AniWave, formerly known as 9Anime, was an online platform for streaming anime series. Initially established in 2016 as 9Anime, the site rebranded to AniWave in 2023. Before its shutdown, AniWave attracted approximately 170 million visits per month, highlighting its immense popularity among anime fans. On August 27, 2024, AniWave went offline due to copyright enforcement actions. The shutdown was part of a broader effort led by the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), in collaboration with Vietnamese authorities, targeting several major sites distributing unauthorized content.
Following the shutdown, AniWave’s administrators posted a farewell message on the website, expressing gratitude to their users and encouraging them to transition to legal streaming services to support content creators. They emphasized the importance of supporting official platforms to ensure the continued production of quality anime. This closure served as a reminder of the growing global initiatives to protect creative industries.
What Is The 9Anime?
9Anime is a popular anime streaming website that offers a wide variety of content, including currently airing shows and a large catalog of older anime with English subtitles or names. The site allows users to sort content by genre, release date, and quality, with many shows available in 1080p HD. Users can also adjust the streaming quality to prioritize either video resolution or data usage depending on their internet connection. While the site provides a convenient platform for streaming anime, it’s important to note that the content is hosted by third parties, not 9Anime itself.
Despite its legal issues, 9Anime is safe to use for viewers. It’s not a scam, and there’s minimal risk of viruses or malware, though ads can be annoying. Since no files are downloaded to your device, legal risks are generally low for users. However, depending on your location, it’s still important to be aware of potential legal complications related to streaming copyrighted content.
Is 9Anime Safe?
Many anime fans watch their favorite shows at 9Anime or its mirror sites. However, a common concern is whether 9Anime is safe to use. While 9Anime itself may not directly distribute malware, it operates in a legal gray area and relies on third-party advertisements for revenue. These ads can sometimes be compromised, leading to malicious software distribution. Clicking on suspicious ads or pop-ups can expose your system. which may steal personal information, damage your system, or turn your computer into part of a botnet.
Additionally, 9Anime does not have the rights or licenses to distribute the anime content it hosts, meaning the content is pirated. Watching anime on such websites supports piracy and can harm the industry by reducing the revenue and profits of creators and distributors.
To protect yourself while streaming anime online, consider the following precautions:
- Use Legal Streaming Platforms: Opt for reputable and licensed streaming services like Crunchyroll, Funimation, or Netflix, which prioritize user safety and support content creators.
- Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Ads: Be cautious of pop-ups and advertisements that appear while streaming. Do not click on them unless you are certain of their legitimacy.
- Use Reliable Antivirus Software: Keep your antivirus software up-to-date and perform regular scans to detect and remove any malicious files.
- Enable Ad-Blockers: Ad-blockers can help filter out suspicious ads and reduce the risk of exposure to malware.
- Consider a VPN: A Virtual Private Network adds an extra layer of protection by encrypting your internet traffic, though it is not a foolproof solution.
Top 7 Best 9Anime/AniWave Alternatives for 2025
As of January 2025, several reputable platforms offer anime video & streaming services, providing great alternatives to the now-defunct AniWave (formerly 9Anime). These include both legal streaming platforms and free sites with a range of content options.
1. Miruro – Watch Your Favorite Anime on Schedule:
Ads: Yes
Login: Optional
Video Qualities: No
Subs: English, French, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, Arabic
Miruro is a fantastic alternative to AniWave, boasting an extensive anime library with multiple dubbed versions. Enjoy an immersive viewing experience with automatic skipping of intros and outros. The platform ensures smooth episode transitions and offers a wide range of subtitle options. A standout feature is the weekly anime schedule, so you’ll never miss a new episode and can keep up with the latest releases.
Miruro also allows users to easily browse by genre, making it easier to find new favorites. The user interface is simple and clean, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Plus, with an ever-growing selection, there’s always something new to discover.
However, it is ad-supported and prone to frequent redirects, which can disrupt the user experience.
| ⭕ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| A wide range of anime library. | A wide range of anime libraries. |
| Support multiple captions with customization. | No video quality option is available. |
| Automatically skip intros and outros. | |
| Automatically plays the next episode. | |
| Lists the show time of the entire week. |
2. 9Anime – Auto Skip Intro and Auto Next:
Ads: Yes
Login: Optional
Video Qualities: 360P-1080P
Subs: English
Although the original animated website was taken down, there are many new mirrors and domains. 9Anime is one of them. It is a free anime streaming website similar to AniWave, offering a variety of popular and classic anime titles across genres like action, kids, drama, fantasy, romance, school, and comedy. All anime is available in high-quality resolution, ranging from 360P to 1080P. This alternative to Watch Cartoon online.io also features auto-skip intro and auto-next episode functions, making your viewing experience smoother and more enjoyable.
