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Software · head to head

Jellyfin vs Crunchyroll

Jellyfin logo

Jellyfin

Software

The free software media system

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Crunchyroll logo

Crunchyroll

Software

The world's largest anime streaming platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

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

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Jellyfin and Crunchyroll actually diverge.

Attributes where Jellyfin and Crunchyroll differ
AttributeJellyfinCrunchyroll
Pricing modelfreefreemium
PlatformsWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Desktop, DockerWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles
Founded20182006

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 Jellyfin

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

Only in Crunchyroll

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

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.

Jellyfin

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

Crunchyroll

  • Anime watchingnot Jellyfin
  • Manga readingnot Jellyfin

Where each one falls short

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

Jellyfin

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

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.

Pricing, plan by plan

Jellyfin

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

Crunchyroll

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

Which should you pick?

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

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

Questions people ask

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