Top 6 AniWatch Alternatives for Safe Streaming Anime

6 Best and Legal Aniwatch alternatives for streaming anime in 2026. The list contains the free Anime sites with high-quality streaming and fast servers.

Are you a big fan of Anime and looking for fast streaming Anime sites, or is Animatch not working at your location? Then this article will provide you top alternatives to AniWatch site to watch high-quality videos.

The AniWatch site is not working in the USA at the time of writing this post, as it was streaming copyrighted content without permission. Also, relying only on one platform to watch Anime can have limiting factors such as area restrictions, slow servers, etc. In this post.

In the following section, I’ll cover the top alternatives to AniWatch, like Crunchyroll, 9Anime, Hulu, Netflix, HIDIVE, GogoAnime with their core features. This post will help you select the best platform to watch your favorite anime online.

Aniwatch Replacements: Safe Anime Streaming Sites

Finding a reliable and safe anime streaming site is essential now that Aniwatch is unavailable in many regions.

The top 6 Anime Streaming sites that I’ve covered below are trusted, legal and offer high-quality anime libraries. Their fast servers and regular updates provide a smooth streaming experience to the users.

So, without much further ado, let’s get started.

Disclaimer:
This article is for general information and educational purposes only. SoftwareTestingHelp.com does not own, promote, host, operate, resell, or distribute any of these tools or services. This page may contain unverified listings. We are not certain if they hold legal licenses to distribute the content as we do not verify the legality of each app/service in all regions. Your own due diligence is required before using any of these tools or services. The end-user shall be solely responsible for accessing the content.

What is AniWatch?

AniWatch is a streaming service that exclusively streams Anime content. Backed by multiple powerful servers, AniWatch offers you the chance to watch the latest Anime shows and movies in the best picture quality possible. The platform is free to use and features one of the largest content libraries online.

If there is an Anime you wish to watch, whether it is old or new, chances are you’ll find it on AniWatch. That said, the platform has recently come under fire, with questions surrounding its legality gaining prominence.

Check this video that recommends the top 5 anime worth watching.

Why Isn’t Aniwatch Working Anymore?

If you are living in the USA and trying to access AniWatch, chances are you are going to be met with an error screen. The United States has restricted access to this site. This does not mean the website isn’t working anymore. You can still access the site with a good VPN connection, masking your online activity and IP address.

How I Chose the Best AniWatch Alternatives

AniWatch TV was one of the most visited streaming sites at its peak. I believe a better alternative to this site should offer some non-negotiable perks. Those were the perks I considered when making my list.

These are the factors I considered when selecting AniWatch alternatives that I can vouch for:

User-Friendliness

This is a no-brainer. A streaming site should be easy to use and navigate. I went with websites with sleek interfaces and well-organized content libraries.

Content Library

I made sure to only include names on this list that offered an extensive Anime library. This library should feature old and new titles in subbed and dubbed versions.

Picture Quality

Nobody enjoys watching Anime in SD or 480p. The vibrant quality of an anime is best enjoyed in the best picture quality possible. So, I only selected websites that offered you the opportunity to stream in at least 1080p.

Performance

Buffering and technical snarls hinder an enjoyable experience. I chose websites known for offering superior performance with faster loading web pages and a media player that runs videos smoothly.

Price

There are both paid and free Anime sites on this list. In the end, I chose only websites with a positive user experience, regardless of whether they were free or charged fairly.

List of the Best AniWatch Alternatives

Below is a curated list of the best AniWatch alternatives. To help anime fans find reliable options, I’ve shortlisted the top 6 based on extensive research, hands-on experience and comparison of features such as content library, streaming quality, ease of use, and availability.

1. Crunchyroll
2. 9Anime
3. Hulu
4. Netflix
5. HIDIVE
6. GogoAnime

Comparing the Top AniWatch Competitors

To help you quickly make a selection easier, the top AniWatch alternatives are compared below. This quick comparison helps you identify the platform that best fits your anime streaming needs.

