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For over a decade, AnimeDao stood as one of the internet's premier destinations for streaming anime. But after years of uncertainty, the site has officially shut down as of January 2023, marking the end of an era.
In this article, we will generally review the rise and fall of AnimeDao and then give you top 20 AnimeDao alternative websites to watch anime in 2023 and years ahead. Make sure you read till the end.
Founded in 2007, AnimeDao began as a small streaming site offering a limited but free anime viewing experience. As their library grew to over 15,000 episodes and movies, AnimeDao became massively popular thanks to:
At its peak, AnimeDao saw millions of visitors monthly searching for everything from nostalgic classics like Cowboy Bebop to current hits like Demon Slayer.
However, in recent years, the site's future became uncertain:
Despite the issues, devoted users continued visiting until the very end, with the site seeing heavy traffic just days before the plug was finally pulled.
News of the permanent AnimeDao shutdown quickly circulated across social media, leaving fans distraught but unsurprised. Here are just some of the impassioned responses:
"This sucks. Of all the sites out there, AnimeDao just worked. Now where am I supposed to watch obscure 90's OVAs and stuff?" - @animesupreme44
"It's the end of an era. I still remember watching AnimeDao bootlegs as a kid when I couldn't afford to buy DVDs. They introduced me to so many series over the years. This loss stings." - @animereviews
"LOL at people surprised by this. The site could barely keep running the past few years with broken pages and dead links everywhere. I'm just glad they didn't just vanish without a word." - @gunplafan
The online tributes and laments highlight the incredible nostalgia and fan devotion generated by AnimeDao over the years.
The ultimate question is: What happens to the exponentially huge library of anime that existed on AnimeDao? Unfortunately, the answer is unclear.
Popular speculation suggests the owners attempted to sell the rights to the content prior to closing. However, the legally gray area most of AnimeDao's library inhabited likely made this impossible.
Without a plan in place, it's presumed the majority of the content will simply disappear permanently or scatter across the internet's dark corners in incomplete forms.
Only time will tell if another site manages to adequately reassemble the library that made AnimeDao legendary. For now, thousands of amazing anime titles risk being lost to time.
While AnimeDao cannot be fully replaced, plenty of alternative streaming options exist for fans seeking old favorites and new hits:
As the world's most popular anime streamer, Crunchyroll is likely AnimeDao's closest match. With over 1,000 series and 30,000 episodes, their subbed library dominates. Simulcasts directly from Japan mean the latest shows in real-time too.
Now owned by Crunchyroll, Funimation still operates as the best source for English dubbed anime. They simulcast hit shows just hours after airing in Japan. Clean apps and parental controls make Funimation great for families.
A well-rounded streaming service, Hulu contains hundreds of subbed and dubbed anime titles on top of their general content. Their original co-productions like Mushi-shi are must-watch exclusives.
As an anime starter pack, Netflix makes it easy for new fans to try top franchises like One Punch Man and Castlevania. Their original anime productions are high quality too.
This anime-focused service from Crunchyroll offers channels dedicated to top studios like Funimation and Rooster Teeth. Their curated categories spotlight the best series.
AnimeLab hosts current simulcasts direct from Japan only an hour after airing alongside popular staples. This Australia-based site is handy for fans down under.
More than an anime site, Anime-Planet fosters an enthusiastic community with forums, reviews, watch tracking, and exhaustive recommendations. Their database lists over 45,000 anime series.
With minimal ads and intuitive navigation, AnimeFreak makes watching free anime online easy. The site is mobile-optimized too.
Enjoy both anime and live-action Asian TV on aniWave, former 9Anime. Streaming takes patience but rewards with a huge catalog of hard-to-find classics and rare gems alongside popular staples.
This long-running site sticks to the basics: a straightforward design for easily streaming either subbed or dubbed versions of popular anime.
With autoplay, queue creation, and optional popup player, AniMixPlay makes streaming anime simple from any device. Their clean design minimizes ads.
AnimeKisa operates much like AnimeDao itself with a smooth design and massive contentLibrary. Quick server speeds reduce frustrating buffering too.
Offering both subs and dubs, Masterani.me impresses with fast streaming speeds and an intuitive player. The site loads light and snappy too.
This ad-light site provides an easy browsing experience to find both new hits and retro classics. AnimeHeaven's minimalist vibe makes streaming relaxing.
