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Media & Entertainment · head to head

Crunchyroll vs Libsyn

Crunchyroll logo

Crunchyroll

Media & Entertainment

The world's largest anime streaming platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Libsyn logo

Libsyn

Podcast & Audio Publishing

The original podcast hosting platform since 2004

From
$5/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Crunchyroll has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • 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.; Libsyn basic plan at $12 per month allows only 3 hours of audio upload per month
  • They diverge on capability: Crunchyroll covers Anime streaming, Libsyn covers Reliable hosting.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Crunchyroll and Libsyn actually diverge.

Attributes where Crunchyroll and Libsyn differ
AttributeCrunchyrollLibsyn
Starting priceFree$5/month
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consolesWeb, Ios, Android
CategoryMedia & EntertainmentPodcast & Audio Publishing
Founded20062004

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated).

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
  • Smart TVs
  • Gaming consoles
  • Parental controls
  • Profile management

Only in Libsyn

  • Reliable hosting
  • Advanced analytics
  • Monetization platform
  • Distribution network
  • Custom website
  • Ad insertion
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify

Both cover

  • Web support
  • Ios support
  • Android support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Crunchyroll

  • Anime watchingnot Libsyn
  • Manga readingnot Libsyn

Libsyn

  • Hosting podcast audio and distributing it to Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTubenot Crunchyroll
  • Measuring audience with IAB certified download statisticsnot Crunchyroll
  • Monetising shows through advertising on enterprise plansnot 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.

Libsyn

  • Basic plan at $12 per month allows only 3 hours of audio upload per month
  • Advanced IAB verified stats require the $25 per month Advanced plan; Basic gets basic stats only
  • Spotify video distribution requires the Advanced or Max plan
  • Dynamic ad insertion sits on Professional and Enterprise plans that are quoted by sales with no published rate
  • The top published tier, Max at $150 per month, still caps audio uploads at 55 hours per month

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

Libsyn

$5/month
  • Classic 50$5/month
    • 50 MB monthly storage
    • Basic statistics
    • Podcast page
  • Classic 150$15/month
    • 150 MB monthly storage
    • Advanced statistics
    • Custom website
  • Advanced 400$20/month
    • 400 MB monthly storage
    • Premium analytics
    • Multiple shows
  • Advanced 800$40/month
    • 800 MB monthly storage
    • Full analytics suite
    • Priority support

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 Libsyn if

  • You need reliable hosting.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want advanced analytics.
Libsyn review

Questions people ask

Is Crunchyroll or Libsyn better?
Neither clearly leads. Crunchyroll starts at Free and Libsyn at $5/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Crunchyroll or Libsyn?
Crunchyroll has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Crunchyroll and $5/month for Libsyn.
Does Crunchyroll or Libsyn run on more platforms?
Crunchyroll runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles. Libsyn runs on Web, Ios, Android.
Can I use Crunchyroll for free?
Yes. Crunchyroll has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Libsyn starts at $5/month.
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 Libsyn is typically brought in for.
What can Crunchyroll do that Libsyn cannot?
Crunchyroll covers Anime streaming, Simulcasts, Manga, Games. Libsyn covers Reliable hosting, Advanced analytics, Monetization platform, Distribution network. Both handle Web support, Ios support, Android support.
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