Anime fans have more options than ever for streaming their favorite shows online, but if you’re looking for a reliable, legal, and anime-first platform, Crunchyroll is one name that always comes up. Whether you’re a longtime otaku or just getting into anime, you’ve probably heard of Crunchyroll manga and anime—but how much do you really know about it?
In this post, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about Crunchyroll, especially how to watch anime for free. From what shows are available to how the free version works, what premium unlocks, and even how to cancel if you change your mind—we’ve got you covered.
It also offers manga, a curated store for anime merchandise, and even news related to the anime industry. It's available on nearly every device—phones, tablets, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and desktops.
The platform has grown rapidly over the years and is often the first to simulcast new anime episodes directly from Japan. That means you can catch shows just hours after they air overseas, sometimes even with official English subtitles already included.
Logging in also unlocks access to the Crunchyroll schedule, so you can track when new episodes drop. If you ever run into trouble signing in, make sure you’re using the correct credentials or try resetting your password.
And yes—one login works across all devices, which makes switching from your laptop to your PlayStation a breeze.
If you used PayPal as your payment method while activating the crunchyroll free trial and would like to cancel your subscription before or after the 7-days trial, kindly follow these steps:
What Is Crunchyroll?
Crunchyroll is a dedicated anime streaming platform. It's home to thousands of episodes from popular series like One Piece, Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan, and many more. But it's not just about video content.
How to Stream Anime Free On Crunchyroll
Despite being a subscription based anime site, users from any part of the world can watch anime on Crunchyroll library without sign up. Below are some few steps to start watching anime on Crunchyroll free without creating account:- Go to Crunchyroll.com, click on "Show" and you will be presented with huge list of most popular anime titles to choose from
- Click the title of the series you want want to watch, you will be taken to a page with the list of all episodes
- Now click on your favorite episode and start watching. Kindly be informed that as a none registered user, you will be seeing some pop up ads while watching...and if you would like to stop those ads, how do you go about it? The best way to block them is using a powerful ads blocker.
Is Crunchyroll Free? Here’s What You Need to Know
Yes, Crunchyroll does offer a free plan. That’s one of the biggest reasons it’s so popular among casual anime viewers. You can watch many of the platform’s titles without paying a cent. However, there’s a catch (isn’t there always?). Free users have to deal with ads, and you’ll often have to wait a week after an episode airs to watch it. Also, not all shows are available on the free tier—some are exclusive to Crunchyroll Premium subscribers. Still, for those dipping their toes into anime or just trying to keep up with a few classics, the free version is a nice place to start.Crunchyroll Login and Account Setup
Creating an account is simple. Head over to crunchyroll.com, click “Login” or “Create Account,” and follow the steps. You’ll need an email and a password. Once you’re in, you can start building a queue, following shows, and saving your progress.
What You Get with Crunchyroll Premium
So, is Crunchyroll Premium worth it? That depends on how much anime you watch and how much you hate ads.Premium users get:
- No ads (which really makes binge-watching smoother)
- Early access to new episodes (same-day simulcasts)
- Offline viewing on mobile
- Access to the full anime and manga libraries
- HD streaming up to 1080p and even 4K on some devices
How to Cancel Crunchyroll Membership (If You Need To)
Maybe you're finished with a show. Maybe you're cutting costs. Either way, canceling is easy.Log into your account, go to "Settings" > "Membership" > and click “Cancel Membership.” Follow the prompts, and you’re done. Keep in mind that if you’re in the middle of a billing cycle, your benefits stay active until the period ends.- Login to your PayPal account, click on setting icon,
- Next, click on the “Payments” button,
- Now click on “Manage automatic payments”,
- From the list of active PayPal automatic payments, select Crunchyroll
- Final step to cancel crunchyroll membership, click on "Cancel" and you are all done, these steps applies to all users whether it's a crunchyroll brasil, crunchyroll UK, etc.
- And you have successfully canceled Crunchyroll subscription auto renewal
Crunchyroll/Activate: Streaming on TV and More
Want to watch Crunchyroll on your smart TV or console? You’ll likely need to go through crunchyroll/activate to link your device. Here’s how it works:- Install the Crunchyroll app on your device.
- Open the app and choose “Log In with Activation Code.”
- Visit crunchyroll.com/activate on your phone or computer.
- Enter the code shown on your TV.
Crunchyroll Store: More Than Just Streaming
Beyond episodes and manga, Crunchyroll also has a dedicated Crunchyroll Store full of anime gear. You can find:- Collectibles and figures
- Blu-rays and DVDs
- Apparel (T-shirts, hoodies, etc.)
- Posters and accessories
Crunchyroll Schedule: What’s Coming and When
Keeping track of new episode releases is easier with the Crunchyroll schedule page. You can filter by day, genre, or alphabetical order. This is especially helpful for shows with weekly releases like My Hero Academia or Black Clover. And yes, the long-running giant Crunchyroll One Piece is updated here regularly. So if you’re wondering when Luffy and crew are back in action, this is the place to look. This schedule updates constantly, so you can plan your weekly watch parties around it—or avoid spoilers like the plague.Streaming With Friends: How to Stream Crunchyroll on Discord
Want to host a virtual anime night? Here's how to stream Crunchyroll on Discord.- Open Crunchyroll in a browser window.
