AniWave (formerly known as 9Anime) used to be the go-to source for anime enthusiasts. Whether it’s an anime movie or a TV series, the platform had an extensive list of new and old anime.
However, let’s be real—streaming platforms like AniWave can’t live here forever due to their illegal nature. Copyright enforcement bodies like the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) went after AniWave’s former company, 9Anime. After rebranding and staying available for a short time, AniWave announced its closure on August 27, 2024.
So, now what, we hear you ask. If you are looking for an alternative, we tested several sites and compiled a list for you. This guide lists the 7 legal and best AniWave alternatives for streaming anime in 2026. However, most of these are only available to access in certain regions. Therefore, we recommend you ideally use a reliable service like NordVPN (a must-have tool today and not an option).
DISCLAIMER: Before proceeding further, it is important to acknowledge the legality and safety of sites you access. If you want to be safe, use the websites listed in this guide. Nevertheless, it is always best to play it safe by using a stealth VPN provider like NordVPN and getting a premium antivirus.
Top alternatives to AniWave – Quick list
- Anime Planet: This is a legal streaming service with a massive catalog of anime and manga content. It also supports a user community for reviews and recommendations.
- HiDive: It focuses primarily on Japanese anime.
- Crunchyroll: This is another legal anime streaming platform on this list. It offers free and premium content and is known for its professional subtitles, simulcasts, and huge anime selection.
- Netflix: Has a vast content catalog across many different niches.
- U-Next: A legal streaming platform with latest and vintage anime in high-definition.
- Hulu: Offers to stream on over 100 live channels.
- YouTube: The most popular free content streaming platform worldwide.
How to access free sites like AniWave safely
Most free anime streaming platforms possess several security hazards. Follow the steps below to remain safe:
- Use a VPN service: Most free streaming services have P2P technology that can detect your IP address. A VPN like NordVPN helps you hide your IP address, making you maximum anonymous online.
- Get an antivirus: You can face sketchy downloads and viruses while streaming on free-to-use platforms. Get yourself a reliable antivirus suite like TotalAV.
- Use the Tor browser: It works exactly the same as a VPN does—hides your IP address and online activities.
- Install an ad-blocker: Let’s be real; intrusive ads and pop-ups are the major issue with free websites, making your streaming experience awful. A tool like uBlock Origin can help you block these ads and pop-ups (99% of them).
Why do you need an alternative for AniWave?
Like other free platforms, AniWave shut down due to copyright infringement. So, you need an AniWave replacement if:
- AniWave’s provider decided to close the website to avoid legal consequences.
- You want to explore more anime libraries, especially for titles unavailable on AniWave.
Thankfully, many AniWave alternatives serve the same purpose – allowing you to watch popular anime movies and shows.
Best AniWave alternatives in 2026 – Detailed list
We’ve tested the best free anime streaming sites to find the best alternatives to AniWave. On our quest, we encountered various recommended alternatives that weren’t working. That is why we’ll review this list regularly to keep it up-to-date.
Here are the best platforms similar to AniWave that are still working:
1. Anime Planet
Anime-Planet has a clean user interface and provides you with free access to anime. The streaming website hosts several new and old content, with popular titles like Return of the Blossoming, Jujutsu, Dandadan, The Infinite Mage, and After Ten Millennia on Hell.
Finding new content is also straightforward, thanks to the various categories, including Anime, Manga, Characters, and Community.
The usual downside is annoying ads, including ones that open new browser tabs. We encountered these adverts when we clicked a video to play. However, a reliable adblocker helps you eliminate these ads.
2. HiDive
$7.99/month (offers a free trial)
Offers simulcast subs and dubs
Limited no of features
HiDive is a dedicated anime streaming service. Its content best suits for fans who want to access simulcasts, classics, less mainstream titles, and English subbed and dubbed anime.
The platform covers several different genres, including fantasy, romance, thriller, and isekai. And users can find popular titles like The Eminence in Shadow, Made in Abyss, Food Wars, OSHI NO KO, and Dororo. The service also offers exclusive titles and new releases from Japan’s latest broadcast seasons.
