Choosing the Best Free Anime Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll vs Funimation

The anime streaming landscape is vast and evolving, and for free users looking to watch their favorite series, two prominent options stand out: Crunchyroll and Funimation. With recent changes in the market and Sony's merger, Crunchyroll seems to edge out as the preferred choice for now. However, understanding the pros and cons of each platform can help you make an informed decision.

Recent Market Changes and Sony's Merger

Recently, there have been significant changes in the anime streaming industry. Sony announced the closure of Funimation Now, merging its content into Crunchyroll. This move comes with a twist, as Sony also discontinued the free ad-supported streaming of new content on Crunchyroll, effective only a week after new content airs. This development marks a shift in the market, making Crunchyroll the most accessible free anime streaming platform for the time being.

Legal Streaming Services with Free Options

For users in the United States, there are three legal websites that offer free streaming of anime: Crunchyroll, Funimation, and HiDive. HiDive, however, is largely useless for free users due to its tiny free library. Between Crunchyroll and Funimation, both have extensive libraries, but the distribution of content varies. Generally, Funimation has more of its content behind a paywall, while Crunchyroll allows a broader selection of free content, albeit with longer ad breaks.

Ad Support Options of Free Streaming

Crunchyroll is infamous for its long and often intrusive ads. Users watching the free library may experience extended breaks, which can be frustrating. The silver lining is that most of Crunchyroll's library becomes available for free a week after it first airs. In contrast, Funimation offers fewer ads, making the viewing experience smoother. Despite this, the majority of Funimation's library remains behind a paywall, limiting the accessibility for free users.

Subbed vs Dubbed Content

The choice between subbed and dubbed content can significantly impact your decision. For those looking for a wider variety of shows, Crunchyroll's extensive subbed content is highly beneficial. New uploads typically remain free for about a week, allowing users to watch the latest episodes shortly after they air. Funimation, on the other hand, often has only subbed content available for free, with dubbed content being more restricted.

Alternative Platforms for Free Streaming

If you want a truly ad-free experience and are willing to explore alternative platforms, Telegram is a viable option. Although not a traditional streaming service, Telegram groups and bots can provide access to a wide range of anime, albeit with varying quality and legality. Other platforms like Tubi and YouTube studio-run channels may also offer free anime content, but their selection and viability can vary.

The Verdict

For free users, Crunchyroll currently holds the lead due to its extensive ad-free library and the immediate availability of new shows. However, the quality of content varies, and users should be prepared for occasional long ads. Funimation offers a better viewing experience with shorter ads, but the content is more restricted behind a paywall. If you're willing to forgo ads and look for a more extensive library, Crunchyroll is the better choice.