9Anime’s interface is user-friendly, making it easy to search and discover new anime. The platform also regularly updates its library, ensuring you have access to the latest episodes. With a wide range of genres and subtitle options, it’s a great choice for any anime fan.
However, it only offers an English dubbing version of the anime. And like other free anime sites, 9Anime contains ads and redirects.
| ⭕ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Various video quality options. | Easily be redirected to another website. |
| Multiple sub and dub backup servers. | Only English subtitle is provided. |
| Add the anime to the watch list for later viewing. | |
| Auto skip intro and auto next. |
3. Animension – Ad-Free Anime Streaming:
Ads: Depends
Login: Optional
Video Qualities: 360P-1080P
Subs: English
Animension is a user-friendly anime website offering multiple genres and schedules for the latest releases. The website itself is ad-free and works on its sources, providing features such as auto-next episode, and skipping of opening (op) and ending (ed) credits. You can also bookmark your favorite anime if you log in, and even download episodes for offline viewing.
The platform’s clean and intuitive design makes it easy to navigate through the wide anime library. With regular updates, you’ll always have access to fresh content. Animension also supports multiple devices, ensuring seamless watching whether on your phone, tablet, or computer.
It has official sources, which may charge you for watching, and unofficial ones that may contain annoying ads and be slower than the recommended official sources.
| ⭕ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide range of anime genres available. | Official sources may require payment. |
| Ad-free website interface. | Unofficial sources can be slower and have ads. |
| Option to bookmark when logged in. | |
| Download your favorite anime. | |
| Reliable official sources for high-quality streaming. |
4. HiAnime – Best AniWave Alternative Without Ads and Redirects:
Ads: No
Login: Optional
Video Qualities: 360P-1080P
Subs: English, Portuguese, Spanish
HiAnime offers a wide selection of dubbed and subbed anime, shows, and movies. From popular titles like One Piece, Blue Box, Dandadan, Naruto, and Bleach to Blue Lock Season 2, it has something for everyone. As a KissCartoon alternative, it categorizes anime into Top Airing, Most Popular, Most Favorite, and Latest Completed, making it easy to find what you want.
You can add shows to your watchlist and features like auto-play, auto-next, and intro skipping improve your viewing experience. Subtitle languages and video quality are adjustable to suit your preferences, ensuring a personalized anime journey. The platform is updated regularly with the latest releases to keep fans engaged. Its minimal and ad-free interface ensures uninterrupted viewing. Additionally, HiAnime is optimized for both desktop and mobile devices, making it accessible anywhere.
What sets HiAnime apart as an AniWave alternative is its ad-free and redirect-free interface, ensuring uninterrupted streaming. Users can also rate anime and leave comments to share their opinions.
| ⭕ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Large library of dubbed and subbed anime. | Limited to online streaming without offline download options. |
| Easy navigation with organized categories. | Need to log in for the watchlist and commenting. |
| Features like auto-play, auto-next, and intro skipping. | |
| Adjustable subtitles and video quality. | |
| Ad-free and no redirects for smooth viewing. | |
| Allows rating and commenting on shows. |
5. Aniwatch – Provide HD Quality Anime:
Ads: No
Login: Optional
Video Qualities: 360P-1080P
Subs: English
Aniwatch is a free site where you can watch your favorite shows and dubbed anime. You can also download them in HD without needing to register. The Zoro alternative is faster and simpler to use than many other anime streaming sites. With a wide range of anime genres, it’s easy to find what you want to watch.
You can adjust the video quality from 360P to 1080P, automatically play the next episode, and skip the intro. Additionally, you can add shows to your watchlist, making it convenient to keep track of your favorite series. Aniwatch also boasts a clean and user-friendly interface, ensuring an enjoyable browsing experience. The platform regularly updates its library, so you never miss out on the latest releases. It’s compatible with both desktop and mobile devices for viewing on the go.
However, it only offers English dubbing, and you need an account to leave comments or use the watchlist feature.
| ⭕ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Free to use. | Only supports English dubbing. |
| Download anime in HD without registering. | Requires an account for comments and watchlist. |
| Fast and easy to stream. | |
| A large variety of anime genres. | |
| Adjustable video quality from 360P to 1080P. | |
| Auto-play and intro skipping. | |
| Watchlist feature available. |
6. Chia-Anime – Bookmark Your Favorite Anime:
Ads: No
Login: Optional
Video Qualities: No
Subs: English
Chia Anime is a free website where you can watch anime online. It provides a schedule based on the last week’s updates, helping users keep track of new episodes. The platform includes a bookmark feature, allowing you to save your favorite anime for quick access.
Users can post comments on anime pages to share their thoughts and engage with the community. Each anime page displays basic information and a plot summary, making it easier to decide what to watch. Additionally, the site is free from pop-up ads, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted viewing experience. Chia Anime’s interface is simple and user-friendly, making it accessible even for first-time users. The site also supports quick loading times for a streaming experience. With its community-driven features and regular updates, it’s a great option for anime.
