Navigating the world of anime streaming can feel like a quest, especially when you want the best content without overspending. For years, the anime landscape featured a spirited rivalry between Crunchyroll and Funimation, two dominant platforms vying for your attention. Many viewers still ask “Crunchyroll vs Funimation which is better,” unaware of the significant changes that reshaped the industry. This guide provides you with a comprehensive look at the current state of anime streaming, focusing on the unified power of Crunchyroll and what it means for your entertainment choices. We aim to clarify the options, compare features, and help you find the best anime streaming service in 2024 to fit your preferences and budget.
Understanding the Anime Streaming Landscape
Anime has surged in global popularity, moving from niche fandom to mainstream entertainment. This growth fueled intense competition among dedicated streaming services, platforms that allow you to watch video content over the internet instead of cable or satellite. For years, two titans, Crunchyroll and Funimation, dominated this space. Crunchyroll built its reputation on an expansive library of subtitled Japanese anime, often simulcasting new episodes shortly after their original broadcast in Japan. Funimation, conversely, specialized in English-dubbed anime, bringing popular series to Western audiences with localized voice acting. This distinction created a clear choice for fans: prioritize immediate access to subbed content on Crunchyroll or wait for polished dubs on Funimation.
However, the landscape dramatically shifted. In 2022, Sony Pictures Entertainment, which already owned Funimation, acquired Crunchyroll. This acquisition led to a significant industry consolidation. Sony announced that Funimation’s vast library would merge with Crunchyroll’s, effectively making Crunchyroll the singular, dominant destination for anime streaming under their umbrella. This move aimed to simplify choices for anime fans, bringing together an unparalleled collection of both subbed and dubbed content onto a single platform. For those looking to cut the cord from traditional cable TV and rely solely on streaming services, this consolidation means a more streamlined approach to accessing their favorite anime. According to PCMag, this consolidation reflects a broader trend within the streaming market towards larger, more comprehensive platforms.
This merger fundamentally changed the “Crunchyroll vs Funimation” question. It is no longer about choosing between two distinct services. Instead, it involves understanding Crunchyroll’s expanded offerings, which now encompass the strengths of both platforms. You now access a much larger, more diverse library on one service, potentially saving you money and simplifying your streaming setup.
The Crunchyroll Advantage: A Deep Dive
Crunchyroll stands as the undisputed leader in anime streaming today. Its journey began as a hub for fan-uploaded content, evolving into a legitimate service with licensing agreements for a massive catalog of anime, manga, and Asian dramas. The platform gained immense popularity by offering simulcasts, allowing premium subscribers to watch new episodes of ongoing series often an hour after they aired in Japan. This commitment to fresh, timely content cemented its status among dedicated anime enthusiasts.
The acquisition of Funimation and its subsequent content migration significantly enhanced Crunchyroll’s appeal. Crunchyroll now boasts an even broader selection, integrating the extensive dubbed library that was once Funimation’s hallmark. This means you find a greater variety of shows, from long-running shonen epics like “One Piece” and “Naruto” to critically acclaimed series such as “Attack on Titan,” “Jujutsu Kaisen,” and “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba,” all under one digital roof. The service offers both subbed and dubbed versions for many titles, catering to diverse viewing preferences.
Beyond its core anime offerings, Crunchyroll also provides a selection of Asian dramas and an extensive digital manga library, accessible to premium subscribers. This multi-faceted approach transforms Crunchyroll into a comprehensive platform for Japanese pop culture, extending beyond just video content. Its commitment to regular content updates, exclusive simulcasts, and a continually expanding back catalog positions it as the essential service for any serious anime fan. The platform also offers a free, ad-supported tier, allowing you to sample a selection of titles before committing to a paid subscription, which is a key advantage for budget-conscious viewers.
