Crunchyroll's current pricing tiers

Crunchyroll offers three paid subscription tiers, plus a free ad-supported option. As of early 2024, the paid plans are Fan ($14.99 per month), Mega Fan ($24.99 per month), and Ultimate Fan ($14.99 per month when billed annually, or $16.99 monthly). Prices may vary slightly by region and can change without notice.

The free tier lets you watch with ads and access a limited library. You do not need a payment method to use it, though you will see advertisements before and during episodes.

All paid tiers remove ads. The difference between them is the number of simultaneous streams, video quality, and access to offline downloads. Fan allows one stream at a time in 1080p. Mega Fan allows four simultaneous streams in 4K. Ultimate Fan is the annual commitment option and includes the same features as Mega Fan.

Key Takeaways

  • Crunchyroll's paid plans range from $14.99 to $24.99 per month, with an annual option at $14.99 per month if paid upfront.
  • The Fan plan removes ads and allows one stream at 1080p; Mega Fan adds 4K quality and four simultaneous streams.
  • All paid tiers include access to the full anime library, simulcasts, and manga reading on some plans.
  • Prices and features can change, so checking Crunchyroll's website directly before subscribing ensures you have current information.

What each tier includes

The Fan plan ($14.99/month) removes ads, gives you one simultaneous stream, and limits video quality to 1080p. You can download episodes to watch offline on mobile devices. You get access to the full anime catalog and simulcasts, which are new episodes released shortly after they air in Japan.

The Mega Fan plan ($24.99/month) adds 4K streaming quality, allows four people to stream at the same time, and includes access to Crunchyroll's manga library. This is the plan most households choose if multiple people in the same home watch regularly.

The Ultimate Fan plan ($16.99/month or $14.99/month when billed annually) includes everything in Mega Fan — 4K, four simultaneous streams, and manga access — but requires you to commit to a full year upfront. If you cancel before the year ends, you lose access immediately and do not receive a refund for unused months.

How to check current pricing before you subscribe

Crunchyroll's prices and features change periodically, and regional pricing differs. The most reliable way to see what you will actually pay is to visit Crunchyroll.com directly and navigate to their subscription page. You do not need to create an account to see the pricing and feature comparison.

If you are considering the annual Ultimate Fan plan, calculate the total cost upfront. At $14.99 per month billed annually, the yearly cost is $179.88. Paying monthly on the Mega Fan plan costs $299.88 per year, so the annual commitment saves about $120 if you stay subscribed for the full 12 months.

Payment methods and billing cycles

Crunchyroll accepts credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and gift cards. When you subscribe, your payment method is charged on the same day each month (or year, if you chose the annual plan). You can update your payment method or cancel your subscription at any time through your account settings.

If your payment fails, Crunchyroll typically gives you a few days to update your payment method before suspending your account. You will not lose your account or history, but you will lose access to paid features until payment goes through.

Free tier limitations

The free ad-supported tier lets you watch most of Crunchyroll's library, but with advertisements. Some newer simulcast episodes may be available only to paid subscribers for the first week after release, then open to free users later. You cannot download episodes, stream in 4K, or use multiple simultaneous streams on the free tier.

The free tier does not expire — you can use it indefinitely without paying. However, the ads are frequent and unskippable, and the selection of available shows may be smaller than what paid subscribers see.

Comparing Crunchyroll to other anime streaming services

Crunchyroll is the largest anime streaming service by library size, but other options exist. Netflix includes anime but does not focus on it. Hidive is a smaller anime-specific service with lower pricing but a smaller catalog. Amazon Prime Video includes anime as part of a broader entertainment library.

If you watch anime regularly, Crunchyroll's Mega Fan plan is often the most cost-effective option because it includes 4K quality and simultaneous streams for multiple household members. If you watch occasionally, the Fan plan or free tier may be sufficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my Crunchyroll account with family members?

Yes, if you have the Mega Fan or Ultimate Fan plan, which allow four simultaneous streams. However, Crunchyroll's terms of service state that accounts are for personal use only. Sharing outside your household may violate those terms, though enforcement is inconsistent.

What happens if I cancel my subscription?

You lose access to paid features immediately, but your account and watch history remain. If you resubscribe later, your history is still there. If you paid for an annual plan and cancel early, you do not receive a refund for the remaining months.

Does Crunchyroll offer a free trial?

Crunchyroll occasionally offers free trial periods, usually 14 or 30 days, but these are not always available. Check their website to see if a trial is currently offered in your region. Trials typically require a payment method on file and will charge you when the trial ends unless you cancel.

Is the annual plan worth it?

The annual Ultimate Fan plan costs $179.88 per year, while the monthly Mega Fan plan costs $299.88 per year. If you plan to watch for the full 12 months, the annual plan saves about $120. If you might cancel within a few months, the monthly plan is safer because you can stop anytime.