Crunchyroll Free vs. Fan vs. Mega Fan vs. Ultimate Fan: Full Comparison and Verdict 2025

What is Crunchyroll?

Crunchyroll,an American entertainment company based in Coppell, Texas, provides a subscription video-on-demand streaming service for anime, manga, and related content. Founded as Funimation Productions in 1994 and later acquired by Sony Pictures Entertainment in 2017, the company offers a library including simulcasts and original series, along with dubbed content from Funimation and VRV. Crunchyroll also operates an online shop for anime merchandise, manga, and Japanese snacks, and the service is accessible on various platforms. 

What Netflix is to streaming, Crunchyroll is to anime streaming. It is one of the most complete anime streaming services, with more than 1,300 titles in its library.  Crunchyroll has a solid reputation for providing fans with access to the latest anime series just after they air in Japan.If you’re always on the lookout for new anime, Crunchyroll is where you’ll find the most simulcasts shows that drop the same day they air in Japan.Popular shows on the service include Attack on Titan, Death Note, FLCL, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Hunter X Hunter, One-Punch Man, several Naruto series, and Yuri!!! on Ice. Crunchyroll has some original series, such as A Place Further Than the Universe, In/Spectre, and The Rising of the Shield Hero. It also maintains a respectable lineup of about 40 simulcast shows. 

Crunchyroll is also a rare streamer with subtitles and dubbing in multiple languages available worldwide (not just geo-locked to your location) including Spanish, German, Russian, and Arabic.

Crunchyroll's Content Library

With over 1,500 anime shows, more than 200 East Asian dramas in over 18 languages, and around 80 manga titles as Crunchyroll Manga, it’s a treasure trove of entertainment.Crunchyroll also boasts a massive backlog of classics and niche gems, plus simulcasts that drop episodes just hours after they air in Japan.While the availability of shows may vary by country due to licensing restrictions, Crunchyroll boasts over 10 million paid subscribers.

Crunchyroll Platforms Availability

Crunchyroll offers a wide range of device compatibility, including:

• Mobile Devices: iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.

• Gaming Consoles: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.

• Smart TVs and Streaming Devices: Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Samsung Smart TVs, and LG Smart TVs.

• Web Browsers.

Crunchyroll Pros and Cons

Saving Tip:

Making a purchase at Crunchyroll Store, you can enjoy up to 5% super cash back from Extrabux.Don't forget to sign up at Extrabux！(What is Extrabux).Sign-Up Bonus: Free to join it & get $20 welcome bonus! Student Benefits：As long as you are a student at school, you can get a free whole year long VIP Card worth $199.

Extrabux.com cooperates with many merchants, such as: Walmart (Up to 4% cashback), Sephora（4% -5% cash back)，Dior (Up to 6% cash back), Moosejaw (5% -6% cash back), LOOKFANTASTIC (Up to 10% cash back), Microsoft (Up to 7% cash back) and so on. You can save on buying daily necessities, fashion, beauty, electronic products, broadband installation, mobile communication, air tickets, hotels and other aspects of life!

Crunchyroll Free vs. Fan vs. Mega Fan vs. Ultimate Fan: Full Comparison

Crunchyroll offers a free tier and three premium subscription tiers: Fan, Mega Fan, and Ultimate Fan, each with varying features and benefits. The main differences lie in the number of simultaneous streams, offline viewing, and additional perks like discounts and swag bags. 

Crunchyroll Free Plan

Crunchyroll’s free plan allows users to watch anime with ads, which means you’ll have to sit through commercial interruptions while streaming. This free version also provides access to a limited number of episodes, with some newer episodes being delayed by a week or more compared to premium subscribers.When you sign up for a Crunchyroll account, you’ll have the option to sign up for a free plan.

Crunchyroll Fan Plan - $7.99/mo

This is the entry-level paid tier,offering the entire Crunchyroll anime library ad-free and new episodes just an hour after they air in Japan.You'll also recieve a 5% discount off select products at the Crunchyroll Store.

While the Fan plan offers decent value, it’s not all rainbows and sunshine; it’s a budget plan, after all.It lacks offline downloads, meaning that users can only rely on watching shows when they can access the internet and can’t enjoy streaming during a commute or in areas without reliable internet; it’s a dealbreaker.And you can actively stream only on one device at a time.This makes sharing the account or switching between devices a hassle.It’s perfect if you usually watch solo and don’t need offline downloads.

Crunchyroll Mega Fan Plan - $11.99/mo

Mega Fan is the most popular tier, with support for up to four different streams concurrently. This tier also unlocks offline viewing, so you can download episodes of any anime and watch them even if you do not have access to the internet. It also includes access to the Crunchyroll Game Vault,a selection of free games you can download to your mobile device.

In addition, note that if you frequently buy figures, manga, or Blu-rays, the Mega Plan offers a 10% store discount. This option can add up over time, especially with the free shipping offer that Crunchyroll provides for purchases above $50.

This plan feels like a sweet spot; it’s not too pricey and offers features that justify its price difference compared to the Fan plan.If you’re enjoy watching shows on the go, the ability to download episodes for offline viewing on this plain will definitely satisfy you; it’s definitely a lifesaver, especially during flights or longer trips.

Crunchyroll Ultimate Fan Plan - $15.99/mo

This is the highest tier, offering all the benefits of Mega Fan.Streams on six devices at once. Handy for families or that shared dorm account. You can even link gaming consoles, smart tvs, and a nintendo switch without kicking anyone off.

