Crunchyroll Review: Watch Popular Anime, Play Games & More

When it comes to anime streaming, Crunchyroll is often the first name that comes to mind, and for good reason. With one of the largest anime libraries, simultaneous episode releases with Japan, and a passionate global fanbase, Crunchyroll has positioned itself as the go-to platform for anime lovers. But is it the best streaming service for Anime? And more importantly, is it worth paying for a premium subscription?

Crunchyroll has evolved significantly over the years, expanding its catalog, improving its streaming quality, and even introducing Crunchyroll Originals. The platform has also absorbed Funimation’s content, making it an even stronger contender in the anime space. However, is Crunchyroll still the undisputed leader, or do alternatives like HIDIVE, Netflix, and Disney+ provide better options?

In this review, we will look at everything we need to know about Crunchyroll, including its pricing, content library, streaming quality, exclusive features, and how it compares to other anime streaming services. This review should help you decide if Crunchyroll is a suitable platform for you to stream your favorite Anime or if you should be looking at something else.

Crunchyroll Review: Watch Popular Anime, Play Games & Shop Online

Pricing and Plans

Crunchyroll offers both free and paid plans, allowing users to watch Anime based on their preferences. The free plan provides access to a vast library of Anime, but it comes with frequent ads and restrictions on simulcast episodes. New episodes from ongoing series are not available for free users, making the experience less enjoyable for those who want to stay up-to-date with the latest releases.

For those who prefer an ad-free and unrestricted experience, Crunchyroll offers three premium plans: Fan, Mega Fan, and Ultimate Fan. Each plan provides access to the full anime library, but higher-tier plans come with additional benefits such as offline downloads and multiple device streaming.

The Fan plan ($7.99/month) is suitable for those who want an ad-free experience and access to simulcasts. However, it does not include offline downloads or multi-device streaming. For those who frequently watch Anime on different screens or while traveling, the Mega Fan plan ($9.99/month) offers a better deal. It allows streaming on up to four devices simultaneously and includes offline downloads, making it a good choice for households or users who want flexibility.

The Ultimate Fan plan ($14.99/month) is designed for dedicated anime fans. It provides all the features of the Mega Fan plan but allows streaming on six devices at once and includes exclusive merchandise perks such as discounts and priority access to special events.

Crunchyroll offers a 14-day free trial for all premium plans, allowing users to explore its features before committing to a subscription. Compared to other anime streaming services, Crunchyroll’s pricing is affordable and provides excellent value, especially with the Mega Fan plan, which balances cost and features effectively. However, users looking for 4K streaming or a broader selection of dubbed Anime may find other platforms, such as Netflix or HIDIVE, to be better alternatives.

Also Read: Best Manga Apps on iOS: iPhone & iPad Devices

Content Library

Crunchyroll has one of the largest anime libraries, offering thousands of titles across various genres. From classic series to newly released simulcasts, the platform is a go-to destination for anime fans. With the merger of Funimation’s content, Crunchyroll now holds exclusive licensing for many titles that were previously split between platforms, making it an even stronger choice for anime lovers.

The platform provides access to simulcasts, allowing premium subscribers to watch new episodes the same day they air in Japan. This feature is essential for fans who want to stay up-to-date with ongoing series like One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Demon Slayer. Subtitled versions are available immediately, while dubbed episodes take longer to release.

Beyond Anime, Crunchyroll also offers a selection of manga and J-dramas, though the manga library is more limited compared to dedicated manga apps. The availability of certain anime titles varies by region, so not all users will have access to the same catalog.

Here is what users can watch on Crunchyroll:

• Simulcasts: New episodes available as soon as they air in Japan
• Crunchyroll Originals: Exclusive anime titles like Tower of God and The God of High School
• Classic Anime: Timeless hits like Naruto, Bleach, and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
• Dubbed Anime: A growing but still smaller selection compared to subtitles

Crunchyroll remains the best platform for subtitled Anime, but if dubs or regional variety are a priority, competitors like Netflix or HIDIVE may offer better options.

Also Read: Fubo TV Review: Watch Live Sports & TV

User Experience

Crunchyroll offers a simple and easy-to-use interface across its website and mobile apps. The homepage layout helps users find trending Anime, new simulcasts and recommended series based on watch history. The search and filter options allow users to browse Anime by genre, popularity, or alphabetical order, though the lack of advanced filters can make it harder to discover hidden gems.

Creating an account is quick and straightforward, with an option to start with a free plan before upgrading to a premium. Premium users get an ad-free experience and can instantly access new episodes without interruptions. The watchlist feature lets users save Anime for later, and the “Continue Watching” section helps track progress across multiple series. However, the platform sometimes forgets progress on certain episodes, requiring users to manually find where they left off.

The video player is smooth and offers adjustable subtitles, playback speed controls, and resolution settings up to 1080p. However, Crunchyroll does not yet support full 4K streaming, which is a downside for users with high-resolution displays. The ad experience for free users is also a major drawback, with frequent and repetitive ads disrupting playback.

