Streaming costs are on the rise, and anime fans are next to feel the pinch. Over the past year, “streamflation” has worsened, with several major platforms raising their subscription fees. Now, Crunchyroll has joined the list of streaming services hiking prices, meaning your daily anime fix is about to cost a bit more.
In a recent blog post, Crunchyroll confirmed it will be raising subscription fees across all tiers in the US. The base Fan tier is increasing from $7.99 to $9.99 per month, while the Mega Fan and Ultimate Fan tiers are jumping from $11.99 and $15.99 to $13.99 and $17.99 per month, respectively.
Alongside the price hike, Crunchyroll is also updating the benefits on its base plan. Fan tier subscribers will now be able to download shows for offline viewing on one device, a feature that was previously limited to higher-tier plans. The company has also introduced a limited-time annual offer for the Fan tier, priced at $66.99, which brings the effective monthly cost down to $5.58 for those willing to pay upfront.
Here’s when the price increase kicks in
The updated pricing will take effect for existing US subscribers starting February 2, with the higher rates applying from the next billing cycle after March 4. New subscribers will see the increased prices immediately. This marks the first time Crunchyroll has raised the price of its Fan tier subscription in the US since 2019, though the Mega Fan and Ultimate Fan tiers saw hikes more recently in 2024.
While Crunchyroll’s price hike may seem minor on its own, it could still sting for viewers juggling multiple streaming subscriptions. As costs continue to add up across platforms, even small increases can make a noticeable difference over time.
Source: www.digitaltrends.com
