The anime streaming landscape underwent a seismic shift when Crunchyroll and Funimation officially merged in 2022 under Sony’s umbrella. What began as two fierce competitors—each with dedicated fanbases, exclusive dubs, and unique content libraries—has now consolidated into a single dominant platform. With Funimation's shutdown completed by April 2024, all its content and users have migrated to Crunchyroll. But for longtime fans and new viewers alike, a pressing question remains: Is Crunchyroll’s premium subscription still worth the price?
The answer isn’t simple. While the merger promised a more unified experience and a larger catalog, it also brought changes in pricing, availability, and service quality that affect how much value subscribers actually receive. To determine whether the premium tier holds up, we need to examine what’s changed, what’s improved, and where the cracks are starting to show.
The Post-Merger Landscape: One Platform to Rule Them All?
Prior to the merger, fans often maintained subscriptions to both Crunchyroll and Funimation. The two services complemented each other—Crunchyroll led in simulcasts and subtitled content, while Funimation dominated English dub production. Subscribers who wanted access to both subs and dubs frequently paid for both platforms, sometimes exceeding $15/month.
With the merger, Sony aimed to streamline operations and reduce redundancy. The strategy was clear: consolidate licensing, unify backend infrastructure, and centralize dub production under the Crunchyroll brand. By retiring the Funimation app and website, they eliminated overlap—but also removed consumer choice.
Today, Crunchyroll is the sole destination for nearly all anime previously spread across both services. This includes:
- Over 1,500 anime titles from the former Funimation library
- All ongoing simulcasts (same-day releases from Japan)
- Exclusive English dubs produced in-house or through partner studios
- Legacy classics like Dragon Ball Z, Inuyasha, and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
On paper, this sounds like a win. In practice, the transition hasn't been seamless. Many users reported missing content post-migration, broken playlists, and inconsistent subtitle quality. Moreover, the promise of “more dubs, faster” has only partially materialized.
“Consolidation can improve efficiency, but only if user experience stays at the forefront. Right now, Crunchyroll is prioritizing cost savings over innovation.” — Akira Tanaka, Industry Analyst at AnimeEconomics.net
Subscription Tiers: What You Get for Your Money
Crunchyroll offers three main tiers: Free, Simulcast, and Premium. The latter splits into two plans—Premium ($7.99/month) and Premium Plus ($9.99/month). Let’s break down what each includes:
| Feature | Free | Premium | Premium Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ad-Free Streaming | No | Yes | Yes |
| Simulcasts | Limited (delayed) | Yes | Yes |
| HD & 4K Streaming | No | HD Only | HD & 4K |
| Offline Viewing | No | No | Yes |
| Multiple Profiles | No | No | Yes (up to 5) |
| Background Play | No | No | Yes |
| Cost (Monthly) | $0 | $7.99 | $9.99 |
For most serious anime fans, the free tier is insufficient due to heavy ad loads and delayed access. That leaves Premium and Premium Plus as the real options. But is the jump from $7.99 to $9.99 justified?
Premium Plus adds significant quality-of-life improvements: offline downloads mean you can watch on flights or commutes without data; background play lets you listen while multitasking; and multiple profiles support families or shared accounts. If you’re watching regularly across devices, these features matter.
Content Value: Has the Library Grown—or Shrunk?
One major selling point of the merger was the promise of a “largest-ever anime catalog.” And technically, that’s true. Crunchyroll now hosts over 15,000 episodes across hundreds of series, including exclusives previously locked behind Funimation’s paywall.
But quantity doesn’t always equal quality or accessibility. Several issues have emerged:
- Licensing gaps: Some older Funimation titles didn’t transfer due to expiring rights or regional restrictions.
- Dub delays: Despite promises of faster dub rollouts, many popular series still see dubs released months after the sub.
- Audio-only tracks: A controversial move replaced full video dubs with audio-over-subbed-video for some shows, reducing immersion.
Take Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 as an example. While the sub dropped same-day, the English dub took over four months to catch up. Fans expecting parity were frustrated. Similarly, Chainsaw Man saw early episodes released with only subbed versions, and even now, not all regions have full dub access.
Compare this to Netflix or HIDIVE, which often release dubs simultaneously or offer them day-and-date. Crunchyroll’s hybrid model feels outdated in comparison.
