Software · head to head
Stitcher vs Crunchyroll
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Stitcher service discontinued August 29, 2023; 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: Stitcher covers Podcast streaming, Crunchyroll covers Anime streaming.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Stitcher and Crunchyroll actually diverge.
| Attribute | Stitcher | Crunchyroll |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Web, Ios, Android, Smart-speakers | Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles |
| Founded | 2007 | 2006 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (freemium), 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 Stitcher
- Podcast streaming
- Original content
- Ad-free
- Offline listening
- Recommendations
- Smart speakers
- Car systems
- Account security
Only in Crunchyroll
- Anime streaming
- Simulcasts
- Manga
- Games
- Smart TVs
- Gaming consoles
- Parental controls
- Profile management
Both cover
- Web support
- Ios support
- Android support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Stitcher
- Podcast listeningnot Crunchyroll
- Audio entertainmentnot Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll
- Anime watchingnot Stitcher
- Manga readingnot Stitcher
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Stitcher
- Service discontinued August 29, 2023
- No longer available for download or 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.
Pricing, plan by plan
Stitcher
Free- FreeFree
- Free podcasts
- Ad-supported
- Stitcher Premium$4.99/month
- Ad-free
- Exclusives
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 Stitcher if
- You need podcast streaming.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-speakers.
- You also want original content.
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.
Questions people ask
- Is Stitcher or Crunchyroll better?
- Neither clearly leads. Stitcher 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, Stitcher or Crunchyroll?
- Stitcher starts at Free and Crunchyroll at Free.
- Does Stitcher or Crunchyroll run on more platforms?
- Stitcher runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-speakers. Crunchyroll runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles.
- Can I use Stitcher for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Stitcher best used for?
- Stitcher is most often used for podcast listening, audio entertainment. Of those, podcast listening and audio entertainment are not what Crunchyroll is typically brought in for.
- What can Stitcher do that Crunchyroll cannot?
- Stitcher covers Podcast streaming, Original content, Ad-free, Offline listening. Crunchyroll covers Anime streaming, Simulcasts, Manga, Games. Both handle Web support, Ios support, Android support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Stitcher: Is Stitcher still available?
No. Stitcher shut down on August 29, 2023. SiriusXM, which acquired Stitcher in 2020, discontinued the app to consolidate podcasts into its flagship SiriusXM subscription. Users can listen to podcasts via the SiriusXM app instead.
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