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

For anime fans, the Crunchyroll and Funimation merger marked a seismic shift in how we access our favorite shows. What began as two competing platforms—each with its own loyal fanbase, exclusive dubs, and unique library strengths—has now evolved into a unified streaming experience under the Crunchyroll brand. But as the dust settles on the transition, many subscribers are asking a critical question: Is the premium subscription still worth it?

The answer isn’t straightforward. While consolidation has brought benefits like centralized libraries and streamlined access, it’s also introduced new limitations, pricing adjustments, and changes in content availability. This article dives deep into the current state of Crunchyroll post-merger, evaluates what you’re actually paying for, and helps you decide whether upgrading or renewing your premium plan makes sense in 2024 and beyond.

The Merger Timeline: What Happened and When

The Crunchyroll-Funimation merger was first announced in 2021 by Sony, which acquired Crunchyroll from AT&T and merged it with Funimation Global Group, already under Sony’s ownership. The goal was clear: consolidate resources, reduce operational redundancies, and create a single dominant anime streaming hub.

The full integration unfolded over several phases:

1. August 2022: Funimation announced it would begin migrating all users to Crunchyroll.
2. March 2023: The shutdown of the Funimation app and website began in select regions.
3. April 2024: Funimation officially ceased operations worldwide. All remaining user accounts, watch histories, and subscription benefits were transferred to Crunchyroll.

This timeline meant that for over a year, users experienced overlapping services, duplicated content, and inconsistent messaging. Now that the transition is complete, Crunchyroll stands as the sole platform for former Funimation subscribers—and with that comes new expectations.

Tip: If you had an active Funimation subscription, ensure your account was properly migrated to Crunchyroll to retain access to purchased content and subscription history.

Content Library: What You Gain and What You Lose

One of the biggest selling points of the merger was the promise of a “complete” anime library. In theory, combining Crunchyroll’s vast catalog of simulcasts with Funimation’s stronghold in English dubs should result in the most comprehensive anime platform available. In practice, the reality is more nuanced.

While thousands of titles have been integrated—including legacy series like *Dragon Ball Z*, *Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood*, and *My Hero Academia*—some content has either been removed, reclassified, or moved behind regional restrictions due to licensing agreements.

Notably, certain exclusive Funimation dubs remain unavailable on Crunchyroll, especially for older or niche titles where voice actor contracts or union regulations complicate redistribution. Additionally, some anime previously available on both platforms are now accessible only in subbed format, even if a dub existed.

To help assess the current value proposition, here’s a comparison of key content features before and after the merger:

Feature	Pre-Merger (Funimation)	Post-Merger (Crunchyroll)
Dub Availability	Extensive, industry-leading English dubs	Reduced; many dubs not ported over
Simulcast Access	Limited to select titles	Strong; same-day subs for major seasons
Legacy Anime	Deep catalog including classics	Mixed; some titles delisted
Simuldubs	Frequent and timely	Still offered, but less consistent
Offline Viewing	Available on mobile	Exclusive to Premium+ tier

The table highlights a trend: while breadth has increased, depth in dubbing and accessibility has declined. For fans who prioritize dubbed content, this represents a tangible loss in value.

“Merging libraries doesn’t automatically mean better access. Licensing fragmentation means fans may lose more than they gain.” — Aiden Reyes, Streaming Industry Analyst at MediaInsight Group

Pricing and Subscription Tiers: Has Value Kept Up?

Crunchyroll currently offers three main tiers: Free, Premium (formerly “Mega Fan”), and Premium+ (“Ultimate Fan”). As of 2024, U.S. pricing stands at:

• Free: Ad-supported, limited selection, no simulcasts
• Premium ($7.99/month): Ad-free viewing, simulcasts, dubs, offline on one device
• Premium+ ($9.99/month): Everything in Premium, plus 4K HDR, Dolby Atmos, and offline downloads on up to four devices

At first glance, $7.99 seems reasonable—especially compared to competitors like Netflix or Hulu. But when evaluated against what’s included, concerns arise. Notably, offline viewing, once standard on Funimation’s top tier, is now restricted to the higher-priced Premium+ plan. Additionally, 4K and Dolby support are limited to a small fraction of the catalog, making Premium+ feel like an overpriced option for most viewers.

Meanwhile, regional pricing varies significantly. In countries like Canada and the UK, monthly costs are higher despite smaller content libraries due to licensing constraints. This disparity has led to criticism about global equity in access.

Is It Still Cheaper Than Alternatives?

