Crunchyroll vs Bilibili: Which is the Best Platform for Anime Lovers in 2025?

I am going to share my analysis about Crunchyroll vs Bilibili with you people just to make it easy to understand.  

In today’s world, anime isn’t just a genre; it’s a lifestyle. I feel that watching our favorite shows, discovering new ones, and engaging with a passionate community is an essential part of our day. But when we are looking for the best platform for our anime fix, there’s a big debate:

Crunchyroll vs Bilibili:

In my experience, both platforms have carved out a space for themselves, but which one is truly the best? Buckle up, because we’re about to dive into every aspect of these two giants, so you can make an informed decision.

What Are Crunchyroll and Bilibili?

According to my research, Crunchyroll is a global anime powerhouse that has been serving the anime community since 2006. Crunchyroll has a large anime library of over 1,000 titles.

• It has simulcasts, with new episodes available shortly after Japanese broadcasts.
•  It offers dubbed and subtitled options.
• The interface is user-friendly.
• It is available on multiple devices like web, mobile, gaming consoles, etc.

On the other hand, Bilibili, which began in China in 2009 as a video-sharing platform, is now a major hub but offers a smaller anime library.

• It provides unique content, including Chinese anime, donghua, and other Asian media.
• It has no ads for premium members and offers affordable subscription plans.
• Bilibili has limited availability outside Asia.

Let’s Break It Down: Feature by Feature

Content Library

As you know, Crunchyroll has a vast library of anime. It shines with its massive anime collection, including the latest Japanese simulcasts released just hours after airing, classic series, and Crunchyroll Originals. Additionally, the platform offers manga and some merchandise, making it a comprehensive hub for everything anime. You can enjoy a lot on this platform.

Bilibili, though it started as a video-sharing site, now offers a varied content library. It covers anime, live streaming, gaming videos, movies, television series, and user-generated content. While it may not have as large an anime selection as Crunchyroll, it’s a diverse platform perfect for those who want more than just anime. Bilibili also features Chinese animations, giving you a unique opportunity to explore content not typically available on other platforms.

In brief: If you’re an anime lover, Crunchyroll offers more in terms of anime content. However, if you enjoy a mix of gaming, music, and entertainment videos, Bilibili has the upper hand with its variety.  

Global Availability

This is where Crunchyroll shines. Crunchyroll is accessible in many countries, with content available in multiple languages. Whether you’re in the US, Europe, or Asia, you can watch the latest anime with subtitles or dubbing in your preferred language. This global reach makes it incredibly user-friendly and inclusive.

On the other hand, Bilibili is primarily available in China, although it is slowly expanding its international presence. For users outside China, the platform may still feel limited despite offering some language options. If you’re not based in China or don’t speak Chinese, finding what you want on Bilibili is like finding a needle in a giant pile of awesomeness.

Finally: Crunchyroll’s global availability makes it a better option for international audiences, while Bilibili shines for users in China.

User Experience & Interface

When it comes to ease of use, Crunchyroll is a smooth operator. Its interface is clean, simple, and intuitive, making it easy to find and watch your favorite shows. Everything loads quickly, and anime recommendations based on your watch history help you discover new shows with ease. Even Crunchyroll’s iconic orange logo adds a lively and friendly vibe to the platform!

Bilibili, in contrast, offers a more community-driven experience. The real-time commenting feature, called Danmu, lets users share their reactions as they watch. This can be fun and engaging, but it may also feel overwhelming if you prefer a quieter viewing experience.

The layout can seem cluttered, especially for first-time users, as it focuses heavily on user interactions and community engagement. However, for those who love social interaction and feeling part of a big family, Bilibili delivers that sense of belonging in spades.

At the end of this debate: Crunchyroll takes the crown for a clean, user-friendly interface, but if you’re a social butterfly, Bilibili’s community-driven approach might win your heart.

Subscription Plans & Pricing

Let’s talk dollars and cents.

Crunchyroll offers several subscription tiers:

• Free: Watch with ads.
• Fan ($7.99/month): Ad-free viewing with access to the full library.
• Mega Fan ($11.99/month): Offline viewing and access to more streams.
• Ultimate Fan ($15.99/month): All Mega Fan features plus exclusive perks.

Bilibili is more affordable in comparison:

•  Free: Watch most content with ads.
• Bilibili VIP ($3/month): Ad-free with some exclusive content.
• Premium ($6/month): Access to full HD content, more simultaneous streams, and offline viewing.

Final Outcome: If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, Bilibili offers cheaper subscription models. But Crunchyroll’s more expensive plans come with extra perks like simulcasts and international access.

Additional Features

Crunchyroll

It’s not just about anime. Crunchyroll offers manga, an online store for merchandise, and anime news, making it a one-stop shop for all your otaku needs. Plus, the platform’s simulcast feature releases new anime episodes just hours after they air in Japan—an absolute gem for die-hard fans.  

Bilibili

Here’s where Bilibili shines differently. Besides anime, you get access to live streaming, which includes gaming streams, and a lively community of user-generated content. Bilibili’s e-commerce features even allow users to shop while watching videos—something Crunchyroll does not offer.

Which is Better?

Crunchyroll focuses on delivering a polished anime experience with some additional perks. Bilibili, however, offers a more interactive platform with a wider variety of content types perfect if you love more than just anime.  

Conclusion: The Final Showdown

So, which is better, Crunchyroll or Bilibili? Well, it depends on what you’re after! If you’re an anime lover who enjoys high-quality streaming, a massive anime library, and a user-friendly platform, Crunchyroll is your go-to. It’s a tried-and-true platform for anime lovers around the world, with features like simulcasts and offline viewing that make it worth the price.

On the flip side, if you’re someone who wants variety—whether it’s anime, gaming streams, or community engagement—Bilibili might be the platform that steals your heart. It’s more affordable and offers interactive features like real-time comments, which make watching content a lively experience.

In the end: There’s no right or wrong choice, just what suits your personal taste. Happy streaming!