Illegal streaming, downloading, and sharing have long been normalised within the anime community. It is so widespread that paying to watch anime can almost feel unnecessary. Why pay when the same content is only a few clicks away for free, legally?
That was the question I found myself asking when I first started thinking seriously about paying for Crunchyroll.
What exactly is Crunchyroll?
Crunchyroll positions itself as one of the most comprehensive anime streaming platforms available. Beyond streaming, it hosts industry-facing events such as Crunchyroll Expo and the annual Anime Awards, and serves as a central hub for anime and manga news. Over the years, it has built a large international audience and subscriber base, becoming a familiar name even among people who do not actively watch anime.
It is also worth acknowledging that Crunchyroll did not begin as a legal platform. In its early days, around 2009, the site operated in a legally grey (and at times outright illegal) space. Since then, it has transitioned into a fully licensed service, working directly with Japanese studios and distributors.
That shift matters, especially when considering whether the service deserves financial support.
The subscription cost
At the time of writing, Crunchyroll’s base subscription sits at R490 per year, which works out to around R49 per month. In isolation, that amount is relatively modest. The real question is not whether R49 is expensive, but whether paying it every month is justified when some free alternatives still exist.
The app experience
Crunchyroll offers apps across multiple platforms. My primary experience has been with the mobile streaming app, downloaded via Google Play. Functionally, it does what it needs to: streams episodes reliably, syncs watch progress, and makes browsing by season or genre easy.
There is a download option, but it downloads incredibly slowly, as well as one episode at a time, and you have to be in the app actively for the download to do its thing. I wish we could have ‘background downloads’ which would make a significant difference for viewers with unstable connections or limited data, or for people like me. I want to download a few episodes while I work and then watch them while I work out.
A proper “skip intro” button would also better support binge-watching habits. While the 10-second rewind and fast-forward options exist, they are not quite the same.
The website
The web version mirrors the app closely in layout and functionality. Navigation is straightforward, and discovering new or seasonal anime is easy enough. Like the app, it prioritises function over comfort. It works.
Since Crunchyroll’s overhauled web design, I have missed the random anime button, which would open a completely random series for you. I have found some gems through that button. Going through my bookmarks, I was glad to see I had saved it and even happier to see it still works. So if you would like a random anime, here you go:
Community changes and mixed feelings
One genuinely positive change has been the introduction of user profiles. Being able to separate watch histories and recommendations feels long overdue and makes the platform easier to live with, especially in shared households. It is a small feature, but one that noticeably improves day-to-day use.
One of the changes I feel most conflicted about is the removal of episode comment sections. While moderation was always an issue, those comment threads were often where communal viewing happened. Reactions, jokes, shared confusion, and spoiler warnings created a sense of watching together, even when you were alone. Losing that space feels like losing part of Crunchyroll’s identity, not just as a streaming site.
There is also growing discomfort around Crunchyroll’s repeatedly reported use of AI, particularly for subtitling and other production-adjacent tasks. Faster turnaround times are appealing, especially for simulcasts, but the idea of replacing or sidelining human translators raises real concerns. Subtitles are not just functional text; they carry tone, cultural context, and intent. Knowing that automation may be involved introduces an unease that sits awkwardly alongside the idea of “supporting the industry”. I would rather quite happily wait for quality subtitles with a human touch and be happy with knowing it is someone’s income as well as passion.
The downsides
Availability remains one of Crunchyroll’s biggest limitations. Not every anime is licensed for every region, and South African viewers are not immune to regional restrictions. I personally had to make alternative plans while Cells at Work! was airing because it was inaccessible in my region at the time.
Data usage is another concern. Streaming at higher resolutions can be demanding, which matters if you are on a capped or mobile data plan. That said, any form of streaming carries the same issue, regardless of legality.
Dub availability is improving, but still uneven. While there has been clear investment in expanding English dub offerings, it remains inconsistent across genres and older titles.
Is it worth it?
Despite these frustrations and contradictions, I have enjoyed having Crunchyroll. I have had my subscription for a few years now.
There is still value in knowing that I am watching anime legally and contributing, however indirectly, to its continued production and global reach. I also like the added extras that Crunchyroll offers.
At the same time, it is impossible to ignore the platform’s growing pains and corporate decisions that sit uncomfortably with long-time fans. As such, I am watching it closely each year to determine whether to continue supporting it, while keeping an eye out for other legal platforms that might better support the industry and its creators directly.
Overall, Crunchyroll is not a perfect service, nor an uncomplicated one to support. Whether it is “worth it” depends less on price and more on how much you value legal access, convenience, and your relationship with the wider anime community. So, at this point, it is worth it for me.
What are your thoughts on Crunchyroll?
Leave a Reply