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Crunchyroll vs Jellyfin

Crunchyroll logo

Crunchyroll

Software

The world's largest anime streaming platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Jellyfin logo

Jellyfin

Software

The free software media system

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: 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.; Jellyfin jellyfin is free open source software under the GNU GPL with no paid tier or vendor support contract available
  • They diverge on capability: Crunchyroll covers Anime streaming, Jellyfin covers Media server.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Crunchyroll and Jellyfin actually diverge.

Attributes where Crunchyroll and Jellyfin differ
AttributeCrunchyrollJellyfin
Pricing modelfreemiumfree
PlatformsWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consolesWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Desktop, Docker
Founded20062018

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), 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 Crunchyroll

  • Anime streaming
  • Simulcasts
  • Manga
  • Games
  • Gaming consoles
  • Parental controls
  • Profile management
  • Gaming-consoles support

Only in Jellyfin

  • Media server
  • Streaming
  • Library management
  • Open source
  • Self-hosted
  • Streaming devices
  • Mobile devices
  • Open source audit

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.

Crunchyroll

  • Anime watchingnot Jellyfin
  • Manga readingnot Jellyfin

Jellyfin

  • Open-source media streamingnot Crunchyroll
  • Self-hosted librarynot Crunchyroll

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

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.

Jellyfin

  • Jellyfin is free open source software under the GNU GPL with no paid tier or vendor support contract available

Pricing, plan by plan

Crunchyroll

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Limited anime
    • Ads
  • Fan$7.99/month
    • Ad-free
    • Simulcasts
  • Mega Fan$9.99/month
    • Offline viewing
    • 4 streams

Jellyfin

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Unlimited streaming
    • Open source
    • No ads

Which should you pick?

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.
Crunchyroll review

Choose Jellyfin if

  • You need media server.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Desktop, Docker.
  • You also want streaming.
Jellyfin review

Questions people ask

Is Crunchyroll or Jellyfin better?
Neither clearly leads. Crunchyroll starts at Free and Jellyfin at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Crunchyroll or Jellyfin?
Crunchyroll starts at Free and Jellyfin at Free.
Does Crunchyroll or Jellyfin run on more platforms?
Crunchyroll runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles. Jellyfin runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Desktop, Docker.
Can I use Crunchyroll for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Crunchyroll best used for?
Crunchyroll is most often used for anime watching, manga reading. Of those, anime watching and manga reading are not what Jellyfin is typically brought in for.
What can Crunchyroll do that Jellyfin cannot?
Crunchyroll covers Anime streaming, Simulcasts, Manga, Games. Jellyfin covers Media server, Streaming, Library management, Open source. Both handle Smart TVs, Web support, Ios support, Android support.
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