Hey anime fans! You are at the right place in case you want new locations to watch your favorite shows. A site known as AniWave has been used by many people to watch anime free of charge. However, websites such as that may just stop functioning or turn unsafe. That is the reason why many of us are seeking alternatives.
This guide will demonstrate the most suitable AniWave alternatives in 2025. We will discuss safe, easy to use, and legal services. You can get free or can spend a bit to get something, whatever you desire. Now it is time to dive into it and discover your next favorite place to watch great anime!
About AniWave and Why Users Search for Alternatives
AniWave alternatives was quite a popular site where individuals could view thousands of anime shows and films without spending a single cent. It contained a massive library and this was the reason why it was loved by so many people. You could find nearly everything you wanted to watch, both the popular series such as Naruto and other shows that were released just recently in Japan.
Nevertheless, AniWave was not a legal or official streaming service. This implies that it was not allowed to display the anime work by the creators. Due to this, users tend to seek alternatives because of several reasons that are important:
- Sudden Shuts: AniWave and other websites of this nature can be shut down any time without a warning since they are not legal. On a particular day the site may be functioning excellently and the following day it may cease to exist.
- Safety and Security Risks: It is risky to use unofficial sites. They usually contain numerous pop-up advertisements which may be irritating or even cause virus and malware to the computers. Such websites may not be safe with your personal information.
- Helping the Creators: It is the desire of many fans to help the talented artists, writers, and animators, who do their best to produce the anime we enjoy. Viewing on legal platforms will make sure that the creators receive payment on their work.
- Higher Quality and Experience: Streaming services are typically going to have a far superior viewing experience when done through official means. You get video of high quality, professional subtitles, and no annoying commercials that break your show.
List of Best Legal AniWave Alternatives in 2025
These websites are fully legal, secure and provide you with an awesome method of viewing anime.
1. Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is the largest and most successful legal anime streaming platform. It serves as a giant library which receives new Japanese shows at an alarming rate. They refer to this as a simulcast, or in other words, they air a new episode an hour after it has been aired in Japan. It is among the best AniWave alternatives.
This keeps you abreast with your favorite series. The library contains thousands of shows, such as action, adventure, romance, and such popular shows as Jujutsu Kaisen, One Piece, and My Hero Academia. They also sell manga and anime mobile games. You can also watch numerous shows for free with advertisements in case you want to save money.
Key Features:
- More than 1000 anime titles in the collection.
- New episodes: one hour after Japan.
- Subtitles in many languages.
- Mobile games and digital manga library.
Pros:
- Biggest library of legally-streamed anime.
- New episodes are updated very fast.
- Free advertising is offered.
- Apps that are good on virtually all devices.
Cons:
- The free version has many ads.
- Some of the shows can be on other platforms.
Reasons We Selected It: The reason why we selected Crunchyroll is that it is the most comprehensive and committed anime platform. This is the best option in case you want the latest shows as soon as possible and have a large library.
Free/Paid: Freemium (Free with ads and Paid Premium models)
Website: crunchyroll.com
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2. Netflix
Netflix is famous for TV shows and movies but it has become a significant destination of anime. Netflix has incurred significant expenses in the last couple of years, to license additional anime to its library. It provides a combination of the traditional series and new shows. The Netflix Originals is the special thing about Netflix.
AniWave Alternatives are the exclusive anime programs and films that can be found on Netflix. Originals such as Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and Devilman Crybaby are of high quality and are popular among the fans. The interface is minimal and clean, thus making it easy to discover new things to watch. Most anime are also dubbed in English by Netflix. Its library is not as large as Crunchyroll, but the selection of shows is quality-controlled.
Key Features:
- Anime of high quality and exclusive Netflix original.
- Video quality up to 4K.
- Simple interface and proper recommendation system.
- Offline viewing through downloading.
Pros:
- High quality video and audio.
- No ads.
- Quality choice of exclusive and popular anime.
- A part of a larger service including movies and television programs.
Cons:
- Sources of a smaller anime library compared to Crunchyroll.
- Most of the shows are not simulcast; they are released in full after the season ends.
The Reason We Selected It: We selected Netflix because it provides a quality and high-end anime experience. It is perfect when a viewer wants to watch exclusive programs and trendy hits and avoid commercials.
Free/Paid: Paid
Website: netflix.com
3. YouTube (Official Channels)
YouTube may not feature in this list, but it has proved to be a treasure trove of free and legal anime.
You need only know where to look! Most official anime studios and distributors have their channels on YouTube. Such companies as Muse Asia, Ani-One Asia and Crunchyroll Dubs post complete episodes of anime series on a free basis. These channels are entirely legal since they are allowed to broadcast these series. Just as other YouTubers, they earn money on the advertisements that run in between the videos.
