Like most people growing up, I was a huge fan of cartoons, especially anime. I didn’t know that even in my old age, I would still find myself watching some of these animation shows.
Many video platforms, particularly Crunchyroll and VRV (pronounced as ‘verve’), feature next-gen anime videos. These streaming platforms offer vast content, including anime, cartoons, and original productions, that are in demand anywhere and anytime.
Crunchyroll and VRV, like many other animation platforms, have made it easy to access animated content and given upcoming animators a great foundation to showcase their work to the world.
Whether you are an all-time fan or just a casual fan exploring the animation world, choosing which platform suits all your needs can be challenging. This is precisely why we are going to compare the two platforms today.
Even though both the platforms are great at what they do, Crunchyroll is better. As we explore their features and other things down below, you will get to know the reason behind my pick.
Let’s begin.
What is Crunchyroll?
Crunchyroll is an independent animation streaming platform specializing in manga and anime content. Since its inception in 2006, Crunchyroll has become one of the most popular animation streaming services acquiring over 100 million registered users globally as of 2021, with a library of more than 30,000 episodes and over 16,000 hours of content.
In 2021, Crunchyroll was acquired by Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. in a bid to provide an opportunity for Crunchyroll to “broaden their distribution and expand fan-centric offerings for consumers,” as described by the CEO of Sony Group Corporation.
Crunchyroll is home to various anime movies and shows, including Dragon Ball and Naruto. The streaming service also has a broad selection of Asian dramas, light novels, events merchandise, mobile games, and manga, making it a hub of all things anime.
One of the unique features of Crunchyroll is its simulcasting ability. This allows you to stream new episodes within hours of their release. Anime lovers worldwide get to stay updated on the latest shows and episodes, avoiding any spoilers.
Its dedication to animation has made it a popular destination for anime enthusiasts who get to enjoy exclusive original productions and content making it a huge player in the animation industry.
How Does It Work?
Crunchyroll gives you different ways to watch anime titles. As a user, you can opt to access it on mobile apps for Android, iOS, and Windows phones or directly stream from your computer.
Alternatively, you can access Crunchyroll content on streaming devices and gaming platforms including Apple TV, Chromecast, PlayStation, Xbox, Wii U, Vita, and Roku.
Crunchyroll allows you to switch from one device to another seamlessly if you are logged in.
What is VRV?
VRV is an over-the-top video streaming platform that offers users diverse content on anime, tech, gaming, and geek culture. The platform enables users to access a variety of content by bundling different streaming channels under one roof.
Launched in 2016, VRV has acquired over three million registered users as of 2018, who have access to over 20,000 hours of free content from all sources. It offers exclusive original content via its VRV Select channel.
Though only available in the United States, VRV has established itself as an interactive platform by offering a range of interactive features, including chat rooms, user profiles, and watch parties where users can engage and interact with their favorite content in exciting new ways.
The VRV app allows users to enjoy the most recent TV series or the old classic comic-books shows. The best thing about VRV is that the content on its channels is always updated and kept fresh.
VRV is basically fandom on your fingers. It can be considered a “hub” that allows you to subscribe to other platforms, including Crunchyroll, through its subscription packages.
How Does It Work?
VRV works like any other streaming service. You are required to sign up by creating an account and then get unlimited access to its library collection.
The content can also be viewed from mobile apps on iOS, Android, and Windows phones. You can also watch its content by streaming from Chromecast and other web services as well as on gaming consoles such as Xbox and PlayStation.
Coverage
Crunchyroll
One of the most noticeable features of Crunchyroll is its availability in numerous countries and regions. Crunchyroll users can access the streaming platform from over 200 countries worldwide, with license issues limiting experience from country to country.
This means you can simply access the website and start watching from any accessible location.
It is important, however, to note that Crunchyroll is geo-restricted. This means that the content available for you will depend on what location you are streaming from.
