Streaming costs are rising, and anime fans will be the next to feel it. Over the past year, “streamflation” has worsened as several major platforms increased their subscription fees. Now Crunchyroll has joined the list of streaming services with price hikes, meaning your daily anime fix will cost a little more.
In a recent blog post, Crunchyroll confirmed that it will be increasing subscription fees for all tiers in the US. The basic “Fan” tier increases from $7.99 to $9.99 per month, while the “Mega Fan” and “Ultimate Fan” tiers increase from $11.99 and $15.99 to $13.99 and $17.99 per month, respectively.
In addition to the price increase, Crunchyroll is also updating the benefits of its basic plan. Fan tier subscribers can now download shows to watch offline on a device, a feature that was previously limited to higher tier plans. The company has also launched a limited-time annual fan tier offer priced at $66.99, bringing the effective monthly cost down to $5.58 for those willing to pay upfront.
This is where the price increase begins
The updated pricing will be effective for existing U.S. subscribers starting February 2, with the higher rates effective beginning with the next billing cycle after March 4. New subscribers will see the increased prices immediately. This is the first time since 2019 that Crunchyroll has increased the price of its Fan subscription in the US, although the Mega Fan and Ultimate Fan tiers only increased in 2024.
While Crunchyroll’s price increase may seem minor on its own, it could still be painful for viewers juggling multiple streaming subscriptions. Because costs continue to add up across platforms, even small increases over time can make a noticeable difference.
