Crunchyroll vs Funimation – Which Is Better?

With the rise in popularity of anime as a form of entertainment in recent years, there are now numerous streaming sites that provide anime content.

Two of the most well-known anime streaming services are Funimation and Crunchyroll. Both of these services offer anime content, but which one is better?

Before I start with the review, let me answer it briefly. Crunchyroll is the better tool between Funimation and Crunchyroll.

As you read the post, you’ll find out why Crunchyroll is the winner.

What is Crunchyroll?

Crunchyroll is a US-based streaming platform that offers various anime, manga, and Asian dramas. The site, which debuted in 2006, was first created as a location where anime and manga enthusiasts could watch their preferred programs and read manga online.

Since then, Crunchyroll has developed into one of the biggest and most well-known streaming services in the world, with a sizable library of more than 1,000 anime series, 30,000 episodes, and 300 Asian dramas.

Users can select from various genres, including romance, drama, action, and more. Also, the platform frequently adds new shows to its library, guaranteeing that customers may always find something fresh to watch. The platform also offers a library with many manga titles that users can read online.

As a result of its collaborations with numerous anime studios, Crunchyroll has emerged as a prominent participant in the anime market. Live-action Asian dramas have also been added to the network’s offerings, resulting in a unique and diverse entertainment platform.

What is Funimation?

Funimation is an American entertainment company that distributes and produces anime and other related media. Gen Fukunaga established the business in 1994, and it has since grown to rank among the top distributors of anime in North America.

A wide variety of new and old anime and simulcast films that may be viewed as soon as they are released in Japan are all accessible on Funimation’s streaming service.

The goal of Funimation is to provide the top anime programming to North American viewers. With several of the largest animation studios in Japan, including Toei Animation, Aniplex, and Sunrise, to mention a few, the business has licensing arrangements.

As a result, Funimation can provide a sizable collection of anime series on its streaming service, including well-known ones like Dragon Ball Z, Attack on Titan, Naruto, and My Hero Academia.

Fans may collect and own their favorite series thanks to Funimation’s release of anime titles on DVD and Blu-ray in addition to streaming. The studio also creates English-language dubs of anime films, an essential service for viewers who favor seeing anime in their native tongue.

For those who like to watch anime in their mother tongue, Funimation has a brilliant group of voice actors who vividly portray the characters in English.

Assassination Classroom, Dr. Stone, and The Promised Neverland are just a few of the anime shows that Funimation has dabbled in producing. The firm has a devoted following in North America and worldwide because of its dedication to creating anime titles of the highest caliber.

Crunchyroll vs Funimation: Ease of Use

Crunchyroll

The simplicity of utilizing Crunchyroll is one of its most important benefits.

First, users can easily find what they’re looking for thanks to the website’s and app’s easy navigation. Users may easily browse fresh and trending material thanks to the main page’s numerous sections. The search feature also enables rapid searches for a certain show or genre.

The second advantage of Crunchyroll is its user-friendly layout and straightforward controls, which make it easy to start and manage videos. Simple controls like stop, play, and volume control on the video player interface makes it simple to watch anime or read manga without being interrupted.

Thirdly, the service caters to a global audience by offering numerous language options for subtitles and dubs. The user can select a subtitle language from a variety, including English, Spanish, Portuguese, and German.

However, while Crunchyroll generally has an easy-to-use interface, some users have needed help navigating it. This may be particularly true for users unfamiliar with the platform or its layout.

One problem with the interface is that the main page has a ton of content, which might be challenging to browse.

Also, some users may not find the video player interface as user-friendly as they want. The basic controls are simple, but some users have encountered issues while trying to access the subtitles or change the playback speed.

It’s crucial to remember that not all users may experience these problems and that Crunchyroll frequently improves its user interface to enhance the user experience.

Funimation

Compared to Crunchyroll, Funimation features a user-friendly UI. Users can easily explore and find the content they want to watch because of the website’s and app’s excellent design and usability. Users may quickly find new titles because of the homepage’s well-organized categories.