Additionally, your Crunchyroll Store discount is moved to 15%, with early access to deals like Manga Madness and free US shipping on orders. Lastly, active subscribers will receive an exclusive swag bag after 12 consecutive months of subscription.The Swag Bag is a big selling point for this plan. However, it can feel underwhelming.

If you’re part of a large household that streams simultaneously or a hardcore collector who regularly purchases merchandise, this plan makes sense; otherwise, you’re better off with the Mega Fan plan.

If you want a taste of the premium life, with access to the entire ad-free catalog, you can sign up for a 7-day free trial of any premium subscription tier.Free trial offer valid for new and eligible subscribers. Plan automatically renews after trial period at the price selected in the plan comparison. You may cancel at any time. Restrictions and other terms apply, including changes to prices, discounts, content and features.

When you visit the Crunchyroll homepage, you’ll see a "Free Trial" button. After clicking it, a subscription plan selection window will appear. You can choose any of the three paid subscription plans and try it out for 7 days.

How to Subscribe to Crunchyroll?

Getting started with Crunchyroll is simple, and you can be watching your favorite anime in just a few steps.

Step 1: Create an Account or Sign In

You can create a free account to browse and stream with ads before committing.Head to crunchyroll.com and sign up using your email address or social media. If you already have one, log in. 

Step 2: Choose a Plan

Go to the "Premium" or "Subscriptions" section of the website.You’ll be taken to a comparison of the three Premium tiers:

• Fan ($7.99/month)

• Mega Fan ($11.99/month)

• Ultimate Fan ($14.99/month)

All of them come with a 7-day free trial for new users, so you can test the features before paying.

Step 3: Enter Payment Info

You’ll need to provide a valid payment method (credit/debit card, PayPal, or other region-based options). You won’t be charged until the free trial ends, unless you cancel beforehand.

Once you've completed these steps, you'll be able to access premium content and features. That’s the complete step of subscribing to the Crunchyroll premium plans.

Conclusion: Which Plan Should You Choose?

The Free plan includes access to a limited selection of anime with ads and delayed access to new episodes.Premium members can enjoy an ad-free experience, early access to new episodes, and access to exclusive content.The Fan tier is the most basic, offering ad-free streaming and simulcasts on one device. Mega Fan adds offline viewing, four simultaneous streams, and access to the Crunchyroll Game Vault. The Ultimate Fan tier offers the same benefits as Mega Fan, but with six simultaneous streams, a larger Crunchyroll Store discount, and a swag bag after 12 months. 

After thoroughly comparing and analyzing the prices and features of all Crunchyroll subscription plans, I found that Mega Fan is the most cost-effective option.After subscribing to Mega Fan, you can not only watch anime in HD smoothly, but also enjoy a more convenient viewing experience by seamlessly switching between different devices without having to log in repeatedly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Crunchyroll have a free trial?

Yes, Crunchyroll does offer a free streaming service trial. When you are ready to sign up for a plan, you can head over to the Crunchyroll Premium page and score a free seven-day trial on any of the three premium subscription options. 

Is Crunchyroll free forever?

No, Crunchyroll is not free forever. While Crunchyroll does offer a free, ad-supported tier for some content, it has a limited selection, and many new releases and popular series are exclusive to premium subscribers. 

Is the free version of Crunchyroll worth it?

The free version of Crunchyroll is a mixed bag. It allows you to watch a limited selection of anime with ads, but you'll miss out on popular simulcasts and the full library. While it's a good way to explore the platform, the ad interruptions and restricted access to content can be frustrating. 

How many devices can stream Crunchyroll Mega Fan?

With a Crunchyroll Mega Fan subscription, you can stream on up to four devices simultaneously. This allows multiple users to watch different shows or episodes at the same time on different devices. 

Does Crunchyroll fan get rid of ads?

Yes.

Can two people watch Crunchyroll at the same time?

Yes, but only if you’re subscribed to the Mega Fan or Ultimate Fan plan. The Mega Fan plan allows up to four devices to stream simultaneously. If you want to manage who has access to your account, just go to your profile settings and adjust the user permissions there.

How to cancel a Crunchyroll membership?

Cancelling your Crunchyroll membership is not hard. If you decide you no longer want it, head over to the Crunchyroll site and log in to your account.

Click on the dropdown menu next to your username in the top right corner of the screen. Select 'Settings' from the dropdown menu. Scroll down, select the 'Membership' section and click, 'Cancel Membership'.

Can I cancel my subscription anytime?

Yep. You can cancel whenever you want, and you’ll still have access to Premium features until the end of your billing cycle.

Is Crunchyroll available in multiple languages?

Yes, Crunchyroll offers content in over 18 languages, making it accessible to a global audience.

Is Crunchyroll free for Prime users?

No. Prime sometimes offers a 30-day Partner trial, but after that you’ll pay the normal rate or whatever discounted regional fee you lock in. Discover more in this article. 

Extrabux is an international cashback shopping site, offering up to 30% cashback from 10,000+ Stores!

Squarespace, SkinStore, MATCHESFASHION, The Wall Street Journal, NordVPN, Visible, Armani Exchange, Sam's Club, PUMA, AliExpress, Card Cash, NET-A-PORTER, Udacity, Udemy, Selfridges, LOOKFANTASTIC, Vimeo, Coach Outlet, lululemon, PrettyLittleThing, Booking.com, Ripley's Aquarium, iHerb, Groupon, etc.

Join to get $20 welcome bonus now! (How does Welcome Bonus work?)