On mobile, Crunchyroll’s app is well-optimized, with support for offline downloads on premium plans. However, the app can sometimes be laggy or unresponsive, particularly when skipping through episodes.

Overall, Crunchyroll provides a good user experience for premium subscribers, but free users may find the ads frustrating. While the interface is functional, small improvements like better tracking and 4K support could make it even better.

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Streaming Performance

Crunchyroll delivers smooth streaming for most users, with support for HD (720p and 1080p) resolutions. However, 4K streaming is not available, which puts it behind competitors like Netflix and Disney+, which offer ultra-HD anime content. For most viewers, the available quality is more than sufficient, but those with large 4K displays may find the lack of ultra-HD support disappointing.

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The video player is responsive and provides subtitle customization, playback speed controls, and resolution settings. Streaming is generally stable, with minimal buffering on a strong internet connection, but performance can drop during peak hours when many users are online. On slower connections, videos may take longer to load, though Crunchyroll automatically adjusts quality to avoid interruptions.

For free users, ads can cause playback issues, especially when they fail to load properly or cause the stream to restart. Premium users don’t face these problems, making the experience much smoother. The lack of offline downloads for free users is another downside, as many competitors offer limited downloads even without a subscription.

The mobile app works well for streaming on the go, but some users report occasional crashes or freezing when skipping through episodes. On smart TVs, gaming consoles, and streaming devices like Roku and Fire TV, performance is solid, though app updates are sometimes delayed, leading to occasional bugs.

We also streamed Crunchyroll from across the world using NordVPN and ExpressVPN, noticed seamless streaming, and were able to access region-specific content. Of course, it also depends on what VPN you use and the internet connection speed, and if you have it all right, it can be a seamless experience for users who frequently travel or want to access content from specific regions.

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Overall, Crunchyroll’s streaming quality is good, but 4K support and better ad management would improve the experience. While premium users get the best performance, free users may struggle with ads and occasional playback issues.

Exclusive Features

Crunchyroll offers several exclusive features that make it stand out from other anime streaming services. The platform isn’t just about watching Anime; it also includes manga, merchandise perks, and Crunchyroll Originals, giving fans a more immersive experience.

One of Crunchyroll’s biggest advantages is its simulcast feature, which lets premium subscribers watch new anime episodes the same day they air in Japan. This makes Crunchyroll the go-to service for fans who want to keep up with the latest shows. Another exclusive offering is Crunchyroll Originals, which includes titles like Tower of God, The God of High School, and Onyx Equinox. These shows are produced in partnership with major studios, making them available only on Crunchyroll.

For fans who want more than just streaming, Crunchyroll offers a digital manga library, allowing premium users to read manga from popular series. While the selection isn’t as vast as dedicated manga platforms, it’s a nice bonus for anime fans who enjoy reading the original source material.

Premium members on the Ultimate Fan plan also get exclusive merchandise perks, including discounts on figures, apparel, and collectibles from the Crunchyroll Store. Additionally, subscribers can access special events like early ticket sales for anime movie premieres and conventions such as Crunchyroll Expo.

These exclusive features add more value to a Crunchyroll subscription, making it more than just a streaming service. However, if you’re only interested in anime streaming, some of these perks may not matter as much.

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Device Compatibility

Crunchyroll is available on almost every major device, making it easy to watch Anime anywhere. Whether you prefer streaming on a TV, smartphone, tablet, gaming console, or web browser, Crunchyroll supports most platforms.

The Crunchyroll app is available on:

• Smartphones & Tablets: iOS (iPhone, iPad) and Android
• Smart TVs & Streaming Devices: Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Chromecast
• Gaming Consoles: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• Web Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari

On smart TVs and streaming devices, the Crunchyroll app works well, but it sometimes lags or crashes, especially when browsing the catalog. Updates for these apps are inconsistent, which can cause occasional bugs or playback issues.

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The mobile app offers a smooth experience, with support for offline downloads on Mega Fan and Ultimate Fan plans. However, some users report app crashes or slow navigation, especially when skipping through episodes. The web browser experience is functional, but the interface feels outdated compared to modern streaming platforms.

Crunchyroll supports multiple-device streaming, with Mega Fan users allowed up to four devices at once and Ultimate Fan users up to six devices. However, the Fan plan only supports one stream at a time, which may be limiting for households with multiple viewers.

Overall, Crunchyroll is widely accessible, but some apps need more frequent updates to improve stability and performance.

Parental Controls

Crunchyroll lacks strong parental control features, making it less ideal for families with younger viewers. Unlike platforms like Netflix and Disney+, which offer separate kid-friendly profiles and content filters, Crunchyroll does not have dedicated parental settings.

The platform does include age ratings on anime titles, but there is no way to block mature content or restrict access to certain shows. Since some anime series contain violence, suggestive themes, or strong language, this can be a concern for parents who want to filter what their children watch.