VRV
As of 2023, VRV is only available to users in the United States. This means when you try to access the site from any other location, you will get the “unavailable” message.
Verdict
Crunchyroll is available in various countries worldwide, unlike VRV, which is only available in the United States. Crunchyroll has the edge.
Also Read: Best 9anime Alternatives
User Interface & Experience
Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll has a basic design interface that takes you back to the old days, with a homepage featuring popular shows and anime releases.
The homepage is traditionally designed with a search bar that allows you to look for specific movies, anime series, or genres arranged alphabetically.
The sleek design of the video player includes standard playback controls such as play, stop, pause, fast forward, and rewind.
The playback speed on Crunchyroll has been in the spotlight recently for the wrong reasons. Users have often complained about its slow playback speed.
The platform’s overreliance on Adobe Flash technology is blamed for the slow speeds.
Crunchyroll’s interface clutter has been one of its downsides.
VRV
As a more recent platform, VRV has boasted of a one-of-a-kind viewer experience. The entertainment platform uses the latest HTML5 video player. This means you can enjoy quality videos while experiencing very few playback errors.
The VRV AI uses your search history or shows you’ve watched recently to get top picks for you. This allows you to spend little time deciding which program or series attends to your tastes and preferences.
Based on your internet connection strength, VR adjusts its streaming quality between 240p and 1080p to offer you the highest possible video quality without buffering.
Verdict
VRV uses the latest video playback software that reduces playback errors making it the clear winner.
Also Read: Best Waifu2x Alternatives
Advertisements
Crunchyroll
Let’s be honest; ads are no fun at all. I understand that the website has to make money, but sometimes when the ads are too much, you barely get to enjoy your show.
Crunchyroll offers free ad-supported content. This means that you experience various ads at specific points when watching a video.
However, Crunchyroll has too many ads. Being a Crunchyroll user, I have experienced this a lot, and sometimes it gets really frustrating. To make matters worse, you may find yourself watching the same advertisement more than five times during and before an episode.
For ad-free videos and shows, you can subscribe to the premium account.
VRV
VRV also airs ad-supported content. However, the number of ads that appear during an episode is far less, mostly around three advertisements per episode. This can be tedious but bearable.
Verdict
Advertisements of any kind are always annoying. For this reason, the two services tie.
Available Content
Crunchyroll
The content library in Crunchyroll is unmatched. Crunchyroll is mainly focused on anime shows and offers a variety of popular Japanese animations like Naruto and many others. A large number of subscribers get to enjoy over 1,000 anime series and over 30,000 episodes.
In addition to the anime and manga offered, Crunchyroll offers several in-person events, including Crunchyroll Anime Awards and Crunchyroll Expo.
A feature that separates Crunchyroll from the crowd is its ability to produce exclusive programs through Crunchyroll Originals. Crunchyroll launched the feature as a way of distinguishing itself from competitors by offering unique content.
Some of the anime available on Crunchyroll include action, arts, sports, adventure, drama, horror, and many more.
Crunchyroll’s die-hard fans often talk about one feature a lot; it’s simulcast ability which means subscribers get to enjoy newly released shows within a few hours of their release.
VRV
On a one-on-one basis, Crunchyroll has more videos and content than VRV. However, to compensate for the deficit, VRV allows you as a premium member to enjoy content from other streaming services, including Crunchyroll, all under one roof.
Its cross-platform compatibility presents VRV subscribers with more depth of all anime content available, giving it a slight edge over other animation streaming platforms.
Premium members on VRV can download content from their devices through the apps on Android and iOS. You are simply required to tap the arrow on your screen next to the episode you want to download, and it syncs with your device and becomes available for offline viewing.
However, you should note that offline access to any content is limited to seven days, while you only have 48 hours from when you press play to watch any content. Not all videos can be downloaded. Some titles have restrictions due to license agreements.
