Comparing Crunchyroll Fan vs. Mega Fan vs. Ultimate Fan plans head-to-head helps you decide on the best package for you. Crunchyroll is one of the best platforms for anime streaming, and it provides users with three plans, each catering to unique needs like ad-free streaming, offline viewing, or exclusive merchandise perks. I’ll break down these plans to help you choose the best one for you.
Quick Comparison of Crunchyroll Subscription Plans
The table below provides a quick comparison of Crunchyroll Fan, Mega Fan, and Ultimate Fan plans:
Feature | Fan | Mega Fan | Ultimate Fan |
---|---|---|---|
Monthly Cost | $7.99 | $9.99 | $14.99 |
Ad-Free Viewing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Offline Viewing | No | Yes | Yes |
Concurrent Streams | 1 | 4 | 6 |
Exclusive Discounts | No | Yes | Yes |
Special Merchandise | No | No | Yes |
- The Fan plan is suitable for those who seek an ad-free streaming experience that isn’t too pricey.
- Mega Fan adds offline viewing and multiple streaming options, making it ideal for families or anime marathons.
- Ultimate Fan provides even more options like exclusive merch perks and more streams, perfect for devoted fans.
Moving forward, I’ll break down each plan and explain which plan is best for which group of people, according to their needs and budget.
Crunchyroll Fan vs Mega Fan vs Ultimate Fan: Detailed Breakdown
Crunchyroll Fan Plan
In my experience, the Fan plan is a no-frills option that delivers value for anime lovers. You get ad-free streaming with full access to Crunchyroll’s anime library, including simulcasts, subs, and dubs, for only $7.99 per month. And yes, you get the same content across all plans, which is reassuring. If you’re like me and enjoy watching dubs, you won’t miss out on any shows with the Fan plan.
While the Fan plan offers decent value, it’s not all rainbows and sunshine; it’s a budget plan, after all. One notable drawback of this package is its single-device access, meaning that only one person can use it. This makes sharing the account or switching between devices a hassle.
In addition, the Fan plan, unfortunately, lacks offline downloads, meaning that users can only rely on watching shows when they can access the internet and can’t enjoy streaming during a commute or in areas without reliable internet; it’s a dealbreaker.
This plan is perfect for those who want to keep things simple. If you just want to enjoy streaming at home and don’t need downloads, this plan can do the job.
Crunchyroll Mega Fan Plan
For $9.99 per month, the Mega Fan plan is what I’d call the “best value” option. If you’re like me and enjoy watching shows on the go, the ability to download episodes for offline viewing on this plain will definitely satisfy you; it’s definitely a lifesaver, especially during flights or longer trips.
This plan also offers simultaneous streaming on up to four devices, which is a must-have if you’re sharing your account with family or friends.
In addition, note that if you frequently buy figures, manga, or Blu-rays, the Mega Plan offers a 10% store discount. This option can add up over time, especially with the free shipping offer that Crunchyroll provides for purchases above $50.
This plan feels like a sweet spot; it’s not too pricey and offers features that justify its price difference compared to the Fan plan.
Crunchyroll Ultimate Fan Plan
According to my experience, the $14.99 per month Ultimate Fan plan, while packed with perks, isn’t for everyone. This plan has all of the Mega Fan’s features, along with up to six streams and a 15% discount in the Crunchyroll store.
If you’re part of a large household that streams simultaneously or a hardcore collector who regularly purchases merchandise, this plan makes sense; otherwise, you’re better off with the Mega Fan plan.
Let’s talk about the Swag Bag that comes with the Ultimate Plan. This one’s a big selling point for this plan. However, it can feel underwhelming. I think it’s a box of disappointment, and I don’t think the items are worth the extra $60 you pay annually compared to the Mega Fan plan.
The Fan plan provides an ad-free experience at an appealing price, Mega Fan offers offline access and extra streams, while Ultimate Fan unlocks exclusive merchandise and expanded viewing options
Alternatives to Crunchyroll Subscription Plans
Below, there’s a table that compares the alternatives to Crunchyroll; these are the most notable options for anime streaming, followed by a detailed breakdown of each service.