Real Example: Sarah’s Subscription Dilemma
Sarah, a college student and longtime anime fan, used to subscribe to both Funimation ($7.99) and Crunchyroll ($7.99), spending nearly $16/month. After the merger, she switched to Crunchyroll Premium Plus at $9.99, expecting better value.
At first, she loved having everything in one place. But within weeks, she noticed problems: her favorite dubs weren’t available, download speeds were slow, and the app crashed frequently on her older tablet. She started using YouTube clips and pirated streams just to keep up with conversations online.
“I thought I’d save money and get more,” she said. “Instead, I feel like I’m getting less for slightly less cash. If the dubs don’t improve, I might just cancel.”
Sarah’s story reflects a growing sentiment: convenience alone isn’t enough. Fans want timely, high-quality content—and they’re willing to walk away if expectations aren’t met.
Alternatives and Competitive Pressure
Crunchyroll may be the biggest player, but it’s no longer the only game in town. Competitors are stepping up with aggressive strategies:
- HIDIVE: Niche but reliable, offering simultaneous dub releases and deep catalog cuts (e.g., Paranoia Agent, The Rising of the Shield Hero). Priced at $7.99/month.
- Netflix: Investing heavily in anime originals (Pluto, Devilman Crybaby) with global reach and consistent dub quality.
- Amazon Prime Video: Bundles select anime with broader entertainment, including exclusives like Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.
These platforms don’t match Crunchyroll’s breadth, but they often surpass it in reliability and user experience. For viewers who prioritize polished dubs and stable apps, switching is becoming a viable option—even at similar prices.
Checklist: Is Crunchyroll Premium Still Right for You?
Ask yourself the following before renewing:
- Do you primarily watch subtitled anime? → If yes, Crunchyroll excels here.
- Do you rely on English dubs? → Consider delays and audio-only compromises.
- Do you travel often or lack stable internet? → Premium Plus offline mode is essential.
- Are you part of a household sharing accounts? → Premium Plus profiles help avoid mix-ups.
- Do you value consistent app performance? → Recent updates have improved stability, but bugs remain.
Long-Term Outlook: Where Is Crunchyroll Headed?
The merger was never about immediate improvement—it was about long-term control. Sony now owns the largest legal anime distribution network globally, giving it unprecedented leverage in licensing negotiations and production decisions.
Internally, Crunchyroll has begun investing in original productions (High Guardian Spice, Freaks Anonymous) and expanding into live events like Crunchyroll Expo. They’ve also launched merchandise and ticketing arms, signaling a shift toward being a lifestyle brand, not just a streamer.
But for core subscribers, the focus must remain on content delivery. To stay competitive, Crunchyroll needs to:
- Accelerate dub production timelines
- Restore missing library titles
- Improve app performance across devices
- Offer flexible pricing (e.g., a mid-tier plan between Premium and Premium Plus)
Until then, the value proposition hinges on patience. If you’re okay with occasional delays and digital hiccups, the sheer volume of content may justify the cost. But if you demand polish and timeliness, alternatives deserve a look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Funimation ever come back?
No. As of April 2024, Funimation’s website and app have been fully shut down. All content and accounts have been migrated to Crunchyroll. There are no plans to revive the Funimation brand as a standalone service.
Why are some dubs missing or delayed?
Dub production is resource-intensive. Post-merger, Sony consolidated voice acting studios and workflows, which caused temporary slowdowns. Additionally, some titles face music rights issues or union regulations that delay releases. Crunchyroll has stated they aim to shorten dub windows, but progress has been gradual.
Can I share my Crunchyroll Premium Plus account?
Yes. Premium Plus allows up to five user profiles on a single account. While sharing login details outside your household violates terms of service, many users do so informally. Be aware that excessive concurrent streams may trigger security locks.
Final Verdict: Is the Premium Sub Worth It?
The Crunchyroll vs Funimation merger has created a powerful, centralized anime hub—but not necessarily a better one. For fans who value comprehensive access and don’t mind waiting for dubs, Crunchyroll Premium Plus at $9.99/month (especially with annual billing) offers solid value. The ability to download, use multiple profiles, and watch in HD makes it the most functional tier.
However, the honeymoon phase is over. Users expect more than just a bigger library—they want reliability, speed, and respect for their preferences. Right now, Crunchyroll delivers on scale but stumbles on execution. If dub timelines don’t improve and technical issues persist, even loyal subscribers may start looking elsewhere.
The premium subscription is still worth it—for now. But its long-term viability depends on Crunchyroll listening to its audience, not just leveraging its monopoly.
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