There are a great selection of shows, new and old favorites. As an example, Muse Asia has been known to air new episodes of popular shows as soon as they are aired in Japan, which is only a few hours after.
The most advantageous thing is that it is free to watch.
You just need a YouTube account and you can begin watching anime immediately. Although the library is not located in a single place, subscribing to these channels will make you entertained.
Key Features:
- Completely free to watch.
- Authorized outlets of authorized dealers.
- Entire episodes and even entire series can be found.
- It is available on all devices that can play the YouTube videos.
Pros:
- 100% free and legal.
- Some of the channels post new shows in a very fast way.
- No registration required to take on a new service.
- Awesome means of finding new and old anime.
Cons:
- The anime library is spread over the channels.
- The available shows are not all shows, they may also be limited in time.
- Sometimes, the quality of the video is reduced to 720p or 1080p.
The Reason We Selected It: YouTube is our preferred platform since it is the most readily available and entirely free to use to access legal anime. It is ideal when it comes to casual viewers or when one wishes to save money.
Free/Paid: Free (with ads)
Website: youtube.com
4. Amazon Prime Video
Another excellent all-in-one service, which has an increasingly large collection of anime, is Amazon Prime Video. When you or your family already have an Amazon Prime membership to make shopping, you receive a free Prime Video. This renders it a highly convenient option of many individuals.
It is among the best AniWave alternatives. The anime collection offered by Amazon is a good combination of popular movies and series. There are such classics as Vinland Saga and such hits as Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time. Like Netflix, Amazon possesses its own original anime that cannot be found elsewhere.
The quality of the streaming is great, and the platform is compatible with nearly all types of devices.
Channels are one of the peculiarities of Prime Video.
This will enable you to subscribe to other streaming services such as HIDIVE directly to your Amazon account. This may help you to control your subscriptions much easier.
Key Features:
- Comes are a part of an Amazon Prime subscription.
- Quality line of unique collections and hit movies.
- 4K streaming and high quality streaming.
- Adding other channels such as HIDIVE.
Pros:
- Worth a lot when you are already an Amazon Prime user.
- A few great exclusive content.
- Ad-free and clean viewing.
- Supported by a large variety of devices.
Cons:
- The anime library is not large as compared to its competitors.
- The user interface may render it difficult to search and navigate anime in particular.
The Reason We Selected It: We use Amazon Prime Video because it is convenient and economical. It is an amazing bonus to millions of Prime members who can now access high-quality and exclusive anime content without paying an additional subscription fee.
Free/Paid: Paid (Part of Amazon Prime)
Website: primevideo.com
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5. HIDIVE
HIDIVE is an ideal streaming platform that can be used by anime lovers who need something different.
Crunchyroll has the majority of the mainstream hits whereas HIDIVE concentrates on more unique and niche titles. HIDIVE is the first place that you should visit in case you are interested in shows that cannot be found elsewhere. It is operated by passionate anime enthusiasts and they provide much content that other platforms may fail to consider.
It is among the best AniWave alternatives. This contains numerous unedited versions of shows, which are favored by some of the viewers. HIDIVE is also associated with rapid English dubs, and it can release them relatively soon after the Japanese version. Their library is ever expanding and they simulcast new shows every season.
Key Features:
- Huge assortment of premium and specialty anime.
- Provides non-censored versions of numerous shows.
- Fast-tracked English dubbing (“DUBCASTS”).
- Low subscription fee.
Pros:
- Good to discover exclusive content that is unavailable on other sites.
- Very competitive pricing.
- Intense emphasis on the delivery of English dubs.
- An easy and direct service.
Cons:
- The general library is not as big as that of Crunchyroll.
- The applications and the web site are a bit outdated.
- Not present in as many countries compared to bigger platforms.
Reason We Select It: We select HIDIVE due to the fact that it fulfills a significant role in the anime community. It is the most appropriate place to find the undiscovered treasures and follow the series that should be paid more attention to.
Free/Paid: Paid
Website: hidive.com
6. keepstreams.com
So now we are going to look at something different. KeepStreams is not a streaming platform. It is a program allowing you to download videos on other websites. This will allow you to watch anime even in the absence of the internet. As an illustration, you can get free and legal anime on the official YouTube channels. It is among the best AniWave alternatives.
Once downloaded, you are able to save the videos on your computer, phone or tablet. It is spectacular on long journeys, flights, or destinations with slow and costly Wi-Fi. The software is capable of downloading at thousands of sites and high quality. It is very easy to use. All one has to do is to copy the video link and paste it into the program and then download. You must use it responsibly. You should only download free content or content that you have purchased.
