Best Free Manga Sites & Apps in 2025: Read Safely with VPN and Antivirus

Manga reading has fully transitioned to the digital sphere in 2025. High-quality, legally licensed content—whether from Japan, Korea, or China —is now updated worldwide simultaneously, making popular global series like One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen readily accessible.

The Challenge: Despite the convenience, ensuring network security and privacy protection is critical. The lure of free, unofficial content harbors substantial dangers. High-risk aggregator websites are frequently plagued by:

• Malicious Ads

• Forced Browser Redirects

• Privacy Leaks

• Drive-by Download Attacks

These issues can quickly turn digital reading into a security nightmare.

This guide provide:

1. Trustworthy Official Licensed Platforms (Curated recommendations).

2. A battle-tested Five-Step Security Checklist.

3. Recommendations for industry-leading VPNs and Antivirus software to establish a "Safety First" reading philosophy.

Best Free Manga Sites & Apps

Principle: The best options for zero-cost reading are officially licensed platforms. These channels guarantee content quality, provide stable and legal access, primarily through free chapter previews, limited-time promotions, or public library partnerships.

A. Official & Simultaneous Japanese Manga Platforms (Speed, Quality, & Serialization)

These official platforms are the premier choice for keeping up with the latest serialized content, guaranteeing legality, high-quality translations, and the fastest updates.

MANGA Plus by Shueisha ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

MANGA Plus is the official, globally available manga reading application from Japanese publishing giant Shueisha. It serves as the central hub for the simultaneous worldwide release of Weekly Shonen Jump content, featuring classics like Naruto, One Piece, Dragon Ball, and Bleach, as well as the latest hit serializations, including Dandadan, Chainsaw Man, Spy x Family,  Choujin X, and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.

• Access: Available via App (Android/iOS) and Web.

• Languages: Supports English, Spanish, Thai, French, Portuguese, and more.

• Free Mode: Permanently offers the "first 3 chapters" and the "latest 3 chapters" of all serialized works for free reading. While a subscription is required to read intermediate chapters and remove ads, the service offers excellent value.

• Key Features: Includes convenient functions like bookmarks and zooming, providing a superior reading experience and ensuring new chapters are available almost immediately after their Japanese release.

• User Experience: Supports landscape/portrait reading lock modes and provides high-resolution images, ensuring reading quality and consistency. It supports multiple languages and offers a clean, straightforward interface, greatly benefiting global readers who follow serialized manga.

VIZ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

VIZ is the largest English-language manga publisher and is often considered the leading reading app by many manga enthusiasts. It boasts an impressive collection of popular titles such as Jujutsu Kaisen, Naruto, and Demon Slayer. If you prefer reading in a browser, the VIZ website also offers the initial chapters of many shonen manga, including My Hero Academia, Demon Slayer, One-Punch Man, and Assassination Classroom.

• Access: Available via App (Android/iOS) and Web.

• Language: English.

• Free Mode: Users can access free manga titles or purchase their favorite works. The subscription is only $2/mo, with a 7-day free trial for new users. Free preview chapters (20–60 pages per volume) and simultaneous updates of the latest serialized chapters allow fans to keep up with their favorite series even without a paid subscription.

• User Experience: A simple, user-friendly interface and an active VIZ Manga community keep users updated on the latest news. The reader supports "Guided View," which offers an immersive, frame-by-frame reading experience.

Shonen Jump ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Shonen Jump is the official application dedicated specifically to the Weekly Shonen Jump anthology, making it a must-have for Jump fans. It provides digital access to a large volume of Weekly Shonen Jump series, with content updated immediately upon new chapter releases, including titles like One Piece, Dragon Ball Super, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, and My Hero Academia.

• Access: Available via App (Android/iOS).

• Language: English.

• Free Mode: The app allows users to read up to 100 chapters for free daily. To read more than the free daily limit or unlock the entire back catalog, you can subscribe to the premium membership for a low fee of just $3/mo.

• User Experience: Features Night Mode and custom background settings to optimize visual comfort when reading in low-light conditions.