The search feature on Funimation is among its most beneficial elements. On the site, the search box is prominently displayed, making it simple to locate the content you’re looking for quickly. If you’re trying to find a specific anime movie or series, you can search by title, genre, or even voice actor.

The video player from Funimation is straightforward to use. The player contains helpful features like closed captions, subtitles, and a progress bar that lets you go to specific points in the video, and the platform supports HD video quality.

Verdict

In terms of ease of use, Funimation is the winner due to its user-friendlier interface and additional features.

It offers a neat user interface that makes your browsing experience smoother, unlike Crunchyroll’s, which could be challenging to navigate.

Crunchyroll vs Funimation: Content Library

Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll provides a wide range of anime and manga titles for users. As previously said, it offers more than 1,000 anime titles and more than 30,000 manga chapters for streaming, giving it a terrific alternative for those searching for various selections.

Simulcasting, or streaming new episodes of anime series soon after they show in Japan, is one of Crunchyroll’s most significant advantages. This indicates that Crunchyroll frequently offers access to the newest anime series before other streaming providers do.

Those who want to stay up with the most recent episodes of their favorite series will find this incredibly intriguing.

The variety of Crunchyroll’s content catalog is another benefit. It offers many anime genres, including comedy, romance, action, and more. This indicates that the platform has something to offer everyone. On Crunchyroll, some of the most well-known anime series are Attack on Titan, Naruto, and One Piece.

Funimation

Funimation, in contrast to Crunchyroll, specializes solely in dubbed anime content. As a result, it is a fantastic option for fans who love watching anime in English because it contains a sizable library of English-dubbed anime shows.

New anime series are also broadcast on Funimation; however, there are fewer of them than on Crunchyroll. It makes up for this, though, by providing a sizable selection of well-known anime films, like Cowboy Bebop, My Hero Academia, and Dragon Ball. Both subtitled and dubbed versions of these films are offered, allowing viewers to select their preferred language.

Funimation differs from Crunchyroll in that it provides a variety of live-action Asian dramas and movies in addition to its animation library.

Verdict

Overall, both Crunchyroll and Funimation have large and diverse content libraries that cater to different audiences. Even though they may also share some similar content, Crunchyroll wins this round as it undoubtedly offers the best range of anime content among the two.

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Crunchyroll vs Funimation: Availability

Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll is accessible in almost 200 nations worldwide, including North America, the UK, and parts of Europe, Australia, and Asia.

Funimation

Funimation is predominantly available in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. However, it has recently expanded to other nations, including Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland.

Verdict

Crunchyroll wins this round since it’s available in more countries.

Crunchyroll vs Funimation: Device Compatibility

A variety of devices are compatible with Crunchyroll and Funimation:

• Web browsers: You can access them using Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.
• Mobile devices: iOS and Android-compatible mobile apps are available for these products. Users can watch content while on the go with these apps.
• Smart TVs: Some Smart TV systems, including Apple TV, Roku TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV, support both platforms.
• Game consoles: They include the Xbox and PlayStation games.
• Set-top boxes: Crunchyroll and Funimation are available on Chromecast, Nvidia Shield, and Apple AirPlay devices.

Crunchyroll vs Funimation: Pricing

Crunchyroll

There are three subscription options available on Crunchyroll: Fan, Mega Fan, and Ultimate Fan. The Premium and Premium+ memberships allow access to a larger selection of anime than the Free plan, which only offers a small library.

Users can watch simulcasts immediately after their Japanese showing, ad-free streaming, and high-definition (HD) videos with the Fan plan, which costs $7.99 monthly.

All the services of the Premium plan are included in the $9.99 per month Mega Fan plan. In the same vein, all the features of the two plans and more are included in the Ultimate Fan plan, which costs $14.99 monthly.

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Funimation

Two paid subscription options are available from Funimation: Premium and Premium Plus.