Key Features:
- Watch videos on numerous streaming websites.
- Stores videos of high quality, such as 1080p.
- Is able to download entire series or playlists.
- Easy copy-pasting interface.
Pros:
- enables you to watch your favorite shows offline.
- Easy to save content on free legal websites such as YouTube.
- User friendly to non-technological individuals.
- Fast download speeds.
Cons:
- It is not a free service, it is a paid software.
- It can be applied to illegal purposes in case you download copyrighted materials without authorization.
- It is not a library of content, but a tool.
Reasons Why We Use It: We use KeepStreams because it allows us to watch lawful content offline in any location. It provides you with the liberty to watch anywhere at any time without having to have an internet connection.
Free/Paid: Paid (Software)
Website: keepstreams.com
7. PasteDownload
Another handy tool is PasteDownload however it is a site and is free of charge to use. Similar to KeepStreams, it does not host anime, however, it is a utility to download the videos on other websites. It is primarily used to save videos that you have discovered online to view when you are offline.
It is very simple, you locate a video that you want to save such as an episode on the Muse Asia YouTube channel. You then copy the URL (the web address) of such a video. The second step is to visit the PasteDownload site and copy the URL and paste it in the search box. It is among the best AniWave alternatives.
The link will be processed through the site and will provide you with a number of choices to download the video in varying qualities. It is a fast and simple fix that does not entail having to install any software in your computer. Once again, this tool must be applied in a legal and ethical way.
Key Features:
- Free web based, no software required.
- Supports a broad variety of websites.
- Simple copy‑paste mechanism.
- Provides a variety of download quality.
Pros:
- Completely free to use.
- Extremely easy and quick when it comes to downloading single videos.
- Operates on all devices that have a web browser.
- No registration and account creation.
Cons:
- Advertises on the site to sustain the free service.
- Not always applicable to websites and videos.
- The legal usage will be fully dependent on the user and the source of the video.
Reason Why We Use It: We like PasteDownload because it is a good free utility to use to download files casually. It is ideal to save a legal anime episode on YouTube in no time without any fee or bother.
- Free/Paid: Free (Web Tool)
8. tiktok.com
Tik Tok is not a site where one can stream entire anime episodes. So why is it on this list? Due to the fact that it has become a huge element of the current anime fan culture. It is another option for interaction with anime, not merely watching it. TikTok fans make incredible short videos, known as edits, with their favorite characters and scenes.
These cuts are usually paired with popular music and demonstrate unbelievable creative abilities. It is among the best AniWave alternatives. You will be able to find funny moments, analyses of characters, fan theories, and news on what to expect in the next shows. It is a very entertaining method of learning about new anime that you may not have known. You may watch an amazing edit of a show, be interested, and move to a legal streaming service.
Key Features:
- Fan-generated short-form video content.
- An intelligent algorithm which displays what you will like.
- A massive and vibrant fan base of anime.
- An excellent option to find new trends and series.
Pros:
- Unlimited access to anime content that is creative and entertaining.
- Assists you in discovering new shows to watch.
- Introduces you to a worldwide fan base.
- Completely free to use.
Cons:
- You are not able to watch complete episodes here.
- Could be spoileders of a series you have not watched yet.
- It can be very addictive.
Reason why we use it: We have selected TikTok because it is the social aspect of being an anime enthusiast. It is an entertaining, colorful and current means of enjoying your favorite shows and finding new ones in the genius of the community.
Free/Paid: Free
Website: tiktok.com
9. apkpure.com
APKPure is another Android phone app store. It is a site where you can download APK files which are the files that install android applications. It is not a streaming service, it is a destination to get apps. In other cases, not all anime streaming apps can be found in the Google Play Store of your country. In such instances, there are individuals who visit websites such as APKPure to download the application.
As an example, an actual anime game or a simple streaming application can be region-locked. APKPure allows bypassing these regional locks. It is among the best AniWave alternatives. However, you should be extremely cautious with such sites. Since Google does not verify these applications, then there is a greater likelihood that you will install a counterfeit or malicious application that contains a virus.
Key Features:
- Huge collection of Android applications in the form of APK files.
- Enables you to download region locked or older versions of applications.
- Apps can be reviewed and rated by users.
- Free to use.
Pros:
- Has the ability to access applications that are not on the Google Play Store.
- No region restrictions.
- It is possible to locate older versions of an app in case a new update is problematic.
Cons:
- Major security risks. Google does not verify apps and they may have malware.
- App updating is a manual and challenging task.
- Not user-friendly to the beginners.
