Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

No. You do not need a PlayStation Plus membership to watch anime in a PS5 media app such as Crunchyroll. You need an internet connection, a PlayStation Network account and access to the streaming service itself.

PlayStation Plus and anime streaming are separate. Crunchyroll may let you watch a selection of episodes with a free membership, while its expanded catalog requires a Crunchyroll plan. Buying PS Plus solely to unlock anime streaming will not provide that access.

What you need to watch anime on a PS5

Sony lists Crunchyroll among the entertainment apps available for PS5. Media Home is designed to let you choose from free and paid entertainment services, and the availability of an individual app or offer can differ by country or region.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Requirement What it means
PS5 console The Crunchyroll app supports PS5. A Crunchyroll device-support result listed system software 6.00.00.00 as a minimum, but that requirement may have changed; use the current requirement shown by Crunchyroll when installing.
Internet access Sony says PS5 media apps require an internet connection. The quality of your connection affects whether video can start and play smoothly.
PlayStation Network account Sony’s PS5 FAQ says a PSN account is required for media apps. This is different from paying for PlayStation Plus.
Crunchyroll access Crunchyroll offers a free selection of episodes. More viewing can require a separate Crunchyroll subscription, depending on the title and your market.
PlayStation Plus Not required for watching anime in a media app. It is a separate gaming and entertainment subscription.

The practical distinction is simple: PSN is the account system used to access PS5 services, PS Plus is an optional subscription with its own benefits, and Crunchyroll controls access to its anime catalog.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Compressed Air Duster,130000RPM Super Power Cordless Air Duster,Rechargeable Brushless Blower,3 Gear Adjustable Blower with LED Light,Dust Remover for Computer/House/Outdoor/Car
  • Powerful Turbo Fan:CAGIWIRU Electric Air Duster have reached speed up to 130000RPM,Can efficient remove dust and debris.With LED light and Three Adjustable Speed to meet with different cleaning tasks.
  • With Attached USB C Fasting Charging cable.Charing 3 hours,Enjoy up to 240 minutes of use on the lowest setting, For third speed can use for 25mins.with four charging options to meet with your needs.
  • Wide Application: attached 5 different nozzles,making it suitable for a variety of scenes, such as car,pet, pc, keyboards, and other electronic devices. It also serves for office and home clean duster.
  • Handy Design & Portable:Cordless air duster electric nozzle is Light weight and small size, design and comfortable to hold and space saving, convenient to carry around. You can put it in your room or inside the car without taking up space.
  • Economical &Reusable: Built durable materials with a long-lasting battery,our CAGIWIRU air duster it's a sustainable alternative to disposable air cans.

How to install Crunchyroll on PS5

You can look for the app from the console’s media area or through the PlayStation Store.

  1. From the PS5 home screen, open Media Home.
  2. Choose All Apps and search for Crunchyroll.
  3. Select the app and choose the download or install option.
  4. If you do not see it in Media Home, open the PlayStation Store, switch to its Media section and search for Crunchyroll there.
  5. Open the installed app and sign in with a Crunchyroll account, or create one if you want to use its free selection.

The store may not show the app in every market. Sony says media-app availability varies by country or region, so an absent search result can indicate regional availability rather than a PlayStation Plus problem.