HiDive offers features that include offline viewing, customized watchlists, and viewing history, with the paid subscription providing access to its full library. The platform has geo-restrictions, so keep in mind that the range of titles can vary by country. Also note that HiDive doesn’t offer a free plan, so you must pay to access it. You can enjoy ad-free streaming for $7.99/month.
3. Crunchyroll
An ideal platform if you want to stay on the right side of the track and access only legal anime content. Unlike other entries on this list, this one is fully licensed. This means that all the streams are licensed and won’t put you at copyright infringement risk.
Moreover, the interface is sleek and uncluttered, with clear categories, including popular, new, alphabetical, and genres. In addition to anime TV shows and movies, it offers anime games and the latest news.
Moreover, the site offers a 7-day free trial for its users.
However, there is a catch: the platform is only available in certain countries. You can bypass these geo-restrictions and stream Crunchyroll with a reliable VPN.
4. Netflix
Netflix is another premium streaming site where users can watch their favorite anime shows. The platform offers a substantial anime section along with movies, TV shows, documentaries, and original productions.
Its anime catalog includes popular titles such as Naruto, One Piece, Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, Death Note, Hunter x Hunter, My Hero Academia, Black Clover, and VINLAND SAGA. What’s worth appreciating is that the website also produces and distributes its official anime originals and other animated series.
For uses who liked AniWave, Netflix can be a good legal alternative site if the anime they want is available in their region. Netflix has a clean interface, it supports high-resolution streaming, and allows offline downloads on supported plans and devices.
However, the platform isn’t free; you must subscribe to it in order to access the content and watch anime. The basic plan with ads costs $8.99/month.
5. U-NEXT
U-NEXT is another top AniWave alternative to stream unlimited anime. It has an easy-to-navigate interface and an extensive content library.
It has some of the best content filters among the alternatives we’ve tested. Once you visit the site, you can start watching the top trending anime in Japan. It also has valuable filters like genres, most viewed, latest anime episodes, etc.
However, the only issue with this website is that the entire platform is in Japanese, and you can’t even change it.
6. Hulu
Hulu combines TV shows, movies, originals, and a vast library of anime selections.
The website works particularly well for viewers who want anime alongside mainstream TV and movies rather than a service dedicated solely to anime.
Depending on the plan and title, users can access full seasons, current episodes, Hulu Originals, and other entertainment. Plus, supported titles can also be downloaded for offline viewing. Hulu’s anime availability is region-dependent, so users should check whether the specific series they want is available in their country.
7. YouTube
Free
Vast variety of anime content
Content availability depends on region
YouTube is one of the most popular streaming platforms where you can watch anime without hassle. Whether you want to watch movies, TV shows, documentaries, or gameplay, it offers a legitimate way to do that. The platform features hundreds of official channels, licensed distributors, and services available through YouTube Primetime Channels.
Anime fans can find their favorite movies, episodes, clips, and even full ongoing anime series depending on the region where they’re based. YouTube also offers Crunchyroll in select countries, which means subscribers can have access to Crunchyroll’s catalog directly.
However, note that the platform does not function as a dedicated anime library as AniWave, so the selection of full episodes can be more limited and varies significantly by country and rights holder.
Quick comparison chart for the websites like AniWave
| Site | Free/paid | Ads | Video quality | Special features | Security risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anime planet | Free/Premium | Yes | HD | Legal, user reviews, community-driven | Low |
| HiDive | Paid | No | HD | Anime exclusives, simulcasts, dubs, offline viewing, watchlists | Low |
| Crunchyroll | Free/Premium | Yes/No depending on the plan | HD/4K | Legal, simulcasts, premium version for ad-free | Low |
| Netflix | Paid | Yes/No depending on the plan | HD/4K | Large anime library, originals, downloads, multiple profiles | Low |
| U-Next | Free | Yes | HD | Extensive content library | Low |
| Hulu | Paid | Yes/No depending on the plan | HD | Anime, TV shows, movies, Hulu Originals, offline downloads | Low |
| YouTube | Free/Premium | Yes/No depending on the plan | HD/4K | Official anime channels, free content, rentals, Primetime Channels | Low |
How we selected the best AniWave substitutes
Here are some of the things we considered before choosing these AniWave alternatives.
