Crunchyroll Free Trial Options A Guide To Accessing Anime Streaming Without Cost

Crunchyroll, a leading global anime streaming service, has historically offered a free, ad-supported tier, allowing users to watch a selection of anime without a subscription. However, the platform's approach to free access has evolved, with a significant change planned for 2026. As of the provided information, Crunchyroll continues to offer a free trial for its premium subscription services, giving new users a limited-time, full-featured experience. This article details the available free trial options, their eligibility requirements, and the current state of free access on Crunchyroll for U.S.-based consumers.

The core of Crunchyroll's free offering is its 7-day free trial for new users. This trial provides access to all premium features, including the complete anime library, ad-free streaming, simulcast access (new episodes available within an hour of their Japanese release), and HD or 4K streaming quality where supported. To start the trial, users must visit the official Crunchyroll Premium page and select one of the three available subscription plans: Fan, Mega Fan, or Ultimate Fan. Each plan offers the same content library, with differences in additional features like offline downloads and annual billing options. The trial requires a valid credit card for sign-up, and a temporary $1 authorization charge may be applied to verify the payment method, which is typically refunded within a few days. It is critical to note that the trial will automatically convert into a paid monthly subscription at the end of the 7-day period unless canceled beforehand. Eligibility for this standard trial is generally extended to all new users who have not had a Crunchyroll Premium subscription in the past.

In addition to the standard 7-day trial, Crunchyroll has partnered with retailers to offer extended free trial periods. Specifically, a 30-day free trial for the Fan plan is available through Best Buy. This offer is valid from October 11, 2024, to October 25, 2025, and is accessible to both new and returning users, provided they have not had Crunchyroll Premium within the last five years. Users can access this extended trial through their My Best Buy membership, via a qualified product purchase, or as a standalone offer on BestBuy.com. Upon redemption, a unique code is sent via email for activation. A previous partnership with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate offered a 60-day free trial, but that promotion has expired as of August 22, 2025, with redemption closing on August 29, 2025. The source material suggests that future partnerships with Xbox or other platforms are possible, and consumers should monitor official channels for updates.

Beyond free trials, Crunchyroll has historically maintained a free, ad-supported tier. This tier allowed users to watch a selection of anime series and episodes with advertisements. However, the availability and scope of this free tier have been subject to change, with the platform gradually limiting the number of anime available without a premium subscription. For instance, nearly all episodes of "One Piece" were made exclusive to Premium members. A significant development is that, according to the provided information, Crunchyroll plans to discontinue its ad-based free plan entirely starting January 1, 2026. After this date, accessing any content on Crunchyroll will require an active paid subscription. This shift means that after the new year, the only way to watch anime on the platform without cost will be through the limited-time free trials for new subscribers.

For users seeking legal anime to watch without any cost, the source material mentions one alternative: Pokémon. Following the shutdown of the Pokémon TV app, the content has been moved to the Pokémon TV YouTube channel, offering a legal and free way to watch episodes of the long-running anime series. This is presented as an option for those looking for alternatives to Crunchyroll's free offerings, especially after the planned discontinuation of its ad-supported tier.

When considering a paid subscription after a free trial, Crunchyroll offers three tiers. The Fan plan is the entry-level option at $7.99 per month, providing the full ad-free library. The Mega Fan plan costs $11.99 per month and adds the ability to download content for offline viewing. The Ultimate Fan plan, priced at $15.99 per month, includes all features of the Mega Fan tier. All tiers provide access to the entire anime catalog, so content selection is not tier-dependent. The source material notes that prices were last increased in May 2024 for the Mega Fan and Ultimate Fan tiers. For dedicated anime fans, the Mega Fan plan is suggested to offer the best balance of price and features, particularly due to the offline viewing capability. However, for casual viewers, the free version with ads (until its discontinuation) or a free trial may be sufficient to determine if the service is worth the cost.

The process to claim any free trial is straightforward. Users should visit the official Crunchyroll Premium page, choose a subscription plan, and select the option to start the free trial. For the extended Best Buy trial, users must follow the specific redemption process outlined by Best Buy. It is important to review the terms and conditions for each offer, as eligibility criteria and redemption periods vary. For the standard trial, ensuring the cancellation is processed before the 7-day period ends is essential to avoid being charged.

In summary, Crunchyroll provides a 7-day free trial for its premium service to all new users, with an extended 30-day trial available through a Best Buy promotion until late 2025. The platform's free, ad-supported tier is scheduled to be discontinued on January 1, 2026, after which all content will require a paid subscription. Users interested in free anime viewing should consider the free trials to explore the service before committing to a paid plan and monitor for new partnership offers that may provide extended access. Legal free alternatives, such as the Pokémon TV YouTube channel, are also available for specific content.

Sources

1. evoca.tv - Crunchyroll Free Trial
2. Digital Spy - Crunchyroll Membership Guide
3. BGR - Crunchyroll Ends Free Plan
4. IGN - Crunchyroll Premium Explained