- Join a voice channel on Discord.
- Click "Share Screen" and choose the browser tab.
What’s in the Crunchyroll Library?
Crunchyroll’s catalog is massive. It includes everything from classic shonen to slice-of-life, horror, and even romance anime. Some highlights people always ask about:- Is One Punch Man on Crunchyroll? Yes, but availability can vary by region.
- Is Bleach on Crunchyroll? Yep—especially now that Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War has fans coming back.
- Crunchyroll Manga is also part of the mix. If you’re more of a reader, you can explore digital manga from top publishers, available through the site and app.
Is Crunchyroll Down? How to Check
Sometimes you might find the site not loading or videos buffering endlessly. So, is Crunchyroll down? The quickest way to check is through sites like DownDetector or Crunchyroll’s social media pages. They usually post updates if the platform is experiencing issues. Also, if you’re having consistent trouble, try clearing your cache, restarting your device, or updating the app. Most issues resolve quickly.Best Crunchyroll alternatives
Here’s a free and honest safest list of the best Crunchyroll alternatives—whether you're looking for free anime streaming, exclusive titles, or different interfaces.1. Funimation (Now Merged with Crunchyroll – But Still Worth Mentioning)
Funimation used to be Crunchyroll’s biggest rival, specializing in English-dubbed anime. Since the merger with Crunchyroll, most of its content is being moved over. However, some users still use the old Funimation platform for its unique UI or leftover titles.- Best for: English dubs, older legacy content
- Downside: No new uploads; content migrating to Crunchyroll
2. Netflix
Netflix has built a strong anime library, with both licensed hits (Naruto, Demon Slayer) and original exclusives (Devilman Crybaby, Castlevania). Best for: Original anime, casual watchers Downside: Limited simulcasts and slow release schedules3. Hulu
Hulu has a surprisingly robust anime catalog, including Bleach, My Hero Academia, and some simulcast options.- Best for: Those who already have a Hulu subscription
- Downside: Ads on cheaper tiers, and not anime-focused
4. HIDIVE
HIDIVE is smaller but known for offering exclusive titles like Call of the Night or Made in Abyss that you often won’t find on Crunchyroll.- Best for: Niche and exclusive anime
- Downside: Smaller library and less user-friendly interface
5. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime occasionally picks up exclusive shows (like Vinland Saga season 1) and has a small but decent anime section.- Best for: Casual anime fans who already use Prime
- Downside: Not anime-focused and titles are scattered
6. AnimeLab (for Australia and New Zealand)
AnimeLab was similar to Crunchyroll but served fans in Australia and NZ. It's now transitioning into Funimation but still accessible in some regions.- Best for: Regional availability
- Downside: Limited to specific countries
7. YouTube (Official Channels)
Surprisingly, some studios and distributors upload full episodes or seasons legally to YouTube. Examples include the Muse Asia channel or Ani-One.- Best for: Free, legal anime
- Downside: Not always available globally and quality varies
8. RetroCrush
RetroCrush is perfect for fans of classic anime. It's free (with ads) and includes older gems like Urusei Yatsura and City Hunter.- Best for: Vintage anime lovers
- Downside: Smaller catalog and no new simulcasts
9. Tubi TV
Tubi is 100% free and supported by ads. It has a surprising number of anime titles, including lesser-known series. Best for: Budget-conscious viewers Downside: Lower video quality and fewer popular titles10. AniWave / Zoro / 9anime (Unofficial Sites)
While these sites offer massive catalogs for free, they operate in a legal gray area. Use them at your own risk.- Best for: Access to everything, fast
- Downside: Ads, malware risk, and questionable legality
Conclusion: Crunchyroll Is Still the King of Anime Streaming
There are more anime streaming options now—Netflix, Hulu, HiDive—but Crunchyroll remains the go-to for serious fans. It has the depth, the community, and the day-one releases that keep viewers coming back. Whether you’re watching for free, exploring Crunchyroll Premium, or just picking up a collectible from the Crunchyroll Store, the platform offers a well-rounded anime experience. And with tools like crunchyroll/activate and a consistent release schedule, it's easy to keep up with your favorite shows.FAQ: About Crunchyroll
Is Crunchyroll completely free?
It has a free tier with ads and limited access, but many shows are available without a subscription.
How much is a Crunchyroll subscription?
Premium starts around $7.99/month in the U.S., with higher tiers offering more features and access.
Is Bleach on Crunchyroll?
Yes, including the new Thousand-Year Blood War episodes.
How to cancel Crunchyroll membership?
Go to Settings > Membership and click “Cancel.” Easy as that.
Can I stream Crunchyroll on Discord with friends?
Technically, yes—but be mindful of usage rights. It’s best for private groups.
What’s the Crunchyroll Store?
It’s where you can buy anime merch, figures, Blu-rays, and more.
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