Funimation: What It Offers Today
Understanding Funimation’s current status is crucial for anyone still weighing “Crunchyroll vs Funimation.” As of spring 2022, Funimation’s content library officially began migrating to Crunchyroll. This strategic move meant that the vast majority of anime series previously exclusive to Funimation, especially its extensive collection of English dubs, became available on Crunchyroll. While some existing Funimation subscribers may still have access to the Funimation app in certain regions for a transitional period, the platform is no longer accepting new subscribers, and its operational focus has definitively shifted.
Essentially, Funimation exists today primarily as a legacy and a contributor to Crunchyroll’s expanded content. If you search for “best anime streaming service 2024,” you will find that Crunchyroll has absorbed Funimation’s strengths, creating a consolidated powerhouse. The Funimation brand’s historical significance lies in its pioneering work in localizing anime for Western audiences, particularly its commitment to high-quality English dubs. This legacy directly benefits Crunchyroll, which now offers a much richer array of dubbed content.
For current Funimation subscribers, the recommended action involves transitioning to Crunchyroll. Many users found tools provided by Crunchyroll to migrate watch histories and queues, ensuring a smoother transition. The underlying message is clear: if you want access to the anime library that Funimation once held, along with Crunchyroll’s original offerings, Crunchyroll is now your sole destination. This consolidation streamlines choices for consumers, allowing you to access a significantly larger content library with just one subscription.
Content Library and Exclusives: Who Has What?
The question of content library and exclusives historically formed the core of any “Crunchyroll vs Funimation” debate. Before the merger, each service maintained its own distinct catalog, often leading fans to subscribe to both to access all their desired shows. Crunchyroll primarily licensed subtitled anime, often securing rights for simulcasts directly from Japan. Funimation, on the other hand, held strong licensing deals for English dubs of many popular series, often co-producing them.
Today, this distinction largely disappears. Crunchyroll has absorbed the vast majority of Funimation’s library. This means that if you are looking for specific titles that were once Funimation exclusives, you will now find them on Crunchyroll. This includes iconic series such as:
- Attack on Titan (Final Season)
- My Hero Academia
- Dragon Ball Super
- Black Clover
- Fruits Basket
- Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
- Code Geass
Simultaneously, Crunchyroll retains its robust collection of shows that were its exclusives, maintaining its reputation for a broad and up-to-date offering. These include ongoing hits and beloved classics like:
- One Piece
- Jujutsu Kaisen
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
- Chainsaw Man
- Spy x Family
- Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
- Solo Leveling
- Naruto Shippuden
- Hunter x Hunter
This unification means you no longer need to check multiple services or manage multiple subscriptions to find your favorite anime, regardless of whether you prefer subtitles or dubs. Crunchyroll now offers a formidable catalog that encompasses diverse genres, from action-packed shonen and fantasy adventures to heartwarming slice-of-life and intense psychological thrillers. This vast combined library positions Crunchyroll as a one-stop shop for anime fans, truly making it the best anime streaming service in 2024 for sheer content volume. The consolidation delivers immense value, as you gain access to an unparalleled collection of titles for a single subscription fee.
Dubbed vs. Subbed: Your Viewing Preference
The debate between dubbed and subbed anime has always been a significant factor for fans, and it heavily influenced the original “Crunchyroll vs Funimation” dynamic. Traditionally, Crunchyroll specialized in subbed anime, offering quick access to new episodes with subtitles translated from the original Japanese. Funimation, conversely, built its brand on high-quality English dubs, often employing dedicated voice actors to bring localized versions to Western audiences. This clear division meant that your viewing preference largely dictated your choice of service.
The merger drastically altered this landscape. Crunchyroll now integrates Funimation’s extensive dubbed library, transforming it into the premier destination for both preferences. You no longer need to subscribe to separate services based on whether you prefer to read subtitles or listen to English voiceovers. Crunchyroll provides both options for many of its most popular series. For example, you can watch “My Hero Academia” or “Attack on Titan” with either Japanese audio and English subtitles or with a full English dub.
