Crunchyroll is one of the best anime and manga streaming sites. Since its establishment in 2016, the streaming service has gained worldwide popularity.
The streaming platform has garnered over 120 million registered users, of which 5 million are paying subscribers.
Even though Crunchyroll mainly focuses on manga and anime, it has some entertaining shows and series from different parts of Asia.
So, is all the hype about Crunchyroll worth it? In this post, I’ll provide all the information you need before signing up for an account. The areas I’ll cover include the following:
- How Crunchyroll works
- Signing up for an account
- Free membership on Crunchyroll
- Subscription costs
- Channels and programs
- Who owns Crunchyroll
1. How does Crunchyroll work?
There are many ways to watch manga, drama, and anime on Crunchyroll. In addition, the site gives viewers tons of options regarding membership, availability, and device compatibility. For these reasons, it is available in approximately 200 countries.
Nevertheless, not every movie or show is available in all countries. It is probably because your country’s streaming and licensing rules are different if you can’t access a show.
Naruto and Boruto are among the anime shows with licensing restrictions in many countries.
Crunchyroll services are available on many devices. However, most viewers use Windows, iOS, and Android devices or computers.
The streaming platform is also on other devices like Sony PlayStation 3, 4, Xbox 360, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Apple TV, Vita, Nintendo Wii U, and the Windows 10 app. Unfortunately, the app is unavailable on Nintendo Switch, 3DS, and Lite.
Signing up with a computer lets you switch from your PC to another device as long as your session remains logged in. If you are using any other streaming device, you’ll have to activate Crunchyroll in order to access its contents.
2. Is Crunchyroll available for free?
Viewers can subscribe to Crunchyroll or sign up for a free account. However, you have to exercise a little patience before accessing new episodes.
The free version only lets viewers stream content a week after broadcasting, and videos have 480p resolution.
Furthermore, free accounts are ad-supported, so you should expect ads when reading and watching. Gladly, most shows are dubbed or subbed even for free memberships.
This membership is perfect if you are a new fan or occasionally stream anime.
3. How do you sign up for Crunchyroll?
First, locate the sign-up option on Crunchyroll’s log-in menu. You can access it directly from here. Once you click on Sign up for a free account, the system will prompt you to enter a valid email, username, gender, strong password, and birth date.
Crunchyroll does not have username regulations because they are not displayed when you watch or read. However, if you participate in the forums on the platform, your username is visible in public posts.
Next, click on create an account and get your free account membership. If you can’t make an account, refresh the app or webpage and try again. After logging in, you can enjoy endless anime, manga, and live-drama shows on the Crunchyroll store.
4. How much does a Crunchyroll subscription cost?
Crunchyroll Premium has three subscription tiers; fan, mega fan, and ultimate fan, and they all have a 14-day free trial.
Let’s look at the features of each.
1. Fan
Fan accounts are the cheapest premium subscriptions, costing $7.99 a month. With this version, viewers get benefits that free subscriptions don’t offer. These include full catalog access and ad removal.
You can also watch shows and read books immediately after they are broadcast in Japan. The videos also have an enhanced resolution – 720p or 1080p.
With a fan subscription, you only get one stream per account.
2. Mega Fan
This account has the same pros as a fan subscription and additional features. But it costs $9.99 a month. You can view content offline and stream on four devices simultaneously with a mega fan subscription.
Crunchyroll gives you a 15% discount on your subscription every three months for any one-time purchase on the Crunchyroll store worth $100 or more. One of the store’s most famous $100 items is the Hatsune Miku Figurine.
3. Ultimate Fan
The ultimate fan account is top of the tier and has the best features. However, it costs $14.99 a month. So instead of getting 15% off a $100 purchase, you get a 25% discount every three months.
You are allowed up to six streams per account. In addition, Crunchyroll sends out figurines and swag bags to ultimate fan members.
Is Crunchyroll expensive? The simple answer – is no!
The anime streaming platform gives viewers three subscriptions to choose from or a free account. So before becoming a paid subscriber, you can check out the content for free.
5. Does Netflix own Crunchyroll?
Crunchyroll is not owned by Netflix. Instead, it is owned by Sony.
Sony bought Crunchyroll from AT&T in 2021 for $1.175b.
Summary
Do you love anime and manga? If so, then Crunchyroll is one of the best streaming services you’ll ever find.
Now that you know the subscription cost and shows to expect, you will be well-prepared for anime action and drama. And if you love drama, be sure to check out our list of the top Asian dramas to watch this year.