10 Legit Ways to Get Crunchyroll for Free in 2026

Crunchyroll is the go-to streaming platform for anime fans. Since Sony acquired Crunchyroll and merged it with Funimation, the library has become unmatched, with hits like Jujutsu Kaisen, Demon Slayer, and niche slice-of-life series.

While the permanent free tier has been scaled back, you don’t need sketchy sites to watch. There are still plenty of legal ways to enjoy Crunchyroll for free or fund a Premium subscription without spending your own money.

Here are 10 proven methods for 2026.

1. Use the Ad-Supported Free Tier

Crunchyroll stopped simulcast access for free accounts in 2022, but the free tier still exists.

• You can watch thousands of hours of older anime with ads.
• Not ideal for new episodes, but perfect for bingeing classics like Naruto, One Piece, or Attack on Titan.

2. Claim the Official 7-Day Free Trial

New users can sign up for the official 7-day trial of the “Fan” or “Mega Fan” tiers on Crunchyroll’s website.

• Ad-free streaming
• Offline downloads
• Enough time to binge a full 12-episode season

3. Grab Best Buy’s 30-Day Digital Freebie

Best Buy often lists a 30-day Crunchyroll Fan subscription for $0.00.

• Add it to your cart online
• Check out for free
• Receive an official activation code by email

4. Piggyback on a “Mega Fan” or “Ultimate Fan” Account

Higher-tier plans allow multiple concurrent streams:

• Mega Fan: 4 streams
• Ultimate Fan: 6 streams

Ask a friend or family member on these plans to share a profile. Your viewing remains separate and uninterrupted.

5. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks

If you have Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, check the “Perks” tab:

• Extended 60- or 75-day Crunchyroll Mega Fan trials appear frequently
• Claim directly on console or PC

6. Discord Nitro Promotions

Discord Nitro users sometimes receive:

• 1-month Crunchyroll Mega Fan trials
• Added automatically to their Gift Inventory

7. Amazon Prime Video or Hulu Add-On Trials

If your official 7-day trial is used, try third-party platforms:

• Both Amazon Prime Video and Hulu offer Crunchyroll as a Channel Add-on
• Signing up through these platforms gives a fresh 7-day trial

8. Pay with Google Opinion Rewards

Android users can earn Play Store credit:

• Download Google Opinion Rewards
• Complete short 10-second surveys
• Accumulate enough credit to pay for Crunchyroll’s $7.99/month subscription

9. Use Microsoft Rewards

By using Bing and completing simple daily tasks, you earn points:

• Redeem points for gift cards (Walmart, Amazon, or digital Visa/Mastercard)
• Use these cards to pay for Crunchyroll Premium

10. Take Advantage of Sony Hardware Promos

Because Sony owns Crunchyroll, hardware purchases sometimes include extended trials:

• PlayStation 5
• Bravia Smart TVs

Users registering qualifying devices can get up to 6 months of free Crunchyroll Premium.