Crunchyroll VS AnimeLab (Now Merged): Is Crunchyroll a Better Experience?

Introduction

As an anime die-hard lover I always think about how I can enhance my anime watching experience because I love to enjoy my favorite shows with high quality video resolution, simulcast episodes but there are various platforms like the two famous Crunchyroll vs AnimeLab. Over the years, platforms like AnimeLab and Crunchyroll have become the go-to places for anime fans like me.

But which one is the best choice? I’ve used both platforms in the past and compared them to find out which offers more value for anime and manga lovers. While AnimeLab was once a great option, it has since been merged into Funimation and now fully integrated into Crunchyroll. That means Crunchyroll APK has become the main anime streaming app with improved features and expanded content.

In this article, I’ll walk you through how both platforms stacked up, and whether Crunchyroll has successfully replaced AnimeLab as the best option for anime fans.

Overview of the Platforms Crunchyroll vs AnimeLab

What is Crunchyroll?

Crunchyroll is the platform which widely focuses on anime, manga and other different genres of content comics and Japanese shows. Crunchyroll was founded on 21 September 2017, owned by Sony Group Corporation, and back on April 2, 2024, merged with Funimation which is also a streaming platform offering a wide range of content. Before this, AnimeLab had already been merged into Funimation, so with this final merger, all AnimeLab content is now part of Crunchyroll as well.

What Was AnimeLab?

Animelab was also popular streaming platform in Australian and New Zealand-based anime, movies and offers variety of content it was founded in 2016 and in back 2021 it was merged with the Funimation and known as Funimation ANZ now a lot of peoples have misunderstanding that these are different platforms but actually it not different from each other.

Feature Comparison: AnimeLab (Then) vs Crunchyroll (Now)

Availability & Region Locks

Crunchyroll is available in 170 countries with geo restriction and the drawback was with AnimeLab as i mentioned above it was specifically Australian and Newsland based platform Crunchyroll gives variety of content depending upon you region on AnimeLab was less accessible if you was from out site or Australia and new zealand.

User Interface

As the AnimeLab and Crunchyroll has been merged so now the Crunchyroll user interface is very clean and understandable but AnimeLab was with some local feel due to their availability of regions. At this time Crunchyroll user interface in my experience is very minimal even if you are beginner you can use it very easily with fast loading speed, easy navigation and the option of filter to find related content.

Content Library & Simulcasts

When it comes to the availability of content the Crucnhyroll have over 1300 shows, 40,000 episodes, which gives the user free hand to select the show which he like more and enjoy it with simulcast on Crunchyroll we can access the next episodes after one air in japan  while AnimeLab has 808 shows, 19000 episodes but the lack of simulcast features it may takes some days to upload the latest episodes in free plan. 

Dubbed vs Subbed

One of the best features though which I feel very comfortable with is the dubbed and subbed option. It allows me to watch my favourite show in my preferred language and Crunchyroll has a great grip on this feature with availability of  1000 anime shows in dubbed version and in 18 languages.. While the AnimeLab was with fewer dubbed versions.

Pricing & Plans

Below is the Crunchyroll monthly Subscription cost and subscription plans.

Crunchyroll offers  3 types or tiers which are listed below.
Free Tier: Access to most anime with ads.

• Fan Tier: $7.99/month, ad-free viewing and access to the library.
• Mega Fan Tier: $11.99/month, Fan tier + offline downloads.
• Ultimate Fan Tier: $15.99/month, Fan + Mega Fan Tier +  a premium discount with game vault.

Final Verdict: Is Crunchyroll a Good Replacement?

As an anime fan, I’ve always wanted the best way to enjoy my favorite shows — in high quality, with simulcasts, and without hassle. I spent time using both AnimeLab and Crunchyroll, and while AnimeLab was once a great choice, things have changed. AnimeLab first merged into Funimation, and now everything has been rolled into Crunchyroll.

In this article, I looked at how both platforms compared — from region availability, user interface, and content library to dubbed/subbed options and pricing. Crunchyroll now stands as the single platform with more content, better simulcast access, and a clean, fast interface. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a hardcore anime lover, Crunchyroll feels like a complete upgrade.