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Entertainment · head to head

Crunchyroll vs YouTube Music

Crunchyroll logo

Crunchyroll

Entertainment

The world's largest anime streaming platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
YouTube Music logo

YouTube Music

Music

A new music streaming service from YouTube

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.; YouTube Music free tier includes unskippable ads which interrupts music listening
  • They diverge on capability: Crunchyroll covers Anime streaming, YouTube Music covers Music streaming.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Crunchyroll and YouTube Music actually diverge.

Attributes where Crunchyroll and YouTube Music differ
AttributeCrunchyrollYouTube Music
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
PlatformsWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consolesWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-speakers
CategoryEntertainmentMusic
Founded20062005

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

  • Music streaming
  • Music videos
  • Live performances
  • Personalization
  • Google services
  • Smart speakers
  • Android Auto
  • Google account security

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 YouTube Music
  • Manga readingnot YouTube Music

YouTube Music

  • Music streamingnot Crunchyroll
  • Video watchingnot Crunchyroll
  • Discoverynot 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.

YouTube Music

  • Free tier includes unskippable ads which interrupts music listening
  • User-uploaded content creates inconsistent audio quality and metadata compared to official releases
  • Limited music discovery and recommendation features compared to Spotify's AI-powered algorithms

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

YouTube Music

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Ad-supported listening
    • Music videos
  • Premium$11.99/month
    • Ad-free
    • Offline downloads
    • Background playback
  • Family$18.99/month
    • Up to 6 accounts
    • Parental controls
  • Student$5.99/month
    • Ad-free
    • YouTube Premium included

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 YouTube Music if

  • You need music streaming.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-speakers.
  • You also want music videos.
YouTube Music review

Questions people ask

Is Crunchyroll or YouTube Music better?
Neither clearly leads. Crunchyroll starts at Free and YouTube Music at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Crunchyroll or YouTube Music?
Crunchyroll starts at Free and YouTube Music at Free.
Does Crunchyroll or YouTube Music run on more platforms?
Crunchyroll runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles. YouTube Music runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-speakers.
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 YouTube Music is typically brought in for.
What can Crunchyroll do that YouTube Music cannot?
Crunchyroll covers Anime streaming, Simulcasts, Manga, Games. YouTube Music covers Music streaming, Music videos, Live performances, Personalization. Both handle Web support, Ios support, Android support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

YouTube Music: How much does YouTube Music Premium cost?

YouTube Music Premium costs $11.99 per month for individual subscriptions, $18.99 per month for family plans (up to 6 accounts), and $5.99 per month for students.

Source
YouTube Music: Does YouTube Music have a free tier?

Yes, YouTube Music offers a free version with access to music and music videos but includes occasional unskippable ads. Free users can create playlists and discover music but lack premium features like offline downloads.

Source
YouTube Music: What makes YouTube Music different from other streaming services?

YouTube Music uniquely provides access to official songs, music videos, live performances, remixes, and user-uploaded content not available on other platforms. Users can seamlessly switch between audio and official music videos.

Source
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