This consolidation offers immense convenience. If you enjoy simulcasts and watching new episodes as soon as they air, you can opt for the subbed version on Crunchyroll. If you prefer to immerse yourself without reading text, you can wait for the dubbed versions, which Crunchyroll now releases consistently, often shortly after the Japanese broadcast. This flexibility ensures that Crunchyroll caters to the full spectrum of anime viewers, solidifying its position as the ultimate anime streaming guide for every fan. For families or households with diverse viewing habits, this combined offering means everyone can enjoy anime in their preferred format on a single subscription.
Pricing Tiers and Value Comparison
Understanding the pricing structure is crucial for any cost-conscious viewer looking to optimize their entertainment budget. While Funimation’s subscription tiers are largely defunct as its content moves to Crunchyroll, we can focus on Crunchyroll’s current offerings to illustrate the value. Crunchyroll provides a tiered subscription model, designed to cater to different viewer needs and budgets.
Crunchyroll offers a free, ad-supported tier. This allows you to watch a selection of anime with commercials, typically receiving new episodes one week after premium subscribers. This is an excellent option for casual viewers or those testing the waters before committing financially.
For an enhanced experience, Crunchyroll provides three main premium tiers:
| Subscription Tier | Monthly Price (USD) | Annual Price (USD) | Simultaneous Streams | Offline Viewing | Ad-Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crunchyroll Free (Ad-Supported) | Free | N/A | 1 | No | No |
| Crunchyroll Fan | $7.99 | $79.99 (Save $15.89) | 1 | No | Yes |
| Crunchyroll Mega Fan | $9.99 | $99.99 (Save $19.89) | 4 | Yes | Yes |
| Crunchyroll Ultimate Fan | $14.99 | N/A | 6 | Yes | Yes |
The **Fan** tier removes ads, grants full access to the Crunchyroll library, including new simulcast episodes, and costs $7.99 per month. This tier provides one simultaneous stream, meaning only one person can watch at a time. If you subscribe annually, the price drops to $79.99 per year, saving you $15.89 compared to monthly payments.
The **Mega Fan** tier, priced at $9.99 per month, is a significant upgrade. It includes all Fan benefits, increases simultaneous streams to four, and adds offline viewing capabilities. Offline viewing allows you to download episodes to your device and watch them without an internet connection, perfect for travel or areas with poor Wi-Fi. The annual Mega Fan subscription costs $99.99, saving you $19.89. This tier often represents the best value for many anime enthusiasts, especially those sharing with family or who travel frequently.
The **Ultimate Fan** tier, at $14.99 per month, offers the most premium experience. It includes all Mega Fan benefits, increases simultaneous streams to six, and provides an annual swag bag and exclusive access to a Crunchyroll Store discount. This tier caters to the most dedicated fans who desire merchandise and extensive sharing capabilities.
Crunchyroll typically offers a 14-day free trial for its premium tiers, allowing you to experience the ad-free viewing, full library access, and other features before committing. This trial period is an excellent way to determine if the service meets your expectations and if a paid subscription is worth it for your anime preferences. As Tom’s Guide often emphasizes, taking advantage of free trials is a smart money-saving strategy when evaluating streaming services.
“Optimizing your streaming setup means understanding what you pay for and whether you use all the features. For anime fans, a Crunchyroll Mega Fan subscription often hits the sweet spot for value and features.” — BetterStreamingLife.com Analyst
User Experience and Platform Features
A great streaming service offers more than just content; it provides an intuitive and enjoyable user experience. Crunchyroll has continuously refined its platform, especially after integrating Funimation’s library, to ensure seamless navigation and robust features.
When you launch the Crunchyroll app, you find a clean, modern interface. The homepage typically features trending shows, new releases, and personalized recommendations based on your watch history. You can easily browse by genre, simulcast season, or explore curated collections. The search functionality works well, allowing you to find specific titles or discover new ones.
