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Entertainment · head to head

Crunchyroll vs Kodi

Crunchyroll logo

Crunchyroll

Entertainment

The world's largest anime streaming platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Kodi logo

Kodi

Entertainment

The ultimate entertainment center

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.; Kodi licensed under GPLv2, entirely free and open source with no commercial edition
  • They diverge on capability: Crunchyroll covers Anime streaming, Kodi covers Media playback.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Crunchyroll and Kodi actually diverge.

Attributes where Crunchyroll and Kodi differ
AttributeCrunchyrollKodi
Pricing modelfreemiumfree
PlatformsWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consolesWindows, Mac, Linux, Android, Ios, Smart-tv
Founded20062003

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Entertainment).

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 Kodi

  • Media playback
  • Library management
  • Add-ons
  • Customization
  • Remote control
  • Smart home
  • Streaming services
  • Add-ons

Both cover

  • 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 Kodi
  • Manga readingnot Kodi

Kodi

  • Media centernot Crunchyroll
  • Home entertainmentnot 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.

Kodi

  • Licensed under GPLv2, entirely free and open source with no commercial edition

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

Kodi

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Open source
    • All features
    • Add-ons

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 Kodi if

  • You need media playback.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, Ios, Smart-tv.
  • You also want library management.
Kodi review

Questions people ask

Is Crunchyroll or Kodi better?
Neither clearly leads. Crunchyroll starts at Free and Kodi at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Crunchyroll or Kodi?
Crunchyroll starts at Free and Kodi at Free.
Does Crunchyroll or Kodi run on more platforms?
Crunchyroll runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles. Kodi runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, Ios, Smart-tv.
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 Kodi is typically brought in for.
What can Crunchyroll do that Kodi cannot?
Crunchyroll covers Anime streaming, Simulcasts, Manga, Games. Kodi covers Media playback, Library management, Add-ons, Customization. Both handle Ios support, Android support, Smart-tv support.
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