Crunchyroll Fan is the entry-level paid tier that removes ads from anime streaming
Crunchyroll Fan is Crunchyroll's lowest-cost paid subscription. It removes advertisements from the streaming experience and gives you access to the full Crunchyroll library of anime, but it does not include simulcast episodes (new episodes that air the same week they broadcast in Japan) or offline read capability. If you watch older anime or completed series, Fan works. If you want to watch new episodes as they release, you need a higher tier.
Crunchyroll offers three paid tiers total: Fan, Standard, and Premium. Fan costs less per month than Standard or Premium, but each tier unlocks different features. The choice depends on whether you want new episodes, offline viewing, or simultaneous streaming on multiple devices.
Key Takeaways
- Crunchyroll Fan removes ads and costs less than Standard or Premium, but does not include new simulcast episodes or offline downloads.
- You can stream on one device at a time with Fan, while Standard allows two simultaneous streams and Premium allows four.
- Fan includes access to the full back catalog of completed anime series, manga, and some original content.
- Crunchyroll also offers a free tier with ads, which you can use before deciding whether to pay for Fan.
What you get with Fan: ads removed, catalog access, one stream at a time
The Fan tier removes all advertisements from episodes. You watch without interruption. You also get access to Crunchyroll's full library of anime titles — thousands of series across all genres and decades. This includes older shows, completed series, and back seasons of ongoing anime.
Fan also includes access to Crunchyroll's manga reader, where you can read manga titles alongside the anime library. Some original series and films made by Crunchyroll are included, though the newest originals may require a higher tier.
One limitation: you can stream on only one device at a time. If you start watching on your phone, you cannot simultaneously watch on a tablet or TV. The stream will stop on the first device. This is the main practical difference between Fan and Standard.
What Fan does not include: new episodes and offline viewing
Crunchyroll Fan does not include simulcast episodes — the new episodes that release the same week they air in Japan. These episodes are reserved for Standard and Premium tiers. If a show is currently airing and you want to watch the newest episode the day it comes out, you cannot do that on Fan.
Fan also does not allow you to read episodes to watch offline. Standard and Premium both include offline downloads, which means you can save episodes to your phone or tablet and watch them without an internet connection. With Fan, you must stream in real time.
Fan does not include early access to new anime announcements or exclusive merchandise discounts that Premium offers.
How Fan compares to Standard and Premium
| Feature | Fan | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ad-free streaming | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Simulcast episodes (new releases) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Offline downloads | No | Yes | Yes |
| Simultaneous streams | 1 device | 2 devices | 4 devices |
| Video quality | Up to 1080p | Up to 1080p | Up to 4K |
| Manga access | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Standard adds simulcast access and offline downloads, which are the two biggest features most viewers want. Premium adds 4K video quality and the ability to stream on four devices simultaneously, which matters if you share your account across a household.
Crunchyroll also offers a free tier with advertisements. The free tier lets you watch a limited selection of anime with ads, which is useful if you want to test whether you like the service before paying for Fan.
Cost and billing options for Fan
Crunchyroll Fan pricing varies by region and changes periodically. In the United States, Fan costs a specific amount per month if you pay monthly, or a lower per-month rate if you commit to an annual plan. Crunchyroll's website shows the current price when you go to subscribe.
You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or through third-party payment methods like PayPal or Apple ID. Crunchyroll also partners with some mobile carriers and payment platforms that may offer bundled pricing.
If you start with a free trial (which Crunchyroll offers periodically), the trial converts to a paid subscription at the end unless you cancel. Check the terms when you sign up to see the trial length and cancellation important date.
Who should choose Fan instead of Standard or Premium
Fan makes sense if you mostly watch completed anime series and do not need to watch new episodes as they air. If you have a backlog of older shows or want to rewatch series, Fan removes ads at a lower cost than Standard.
Fan also works if you watch alone and do not need to stream on multiple devices at the same time. If you are the only person using the account, the one-device limit does not affect you.
If you travel or commute without reliable internet, offline downloads (Standard and Premium only) matter more than the Fan tier offers. In that case, Standard is the minimum you need.
How to switch between tiers or cancel
You can upgrade from Fan to Standard or Premium at any time through your Crunchyroll account settings. Crunchyroll prorates the cost, so you pay only for the days you use the higher tier in your current billing cycle.
You can also downgrade from Standard or Premium to Fan, though the change takes effect at the start of your next billing cycle. If you cancel your subscription entirely, your access ends at the end of your current billing period — you do not lose access when ready.
To cancel, go to your account settings, find the subscription or billing section, and select the option to cancel. Crunchyroll may ask why you are leaving, but you can skip that step. You will receive a confirmation email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch new anime episodes with Crunchyroll Fan?
No. Fan does not include simulcast episodes — new episodes that release the same week they air in Japan. You can watch older completed series and back seasons of ongoing shows, but not the newest episodes. Standard and Premium tiers include simulcast access.
How many people can watch at the same time on Fan?
Only one person can stream at a time. If you start watching on your phone, the stream stops if someone else tries to watch on another device. Standard allows two simultaneous streams and Premium allows four.
Does Fan include manga?
Yes. All paid tiers, including Fan, include access to Crunchyroll's manga reader. You can read manga titles through the same account and app.
What happens if I downgrade from Standard to Fan?
The downgrade takes effect at the start of your next billing cycle. You keep your Standard access until that date. After the change, you lose simulcast episodes and offline downloads, but keep ad-free streaming and the full back catalog.
Is there a free trial for Fan?
Crunchyroll periodically offers free trials for paid tiers, but the length and availability change. Check Crunchyroll's website when you sign up to see if a trial is currently available. Any trial converts to a paid subscription unless you cancel before the trial ends.