Crunchyroll ⭐⭐⭐

If you are already a user of the Crunchyroll anime service, Crunchyroll is an excellent choice. It provides access to the latest manga, allowing you to read popular titles immediately following their Japanese publication, including Attack on Titan, Haikyu!!, Kaiju No. 8, Black Clover, and Fairy Tail.

• Access: Available via App (Android/iOS) and Web.

• Language: English.

• Free Mode: The application is free to download. To unlock premium features, such as unlimited reading access and simultaneous new chapter releases, a premium membership is required.

• User Experience: It supports watching anime and reading manga within the same service, offering a convenient, all-in-one experience for following both animated adaptations and serialized works.

B. Diverse & Innovative Service Channels (Public Lending, Subscriptions, & Varied Content)

These platforms offer diverse content libraries, often enabling free or very low-cost reading through public services, subscriptions, or innovative rental models.

Hoopla ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Home to one of the largest and richest collections of free, legal manga online. Hoopla operates primarily as a public library service, offering a high-quality digital lending experience. Its collection covers the entirety of Kentaro Miura’s seminal work Berserk, Hajime Isayama's Attack on Titan, and many other classic volumes such as Fairy Tail.

• Access: Available via App (Android/iOS) and Web.

• Free Mode: Public library lending system. By simply linking your local public library card, you gain completely free access to its vast digital collection, subject to a monthly borrowing limit.

• User Experience: Unified cross-device sync feature allows users to seamlessly switch reading progress between phones, tablets, and browsers.

ComiXology ⭐⭐⭐⭐

ComiXology is an Amazon-owned digital platform ideal for fans of comics, graphic novels, and manga. The platform hosts over 200,000 titles and features a user-friendly interface that includes previews and popular reading lists. It features a balanced mix of American, Japanese, and independent comics, with particularly strong resources in mainstream Western titles. Includs DC Comics (e.g. Batman, Superman, and Watchmen, Marvel Comics (e.g. Spider-Man, The Avengers, and X-Men) and Japanese Manga (e.g. Attack on Titan, Sailor Moon, Akira).

• Access: Available via App (Android/iOS/Fire) and Web.

• Languages: Available in multiple languages, including English, Japanese, German, French, Chinese, and Spanish.

• Free Mode: Offers a selection of free comics and a 30-day free trial for access to all paid content. The subscription service is deeply integrated with Amazon Prime accounts.

• User Experience: Features "Guided View" technology, allowing users to focus on a single comic panel at a time for an animation-like reading experience.

Inkr ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Inkr is a high-quality digital platform for manga, comics, and webtoons. It aims to be a unified source for Japanese manga (from publishers like Kodansha, Tokyopop), Korean manhwa (Webtoons), and high-quality Chinese comoics. It is a truly global content aggregator, covering mainstream genres like action, fantasy, and romance.

• Access: Available via App (Android/iOS) and Web.

• Language: Primarily supports English.

• Free Mode: Offers the first few chapters for free reading. Subsequent chapters can be unlocked either via a paid subscription or by earning the in-app currency (INK), offering users a flexible reading model.

• Key Features: Features an AI-driven recommendation engine that creates personalized suggestions based on your reading preferences.

• User Experience: You can preview over 1,000 manga titles. The reader loads quickly and offers gesture control for easy page-turning and zooming.

Renta ⭐⭐⭐

Renta is a unique Japanese manga rental platform, offering a variety of reading materials including manga, light novels, and comics. It particularly focuses on the distribution of Japanese girls' manga (Shōjo) and exclusive original content.

• Access: Available via App (Android/iOS) and Web.

• Languages: Supports English, Japanese.

• Free Mode: The platform offers an online rental service, allowing you to rent various series for a fixed period—ideal for users who don't want to buy entire collections. The "Renta Points" system allows users to earn points through rentals or purchases, which can then be redeemed for discounts.

• User Experience: The interface is clean and intuitive, offering extensive customization options and prominent visual flair.

