For anime enthusiasts, Crunchyroll is a name that stands out in the streaming world. With its vast library and unique features, Crunchyroll has become a favorite for millions of fans worldwide. But what exactly does this platform offer? Let’s dive into the details of its features, services, and plans to help you decide if Crunchyroll is right for you!
What is Crunchyroll?
Crunchyroll is a go-to platform for anime lovers. It provides access to a vast anime series, often simulcast directly from Japan. It’s also packed with other engaging features that make watching anime even more enjoyable.
Crunchyroll’s journey began in 2006 when a group of University of California, Berkeley students, headed by Kun Gao, launched the platform. Surprisingly, Crunchyroll started as an illegal venture, pirating anime content.
But that all changed in 2008. Recognizing the importance of supporting the industry legally and seeing the vast potential of the global anime market, Crunchyroll underwent a significant transformation and secured a $4 million investment from venture capital firm Venrock. This allowed them to transition into a legitimate business, forging partnerships with Japanese studios to bring officially licensed anime to fans worldwide.
In the early 2010s, Crunchyroll experienced rapid growth. They continued to enrich their platform with new anime titles and features. To further solidify their position, Crunchyroll launched Crunchyroll Originals in February 2020. This initiative allowed them to produce exclusive anime content by collaborating with renowned studios.
In 2021, Crunchyroll achieved a significant milestone with its acquisition by Sony, one of the world’s leading technology and entertainment companies. Now boasting the most extensive anime library globally, with over 1,400 titles and 45,000 episodes, Crunchyroll has solidified its position as the industry leader.
Crunchyroll’s Key Features
In addition to its extensive anime collection, Crunchyroll boasts a variety of features that set it apart, including:
- Simulcast: New episodes are available just one hour after they air in Japan
- Multi-language subtitles and audio: Crunchyroll offers multi-language subtitles and audio options to watch your favorite shows with subtitles in English, Spanish, Indonesian, and more. You can even switch the audio to Japanese, English, or other languages.
- Offline Viewing: Download your favorite episodes and enjoy them anytime, anywhere—no internet connection needed! Perfect for watching on the go.
- Multiple profiles: Your Crunchyroll account can be used on up to 6 devices simultaneously, and it supports multiple profiles. Each profile will have its own watch history and recommendations.
- Exclusive music videos: Crunchyroll has partnered with Sony Music Entertainment Japan to bring you music videos from superstar artists.
What Does Crunchyroll Offer?
Crunchyroll offers a wide range of content beyond anime series, including motion manga, games, and the latest news. Plus, you can shop for official merchandise at the Crunchyroll Store.
A vast library of anime
Crunchyroll offers over 1,400 anime titles across various genres, including fantasy, action, adventure, comedy, romance, sci-fi, seinen, shojo, shonen, and many others
Motion Manga
While Crunchyroll ended its digital manga service in December 2023, you can still enjoy some motion manga on the platform. Motion manga is a digital format that combines traditional manga’s visual elements with dub. You can also purchase manga through the Crunchyroll Store, which offers over 17,000 titles.
Anime-themed games
Crunchyroll has partnered with top Japanese developers to bring mobile games based on your favorite anime.
Anime News
Stay up-to-date with the latest in anime, manga, and gaming through Crunchyroll News. It provides news, exclusive interviews with creators, and insights into Japanese culture.
Anime Merchandise
The Crunchyroll Store is your one-stop shop for all things anime. Find action figures, plushies, clothing, accessories, and limited edition merchandise from collaborations with top anime brands.
Can I Access Crunchyroll without a Subscription?
Yes, Crunchyroll offers free access, but there are a few limitations you should keep in mind:
- Ads: You will see ads frequently when watching anime with a free account.
- Limited Access: The latest episodes of currently airing anime are only available one week after their initial broadcast in Japan.
To enjoy a better anime viewing experience without ads and faster access to new episodes, subscribing to Crunchyroll is a must.
Crunchyroll offers several premium subscription tiers with different features and prices. Here’s a quick overview of each subscription tier:
Fan – $7.99/month
With this plan, you can enjoy ad-free viewing and access to Crunchyroll’s entire library, which includes 1,400+ titles and 45,000 episodes. Additionally, you’ll receive these added benefits:
- Watch simulcast episodes just one hour after their Japanese broadcast.
- Enjoy a 5% discount on select products at the Crunchyroll Store.
- Get early access to pre-orders and exclusive products at the Crunchyroll Store.
Mega Fan – $11.99/month
Enjoy all the benefits of the Fan plan, plus these additional perks:
- Download episodes to watch offline
- Watch on up to four devices simultaneously
- Get a 10% discount on select products at the Crunchyroll Store.
- Access the Crunchyroll Game Vault
Ultimate Fan – $14.99/month
This is the most premium plan for the ultimate anime fan! Enjoy all the benefits of Mega Fan, plus:
- Stream on up to six devices
- Get a 15% discount on select products at the Crunchyroll Store.
- Receive an exclusive Swag Bag filled with merchandise after 12 consecutive months of membership.
Enjoy affordable and Convenient Crunchyroll Access with Toolabs!
While Crunchyroll offers a great experience, the subscription cost might be a bit steep for some, especially students. Luckily, Toolabs is here to the rescue! With Toolabs, you can automatically log in to a premium Crunchyroll account without breaking the bank. Plus, enjoy unlimited access to Netflix, Viu, and WeTV for a genuinely all-in-one entertainment experience. Sign up for Toolabs today!