Crunchyroll Vs Funimation Merger Update Is The Premium Sub Still Worth It

The anime streaming landscape has undergone a seismic shift since the Crunchyroll-Funimation merger was finalized in 2022. What began as two fierce competitors—each with loyal fanbases, distinct libraries, and unique branding—has now become a single dominant force under the Crunchyroll banner. While consolidation often promises efficiency and improved service, many longtime subscribers are asking a critical question: Is the premium subscription still worth it?

The answer isn’t straightforward. The merger brought sweeping changes—from content migration and interface updates to regional availability and pricing adjustments. For casual viewers, the transition may have been seamless. But for dedicated fans who relied on both platforms for simulcasts, dubs, exclusives, and niche titles, the post-merger experience has been more complicated.

This article breaks down the current state of Crunchyroll after absorbing Funimation, evaluates whether the $7.99/month (or higher) premium tier delivers value today, and offers actionable guidance for deciding if you should keep your subscription—or look elsewhere.

The Merger Timeline: From Rivals to One Platform

The path from dual-platform dominance to a unified Crunchyroll began in 2021 when Sony acquired Crunchyroll from AT&T, merging it with its existing ownership of Funimation. The goal was clear: consolidate resources, reduce licensing redundancies, and create a global anime powerhouse.

Here’s a key timeline of major milestones:

1. March 2021: Sony completes acquisition of Crunchyroll, placing both services under Crunchyroll, LLC.
2. November 2021: Announcement that Funimation will eventually merge into Crunchyroll.
3. December 2022: Funimation app and website begin redirecting users to Crunchyroll; active subscriptions auto-migrated.
4. April 2023: Funimation’s library fully integrated into Crunchyroll; original Funimation dub production continues under Crunchyroll branding.
5. Summer 2023 – Present: Phasing out of Funimation-specific features, including separate forums and legacy watchlists.

By mid-2023, the transition was functionally complete. All new simulcasts, dubs, and exclusive content now appear exclusively on Crunchyroll. The standalone Funimation service no longer exists.

Tip: If you were a Funimation subscriber during the migration, check your account settings to ensure your watch history and preferences transferred correctly.

Content Library: More Titles, But Fewer Exclusives?

One of the biggest selling points of the merger was the promise of a “largest-ever” anime catalog. On paper, this is true. Crunchyroll now hosts over 1,500 series—including former Funimation exclusives like Soul Eater, Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works], and Attack on Titan.

However, not all titles made the jump. Licensing complexities led to the removal of several shows, particularly those co-licensed with other distributors or region-restricted due to territorial agreements. For example:

• My Hero Academia Season 1–2: Removed in some regions due to prior licensing with another platform.
• Black Butler: Book of Circus: Still unavailable in North America despite being on Funimation.
• Select Sentai Filmworks titles: Dropped due to expiring distribution rights.

Additionally, while Crunchyroll inherited Funimation’s robust dubbing studio and voice talent contracts, some fans report delays in English dub releases compared to pre-merger schedules. Previously, Funimation often released dubs within weeks of the Japanese broadcast. Now, wait times of 2–3 months are common.

“Consolidation reduces competition, which can slow innovation and responsiveness. When one company controls most of the market, there's less incentive to rush dubs or fix bugs quickly.” — Aria Tanaka, Industry Analyst at Anime Business Review

Pricing & Tiers: Has Value Kept Pace?

Post-merger, Crunchyroll standardized its subscription tiers. Former Funimation Premium members were migrated to Crunchyroll’s equivalent plans. Here’s how the current pricing stacks up:

Tier	Price (Monthly)	Key Features	Ads?
Free	$0	Access to select older titles, limited simulcasts	Yes – 5–7 ads per episode
Crunchyroll ($7.99)	$7.99	Simulcasts, dubs, offline viewing, 1 device stream	No
Crunchyroll Mega Fan ($9.99)	$9.99	All standard benefits + early access to select dubs, bonus badges	No
Crunchyroll Ultimate Fan ($14.99)	$14.99	4 simultaneous streams, 1080p HD, exclusive merch discounts	No

At first glance, the base $7.99 plan seems reasonably priced. But consider this: before the merger, a combined Funimation Premium + Crunchyroll Mega Fan subscription cost around $14/month and gave access to two independent libraries, faster dubs, and overlapping simulcasts. Today, paying $14.99 gets you HD and multiple streams—but only on one platform.

Moreover, regional pricing disparities remain. Users in Europe and Latin America pay the same rates as U.S. subscribers but often face delayed content rollouts or missing dubs.

Is the Premium Subscription Still Worth It?