Those who subscribe to the $7.99/month Premium plan receive ad-free streaming, access to simulcasts, and HD video content.

Like in Crunchyroll, all the features of the Premium plan are also included in the $9.99 per month Premium Plus plan, along with a few extra benefits like free shipping on purchases and a free trial of the Funimation Shop for two weeks.

Verdict

Although Funimation has the most affordable paid plan, both Crunchyroll and Funimation have cheap plans that consumers can select based on their demands and budget.

Crunchyroll vs Funimation: Pros and Cons

Crunchyroll Pros

• Huge Collection: With over 1,000 anime titles available, Crunchyroll boasts one of the most extensive anime collections.
• Simulcasts: Thanks to Crunchyroll, fans of popular anime shows may see the most recent episodes of ongoing series within an hour of their Japanese broadcast.
• Access to Manga: Besides providing viewers with anime to watch, Crunchyroll also has a sizable manga library.
• Community Features: Crunchyroll focuses significantly on its community, allowing users to interact with other anime lovers through forums, watch parties, and social network integration.

Crunchyroll Cons

• Limited Dubbed Content: Those who like to view anime in English may find Crunchyroll’s selection of dubbed anime series needing improvement.
• Limited HD Content: Although having a sizable collection, not all of Crunchyroll’s content is offered in high definition.

Funimation Pros

• Huge Dubbed Library: Funimation is a fantastic option for people who wish to view anime in English because it has a huge collection of dubbed anime.
• Simulcasts: Funimation, like Crunchyroll, provides simulcasts of well-known anime series, enabling viewers to watch the most recent episodes within an hour of their release in Japan.
• HD Content: The majority of the material on Funimation is high-definition.
• Offline Viewing: Users can download anime content from Funimation to watch it offline.

Funimation Cons

• Limited Subbed Content: A problem for viewers who wish to watch anime in Japanese is Funimation’s restricted collection of subtitled anime series.
• Lack of Community Features: Those who wish to interact with other anime lovers may find it challenging to do so on Funimation because it lacks the same community features as Crunchyroll.

Similarities and Differences

Similarities

1. Anime streaming: There are several anime titles available on both Crunchyroll and Funimation, two streaming services that also provide simulcasts of the most recent Japanese anime series.
2. Manga Streaming: Both services provide fans access to manga content, including some exclusive titles.
3. Subtitles and Dubs: Both Crunchyroll and Funimation provide anime with dubbed audio and subtitle options, letting viewers select their favorite language.
4. Membership Options: Both platforms include free and premium membership alternatives, with more benefits and features only available to paying customers.

Differences

1. Content Library: Both services provide a large variety of anime and manga content, although their libraries differ in some ways. While Funimation offers more dubbed anime and older movies, Crunchyroll focuses more on animation.
2. Availability: Crunchyroll is more accessible to viewers outside North America because it is offered in more nations than Funimation. Funimation has agreements with several Japanese anime studios through which it is granted exclusive rights to specific anime programs.
3. User Interface: The two platforms’ user interfaces are also dissimilar. While Funimation’s UI is more conventional and uncomplicated, Crunchyroll’s is more up-to-date and organized.

Crunchyroll and Funimation Merger

In December 2020, Crunchyroll and Funimation made their merger public. The merger of the two biggest competitors in the anime market was a significant event for the sector.

Both corporations stand to gain a great deal from the merger. For instance, Crunchyroll can access the vast collection of dubbed anime that Funimation has, expanding its audience and opening up new markets.

Similar to how Crunchyroll will profit from Funimation’s strong global presence and licensing and distribution know-how.

Offering fans a more extensive selection of anime content and a better user experience is one of the key objectives of the merger.

The two businesses have stated that while continuing to run as independent brands, they will collaborate to pool resources, create new products and services, and share information.

