23 Best HiAnime Alternatives in 2025 (Legal & Free Options)

HiAnime (formerly known as Aniwatch) is a popular platform for watching anime movies and series. Its vast content, elegant design, and easy-to-navigate interface are the reasons why it is famous among anime lovers. Unfortunately, due to illegal content distribution and copyright violation, the site falls under the legal grey area.

Due to this, many legal bodies and governments ban the site, resulting in downtime in certain regions. That’s not all; like other free streaming sites, it displays deceptive ads and pop-ups, leading you to serious security risks. Therefore, we advise you to look for reliable HiAnime alternatives.

In this article, we’ve featured 23 best replacement sites for HiAnime for streaming your favorite anime content. Although we handpicked these websites after thorough testing, it is still advised to take necessary security measures, such as opting for a reliable VPN like NordVPN.

Top Aniwatch (now HiAnime) alternative sites – Quick list

23 Best alternatives to HiAnime today – Detailed list

1. Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll is our top-pick alternative. It has a vast library of high-quality and licensed anime movies and series in English, Japanese, and other languages.

One of its most unique features is the simulcast episodes, which are released shortly after airing in Japan, perfect for following ongoing series. Fortunately, if you upgrade to the paid subscription, you’ll enjoy device synchronization across all platforms.

The site also refreshes its library frequently, making it easy to discover new titles as they premiere in Japan. Although Crunchyroll has extensive subtitled content, it also offers English-dubbed anime content if you prefer audio in English instead of reading subtitles.

However, the platform is georestricted in several regions due to copyright infringement. Therefore, we recommend using a VPN to unblock Crunchyroll from anywhere.

---

2. The Roku Channel

The Roku Channel is another solid alternative. It offers a humble selection of free (with ads) anime content, including classics like Violence Jack: OVA Collection, Tenjho Tenge, and Martian Successor Nadesico.

Luckily, you don’t need a Roku device to access The Roku Channel – you can stream it directly on your web browser or through other streaming devices.

However, it is only available in selected countries, including the US, the UK, Mexico, and Canada. So, you need to connect to a VPN server in these countries to access the service in your country.

---

3. RetroCrush

RetroCrush is one of the popular anime streaming sites with a focus on classic titles, including nostalgic favorites like Fushigi Yuugi, Arcadia of My Youth, Samurai Pizza Cats, etc. It has both free and premium tiers. The free plan is ad-supported, while the premium plan is ad-free and unlocks more content.

However, this service is only available in the US and Canada, though it plans to expand to more countries in the future. Meanwhile, you’ll have to connect to a US or Canadian VPN server to access it in your country.

---

4. Tubi TV

Tubi TV is a great, completely legal streaming service if you’d like to explore other genres apart from anime. Although it isn’t an exclusive anime streaming platform like the other options on this list, it still offers a decent selection of anime titles.

Moreover, it doesn’t have a premium tier, so you’ll have to bear with the ads. Thankfully, the adverts aren’t intrusive or annoying, like on most free streaming sites. Also, if you’re located outside the US, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, or some Latin American countries, you need a VPN to access Tubi.

---

5. Anime-Planet

Anime-Planet is a volunteer-supported platform that offers an extensive collection of anime series and manga. It also enables you to read reviews and organize content into personalized lists.

Additionally, the platform has an active community forum where you can discuss popular series, share recommendations, and interact with fellow anime fans.

Since Anime Planet handles the licensing and distribution of its streaming content, you’ll need a premium subscription to watch some content. The good news is that Anime Planet is available in most regions, so you’ll be able to access Anime-Planet almost everywhere.

---

6. CONtv

CONtv is the best US streaming service with a rare collection of cult classics and shows. It offers both free and paid content, but the anime selection is limited compared to what its competitors on this list offer.

Nonetheless, it’s worth checking it out as you might find some of your favorite anime titles. However, since the site is only available in the US, you’ll need to connect to a US VPN server to explore its offering.

---

7. Pluto TV

Besides the wide selection of on-demand anime content, Pluto TV offers an anime-dedicated channel known as the Anime All Day channel. Like Tubi, Pluto TV doesn’t have paid plans, so its content comes with ads. Thankfully, you don’t need to create an account to start streaming.

Pluto TV is available in the US, Canada, the UK, Brazil, Hispanic America, Australia (via 10Play), and European Union countries. If the platform isn’t available in your region, you need to use a VPN.

---

8. Hulu

Hulu is a premium streaming service with a mix of current TV shows, original series, movies, and next-day access to episodes from major networks. While it’s not entirely an anime streaming site, we found some popular classic titles like Naruto, Cowboy Bebop, Inuyasha, Sailor Moon, and Demon Slayer – often with both subbed and dubbed versions available.

Its anime library is backed by collaborations with popular distributors like Viz Media, Funimation, and Sentai Filmworks. However, if you want the latest simulcasts or niche titles, you’re better off with dedicated anime-specific platforms like the ones on this list.

---

9. GogoAnime

GogoAnime is another free anime website that provides an impressive streaming experience. It has a sleek and user-friendly interface, which is convenient to navigate. It features nearly every new and classic anime title you can imagine.

