Crunchyroll, a leading anime streaming service, is raising prices on all US subscription plans effective immediately for new customers, with changes rolling out to existing users in March. The move comes roughly a month after the platform eliminated its free ad-supported tier, and aligns with broader price adjustments across the streaming landscape.
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Price Adjustments Breakdown
The increase amounts to $2 per month across all tiers. Here’s how the new pricing breaks down:
- Fan: From $8 to $10/month (now includes downloads)
- Mega Fan: From $12 to $14/month
- Ultimate Fan: From $16 to $18/month
Subscribers with bundled anime and manga plans will also see similar increases:
- Fan + Manga: From $12 to $14/month
- Mega Fan + Manga: From $15.50 to $17.50/month
These changes will be reflected in billing cycles starting after March 4th. This timing means many fans watching current season finales (like Jujutsu Kaisen or Oshi no Ko ) will see the price hike shortly after the episodes air.
Why Now? Industry Trends
Crunchyroll’s price increase isn’t isolated. Streaming services across the board – including Spotify, Paramount Plus, Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney – have raised subscription costs in 2024 and early 2025. This trend reflects increasing production costs, competition for content, and the need to maintain profitability in a crowded market.
Discounted Annual Options
To mitigate the impact, Crunchyroll is offering limited-time discounts for existing customers who switch to annual plans:
- Annual Fan: $67 (versus $120 monthly)
- Annual Fan + Manga: $115 (versus $168 monthly)
- Annual Mega Fan + Manga: $142 (versus $210 monthly)
What Crunchyroll Offers
The service hosts a vast anime library, including simulcasts of popular titles like Jujutsu Kaisen, Hell’s Paradise, Oshi no Ko, and Demon Slayer. Premium subscribers also gain access to music and the Crunchyroll Game Vault, along with exclusive perks and discounts.
The current rate increases are part of a broader industry shift. Streaming services are increasingly focused on profitability, even if it means raising prices on loyal customers.
Crunchyroll’s move underscores the evolving economics of streaming. While the platform remains a key destination for anime fans, the price hike demonstrates that even specialized services are not immune to the financial pressures reshaping the entertainment landscape.