Explore: Best Animation Apps For iPad
Verdict
VRV carries the day. The ability of VRV to include shows from Crunchyroll and other anime streaming platforms gives it an advantage over Crunchyroll.
Platforms
Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll gives you a variety of ways to access your favorite anime series and shows. Viewers can watch the content on media streaming devices like Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, and Amazon Fire TV.
As a user, you can also access the Crunchyroll website through popular web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari.
To access the platform via mobile devices, you are required to download the Crunchyroll app either from Play Store or App Store for both iOS and Android devices. The mobile apps are optimized to work on small screens allowing viewers to enjoy a seamless experience.
Moreover, Crunchyroll is also available on gaming consoles such as PlayStation 4 and 5 and the Xbox Series. This allows you to watch anime content on gaming devices without needing a separate device.
For further details on the available platforms, visit their platform page.
VRV
VRV allows you to access the content by downloading the app from the App Store and PlayStore. It is also possible for you as a viewer to enjoy streaming anime from web browsers such as Google Chrome and Mozilla.
For gamers, VRV is available on PlayStation as well as Xbox consoles. For those with Smart TVs, you can watch your favorite episodes on Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, and Android TV.
Verdict
Crunchyroll is available on more devices and platforms, giving it an edge over VRV.
Explore: Best FlipaClip Alternatives
Subbed and Dubbed Content
Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll offers you both dubbed and subbed anime content, depending on your preferences. By default, most anime content on this platform is subbed, meaning the productions are done in the original Japanese language but with English subtitles.
Most anime fans prefer watching the original content to preserve the cultural nuances and capture the full range of emotions expressed by the characters that may be lost during translation.
Nevertheless, Crunchyroll also offers some anime content with English voiceovers for those who may prefer them. The original Japanese audio is replaced by English voice actors who speak in sync with the actors during dialogue.
This makes it easier for fans who prefer to follow the action and appreciate every visual detail without having to read subtitles.
The platform releases new episodes in the original Japanese language before making the English subtitles available shortly after. Dubbed versions are, however, released later on after getting feedback from viewers.
Crunchyroll is often praised for using normal subtitles without backgrounds – rather than closed captions – which are usually customizable and not distracting.
Crunchyroll mainly focuses on subbed anime content, with only a few series getting dubbed.
VRV
VRV, on the other hand, can be termed agnostic. This is because the content offered on this platform is both in dubbed and subbed versions, giving viewers the freedom to decide what’s best for them.
Since Funimation’s collections can be accessed from the VRV platform, viewers can easily watch the original dubbed content and English anime.
VRV users can easily switch between dubbed and subbed versions by accessing the setting and changing for each episode.
Verdict
VRV is the winner because it provides access to dubbed and subbed anime content, giving viewers the freedom to choose what they prefer.
Also Read: Best Mixamo Alternatives
Pricing and Subscriptions
Crunchyroll
If you are only looking to save a few dollars, I suggest you create a free account on Crunchyroll and get access to its library, which contains a limited choice of manga and a few anime shows.
However, to enjoy more features and get rid of annoying apps, you should get paid subscriptions.
Crunchyroll has a 14-day free trial premium service that allows subscribers to enjoy ad-free shows for the period. In addition to the free trial account, viewers can access unlimited anime content just an hour after release in Japan.
Crunchyroll has three-tier options for viewers wishing to subscribe to their packages.
At the lowest level of the premium membership tier is The Fan. Under this package, users must pay $7.99 a month and get access to ad-free content, access to Crunchyroll’s manga library, and a same-day simulcast of released anime.
The Mega Fan, which is the next option, is purchased at $9.99 per month. Mega Fans have access to all features of the Fan account.
In addition, subscribers under this package can view content offline, have exclusive access to Crunchyroll Expo, can stream content on multiple devices, and enjoy discounted prices on available merchandise in Crunchyroll’s store.
The most inclusive and expensive tier is the Ultimate Fan. Members of this package have access to all features of the other tiers and get a 16% discount with a 12-month plan. Users have to part with $14.99 a month to enjoy these benefits.
