Crunchyroll is preparing to shut down its free, ad-supported streaming option, moving fully to a paid subscription model starting next year.
According to a report by Cord Cutters News, Crunchyroll has begun notifying users that its ad-supported service will end on December 31, 2025. Viewers are seeing an in-player message stating that the platform will transition to a subscription-only model on January 1, 2026.
A Reddit user shared the message, which reads: “Ad-supported streaming ends December 31, 2025. Upgrade now to ensure your viewing is 100% ad-free and uninterrupted.”
Crunchyroll has long emphasized paid subscriptions over free access. In recent years, free users have been restricted from watching simulcast episodes and required to wait longer for new content to become available.
Even so, the free tier provided an easy entry point for casual viewers to sample popular anime series such as Attack on Titan and Demon Slayer without committing to a paid plan.
Crunchyroll currently offers three subscription tiers, all of which are ad-free. The Fan plan costs $7.99 per month and includes access to the full anime library and simulcast episodes.
The Mega Fan plan is priced at $11.99 per month and adds offline viewing and support for up to four simultaneous streams. The Ultimate Fan plan costs $15.99 per month and allows up to six streams, includes access to exclusive merchandise, and provides full access to Crunchyroll’s gaming service.
There has been no indication that Crunchyroll plans to introduce a lower-cost, ad-supported subscription tier after the free service ends.
For viewers seeking free or lower-cost alternatives, PCMag recommends services such as Retro Crush and Hidive. Some anime content is also available on larger streaming platforms, including Hulu, Netflix, and the ad-supported service Tubi.
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