The value proposition depends heavily on your viewing habits, region, and expectations.

For casual fans who enjoy popular seasonal anime like Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, or Oshi no Ko, the base $7.99 plan remains solid. You get ad-free access to nearly all new simulcasts, official dubs, and a vast back catalog. The mobile app supports downloads, making it convenient for commutes or travel.

For hardcore collectors and completionists, the situation is murkier. Missing titles, slower dub schedules, and the loss of Funimation’s community forums and curated collections have diminished the overall experience. Some fans report that Crunchyroll’s recommendation engine is weaker than Funimation’s was, often pushing mainstream hits over niche or classic series.

Also worth noting: Crunchyroll has increased its reliance on ads within the app—even for premium users. While episodes are ad-free, opening the app may trigger video promos for upcoming shows or merchandise. This subtle shift reflects a broader monetization strategy beyond subscriptions.

Mini Case Study: Maria’s Subscription Dilemma

Maria, a long-time anime fan from Texas, subscribed to both Funimation Premium and Crunchyroll for years. She valued having access to every dub the moment it dropped and appreciated Funimation’s detailed episode guides and fan discussions.

After the merger, she kept her upgraded Crunchyroll plan at $14.99/month expecting a better experience. Instead, she found that dubs for her favorite shows were delayed by weeks, and the community section felt lifeless. After six months, she downgraded to the $7.99 plan and started using a secondary legal source—like HiDive—for niche titles Crunchyroll doesn’t carry.

“I’m saving money, but I miss the old ecosystem,” she said. “Having two platforms kept them competitive. Now, there’s no alternative if Crunchyroll drops the ball.”

Action Plan: How to Decide If You Should Keep Subscribing

If you're unsure whether to renew or cancel, follow this step-by-step checklist to evaluate your needs.

1. Review your watch history: Have you watched at least 3–4 new episodes per week over the past month? If not, you might not be getting full value.
2. Check dub release schedules: Are your favorite series getting dubbed promptly? Use third-party trackers or Reddit threads to compare expected vs. actual release dates.
3. Assess missing content: Search for any shows you loved on Funimation that aren’t available on Crunchyroll. If more than 3–5 are missing, consider supplementing with another service.
4. Test the free tier: Downgrade temporarily. See how often ads interrupt your viewing and whether simulcast access meets your needs.
5. Compare alternatives: Evaluate HiDive, Netflix, or Amazon Prime for anime offerings in your region. Some exclusive titles may justify splitting subscriptions.
6. Monitor community engagement: Visit Crunchyroll’s discussion boards. Are they active? Do moderators respond? A weak community reduces long-term engagement.

Tip: Cancel during promotional periods (e.g., after a big show finale) when retention efforts spike. Companies often offer discounts to win back lapsed users.

FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered

Will Funimation ever come back?

No. Sony officially retired the Funimation brand in 2023. All operations, including dub production, now occur under the Crunchyroll name. The Funimation website redirects to Crunchyroll, and customer support is fully integrated.

Are dubs still being produced?

Yes. Crunchyroll continues to produce English dubs in-house, primarily in Dallas, Texas—the former Funimation dubbing hub. However, the pace has slowed, and fewer side stories or OVAs are being dubbed compared to previous years.

Can I get a refund if I canceled during the merger?

Refunds depend on timing and payment method. Users who were double-charged during the auto-migration (e.g., billed by both services in the same month) were eligible for refunds through 2023. Contact Crunchyroll support directly with billing details for case-specific assistance.

Final Verdict: Weighing Value in a Post-Merger World

The Crunchyroll-Funimation merger created the largest anime streaming service in history—but size doesn’t always equal satisfaction. For many fans, the convenience of a single platform outweighs the drawbacks. Simulcasts arrive reliably, the UI is stable, and the core catalog is deeper than ever.

Yet, the lack of competition has led to noticeable stagnation in areas like dub speed, feature innovation, and customer engagement. Regional inequality and content gaps further erode trust. At $7.99/month, the base plan is acceptable—but no longer exceptional.

If you’re a moderate viewer who prioritizes mainstream hits and ad-free streaming, Crunchyroll’s premium tier still holds value. But if you demand comprehensive libraries, fast dubs, and vibrant communities, you may need to diversify your sources or accept compromises.

The era of choice between two strong platforms is over. Whether Crunchyroll evolves into a truly superior service—or rests on its monopoly—remains to be seen.

💬 What’s your take? Are you satisfied with Crunchyroll post-merger? Have you canceled, downgraded, or stuck with premium? Share your experience and help others decide what’s best for their anime journey.