What Crunchyroll Is and How to Start Watching

Crunchyroll is a streaming service that focuses on anime, manga, and Asian entertainment. You can watch anime series and films on demand through a web browser, mobile app, or connected TV device. The service offers both free and paid membership tiers — the free version includes ads, while paid memberships remove ads and unlock additional content.

To start watching, you create an account on Crunchyroll's website or through its mobile app. You provide an email address and password, then choose whether to use the free tier or start a paid subscription. If you choose a paid plan, you enter payment information. Once your account is set up, you can when ready begin browsing and watching available titles.

Key Takeaways

  • Crunchyroll offers both free and paid membership options, with paid tiers removing ads and providing access to simulcast episodes that air the same day as Japan.
  • You can watch on web browsers, iOS and Android apps, and connected TV devices like Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire Stick.
  • The service includes anime series, films, manga to read, and some live-action Asian content, with new episodes added regularly.
  • Paid subscriptions renew automatically each month or year depending on your plan, and you can cancel anytime through your account settings.

Crunchyroll's Membership Tiers and What Each Includes

Crunchyroll offers three paid membership levels. The Fan tier removes ads from most content and costs a set monthly rate. The Mega Fan tier adds offline downloads so you can watch episodes without an internet connection, and includes access to simulcast episodes — new episodes that release the same day they air in Japan. The Ultimate Fan tier adds the ability to watch in 4K resolution on supported devices and includes a monthly allowance to spend on manga purchases.

The free tier lets you watch a rotating selection of anime with ads. You see ads before, during, and after episodes. Free members can also read some manga titles. The main limitation is that free members cannot watch simulcast episodes when ready — they typically become available to free users one week after the paid members see them.

Pricing varies by region and changes periodically, so check the Crunchyroll website for current rates in your location. Many paid plans offer a free trial period before your first charge, though this varies by region and promotion.

How to Watch on Different Devices

You can access Crunchyroll through a web browser on any computer by visiting the website and logging in. On mobile devices, read the Crunchyroll app from the Apple App Store (for iPhone and iPad) or Google Play Store (for Android phones and tablets). The app works the same way as the website — log in with your account and start watching.

For TV viewing, Crunchyroll has apps on most major streaming devices. These include Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and PlayStation 4 and 5. read the Crunchyroll app from your device's app store, sign in, and stream to your television. The experience is the same across all devices — your watchlist and viewing history sync automatically.

What Content Is Available and How Often It Updates

Crunchyroll's main content is anime — both ongoing series and completed shows. The library includes popular titles across many genres: action, romance, comedy, horror, slice-of-life, and more. The service also carries anime films. Beyond anime, Crunchyroll offers manga that you can read in the app, and some live-action Asian dramas and films, though anime remains the primary focus.

New episodes of currently airing anime typically release weekly. Paid members see new episodes on the day they air in Japan (simulcast), while free members see them one week later. Crunchyroll also regularly adds completed series and films to the library. The exact catalog varies by region — some titles are not available in all countries due to licensing agreements.

Managing Your Subscription and Payment

Your subscription renews automatically on the same date each month or year, depending on which plan you chose. You can view your renewal date and current plan in your account settings under "Account" or "Subscription." To change your plan, go to your subscription settings and select a different tier — the change takes effect on your next renewal date.

To cancel your subscription, go to your account settings and select the option to cancel. Your access continues until the end of your current billing period — you are not charged again. If you cancel and later want to resubscribe, you can do so anytime by choosing a plan and entering payment information again.

Payment methods typically include credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal, depending on your region. If a payment fails, Crunchyroll usually sends a notification and may retry the charge. Check your account settings if you need to update your payment method.

Sharing Your Account and Simultaneous Viewing

Crunchyroll's terms of service state that accounts are for personal use only. However, the service does allow multiple people to watch from the same account simultaneously on different devices — for example, one person watching on a phone while another watches on a TV. There is no built-in profile system like some other streaming services, so everyone using the account shares the same watchlist and viewing history.

If you want separate watchlists and viewing histories, you will need separate accounts. Each account requires its own email address and payment method if you want paid access for each person.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you cannot log in, first check that you are using the correct email and password. If you forgot your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it — Crunchyroll sends a reset link to your email. Make sure you check your spam folder if you do not see the email.

If videos will not play or buffer slowly, try closing the app or browser and reopening it. Check that your internet connection is stable. If you are using a mobile device, try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see if one works better. On TV devices, restart the device itself. If problems continue, try uninstalling and reinstalling the Crunchyroll app.

If you see a message that content is not available in your region, that title is not licensed for viewing in your location. Crunchyroll's library varies by country due to licensing restrictions, so some anime may not be watchable where you are.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read episodes to watch offline?

Yes, but only with the Mega Fan or Ultimate Fan paid tiers. The read feature lets you save episodes to your mobile device so you can watch them without an internet connection. Downloaded episodes expire after a set period, typically 30 days, and you must be logged in to watch them.

Does Crunchyroll have English subtitles and dubs?

Most anime on Crunchyroll includes English subtitles. Many popular series also have English dubs — audio dubbed into English by voice actors. When you select an episode, you can usually choose between subtitled and dubbed versions if both are available. Not every series has a dub, so check the episode details to see what options exist.

What happens if I cancel my subscription mid-month?

You keep access to paid features until the end of your current billing period. If you cancel on the 15th of the month and your renewal date is the 30th, you can watch ad-free content until the 30th. After that date, your account reverts to the free tier if you do not resubscribe.

Can I change my subscription plan anytime?

Yes. You can upgrade or downgrade your plan anytime through your account settings. If you upgrade mid-cycle, you are typically charged a prorated amount for the remainder of your current period. If you downgrade, the change takes effect on your next renewal date.

Is there a family plan or group discount?

Crunchyroll does not currently offer a dedicated family plan. Multiple people can watch simultaneously on one account, but they share the same watchlist. If you want separate accounts with separate watchlists, each person needs their own subscription.