Crunchyroll Axes Free Anime Streaming: What You Need to Know

Crunchyroll, a popular anime streaming platform, has announced the termination of its ad-supported free tier, effective December 31, 2025. For years, the service provided a selection of older seasons and select shows with advertisements, acting as an accessible entry point for many. Following this date, all viewers will need a paid subscription to access content.

The existing subscription tiers, including Fan, Mega Fan, and Ultimate Fan, will remain in place, with prices starting at $8 per month. These paid options offer enhanced features such as high-definition streaming and offline viewing capabilities. The removal of the free tier has drawn criticism, particularly from casual viewers and those new to anime, who relied on it for low-barrier access.

While Crunchyroll's decision eliminates a free option, other streaming services continue to offer ad-supported anime content. These alternatives may vary in selection and may not provide the same breadth of new releases or simulcasts. However, they offer continued free viewing for users not yet ready to commit to a paid subscription.