Crunchyroll Price Hike: Free Tier Gone, Costs Rise—What You Need to Know

Anime fans are facing another price increase on their favorite streaming platform. Crunchyroll, the leading service for anime content, has recently announced a hike in monthly subscription prices, up to 20%. This comes on the heels of the removal of its free, ad-supported tier, leaving many viewers with fewer options and a heavier financial burden. This article dives deep into the reasons behind the Crunchyroll price hike, the changes subscribers can expect, and the broader implications for the anime streaming landscape.

The History of Crunchyroll and Sony’s Acquisition

Crunchyroll has been a dominant force in anime streaming for years. In 2020, Sony acquired Crunchyroll from AT&T for an undisclosed sum. At the time, Crunchyroll boasted 3 million paid subscribers and a substantial 197 million users utilizing the free, ad-supported tier. Subscription costs were initially set at $8, $10, or $15 per month. This acquisition marked a turning point for the platform, setting the stage for significant changes under Sony’s ownership.

Like many tech giants, Sony’s acquisition of Crunchyroll has been accompanied by strategic, and often controversial, decisions. One of the most notable moves was the consolidation of Crunchyroll and its rival, Funimation. Sony, having previously purchased Funimation in 2017, ultimately shut down the platform in April 2024, effectively merging its content library into Crunchyroll.

The Funimation Fallout and Content Access

The Funimation shutdown wasn’t without its drawbacks. A significant point of contention was the erasure of users’ digital libraries purchased through Funimation. Despite initial marketing suggesting “forever” access with some restrictions, many fans lost access to content they had legitimately purchased. This sparked considerable backlash within the anime community.

The Phased Removal of the Free Tier

Before the complete elimination of the free tier, Crunchyroll gradually reduced the number of titles available for free viewing with advertisements in 2022. The final nail in the coffin came on December 31, 2025, when the free tier was officially discontinued. This move effectively forced users to subscribe to a paid plan to continue accessing Crunchyroll’s extensive anime library.

Crunchyroll’s Latest Price Increases: A Breakdown

Today, Crunchyroll announced the latest round of price increases for its remaining subscription tiers. Here’s a detailed look at the changes:

• Fan: Increased from $8/month to $10/month
• Mega: Increased from $12/month to $14/month (allows streaming on up to four devices simultaneously)
• Ultra: Increased from $16/month to $18/month (supports simultaneous streaming on six devices and includes access to the Crunchyroll Manga app)

These changes are already in effect for new subscribers, while existing subscribers will see the updated pricing reflected after March 4th. Crunchyroll previously raised prices in May 2024, with the Mega and Ultimate tiers experiencing increases. The Fan tier hadn’t seen a price hike since 2019.

Crunchyroll justifies these price increases by promising to “give fans more of what they love,” citing recent and upcoming improvements such as teen profiles with PIN protection, multiple user profiles, the ability to skip intro and ending sequences, and expanded device compatibility.

Streaming Consolidation and Market Dominance

The Crunchyroll price hike is particularly frustrating for subscribers given the recent elimination of the free tier and the acquisition of a major competitor, Funimation. This consolidation has resulted in Crunchyroll and Netflix controlling a significant portion of the anime streaming market. According to a 2023 report by Bernstein Research, Crunchyroll (40%) and Netflix (42%) collectively hold 82% of the overseas anime streaming market (excluding Japan).

Anime represents a lucrative opportunity for Sony, and the company’s success thus far suggests it will continue its current strategy. The acquisition and consolidation of competitors allows Sony to exert greater control over the market and potentially maximize profits.

Crunchyroll’s Subscriber Growth and Profitability

From 2012 to 2024, Crunchyroll’s subscriber base has grown from 5 million to over 15 million (as reported by Variety). While Sony hasn’t released precise figures, they have confirmed that Crunchyroll is profitable. Bernstein Research analysts estimated an 8% profit margin for Crunchyroll in the third quarter of 2024, with projections indicating this figure will “more than double by 2027” (Variety).

Crunchyroll’s performance has been instrumental in offsetting a 25% year-over-year decline in operating income for Sony’s Pictures segment in their latest quarterly earnings report. Streaming services now account for 31% of Sony Pictures’ sales, surpassing theatrical releases, television, and home entertainment.

A Silver Lining: Niche Services and Innovation

Despite the price increases and consolidation, Crunchyroll’s success demonstrates that niche streaming services can scale and achieve profitability. This success can lead to further investment in content and features, ultimately benefiting anime fans. Crunchyroll’s recent relaunch of its digital manga reading app is a prime example of this innovation. The revamped app features an updated revenue-sharing model designed to better support publishers.

Sony’s Acquisition Strategy and Future Concerns

However, Sony’s approach to acquiring and integrating media companies warrants scrutiny. Today, Aniplex, Sony’s anime production company, announced the acquisition of rival Egg Firm, further solidifying Sony’s position in the anime industry. As streaming prices continue to rise and industry consolidation accelerates, subscribers face increasing uncertainty about their viewing experiences.

The acquisition of companies like Funimation and Egg Firm, coupled with the elimination of free tiers and price hikes, raises concerns about potential limitations in content choice and increased costs. While mergers and acquisitions can potentially lead to enhanced features and content libraries, they also carry the risk of reduced competition and less favorable terms for consumers.

What Does This Mean for Anime Fans?

The Crunchyroll price hike and the broader trend of streaming consolidation signal a changing landscape for anime fans. Subscribers will likely need to adjust to higher costs and potentially fewer options. It’s crucial to stay informed about these changes and consider alternative streaming services or purchasing options to ensure continued access to the anime content you enjoy. The future of anime streaming will depend on how companies like Sony balance profitability with the needs and expectations of their dedicated fan base.