Name	Video Quality	Ads	Price	Rating
Crunchyroll	Up to 1080p	Yes	Starts at $7.99/month
9Anime	Up to 1080p	Yes	Free
Hulu	Up to 4K	Yes	Starts at $10.99/month
Netflix	Up to 4K	Ad-free priced tier	Starts at $7.99/month
HIDIVE	Up to 1080p	No	Starts at $5.99/month
GogoAnime	Up to 1080p	Yes	Free

Detailed reviews:

#1) Crunchyroll

Best for extensive Anime selection and Manga Store.

Can you call yourself an Anime lover if you haven’t heard of Crunchyroll? This platform was the sole source of Anime for fans back in the early 2000s when this medium was still considered niche. Now that Anime has entered the mainstream, so has Crunchyroll. This platform has evolved considerably with a revamped UI and media player.

This website provides excellent streams in crystal clear 1080p. The library itself is quite stacked. From old classics to new fan-favorites, this website has them all for your viewing pleasure. The website also features a dedicated merchandise and manga store. This platform is truly a haven for otakus.

Features:

• Multi-Device Streaming: This feature can be accessed via the expensive subscription plan. You can stream on up to 6 devices simultaneously with a single account. This makes the platform ideal for friend groups who’d like to share a subscription.
• Offline Viewing: This is another one of Crunchyroll’s endearing features. You can download a video in HD for offline viewing later. Your library keeps downloaded files for a while before automatic deletion.
• Video Game Store: Besides Anime, video games based on those Anime are also quite popular in Japan. You can find a good catalog of these games on Crunchyroll.
• Merch and Manga Store: This is ultimately what makes Crunchyroll the perfect hangout spot for otakus online. You can explore and purchase tempting Anime merchandise on this platform. Crunchyroll also features a sizeable library of manga.
• Simulcast: Crunchyroll owns the license to simulcast some newly released titles on its platform. You can find new episodes of this show listed on the website just shortly after they’ve aired in Japan.

Why is it a great alternative to AniWatch

Unlike AniWatch, Crunchyroll won’t be taken down. This is a website that’s recommended and revered by the creators of anime that you and I love. The place was made for Anime fans by Anime fans. You can visit it not just to watch Anime but also to read manga and buy merchandise.

Price: Crunchyroll offers the following plans:

Plans	Monthly	Annual
Fan	$7.99/month	$79.99/year
Mega Fan	$11.99/month	$119.99/year
Ultimate Fan	$15.99/month	$149.99/year

Read our Crunchyroll Review with Alternatives

---

#2) 9Anime

Best for quick search filters.

9Anime is another great alternative to AniWatch. I say this because of its content library, which offers an endless sea of titles. There isn’t a single title you won’t find on this platform. It truly is a treasure trove for folks trying to get their Anime fix. It is quite simple to find old Anime shows as well as newly released titles on this platform.

The platform also features a sleek interface with a library you can navigate through, intuitive search functionality, and quick filters. You can filter this massive library to find a title based on its genre, season, type, language, country, year, and status. The website also tells you what Anime is currently trending and how many people are watching it.

Features:

• Content Library: Like AniWatch, 9Anime’s library is truly extensive. Every single Anime to has ever been released can be found on this platform. This includes old as well as new movies and TV shows.
• Multiple Servers: When streaming an episode, you’ll have the option to choose from multiple servers. If the episode isn’t streaming properly, you can immediately switch to another server for better performance.
• Auto Play: This is a great feature to have if you wish to binge-watch an entire season of the show in one go. With Auto Play on, 9Anime’s media player will automatically switch to the next episode as soon as the one you are watching ends.
• Social Media Sharing: You can share the link of an episode or movie on 9Anime across multiple social channels. This includes Facebook, X, Reddit, and Telegram.
• What’s Trending: Don’t know what to watch? This feature could help. 9Anime showcases the names of titles that are being watched widely on the platform. This could help you find new titles that are now popular among Anime fans.

Why is it a great AniWatch Alternative?

9Anime shares many similarities with AniWatch. Like that platform, 9Anime also features a massive content library. It also features a sleek, easy-to-navigate interface with quick filters. You can also quickly switch servers to improve your streaming quality.

Price: Free

Check our 9anime Review with 9anime Competitors

---

#3) Hulu

Best for Live TV Streaming and Add-ons.

