AniWave is a trendy platform for Anime fans. However, due to occasional outages and limitations, many anime lovers are looking for better alternatives. Do you also love watching anime and need some fresh options to explore? 

Well, this article covers the top 11 AniWave alternatives that anime fans are loving right now. Some of them are free, and some are paid, but all are worth checking out. Let’s check together!

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What is AniWave?

AniWave was a popular website where anime lovers streamed their favorite shows for free. It had a huge collection—subbed, dubbed, old classics, and the latest releases. The site started in 2016 as 9anime and rebranded to AniWave in 2023. It became super popular, getting around 170 million visits each month.

That sounds great, right? But here’s the thing: In August 2024, AniWave shut down due to copyright issues. This left many anime fans searching for new places to watch their favorite shows. There are various close sites available. They work similarly to AniWave.

However, they are also troublesome. Some can’t load episodes. Others see server errors or “site not found” messages. That’s why fans are now hunting for better AniWave alternatives.

Top 11 AniWave Alternatives Online Free

Here are the top eleven AniWave alternatives. You can explore them, walk through their pros and cons, and see which one suits you best:

Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll is one of the safest options when it comes to AniWave alternatives. It has around 1300 series, including simulcast shows and even Funimation dubs. You can also watch the new episodes just after an hour of Japan’s release.

That’s pretty fast. While it’s not totally free, you do get a 7-day trial to test it out. Bonus? They also have a merch shop with anime clothes, figures, and manga books. Great pick if you want fresh content and a smooth streaming setup.

Pros	Cons
Watch content in high quality.	The free version comes with ads.
Offers a wide range of Anime shows.	Some content is regionally locked.
Subtitles in multiple languages.
Legitimate platform with copyrights.

Anime-Planet

Anime-Planet feels more like an anime tracker than a full-on streaming site. It lets you find, rate, and keep track of all your favorite anime and manga. The cool part? It’s legal and ad-free, thanks to its partnership with Crunchyroll and Hulu. 

This platform is a solid AniWave alternative. Although the content library is very limited, you will still be able to find some popular web series. If you want to watch more shows, you can try using a US server. It might unlock some extra content.

Pros	Cons
There is no subscription fee.	Supported by ads.
Have many positive reviews.	The content library is not very massive.
Provide high-quality content.

RetroCrush

If you love classic anime, RetroCrush is a hidden gem worth checking out. It focuses on retro titles from the ’70s, ’80s, and 90s—like Astro Boy, City Hunter, and Space Cobra. The platform is free to use and offers a solid mix of shows and movies.

There’s a paid option, too, with access to exclusive uncensored content. It works on Android, iOS, Roku, and more. It’s a great pick for anyone who’s into that old-school anime vibe.

Pros	Cons
Offers old-school and classic anime content.	Doesn’t offer today’s theme anime.
There is no need for any registration.	It targets a niche audience.
Compatible with various devices.	Contains regional restrictions.

AnimeHeaven

AnimeHeaven lives up to its name with a huge collection of anime, old and new. The site is super easy to use and offers multiple servers, so streaming feels smooth and simple. You will find both subbed and dubbed options, which are great for fans. 

From timeless classics to fresh releases, there’s something for everyone here. If you’re tired of site errors and messy layouts, this one feels like a breath of fresh air.

Pros	Cons
Offers several servers.	Risky due to broken links.
You can enjoy high-quality streams.	The dub quality is sometimes very poor.
The platform is easy to navigate.

GoGoAnime

GoGoAnime is just another AniWave alternative that throws you straight into the action with new releases front and center. It’s packed with subbed and dubbed titles, and you can even filter by dubbed if you’re not into subtitles. From Naruto to Jujutsu Kaisen, it covers everything—old, new, and everything in between.

The layout is clean, making it easy to browse by genre or year. Just a heads-up: you’ll want a solid ad blocker or VPN to avoid those annoying pop-ups. Once that’s handled, streaming will be smooth and the content will be endless.

Pros	Cons
You get multiple streaming options.	Shows ads and includes redirections.
The platforms keep updating with new content.	The web address keeps changing.
Offers both dubbed and subbed anime shows.

