What Crunchyroll offers and how much it costs

Crunchyroll is a streaming service for anime, manga, and Asian dramas. It offers a free tier with ads and three paid subscription tiers. The paid tiers remove ads, add offline viewing, and unlock simulcast episodes (new episodes that air the same day as Japan). Pricing varies by region and changes periodically, so you should check the Crunchyroll website directly for current rates in your country.

The service operates on a monthly or annual billing cycle. You can cancel anytime, though annual plans typically offer a lower per-month cost than paying monthly. Crunchyroll also occasionally runs promotional rates for new subscribers, usually for the first month or three months at a reduced price.

Key Takeaways

  • Crunchyroll's free tier includes ads but lets you watch most content; paid tiers remove ads and add features like offline downloads and simultaneous episode releases.
  • Subscription costs vary by region and tier, so you need to check Crunchyroll's website for your location's current pricing.
  • You can pay monthly or annually, and annual plans usually cost less per month than the monthly option.
  • Cancellation is available anytime through your account settings; you keep access until your billing period ends.
  • Crunchyroll frequently offers discounted rates for new subscribers, particularly for the first one to three months.

The free tier versus paid subscriptions

The free tier includes most anime and manga content but displays ads during playback. You cannot download episodes to watch offline, and you may have to wait a week or more after a new episode airs in Japan before you can watch it. The free tier is a way to sample the service before paying.

The three paid tiers typically differ in streaming quality (standard versus 4K), simultaneous access (whether multiple people can watch at once), and whether you can download episodes. The lowest-cost paid tier usually removes ads and adds same-day episode access. The highest tier adds 4K video and the ability to watch on multiple devices at the same time. Exact features and pricing depend on your region.

How to set up and manage your subscription

To start, go to Crunchyroll.com and create an account with an email address and password. You can use the free tier immediately without entering payment information. When you decide to upgrade, select your preferred tier and enter a payment method—credit card, debit card, or PayPal, depending on your region.

Your subscription renews automatically on the same date each month or year. You can view your renewal date and current plan in your account settings under "Subscription" or "Billing." To cancel, go to the same section and select the option to cancel your subscription. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period, so you keep access until that date arrives.

If you want to change tiers—for example, upgrade from the basic paid plan to the premium plan—you can do that in your account settings. The change usually takes effect immediately, and Crunchyroll adjusts your next billing date based on the price difference.

Payment methods and billing cycles

Crunchyroll accepts credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal in most regions. Some regions may also accept local payment methods like Google Play or Apple App Store billing if you subscribe through those platforms. Your payment method is stored securely in your account.

Billing happens automatically on the date you subscribed each month or year. If a payment fails—for example, if your card is declined—Crunchyroll typically sends an email notification and may give you a few days to update your payment method before suspending your account. You can update your payment information anytime in your account settings.

If you subscribed through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store rather than directly through Crunchyroll, your subscription renews through that platform, and you manage cancellation there instead of on the Crunchyroll website.

Promotional offers and discounts

Crunchyroll regularly offers discounted rates for new subscribers, such as the first month at a reduced price or three months at a special rate. These promotions appear on the subscription page when you are not yet a subscriber. Existing subscribers do not usually receive these new-subscriber offers, though Crunchyroll occasionally runs retention promotions if you cancel and then return.

Annual subscriptions cost less per month than paying monthly, so if you plan to stay subscribed for a full year, the annual option saves money. Some regions also offer bundle deals that combine Crunchyroll with other services, such as Funimation or HBO Max, at a combined discount.

Sharing your account and simultaneous viewing

Crunchyroll's terms of service state that accounts are for personal use only. However, the number of people who can watch at the same time depends on your tier. The free tier and lower-paid tiers typically allow one simultaneous stream, while higher tiers may allow two or more. Check your specific tier's details on the Crunchyroll website to confirm how many devices can stream at once.

If you exceed the simultaneous viewing limit, one of the streams will stop, and you will see a message asking you to choose which device continues watching. This is a technical limit, not a violation of the terms of service, but sharing passwords with people outside your household is against Crunchyroll's stated policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Crunchyroll on my phone, computer, and TV at the same time?

It depends on your tier. Lower tiers allow one simultaneous stream; higher tiers allow two or more. Check your subscription details on Crunchyroll to see how many devices can stream at once. If you exceed the limit, one stream will stop automatically.

What happens if I cancel my subscription?

Your subscription ends at the end of your current billing period. You keep full access until that date. After it ends, you can still use the free tier with ads. You can resubscribe anytime by going to your account and selecting a new plan.

Can I change my subscription tier without canceling?

Yes. Go to your account settings and select the new tier you want. The change takes effect immediately, and Crunchyroll adjusts your next billing date based on the price difference between the old and new tier.

Is there a student discount for Crunchyroll?

Crunchyroll does not currently offer a dedicated student discount. However, check the subscription page regularly, as promotional rates for new subscribers change frequently and may include discounted first-month or multi-month offers.

What if my payment fails?

Crunchyroll sends an email notification and typically gives you a few days to update your payment method. If you do not update it, your account may be suspended until payment goes through. Update your payment information in your account settings under "Billing."