Mangamo ⭐⭐⭐

The platform collaborates with major publishers like Kodansha and Futabasha, offering content focused on seinen (young adult/mature) and adult serialized works, including genres less commonly found on other platforms. Representative works include classics and popular titles such as Attack on Titan, Fairy Tail, Ajin: Demi-Human, and Ghost in the Shell.

• Access: Available via App (Android/iOS) and Web.

• Language: Primarily English.

• Free Mode: Mangamo operates on a subscription model, offering unlimited access to all titles for a small monthly fee. The subscription model is specifically designed to directly support manga creators.

• User Experience: The interface is minimalist, focusing purely on content browsing and reading. It is highly optimized for mobile devices, ensuring convenient one-handed operation.

Book Walker ⭐⭐⭐

Book Walker operates as an e-book store rather than a simple serialization platform. It's an excellent choice for acquiring hard-to-find digital collections, featuring exclusive works from publishers like KADOKAWA. It covers digital books in various formats, including manga, light novels, and V-Scroll Comics (Webtoon format).

• Access: Available via App (Android/iOS) and Web.

• Free Mode: As an official e-book platform, it offers free preview chapters. It provides an option for offline reading and also features digital versions of light novels and other e-books.

• User Experience: It offers various page-turn animations and book cover display modes, enhancing the digital collecting experience. The user-friendly interface allows for easy navigation and lets you customize your reading experience by adjusting font size, background color, and other settings.

C. Aggregators & Local Tools (High Risk, Multi-Language, & Customization)

These platforms often host a wide range of content, but they carry extremely high safety and copyright risks, making the use of professional antivirus software necessary.

MangaToon ⭐⭐

Features thousands of manga, Chinese comics, Korean comics, and other comics.

• Access: Available via App (Android/iOS) and Web.

• Languages: Supports multiple languages.

• Free Mode: The platform offers free reading, with new chapters released weekly. It provides the option to download comics to your device for offline reading.

• Risk Warning / Key Features: Readers can explore various genres like romance, mystery, action, and fantasy. Due to the mixed content sources, it is highly recommended to use a VPN and antivirus software when accessing this platform.

• User Experience: Vertical scrolling reading mode (Webtoon Style), suitable for fast, immersive reading on mobile devices.

Tachiyomi (Local Tool) ⭐⭐⭐ 

One of the most popular open-source manga reading applications on Android, functioning primarily as a local reading management tool.

• Access: Only available via Android App.

• Language: Depends on the content "sources" added by the user.

• Free Mode: The application itself is completely free. It provides access to a massive library of manga titles for free downloading (via third-party sources).

• Risk Warning / Key Features: Features a clean, user-friendly interface and provides a customizable reading experience. It allows downloading chapters for offline reading. Note: The risk stems from the user-added, uncontrollable content sources, which pose extremely high risks of copyright infringement and exposure to malicious code.

• User Experience: Features highly customizable download management functions, supporting batch downloading and intelligent file organization.

• The Legacy of Tachiyomi: While the original app still works for some, it no longer receives security updates or core improvements. It is highly recommended to migrate to its successors to avoid vulnerabilities.

• Meet Mihon: The primary spiritual successor to Tachiyomi. Mihon is a direct fork that maintains the core philosophy: a clean, ad-free interface that functions as a "browser" for manga sources. It does not host any content itself, which helps it navigate legal grey areas.

MangaKakalot ⭐

Another unofficial aggregator platform, known for its simple interface.

• Access: Primarily provides service via a Web website.

• Language: Primarily English.

• Free Mode: While the reader is free, it is ad-supported. Ads can be removed for a small fee.

• Risk Warning / Key Features: Upon launch, you'll see four categories: Latest, Hot, Ongoing, and Completed. It features a fast search function. As an aggregator platform, the content and security risks are extremely high.

• User Experience: The web layout is extremely minimalist, reducing unnecessary distractions and focusing entirely on loading the manga images.

Security Checklist: The Five-Step Guide to Unofficial Sites

This is the most practical and valuable five-step guide for assessing the security of high-risk or unofficial comic websites.

Step 1: Domain & Certificate Verification

• Check Item: URL and Security Lock: Check the address bar.

