[2025] Funimation VS Crunchyroll: Two Giants in the Animation Field

Launched in 2016, Funimation is a widely recommended service that focuses on animation streaming. However, Funimation shut down in 2024, and it was acquired by Sony and eventually rebranded as Crunchyroll. The merging is considered Sony’s strategic shift in the animation streaming landscape, which aims to consolidate its anime streaming services into one large platform. So what are the differences between these two? The following part will introduce more about Funimation vs Crunchyroll. Just read on.

Part 1: Funimation VS Crunchyroll: What Are the Differences?

Which is better: Crunchyroll or Funimation? When it comes to animation streaming platforms, Funimation and Crunchyroll are the two giants that have dominated the market for years. However, as introduced earlier, Funimation shut down in 2024 and has become part of Crunchyroll, which intends to create a more comprehensive anime library for users.

So what are the major differences between Crunchyroll and Funimation? While Crunchyroll provides a large catalog of anime series with selections of multilingual subtitles, Funimation is known for dubbed anime with options for adjusting subtitle appearance. In addition, Crunchyroll filters mature content from searches, while Funimation adopts parental controls to block mature content.

Part 2: The Development of Funimation

Now you know the differences when it comes to Funimation vs Crunchyroll. So, Crunchyroll or Funimation, which one is better? Before the merging, both platforms were equally good for offering great services for animation streaming with different features. Sony acquired Funimation and Crunchyroll in 2017 and 2021, respectively. Crunchyroll acquired Funimation in 2022, and Funimation didn’t end its service until April 2024.

One major bonus feature of Funimation is that it releases DVDs and Blu-ray discs of anime series. Fans can purchase physical copies of shows with digital copy codes to redeem on the Funimation platform. However, Crunchyroll does not support digital copies, and previously available digital copies that users purchased from Funimation are no longer available on Crunchyroll.

But worry not. You can still make digital copies of your Funimation purchased animation offline, and Leawo Blu-ray Copy is the best tool that comes in handy. The software can help you copy all your favorite animations into digital files without quality loss!

Even though Crunchyroll does not support Funimation digital copies, it absorbed most of Funimation's content. Meanwhile, all Funimation accounts were automatically converted to Crunchyroll accounts. Now, users have access to a larger anime catalog under a single platform.

Part 3: How to Watch and Download Crunchyroll Episodes

At the time of writing, there is no need to figure out Funimation vs Crunchyroll because they are under one banner now. So how to watch animation on Crunchyroll? Just keep reading.

1. How to Watch Crunchyroll Episodes?

Crunchyroll has four subscription plans in total, including Free, Fan, Mega Fan, and Ultimate Fan.

Free: Access ad-supported content for free, which includes a seasonal sampler with the first episodes of new titles, the Crunchyroll anime channel, and a streaming TV channel.

Fan ($7.99/mo): Users have full access to Crunchyroll's anime and manga.

Mega Fan ($11.99/mo): Access to the full catalog, discounts on select products, access to fan expos, and offline viewing.

Ultimate Fan ($15.99/mo): Access full catalog, stream on up to four devices at a time, offline viewing, access to a growing library of games via Crunchyroll Game Vault, annual gifts, etc.

2. How to Download Crunchyroll Episodes for Offline Viewing

As you can see, Crunchyroll allows you to download videos for offline viewing, depending on your plan. However, Crunchyroll’s download feature has limitations as follows.

- While subscribers of Mega Fan and Ultimate Fan can download Crunchyroll videos for offline viewing, users who subscribe to Fan can only stream animation online.

- You can download videos on mobile devices like iOS/Android devices and Nintendo Switch.

- Not all of Crunchyroll's anime videos can be downloaded.

- Since the anime files are DRM-protected cache data rather than video files, you can only watch the downloaded anime within the app.

Want to break the Crunchyroll download limits and keep your favorite animation offline forever? CleverGet Crunchyroll Downloader is here to help! Just check out its powerful features to learn more.

• Complete removal of Crunchyroll ads & DRM

CleverGet Crunchyroll Downloader can remove DRM protection and streaming ads on the source videos. You can download anime movies and series and transfer them to any device for offline playback.

• Download Crunchyroll to MP4/MKV

You can easily download anime movies and episodes as MP4/MKV files. Just find the video using the built-in browser, tap the Download icon, and the downloader will show all available downloads.

• High-quality Crunchyroll download

Crunchyroll videos can be downloaded in up to 1080p HD resolution, maintaining high visual quality. You can experience optimal and uninterrupted viewing offline.

• Bulk download anime episodes

Crunchyroll CleverGet Video Downloader automatically detects all related anime seasons when you start watching an anime. You can bulk-add a season or the complete series for efficient downloads.

• Preserve audio tracks/subtitles

CleverGet Crunchyroll Downloader downloads videos with multilingual subtitles and audio. You can save the files as SRT/SUP or integrate them into your downloads as convenient.

Tips: How to download Crunchyroll videos

Step 1: Install CleverGet Crunchyroll Downloader

Choose the type of device you have. Free to download and install CleverGet Crunchyroll Downloader on your device.

Step 2: Set Output Path

The output folder should be chosen before everything else. Click the three dots icon to enter the settings menu and set the output folder.

Step 3: Locate Crunchyroll Videos

Open Crunchyroll with the web browser to find the video you want to download. Click on the Download icon in the bottom right to analyze download resources.

Step 4: Download Crunchyroll Videos

You will see a pop-up window with download options. Choose any option to proceed to downloads.

Final Words

Funimation VS Crunchyroll. What are the differences? The blog has covered all the specifics. For users who want to make a digital copy of the previously purchased anime from Funimation, Leawo Blu-ray Copy is the go-to choice. Meanwhile, don’t forget to download videos with CleverGet Crunchyroll Downloader so you can have your favorite anime offline forever!