Key Facts
- ✓ Crunchyroll was originally founded in 2006 and has since become the largest anime streaming platform globally.
- ✓ In 2020, Sony acquired Crunchyroll for $1.2 billion, subsequently merging it with the Funimation streaming service.
- ✓ The platform offers a seven-day free trial for all three of its premium subscription tiers.
- ✓ Subscribers to the Ultimate Fan tier receive an exclusive swag bag after maintaining their subscription for 12 consecutive months.
- ✓ New anime episodes from Japan are often available on Crunchyroll the same day they air locally through simulcast streaming.
Quick Summary
For anime enthusiasts seeking a centralized streaming hub, Crunchyroll stands as the industry's leading platform. It grants subscribers instant access to a vast library exceeding 1,000 different anime series, ranging from current hits to timeless classics.
With anime's global popularity surging, the service allows fans to catch new episodes as they air, including highly anticipated seasons of Jujutsu Kaisen and Frieren. This guide explores the platform's subscription options, including a risk-free trial period for new users.
The Free Trial Experience
Prospective subscribers can test the service before committing financially. Crunchyroll does offer a free streaming service trial, allowing users to experience the premium features for a limited time.
When signing up for a plan through the Crunchyroll Premium page, users can activate a free seven-day trial. This trial period is available across all three premium subscription options: Fan, Mega Fan, and Ultimate Fan. It is important to note that once the one-week trial concludes, the subscription automatically renews for the monthly price of the selected plan.
Platform History & Access
Originally launching in 2006, Crunchyroll has evolved into the biggest name in anime streaming. The platform hosts a massive catalog of popular titles, including Attack on Titan, Dragon Ball, and My Hero Academia.
A significant shift in the streaming landscape occurred in 2020 when Sony acquired Crunchyroll through Funimation for $1.2 billion. This acquisition led to the sunset of the Funimation streaming service, with its content and user base folded into the Crunchyroll ecosystem.
While a free, ad-supported tier exists for select series, Crunchyroll has gradually restricted access to premium content. Recently, almost all episodes of One Piece were made exclusive to Premium members, though some months still offer a decent selection of free options.
Subscription Tiers & Pricing
Crunchyroll Premium is structured into three distinct pricing tiers, each separated by a $4 increment. The last price adjustment occurred in May 2024, affecting only the Mega Fan and Ultimate Fan plans.
The Fan tier is the entry-level subscription at $7.99 per month. It provides ad-free access to the entire library with streaming limited to one device at a time. Subscribers also receive a 5% discount on select products at the Crunchyroll Store.
The Mega Fan tier, priced at $11.99 per month, is the most popular option. It increases concurrent streams to four devices and unlocks offline viewing for downloads. This tier includes access to the Crunchyroll Game Vault, a selection of free mobile games, and a 10% store discount with free shipping on orders over $50.
The top-tier Ultimate Fan plan costs $15.99 per month. It expands concurrent streaming to six devices and raises the store discount to 15%, including early access to deals and free US shipping. After 12 consecutive months, active subscribers receive an exclusive swag bag.
Content & Availability
A major benefit of the premium subscription is same-day simulcasts. New episodes airing on Japanese television are promptly available to global audiences. While some simulcasts are free, the majority of new releases require a Premium subscription.
The winter 2026 anime season is currently underway, featuring highlights such as the second season of Frieren and a new season of Jujutsu Kaisen. Crunchyroll maintains a full release calendar on its site for tracking upcoming episodes.
Accessibility is broad, with the service available on almost every major platform. Users can watch via the official website or dedicated apps for iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, and Samsung Galaxy devices. Gaming consoles supported include the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Additionally, media players like Apple TV, Google TV, and Roku TV provide full access.
Final Verdict
Crunchyroll remains the definitive destination for legal anime streaming, offering a comprehensive library that caters to both casual viewers and hardcore fans. The tiered subscription model allows users to choose a plan that fits their viewing habits and budget, from the basic Fan plan to the feature-rich Ultimate Fan tier.
With the availability of a seven-day free trial, potential subscribers can evaluate the service's value without immediate financial commitment. Whether catching the latest simulcasts or revisiting classic series, Crunchyroll provides a seamless, high-quality viewing experience across a wide array of devices.
