Manga lovers across the world are always on the hunt for new chapters and thrilling story arcs. But not everyone knows that there are ways to read manga online legally for free. If you’re wondering how to enjoy your favorite manga while respecting the creators and publishers, this guide is for you. Let’s explore the best legal sources where you can enjoy manga at no cost — without guilt or fear of piracy.
Why Read Manga Legally?
Before we dive into the sources, let’s talk about why legality matters. Many sites online host pirated manga scans that harm the manga industry. When you read from these illegal sources, the creators, artists, and publishers don’t earn anything. By choosing legal platforms, you’re:
- Supporting your favorite mangaka (manga creators)
- Encouraging more manga translations and releases
- Avoiding malware, intrusive ads, or viruses
- Getting high-quality, official translations
Legal doesn’t always mean paid. There are several platforms that offer completely free manga legally, either as samples, rotating free chapters, or ad-supported content.
Best Legal Sites to Read Manga for Free
Here are the top websites and apps where you can enjoy free manga legally.
1. VIZ Media (Shonen Jump)
VIZ Media is one of the biggest names in the manga world, especially known for publishing Shonen Jump titles like One Piece, My Hero Academia, Naruto, and more.
📌 What’s Free?
- First three chapters of most manga
- Latest three chapters of ongoing series
- Rotating free content every week
You can read these chapters without any subscription. For full access, they offer a premium plan at $1.99/month — but many popular chapters are still accessible at no cost.
2. MANGA Plus by Shueisha
MANGA Plus is a global platform run by Shueisha, the publisher behind Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan.
📌 What’s Free?
- First three and latest three chapters of almost all manga
- Entire series available free in some cases
- No registration required
The app and website support multiple languages and are ad-free. MANGA Plus also shares ad revenue with manga creators, making it one of the best ways to support the industry legally.
3. Crunchyroll Manga
If you’re a Crunchyroll subscriber for anime, you may not know that they also have a manga library included with their premium plan.
📌 What’s Free?
- Select titles are available for free users
- Limited manga series are accessible without a subscription
While not the most robust free library, it’s still a good way to legally explore manga with some cross-promotion with anime content.
4. ComiXology (Free with Amazon Prime Reading)
ComiXology, owned by Amazon, is known for comics, but it also features a large manga catalog.
📌 What’s Free?
- Many manga are available for free via Prime Reading
- “ComiXology Originals” sometimes feature free volumes
You’ll need an Amazon account, and while Prime Reading isn’t technically “free,” many people already have access without realizing it.
5. BookWalker Free Manga
BookWalker is a Japanese eBook store that offers digital manga for purchase. But they frequently offer:
📌 What’s Free?
- Limited-time free volumes for promotional events
- First volume free for many titles
- Special campaigns with discounts and giveaways
It’s one of the most reliable sources to legally download free manga if you keep an eye on their campaigns.
6. Kodansha’s Official Site and Apps
Kodansha publishes many popular series like Attack on Titan, Fairy Tail, and Tokyo Revengers.
📌 What’s Free?
- Official previews of several volumes
- Limited-time access to first chapters and volumes
- Special promotions with free access during manga anniversaries
Their free offerings rotate, so visit regularly to see what’s available.
7. Webtoon and Tapas (for Web Manga/Manhwa)
Though primarily focused on Korean manhwa and webtoons, platforms like Webtoon and Tapas also host original Japanese-inspired manga-style comics.
📌 What’s Free?
- 100% free access to most titles
- Ads or wait-to-read system supports creators
- Optional coin system to unlock new episodes early
While not traditional manga, these platforms offer a fresh twist on the format and feature creators worldwide.
Tips for Finding Free Legal Manga
If you’re still unsure how to stay legal while reading manga, here are a few tips to help guide your journey:
🔍 Check the Publisher’s Website
Many manga publishers offer free samples or even whole volumes directly on their websites. It’s always worth visiting:
- VIZ
- Kodansha USA
- Yen Press
- Seven Seas Entertainment
📱 Download Official Apps
Apps like MANGA Plus and VIZ Manga offer regular updates, high-quality scans, and a better reading experience than unofficial sources.
📚 Use Public Libraries
Many libraries now offer digital manga through apps like Libby, Hoopla, and OverDrive. Just sign in with your library card and borrow manga like a regular book — completely legal and free.
What About YouTube or Reddit?
You may find manga content on YouTube or shared on Reddit threads, but be cautious. While some YouTubers legally review manga and show panels, full chapter uploads are usually copyright violations.
Instead, use Reddit to discover legal sources. Subreddits like:
- r/manga
- r/mangaCollectors
- r/LegalManga
These communities often share promo codes, new legal sources, and free release alerts.
Final Thoughts: Supporting Manga the Right Way
So, where can you read manga legally for free? Plenty of places!
From VIZ to MANGA Plus, BookWalker, Webtoon, and even your local library, there are many ways to enjoy manga without breaking the law or disrespecting creators.
Not only do these platforms offer quality reading experiences, but they also help ensure that your favorite manga will continue to be made — with proper credit and compensation to the people behind them.
If you truly love manga, reading it legally is the best way to show your appreciation. Whether you’re into action-packed series like Jujutsu Kaisen, emotional dramas like Your Lie in April, or lighthearted comedies, there’s something legally free and exciting waiting for you.
