Anime has undoubtedly been popularly appealing, with a wealth of storytelling and artistic value. Just because AniWatch became a popular platform when it comes to streaming anime, does not necessarily mean it exists in legal clarity-an area many of us are concerned about.
Luckily, there are alternative places where one can find his or her favorite anime as well as stream them legally.
Here are some AniWatch alternatives that anime fans can consider.
Keep reading, keep learning!
What is AniWatch?
AniWatch is a streaming service that provides a massive library of anime titles. The website streams plenty of anime series and movies, mostly free-of-charge, hence why it is so popular among anime enthusiasts. The site has several different genres to fill the varied tastes of fans all around the globe:
- Action
- Romance
- Fantasy
- Horror
However, legally speaking, AniWatch technically stays in a gray area. Even though it is free, one major question is whether the content shown on the platform is actually licensed as per the law? There are many titles that are not licensed at all. That may cause copyright infringement issues and raises questions about sustainability. Hence, users seek for an alternative legal and reliable streaming service elsewhere.
Top 10 AniWatch Alternatives
Here are 10 great AniWatch alternatives for streaming anime with their key features, reasons they are better alternatives, and subscription details:
1. Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is one of the biggest anime streaming services in the world offering an extensive library of over 1,000 titles that includes popular shows and simulcasts from Japan. Both subbed and dubbed audiences are targeted.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive library of anime titles
- Simulcasts available after releasing in Japan
- Manga reading options
- Community forums for fan engagement
Why It’s Better: Crunchyroll is famous for the largest collection and quickest upload of new episodes. The service also includes manga and community forums, which add more to viewer interaction.
Subscription Fees: Free ad-supported tier; premium subscriptions that are chargeable from $7.99/month for ad-free viewing and more features.
2. Funimation
Funimation specializes in English-dubbed anime, which boasts a wide variety of generally popular shows. The service has a user friendly interface that allows users to browse through its vast library.
Key Features:
- Heavily focuses on content dubbed in English
- Titles not found elsewhere
- Has a very easy-to-use interface
- Good HD video streaming
Why It Is Better: Funimation provides high-quality dubs on its content. Ideal for viewers who would like their anime in English, it also provides exclusive content that cannot be seen on any other service.
Subscription Fees: Free tier with ads; premium subscriptions start at $5.99 a month for ad-free viewing.
3. Netflix
Since it has increased its anime offerings, the service now encompasses original series and exclusive titles not found anywhere else. Many devices offer high-quality streaming of these services.
Key Features:
- Original anime series and films
- Exclusive licensing agreements
- High-definition streaming
- Offers personalized recommendations on the basis of viewing habbits.
Why It’s Better: By offering anime, Netflix has diversified content not available elsewhere and reached more audiences. Its recommendation algorithm continues to inform viewers of new shows they will like based on what they watch. Moreover, you can also stream with a VPN.
Subscription Fees: Plans start at $8.99 per month with several tiers that include different features such as simultaneous streams, video quality, etc.
4. Hulu
It brings all kinds of TV shows, movies, and anime under one roof. Most series are also available in subbed and dubbed versions.
Key Features:
- Extensive library of TV shows and movies along with anime
- Subbed as well as dubbed versions
- Original content that can only be accessed on Hulu
- Live TV
Why It’s Better: With a comprehensive library that offers something more than just anime, Hulu is a great option for viewers who want to see everything. The service also boasts original content and live TV offerings for a real full entertainment solution.
Subscription Fees: Starting at $5.99 per month with ads; an ad-free experience will cost $11.99 per month. You can cancel the subscription of Hulu quite easily.
5. HiDive
HiDive focuses mainly on niche titles and older series that might not be as highly stocked by most channels. The service delivers uncensored content for a few of its shows, which may appeal to viewers looking for more mature content.
Key Features:
- Access to niche titles and classic anime
- Uncensored versions for some shows
- Simulcasts and rapid catch-up on new episodes
- User-friendly interface with personal watchlists
Why It’s Better: HiDive offers content that appeals to those fans looking for something outside the everyday offering. Pricing is also reasonable that works like a bonus.
Prices for Subscriptions: Free trial; subscriptions start at $4.99/month once your free trial has ended.
6. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video features a range of anime as part of the service, including exclusive titles and original productions apart from other genres of content.
Key Features:
- Exclusive anime titles alongside a vast library of movies and shows
- Option to rent or buy additional content not included in the subscription
- High-quality streaming across devices
- Downloadable content for offline viewing
Why It’s Better: Amazon Prime Video’s integration with other services allows users to rent or buy additional content not included in the subscription, enhancing its value beyond just anime streaming.
Subscription Fees: Amazon Prime costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year, which includes shopping benefits and access to Prime Video
7. VRV
VRV stands out as it integrates several channels into one platform, including Crunchyroll and HiDive. This makes users able to watch different forms of content in one place easily.
Key features:
- Multi-channel platform that combines all forms of content
- Access to channels such as Cartoon Hangover and Mondo
- Community-focused features like forums and comments
- Ad-free viewing available with premium subscription
Why It’s Better: VRV caters to fans who enjoy a variety of genres beyond just anime by giving users access to channels offering cartoons, gaming content, and much more along with anime offerings.
Subscription Fees: There is a free ad-supported tier and the subscription starts at $9.99 for ad-free viewing on all channels per month.
8. AnimeLab
AnimeLab exclusively built for Australian audience, promising to deliver an unshaken collection of anime with very fast updates for new episodes and with excellent content localization for its audience.
Key Features:
- Large set of library exclusively focused on Australia audience
- Updates on new episodes swiftly after they have aired in Japan
- Options with best streaming quality for popular anime
- Very easily navigable user interface
Why It’s Better: AnimeLab provides regional focus that enhances the experience of users by ensuring that the Australians get to have and enjoy accessing new episodes in time, plus localized features resonate with them.
Subscription Fees: Free with ads; premium subscription beginning at $7 monthly with ad-free viewing.
9. Bilibili
Bilibili is highly popular in China and has rapidly moved to the international level to provide a unique variety of anime mixed with the content of users such as fan art and reviews. The platform provides interaction among communities through comments during streams.
Key Features:
- User-generated content along with official anime streams
- Community interaction through comments and bullet chats
- Unique collection of popular titles and the niche
- Mobile-friendly interface
Why It’s Better: Bilibili has a community-driven approach, so fans get to engage enthusiastically with the content they love while being exposed to a wide range of shows that may not be accessible on other platforms.
Subscription Fees: Primarily ad-supported; premium memberships available for additional features at varying prices depending on region.
10. YouTube (Official Channels)
YouTube hosts many official channels that offer free access to specific episodes or even entire seasons of various anime series, legally. This makes it a fantastic platform for casual viewers who want to discover a new title without commitment.
Key Features:
- Free viewing of selected episodes or entire seasons
- Official channels ensure the viewing is legal
- Multiple genres besides anime
- Simple search functionality
Why It’s Better: Because YouTube has numerous channels that are available officially, viewers can find new series without the use of paid subscriptions, while enjoying legal access to those titles.
Subscription Fees: Normally free; premium content is often offered for additional features and other options.
Conclusion
While AniWatch is easily accessible, the legal implications associated with its use make it important for fans of anime to find other sources that house legal content. The options above not only ensure that the viewers can enjoy their shows legally but also feature a host of other benefits such as ad-free streaming and exclusive titles that make it all worthwhile for the viewer.
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