Anime streaming has changed considerably since this article was first published. AniWatch was rebranded as HiAnime in March 2024, and the original HiAnime service later went offline in 2026. Several other free anime sites that were commonly recommended alongside AniWatch have also shut down, changed domains, or become difficult to verify.
Because of that, we have completely refreshed this guide for 2026.
Instead of recommending unstable mirrors or websites whose licensing status is unclear, this list focuses on established anime streaming services that are currently operating and can be independently verified.
We compared the platforms based on anime library, current pricing, free access, simulcasts, subtitles and dubbing, device availability, regional restrictions, and the type of viewer each service is best suited for.
If you previously used AniWatch because it was simple and inexpensive, services such as Tubi and Anime-Planet are worth exploring first. If you want a larger dedicated anime catalog and current releases, Crunchyroll and HIDIVE are stronger options.
In this blog, we will discuss some of the best Aniwatch alternatives to look out for in 2026, so stay tuned!
What Happened to AniWatch?
AniWatch was part of a sequence of rebrands that began with Zoro.to. The service became AniWatch and was then renamed HiAnime in March 2024. HiAnime later displayed a shutdown message in 2026.
This matters because websites using names such as AniWatch, Zoro, or HiAnime may still appear in search results today. A familiar name or similar interface does not necessarily mean that the website is operated by the original service.
For that reason, we are no longer recommending HiAnime or an AniWatch-branded mirror as an alternative in this guide. We would rather direct readers toward streaming services whose ownership, current availability, and content offering can be verified.
How We Chose These AniWatch Alternatives
We did not rank platforms simply by the number of anime titles they claim to offer. For this update, we looked at the overall viewing experience and whether the service is practical to use today.
Our comparison considers current service availability, subscription cost, free viewing options, anime specialization, subtitles and dubbing, simulcasts, offline viewing, supported devices, regional availability, and how clearly the platform communicates its offering.
We also prefer services where pricing and product information can be verified directly from the provider rather than relying on old third-party pricing pages.
The result is a mix of dedicated anime services and broader streaming platforms, because the right AniWatch replacement depends on whether your priority is free viewing, new episodes, classic anime, or a wider entertainment library.
Best Aniwatch Alternatives 2026
| AniWatch Alternative | Starting Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Crunchyroll | $9.99/month | Dedicated anime library and new episodes |
| Tubi | Free | Free legal anime with ads |
| Anime-Planet | Free | Free legal episodes plus anime discovery and tracking |
| HIDIVE | $7.99/month | Anime exclusives, simulcasts and dubs |
| RetroCrush | Free / $4.99 month | Classic anime from the 1970s, 80s and 90s |
| Netflix | From ₹149/month in India | Anime plus mainstream streaming content |
| Hulu | $11.99/month with ads | Anime plus broader TV and movie library in the US |
Crunchyroll
Are you looking for the safest and most reliable Aniwatch alternatives? Then Crunchyroll is here to your rescue. With their recent merger with Sony, their anime content library has witnessed a boost with more than 1300 series, Funimation dubs, and some simulcast shows. Although it is not a free alternative, you still get a 7-day free trial before signing up for the paid plans. One of the unique and impressive offerings of Crunchyroll is its apparel and Manga shop, where you can browse and purchase anime-inspired and weeb-core merchandise like books, figurines, clothes, and home videos.
Key Features
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It has a diverse library that includes more than 1300 series, Funimation dubs, and some simulcast shows. Their merger with Sony has immensely helped in improving their content library for anime lovers.
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You can stream series and films of various genres, from comedy, drama, romance, and fantasy to action, adventure, mystery, and sci-fi.
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It offers a 7-day free trial plan and then you can upgrade to paid plans.
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The paid plans provide some impressive perks. For example, the Mega plan offers exciting perks like first access to Expo events and a $15 discount on a purchase of $100 from the Crunchyroll store every three months.
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All the tiers provide 1080p resolution for a smooth and premium streaming experience.
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Crunchyroll is supported on several media streaming devices like Chromecast, Apple TV, Fire TV, and Roku, gaming consoles like Switch, PlayStation (3, 4, and 5), and Xbox One, and Android and iOS mobile phones.
