Software · head to head
Crunchyroll vs Paramount+
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.; Paramount+ the App Store listing states Paramount+ gates all of SHOWTIME behind the Premium plan only, and separately caps household profiles at six, without stating either plan price in the visible description.
- They diverge on capability: Crunchyroll covers Anime streaming, Paramount+ covers Streaming.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Crunchyroll and Paramount+ actually diverge.
| Attribute | Crunchyroll | Paramount+ |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | $5.99/month |
| Pricing model | freemium | subscription |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles | Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv |
| Founded | 2006 | 2021 |
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
- Gaming-consoles support
Only in Paramount+
- Streaming
- Live sports
- CBS shows
- Nickelodeon
Both cover
- Smart TVs
- Gaming consoles
- Parental controls
- Profile management
- 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 Paramount+
- Manga readingnot Paramount+
Paramount+
- TV streamingnot Crunchyroll
- Sportsnot Crunchyroll
- Kids contentnot 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.
Paramount+
- The App Store listing states Paramount+ gates all of SHOWTIME behind the Premium plan only, and separately caps household profiles at six, without stating either plan price in the visible description.
- The App Store listing states the base Paramount+ plan carries ads and does not include ad-free viewing, offline downloads, or a local CBS station live stream, which are reserved for the Premium plan.
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
Paramount+
$5.99/month- Essential$5.99/month
- Limited ads
- Full library
- With Showtime$11.99/month
- Ad-free
- Showtime
- Downloads
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.
Choose Paramount+ if
- You need streaming.
- You work on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv.
- You also want live sports.
Questions people ask
- Is Crunchyroll or Paramount+ better?
- Neither clearly leads. Crunchyroll starts at Free and Paramount+ at $5.99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Crunchyroll or Paramount+?
- Crunchyroll has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Crunchyroll and $5.99/month for Paramount+.
- Does Crunchyroll or Paramount+ run on more platforms?
- Crunchyroll runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles. Paramount+ runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv.
- Can I use Crunchyroll for free?
- Yes. Crunchyroll has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Paramount+ starts at $5.99/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 Paramount+ is typically brought in for.
- What can Crunchyroll do that Paramount+ cannot?
- Crunchyroll covers Anime streaming, Simulcasts, Manga, Games. Paramount+ covers Streaming, Live sports, CBS shows, Nickelodeon. Both handle Smart TVs, Gaming consoles, Parental controls, Profile management.