Anime is widespread, and unlike Netflix and Amazon Prime, people can watch anime without paying for it. Two of those services are Crunchyroll and Funimation. Both are available for free in multiple regions, but choosing the right service is beneficial in the long run. Considering that, we are covering Crunchyroll vs. Funimation in this blog post. From the type of content to availability to pricing, you will find everything here.
Compatibility
Both are available on major platforms, including desktop and mobile phones. The table below displays the complete list of the supported platforms.
| Crunchyroll | Funimation |
|---|---|
| Web browser Android iOS Windows Phone Playstation 3 Playstation 4 Playstation Vita Xbox 360 Xbox One Wii U Chromecast Apple TV Amazon Fire TV Roku | Web browser Android iOS Apple TV Amazon Fire TV Android TV Samsung Smart TV Xbox One Playstation 4 Chromecast |
Funimation supports most popular platforms, while Crunchyroll takes an extra step and offers services on some additional platforms.
Related: 11 Best Anime Apps in 2021
Availability
Regarding the availability, Crunchyroll is the winner. The service is available in over 170 countries. Although content availability varies, and most content is only accessible in the US, the website itself can be accessed in over 170 nations.
Funimation, on the other hand, is available in a handful of countries, including:
- Australia
- Brazil
- Canada
- Ireland
- Mexico
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- United States
Total shows
This is where significant differences start to show up. Crunchyroll is one of the places with thousands of anime shows. Funimation also offers quite a list, but it’s not as big as Crunchyroll’s.
As of the 29th of August 2021, there are 1145 shows on Crunchyroll compared to 817 on Funimation in the US.
Also read: Crunchyroll vs. VRV (2021)
Subs vs dubs
I will back up Funimation in this round because you find more dubbed content on Funimation. Crunchyroll is known for its vast library, but most shows are in the Japanese language with subtitles.
The mobile app of Funimation also comes with an audio language preference option to show the prefered audio language series on the top. Crunchyroll, on the other hand, comes with a subtitle choose option. It comes with a wide variety of subtitles to play along with the video.
Mobile apps
The mobile apps ask you to log in to sync your data. The Crunchyroll app comes with the below tabs:
- your lists
- browse
- home
- simulcasts
- account
While browsing for anime, you can see the thumbnail, anime type, subbed/dubbed, and three tiny dots to add the anime to your watchlist or share it with others. On each show page, you have the option to share and see the related anime.
The Funimation app, on the other hand, comes with an Android-style menu on Android. You have the below options in the left menu:
- home
- my queue
- my library
- all shows
- simulDub
- genres
Each series thumbnail has a little plus sign to add that show to your queue. Tapping on a show goes to that show’s page where you can watch its episodes, see ratings, share it, and follow it for future episodes.
Things you should know
Ads on Crunchyroll: Of course, both services show ads on the free plan, but Crunchyroll sometimes shows over 5 ads. For casual watchers, it would be fine, but for regulars, it can be a little bit overwhelming.
Crunchyroll’s website: The interface of the website is a bit old. The company is working on a new design, and the beta version is available to try, but there is no news on when it will go live. Also, regardless of the old layout, the website is functional and responsive.
VPN: One can use an excellent VPN to access US-exclusive content on both apps. I have tried CyberGhost and NordVPN, but other premium VPNs will most likely work fine.
Related: Crunchyroll vs. AnimeLab (2021)
Pricing
The next section of the Crunchyroll vs. Funimation article is the pricing and plans. Crunchyroll comes in two plans: Fan and Mega Fan. The Fan plan costs $7.99 per month and provides:
- Ad-free browsing and streaming
- Unlimited access
- Streaming on 1 device
- New episodes one hour from Japan
The Mega Fan plan is for users who want a bit more. It costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 yearly. Along with the Fan plan options, you get:
- Streaming on up to 4 devices simultaneously
- Download shows on compatible devices
Funimation, in comparison, also comes in two major plans. The starting plan titled Premium costs $5.99 per month, giving you subbed and dubbed access without any advertisement. You also have the freedom to stream on two devices concurrently.
The mid-tier plan titled Premium Plus costs $7.99 per and on this plan, the stream limit increases to five, while you can download episodes to watch offline. The plan also offers free shipping to purchases from Funimation Store and access to members-only events and offers.
The final plan, called Premium Plus Ultra, has the same features as Premium Plus, but you pay $99.99 annually and get an anniversary gift from Funimation.
Which one is for you?
It depends on the type of content you want. If you want the audio to be in English, then Funimation, while for content variety, I suggest Crunchyroll. If you don’t like too many ads, then Funimation is the one you should try.
Crunchyroll vs. Funimation: Links
The bottom line
Both won’t disappoint you, but of course, a fitting service will make watching easier. Anyhow, here is the end of this Crunchyroll vs. Funimation article. Feel free to share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section and share it with your friends if they don’t know the difference.