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One of the unique offerings of Crunchyroll is its apparel and Manga shop, where you can browse and purchase anime-inspired and weeb-core merchandise like books, figurines, clothes, and home videos.
Pros and Cons
Pricing
| Plans | Pricing |
| Fan | $7.99/mo |
| Mega Fan | $11.99/mo |
| Ultimate Fan | $15.99/mo |
Our Take
Crunchyroll is the closest fit on this list for someone who wants anime to remain the main reason for subscribing.
The downside compared with AniWatch is obvious: it is a paid service if you want the complete experience. But in return, you get a much more predictable platform, proper apps, simulcasts, offline viewing and a service whose catalog and subscription terms are clearly documented.
If we were choosing one dedicated anime subscription rather than combining several services, Crunchyroll would be our starting point.
Tubi
Tubi is one of the better options in this list if your main reason for using AniWatch was that you did not want another monthly subscription.
Tubi is free and supported by advertising. The company explicitly describes the service as free and legal, and it currently maintains a dedicated anime category. Its catalog includes a mix of anime series and movies, although availability changes over time and by region.
Our Take
Tubi is the free alternative we would feel most comfortable recommending to someone who does not want to pay immediately.
It does not compete with Crunchyroll on depth or simulcasts, so viewers looking for every new seasonal release may find it limiting. But that is a reasonable trade-off for a service that costs nothing and does not require users to chase changing domains or questionable mirrors.
We would check Tubi first for casual anime viewing, particularly if having a completely free service matters more than getting the newest episodes immediately.
Pros and Cons
Pricing
Tubi is a free anime streaming platform.
HIDIVE
HIDIVE is a dedicated anime streaming service built around simulcasts, dubs, exclusives and an anime-focused catalog.
The current HIDIVE offer includes access to its full library, offline downloads and streaming on up to two devices. Its official site currently lists a monthly plan at $7.99 and an annual plan at $79.99, with a seven-day trial.
Availability is one of the main limitations. HIDIVE has withdrawn service from some regions outside North America, so users should confirm that the platform is supported in their country before subscribing.
Our Take
We see HIDIVE as a complement or alternative to Crunchyroll for viewers who care about particular exclusives rather than simply the biggest possible catalog.
Before paying, we would search HIDIVE for the specific series we intend to watch. If those titles are available, the lower monthly price can make it compelling. If they are not, the subscription is much harder to justify.
Pros and Cons
Netflix
Netflix is not an anime-only service, but its anime catalog has become large enough that it belongs in this comparison.
Netflix currently offers anime series and movies alongside its broader entertainment catalog, including both licensed titles and Netflix-distributed anime. In India, plans currently start at ₹149 per month for Mobile, with higher plans offering better video quality and support for TVs and additional devices.
Our Take
Netflix makes the most sense when anime is only one part of what you watch.
We would not subscribe to Netflix solely as a replacement for a hardcore anime platform unless its current catalog contains the shows we specifically want. But if you already use Netflix for movies and general television, its anime section can reduce the need for another subscription.
It is especially useful for viewers who value polished apps, reliable streaming and a mix of anime and mainstream entertainment.
Pros and Cons
Anime Planet
Anime-Planet is different from most services in this list because it combines anime discovery and tracking with selected legal streaming.
Anime-Planet states that the videos available through its platform are legal and industry-supported through partnerships with the anime industry. Users can also maintain watchlists, track what they have watched, discover recommendations and explore its anime and manga database.
Key Features
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It offers a very impressive user-friendly interface with a smooth browsing and streaming experience.
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It is a beloved platform for anime lovers because it provides HD quality streaming, crisp visuals, and clear audio to provide a premium streaming experience for free.
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You can download and avail of its app from Google Play which is compatible with multiple devices, including mobile phones, tablets, or smart TVs.
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Allows you to create personalized playlists to keep track of the titles you have watched or are currently watching.
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Another impressive feature is their high-quality search and recommendations to help you find the classic titles, explore trending films and shows, and discover new series.
Our Take
We would use Anime-Planet primarily as an anime discovery and tracking platform, with legal streaming as a useful extra.
