Software · head to head
Criterion Channel vs Crunchyroll
The short version
- Only Crunchyroll has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: Criterion Channel maximum streaming quality is HD, no 4K or Ultra HD; Crunchyroll the App Store listing states Crunchyroll allows streaming on up to six devices simultaneously, and separately notes the annual plan is cheaper than paying monthly.
- They diverge on capability: Criterion Channel covers Criterion films, Crunchyroll covers Anime streaming.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Criterion Channel and Crunchyroll actually diverge.
| Attribute | Criterion Channel | Crunchyroll |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $10.99/month | Free |
| Pricing model | Unknown | freemium |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
| Platforms | Web, Android, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Samsung TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox | Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles |
| Founded | 1984 | 2006 |
Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Criterion Channel
- Criterion films
- 4K restoration
- Essays
- Special features
- Curated selections
- Streaming devices
- Account security
- Content access
Only in Crunchyroll
- Anime streaming
- Simulcasts
- Manga
- Games
- Gaming consoles
- Parental controls
- Profile management
- Gaming-consoles support
Both cover
- Smart TVs
- Web support
- Ios support
- Android support
- Smart-tv support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Criterion Channel
- Streaming classic, foreign, and independent films with curated collections and retrospectivesnot Crunchyroll
- Watching filmmaker interviews, commentary tracks, and bonus/supplemental contentnot Crunchyroll
- Following themed programming such as double features and director/actor spotlightsnot Crunchyroll
- Educational and film-study use due to curated context and extrasnot Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll
- Anime watchingnot Criterion Channel
- Manga readingnot Criterion Channel
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Criterion Channel
- Maximum streaming quality is HD, no 4K or Ultra HD
- No PlayStation 4 app available
- HDCP compatibility issues reported on some devices like Chromebooks and Xbox One
- No live chat or phone support for customer service
- Limited library compared to mainstream services like Netflix and Hulu
Crunchyroll
- The App Store listing states Crunchyroll allows streaming on up to six devices simultaneously, and separately notes the annual plan is cheaper than paying monthly.
Pricing, plan by plan
Criterion Channel
$10.99/month- Monthly$10.99/month
- Annual$99.99/year
Crunchyroll
Free- FreeFree
- Limited anime
- Ads
- Fan$7.99/month
- Ad-free
- Simulcasts
- Mega Fan$9.99/month
- Offline viewing
- 4 streams
Which should you pick?
Choose Criterion Channel if
- You need criterion films.
- You work on Web, Android, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Samsung TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox.
- You also want 4k restoration.
Choose Crunchyroll if
- You need anime streaming.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles.
- You also want simulcasts.
Questions people ask
- Is Criterion Channel or Crunchyroll better?
- Neither clearly leads. Criterion Channel starts at $10.99/month and Crunchyroll at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Criterion Channel or Crunchyroll?
- Crunchyroll has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $10.99/month for Criterion Channel and Free for Crunchyroll.
- Does Criterion Channel or Crunchyroll run on more platforms?
- Criterion Channel runs on Web, Android, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Samsung TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox. Crunchyroll runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles.
- Can I use Crunchyroll for free?
- Yes. Crunchyroll has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Criterion Channel starts at $10.99/month.
- What is Criterion Channel best used for?
- Criterion Channel is most often used for streaming classic, foreign, and independent films with curated collections and retrospectives, watching filmmaker interviews, commentary tracks, and bonus/supplemental content, following themed programming such as double features and director/actor spotlights, educational and film-study use due to curated context and extras. Of those, streaming classic, foreign, and independent films with curated collections and retrospectives and watching filmmaker interviews, commentary tracks, and bonus/supplemental content are not what Crunchyroll is typically brought in for.
- What can Criterion Channel do that Crunchyroll cannot?
- Criterion Channel covers Criterion films, 4K restoration, Essays, Special features. Crunchyroll covers Anime streaming, Simulcasts, Manga, Games. Both handle Smart TVs, Web support, Ios support, Android support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Criterion Channel: Can I watch Criterion Channel offline?
No, Criterion Channel requires an active internet connection for streaming. The service does not offer offline viewing or download capabilities.
SourceCriterion Channel: What devices does Criterion Channel work on?
Criterion Channel works on Amazon Fire TV, Android, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Samsung TV, and Xbox. There is no PlayStation app or dedicated mobile app for iOS/Android.
SourceCriterion Channel: How much does Criterion Channel cost?
Criterion Channel costs $10.99/month or $99.99/year with a 7-day free trial for new subscribers.
SourceCriterion Channel: What is the maximum video quality on Criterion Channel?
Criterion Channel streams in HD quality only. The service does not offer 4K or Ultra HD resolution.
Source