Streaming service Crunchyroll raises prices weeks after killing its free tier

Crunchyroll, a leading streaming platform for anime enthusiasts, has announced a significant rise in its subscription fees, with increases of up to 20% for its monthly plans. This decision comes just weeks after the service eliminated its free tier, a move that has sparked debate among its user base. Acquired by Sony from AT&T in 2020, Crunchyroll started with a solid foundation of 3 million paying subscribers and an additional 197 million users on its free plan. The service offered a selection of titles to free users, funded by advertisements. However, following the acquisition, Crunchyroll underwent several controversial changes, including the integration of its competitor Funimation, which Sony had purchased in 2017. In April 2024, Funimation was officially shut down, and users lost access to their previously owned digital libraries, a situation that has raised concerns over digital ownership. In a series of adjustments, Crunchyroll reduced the number of free titles available in 2022 before completely phasing out the free option by December 31, 2025. The latest price hikes affect all remaining subscription tiers. The Fan plan, which is now the most affordable option, has increased from $8 to $10 per month. The Mega tier, allowing streaming on up to four devices at once, has risen from $12 to $14. The Ultra tier, which supports simultaneous streaming on six devices and includes access to the Crunchyroll Manga app, has gone up from $16 to $18. Current subscribers will notice these price adjustments starting on March 4, while new customers will face the increased rates immediately. These price changes follow a previous increase in May 2024, when the Mega tier rose from $10 to $12, and the Ultimate tier went from $15 to $16. Crunchyroll assures its users that the price hikes are intended to enhance the viewing experience, with upcoming features such as teen profiles, PIN protection, and improved device compatibility set to roll out soon.