• Danger Sign: Non-HTTPS: Address starts with http:// or lacks a security lock. Abnormal Domain: Misspelled or excessively long name.

• Action: Close immediately. If you must use it, never register or enter any private information.

Step 2: Pop-up & Redirect Monitoring

• Check Item: Page Click Feedback: Observe the reaction when clicking blank spaces or navigation buttons.

• Danger Sign: Forced Pop-up: Clicking anywhere opens a new window or redirects to gambling/adult sites. "Infected" or "Upgrade" warnings: Fake system notifications.

• Action: Do not click any buttons in the pop-up. Close the tab directly via the browser.

Step 3: Browser Permission Denial

• Check Item: Permission Request: Does the website prompt for system permissions?

• Danger Sign: Notification/Location/File Requests: Requests to send push notifications, access geo-location, or download files.

• Action: Always click "Block" or "Deny." If you encounter a forced request that cannot be closed, exit the site immediately.

Step 4: Alertness to Executable Files

• Check Item: App/Installation Files: Are there prompts or forced downloads of Apps or .exe files from non-mainstream app stores?

• Danger Sign: Forced Installation: APK or EXE files not listed on the official App Store/Google Play.

• Action: Never download any executable files from unofficial sites. Search for the App name through official channels.

Step 5: Page & Community Quality Assessment

• Check Item: Site Professionalism and Comments: Check UI design, content quality, and community interaction.

• Danger Sign: Low-Quality Content: Chaotic layout, extremely poor image resolution, numerous text errors. Abnormal Comments: Flooded with ad links or disabled comment function.

• Action: Poor page quality is a risk signal itself. Abnormal community interaction suggests the site may be unmaintained or compromised.

VPN Recommendations: Bypassing Restrictions and Ensuring Security (3 Picks)

A VPN helps readers bypass geo-restrictions to access official platforms limited to specific countries (like some VIZ or Kodansha content). By utilizing AES-256 bit encryption, it also ensures your reading history and IP address are not exposed to your ISP or third parties. This layer of encryption is critical for protecting user identity, especially when accessing platforms with copyright disputes.

Recommendation Standard: Zero-log policy, industry-leading encryption, wide global server coverage, and fast, stable connection speeds.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is renowned for its speed, vast server network, and powerful unlocking capabilities. For manga readers, ExpressVPN’s large number of servers across 105 countries allows it to easily bypass geo-restrictions on Japanese manga platforms and ensures zero-lag when loading high-resolution images, providing the smoothest reading experience.

Conclusion: A top-tier VPN with excellent speed, security, and ease of use—the top choice for unlocking international manga platforms and achieving a smooth reading experience.

NordVPN

NordVPN focuses on providing military-grade encryption and superior privacy protection. It offers a unique Double VPN feature that routes your data through two different servers for extreme anonymity.

Conclusion: Suitable for users who prioritize data anonymity, frequently visit security-questionable websites, and need built-in malicious software defense features.

Surfshark 

Surfshark is favored for its high value and unlimited device connections while maintaining high speeds, making it especially suitable for family users or those needing to protect multiple devices (phone, tablet, PC) simultaneously without connection limits.

Conclusion: Excellent value for money, ideal for families or students with many devices or limited budgets. Offers excellent speed and security features.

How to Use a VPN to Unlock Global Manga

Step-by-Step Geoblock Bypass Guide:

1. Choose the Right Server for the Platform:

   • To unlock VIZ/Shonen Jump: Connect to a US server (Los Angeles or New York nodes are usually the most stable).

   • To access Japanese-exclusive titles on Renta or Book Walker: Connect to a Japan (Tokyo or Osaka) server.

2. Purge Your Digital Fingerprint:

   • Websites store your "real" location in cookies. Before switching nodes, clear your browser cache and cookies or, better yet, use an Incognito/Private window.

   • Disable WebRTC: Use a browser extension to prevent your real IP from leaking through the browser's backend.

3. The "Obfuscation" Secret:

   • If you encounter a "Proxy Detected" error, switch your VPN protocol to OpenVPN (TCP) and enable Obfuscated Servers. This makes your VPN traffic look like regular HTTPS traffic, which is much harder for sites like VIZ to block.

