Crunchyroll's Current Subscription Tiers

Crunchyroll offers four subscription tiers, each with different features and price points. The Free tier costs nothing but includes ads and limits which shows you can watch. The Fan tier is the entry-level paid plan. The Standard tier adds simultaneous streams on multiple devices. The Premium tier is the highest level and includes offline viewing and the largest content library.

Prices vary depending on your billing cycle and whether you are a new or returning subscriber. Monthly plans cost more per month than annual plans when you divide the total cost. New subscribers sometimes receive introductory rates for the first month or three months, though these offers change regularly and are not may provide to be available when you sign up.

Crunchyroll also bundles with other services. A Crunchyroll + Hulu bundle combines a Crunchyroll subscription with a Hulu subscription at a lower combined price than buying each separately. The bundle pricing depends on which Hulu tier you choose (with ads or ad-free).

Key Takeaways

  • Crunchyroll has a free tier with ads and a limited library, plus three paid tiers ranging from basic to premium features.
  • Monthly subscriptions cost more per month than annual subscriptions, so committing to a year saves money if you plan to stay subscribed.
  • New subscriber discounts appear periodically but are not permanent, so the first month or first three months may cost less than the regular rate.
  • Bundling Crunchyroll with Hulu reduces the total monthly cost compared to paying for each service separately.
  • Prices and available tiers can change, so checking Crunchyroll's website directly before signing up ensures you see current rates.

What Each Tier Includes

The Free tier lets you stream anime and some other content with ads interrupting playback. The library is smaller than paid tiers, and you cannot download episodes to watch offline. This tier requires no payment and no credit card.

The Fan tier removes most ads from the streaming experience, though some shows may still have ads at the start or end. You gain access to the full Crunchyroll library, including simulcasts (new episodes released shortly after they air in Japan). You can stream on one device at a time. This is the lowest-cost paid option.

The Standard tier keeps the ad-free experience and full library access but lets you stream on two devices at the same time. This matters if multiple people in your household want to watch simultaneously. You still cannot download episodes.

The Premium tier adds offline downloads, meaning you can save episodes to your phone or tablet and watch them without an internet connection. You can stream on four devices at the same time. This tier also includes access to Crunchyroll's manga reading service and early access to some content.

Monthly Versus Annual Billing

Paying month-to-month gives you flexibility to cancel anytime without penalty. The monthly rate is higher per month than the annual rate divided by twelve. For example, if a tier costs $12 per month on a monthly plan but $100 per year on an annual plan, the annual plan costs about $8.33 per month — a savings of roughly $3.67 per month or $44 per year.

Annual billing requires paying the full year upfront. You cannot pause or reduce your subscription mid-year without losing the remaining time. If you cancel before the year ends, most services do not refund the unused portion, though this depends on the specific terms when you sign up. Annual plans work best if you are confident you will use the service for the full twelve months.

New Subscriber Discounts and Promotions

Crunchyroll periodically offers reduced rates for new subscribers. These might be a discounted first month, three months at a lower price, or a percentage off the first billing cycle. The exact offer changes and is not always running, so you may sign up at full price or during a promotion depending on timing.

Promotions are usually visible on Crunchyroll's homepage or in emails if you have signed up for their mailing list. Some offers are tied to specific payment methods or regions. Checking the website directly before you commit ensures you see what rate you will actually pay.

Crunchyroll and Hulu Bundle Pricing

The bundle combines a Crunchyroll subscription with a Hulu subscription. You choose which Hulu tier you want: Hulu with ads or Hulu ad-free. The bundle price is lower than paying for Crunchyroll and Hulu separately, making it a cost savings if you use both services.

Bundle pricing varies based on which Hulu option you select and whether you pay monthly or annually. The bundle is managed as a single subscription, so you log in once and access both services. Canceling the bundle cancels both Crunchyroll and Hulu at the same time.

How to Check Current Prices

Crunchyroll's pricing page on their website shows the current rates for each tier, broken down by monthly and annual billing. You do not need to enter payment information to see the prices. The page also displays any active promotions for new subscribers.

Prices may differ by country or region due to local currency and market conditions. If you are accessing Crunchyroll from outside the United States, the rates you see will reflect your location. Regional pricing is set by Crunchyroll and may not match U.S. rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my subscription tier after I sign up?

Yes. You can upgrade or downgrade your tier at any time through your account settings. Upgrades take effect immediately, and you pay a prorated amount for the remainder of your billing cycle. Downgrades usually take effect at the start of your next billing cycle.

What happens if I cancel my subscription?

Your access ends at the end of your current billing period. If you paid for a month, you can watch until that month ends. If you paid for a year, you can watch until that year ends. Crunchyroll does not refund unused time on annual plans in most cases.

Do I need a credit card to use the free tier?

No. The free tier requires only an email address to create an account. You do not need to provide payment information unless you upgrade to a paid tier.

Is the bundle cheaper than buying Crunchyroll and Hulu separately?

Yes, the bundle price is lower than the combined cost of both services purchased individually. The exact savings depends on which Hulu tier you choose and your billing cycle, but bundling always costs less than paying for each subscription separately.

Do prices ever change after I sign up?

Crunchyroll can change subscription prices, but existing subscribers are usually given notice before a price increase takes effect. The terms of your account at signup govern what you pay during that billing period. Price changes typically apply to new subscribers or at your next renewal date.