If you’re into anime at all, chances are you’ve already bumped into Crunchyroll. It’s one of the biggest names in anime streaming and also one of the most confusing when it comes to the Crunchyroll subscription. Free or paid? Fan or Mega Fan? Is Premium even worth it?
So, what exactly does a Crunchyroll subscription give you, and is it really better than just using the free version? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is Crunchyroll Subscription?
A Crunchyroll subscription usually refers to the platform’s tiered access system that lets users enjoy anime or manga with varying levels of benefits. While anyone can stream content for free with ads, the real value lies in Crunchyroll Premium. It’s Crunchyroll’s paid subscription plans that unblock a much more immersive viewing experience.
With a Premium subscription, you get:
- Ad-free streaming
- Early access to new episodes (as fast as one hour after Japan)
- Offline viewing
- High-definition video
- And depending on your plan, multiple device streams and exclusive perks like merch discounts
Crunchyroll offers several Premium tiers: Fan, Mega Fan, and Ultimate Fan. Each adds more features as you go. So, while “subscription” can mean both free and paid access, most users referring to a Crunchyroll subscription are looking at Premium as the standard for serious anime watching.
How Much Is a Crunchyroll Subscription?
Here are three Crunchyroll subscription tiers for you:
Fan: $7.99/mo
This is the entry-level paid tier. You get ad-free streaming, access to the full anime and manga library, and new episodes just an hour after they air in Japan. It’s perfect if you usually watch solo and don’t need offline downloads.
Mega Fan: $11.99/mo
For just a couple bucks more, this one’s a clear step up. You get everything from the Fan plan, plus offline viewing, streaming on up to 4 devices at once, and access to special perks like Crunchyroll Expo discounts and member-only offers. It’s the most popular option for a reason.
Ultimate Fan: $15.99/mo
This is the top tier for die-hard fans. It includes all Mega Fan features, 6-device streaming, an annual swag bag, and priority access to merch. It’s more niche, but for collectors or households with multiple anime watchers, it makes sense.
How to Subscribe to Crunchyroll?
Getting started with Crunchyroll is simple, and you can be watching your favorite anime in just a few steps.
Step 1. Log in or Create an Account
First, head to crunchyroll.com and sign up using your email address or social media. You can create a free account to browse and stream with ads before committing.
Step 2. Choose a Plan
Click on “Try Free Premium” or “Go Premium” at the top right of the homepage. You’ll be taken to a comparison of the three Premium tiers:
- Fan ($7.99/month)
- Mega Fan ($11.99/month)
- Ultimate Fan ($14.99/month)
All of them come with a 7-day free trial for new users, so you can test the features before paying.
Step 3. Enter Payment Info
You’ll need to provide a valid payment method (credit/debit card, PayPal, or other region-based options). You won’t be charged until the free trial ends, unless you cancel beforehand.
That’s the complete step of subscribing to the Crunchyroll premium plans.
Crunchyroll Premium Streaming Membership (Digital Gift Cards)
You can also buy a digital membership gift to make savings.
1. Find “Store” at the top of the page.
2. Then click “Membership & Gift Cards” at the top-right corner.
3. You’ll see “Premium Streaming Membership Digital Gift”.
Fan Tier Gift Card Pricing (U.S. Store)
- 1‑month: $7.99
- 3‑months: $22.99 (~$7.66/month)
- 12‑months: $79.99 (~$6.67/month) – about 19% savings compared to monthly billing
Mega Fan Tier Gift Card Pricing (U.S. Store)
- 1‑month: $11.99
- 12‑months: $119.99 (~$9.99/month)
These gift cards grant ad-free Fan and Mega Fan level access, and unfortunately, the Ultimate Fan annual tier is now not available.
Be aware that this is a non-refundable service, even if they haven’t been used yet. So, make sure you’re 100% certain to buy one. Moreover, these gift cards can’t be traded in for cash, and once redeemed, they’re tied to the account that used them.
Gift cards work as one-time prepaid plans. Once the gifted period ends, the subscription does not automatically renew.
Another important thing is that most Crunchyroll gift cards are only valid in the U.S. or North America unless explicitly stated otherwise. If you are outside these regions, you may run into issues redeeming the card.
Is Crunchyroll Premium Worth It?
It depends on what you’re expecting and where you’re watching from.
The no-ads experience and much earlier access to episodes are what many users value the most.
But it’s worth managing your expectations. Even with a Premium subscription, not all content is universally available. Some titles are region-locked due to licensing agreements, which can be frustrating if you’re outside of North America or Europe. It’s not a dealbreaker, but something to keep in mind before you hit “Subscribe.”
So, for those who mainly subscribe for convenience and early access, it’s a solid investment.
Bonus: Protect Your Privacy and Access More (Optional Tip)
If you’re traveling abroad or living in a region with limited content access, using a VPN like LightningX VPN may help you maintain access to your usual streaming library. It’s one of the best Crunchyroll VPN I’ve ever used.
It also delivers impressive speeds, with no more buffering or quality drops. Plus, you can connect up to three devices (including Android/iOS/macOS/Windows/TV/Linux/Chrome, etc.) at once, so everyone in the household can stream simultaneously without hiccups.
LightningX VPN can also enhance your online privacy and security while watching.
Please make sure to follow Crunchyroll’s terms of service and respect regional content licenses.
FAQs – Crunchyroll Subscription
Q: Does Crunchyroll have a student discount?
Currently, Crunchyroll doesn’t offer an official student discount, but it occasionally runs promos that might be worth watching for.
Q: Can I cancel my subscription anytime?
Yep. You can cancel whenever you want, and you’ll still have access to Premium features until the end of your billing cycle.
(For those interested in exploring more Japanese entertainment beyond anime, there are several free Japanese movie sites worth checking out.)
Q: Can I use Crunchyroll Premium on multiple devices?
Only on certain plans. The Fan plan allows one stream at a time, while Mega Fan and Ultimate Fan support up to 4 or 6 devices, respectively.
