Crunchyroll, the leading anime streaming platform, is discontinuing its free, ad-supported option, as indicated by an in-player notification alerting users that this plan will cease on December 31, 2025. Beginning January 1, a subscription fee will be necessary to view any content on Crunchyroll. For many fans, this shift may appear more symbolic than practical, given that the free tier has been steadily diminished over time. It initially provided extensive access but eventually contracted to a limited number of episodes from selected series, experiencing a notable cut in 2022 when free access to simulcasts was eliminated.

As for Crunchyroll’s current pricing, it remains unchanged:
– Fan – $7.99/month
– Mega Fan – $11.99/month
– Ultimate Fan – $15.99/month

Mashable reached out to Crunchyroll for insights regarding possible future plan modifications, but the firm did not reply prior to publication.

This move aligns with a larger trend in the streaming industry. Last year, Crunchyroll raised the costs of its Mega and Ultimate tiers by $1–$2 each month, and within the entertainment landscape, free tiers are disappearing while prices keep climbing.