Free viewing versus a paid Crunchyroll plan

What the free membership provides

Crunchyroll says a free membership can watch a selection of episodes. “Free” therefore does not mean that every series, season or episode is included. The exact selection can change, and the catalog shown to you is the relevant one for your account and region.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #2
EVEO® Screen Cleaner Spray Kit (Streak-Free) TV Screen Cleaner for Smart TV, Lcd, LEd, Oled | Computer Screen Cleaner Spray and Wipe Microfiber Cloth - TV, Monitor, Laptop, iPad, Car - 6.7oz 1 Pack
  • Screen Cleaner is Your Screen’s New Bestfriend! - EVEO is proud to present a screen cleaner that’s perfectly suited for your TV. Meet your new screen cleaner, computer screen cleaner, laptop cleaner, iPad cleaner, Macbook,tv cleaner or any other electronic device. Our screen cleaner spray and wipe along with the included plush microfiber cloth, easily removes dust, fingerprints & other smudges on the screen’s surface. Clean effectively for a streak-free screen
  • Gentle on your Screens - Our screen cleaner spray and wipes is compatible to be used even for the most sensitive LCD, LED, CRT, and OLED screens in proper use. Be at ease knowing that this product is compatible with all the major brands: LG, SONY, Samsung, Sharp, iPad, iPhone, Android screens, Kindle, PC monitors - we’ve got you covered! Can be used as LCD screen cleaner, tv cleaner, smart tv screen cleaner, and more
  • Premium Super Soft Plush Microfiber Cloth - Included in this efficient screen cleaning kit. This screen cleaner spray and wipe has our signature plush microfiber cloth specially designed to comply with screens and monitors and leave them streak-free. Has been shown to effectively absorbs stubborn stains, zero streaks, and no fiber shedding. Always use this together with our screen cleaner for the best results
  • Easy-to-Use Screen Cleaner Kit + microfiber cleaning cloth - The EVEO Screen Cleaning Kit will easily be your new favorite tool when it comes to taking care of the things you love most, quick and easy solution for a streak-free screen. Simply screw on the sprayer gun on the screen cleaner bottle. Spray the cleaning liquid onto the microfiber cloth, then wipe the screen until desired cleanliness & shine is achieved.
  • Quality Screen Care Kit Worth Purchasing - Enjoy a convenient Screen Cleaner anytime, anywhere you need it. Your satisfaction is our top priority. We stand behind the quality of our products and that’s why, you shouldn’t be worrying at all. We manufacture the Best Screen Cleaner. and can be used for laptop cleaning kit, laptop screen cleaner, tv screen cleaner for smart tv. MacBook screen cleaner, monitor cleaner or screen cleaner spray for electronic devices with microfiber cleaning cloth

When you may need to pay

For a larger catalog or other subscription benefits, you may need a paid Crunchyroll membership. That payment is separate from PlayStation Plus. Check the plan and access terms displayed in the Crunchyroll app before confirming a subscription, because plan availability can change by market.

Subscribing through the PlayStation Store

Crunchyroll’s PlayStation subscription support information says the PlayStation Store currently offers its Mega Fan plan as the available PlayStation-billed option. The charge is applied to your PlayStation Wallet, and the subscription requires linking your Sony account. This is a Crunchyroll subscription purchased through PlayStation billing, not a benefit bundled into PS Plus; the available plan can change.

If you already pay Crunchyroll directly, Crunchyroll says you must cancel that direct subscription and wait until its current billing cycle ends before subscribing through PlayStation. Otherwise, you could maintain two separate billing arrangements. Review the account’s renewal date and cancellation status before starting a PlayStation-billed plan.

Rank #3
Sale
BladeHawks RGB Gaming Mouse Pad Extra Large Extended 31.5x12 Inch-Black | LED mouse pad with 14 lighting modes, covers keyboard & mouse, anti-slip rubber base, waterproof surface, USB powered
  • 【Large size】:Measuring 800 x 300 mm/ 31. 5×12 inches, which is wider and taller than others. Large mouse pad can perfectly fit your keyboard and mouse of any size, and there is also ample space for peripherals such as phones, tablets, etc.
  • 【LED backlight mouse pad】:Blade Hawks RGB mouse pad provides 7 static modes and 7 dynamic modes will give you the options you are looking for. Power-off memory function remembers the last lighting mode you selected. The super glow fiber Chroma will give you a colorful gaming setup that you want.
  • 【Anti-slip rubber base】:Made from Natural rubber, this gaming mousepad will firmly grip your desktop, allowing you to enjoy the ultimate precision in the games you are most passionate about. It also comes with a texture that enhances this ability even further.
  • 【Smooth and waterproof surface】: Micro-textured cloth surface, for extremely precise mouse control and a smooth movement. When liquid splashes on the gaming mouse pad, it forms water droplets and slides down. Will not delay your work or gameplay.
  • 【Plug and play】: This mouse and keyboard pad is powered by USB, plug and play, no driver required. One button control light modes. Press one time to change the lighting mode, press twice to change the brightness, press and hold about 3 seconds turn ON/OFF.

