Quick Answer: There is no official button on macOS right now to download videos to view offline, and there is no Crunchyroll app for Mac or MacBook.
The offline downloads function on Crunchyroll will only work on the iOS and Android applications and a few other devices, such the Nintendo Switch, by 2025. Only Premium customers who have offline viewing as part of their plan will be able to use it.
There are desktop tools (like KeepStreams), command-line scripts, and online downloaders can help you download Crunchyroll to Mac.
I often want to watch Crunchyroll on my Mac, but can't because I'm not connected to the internet. This is why I need to download shows from Crunchyroll on your Mac. In this guide, I'll test three practical solutions that provide you with the successful implementation of downloading Crunchyroll anime episodes to your Mac.
Can You Download Crunchyroll Episodes on Mac Officially?
Note: You can't use an official Download button on macOS, because Crunchyroll's offline download feature only exists inside its mobile and certain device apps.
According to the official, Crunchyroll offline downloads are available through its mobile applications, which are designed to provide a legitimate way for subscribers to enjoy content offline. However, when it comes to MacBook users, the situation is different.
Limitations of the official download method
Crunchyroll does have an official offline download feature for PCs as of 2025, but it's just for mobile devices like iOS and Android. Also, you can only utilize these features if you have a paid subscription, and you can't download them directly to a Mac or any other desktop computer. That means Mac users can't download anime straight from Crunchyroll's website or app to watch when they're not online.
Download Crunchyroll episodes on Mac Alternatives
Despite this restriction, alternative save methods exist for Mac users who still wish to download Crunchyroll episodes.
Best Methods to Download Crunchyroll Episodes on Mac
Note: I'm describing the tools people explore. It is not an official Crunchyroll feature, and you are responsible for following your local laws and Crunchyroll's Terms of Service.
In the how to download Crunchyroll episodes on Mac conversation, desktop downloaders like KeepStreams often come up as a more user-friendly option than command-line scripts.
| Method | Mac Support Style | Ease of Use | Control Over Quality/Subs | Compliance Risk | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KeepStreams (Desktop App) | Direct files on Mac | Easy | High | Low | Separate license/fee | PC users |
| CLI Tools (yt-dlp, etc.) | Complex scripts, often broken by Widevine DRM | Hard | Medium | High | Free but time-expensive | Linux/CLI nerds who like tinkering |
| Online Downloaders | Browser-based, paste URL into web page | Medium | Low | High | Free but ad-heavy | Honestly… I don't recommend for CR |
Using Third-Party Software (Recommended Method)
One of the safest ways to download Crunchyroll episodes on a Mac is to use third-party software that was made just for that reason. There are a lot of choices, but KeepStreams for Crunchyroll is a popular one because it has a lot of features and is easy to use.
Download the appropriate version for your Mac operating system. After downloading KeepStreams, you can follow the steps below to download Crunchyroll videos.
Step 1: Launch KeepStreams and find Crunchyroll to log in to your Crunchyroll account.
Step 2: Play the Crunchyroll episode you wish to download in the built-in browser of KeepStreams.
Step 3: You can change the quality and subtitles, among other choices, before starting the download. Then you can click the "Download Now" button.
You can save the video to a specific place on your Mac and then move it to another device to watch it later.
Download from Crunchyroll Using YouTube-dl (Command Line Method)
YouTube-dl is a powerful way to download Crunchyroll episodes on a Mac for people who are acquainted with command-line interfaces and like a more technical approach. This open-source application is becoming more popular since it lets you download videos from a lot of websites, like Crunchyroll, right from the terminal.
1. Copying the Episode URL and Opening Terminal
On your Mac, open the Terminal software. If you don't know where Terminal is, it's in the Utilities folder in your Applications.
2. Running the Download Command
In the Terminal window, type youtube-dl [paste URL], where "[paste URL]" is the real URL of the Crunchyroll episode. When you hit Enter, YouTube-dl will connect to Crunchyroll's servers and begin downloading the episode.
3. Customizing the Download
With YouTube-dl, you can adjust a number of aspects regarding your download. You can use the -f option to set the output format, and the -q option to choose the quality.
Because Crunchyroll moved to Widevine DRM for its whole repertoire, basic command-line hacks that used to work don't always work anymore or are broken. You'll make more mistakes than wins, and going deeper usually means getting around DRM, which can be risky and break the platform's Terms of Service.
Online Crunchyroll Downloaders (No Software Required)
If you don't want to install any software on your Mac or just want a quick workaround that isn't too hard, online Crunchyroll downloaders are a decent solution. You may download videos straight through your browser with these web-based applications, so you don't have to install anything else.
In the simplest, non-DRM world, an online downloader:
- Paste a video URL.
- Fetches the stream on its own server.
- Gives you a download link.
For DRM-protected services like Crunchyroll, this model breaks down:
- The site still has to deal with Widevine DRM, which is not trivial.
- Many such services either don't support Crunchyroll at all, or break frequently, or quietly lean on questionable methods in the background.
WHAT WE LIKE
- Use them on any device with internet access, regardless of the operating system.
- They also eliminate the need to install software.
WHAT WE DON'T LIKE
- Aggressive ads and pop-ups, sometimes bordering on malware.
- Fake “Download” buttons leading to unrelated installers.
- Domains that vanish under DMCA or hosting complaints.
- No clear privacy policy about what happens to your IP address or history.
Most downloaders that you find online are not safe for services that require an account. They have trouble with streams that are protected by DRM, depend on a lot of adverts, and sometimes host downloads that are either false or harmful. I don't think you should use them for Crunchyroll. It's better to use the official offline functionality on your phone or a well-known desktop solution like KeepStreams.
Safety note: The KeepStreams recommended in this article has been personally tested and is safe during installation or use. Please download from the official website to ensure the security of your device.
FAQs
Q1. Does Crunchyroll have an app for Mac or MacBook?
A1. No. In 2025, there's still no native Crunchyroll app for macOS. Macs are supported through web browsers like Safari and Chrome, while offline downloads live inside the mobile apps and certain device apps only. KeepStreams supports you to download Crunchyroll on Mac.
Q2. Why can't I download Crunchyroll episodes on my Mac even though I have Premium?
A2. Because Premium alone is not enough—offline downloads must be used in the Crunchyroll app on a supported device. If you're in a Mac browser, you'll never see the download icon. Make sure you're using an app on iOS or Android, that your plan includes offline viewing, and that your device has enough storage.
Q3. Can I download Crunchyroll episodes without a premium account?
A3. To use the download option on Crunchyroll, you need a premium subscription. But you don't need a premium subscription to use third-party Crunchyroll download tools like KeepStreams.
Editor's Takeaways
There are different ways to download Crunchyroll on a Mac, and each has its own pros and cons. Always follow the rules of copyright and the terms of service for sites like Crunchyroll. You can watch your favorite Crunchyroll shows and movies on your Mac offline if you pick KeepStreams and use it properly.
NOTE:
Content available on Crunchyroll™ is protected by copyright. Unauthorized redistribution of this content may violate copyright laws in the United States and other countries.
KeepStreams is an independent company and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with Crunchyroll™ or its parent company. The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and does not imply any endorsement of KeepStreams products by any third party.
KeepStreams is an independent company and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with Crunchyroll™ or its parent company. The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and does not imply any endorsement of KeepStreams products by any third party.
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