Crunchyroll (Free)
Crunchyroll is an anime streaming service. While the giants in the streaming world, such as Netflix and Amazon, have anime on their servers, this service is the leader in the world of online anime. It offers an unlimited number of series and a wide range of services.
Watch wherever
Crunchyroll is available for free on various devices but is most commonly used on computers and mobile devices. The service is intuitive and straightforward, making the vast catalogue stand out even more.
Syncs your viewing history
The service enables you to organise your future watching by allowing you to queue the series. Also, it synchronises your progress across seasons on all the devices, making it easy to pick up where you left off.
Discover new shows
The search functions are practical and many, allowing you to filter the available shows by genre, rating, and dubs. The clear, user-friendly interface makes the recommendations simpler to gauge. Also, if you're new to anime, you will enjoy the random button that will play you the first episode of an unknown show.
Their library includes over 25,000 episodes, with all the necessary classics as well as new shows getting updated weekly. Each anime also has the option to enable subtitles and dubs.
Free vs premium membership
The free version of the service includes all the shows, the app, and unlimited browsing. However, opting for a premium membership brings a host of bonus features - it disables ads, the viewing resolution is better, the episodes are available more quickly, and it unlocks the forum, amongst other features afforded to premium members. The premium service is affordable, even if you go for the most expensive profile type.
Extras features
Crunchyroll comes with various supplemental features to further engage the audience. You can read manga on the app, and you'll find a store full of toys, games, and cosplay props, as well as forums, anime news and features. Plus, the developers recently added music by famous Japanese bands.
Cooperation with similar programmes
Crunchyroll joined forces with another anime streaming service, Funimation, increasing its user base. Now, you may watch shows shared across both libraries. Besides, Funimation provides English dubs while Crunchyroll focuses more on subtitles. Now you have a choice.
Best in class
If you don't mind the ads, enjoy all the features this service has to offer without paying a dime. Even if you go for the premium version, Crunchy roll delivers your money's worth.
The site boasts one of the most comprehensive and inclusive anime libraries online, with decent streaming service to put it in action. However, some essential shows are still missing from the catalogue.