The platform releases the latest anime immediately after they debut. Thankfully, it organizes the anime titles conveniently according to alphabet, popularity, and year and month of release. With this design, you’ll quickly find the trending anime title.

Despite GogoAnime being free, it won’t bother you with annoying ads like other free streaming sites. The only drawback we noticed was some slow loading, which you can improve with a slightly faster internet connection.

---

10. 9Anime

9Anime is a free anime streaming site with a sleek and intuitive interface. Navigating the website is bliss, and you’ll easily find anything you want with the help of quick filters. The available titles are even categorized alphabetically, making the process even easier.

Unfortunately, it has many pop-up ads, some of which are explicit, so parents so be cautious. However, you can use a reliable ad blocker to prevent the ads. Therefore, you should install antivirus software and a VPN to be on the safer side. You can use its alternatives that we covered in this article.

---

11. AnimeHeaven

AnimeHeaven is a free anime streaming site with an impressive catalog of anime content, including the latest episodes of trending shows like Shangri-La Frontier. It has an intuitive interface and allows streaming in resolutions of up to 1080p.

Additionally, the platform updates the library regularly to keep it fresh. However. Its unverified status means you’ll need to use a VPN for streaming.

---

12. 4Anime

4Anime is an anime streaming site with a minimalist design and a vast library. It allows you to stream anime in resolutions of up to 1080p without registering an account.

The site hosts popular anime series like Breach, Fruits Basket, One Piece, and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Although it’s an unlicensed streaming site, it loads faster and has a straightforward interface.

---

13. Animefreak

Animefreak is a popular platform featuring a large catalog of anime and manga. It has an intuitive interface, making it easy to find whatever you want. Also, most of its content is either subbed or dubbed.

Fortunately, it frequently updates the library with the latest releases. While the site displays ads, you can easily manage them with an ad-blocker like uBlock Origin.

---

14. AnimeDao

AnimeDao is another unlicensed site that offers free anime titles. Its library features a vast collection of anime, from timeless classics to the latest hits.

The site supports HD playback, and it adds episodes soon after they debut in Japan. Although the site has prevalent ads, it has a straightforward layout that ensures easy navigation.

---

15. AsianCrush

AsianCrush is a great streaming site for Asian movies and TV shows. It has a decent selection of anime titles to keep you hooked from start to finish.

The site has a pretty neat user interface. However, you have to first create an account to watch anything on the site. Don’t worry, though, as the site is free and you’ll watch your favorite content without paying anything.

---

16. AniWave

AniWave is another excellent site that offers free anime titles. The best part is that most of the titles are in high quality up to 1080p, which is rare with free streaming sites.

It also offers English subtitles on most of the titles. Unfortunately, the site is blocked in some countries so you’ll have to use a VPN like NordVPN to access it.

---

17. AnimeOut

AnimeOut is similar to AniWave and offers thousands of free anime shows. It even allows you to download your favorite anime content without paying anything. However, you’ll need to create an account or log in to access the library.

The website has an easy-to-navigate user interface. If your preferred anime title isn’t on the homepage, you can use the search bar to find it.

---

18. KissAnime

KissAnime is a free streaming site that offers high-quality anime movies and series. If you’re not sure what to watch, you can use filters to find top anime picks that match your interests.

The website offers a wide range of anime across different categories to keep you entertained. Fortunately, you don’t even need to create an account to start streaming – simply visit the site and immerse yourself in the world of anime.

---

19. Amazon Freevee

Amazon Freevee is a popular streaming platform with a great selection of anime movies and shows. Although it has limited recent releases, you’ll find plenty of good content, including Hunter X Hunter, Death Note, Cowboy Bebop, etc.

However, it requires you to create an account to start streaming. Next, go to the Anime category and browse under ‘Freevee: Movies’ or ‘Freevee: TV shows’ – the rest of the titles may require a subscription.

Amazon Freevee is only available in the US, so you’ll need a VPN to access it if you aren’t located in the US.

---

20. Chia Anime

Chia-Anime is a fantastic free streaming site that offers the latest anime releases. With frequent updates, the platform ensures you never miss new anime episodes and series.

It has an intuitive interface, making it easy to find your favorite content. Fortunately, Chia-Anime hosts popular anime titles such as Dragon Ball, One Piece, and Hero Academia to provide you with a wonderful anime-watching experience.

---

21. Anime Digital Network (ADN)

Anime Digital Network (ADN) is a completely legal streaming service that offers a vast selection of anime series and movies. Since it’s based in France, most titles have French subtitles and dubbing.

The service partners with popular Japanese studios to provide licensed and high-quality content. It offers both free, ad-supported access and premium subscription options.

---

22. AnimeKai

AnimeKai is a great choice for a smoother anime streaming experience with fewer interruptions. Unlike most HiAnime alternatives on this list, it displays minimal, intrusive ads and banners during playback.

However, it mainly features older anime series, many of which have been enhanced for the highest possible resolution. Thankfully, the platform has a user-friendly interface, making it easy to your desired content.

---

23. AnimePahe

AnimePahe is a decent anime streaming platform that offers a massive library of both new and classic titles with English subtitles. Its clean and simple interface allows you to explore recent releases, browse titles in the show index, and search the library easily.