Other Platforms like Crunchyroll and Funimation

In addition to Crunchyroll and Funimation, there are several other anime services that provide comparable material and functionality. Here are some of the best platforms like Crunchyroll and Funimation:

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1. Hulu

Hulu is a streaming platform that has a huge library of top-notch original content.

It is accessible in the US and Japan, and the US alone has over 39 million users. A basic plan with little advertising, a plan with no ads, and a plan with live TV are just a few of the packages Hulu provides.

Features

• A massive catalog of movies and TV Shows: TV episodes and movies from various networks and studios, including ABC, NBC, Fox, FX, Universal, and more, are available in Hulu’s sizable library.
• Original content: “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Pen15,” “Ramy,” and “Happiest Season” are just a few examples of the original TV programs and films that Hulu has produced.
• Live TV: Hulu provides access to over 75 channels, including sports, news, and entertainment.
• Multiple streaming options: Hulu is available on various platforms, including mobile phones, tablets, Amazon Fire TV, etc.
• Individualized recommendations: Hulu’s algorithm makes recommendations for material based on a user’s viewing tastes and history.

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2. HIDIVE

HIDIVE is a streaming service that specializes in providing anime content to its subscribers. It was released in 2017 by Sentai Filmworks, an American anime licensing business, and is now accessible in certain countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Action, adventure, humor, drama, romance, and sci-fi are just a few of the genres of anime that can be found on HIDIVE. Also, the service offers simulcasts of anime programs now airing in Japan, allowing users to view brand-new episodes as soon as they are broadcast there.

HIDIVE has a lesser content inventory than other anime streaming services like Crunchyroll and Funimation, but it nevertheless provides a wide range of anime titles.

Also, HIDIVE lays a lot of focus on its carefully selected collections, which can direct visitors to new and intriguing anime programming.

Features

• Curated collections: HIDIVE’s curated collections, which anime specialists and fans choose, are one of its distinctive qualities. These volumes cover topics like “Girls with Guns,” “Retro Flashback,” and “Hidden Treasures,” among others.
• Language options: The content on HIDIVE is also available in several different languages, including English, Japanese, and Spanish subtitles and English, Spanish, and Portuguese audio.

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3. VRV

VRV is another streaming service that features anime, cartoons, and other content. Ellation, an Otter Media company, introduced it in 2016. Because VRV is a subscription-based service, customers must pay a monthly charge to access its content.

In that it provides a vast library of anime videos, VRV is comparable to Crunchyroll and Funimation. To give users access to their content, VRV collaborates with both Crunchyroll and Funimation.

Users can access Crunchyroll and Funimation channels on VRV, making it a one-stop shop for anime fans.

Features

• Content Variety: VRV provides a significant collection of anime, cartoons, and other animated stuff from various producers. Rooster Teeth, Cartoon Hangover, Funimation, and Crunchyroll are a few of the well-known VRV content providers.
• Ad-Free Viewing: By removing adverts from the content, VRV’s premium subscription gives viewers a seamless and uninterrupted viewing experience.
• Support for Multiple Devices: VRV can be used on various devices, including iOS, Android, web browsers, Apple TV, Roku, and Xbox One. With this function, people may watch their favorite material on the gadgets of their choice.
• Curated Channels: VRV provides a variety of channels that are catered to specific interests. For example, anime fans can visit the Crunchyroll channel, which features just anime-related programming.
• Offline Viewing: Users of the VRV mobile app can download content and watch it offline, which is helpful for those who are constantly on the move.

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Conclusion

Crunchyroll and Funimation are both top-notch streaming sites that provide fans all over the world with a vast selection of anime and other Japanese material. Each platform has distinct advantages and disadvantages, depending on the user’s tastes and watching patterns.

However, Crunchyroll is the better tool, primarily due to its wide range of content, community features, and commitment to simulcasts.

Finally, It drills down to preferences and watching habits when deciding between Crunchyroll and Funimation. Hence, whether you’re a casual viewer or an avid anime fan, these platforms have plenty to offer to everyone.