Manga is more than just entertainment — it’s a cultural phenomenon. With a loyal global fanbase, manga has grown to encompass every genre imaginable, from epic adventures and dark thrillers to heartfelt romances and slice-of-life tales. The digital age has made accessing manga easier than ever, but with so many websites out there, knowing where to go can be overwhelming.
In this article, we explore the top 10 manga websites to read manga online in 2025, including an in-depth look at Manga Buddy, one of the most talked-about platforms among casual and hardcore readers alike.
1. VIZ Media
As one of the most respected names in the manga industry, VIZ Media is an official English-language publisher that brings you high-quality translations of some of Japan’s biggest titles. Home to classics like Naruto, Bleach, and Dragon Ball, VIZ is the go-to site for fans who want to support the industry while reading professionally translated manga.
Highlights:
- Offers both free chapters and a low-cost subscription model
- Home to the Shonen Jump digital vault
- Clean interface and mobile app support
Drawbacks:
- Only covers series it holds licenses for
- Not ideal for indie or niche manga
2. Manga Plus by Shueisha
Manga Plus is an official platform from Shueisha, the Japanese publisher behind many iconic series. It offers free access to the latest chapters of ongoing manga, often released simultaneously with Japan.
Highlights:
- Day-one releases of major Shonen titles
- Entirely free to use
- Supports English and several other languages
Drawbacks:
- Only first few and most recent chapters are available
- Limited archive for many series
3. Crunchyroll Manga
Best known for its anime library, Crunchyroll also offers a modest selection of manga as part of its premium subscription. Though not as extensive as some other services, it’s a good legal option for fans who already subscribe for anime.
Highlights:
- High-quality scans and translations
- Part of a bundled entertainment experience
- Minimal ads
Drawbacks:
- Small manga library
- Update frequency varies
4. MangaDex
MangaDex is a fan-favorite site that offers manga in multiple languages, with a special focus on scanlations and lesser-known series. It’s run by the community and gives a platform to both mainstream and obscure works.
Highlights:
- Multi-language support
- Clean and customizable UI
- Diverse genres including indie works
Drawbacks:
- Content is unofficial
- Occasional site downtime
5. MangaKakalot
MangaKakalot is one of the most visited manga websites worldwide thanks to its simplicity and enormous database. You can find almost any genre, from action and fantasy to horror and comedy.
Highlights:
- Fast loading and mobile-friendly
- Huge manga library
- Daily updates
Drawbacks:
- Not licensed
- Quality of scans can vary
6. MangaFox
MangaFox, now known as FanFox, is an older site but still widely used. It offers a wide variety of manga series, neatly organized by genre and popularity.
Highlights:
- Smooth navigation and manga viewer
- Active community ratings and recommendations
- Consistent updates
Drawbacks:
- Heavy ads
- Unofficial content
7. Manga Owl
This site has grown in popularity for offering fast updates, especially for romance and BL titles. Many users also praise it for its bookmarking system and offline reading capabilities.
Highlights:
- Great for romance and niche genres
- Regular uploads
- Bookmark and history features
Drawbacks:
- Often goes down or changes domain
- Questionable ad content
8. Manganelo
A sibling site to MangaKakalot, Manganelo is known for being fast, free, and easy to navigate. It mirrors much of the same content and layout, offering an equally vast selection.
Highlights:
- Fast interface
- Large manga archive
- Frequent updates
Drawbacks:
- Not officially licensed
- Ad-heavy experience
9. INKR Comics (Formerly Manga Rock)
Once one of the biggest names in free manga, Manga Rock shut down to go fully legal as INKR Comics. Today, it offers a growing catalog of licensed manga, manhwa, and webtoons.
Highlights:
- Fully licensed and legal
- Supports creators and publishers
- Sleek interface and mobile app
Drawbacks:
- Many titles behind a paywall
- Smaller library compared to free sites
10. Manga Buddy
Manga Buddy has emerged as a major player among free manga websites, praised for its enormous collection, fast updates, and smooth interface. Unlike official sites, Manga Buddy is an aggregator — it pulls in scanlations (fan-translated manga) from various sources and makes them easily accessible in one place.
What Makes Manga Buddy Stand Out?
- Extensive Library: You’ll find almost everything here — from mainstream hits like Attack on Titan and Solo Leveling to obscure webtoons and older manga that are hard to find elsewhere.
- Diverse Categories: Manga Buddy offers manga, manhwa, manhua, and webtoons across all genres. Whether you’re into psychological horror, isekai, shoujo romance, or martial arts, there’s something for you.
- No Paywall, No Signup: Completely free to use without needing an account.
- Bookmarking and History: Lets you track your reading history and save favorites, making it easier to pick up where you left off.
- Mobile Friendly: The site works well on mobile browsers, with a responsive design and simple layout.
Pros of Manga Buddy:
- Massive, constantly updated library
- Easy to use, no learning curve
- Bookmarking feature improves user experience
- Fast chapter loading and responsive design
Cons of Manga Buddy:
- Unofficial/Not Licensed: The manga on Manga Buddy is not legally hosted, which raises ethical and legal concerns.
- Intrusive Ads: You may encounter aggressive pop-ups or redirect ads — an ad-blocker is almost a must.
- Inconsistent Quality: Since it aggregates from various sources, translation quality can vary wildly.
Is Manga Buddy Worth Using?
If you’re after variety, convenience, and free access, Manga Buddy is hard to beat. It’s ideal for readers who want to binge-read a long series or discover hidden gems. However, it’s important to remember that the site operates in a legal gray area. If you’re concerned about supporting creators, this might not be the best option for you.
Final Thoughts
The world of online manga is vast. Whether you choose a fully legal option like VIZ Media or explore community-driven sites like Manga Buddy, each platform has its own strengths. Legal sites support the industry and offer top-tier translation and image quality, while free aggregators provide accessibility and sheer volume.
For new readers: start with Manga Plus or VIZ.
For niche hunters: MangaDex or Manga Buddy can be goldmines.
Just be sure to browse smart, protect your device from shady ads, and—if you fall in love with a series—consider buying or supporting the creators when you can.