Another strong advantage is the minimal ad interference compared to other HiAnime alternatives on this list. It also offers both subbed and dubbed options and allows downloads for offline viewing.

---

Why is HiAnime a good website for anime?

According to HiAnime creators, it contains only one type of ad for all videos, which they say ensures the platform’s safety.

It has one of the biggest content libraries with titles across genres like horror, romance, mystery, classic, comedy, etc. Moreover, all the titles have English subtitles or are dubbed in other languages.

Is HiAnime (formerly known as Aniwatch) Safe?

The most effective method to assess asses a website’s safety is to perform security scans. We used several tools to detect any hidden threats on Aniwatch.

1. VirusTotal check

VirusTotal is a security tool that compiles results from various antivirus programs to identify malware and phishing threats.

You can upload files or paste URLs to the platform, which then generates detailed reports to help you evaluate potential security risks quickly.

During our tests, the tool detected one potential threat out of 106 checks we did. We later discovered that this was a false positive, likely triggered by the platform’s emphasis on privacy.

---

2. Sucuri/Malcure checks

Sucuri and Malcure analyze URLs to detect malware and security flaws, ensuring a safe browsing experience. It allows you to check websites for hacks, blocklist status, and vulnerabilities. These tools offer detailed reports, helping you fix potential issues on your website.

Thankfully, neither platform found anything alarming during our checks.

---

3. Malwarebytes checks

Malwarebytes Browser Guard is a browser extension that prevents ads, malware, trackers, and phishing attempts in real-time. Fortunately, the tool provides detailed information about the suspicious activities it blocks, helping you improve your safety online.

During our test, we didn’t find anything suspicious. However, it detected and blocked ten trackers linked to advertising networks.

---

Where to watch Anime for free legally

Many legal sites offer free anime content, including Crunchyroll, Tubi, and Pluto TV. These sites have the right to host the content, unlike free streaming sites. However, some of them are geo-blocked, which means they aren’t available in certain regions. Thankfully, you can use a VPN to bypass the geo-restrictions.

On the other hand, most free streaming sites aren’t legal, meaning they offer unlicensed content. You can easily recognize them by the flood of pop-up ads they display, some of which can be explicit, so parents should be cautious.

Therefore, if you choose to watch your favorite anime content on free streaming sites, we recommend using a reliable VPN to protect your data. Also, you should install antivirus software and an ad blocker service to safeguard against malware and prevent intrusive ads.

HiAnime proxies that you should avoid

Here are some HiAnime proxies you should stay away from:

hianime.to	hianime.pro
hianime.tv	hianime.cc
hianime.watch	www1.hianime.to

Why do you need a VPN for HiAnime alternatives?

• Stay safe: Free streaming sites often come with risks like malware and third-party trackers. That’s why we recommend you always use a VPN when accessing HiAnime alternatives to protect your privacy and security.
• Traveling abroad: A VPN lets you connect to servers in your home country, ensuring access to your regular platforms and content libraries while traveling.
• Bypass geo-restrictions: Several HiAnime alternatives are geo-blocked in specific countries and unavailable elsewhere. A VPN will enable you to bypass these restrictions and access whatever content you want from anywhere.
• Avoid ISP throttling: Most internet service providers (ISPs) enforce throttling to curb excessive data usage, causing slower speeds and buffering. Fortunately, a VPN will hide your online activity, preventing ISP throttling.

Best VPN for HiAnime alternatives: NordVPN

NordVPN is a great VPN for HiAnime alternatives. It comes with many impressive features, making it perfect for streaming your favorite anime content.

It offers over 7,600 servers across 118 countries, delivering a stable connection and allowing you to access geo-blocked HiAnime alternatives.

NordVPN adopts formidable security and privacy features. Some of them include AES 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch, Threat Protection, DNS/IP leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy.

Finally, the VPN is compatible with almost all devices, such as Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Also, it supports up to 10 simultaneous devices, which is ideal if you want to stream HiAnime alternatives on multiple devices.

Facing difficulties accessing sites like HiAnime? Troubleshooting tips

Below are some of the common issues you might face when using HiAnime alternatives and their solutions:

• Poor video quality: Many free streaming sites offer low-resolution videos because they lack the legal rights to distribute the content. If you want to enjoy high-quality streaming, opt for premium services like Netflix.
• Intrusive ads and pop-ups: Free streaming sites often display aggressive pop-ups, misleading ads, or adult content. The best solution is to use a reliable ad blocker like uBlock Origin. Also, you can enable pop-up blocking in your browser settings.
• Buffering: Many reasons can cause buffering when streaming, including ISP throttling and slow internet. So, switch to a faster internet service and install a reliable VPN service like NordVPN. 
• Site malfunctioning: Free streaming sites are often shut down by authorities in different regions. The easiest solution is to connect to a server in a different country where the service is available or use its alternatives.
• Broken links: The links that most free streaming sites offer may not work, or certain shows/movies may be unavailable. The solution is to use multiple streaming sites as backups. Also, check community forums or comments for working links.

FAQs