Buzz
Whether you’re an anime newbie or a seasoned veteran, two streaming services dominate the scene: Crunchyroll and Funimation. Crunchyroll offers the latest subtitled simulcasts from Japan, while Funimation delivers dubbed versions of beloved classics. No matter which you choose, there's a vast library awaiting your binge. Let’s break down which one is best suited for your anime cravings.
The Contenders
Gone are the days when anime was restricted to imported DVDs or late-night cable shows. Today, you can stream a massive selection of anime on virtually any device, anytime you want. Now, let’s dive into the two dominant forces in the anime streaming world:
Crunchyroll Premium: Founded in 2006 by a group of UC Berkeley graduates, this American-based distributor of East Asian media now boasts over a million paid subscribers. Known for its vast library of popular subbed anime like Naruto Shippuden, along with manga and live-action dramas, Crunchyroll Premium offers simulcasts of the latest shows straight from Japan.
Funimation Now: Since its beginnings in 1994, Funimation built its reputation with the iconic Dragon Ball Z series on Cartoon Network’s Toonami block. Today, Funimation Now is recognized for its extensive collection of dubbed anime classics, as well as recently released shows in dubbed versions.
While services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video also offer some anime, Crunchyroll and Funimation specialize exclusively in anime content. Hulu has a decent selection as well, but both Crunchyroll Premium and Funimation Now provide an ad-free experience for subscribers.
Both Can Be Streamed Pretty Much Anywhere, but Crunchyroll Takes the Lead
As long as you have a device with internet access, both services can deliver your anime fix. Crunchyroll Premium and Funimation Now are accessible on the following platforms:
iOS
Apple TV
Android
Chromecast
Xbox One
Xbox 360
PlayStation 4
PlayStation 3
Playstation Vita
Windows Phone
Roku Box
Amazon Fire TV
Kindle Fire
Both services can be streamed via your web browser, but Crunchyroll Premium offers a few extra options. For instance, it supports streaming on the Wii U, while Funimation does not. Additionally, Crunchyroll works with more niche devices like internet-enabled Blu-ray players and smart TVs, which may be important for some users.
Both Provide Competitive Pricing and Free Trial Options
Crunchyroll allows you to stream on most devices for free, but you'll encounter ads and experience a drop in quality to 480p. Additionally, the free selection is limited. To bypass these issues, you can upgrade to Crunchyroll Premium, which costs $6.95 per month for a month-to-month plan. For a better deal, you can opt for their three-month plan at $19.95 or an annual plan priced at $59.95.
Funimation charges slightly more at $7.95 per month for a standard subscription. However, it matches Crunchyroll's annual plan cost of $59.95. Funimation Now also offers a cheaper $4.95 per month option for those who prefer subbed content only. Both services offer a 14-day free trial, so you can test them out before committing.
Crunchyroll Leads with Current Shows and Niche Content, Funimation Delivers the Classics and Dubs
Crunchyroll Premium boasts a library of over 800 anime, many of which are ongoing shows from Japan, such as One Piece, Dragon Ball Super, Gintama, Blue Exorcist, and the recently concluded Naruto Shippuden. It also offers a wide selection of niche anime like Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid, Fuuka, Schoolgirl Strikers, and Kemono Friends. All of these titles are available in subtitles, and many are simulcast, meaning you can watch them within an hour of their original air time in Japan. Additionally, Crunchyroll offers a vast collection of subbed live-action drama and comedy TV shows, plus a selection of digital manga.
Funimation Now offers a more curated experience, focusing primarily on a collection of iconic subbed and dubbed classics such as Fullmetal Alchemist, Cowboy Bebop, Dragon Ball Z, and Yu Yu Hakusho. If a series has both sub and dub options, you can select your preferred version. While the selection leans towards fewer niche or brand-new titles, this makes it easier for those who aren't deeply immersed in anime to navigate the library. It's an ideal entry point for anime newcomers or anyone nostalgic for the after-school cartoons they loved in the past.
Both Crunchyroll Premium and Funimation Now are priced the same at $60 annually and are widely accessible, so it truly boils down to your personal choice. If you're craving the latest releases and don't mind reading subtitles, Crunchyroll Premium is the way to go. If you can wait a little for new shows, prefer a less niche selection, and dislike reading subtitles, Funimation Now is a solid pick. Furthermore, both services recently forged a partnership to offer select titles from each other's libraries. Whichever one you opt for, you’re guaranteed a good experience. And for diehard anime fans, subscribing to both will give you access to the complete collection.