Key features include:
- Watchlists/Queues: Add shows to your watchlist to keep track of series you want to watch or are currently following. The platform automatically tracks your progress, ensuring you resume exactly where you left off.
- Customizable Subtitles: For subbed content, you can often adjust subtitle size, font, and background, enhancing readability to your preference.
- Dub/Sub Switching: On titles with multiple audio options, switching between dubbed and subbed versions is straightforward, usually accessible from the video player settings.
- Offline Viewing: As mentioned, Mega Fan and Ultimate Fan subscribers can download episodes for offline viewing, a practical feature for commutes or travel.
- Manga Access: Premium subscribers gain access to a digital manga library, expanding the anime experience to its original source material.
- Community Features: While not as prominent as some services, Crunchyroll includes comment sections on episode pages, fostering community interaction.
The integration of Funimation’s content meant merging two distinct libraries and metadata systems. While early stages saw some users report minor glitches, Crunchyroll has worked to create a unified and streamlined experience. The overall performance is generally solid, with reliable streaming quality and responsive controls. For anyone considering the best anime streaming service in 2024, Crunchyroll’s commitment to improving its user interface and feature set makes it a strong contender.
Device Support and Simultaneous Streams
When you consider a streaming service, compatibility with your devices is paramount. You want to ensure you can watch your favorite anime wherever and however you prefer. Crunchyroll offers broad device support, making it accessible across a wide array of platforms.
You can stream Crunchyroll on:
- Smart TVs: Most modern smart TVs, which are televisions with built-in internet connections and apps, support the Crunchyroll app. This includes popular brands like Samsung, LG, Vizio, and others running Android TV.
- Streaming Devices: Small boxes or sticks that add streaming capabilities to any TV, such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Chromecast, all have dedicated Crunchyroll apps. These devices are excellent for cord-cutters looking to enhance their viewing experience on any television.
- Gaming Consoles: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch all feature Crunchyroll apps, allowing gamers to seamlessly transition to anime viewing.
- Mobile Devices: The Crunchyroll app is available for both iOS (iPhone, iPad) and Android smartphones and tablets, offering full functionality, including offline downloads for Mega Fan subscribers.
- Web Browsers: You can, of course, watch Crunchyroll directly through any major web browser on your computer or laptop.
This extensive device compatibility means you likely already own a device capable of running Crunchyroll, simplifying your setup process.
Regarding simultaneous streams, this feature dictates how many different people can watch content on the same account at the same time. This is particularly important for families or households sharing a subscription. Crunchyroll’s tiers offer varying levels:
- Free (Ad-Supported): Allows 1 simultaneous stream.
- Fan: Allows 1 simultaneous stream.
- Mega Fan: Allows 4 simultaneous streams, making it ideal for most families or groups of friends.
- Ultimate Fan: Allows 6 simultaneous streams, perfect for larger households or avid anime communities.
The Mega Fan tier stands out for its balance of features and stream count, providing ample access for multiple users without a significant jump in price. This flexibility ensures that your entire household can enjoy their favorite anime without conflicts, making Crunchyroll a practical choice for diverse viewing habits.
International Availability and Content Differences
While this guide focuses on the USA audience, it is important to acknowledge that streaming services often vary in their content libraries and availability across different countries. Crunchyroll operates globally, serving a massive international audience. However, licensing agreements are complex, and content rights can be region-specific. This means that if you travel outside the USA, or if you live in a different country, your Crunchyroll library might look slightly different.
Some anime series might be available in one region but not another, or they might offer different language options (dubs or subs) depending on your location. These differences are due to geo-restrictions, which are digital fences put in place by content distributors to ensure shows are only available where they have valid broadcast rights. For example, a show exclusively licensed to a local broadcaster in the UK may not be available on Crunchyroll in that specific country, even if it is available in the USA.