KissAnime

KissAnime used to be the go-to spot for free anime streaming worldwide. It had everything—dubbed, subbed, and multiple video quality options to fit every screen. While the original site shut down, several clones still float around today. 

These sites still offer a big library, but you’ve got to be careful. Pop-ups and malware are common, so using a VPN and ad blocker is a smart move. If you miss the old AniWave vibe, KissAnime clones might scratch that itch—just browse safely.

Pros	Cons
All the content is free.	Have some copyright issues.
You can watch shows in HD format.	Limited content library.
Offers both dubbed and subbed anime shows.

AnimeFreak

AnimeFreak is bright, bold, and packed with anime of every kind. From throwback classics to fresh new episodes, there’s always something to dive into. The site updates fast and has everything neatly sorted by genre, making browsing a breeze. 

With multiple streaming links, you won’t be stuck waiting for episodes to load. It’s a solid pick for fans who want variety without the mess.

Pros	Cons
Have a selective Manga series.	You will experience unnecessary redirections.
The user interface is very simple.	Ads cover the screen even while watching.

Chia-Anime

Chia-Anime makes it easy to jump straight into streaming with quick filters on the homepage. From old-school gems to fresh releases, it’s got a massive library to explore. The English-dubbed options are a bonus for those who prefer to skip subtitles. 

You will find multiple servers and decent-quality streams, but the ads can be intense. A good VPN and ad blocker will keep the experience clean. If you want variety and speed, this one’s a strong AniWave alternative.

Pros	Cons
New episodes are updated regularly.	There are many ads on the website.
The website is easy to navigate.
Watch the content with English dubbing.

Masteranime

Masteranime stands out with its clean layout and easy-to-use design. Everything here is very well organized, so you can find your next show without any hassle. It offers both dubbed and subbed anime across all kinds of genres, from action to romance.

Each show comes with ratings and descriptions, which help you decide what to watch next. Smooth streaming and solid recommendations make this a solid AniWave alternative for any anime lover.

Pros	Cons
It offers an extensive catalog of content.	The site could be risky due to broken links.
You can easily access HD content.	You will see annoying ads.

VIZ

VIZ isn’t just about anime, it’s a full-on hub for manga lovers too. You’ll find top titles like Naruto, One Piece, and My Hero Academia, all in one spot. The platform offers both digital and physical formats, plus simulpub releases for new chapters. 

Its app is smooth, easy to use, and great for reading or watching on the go. If you’re into both anime and manga, VIZ is a great AniWave alternative with a little something extra.

Pros	Cons
VIZ offers high-quality translations.	The app may act sometimes.
It is available on multiple platforms.	Some content is restricted outside North America.
It has official licensing.

KickAssAnime

KickAssAnime is a simple site with a solid layout and is one of the best AniWave alternatives. It is a go-to spot for fans chasing fresh episodes and hidden gems. It offers subbed and dubbed options, so you can pick what suits you best. 

While the catalog isn’t as huge as some sites, you will still find plenty of new releases. Shows like “My Happy Marriage” pop up fast after airing elsewhere. 

Pros	Cons
The content updates on a regular basis.	Worst when it comes to showing ads.
The interface is easy with content filtering options.

FAQs about AniWave

Q1: Are 9anime and AniWave the Same?

​Yep, 9anime and AniWave are essentially the same platforms under different names. The website was initially known as 9anime. It was founded in 2016 and in 2023 rebranded itself to AniWave due to increasing legal pressures and domain blocks.

Q2: Is Aniwave Safe and Legal?

AniWave is not a licensed platform, so it falls into a legal grey area. It may be safe to browse with an ad blocker and VPN, but always be cautious while using such sites.

Q3: Did AniWave get taken down?

Yes, it was shut down on August 27, 2024. However, there are so many clone sites available. Some are exactly like AniWave, even the interface and logo. 

Conclusion

So, if AniWave isn’t working, no big deal.  This article provides 11 top AniWave alternatives for anime lovers. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Choose the site that suits you best and enjoy anime freely!