Why PlayStation Plus is easy to confuse with streaming access

PS Plus appears in several parts of the PlayStation ecosystem, but its presence does not make it a universal pass for every app. Sony describes PS Plus benefits that include gaming features and access connected with Sony Pictures Core. That movie-service benefit is distinct from Crunchyroll and does not establish a requirement for anime apps.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

PS Plus and Share Play are different

Sony’s PS5 FAQ specifically says an active PlayStation Plus subscription is required for Share Play. Share Play is a gaming feature that lets players interact with another player’s game session. It is not the same activity as opening a media app and watching a video. The Share Play requirement should not be read as a requirement for Crunchyroll playback.

PS Plus does not replace a Crunchyroll subscription

Even if you have PS Plus, Crunchyroll can still ask you to sign in, use its free membership or choose one of its own paid plans. Conversely, a Crunchyroll subscriber does not receive PS Plus simply by paying Crunchyroll. Each service handles its own account, catalog and billing.

Rank #4
Sale
Vaydeer Wrist Rest for Keyboard and Mouse, Computer Ergonomic Wrist Support Pad, Soft Memory Foam Arm Cushion for Desk, Palm Hand Office Laptop Typing
  • 【Softer and More Comfortable】Vaydeer wrist rest has unique diamond pattern, which is the combination of softness and aesthetics. The materials of wrist rest are improved into higher quality memory foam and covered with silky smooth lycra. The computer wrist rest makes you as comfortable and cushiony as like rest your wrists on clouds.
  • 【Ergonomic Wrist Saver】The wrist rests for keyboard and mouse comes with a 17.32×3.15×0.83 inch keyboard wrist pad and a 5.94×3.15×0.83 inch mouse wrist support. Based on ergonomic design, the unique concave shape is the perfect fit for your wrist joints. The wrist rest pad fits most computer keyboards and laptops, improve hand and wrist posture, release your wrist and arm stress.
  • 【Non-Slip Rubber Bottom】Featuring an anti-skid silicone base on the bottom, this wrist keyboard support stays firmly in place on your desk, preventing the padding from sliding around, ensuring stable and consistent wrist support during extended computer sessions.
  • 【Better Experience & Pain Relief】Our keyboard arm rest is beneficial to alleviate the soreness caused by direct contact and friction between your arm and a hard desk surface, reducing the risk of wrist fatigue or carpal tunnel. The soft texture of memory foam can evenly distribute the pressure around your wrists and provide good support with just enough give.
  • 【Helpful in Multiple Scenarios】Whether you're working, studying, writing, typing, gaming, this keyboard and mouse rest combo is an essential accessory to add comfort and support to your hands and wrists. It’s also a great gift for men, women, family, friend, coworker, gamer, teacher, etc.

What to do on your first viewing session

  1. Confirm the account. Sign in to the PSN account you use on the console. If the app asks you to create or link a Crunchyroll account, complete that step inside the service.
  2. Check the title’s access label. A title may be part of the free selection or may display a membership prompt. That prompt concerns Crunchyroll access, not PS Plus.
  3. Start with a free episode if available. This lets you verify that the app works on your console before committing to a paid plan.
  4. Decide where to bill a paid plan. A plan bought through the PlayStation Store uses the PlayStation Wallet. A plan bought directly from Crunchyroll follows Crunchyroll’s direct billing terms.
  5. Record the renewal arrangement. Keep track of whether the subscription is billed by PlayStation or directly by Crunchyroll so that future cancellations and refunds go through the correct account.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

If Crunchyroll is missing or will not play

The app does not appear in search

First check both locations: Media Home’s All Apps area and the PlayStation Store’s Media section. If it is absent from both, check whether Crunchyroll supports PS5 in your country. Sony warns that service availability differs by region, and a PS Plus membership does not override a regional restriction.

The app opens but asks for a subscription

That message normally identifies a Crunchyroll access boundary. Try a title marked as available to free members. If the program you want is not in the free selection, choose a Crunchyroll plan offered in your region or use another legally available service; purchasing PS Plus will not change the title’s Crunchyroll access label.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Playback does not start

  • Verify that the PS5 is connected to the internet and that other online features work.
  • Confirm that you are signed in to PSN, because Sony lists a PSN account as a requirement for PS5 media apps.
  • Check for updates offered for the PS5 system and the Crunchyroll app. The device-support result that listed PS5 also listed a minimum system version, and requirements can be revised.
  • Sign out of the Crunchyroll app and sign back in if the account state appears incorrect.
  • If the service reports that it is unavailable in your area, consult Crunchyroll’s current regional availability information rather than changing subscriptions.