However, it doesn’t always provide a video source for every listed title. You can’t change the video quality or subtitle language, and the default video quality is low.
| ⭕ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Free to use. | Some anime video sources. |
| Schedule for recent updates. | No option to adjust video quality or subtitles. |
| Bookmark feature to save favorites. | The default video quality is poor. |
| Includes basic info and plot summaries. | |
| Commenting feature for user interaction. |
7. Crunchyroll – Legal Site with HD Anime Quality:
Ads: No for Premium
Login: Optional
Video Qualities: 360P-1080P
Subs: English, Japanese, Deutsch, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, etc.
Crunchyroll is a legal anime website that offers a 7-day free trial for unlimited anime without ads. You can also watch for free with ads. The platform provides flexibility with subtitle languages, allowing you to choose from English, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese, and more.
Crunchyroll also allows you to add shows to your watchlist, making it easy to keep track of your favorite anime. Additionally, you can view likes and dislikes for each anime, helping you discover what others are watching and get recommendations. With high-quality streaming options, you can enjoy anime from 360P to 1080P, ensuring a smooth viewing experience. Crunchyroll also regularly updates its library, so you’ll never miss out on the latest episodes. The platform is accessible on multiple devices, including mobile phones, tablets, and desktops, offering flexibility for on-the-go viewing.
However, to stream unlimited anime without ads, you need to pay. Also, subtitle options depend on the anime and may not always include all languages.
| ⭕ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Legal and safe to use. | Unlimited, ad-free streaming requires payment. |
| Free streaming with ads. | Subtitle options vary by anime. |
| 7-day free trial for premium features. | |
| Multiple subtitle languages are available. | |
| Option to add shows to a watchlist. | |
| Shows like and dislike ratings. |
Final Thoughts
For anime fans seeking a legal and secure streaming experience, Crunchyroll is the top choice. It offers a wide variety of high-quality anime with free ad-supported access and a premium subscription for ad-free viewing. Supporting platforms like Crunchyroll help sustain the anime industry and ensure continued production of new content.
For free alternatives, HiAnime is an excellent option with its ad-free and user-friendly interface. Features like auto-play, intro skipping, and customizable subtitles make it a seamless choice for anime enthusiasts. Animension also stands out for its clean design, offline download options, and reliable streaming sources, making it suitable for on-the-go viewing.
If you prefer exploring unofficial options, Miruro and Chia-Anime provide extensive libraries and unique features like bookmarking and weekly schedules. However, these platforms come with ads and potential redirects, so precautions like ad-blockers and antivirus software are recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What is the best alternative to 9Anime?
There are several popular alternatives to 9Anime, such as:
- Crunchyroll: Offers a wide selection of anime with legal streaming, high-quality subtitles, and simulcasts.
- Funimation: Known for its extensive anime catalog, including dubbed versions, and a legal streaming platform.
- Anime-Planet: A great alternative offering free streaming of licensed anime in partnership with Crunchyroll.
- GoGoAnime: Another free streaming site similar to 9Anime with a large library of anime.
- VRV: A subscription service that bundles several anime and entertainment channels, including Crunchyroll and HiDive.
Why is 9Anime not working?
There could be several reasons why 9Anime isn’t working:
- Server issues: Temporary problems on the site’s server might prevent access.
- Blocked by ISP: Some Internet Service Providers might block access to anime streaming websites.
- Geo-restrictions: Depending on your location, certain content may be unavailable due to regional restrictions.
- Outdated link or domain issues: 9Anime may change domains frequently to avoid shutdowns.
Is it legal to use these anime streaming sites?
The legality of using anime streaming sites depends on whether they have proper licensing agreements with the anime distributors. Sites like Crunchyroll, Funimation, and VRV are legal, as they have contracts with anime production companies to stream content. However, unofficial sites like 9Anime often operate without these agreements, which may lead to legal risks, such as exposure to malware or copyright infringement.
Do these sites offer English subtitles?
Yes, most legal streaming sites such as Crunchyroll, Funimation, and VRV offer English subtitles for their anime content. Some sites also offer dubbed versions for those who prefer not to read subtitles. Unofficial sites like GoGoAnime may also offer English subtitles but could vary in quality.
Can I download episodes for offline viewing?
Legal streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, Funimation, and VRV typically offer offline viewing options with their mobile apps, though this might require a premium subscription. Unofficial sites might allow downloads through third-party tools, but this is not recommended, as it could be illegal or harmful to your device.
Are there any subscription fees?
- Crunchyroll: Offers both free ad-supported streaming and premium subscription options for ad-free viewing, simulcasts, and additional content.
- Funimation: Offers free streaming with ads and a premium subscription for an ad-free experience and access to extra features.
- VRV: Requires a paid subscription, which gives you access to multiple channels including Crunchyroll, HiDive, and more.
