5 Best Manga Websites in 2024: Buy or Read Free Without Ads

The internet is full of places to read your favorite stories, but not all are legal. Sticking to the legit manga websites not only keeps you on the right side of the law but also throws much-needed support to the creative minds behind these awesome tales.

Here’s a guide to the top legal manga websites in 2024. These platforms provide a superb reading experience with minimal or no ads. They're user-friendly, making it easy to navigate through both classic titles and the latest releases. Whether you're in the mood for epic shonen battles or intricate shojo narratives, these manga sites have everything you need to stay entertained.

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Best Manga Websites in 2024

1. VIZ — The Best Place to Enjoy the Latest Shonen Jump Issues

VIZ typically releases the most recent chapters of ongoing series like My Hero Academia, Dragon Ball Super, and One Piece for free shortly after they're published in Japan. These free chapters are available for a limited time — usually around a week — after which they are archived and accessible through a paid subscription. This model is great for staying up-to-date with the latest releases without any cost.

The platform typically offers extensive free previews, up to 60 pages per volume, allowing a deep dive before purchase. Additionally, the Viz Manga App for mobile provides a vast selection of titles for just $2 a month. There’s also a 7-day free trial, which I used to read the entirety of Urusei Yatsura.

I read chapter 103 of Dragon Ball Super for free

You can read many free volumes without needing to sign in. With its user-friendly interface, VIZ serves as an excellent gateway for both new and seasoned manga enthusiasts.

2. Book Walker — Save Big on Manga and Ebooks When Signing Up

Book Walker offers substantial discounts on initial purchases upon registration, allowing you to rapidly expand your digital library. The platform frequently features promotions like discounts, coin-back offers, and unique perks such as autographed illustrations or exclusive book covers. Using such promotions, I managed to purchase all 8 volumes of Lucky Star at half price.

You can buy as many ebooks or audiobooks as you want

The service offers a broad assortment of manga and light novels, including exclusive titles and special editions not available elsewhere. It also releases chapters simultaneously with its debut in Japan. You can even pre-order unreleased comics and download chapters for offline reading.

Signing up for a free account on Book Walker allows you to access their library, but full access to all content, including complete volumes and series, typically requires purchasing the items. The free account lets you buy books, take advantage of promotions, and read any available free samples or promotional content that usually changes every month.

3. Manga Plus — Immediate Access to New Chapters Directly from Japan

Manga Plus by Shueisha allows you to read the latest chapters from Weekly Shonen Jump simultaneously with their release in Japan. The platform features popular titles like Jujutsu Kaisen and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, available in various languages.

On their website and mobile app, you can read the first 3 and the latest 3 chapters of the ongoing series for free. Some series may occasionally offer all chapters for free, viewable once per chapter. Additionally, Manga Plus provides a selection of older manga titles that are available at no cost.

The app is available for both iOS and Android

If you're interested in a paid subscription, the service offers 2 plans — a standard one for $1.99 a month with over 6,000 chapters of the current series and a deluxe plan for $4.99 a month that includes over 15,000 chapters from both ongoing and completed series.

4. Kodansha — Access a Vast Library of Award-Winning Manga

Kodansha stands out as a treasure trove for manga enthusiasts, offering a digital platform to purchase and enjoy a broad spectrum of seminal manga titles, from the intense action of Attack on Titan to the magical adventures of Cardcaptor Sakura. These series are renowned for their high-quality translations and synchronization with Japan's publication schedules, ensuring you're always up-to-date.

You don't need to wait for issues to be translated

While Kodansha’s manga is primarily available through third-party digital bookstores, signing up for accounts on these platforms often unlocks additional perks like free access to first chapters, the ability to save reading progress, and easier purchasing processes. Kodansha provides both subscription services and individual purchases to cater to different reading preferences, ensuring timely releases and high-quality translations.

It also offers the K MANGA app, which allows reading on mobile devices, though I found its 1 free chapter per day limit a bit annoying. That said, the service does offer an amazing selection of titles to read, and there’s even a reward system that lets you buy manga using in-app points.

5. INKR — A Curated Selection of Free and Paid Niche Manga From Various Publishers

Formerly known as Manga Rock, INKR offers a centralized platform for a wide variety of comics, not just from Japan, but also from South Korea, China, and beyond. INKR stands out for its commitment to content diversity and its robust set of features that enhance the user experience.

INKR's interface is designed to be user-friendly and responsive, featuring customizable reading options to tailor the visual presentation to your preferences. A standout feature is the chat function, allowing users to discuss their favorite series and chapters in real time. Plus, the platform includes a unique search function that recommends manga based on your current mood.

The service operates on a subscription model, and there’s a decently sized collection of free-to-read manga. I also recommend using Ink (INKR free-to-earn currency) to rent chapters from various titles in your catalog. Just bear in mind that this feature is only available in INKR’s mobile apps (iOS and Android).

