At IGN, we're passionate about manga, but keeping up with the vast array of Japanese comics released each year can be overwhelming and costly. Fortunately, there are numerous fantastic and easily accessible platforms where you can read manga for free. From timeless classics like Battle Angel Alita to modern hits like Attack on Titan, and even the latest chapters of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure and Demon Slayer, we've compiled a list of the best places to enjoy your favorite series without breaking the bank. Don't forget to also check out our guide to free comics online for even more options.
Hoopla
Kicking off our list is Hoopla, which boasts the most diverse and possibly the largest collection of free manga available online. To dive into this treasure trove, all you need is a library card, which you can obtain for free at your local library. Once you're set up, you'll have access to an impressive selection of manga, including the complete works of Kentaru Miura's seminal Berserk and Hajime Isayama's groundbreaking Attack on Titan, as well as beloved classics like Fairy Tail, Lone Wolf and Cub, and newer gems like Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service. Hoopla's extensive library includes multiple volume ones, full series, and hidden treasures that could become your next favorite. If you're looking for a one-stop shop for free manga, Hoopla is the place to be, with the added benefit of no holds or waiting times—all books are instantly available.
Libby
While Hoopla is renowned for its free comics, don't overlook Libby. This app is a leading destination for free digital books, and manga is a significant part of its extensive offerings. The availability of titles varies depending on your local library system, but a glance at the Los Angeles Public Library's collection reveals hits like One Piece, Naruto, Spy x Family, Vampire Hunter D, My Hero Academia, and Demon Slayer, among others. While publishers like Viz and Kodansha offer only the first volume for free on their sites, Libby provides full series of many manga. Keep in mind that Libby operates similarly to a physical library, with limited copies available. If a title isn't available immediately, you can place a hold and receive a notification when it's ready for you to borrow.
Viz
Viz, the largest publisher of English-language manga, offers a substantial portion of its catalog online. Most series come with generous free previews, ranging from 20 to 60 pages per volume. This includes classics like Rumiko Takahashi's Ranma 1/2, contemporary hits like Tatsuki Fujimoto's Chainsaw Man, and cult favorites like Taiyō Matsumoto's Tekkonkinkreet. While the Viz Manga App requires a subscription, it's affordable at just $2 a month and offers a 7-day free trial for new users. On the Viz website, you can read the first chapters of popular shonen titles such as My Hero Academia, Demon Slayer, One Punch Man, The Legend of Zelda, Assassination Classroom, and Choujin X, as well as great shoujo series like Maison Ikkoku, Skip・Beat!, and Fushigi Yügi. The site is user-friendly, making it an excellent starting point for manga newcomers.
Shonen Jump
Another offering from Viz, the Shonen Jump App provides access to free chapters without a paid subscription. For just $3 a month, you can unlock even more content. This app offers digital access to numerous Weekly Shonen Jump titles, including One Piece, Dragon Ball Super, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, Kaiju No. 8, and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. Unlike many other free options, Shonen Jump often includes the latest chapters of popular manga, allowing you to stay current with your favorite series.
Kodansha
Kodansha, a stalwart in the manga publishing world, has released legendary titles such as Naoko Takeuchi's Sailor Moon, Hajime Isayama's Attack on Titan, CLAMP's Cardcaptor Sakura, and Katsuhiro Otomo's Akira. By creating a free Kodansha Reader account, you can access the first volumes or chapters of many of these titles, as well as newer hits like Vinland Saga and Blue Lock. Additionally, Kodansha's Limited Spotlight Series provides rotating access to deeper volumes. At the time of writing, the first three volumes of Kamome Shirahama's beautifully illustrated Witch Hat Atelier are available for free for a limited time. Kodansha's recently launched K MANGA app has mixed reviews due to its one free chapter per comic per day limit and a somewhat complex point system for further reading, but it remains another option for mobile readers.
MANGA Plus by Shueisha
For fans of Shonen comics or anime, the MANGA Plus app from Shueisha, Japan's largest publisher, is an excellent starting point. This app allows you to read chapters from many top Weekly Shonen Jump titles for free, including Tatsuki Fujimoto's Chainsaw Man, Tatsuya Endo's Spy x Family, Sui Ishida's Choujin X, and Hiroki Araki's JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. While most full series and simulcast releases require payment, the free selection offers a great way to sample potential new favorites before committing to a subscription.
Amazon
While Amazon's free offerings may not include major hits, you can find interesting free manga in their Kindle versions. At the time of writing, these include The Destroyer Fell in Love with Me: Chapter 1, DON'T COUNT YOUR TANUKIS #1, Lockdown Zone: Level X: Chapter 1, and God Complex #1. Various manga publishers also offer sample chapters, including Kodansha and TokyoPop. If you have a Kindle Unlimited account, your free manga options expand significantly, with many more well-known series available. Additionally, Amazon is one of the best places to buy manga in 2025, often offering discounts on boxed sets that make purchases worthwhile.
