When is Crunchyroll ending its free streaming?

Crunchyroll's ad-supported free streaming tier will end on December 31, 2025.

What happens to my Crunchyroll subscription?

Existing paid subscription tiers like Fan, Mega Fan, and Ultimate Fan remain unchanged. A subscription will be required to watch after December 31, 2025.

Are there other ways to watch anime for free?

Yes, several other streaming services still offer free, ad-supported anime content, though selections may vary.

Home / Technology / Crunchyroll Axes Free Anime Streaming: What You Need to Know

Crunchyroll Axes Free Anime Streaming: What You Need to Know

10 Dec

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Summary

Crunchyroll ends its ad-supported free streaming tier on December 31, 2025.
Paid subscription plans starting at $8 per month will be required.
The closure impacts casual viewers and newcomers to anime.

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.