Reason why we used it: We have APKPure to provide a complete picture, but we caution severely. It is an extreme measure of the tech-sensitive users who require a special application that is not found elsewhere and are aware of the security threat.
Free/Paid: Free (App Store)
Website: apkpure.com
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Anime Fans (Unofficial Alternatives) Free.
The following websites are not official or legal streaming websites. They are free in providing anime, but they are associated with dangers like pop-up ads that are annoying, potential malware, and unstable video quality. They fail to pay the anime developers as well.
We highly suggest that the legal options enumerated above should be used to have a safe and optimum experience. When using these sites, take caution and install a good ad-blocker and antivirus.
10. AniLab
AniLab is a free Android anime viewing application. It is not in Google Play, and thus you have to download it on a different site or its own site. The application gathers the links that are found on the internet and places them in a single location, which provides it with a huge library of both old classics and new releases. It is among the best AniWave alternatives.
The clean, simple interface that allows one to search easily is liked by users. It also allows you to follow the episodes you have already watched and create a watchlist. The app is free but shows ads. It is not official, and thus it has risks to bear. Its links are either broken or offer poor quality video. It is also risky to install applications not in Google Play. It can be convenient, though you must take it easy.
Key Features:
- Huge archive of anime downloaded online.
- Easy interface, watchlist and history.
- Frequently has numerous servers to stream.
- Android-based and free to use.
Pros:
- Massive collection of free shows.
- User interface is good on an unofficial app.
- Watchable on a tablet or phone.
Cons:
- Not a legal service.
- Possible security issues posed by the app and ad networks.
- Video quality and connectivity may be bad.
Reason Why We Choose It: We include AniLab as it demonstrates how unofficial anime apps appear and how dangerous they are as well.
Free/Paid: Free (Unofficial)
11. Anime
One of the largest anime streaming websites on the internet is 9Anime. It is several years old and it has a massive library. This site has almost all the anime whether subbed or dubbed. It is also fast in updating, even an hour or two following the release of new episodes in Japan. Video quality is normally of good quality, mostly 1080p.
This combination of large library, rapid updates and quality makes it highly popular. However, the most significant issue is the violent and even damaging advertising. You are likely to get numerous pop-up windows when you click on a video to watch it.
It is among the best AniWave alternatives. Such advertisements may be obtrusive and they may cause unsafe websites. It is virtually impossible to use 9Anime with a usable experience without using a strong ad blocker. It demonstrates the trade-off of unofficial sites: free content, at a high price.
Key Features:
- A colossal collection of subbed and dubbed anime.
- Rapid updates of shows that are in the air.
- High-definition video streaming is generally provided.
- No registration to watch.
Pros:
- The biggest collection of anime in the world.
- Completely free to use.
- High quality video on a majority of shows.
Cons:
- Explosively aggressive and even threatening pop-up advertisements.
- Not legal, and the domain of the websites is changed regularly to be not closed down.
- Does not promote the anime industry.
Reason Why We Choose It: 9Anime is added since it is a big player in the unofficial streaming market. It demonstrates what the users anticipate of free sites, but also cautions of their risks.
Free/Paid: Free (Unofficial)
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Conclusion
There is no better time than now to find a great place to watch anime. Although AniWave was a frequent destination of many, it has so many wonderful and safe alternatives. To have the most positive, secure and supportive experience, the most appropriate AniWave alternatives would be legal services such as Crunchyroll, which has an enormous library and the newest episodes immediately after they have aired in Japan. Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are great choices when you are willing to have high-quality originals, and you already subscribe. And not to mention the official channels on YouTube, where one can find an impressive amount of good anime free of charge.
FAQs
Is AniWave back?
The initial AniWave site will not come back. It can be expected that many copycat sites with similar names can be found but they are not identical and can be even less safe. A better thing to do is to shift to a more credible and legal one.
Which are the most appropriate AniWave alternatives in 2025?
Crunchyroll (the biggest library), Netflix (the best originals), and YouTube (free and legal on the official channels such as Muse Asia) are the most suitable legal options.
Is AniWave safe to use?
No, the unofficial websites such as AniWave are not quite safe. They are usually full of violent pop-up advertisements, tracking systems, and may subject your computer to malware or viruses. Legal forums are far more secure.
Do we have any free alternatives to AniWave?
Yes! The free and legal alternative is the best, and it is YouTube, which also has official channels where full anime series are streamed. Crunchyroll has a great number of anime to watch with advertisements as well.
What are the most appropriate platforms to use by iOS users?
The Crunchyroll, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and HIDIVE apps are official and work well with the iOS (iPhone and iPad) users.
