AnimeLab in 2025: What Happened to It and What Are the Best Alternatives?
If you’ve been into anime for a while—especially from Australia or New Zealand—you’ve probably heard of AnimeLab, a once-popular platform that made legal anime streaming accessible and high quality. But fast forward to 2025, and AnimeLab has vanished. So, what happened to AnimeLab? Can you still use it? And what are the best alternatives now?
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about AnimeLab’s past, its fate, and what anime fans can do today to keep watching legally, safely, and in HD.
What Was AnimeLab?
Origin and Purpose of the Platform
AnimeLab was launched in 2014 by Madman Entertainment, an Australian media distributor. It was designed as a legal anime streaming platform for viewers in Australia and New Zealand, offering:
- Free and premium access
- Simulcasts of seasonal anime
- HD streaming with subbed and dubbed versions
- No ads for premium members
Why It Was So Popular in Australia & New Zealand
- Focused on local licensing
- Low-latency streaming due to regional servers
- Hosted big hits like Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan, and My Hero Academia
- Apps for Apple TV, PlayStation, Smart TVs, and mobile devices
Is AnimeLab Still Available in 2025?
The Crunchyroll Merger Explained
In 2021, AnimeLab officially started merging into Crunchyroll after Sony acquired Funimation and Crunchyroll. By mid-2022:
- AnimeLab accounts and libraries were migrated
- AnimeLab website and apps redirected to Crunchyroll.com
- All simulcasts, dubs, and subscriptions moved under Crunchyroll
What Users Can Expect After the Shutdown
- All former AnimeLab content is now on Crunchyroll
- Watch history and account data have been preserved
- Better support for Australia and New Zealand audiences
Best Alternatives to AnimeLab in 2025
1. Crunchyroll
🌏 Global | ✅ Free with ads | 💰 Premium: $7.99/month
Top picks: Jujutsu Kaisen, Solo Leveling, One Piece, Blue Lock
2. Funimation (Now Redirects to Crunchyroll)
Funimation has fully merged into Crunchyroll, combining their libraries for a richer experience.
3. Netflix
🌍 Global | 💰 Starting at ₹149/month (India)
Top picks: Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Your Name, A Silent Voice
4. HIDIVE
🌍 Global | 💰 $4.99/month
Top picks: Call of the Night, Made in Abyss, Bloom Into You
5. YouTube (Muse Asia & Ani-One)
🌏 Free legal anime for India & Southeast Asia
Top picks: Horimiya, Boruto, Classroom of the Elite
Can I Still Access AnimeLab from India or Other Countries?
What Happens If You Visit the Site Today?
Any visit to animelab.com redirects users to Crunchyroll.com, along with a notice explaining the transition.
Using VPNs to Access Similar Content
- Use VPNs like NordVPN, ProtonVPN, or Surfshark
- Unlock US, JP, or Australian anime catalogs on Crunchyroll
- Stay private and secure while streaming
Why Crunchyroll Is the Future of Legal Anime Streaming
Better Catalog, Dubs, and Simulcasts
- Hosts content from Funimation, AnimeLab, and originals
- Simulcasts within hours of Japan’s release
- Expanding dubs in Hindi, Spanish, and more
Regional Support and Language Accessibility
- Better support for India, Australia, SEA
- Mobile-friendly apps and easy payment options
- Available on Smart TVs, PlayStation, Roku, Firestick
Conclusion
While AnimeLab may be gone, its spirit lives on through Crunchyroll—now stronger and more global than ever. In 2025, anime fans have more access, better quality, and safer streaming options than ever before.
If you loved AnimeLab, you’ll love what Crunchyroll and other official platforms now offer. Dive back into the anime world, the legal and right way!
FAQs About AnimeLab and Its Alternatives
- Is AnimeLab still available in 2025? No. It merged into Crunchyroll in 2022.
- Can I use my old AnimeLab account? Yes, it transitioned to Crunchyroll with watch history preserved.
- What’s the best alternative? Crunchyroll is the best successor, followed by Netflix and HIDIVE.
- Can I watch anime for free? Yes! Crunchyroll has a free plan with ads, and Muse Asia offers free anime on YouTube.
- Are there Hindi dubs available now? Yes! Crunchyroll and Netflix offer Hindi and other regional dubs for select titles.
- Do VPNs help with anime streaming? Yes, VPNs can legally access larger anime libraries safely.
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