4. Platform-Specific Tips:

   • For iOS/Android Apps: If the app is hidden in your store, you may need to create a dedicated Apple ID or Google account set to the US/Japan region while the VPN is active.

   • Smart Location Pairing: If you are reading on a PC, ensure your system time zone matches the VPN server's location to avoid "Environment Mismatch" flags.

Antivirus Software Recommendations: Blocking Malicious Ads and Trojans (2 Picks)

When accessing high-risk, unofficial manga sites, antivirus software is your final line of active defense. Malicious aggregator sites often use Malvertising techniques to attempt "zero-click" drive-by download attacks via browser vulnerabilities. Antivirus software can monitor and intercept attempts to inject malware, ransomware, or Trojans through ads or exploits in real-time.

Recommendation Standard: Strong real-time protection, high virus detection rates (certified by AV-Test, etc.), low system resource consumption, and inclusion of browser protection extensions.

Norton 

Norton is a veteran security provider offering a one-stop security solution. It integrates top-tier virus removal, ransomware protection, and advanced defense against phishing and identity theft—perfect for users seeking comprehensive, integrated protection.

Conclusion: Ideal for users seeking comprehensive, integrated protection, particularly those concerned with identity security, phishing defense, and needing integrated VPN functionality.

McAfee 

McAfee is known for its robust multi-device protection and family safety features. It offers excellent malware detection rates and provides real-time scanning of the manga websites you visit, effectively blocking malicious ads and Trojan programs.

Conclusion: High value for money, the ideal choice for protecting all devices in a household (including various operating systems), with excellent anti-malware capabilities.

Conclusion

The world of manga in 2025 is rich and accessible. By prioritizing official licensed channels such as VIZ, Manga Plus, and Hoopla, you can maximize the security and quality of your reading.

When you must use an aggregator platform, strictly follow the Five-Step Security Checklist. Treat a VPN and a top-tier antivirus software like Norton or McAfee as essential reading companions.

Only by ensuring your network security and privacy can you truly immerse yourself in those wonderful two-dimensional stories without worry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is reading free manga legal? 

A: This depends entirely on the source of the content. 

Reading free chapters (like the first three, latest chapters, or limited-time free content) on officially licensed platforms such as Manga Plus and VIZ Media is completely legal. Reading on unauthorized aggregator sites, however, constitutes piracy and carries legal risks.

Q2: Why do I need a VPN for official platforms? 

A: Many official platforms (such as certain VIZ or Kodansha content) impose geographical restrictions based on your IP address. Using a VPN allows you to change your virtual location, thereby unlocking this restricted content.

Q3: How do I identify malicious redirects? 

A: Malicious redirects are usually triggered by Malvertising networks. The core way to identify them is when your browser automatically jumps to a page completely unrelated to the manga content when you click on a non-link area, or even blank space, of the page. These pages often contain:

• Fake System Warnings: Such as "Your computer/phone is infected, please download antivirus software immediately!"

• Fraudulent Content: Such as gambling or adult sites.

• Forced Downloads: Attempts to trick you into downloading executable files (.exe, .apk), which could install ransomware or Trojans. If this happens, immediately close the tab and run a deep scan with your antivirus software.

Q4: Are the ads on free manga websites riskier than general website ads? 

A: Yes, the risk is generally higher. 

Official, legitimate websites use Google Ads or other reputable advertising networks, which are lower risk. However, many unofficial aggregator platforms use lightly-regulated or illegal ad networks to maximize profits. These networks are the primary breeding ground for Malvertising and malicious code injection, making them high-risk areas for digital security.

Q5: Is Manga Plus free forever?

No, Manga Plus isn't entirely free forever; it has a free tier for new chapters and promotions, but accessing all chapters, especially older ones or completed series, requires a paid subscription (around $2-$5/month) for unlimited rereads and full access to the library, though some titles are always free. You get the first few chapters of ongoing series free, plus the newest chapter simultaneously with Japan, but need to pay for the rest of the current series or all chapters of completed titles.