More details on the available features of every package can be found on their pricing page.
Also Read: Best Comic Readers
VRV
VRV offers a free account that gives you access to a limited selection of anime videos that are not of the highest quality and contain ads.
It also has a free trial that requires you to sign up and get access to its content for 30 days. Remember to cancel your subscription before the end of your trial to avoid getting charged.
For those who want to get the full VRV experience, I recommend you to get the VRV Premium which costs $9.99 per month. Do away with all the annoying ads by purchasing the premium package.
Interestingly, VRV premium members automatically get premium access to content on Crunchyroll, VR Select, and Mondo.
For those planning on subscribing to this platform, you should do so with caution. Unverified sources have claimed that VRV may soon shut down and merge fully with Crunchyroll.
Verdict
VRV wins this round. Although VRV is slightly expensive, it offers value for money allowing its premium users to access content from Crunchyroll and other streaming sites.
Crunchyroll vs VRV: Pros and Cons
Crunchyroll Pros
- Viewers get to experience uninterrupted HD streaming quality from all its available tiers.
- Users on Crunchyroll can access a free account that allows them to watch some anime shows.
- Crunchyroll’s online library contains unique and original shows and content that is unavailable on other platforms.
- The platform allows premium users to enjoy the simulcast feature that ensures they are up to date with the latest episodes of their favorite shows.
- Users get to experience numerous original manga shows. Interestingly, you can also get merchandise from the platform.
- The Crunchyroll website is available in various countries around the world, making it accessible anywhere at any time.
Crunchyroll Cons
- The interface looks cluttered.
- They use Adobe Flash technology, which is outdated and may result in a slower viewing experience.
- There are only a few dubbing shows found on Crunchyroll
VRV Pros
- Includes content from other anime streaming services providing a huge selection of animation series and films
- Has a flexible and high-quality streaming quality of between 240p and 1080p
- VRV allows offline viewing of downloaded anime content for premium users
- Availability of suggestions about the latest series and films for a seamless user experience
- VRV regularly updates its shows, ensuring you are always updated with the latest content.
- Availability of free-to-watch episodes for some shows
VRV Cons
- VRV is only available in the United States. This means you don’t get to enjoy its streaming services anywhere outside the country.
- The channels list on VRV app frequently changes, thus bringing a lot of confusion, especially when watching anime series and shows.
VRV vs Crunchyroll: Similarities and Differences
Similarities
- Advertisements exist on both platforms during or before any episode.
- Users on both Crunchyroll and VRV can enjoy a vast collection of anime shows available on different devices and platforms.
- On both platforms, users have access to free and premium subscription services. Viewers on premium services get to enjoy ad-free videos.
- Both platforms have active community forums that allow users to interact and share their views on anime series as well as give recommendations.
- Crunchyroll and VRV both offer multilingual content that allows their diverse audience to enjoy English subtitles on anime and other Japanese content.
- Content on both Crunchyroll and VRV can be accessed across various platforms, including smartphones, desktops, and gaming consoles.
Differences
- While VRV is available only in the US, Crunchyroll is available in over 200 countries worldwide.
- VRV lets you access a wide variety of content from other streaming platforms, like Crunchyroll and Mondo. In contrast, Crunchyroll limits you to what the platform offers.
- Crunchyroll’s interface looks outdated and cluttered compared to VRV’s sleek and modern interface.
- Crunchyroll is available on more devices and platforms than VRV.
Conclusion – Crunchyroll vs VRV
The Crunchyroll vs VRV debate can go on and on. Crunchyroll has a vast library of anime content that allows its users to enjoy content from anywhere in the world, anytime.
VRV, on the other hand, is limited to users only in the United States but incorporates all content from Crunchyroll in its premium service.
Based on the above grounds, Crunchyroll takes the day, although it faces stiff competition from VRV.
