Crunchyroll is a separate program; it is available in VRV as well. VRV is a combination of multiple services.
Even though VRV has more content, both have pros and cons. So, Crunchyroll or VRV? The article does an in-depth review and covers Crunchyroll vs. VRV.
Availability
Crunchyroll is available in over 170 countries. You can access the site from all those locations and start watching. However, the content is geo-restricted, so you will find the content depending on your region.
VRV is only available in the US. If you try to access VRV somewhere else, you get the unavailable message.
Offered content
Crunchyroll is a place for the world’s biggest anime library. Crunchyroll is a combination of the three most prominent players:
- Crunchyroll
- Funimation
- AnimeLab
VRV is more significant than Crunchyroll. The service uses channels, and VRV comes with three channels:
- Crunchyroll: Our good-old anime service.
- Mondo Anime: Mondo is an anime service focusing on a wide range of shows, especially for 18 to 34-year-olds.
- VRV Select: Some popular handpicked movies by VRV.
If you subscribe to the premium plan of VRV, you automatically subscribe to the Crunchyroll Fan Plan ($7.99/mo).
The premium plan of VRV gives you access to the whole Crunchyroll library, and you discover the same shows, including the new releases.
Moreover, if you browse both simultaneously, you find the same featured shows on the VRV (Crunchyroll channel) and the Crunchyroll app.
While you are here: The Best Anime Apps
Crunchyroll vs. VRV: Total shows
This section splits into free and premium. If you are considering a free anime app, you should go with Crunchyroll.
Crunchyroll, despite its ugly interface, is easier to navigate. On its free plan, you also find more content than VRV.
The program comes with over 1000 shows. After it merges with Funimation, you will have access to more anime.
However, as mentioned, the service is geo-blocked, and most content is available in the US only. VRV is also geo-blocked because it is only available in the US.
Platforms
Crunchyroll is available on more platforms than VRV. The table below compares the supported devices.
| Crunchyroll | VRV |
|---|---|
| Android iOS Web PlayStation 4 Xbox One Roku Android TV Apple TV Amazon Fire TV | Android iOS Web Playstation 4 Xbox One Roku Android TV Apple TV Amazon Fire TV |
Additional features
Interface
The website of Crunchyroll reminds you of 2005 when the internet was still developing. The app on most devices comes with a sleek design. A new interface is in the beta version, but the release date is not yet announced.
The VRV website, as well as its apps, have a friendly and easy-to-use interface.
Ads
Both offer free ad-supported content, Crunchyroll sometimes shows 4 to 6 video ads during and before an episode, and most of the time, the ads are the same.
I understand the company has to make money, but watching the same video ad six times can be overwhelming.
VRV also shows the same ads, but not six times. The average video ad count on VRV is 3 to 4.
Read next: Crunchyroll or Funimation
Pricing
Like location, the cost is different. Crunchyroll is a single service, so it is more affordable than VRV. It comes in three different plans.
Fan Plan
The Fan plan offers an ad-free experience and access to the full library. You can’t download videos on your phone and can only watch on one device. The pan costs $7.99 per month.
Mega Fan Plan
This plan supports four simultaneous streams, and you can download videos offline. It costs $9.99 per month.
Ultimate Plan
The ultimate plan offers a couple of exclusive figures and annual swag bags. It costs $14.99 per month.
VRV
VRV offers a single subscription. You pay $9.99 per month for an ad-free experience and downloads.
VRV may shut down
The streaming world has seen many merges. First, AnimeLab to Funimation, then Funimation to Crunchyroll (still merging).
A recent chat not officially confirmed by Sony is that VRV will eventually merge into Crunchyroll.
Which one is for you
It depends on your taste. If you like to watch some popular anime, Crunchyroll is your app. If you also like Mondo Anime and movies, VRV is for you.
It costs a couple of dollars extra, and if you can afford $7 for Crunchyroll, I can’t think of a reason not to spend two dollars on two additional services.
Crunchyroll vs. VRV: Links
Madhsudhan Khemchandani has a bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering (Honours). He has been writing articles on apps and software for over five years. He has also made over 200 videos on his YouTube channel. Read more about him on the about page.