The Best Free Websites to Read Manga Online

The Japanese culture has expanded all over the world, and one of the most popular ways to consume this culture is through manga. Nowadays, there are several options to read manga online, both through scans, which are fan groups that translate and distribute the works, and on official platforms, which offer a legal and high-quality reading experience.

Some of the best platforms and apps to read manga online cover different languages and devices. Scans continue to be one of the main ways to access unlicensed manga in various countries, so it helps to know which catalog is licensed and which still depends on fan groups.

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The Role of Scans in Manga Culture

Before talking about official platforms, it is important to understand the role of "Scans" in the dissemination of manga around the world. Scans are fan groups dedicated to digitizing, translating, and distributing manga that have not yet been licensed in their country. This process, although controversial, has been fundamental for many titles to gain popularity outside Japan, especially in regions where manga licensing is limited.

Most scans operate voluntarily, with dedicated fans who invest their time to scan the pages of manga, translate the content, and edit the images to ensure a good reading experience. Although this method is technically illegal, it has helped popularize many titles that were later licensed by official publishers. If you are still choosing what makes a manga worth following, that choice matters more once you pick a legal app or a scan site.

1. Manga Plus

Manga Plus is Shueisha's own global site and app, launched on January 28, 2019. It is available worldwide except Japan, China, and South Korea, which already have local Jump services. New Weekly Shonen Jump chapters go up in English the same day they appear in Japan, and the first three chapters plus the three most recent chapters of each series stay free.

Users can access popular titles such as One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, and many others. A paid MAX tier unlocks longer back catalogs in supported regions. For those who want to support the manga industry with same-day official chapters, Manga Plus is an excellent first stop.

2. Crunchyroll Manga

In addition to being one of the largest anime streaming platforms, Crunchyroll also offers a manga catalog. The current Crunchyroll Manga app relaunched on October 9, 2025 in the United States and Canada on iOS and Android, with a web reader following on October 15. Launch partners included VIZ Media, Yen Press, Square Enix, AlphaPolis, and COMPASS, with titles such as One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Delicious in Dungeon.

The manga app is separate from the anime app. Ultimate Fan subscribers get it included; other Crunchyroll plans add it as a paid extra. Availability is regional, so check the store listing in your country before assuming the library you saw in a screenshot.

3. Kindle (Comixology)

Comixology, known for being a digital comics platform, is also one of the best options for reading manga online, now inside Amazon Kindle. It offers a vast collection of titles in various languages, such as English and Japanese, and is available on devices like Kindle Fire, iOS, and Android. The old standalone Comixology app is gone; volumes are bought and read in the Kindle store.

Some of the most popular series available include Lone Wolf and Cub, Attack on Titan, and Fairy Tail. The platform is ideal for those who want a more traditional reading experience, with options to purchase by chapter or volume.

4. VIZ Media

For fans of manga in English, VIZ Media is one of the leading publishers and distributors of successful titles. The site offers access to thousands of manga volumes, covering a wide range of genres, from action to romance.

Titles such as Dragon Ball, One Piece, Fullmetal Alchemist, and Naruto are available on the platform. VIZ Media also offers apps for Android and iOS, making reading manga more accessible and convenient, with a Shonen Jump membership that opens the back catalog after the free daily chapters.

5. K MANGA

K MANGA is Kodansha's official English app. It is the licensed home for many titles that never sat on VIZ or Manga Plus, including series such as Attack on Titan and Vinland Saga. A daily free-ticket model lets you read new chapters without paying every time, while the rest of a series can be unlocked as you go.

Availability depends on the reader's country, and the catalog is strongest where Kodansha has an English license. If a Kodansha series is missing from VIZ and from Crunchyroll Manga, this is the app to check before opening a scan site.

6. WEBTOON

Although primarily focused on manhwa (Korean webcomics), WEBTOON also offers a wide range of titles that mix elements of manga and comics. It is one of the most popular platforms in the genre and allows users to read original and independent stories, as well as submit their own creations. The platform is available on mobile devices and offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface.

7. Honto

Popular in Japan, Honto is an official platform that offers a large collection of manga in Japanese. The interface is user-friendly and allows users to explore the latest and most popular titles across a wide range of genres. For those who prefer to read manga in the original language, Honto is an excellent option.

8. Kadocomi (ComicWalker)

Kadocomi is the free KADOKAWA portal formerly called ComicWalker. The name changed on December 13, 2023, and the site was fully redesigned in February 2024, still at comic-walker.com. It allows fans to read a selection of licensed manga directly in the browser, mainly in Japanese, with some titles also offered in English and Chinese.

It is ideal for those who want a legal and high-quality experience. The interface is simple, and the site is regularly updated with new chapters. An official app followed in May 2024.

9. MangaKakalot

If you are looking for a free platform to read manga, MangaKakalot is one of the most popular options. It offers a wide variety of titles in various genres and is available for reading directly in the browser. The interface is simple and straightforward, and the site is regularly updated with new releases. Although the content is offered for free, it is important to remember that these platforms often do not have official licensing.

10. Bato.to

Bato.to is a platform known for its large community of manga fans. It offers a free reading experience, with manga in various languages, including English, Spanish, and French. The site stands out for its chat functionality and active community, where fans can discuss the latest updates and releases.

11. NineManga

The website design is quite simple, with some advertisements. It has a vast catalog available in various languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Russian, and Italian. It is always receiving updates.

Reading manga on this site is relatively good if used on desktop computers. Otherwise, you may have some issues using it on the mobile version.

12. MangaFox

The MangaFox is one of the oldest and most well-known platforms for reading manga online. It offers a vast selection of popular and lesser-known titles, covering various genres such as action, romance, comedy, and horror. The platform is easy to navigate, and chapters are regularly updated. Although the content is free, it is important to note that not all titles have official licensing.

13. MangaDex

The MangaDex is an international platform quite popular among manga readers. It offers a clean interface, with not many ads, and allows users to read manga in various languages, including English, Japanese, and Spanish. MangaDex is known for being a collaborative community, where scanlator groups can share their translations directly on the site.

In May 2025 the site removed approximately 7,000 titles after copyright claims, and it still hosts unofficial uploads alongside outbound links to official services such as Manga Plus. Treat it as a community library, not as a publisher store.

Support the Manga Industry

Although scans have played a fundamental role in popularizing manga around the world, it is important to remember that supporting official platforms is crucial to ensure the growth and sustainability of the industry. By purchasing manga legally, you are helping to finance the creation of new titles and the translation of works into other languages.

Whether through scans or on official platforms, reading manga has never been as accessible as it is today. For fans who wish to support the industry legally, there are countless options of platforms and apps to explore.

For those who prefer to have their favorite works in physical format, Amazon offers a wide variety of manga translated into various languages, with complete collections and special editions that are great for collectors. If you are shopping in Japan itself, our guide to buying manga and anime products covers used bookstores as well.