How to Choose the Best Manga Website

Choosing the best manga website depends on your reading preferences, budget, and the importance you place on accessibility to the latest releases. Here’s a detailed guide to help you select the perfect manga platform:

1. Evaluate the diversity and breadth of the catalog. If you’re a fan of the mainstream, popular series, sites like VIZ and Book Walker might be more appealing due to their extensive collections that include simultaneous releases from Japan. For readers interested in a wide range of newer and less mainstream titles, Manga Plus and INKR could be better options.
2. Consider the cost and type of access you prefer. Book Walker combines manga and anime, offering a dual experience for a single subscription fee, which is ideal if you also watch anime. Kodansha and VIZ offer flexible purchasing options, from subscription access to individual volumes, which might suit budget-conscious readers or those who prefer to own their manga.
3. The ease of use of the website and its reading interface is crucial. Check if the platform allows you to customize your reading experience, provides high-quality images, and loads content quickly. Platforms like INKR focus heavily on a user-friendly experience with customizable reading options.
4. Look for a platform that legally obtains its manga. Supporting legal sites helps contribute to the manga industry and creators. All platforms mentioned — VIZ, Book Walker, Manga Plus, Kodansha, and INKR — are legal and support the creators.
5. Check for additional features that enhance reading pleasure, such as bookmarking, notification updates for new releases, and community features that allow interaction with other fans. Sites may also offer unique features like editorial content, bonus materials, and interviews with creators.
6. Ensure the platform is accessible globally or if there are regional restrictions. If you often read on the go, consider the availability of apps or offline viewing options.

Tips on Staying Safe When Visiting Manga Sites

When visiting manga websites, staying safe and protecting your personal information is crucial. Here are some practical tips to keep your manga reading experience secure:

• Use legitimate sites. Stick to well-known, reputable manga websites that legally distribute content. Sites like VIZ, Book Walker Manga Plus, Kodansha, and INKR are licensed to distribute manga legally. Using legitimate sites reduces the risk of encountering malware or phishing attempts.
• Check site security. Before entering any personal information, verify the website’s security by looking for a URL that starts with "https://" — the 's' stands for secure. Also, look for a padlock icon in the address bar, which indicates that the site uses encryption to protect data.
• Use strong, unique passwords. If you create an account, choose a strong, unique password that combines letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using the same password across multiple sites to minimize risks if one site suffers a data breach.
• Install antivirus software. Keep your device protected by installing reputable antivirus software. This software can detect and remove malware, provide real-time protection against threats, and scan files before they are downloaded.
• Enable two-factor authentication. If the website offers 2FA, enable it. 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification (like a code sent to your phone) in addition to your password.
• Be wary of ads and pop-ups. Many free manga sites rely on ads for revenue, which can sometimes lead to malicious sites. Use an ad blocker to prevent unwanted ads and pop-ups from appearing. However, remember that some legitimate sites may ask you to turn off ad blockers to access their content.
• Regularly update your software. Updates often include security patches that protect against new threats.
• Be cautious with personal information. Limit the amount of personal information you share online. Be careful about what details you provide on manga websites, especially in forums or in your profile.
• Monitor your account activity. Regularly check your account for any unauthorized activity. If the site allows, review your login history to see if there has been any access from unfamiliar locations or devices.

FAQs on the Best Manga Websites

Are manga sites illegal?

Not all manga sites are illegal. Many operate legally, having obtained the necessary licenses to distribute manga content. These sites typically compensate the original creators and publishers, ensuring that your support also benefits those who create the manga.

However, many illegal manga sites distribute copyrighted material without permission from the creators or publishers. These sites don’t compensate the creators and often violate copyright laws, which can also lead to legal repercussions in some jurisdictions.

Is it safe to read manga online?

Illegal manga sites pose significant security threats. They can harbor malware, redirect you to phishing sites, or connect you to insecure advertising networks. These risks can compromise both your personal information and device security. However, it's important to be aware that even legal manga sites can track your reading habits and may share this data with advertisers, leading to targeted ads. Always prioritize online safety and privacy.

What manga sites should I avoid?

You should avoid any manga sites known for hosting pirated content. Many sites, including BATO, Manga Fox, and MangaDex, often distribute manga illegally, which can expose you to various security risks, such as malware and phishing attacks. Sticking to legitimate and licensed platforms is the safest way to enjoy manga online.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect spot to read manga online can feel overwhelming, especially when you want to steer clear of illegal sites and pesky ads. By opting for trusted sites like VIZ, Book Walker, Manga Plus, Kodansha, and INKR, you're getting access to a vast array of manga and supporting the creators in the right way.

Each of these platforms brings something unique to the table. Whether it's snagging the latest chapters directly from Japan for free or enjoying your manga uninterrupted by ads, these top sites offer a secure and delightful reading experience. So, if you're revisiting timeless classics or catching up on the latest releases, these websites are your best bet for a safe and satisfying manga adventure.