Hulu is different from other platforms on this list. It is more of an OTT and live TV streaming platform combined in one. While its focus isn’t on Anime entertainment, you’ll still find some popular shows ready to stream on it. What makes the platform great, of course, are its features and channel selection.

There are over 90 channels for you to pick from. Besides this, you also get access to the streaming library of Disney+. You can download and watch content offline on this platform. Then there is also the unlimited DVR functionality, which you can rely on to record and store content without an upper limit.

Features:

• Download and Watch Offline: Like the best streaming platforms out there, you can download and watch Anime titles offline. This feature is only available with the expensive plan.
• Unlimited DVR Functionality: This is a very enticing feature, especially for folks using Hulu’s live TV streaming capabilities. There is no cap on how much content you can record or store. However, this recorded content will be stored for 9 months only before being deleted.
• Multi-Device Streaming: You won’t face any compatibility issues when streaming on Hulu. This platform works great on all streaming players. This includes laptops, phones, tablets, and even gaming consoles.
• Channel Selection: Besides a few good Anime titles, Hulu’s greatest strength lies in its channel selection. You get access to over 90 channels. This includes popular American networks spanning various categories.
• Add-Ons: Hulu lets you upgrade with a ton of add-on options. You can purchase add-ons for Paramount +, Max, and ESPN+. These additional platforms can further expand what you get to watch on Hulu.

Further Reading => Top Zoro.to Alternatives to Watch Tons of Anime

What makes it a great Alternative to AniWatch?

Hulu stands out for its TV channel selection and advanced features. You are going to find a few good Anime titles here. Hulu should be on your radar if you are looking for an experience beyond Anime streaming. This is a platform that grants you access to a ton of Hulu original shows and the entire content library of Disney+.

Price: Hulu offers the following subscription plans:

Basic	Premium
$10.99/month	$19.99/month

Website: https://www.hulu.com/welcome

Also Read => YouTube TV vs Hulu Live TV

---

#4) Netflix

Best for 4K Streaming

Netflix is perhaps the second-best platform for legal Anime-streaming, right after Crunchyroll. This streaming giant has been steadily but surely expanding its Anime library with original licensed shows and simulcasts of some very popular titles. The platform has spent millions on producing shows and movies as well.

It is also a platform where you’ll find remastered versions of old anime shows and movies. The platform currently has the entire collection of Studio Ghibli movies. The streaming performance itself is also top-notch. This platform might very well be the only one right now offering you the option to stream Anime titles in 4K.

Also Read => In-depth 4K Live IPTV Review

Features:

• Multi-Device Streaming: Netflix offers you the opportunity to stream on multiple streaming devices at once. Depending on the chosen plan, you have the option to watch content on 4 devices at the same time.
• Spatial Audio: If you go with the expensive plan, you’ll have the privilege of enjoying spatial audio while streaming. Spatial Audio fits well with Anime, and you have a more immersive experience when watching those shows or movies.
• 4K Streaming: On most Anime-streaming platforms, the picture quality is capped at 4K. On Netflix, however, you will find some titles that can be streamed in pristine 4K and UHD resolution. Again, 4K streaming is only available for folks using the expensive subscription plan.
• Offline Viewing: Netflix also allows you to download and watch anime offline. Once downloaded, you’ll have about 48 hours to 7 days to finish watching the title.
• Simulcast: Netflix does harbor some simulcast titles. These shows are ready to stream on the platform shortly after they’ve aired in Japan.

Why is it a great replacement for AniWatch?

Netflix has AniWatch beat with a platform that offers superior streaming performance. The platform’s Anime library grows with each passing day as it continues to showcase licensed shows while also funding some exclusive titles. This is also a rare streaming platform where you can stream some Anime shows and movies in 4K resolution.

Price: Netflix offers the following subscription plans

Standard with Ads	Standard	Premium
$7.99/month	$17/month	$24.99/month

Website: https://www.netflix.com/

---

#5) HIDIVE

Best for watching mature content.