Crunchyroll continues to expand its global reach and synchronize its content where possible, but international viewers should always verify the specific library available in their region. The consolidation with Funimation’s content primarily bolstered the North American and English-speaking market offerings, though the benefits extend globally wherever Crunchyroll holds relevant licenses. This aspect highlights the importance of checking a service’s offerings in your specific location before subscribing, especially if you reside outside the USA or travel frequently.
Making Your Choice: Which Anime Service is Best For You?
The ultimate “Crunchyroll vs Funimation” question now resolves itself into a simpler choice: Is Crunchyroll the right fit for your anime streaming needs? Given Funimation’s content migration, Crunchyroll stands as the primary, consolidated platform for anime in 2024. Your decision now hinges on whether Crunchyroll’s offerings align with your viewing preferences and budget.
Here is a breakdown to help you make an informed decision:
- Best for Subbed Anime Enthusiasts: Crunchyroll remains the undisputed champion. It offers the fastest simulcasts of new episodes directly from Japan with English subtitles. If you want to watch the latest series as soon as possible, Crunchyroll is your service.
- Best for Dubbed Anime Fans: Thanks to the Funimation merger, Crunchyroll now also excels in this area. Its extensive library of English-dubbed anime means you no longer need a separate subscription to enjoy shows in your preferred language.
- Best for Families or Households: The Mega Fan and Ultimate Fan tiers offer multiple simultaneous streams (4 and 6 respectively) and offline viewing. This makes Crunchyroll an excellent choice for households where multiple people want to watch different shows at the same time or download content for individual use.
- Best for Budget-Conscious Viewers: Crunchyroll’s free, ad-supported tier allows you to watch a selection of anime without paying a cent. For those willing to spend a modest amount, the Fan tier at $7.99 per month provides an ad-free experience and full library access at a competitive price, especially if you opt for the annual subscription.
- Best for Comprehensive Anime and Manga Access: Crunchyroll not only offers a vast video library but also includes access to a digital manga collection for premium subscribers. If you enjoy both anime and its print counterpart, this integrated offering provides exceptional value.
In essence, Crunchyroll has become the singular best anime streaming service in 2024 by combining the strengths of both its original platform and Funimation. It provides a massive content library, caters to both subbed and dubbed preferences, offers flexible pricing tiers, and supports a wide range of devices. For anyone looking to cut the cord or optimize their streaming setup for anime, Crunchyroll delivers a comprehensive and cost-effective solution. Utilize the free trial to explore its offerings and confirm it meets your specific entertainment requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Funimation still active?
Funimation’s content officially moved to Crunchyroll in spring 2022. While the Funimation app may still function for existing subscribers in some regions for a limited time, Crunchyroll is now the primary destination for its content library. New subscribers are directed to Crunchyroll.
What happened to Funimation’s exclusive anime?
Crunchyroll absorbed Funimation’s exclusive anime library following their merger. This means shows previously exclusive to Funimation, especially English-dubbed versions, are now available on Crunchyroll. You can find these titles by searching Crunchyroll’s expanded catalog.
Can I transfer my Funimation watch history to Crunchyroll?
Crunchyroll provided tools for Funimation subscribers to transfer watch history and queue data during the transition period. If you did not use these tools, transferring watch history directly may no longer be possible. You will need to rebuild your watch history manually on Crunchyroll.
Is there a free tier for anime streaming?
Yes, Crunchyroll offers an ad-supported free tier allowing you to watch a selection of anime. This option provides access to new episodes typically one week after they premiere for premium subscribers, and it serves as a great way to explore content before subscribing.
How many simultaneous streams does Crunchyroll allow?
Crunchyroll’s simultaneous stream allowance depends on your subscription tier. The Fan plan allows one stream, the Mega Fan plan allows four streams, and the Ultimate Fan plan provides six simultaneous streams. Choose the tier that best fits your household’s viewing needs.
Disclaimer: Streaming service prices, content libraries, and features change frequently. Prices shown were accurate at time of writing but may have changed. Always verify current pricing on the official service website before subscribing.
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