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Crunchyroll vs Netflix

Crunchyroll logo

Crunchyroll

Software

The world's largest anime streaming platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Netflix logo

Netflix

Software

Watch TV shows and movies anytime, anywhere

From
$6.99/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.; Netflix the entry plan caps video at 720p and allows one simultaneous stream and one download device
  • They diverge on capability: Crunchyroll covers Anime streaming, Netflix covers Video streaming.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Crunchyroll and Netflix actually diverge.

Attributes where Crunchyroll and Netflix differ
AttributeCrunchyrollNetflix
Starting priceFree$6.99/month
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consolesWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Streaming-devices
Founded20061997

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 Crunchyroll

  • Anime streaming
  • Simulcasts
  • Manga
  • Games
  • Profile management
  • Smart-tv support
  • Gaming-consoles support

Only in Netflix

  • Video streaming
  • Offline downloads
  • Multiple profiles
  • Personalized recommendations
  • Original content
  • Multi-device support
  • Auto-play next episode
  • Streaming devices

Both cover

  • Smart TVs
  • Gaming consoles
  • Parental controls
  • 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 Netflix
  • Manga readingnot Netflix

Netflix

  • Streaming films and series on demand across TVs, phones and browsersnot Crunchyroll
  • Downloading titles for offline viewing on a limited number of devicesnot Crunchyroll
  • Playing Netflix mobile games included with a subscriptionnot 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.

Netflix

  • The entry plan caps video at 720p and allows one simultaneous stream and one download device
  • 1080p and two simultaneous streams require the Standard plan
  • 4K Ultra HD, HDR and spatial audio are restricted to the Premium plan, which allows 4 streams and 6 download devices
  • Netflix states an account is for people who live together in a single household, so viewers outside the home need a paid extra member slot
  • Plan prices and availability differ by country and change when Netflix is bought through a partner package or add-on

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

Netflix

$6.99/month
  • Standard with ads$6.99/month
    • All but a few movies and TV shows
    • Unlimited ad-free series and movies
    • Watch on 2 supported devices at a time
  • Standard$15.49/month
    • All Netflix movies and TV shows
    • Watch on 2 supported devices at a time
    • Watch in HD
  • Premium$22.99/month
    • All Netflix movies and TV shows
    • Watch on 4 supported devices at a time
    • Watch in Ultra HD

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 Netflix if

  • You need video streaming.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Streaming-devices.
  • You also want offline downloads.
Netflix review

Questions people ask

Is Crunchyroll or Netflix better?
Neither clearly leads. Crunchyroll starts at Free and Netflix at $6.99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Crunchyroll or Netflix?
Crunchyroll has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Crunchyroll and $6.99/month for Netflix.
Does Crunchyroll or Netflix run on more platforms?
Crunchyroll runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles. Netflix runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Streaming-devices.
Can I use Crunchyroll for free?
Yes. Crunchyroll has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Netflix starts at $6.99/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 Netflix is typically brought in for.
What can Crunchyroll do that Netflix cannot?
Crunchyroll covers Anime streaming, Simulcasts, Manga, Games. Netflix covers Video streaming, Offline downloads, Multiple profiles, Personalized recommendations. Both handle Smart TVs, Gaming consoles, Parental controls, Web support.
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