Compared to standalone anime services, yes—HIDIVE charges $7.99 for similar ad-free access but with far fewer simulcasts. Netflix and Hulu include anime but lack depth and consistency in curation. However, the true cost isn’t just monetary—it’s opportunity cost. Subscribers are now locked into a single ecosystem with little competition to drive innovation or customer service improvements.

Tip: Use Crunchyroll’s free trial or annual billing option ($59.99/year) to save ~25% and test long-term satisfaction before committing.

User Experience and Platform Performance

A strong library and fair price mean little if the platform itself frustrates users. Post-merger feedback reveals mixed results. On desktop and mobile apps, performance has improved with faster load times and better search functionality. The unified profile system allows seamless access to migrated watchlists and viewing history.

However, several pain points persist:

• Inconsistent metadata: Some series appear multiple times due to duplicate entries from both platforms.
• Missing subtitles: Certain legacy Funimation releases lack subtitle options or have incorrect language tags.
• Playback issues: Users report buffering problems on lower-tier internet connections, particularly during seasonal premieres.
• Customer support: Response times have slowed since the merger, with ticket resolutions taking 5–7 days on average.

Worse, Crunchyroll discontinued support for several older devices, including PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and select smart TVs. While justified as part of modernization, this move alienated users who relied on those platforms.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Migration Struggle

Sarah, a longtime Funimation subscriber from Texas, had been using the service since 2016. She valued the extensive dub collection and used offline mode during her daily commute. When she received the migration notice, she assumed everything would transfer smoothly.

Instead, she found that her entire “Dubs Only” playlist was gone. Several shows she’d purchased individually weren’t recognized in her new Crunchyroll library. After contacting support, she waited six days for a response and was told some purchases were “no longer available due to rights expiration.”

Though frustrated, Sarah stayed with Crunchyroll because of its simulcast lineup. But she downgraded to the free tier and now uses ad blockers and third-party sites to fill gaps—a common workaround among disillusioned fans.

Expert Verdict: Is the Premium Subscription Worth It?

The answer depends on your viewing habits and priorities.

If you primarily watch current-season anime with subtitles and don’t mind occasional ads, the free tier may suffice. Many popular simulcasts are available without a paywall, albeit with a delay and ad interruptions.

For serious fans who want immediate, ad-free access to new episodes and a broad (if incomplete) dub selection, **Premium at $7.99/month remains reasonably priced**—but only if you don’t rely heavily on offline viewing. That feature’s restriction to Premium+ feels punitive and artificial, designed to push users toward the higher tier.

As for Premium+, unless you own a 4K setup and actively use Dolby audio, the upgrade isn’t justified. The added cost yields minimal real-world benefit given the limited number of titles available in enhanced formats.

Checklist: Should You Keep Your Crunchyroll Premium?

Ask yourself these questions before renewing:

• Do I watch at least 3–4 new anime per season?
• Am I willing to accept reduced dub availability?
• Do I need offline viewing on multiple devices?
• Am I satisfied with customer support responsiveness?
• Have I explored alternatives like HIDIVE or Netflix’s anime catalog?

If most answers are “yes,” staying subscribed makes sense. If not, consider downgrading or pausing your membership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Funimation ever come back?

No. As of April 2024, Funimation has been fully decommissioned. All operations, content, and accounts have been transitioned to Crunchyroll. There are no plans to revive the Funimation brand as a separate service.

Can I get a refund for lost Funimation content?

Crunchyroll has not offered refunds or compensation for content that wasn’t migrated due to licensing. However, if you paid for individual purchases that disappeared, you can file a claim through their help center. Success varies case by case.

Are there any hidden costs after the merger?

Not directly. However, Crunchyroll has introduced rental options for select older titles not included in the subscription—effectively creating a pay-per-view model within the app. This could lead to unexpected expenses over time.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Anime Habits

The Crunchyroll and Funimation merger was inevitable in an industry moving toward consolidation. While it has created the largest legal anime streaming platform in the world, it has also diminished consumer choice and diluted certain aspects of the viewing experience—particularly around dub availability and feature access.

The premium subscription is still worth it for dedicated fans who prioritize timely access to simulcasts and a mostly ad-free experience. But it’s no longer the unambiguous value it once was. With fewer incentives, shrinking dub rosters, and rising technical friction, subscribers must weigh convenience against compromise.

Streaming shouldn’t feel like settling. If you’ve stuck with Crunchyroll out of habit rather than genuine satisfaction, now is the time to reassess. Explore free trials, compare alternatives, and demand better from the platforms you support. The anime community is passionate and vocal—when fans speak, companies eventually listen.

🚀 Ready to take control of your anime experience? Audit your viewing habits this week, try a competing service, or share your thoughts in the comments. Your subscription should serve you—not the other way around.