- An impressive collection of content:We’ve only included sites that offer content from classic anime to the latest releases as well as seasonal anime.
- HD streaming quality: No one wants to watch low-quality content, so we only chose anime websites with HD streaming.
- Security: Most free streaming sites display ads. Ads are fine if they aren’t malicious, so you should have an ad blocker. We have only selected secure sites that won’t attempt to infect your PC with malware; still, it’s always better to play it safe.
While these sites are ‘safe’ enough to stream during our testing, you should always access them with a formidable VPN like NordVPN. It will conceal your traffic, preventing third parties from seeing your online activities. Moreover, it will stop annoying ads that might attempt to slip malware on your device. Right now, it offers crazy discounts, or you can take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee. Plus, a VPN suits best for accessing social platforms like Facebook, Reddit, X, etc., as many anime fans discuss their queries on these websites.
Are free anime sites like AniWave illegal?
As you know, most free sites online usually host pirated content. For example, Hianime and GoGoanime are illegal sites and are banned in many regions worldwide. Streaming illegal content is risky, as you can infect your device with malware or expose your data to cyber threats. Also, if you live in a region with robust privacy laws, you might face legal consequences for accessing this content.
A VPN is the best way to protect yourself from cyber threats or legal issues. It masks your IP address and encrypts your connections, ensuring no one can trace your internet browsing activities.
Best VPN for AniWave alternative sites – NordVPN
A trustworthy VPN network that provides seamless access to sites like 9anime and helps you stay safe on illegal streaming platforms.
More than 6,800 fast servers present in over 110 countries
Reliable threat protection (malware, tracking, and ad blocker)
Most secure encryption available: AES-256
A user-friendly kill switch feature
Split tunneling feature with high efficiency
Offers double VPN for enhanced security
Provides seamless Onion over VPN functionality
Does not log users’ data
Users can connect up to ten devices simultaneously with each account
A 30-day money-back guarantee with no questions asked
Pros
- Dedicated feature for streaming
- Does not limit the bandwidth data
- Has advanced security protocols
Cons
- The OpenVPN configuration has some issues
NordVPN is the most trusted VPN service with top-notch security and privacy features. Below are some important features.
- Robust encryption: The VPN uses AES 256-bit encryption, a military-grade algorithm, to prevent potentially risky sites from stealing your data or spying on you.
- Blocking suspicious sites: If you accidentally visit a malicious site, NordVPN will block it even before it loads.
- Impressive ad blocking: Remember the malicious ads we talked about above? This VPN will block all of them.
- IP clocking: NordVPN will stop your ISP and other unauthorized third parties from seeing your online activities.
We tested many VPNs with these AniWave alternatives, and NordVPN stood out with its premium features and affordable subscription plans.
Read our complete NordVPN review
VPN not working? Here are the fixes
While streaming with a VPN, you may face some issues. Below are some troubleshooting tips:
- VPN block: Some sites like Netflix often block you when they detect VPN usage. NordVPN has obfuscated servers, making it difficult to detect and block.
- Buffering: This may be because of your slow internet connection. Connect your VPN to the closest server or use the Wireguard protocol.
FAQs
The website was founded in 2016. It was then rebranded to AniWave in early 2024, which shut down its services in August 2024. However, we found some fake mirrors using similar names after that.
While the official AniWave website has shut down, there are several mirror and clone sites on the go. However, be careful on these mirror sites, as they can severely damage you and your device.
In our opinion, Crunchyroll and U-NEXT are authorized and safe streaming sites that can easily replace AniWave.
Naming the best website for streaming anime is complicated because it depends on your taste and preferences. If you want to be on the safe side and stream legal content, Crunchyroll is your go-to platform.
Yes, you can. You need to download and configure apps like AirScreen (available only for Android) on your TV and start streaming.
