What to Use After Anilinkz? : The Ultimate Anime Streaming Guide

Part 1. What Happened to Anilinkz?

So, what's the deal with Anilinkz? It's a classic domino effect story.

Anilinkz merged with AniWave, which was just a rebrand of the massively popular 9anime. This mega-site was getting over 200 million visits a month, putting a huge target on its back. Inevitably, the hammer came down, and law enforcement shut it all down.

This happens all the time (remember KissAnime?). When a big site falls, a swarm of dangerous "clone" sites pop up, using the old name to trick you. These fakes are often loaded with malware, so be careful out there!

Part 2. Free Anilinkz Alternatives

When you search for Anilinkz alternatives to watch anime, you'll see a bunch of free options. Let's talk about the big names you're likely to find and what you're really getting into.

Gogoanime

This one's an old-timer in the anime streaming world. Gogoanime is known for having a absolutely massive library—if an anime exists, it's probably here. That's why many users swear by it. The catch? The real site is buried under tons of fakes, and it bombards you with pop-up ads. You'll need a seriously good adblocker to even navigate it.

9anime (Clones)

Let's be crystal clear: the real 9anime is gone. It became AniWave, which was shut down. Any site using the 9anime name today is a copycat. The original was loved for its clean look and HD streams, but the clones are a total gamble. You might find one that works, but you're just as likely to get a virus.

Animepahe

For fans who love to download and watch anime offline, Animepahe is often the go-to. It has a super simple, no-frills layout that's all about getting you the files. The downside? That simplicity comes at the cost of security. The site is heavy on ads, and users frequently report unstable links and even malware warnings.

HiAnime (The New Zoro.to)

You might love the slick, Netflix-style look of HiAnime (which used to be Zoro.to). It's probably the best-looking free Anilinkz alternative out there. But looks can be deceiving. Users constantly complain about sketchy redirects and pop-ups that sneak past adblockers. Some have even reported getting viruses, which is a major red flag.

The Bottom Line on "Free" Anilinkz Alternatives

These sites aren't run as charities. They make money from aggressive ads that can infect your computer, and your personal data is almost certainly not secure. A "safe" free site doesn't exist.

Part 3. The Titans of Legal Anime Streaming

Tired of dodging pop-ups and worrying about malware? Let's talk about the best way to watch anime without the headache: legal streaming services. Yes, they cost money, but you get safety, amazing quality, and you actually support the creators who make the shows you love.

The trick is finding the service that fits your vibe.

Crunchyroll

Think of Crunchyroll as the world's biggest anime library, period. With over 1,000 titles, its key feature is simulcasting, meaning you can watch anime just hours after it airs in Japan. It's a one-stop-shop that also includes a huge digital manga store. The free tier has ads, but premium plans like the Fan tier (~$7.99/mo) unlock everything. You'll need the Mega Fan tier (~$11.99/mo) for offline viewing, though.

Netflix

Netflix isn't just for prestige dramas anymore; it's a beast in the anime streaming world. They've invested a ton in securing global exclusives like Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and Devilman Crybaby. With half of all Netflix subscribers now watching anime, their curated collection is top-notch. To get an ad-free experience with downloads, you'll need the Standard plan (~$17.99/mo) or the Premium plan for 4K.

HIDIVE

If you're an anime fan who loves digging for hidden gems, HIDIVE is going to be your jam. Its catalog is known for exclusive simulcasts, uncensored versions of shows, and quirky, lesser-known titles that larger platforms overlook. The pricing is super simple and affordable: one plan at ~$4.99/month gets you everything, including offline viewing.

Hulu

Don't sleep on Hulu for your anime fix. It has a solid library of mega-hits like Attack on Titan and Spy x Family. Its real superpower, though, is the Disney Bundle, which packages it with Disney+ and ESPN+. It's an amazing value for households that want a ton of entertainment options beyond just anime. Ad-free plans start at ~$18.99/month.

The Bottom Line on Legal Anilinkz Alternatives

So, what's the catch? The biggest headache for fans is that the good stuff is spread out. No single service has it all. That's why the ultimate solution isn't just picking one—it's about changing your strategy.

Part 4. The Ultimate Hack: Create Your Own Personal Anime Library

Here's the thing: even when you pay for a service, you don't own the content. Your favorite show can disappear from Netflix overnight when a license expires. And what if your internet is down or you're on a flight? You can't stream.

This is where a tool like StreamUlt Netflix Video Downloader comes in. It's a simple piece of software that lets you legally save any anime from your Netflix account directly to your computer.

This isn't streaming; it's building your own permanent collection.

Part 5. What's the Best Anilinkz Alternative in 2025?

Forget hopping from one risky free site to another. The best way to watch anime today is a smart, hybrid approach.

Step 1: Pick a legal service you love (like Netflix) to get safe, high-quality access.

Step 2: Use a tool like StreamUlt Netflix Video Downloader to turn that subscription into your own permanent, offline anime library.

This strategy gives you everything: safety, quality, convenience, and true ownership. You support the creators you love and get a bulletproof collection that no shutdown or expiring license can ever take away from you.