That distinction is important. It does not provide the same complete streaming catalog as a paid service such as Crunchyroll. If your main requirement is watching every episode of current seasonal shows, it will probably not replace a dedicated subscription.
However, for discovering what to watch next, maintaining lists and accessing whichever episodes are legally available for free, Anime-Planet is genuinely useful.
Pros and Cons
Pricing
Anime Planet is a free anime streaming platform.
RetroCrush
RetroCrush takes a very different approach from most anime platforms. Instead of competing for every new seasonal release, it focuses heavily on classic anime from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.
RetroCrush currently offers free viewing alongside Premium. Its official service lists Premium at $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year, with a seven-day trial. The service is currently available in the United States and Canada
Our Take
RetroCrush is not a direct replacement for AniWatch if your priority is new seasonal anime. It is here because it solves a different problem extremely well: finding older anime.
We would recommend it to viewers who are actively interested in classic series and films rather than simply looking for whatever is trending this season.
For that audience, its narrow focus is actually a strength.
Pros and Cons
Hulu
Hulu is another option for viewers who want anime as part of a much broader streaming subscription.
The service offers movies, television series, originals and selected anime rather than operating as a dedicated anime platform. Its current standalone plans are $11.99 per month for Hulu with ads and $18.99 per month for Hulu Premium, which removes ads from most of the on-demand streaming library.
Hulu is primarily a US service, so it is not a practical recommendation for readers in many other countries.
Our Take
We would choose Hulu as an AniWatch alternative only if we already wanted Hulu for its broader TV and movie catalog.
Someone subscribing purely for anime would probably get better value from Crunchyroll or HIDIVE. Hulu becomes more attractive when anime is only one part of a household’s entertainment needs.
That is also why we would not rank it alongside Crunchyroll as a direct one-to-one replacement.
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Key Features
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Hulu has partnered with Funimation and Aniplex, hence you can find a curated collection of the best and most popular titles, rewatch classics, and discover new shows.
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You can also browse their extensive content library comprising Live TV channels, Documentaries, original content, and much more.
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Hulu is compatible with a range of devices like Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, iOS devices (mobile phones and tablets), Android devices (mobile phones and tablets), and even gaming consoles like Xbox One, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 4.
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It supports even 4K Ultra HD and 60fps HD videos. Although there is still some content that is not available in HD, it is not available in better resolutions elsewhere as well.
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They offer a smooth and user-friendly interface where the movies and shows are neatly arranged into categories to browse, and the login procedure is also pretty smooth.
Pros and Cons
Pricing
| Plans | Pricing |
| Ad-supported Plan Access to ad-supported streaming library | $7.99/mo |
| No Ads Plan Watch all the movies and shows without ad breaks. (Excludes a few shows that play with ads before and after the video) | $14.99/mo |
| Hulu (with ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (with ads), and ESPN (with ads) | $69.99/mo |
| Hulu (no ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (no ads), and ESPN (with ads) | $82.99/mo |
| Hulu (with ads), Live TV, Disney+ (no ads), and ESPN (with ads) | $74.99/mo |
| Live TV Only | $75.99/mo |
Final Thoughts: Which AniWatch Alternative Should You Choose?
There is no single replacement that reproduces everything people used AniWatch for.
If we wanted the most complete dedicated anime experience, we would start with Crunchyroll. If paying nothing was the priority, Tubi would be our first legal free option, while Anime-Planet is especially useful for discovery, watchlists and selected legal episodes.
HIDIVE is worth checking when its exclusives match what you want to watch, while RetroCrush is the most distinctive option here for classic anime. Netflix and Hulu make more sense when anime is only part of a broader streaming subscription.
We intentionally removed several websites that appeared in the older version of this guide because they had shut down, changed domains repeatedly, or could no longer be reliably verified.
Our recommendation is therefore simple: choose the service based on the shows you actually want to watch, your country, and whether you prefer a free ad-supported platform or a paid anime-focused subscription.
Srijita Datta is a content writer with over 4+ years of experience in various niches. Her active interest in exploring new and emerging SaaS software and the evolving world of AI motivates her to write crisp, engaging, and informative articles to share her knowledge. She is working with How to Buy SaaS as a content writer and curating fresh and unique content every week with an added expertise in SaaS content.
