What you get with a Crunchyroll annual plan
Crunchyroll offers a single annual subscription tier that gives you access to their full anime and manga library for twelve months upfront. You pay once per year instead of monthly, and the annual price is lower per month than paying month-to-month. The plan includes ad-free streaming, offline downloads on mobile devices, and access to simulcasts — anime episodes that release on the same day they air in Japan.
The annual subscription also includes access to Crunchyroll's manga reader, where you can read thousands of manga titles alongside the anime catalog. You can stream on multiple devices at the same time, though the exact number of simultaneous streams depends on your device type and Crunchyroll's current terms.
Key Takeaways
- Crunchyroll's annual plan costs less per month than their monthly subscription, though the exact price varies by region and changes periodically.
- The annual plan includes ad-free streaming, offline downloads, and same-day anime episodes, with no separate tiers or add-ons required.
- You pay the full year upfront, so you lose access when ready if you cancel before the twelve months end.
- Crunchyroll also offers a free tier with ads and limited content, and a monthly subscription option if you prefer not to commit to a year.
Annual price and how it compares to monthly payment
The annual subscription costs less than twelve months of the monthly plan. However, the exact dollar amount varies by country and region, and Crunchyroll adjusts pricing periodically. In the United States, the annual plan has historically cost less per month than the monthly option, but you should check Crunchyroll's website directly for the current price in your location.
If you cancel before the year ends, you do not receive a refund for the unused months. This is the main trade-off: you save money per month by committing to the full year, but you cannot get that money back if you stop using the service early.
How to set up an annual subscription
To start an annual subscription, you create a Crunchyroll account on their website or mobile app, then select the annual plan during checkout. You will need a valid payment method — a credit card, debit card, or other payment option Crunchyroll accepts in your region. After you complete the purchase, your subscription begins when ready and lasts for twelve months from that date.
Crunchyroll sometimes offers promotional pricing for new subscribers, such as a discounted first year or a free trial period before charging you. These offers change frequently, so check what is currently available when you sign up.
What happens when your annual subscription ends
When your twelve months are up, Crunchyroll will notify you before your renewal date. If you do not cancel, your subscription will automatically renew for another year and you will be charged again. You can cancel anytime before the renewal date to prevent the charge.
If you cancel, you keep access to your account and content until the end of your paid period. After that, you lose access to the full library unless you resubscribe or switch to Crunchyroll's free tier with ads.
Annual subscription versus other Crunchyroll options
Crunchyroll offers three ways to watch: a free tier with ads and limited content, a monthly subscription, and the annual subscription. The free tier lets you watch some anime and read some manga, but with advertisements and access to fewer titles. The monthly plan gives you the same features as the annual plan — ad-free streaming, offline downloads, and full library access — but you pay a higher per-month rate and can cancel anytime without penalty.
The annual plan makes sense if you know you will use Crunchyroll regularly for the next year and want the lowest per-month cost. The monthly plan works better if you want flexibility or are unsure whether you will keep the subscription. The free tier is useful for trying the service before paying, though it has significant limitations.
Offline downloads and simultaneous streaming on the annual plan
The annual subscription includes the ability to read episodes to your mobile device and watch them without an internet connection. You can read a limited number of episodes at once — the exact limit varies depending on your device and Crunchyroll's current policy. Downloaded episodes expire after a set period, usually seven days, so you cannot build a permanent offline library.
You can stream on multiple devices at the same time with an annual subscription, though Crunchyroll limits how many streams can run simultaneously. The number of concurrent streams may depend on whether you are using phones, tablets, computers, or smart TVs, and these rules change periodically. Check Crunchyroll's current terms for the exact limits.
Canceling an annual subscription
You can cancel your annual subscription anytime through your account settings on Crunchyroll's website or app. Go to your account menu, find the subscription or billing section, and select the option to cancel. The cancellation takes effect when ready, but you keep access to the service until your paid year ends.
Crunchyroll does not refund unused months if you cancel partway through the year. This is why the annual plan requires a larger upfront commitment than the monthly option. If you think you might cancel within the year, the monthly plan may be a better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my annual subscription to a monthly one without losing money?
No. If you cancel your annual subscription early, you do not receive a refund for the remaining months. You would need to wait until your annual period ends, then sign up for the monthly plan. Some customer service representatives may make exceptions in rare cases, so you can contact Crunchyroll support to ask, but refunds are not may provide.
Does the annual plan include Crunchyroll's game service?
The anime and manga subscription does not include access to Crunchyroll Games. Games are a separate service with their own subscription or free tier. You would need to purchase a games subscription separately if you want to play titles in that library.
What payment methods does Crunchyroll accept for annual subscriptions?
Crunchyroll accepts credit cards, debit cards, and other payment methods that vary by region. PayPal is available in some countries. Check the payment options shown during checkout in your location, as available methods differ by country.
If I share my account with family, do we all need separate annual subscriptions?
Crunchyroll's terms of service state that one account is for one person's personal use. Sharing login credentials with others violates the terms. If multiple people in your household want to watch, each person should have their own account and subscription.
Does Crunchyroll offer student discounts on the annual plan?
Crunchyroll occasionally runs promotional offers, but there is no permanent student discount program. Check their website or sign up for their email list to learn about current promotions, which may include discounts for new or returning subscribers.