HIDIVE doesn’t get the respect and audience it deserves. Anyone willing to give this platform a chance will find themselves serenaded with a platform that was tailored to the desires of Anime fans. You are going to find some amazing shows here. Its library features titles in both subtitled and dubbed versions.

That said, HIDIVE’s greatest strength lies in its gallery of uncensored content. TV broadcasts normally censor most anime shows. HIDIVE allows you to check their uncensored glory, with blood, guts, and fan service intact.

Features:

• Multi-Streaming Device: HIDIVE works on all streaming players. This includes all sorts of smart TVs, gaming consoles, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
• Offline Viewing: The platform grants you the privilege of watching anime offline. You can download the episode or movie you like in a single click and watch it later without internet.
• Exclusive Content: Like Netflix, HIDIVE also owns the exclusive right to stream certain titles. If you want to watch these titles, HIDIVE is the only platform offering them.
• Simulcast: Simulcast streaming is essential for avoiding spoilers. Thankfully, HIDIVE also offers this perk. There are titles here that are available for streaming shortly after they’ve aired in Japan.
• 18+ Content: HIDIVE also features a sizeable collection of 18+ titles. This makes the platform ideal for fans of mature content. The platform features uncensored versions of popular shows as well.

Why is it a great Alternative to AniWatch?

If you are a fan of mature, uncensored anime, I don’t think there is a platform out there that’s going to serve you as well as HIDIVE does.

As far as streaming performance goes, you can expect to watch Anime shows in HD picture quality without buffering. While not as stacked as the library of AniWatch, HIDIVE still offers enough to satiate the Anime fan in you.

Price: HIDIVE offers the following plans:

Monthly	Annual
$5.99/month	$59.88/year

Website: https://welcome.hidive.com/

---

#6) GogoAnime

Best for Free Anime streaming.

GogoAnime is a part streaming platform, part directory that caters to the Anime community online. Like AniWatch, its content library is filled to the brim with shows and movies, both old and new. You are bound to find your favorite shows in subtitled and dubbed versions on this platform.

GogoAnime makes episodes available immediately after they air in Japan. Despite being free, GogoAnime also features a sleek, easy-to-navigate interface. Users can stream each episode through multiple servers. As such, you have the option to switch between servers when faced with a technical issue.

Features:

• Anime Directory: Although a streaming platform, GogoAnime works best as an Anime directory. You can refer to this website to check release schedules and find out which titles are trending.
• Filters: Finding an Anime to watch is quite simple via GogoAnime. You can use its intuitive filters to narrow down your search. You can search for titles based on genre, status, type, and order.
• Multiple Servers: Streaming on GogoAnime is made hassle-free because of the availability of multiple servers. If an episode stops streaming or doesn’t play, you can immediately switch to an alternative server.
• Dark Mode: Another great aspect of GogoAnime’s interface is the dark mode. Click the toggle to enable dark mode. This will reduce the toll on your eyes for a comfortable viewing experience.
• Simulcast: Almost all newly released titles on GogoAnime are simulcast. These episodes will be available for you to stream right after they’ve aired in Japan.

Why is it a great AniWatch Alternative?

GogoAnime has an interface that is quite uncommon for a free Anime streaming platform to possess. There are ads, but their presence is never disruptive. The availability of multiple servers also makes the streaming experience more satisfying.

Price: Free

Check our Detailed Review of Gogoanime Alternatives

---

FAQs on AniWatch Anime

---

Conclusion

At its peak, AniWatch welcomed thousands of visitors. As with most websites like it, AniWatch was taken down in the USA. Now, you can use a VPN to access it. However, I believe this should be an opportunity for you to focus on other, much better options.

The alternatives I’ve mentioned on this list are some of the best and highly recommended by die-hard Anime fans. As for my personal recommendation, I would suggest going with either Netflix or Crunchyroll. You’ll find a mix of great anime content and excellent streaming performance with Netflix and Crunchyroll.

Further Reading => Popular cartoon streaming websites 

Our Research Process

• Time taken to research this article: Approximately 45 hours were spent on comprehensive research, evaluation, verification, and final preparation to ensure accurate and reliable information.
• Total IPTV services researched: 15
• Top IPTV services shortlisted: 6