—no data loss, quick repair, and 100% secure.
600,000+ Downloads Here's how to use TunesKit iOS System Recovery to fix iOS bugs in one-click.
Step 1Connect Your iPhone/iPad
1.1 First, download TunesKit iOS System Recovery onto your Mac or Windows computer. Install the software and launch the application.
1.2 Connect your iPhone or iPad to the computer using a USB cable. On the main interface of TunesKit, click on "iOS System Repair" and then press the "Start" button. You will be presented with two options: Standard Repair and Deep Repair.
Step 2 Select a Repair Mode
Select Standard Repair: This mode is designed to fix most common iOS issues without erasing your data. Always choose this option first. Deep Repair should only be used as a last resort for very severe issues, as it will erase all data on your device.
Step 3Download the Firmware Package
The software will automatically detect your device model and the latest compatible iOS version. Confirm that the information is correct and click the "Download" button. TunesKit will begin downloading the necessary firmware package to repair your device. This may take some time depending on your internet speed.
Step 4Begin the iOS System Repair
4.1 Once the firmware download is complete, click the "Repair" button. TunesKit will start fixing the iOS system on your iPhone or iPad. Ensure your device remains connected to the computer throughout the entire process to avoid any complications.
4.2 After the repair is finished, your device will restart automatically, and you should be able to use it as normal. You can now open your browser and try accessing Aniwave or its alternatives again to see if the issue has been resolved.
Part 4. Conclusion
This guide details the 10 best free Aniwave alternatives, from legal options like Crunchyroll to unofficial sites, and explains how to fix streaming problems on an iPhone or iPad. TunesKit iOS System Recovery is a specialized iOS Repair tool designed to fix deep-seated operating system glitches, thereby restoring streaming functionality on Apple devices without data loss.