Service | Price | Simulcasts? | Streams | Details |
---|---|---|---|---|
Crunchyroll | $7.99–$15.99/month | ✔ | 1–6 | Largest anime library |
Hulu | $7.99–$14.99/month | ✔ | 2 | Mixed library, includes captions |
Netflix | $6.99–$19.99/month | — | 2–4 | Great originals but limited anime |
Max | $9.99–$15.99/month | — | 2–4 | Mixed media, smaller anime focus |
Tubi | Free | — | N/A | Ad-supported, niche titles |
HIDIVE | $4.99/month | ✔ | 2 | Curated anime, growing library |
RetroCrush | Free–$4.99/month | — | N/A | Focused on classic anime |
Hulu: Versatile but Pricey
Hulu’s anime library is decent, including popular simulcasts like SPY x FAMILY. However, at $7.99/month, the platform still has ads, and you’ll need to upgrade to the $14.99 ad-free plan, which is pricier than Crunchyroll.
In addition, while being a robust streaming platform, Hulu falls short of Crunchyroll when it comes to the supply of anime; in this case, I would say that Crunchyroll is unbeatable. However, Hulu’s power lies in its captions for English dubs, making it great for accessibility.
Netflix: Great Originals, Limited Selection
Netflix is known for its high-quality original anime, like Castlevania and Devilman Crybaby. The pricing starts at $6.99 per month. However, the culprit is its smaller anime library compared to Crunchyroll. If you’re a fan of Netflix’s high-quality productions, I suggest you consider it as a supplement to Crunchyroll.
Max: Mixed Media but Lacks Focus
Max has a mix of TV shows, movies, and some anime titles. The subscription starts at $9.99/month. While the library has a few notable items, it’s not originally what I’d call the best choice for anime enthusiasts, and Crunchyroll easily outshines Max in terms of variety and niche offerings.
Tubi: Free but Limited
Just like the other alternatives, Tubi can’t even come close to Crunchyroll when it comes to anime libraries; while free, Tubi is ad-supported, has a small selection of niche anime titles, and lacks simulcasts, making it a less attractive choice for anime lovers.
HIDIVE: Affordable and Curated
For anime enthusiasts on a budget, I suggest HIDIVE. It’s like a hidden gem for anime lovers; for only $4.99/month, you can get access to simulcasts and exclusives like Made in Abyss. It’s especially great for those who love under-the-radar or cult-favorite shows.
While HDIVE’s anime library isn’t as vast as Crunchyroll’s, it’s a perfect choice if you’re on a budget or seeking unique titles.
HIDIVE, a budget-friendly gem at $4.99/month, offers hidden anime treasures like Made in Abyss, making it a compelling alternative to Crunchyroll for those seeking something distinctive
RetroCrush: Nostalgia for Classics
RetroCrush is the ultimate destination for fans of vintage anime. Its free tier, while ad-supported, comes with a curated collection of classic titles. With the premium $4.99/month plan, you get offline viewing, too. Don’t expect any simulcasts or modern hits with RetroCrush, but it’s a nice trip into anime history.
Conclusion
This was my complete Crunchyroll Fan vs. Mega Fan vs. Ultimate Fan comparison. While Crunchyroll is a great choice for anime lovers, alternatives like HIDIVE, Netflix, and Hulu cater to diverse preferences. Crunchyroll is the perfect choice for anime enthusiasts, but I believe it can be complemented with budget-friendly options like RetroCrush and HIDIVE.
FAQs
What Are the Different Tiers of Crunchyroll?
Crunchyroll offers three tiers: Fan ($7/99/month), Mega Fan ($9.99/month), and Ultimate Fan ($14.99/month). All three grant access to Crunchyroll’s complete library, but each has its own added perks, like offline viewing, multiple streams, discounts, and swag bags.
What Does Ultimate Fan on Crunchyroll Do?
With the Ultimate Fan plan, you get 6 simultaneous streams, offline viewing, a 15% discount on the Crunchyroll store, and exclusive swag bags after one year.
What are the Perks of Mega Fan on Crunchyroll?
The Mega Fan plan has 4 simultaneous streams, offline viewing, and a 10% store discount.