Nostalgic for classics? RetroCrush has a catalog of beloved retro anime from the 70s onwards filled with childhood favorites. For a retro fix, it can't be beat.
This YouTube channel legally streams full anime series and movies for free—no catches. Ani-One continues growing their catalog of mostly subs. Watching is as easy as starting a YouTube video.
For going ad-free, HiDive offers fresh simulcasts not found elsewhere plus exclusives like the HD Legend of the Galactic Heroes remaster. Worth the reasonable monthly price.
Focusing on Europe, Wakanim simulcasts top shows right from Japan just an hour later subbed. Their pricing stays competitive for premium subscribers wanting the newest series.
Anime Digital Network caters to French audiences but offers a huge catalog of subbed simulcasts and niche series via their apps. For French learners, it provides anime immersion.
While light on new simulcasts, Viewster redeems itself with a massive catalog of anime classics and rarities—all free with ads. Their app makes viewing simple too.
In addition to their websites, many of these services offer dedicated mobile apps for iOS and Android with offline viewing options:
Considering the huge volume of anime episodes, for heavy fans out there, it is always the best approach to watch your favorite anime offline, instead of streaming directly online, unless you only watch then when you are home covered with unlimited Wi-Fi.
Otherwise, downloading them to watch on the go is undoubtedly the best way. So, can you download anime from those mentioned AnimeDao alternative websites? Some of those may have native apps that allow offline viewing.
But wouldn’t it be amazing that there is an all-in-one solution to download anime from all those websites? StreamFab is such an all-inclusive anime downloader that allows users to download anime from all those streaming sites.
Check out below to see how to download anime using this anime downloader:
When did AnimeDao officially shut down?
AnimeDao went offline permanently in January 2023 after over a decade in operation.
ACould AnimeDao ever come back?
Given the legal pressures and lack of archived content, the chances of AnimeDao returning in its original form seem very unlikely. Some clones may try filling the void.
AIs Crunchyroll the best AnimeDao alternative website?
Crunchyroll is likely the closest match with a huge subbed simulcast library. But Funimation tops them in dubbed content. Choose based on your preferences.
ADo I have to pay to watch anime on these sites?
Many like AnimeDao offer free ad-supported streaming. But subscriptions unlocks premium content and features on some. Expect to pay for the very newest simulcast episodes.
AWhich site has the most anime overall?
In terms of sheer number of series, Anime-Planet claims to have info on over 45,000 different anime, though not all are fully available to stream. AnimeDao still likely tops in watchable episodes.
AAre these sites legal?
Streaming through reputable sites like these exists in a gray area and carries little risk. But downloading content or using piracy sites crosses the line into illegal territory in most regions.
ACan I use AnimeDao alternatives on my iPhone or Android?
Many major platforms like Crunchyroll and Funimation offer dedicated mobile apps with offline viewing. Otherwise mobile browsers work fine. Just enable an adblocker.
AWhere can I watch brand new simulcast episodes?
Crunchyroll and Funimation get simulcasts from Japan fastest, within hours of airing. Hulu and Netflix have delays of months before adding current series.
AWhich sites have the most dubbed anime?
Funimation, Netflix, and Hulu dedicate the most resources to providing anime dubs. Meanwhile Crunchyroll focuses almost exclusively on subbed versions.
ACan I watch anime offline?
Many mobile apps like Crunchyroll and Funimation support offline downloads over WiFi to view during commutes or when traveling without service.
AWhere can I chat and discuss anime online?
Anime-Planet has highly active forums connecting anime fans. Reddit also hosts many anime-dedicated subreddits for discussion.
AThe permanent loss of AnimeDao marks the end of an era in anime fandom history. To many, the site represented an unparalleled content source and weekly routine. But corporate realities sadly caught up.
For devotees, now is a time for nostalgia and seeking new go-to platforms. Luckily whether you favor subbed simulcasts, dubbed classics, or exclusive premieres, excellent AnimeDao alternative websites exist.
Options like Crunchyroll, Funimation, and VRV offer exceptional streaming. Consider branching out from AnimeDao to these top destinations in 2023 for unlocking more anime viewing joy. As for offline viewing, StreamFab stands as your best companion.
Your ultimate choice to download videos from Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, YouTube and other sites.
Your ultimate choice to download videos from Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, YouTube and other sites.