A PlayStation-billed subscription is not recognized

Make sure the Crunchyroll account in the app is the one linked to the Sony account that completed the purchase. Check the PlayStation Wallet transaction and the subscription status shown by the account. If you previously had a direct Crunchyroll plan, remember that Crunchyroll requires the direct billing cycle to end before starting a PlayStation-billed subscription; overlapping arrangements can make the wrong account appear active.

Best Value
Sale
Under Desk Cable Management Tray No Drill, Metal Mesh Cable Management Under Desk with Clamp Mount, 2 Hole Cable Tray with Wire Management and Cord Organizer for Home Office Standing Desk
  • 【No Drill Mounted】Cable management tray can be assembled in as little as 3 minutes or less-simply. Side clips easily clampe the edge of desk, pass through the holes on the sides, and secure excess cables with baskets. Desk cable management supports inward or outward installation to meet your needs in different scenarios, and provides you with great convenience when collecting and organizing wires.
  • 【Rubber Pad Protects Desk】Wire organizer under desk built-in soft rubber pads on the clamp protect your desk from scratches, so you will not damage your furniture or office.
  • 【Sturdy and Beautiful】Cord management under desk is made of high-quality carbon steel and holds about 15 lbs. The wire basket has 2 holes on each side of the tray to enable your cables to pass freely. Cable baskets are suitable for desk thickness use from 0.4" to 2.4".
  • 【Space Saving & Keep Organized】Desk cable management tray holds all your power cords, outlet strips, USB hubs and computer transformers hidden from your feet, and the data cables will not enter the vacuum cleaner to keep your desk clean and tidy. Desk wire organizer is also suitable for use in the kitchen and outdoors.
  • 【Reduce Safety Risks】Cable tray under desk keeps all plugs away from your kids, no more worry about tripping. Using 2 holes wire tray saves extra space, helps you easily cabling and wire protection. The mesh design is not easy to accumulate dust, but avoids safety accidents caused by messy wires.

Regional and timing caveats

Sony’s PS5 FAQ is an official baseline for account and internet requirements, but it was published in 2020. App catalogs, plan names, billing options and country support can change. Treat the app listing and subscription screen shown on your console as the current authority for your market, while using Sony’s general requirements as the explanation for why PSN and internet access are needed.

Crunchyroll’s support search result listed PS5 support and system software 6.00.00.00 as a minimum. Because the support page redirected during the review of that information, verify the current minimum before relying on the number for an older or newly reset console.

What Sony’s planned anime hub changes

On October 7, 2026, Sony Pictures Entertainment announced a dedicated anime space for the PS5 home experience, planned for next spring. The announcement describes a place to gather anime, anime-inspired games and access to Crunchyroll. It is a discovery feature intended to make anime easier to find; it does not describe PS Plus as a prerequisite and does not make the feature an already-launched requirement for using today’s Crunchyroll app.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Until that feature arrives, install and open Crunchyroll through Media Home or the PlayStation Store’s Media section. The future hub may change navigation, but it does not change the separate relationship among PSN access, Crunchyroll membership and PlayStation Plus.

Should you buy PlayStation Plus for anime?

Your goal What to get
Watch available free Crunchyroll episodes A PS5 internet connection, PSN account and free Crunchyroll membership; no PS Plus.
Watch a title that requires premium access The Crunchyroll plan offered in your region; no PS Plus solely for this purpose.
Use gaming features such as Share Play Check the current PS Plus requirement for that feature. This is separate from anime streaming.
Use PS Plus benefits unrelated to Crunchyroll Choose PS Plus only if those gaming or Sony Pictures Core benefits matter to you.

The buying decision should follow the benefit you actually want. If the only goal is watching anime on a PS5, start with Crunchyroll’s free access and its own plan options, not a PlayStation Plus subscription.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.