Funimation Difference Between Premium And Premium Plus
For anime fans, the name Funimation (now Crunchyroll after merging with Crunchyroll) was synonymous with streaming their favorite shows. However, before the merge, the platform offered tiered subscription options, specifically Premium and Premium Plus. Understanding the differences between these tiers was crucial for users aiming to maximize their anime viewing experience.
This article explores the key distinctions between Funimation's former Premium and Premium Plus subscriptions. The goal is to provide a clear comparison of features, pricing, and benefits. This information remains relevant for understanding the landscape of anime streaming services, even with the current dominance of Crunchyroll.
Funimation's Premium Subscription
Funimation Premium was the entry-level subscription, offering a significant upgrade from the free, ad-supported viewing experience. Subscribers gained access to ad-free anime streaming. This was a major draw for viewers tired of interruptions during their binge-watching sessions.
Simulcasts were also a primary feature. Simulcasts allow users to watch new episodes of popular anime shortly after their release in Japan. Offline viewing was not included in this plan.
Key Features of Premium:
- Ad-free streaming
- Access to simulcasts
- Streaming on multiple devices simultaneously
Funimation's Premium Plus Subscription
Stepping up from the base tier, Funimation Premium Plus provided all the benefits of Premium with added perks. Most notably, this tier unlocked offline viewing. This meant subscribers could download episodes to their mobile devices for watching on the go, even without an internet connection.
The Premium Plus plan also included opportunities for exclusive member benefits, such as discounts on merchandise. These were often limited-time offers or promotions.
Another feature was access to the Funimation shop. There, members could purchase merchandise related to their favorite anime shows.
Key Features of Premium Plus:
- All Premium features
- Offline viewing
- Member-exclusive shopping benefits
- Early access to select merchandise
Pricing and Value Proposition
The price difference between Premium and Premium Plus reflected the added features of the higher tier. Premium Plus naturally cost more per month. The value proposition depended on individual viewing habits and needs.
Those who frequently traveled or preferred to watch anime on the go without using data found the offline viewing feature of Premium Plus invaluable. For viewers primarily watching at home, the ad-free experience of Premium might have been sufficient.
The decision ultimately rested on whether the extra features, particularly offline viewing and potential merchandise discounts, justified the additional cost.
Impact and Legacy
While Funimation is no longer a separate entity, the tiered subscription model it pioneered influenced the broader streaming landscape. Crunchyroll, now the sole platform, continues to offer various subscription tiers with similar benefits. Understanding the distinctions between Funimation's former offerings provides valuable context for navigating Crunchyroll's current subscription plans.
The competition between Funimation and Crunchyroll before the merger ultimately benefited anime fans. It pushed both platforms to offer more features and better content. This legacy continues to shape the anime streaming experience today.
Even after the merge, the concept of offering tiered subscriptions remains. Viewers still benefit from this model which cater to different needs and budgets. This enables anime fans to enjoy their favorite content based on what their level of engagement.
