Funimation vs Crunchyroll: Is Crunchyroll Better Than Funimation?

Anime is everywhere now, and the options for streaming it just keep growing. Funimation and Crunchyroll are two big names in the anime streaming world, but what's better, Crunchyroll or Funimation? That's what we're here to figure out. This article breaks down both platforms-their features, pricing, and overall vibe-so you can make the best choice for your anime binge sessions.

Part 1. Overview of Funimation and Crunchyroll

In 1994, a small company in Texas decided they were going to bring Dragon Ball Z to American audiences. That's when Funimation was born. Fast forward to today, and it has earned the reputation of being the best anime powerhouse we all know and love.

Now, Funimation is a go-to platform for anime lovers who enjoy dubs. Owned by Sony, Funimation focuses mainly on English-dubbed anime, making it a hit with fans who don't want to deal with subtitles.

Now, onto Crunchyroll - the new kid on the block who grew up to be super popular. When you ask, "Is Crunchyroll better than Funimation," you're often thinking about this quick access to new content, and that is what Crunchyroll is all about: variety and subtitles.

It's been a favorite for anime fans who want access to new episodes as they air in Japan and elsewhere. Also owned by Sony, Crunchyroll has built strong partnerships with Japanese studios.

Part 2. Funimation Vs Crunchyroll - A Detailed Comparison

Let's be real - choosing between these platforms is like picking your favorite flavor of ramen. Both are tasty, but everyone's got their preferences. When people ask, "Is Funimation or Crunchyroll better," the answer isn't always a simple one. We'll look at everything from their massive libraries to those pesky pricing plans and help you figure out which one's gonna give you the most bang for your buck.

1. Library Comparison

Funimation's strength lies in its vast dubbed anime collection. It's perfect for fans of mainstream titles and action-packed series. Classics like Cowboy Bebop and newer hits like Demon Slayer are readily available.

However, the platform's library is a bit limited when it comes to subbed anime. If you're someone who enjoys watching anime in its original Japanese audio, you might find Funimation's offerings underwhelming.

Crunchyroll takes the crown for variety. Its library is packed with subbed anime across all genres. From heartwarming slice-of-life series to epic fantasy adventures, Crunchyroll has it all. Plus, its simulcast feature means you can watch new episodes almost as soon as they're released in Japan.

That said, its dubbed collection isn't as great as Funimation's. If dubs are a dealbreaker, Crunchyroll might not be your best bet.

2. Pricing and Accessibility

Funimation offers both free and paid plans. The free version includes ads, while premium options let you enjoy an ad-free experience and download shows for offline viewing. Pricing is reasonable, starting at $5.99/mo. However, availability can be an issue depending on your region, which might be a downside for international viewers.

Crunchyroll also has a free tier with ads and several premium plans that offer perks like simulcast access and HD streaming. One big advantage is its global accessibility. Anime fans around the world can enjoy Crunchyroll's library without too many restrictions.

Here is the subscription price breakdown for Crunchyroll's plans. Each of them comes with a free trial:

• Fan: $7.99/month.
• Mega Fan: $9.99/month.
• Ultimate Fan: $14.99/month.

3. User Interface and Experience

Funimation's interface is simple and easy to navigate. It's great for casual viewers who want to jump straight into their favorite dubbed shows. However, it's not without flaws. The platform occasionally suffers from glitches, and its UI feels a bit outdated on some devices.

Crunchyroll offers a more modern and polished interface. It's easy to explore its massive library, and features like curated playlists make the experience more engaging. The only hiccup? Some users report buffering issues, which can be frustrating during peak hours.

4. Mobile and Offline Viewing

Funimation's mobile app does a decent job. Offline downloads are straightforward, but subtitle customization is limited. It's a good option for watching your favorite dubs on the go, but it's not perfect.

Crunchyroll's app stands out for its better subtitle options. While offline viewing is available only for premium users, the overall mobile experience is smooth and user-friendly. If subtitles matter to you, Crunchyroll's app is the better choice.

5. Community and Extra Features

Funimation has a smaller but dedicated community. Fans often engage in discussions about their favorite shows, and the platform's exclusive merchandise and events add a unique touch. While it's not as big on extras as Crunchyroll, it's still a solid choice for fans who love Funimation's offerings.

Crunchyroll's community is massive and global. From forums to cosplay contests, there's always something happening. The platform also offers manga streaming and game tie-ins, giving fans more ways to dive into their favorite anime worlds.

6. Device Compatibility

Here's a comparison table of device compatibility for Funimation and Crunchyroll:

Part 3. Final Verdict: What's better Crunchyroll or Funimation

For the dub lovers out there, Funimation is still your best bet. The platform's huge English dub library is perfect for those who prefer to watch anime in English.

If you're all about those subs and staying current with the latest shows, Crunchyroll's your jam. Their massive selection of simulcast shows and diverse content library makes it hard to beat.

Can't decide yet? Choose Funimation if you love English dubs, want classic anime series, and don't mind a slightly dated interface. Go with Crunchyroll if you need those sweet simulcasts, prefer subs, and want access to a wider variety of shows.

Part 4. Funimation Merger with Crunchyroll Ended the Competition

Guess what? The great anime migration has finally happened! Back in March 2022, Crunchyroll decided to become the ultimate anime headquarters, and now, as of April 2, 2024, they officially said "sayonara" to the Funimation app and website!

But don't worry, your precious anime collection isn't pulling a disappearing jutsu! Your favorite shows are all safe and sound on Crunchyroll, ready for your next binge-watching adventure. Crunchyroll website, for now, has a dedicated FunimationNow library for Funimation content where you can find and watch what you love the most. Furthermore, the streaming platform is constantly cooking up new ways to feed your anime addiction - from the latest seasonal hits to those beloved classics that never get old.

Part 5. FAQs of Funimation Vs Crunchyroll

Conclusion on Funimation Vs Crunchyroll

Both Funimation and Crunchyroll have their strengths and weaknesses. With the Sony merger in play, Crunchyroll now has it all for both dub enthusiasts and sub lovers. The competition is over now, so grab your snacks, head on to the Crunchyroll website, and let the anime marathon begin!