For users who want to limit access to mature content, the only option is manual supervision. Since Crunchyroll does not offer a PIN-protected profile system, anyone using the account has access to the entire anime library.

• Use third-party parental control apps on mobile devices
• Enable restricted modes on web browsers or streaming devices
• Supervise children’s viewing and manually create a list of safe Anime

While Crunchyroll is a great platform for anime fans, its lack of parental controls makes it less family-friendly compared to other streaming services. If content restrictions are important, platforms like Netflix, Funimation (before merging), or Disney+ may be better alternatives.

For adult viewers, this may not be a concern, but for parents, the absence of built-in content filtering is a significant drawback.

Also Read: The Best Parental Control Apps for Android Phones

Customer Support

Crunchyroll’s customer support is limited, and response times can vary depending on the issue. The platform offers a Help Center, where users can find articles on billing, account management, streaming issues, and device compatibility. However, direct support options such as live chat or phone support are not available, which can make resolving issues frustrating.

For direct assistance, users can submit a support ticket through the website. However, responses can take several days, especially for account or refund-related inquiries. Many users report that the replies are often generic and unhelpful, requiring multiple follow-ups to resolve problems.

For common issues like streaming errors, payment problems, or login issues, users are often directed to the Help Center instead of receiving direct support. The Crunchyroll community forums can be helpful, but they mostly rely on user-to-user discussions rather than official customer service.

Crunchyroll could improve its customer support by adding live chat options or faster response times. While its Help Center is useful for basic troubleshooting, more personalized support would make the service better, especially for premium subscribers.

Competition

Crunchyroll is one of the top anime streaming services, but it has competition from HIDIVE, Netflix, and Disney+. Each platform has strengths and weaknesses, and depending on what matters most to you, simulcasts, dubs, video quality, or exclusive shows, another service might be a better fit.

Crunchyroll vs. HIDIVE

HIDIVE is a smaller anime streaming service that focuses on rare and exclusive titles. It has fewer shows than Crunchyroll, but it includes Anime that Crunchyroll doesn’t have, such as Made in Abyss and The Eminence in Shadow. HIDIVE is also better for dubbed Anime, as it often releases English dubs faster than Crunchyroll.

However, HIDIVE has fewer simulcasts, meaning you won’t always get new episodes right away. Its app is also not as smooth, with reports of slow navigation and glitches. On the plus side, HIDIVE is cheaper, starting at $4.99 per month, but its limited library makes it less appealing for fans who want a wide variety of Anime.

Also Read: HiDive Review: Stream Anime Simulcasts and Dubs

Crunchyroll vs. Netflix

Netflix has a smaller anime collection, but it offers high-quality original series like Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and Castlevania. Its biggest advantage is video quality—Netflix streams in 4K HDR with Dolby Atmos sound, making it better for viewers who care about top-tier visuals and audio. It also has strong parental controls, allowing parents to create kid-friendly profiles.

However, Netflix does not offer simulcasts, so new anime episodes take longer to arrive. Also, while its anime library is growing, it’s still much smaller than Crunchyroll’s. If you want the newest Anime as soon as it airs, Crunchyroll is the better choice. But if you care about high-quality streaming and Netflix Originals, Netflix might be worth it.

Also Read: Netflix Secret Codes: Watch Hidden Movies & TV Shows

Crunchyroll vs. Disney+

Disney+ is new to anime streaming but has already secured exclusive rights to major titles like Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War and Tokyo Revengers. This means that if you want to watch these shows, you’ll need Disney+.

Like Netflix, Disney+ supports 4K HDR streaming and has strong parental controls, making it a good option for families. However, it has a much smaller anime library, and many popular anime series are not available. Also, it does not have many simulcasts, meaning new episodes take time to be added.

Disney+ is only worth it if you want to watch its exclusive Anime. For a larger collection and same-day releases, Crunchyroll is still the better choice.

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Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

Wrapping up: Crunchyroll Review | Watch the Newest Anime

Crunchyroll remains the best anime streaming service for fans who want a massive anime library, same-day simulcasts, and a dedicated anime-focused platform. With the merger of Funimation’s content, Crunchyroll has solidified its position as the leading platform for subtitled Anime. The free plan makes it accessible to everyone, but the frequent ads and delays in new episodes make the premium plans a better choice for serious anime fans.

While Crunchyroll excels in content variety and simulcasts, it falls short in 4K streaming, parental controls, and app stability on some devices. Competitors like Netflix and Disney+ offer better video quality, while HIDIVE is a stronger option for English-dubbed Anime. However, none of them match Crunchyroll’s vast anime selection and commitment to simulcast releases.

For anime fans who prioritize new episodes, a massive catalog, and ad-free viewing, Crunchyroll’s Mega Fan plan is the best value. If 4K streaming or exclusive Anime like Bleach is a priority, looking at alternatives might be worth it. Overall, Crunchyroll is still the top choice for anime lovers who want the latest and greatest in Japanese animation.

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