8 Best Sites for Watching Cartoons Online for Free in 2025 (2025)

Finding a reliable site to watch cartoons for free isn’t always easy.Some platforms have hidden fees, while others host pirated content that could get you into legal trouble. To save you time, I tested multiple sites and found the best options that are completely free, legal, and safe to use.

In this guide, you’ll find 8 great sites for streaming cartoons for free.Whether you’re looking for classic shows, modern hits, or anime, there’s something for everyone. I’ve checked out each site’sease of use and overall content selection, so you can start watching great cartoons quickly and safely.

Pro Tip: A VPN is an essential tool to keep your online activity private while streaming cartoons. In my experience, ExpressVPN is the best option because it’s fast, secure, and works seamlessly with all the sites I recommend. A reliable VPN won’t track your browsing data, but it’s still important to stream responsibly. Watching copyrighted content from unauthorized sources is illegal, and I always encourage following copyright laws.

Editors' Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.

Best Sites for Watching Cartoons Online for Free in 2025

1. Tubi

Tubi has a huge collection of cartoons,from classics like What’s New, Scooby-Doo?to fun picks like Mr. BeanandZig & Sharko. The site is easy to navigate with a solid search function, though it lacks advanced filters.

You can start watching right away without having to sign up for an account. Tubi is available in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, Latin America, and Mexico, though the selection varies by region. Even so, there’s plenty to enjoy wherever you’re located.

2. Plex

Plex offers a huge selection of free cartoons,from classic hand-drawn animation to modern 3D and anime, spanning the 1940s to the 2020s. It’s available in 195 countries, making it one of the most accessible streaming platforms. You can start watching right away without signing in, but creating an account lets you save shows and movies to your watchlist for easy access later.

One thing I found annoying is that Plex doesn’t allow ad blockers. I had to fiddle around with my settings to get it working — but once I’d done that, streaming was smooth and hassle-free. It’s also really user-friendly and has a great filtering system and search feature.

3. Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll is the best place to watch Japanese anime, with a great selection of subbed and dubbed shows. The free library isn’t bad, but it’s pretty limited. Some series only let you watch the first few episodes before asking you to subscribe.

New users get a 7-day free trial, which is a nice way to check out the full library, and the search function works well if you already know what you want to watch. I also love it because it offers plenty of new releases and lets you add titles to your watchlist, making it easy to keep track of shows you’re interested in. However, you’ll need to create an account to use this feature.

4. Pluto TV

Pluto TV offers hundreds of classic and modern cartoons and anime,with both live TV channels and an on-demand library. It’s completely free and doesn’t require an account, though you’ll have to sit through frequent ads.

The platform is accessible across 35 countries and 4 continents, including the US and Europe — however, while the US library is packed with options, other regions may have far fewer choices. Also note that the interface can feel cluttered, and the auto-playing media while browsing can be frustrating.

5. Sling Freestream

Sling Freestream is a decent option for watching cartoons for free in the US,with a selection ranging from early 90s classics to modern hits from the 2020s. You don’t need an account to start streaming, and everything is completely free.

However, more than half of the shows are live-stream only, so you can’t pick specific episodes. Navigation is also frustrating — unless you know exactly what you’re looking for, finding cartoons can be a hassle, and with the limited selection, not always worth the effort.

6. RetroCrush

RetroCrush has one of the largest collections of retro English-language anime cartoons. With hundreds of titles, it’s a great spot for fans of pre-2000s animation. About half of the library is free, while the rest requires a paid subscription, but there’s no clear way to separate them, so finding free content takes some effort.

The site is available in the US and Canada. It’s easy to use, and no account is needed unless you want access to premium shows. While it doesn’t have any newer cartoons, it’s still one of the best places to stream retro anime for free.

7. YouTube

YouTube has tons of free cartoon content,with official channels from networks like Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon uploading clips, episodes, and even full seasons from time to time. You don’t need an account to start watching, and everything is easy to find with a quick search.

The downside is that most of what’s available for free is short clips rather than full episodes. For full seasons, you’ll usually need to visit the network’s official website and sign in with a TV provider. Also, since YouTube is ad-supported, expect to see a few commercials while watching.

8. Toonjet

ToonJet is a great choice for classic cartoons in the public domain.Since these shows are no longer under US copyright, you can stream them as much as you want — completely free and without signing up.

The selection includes Looney Tunes, Betty Boop, Three Little Pigs, and many more. However, the site itself is outdated, difficult to navigate, and lacks a proper search function. Finding specific cartoons takes some effort, and if you’re looking for more modern options you won’t find them here.

Are Sites for Watching Cartoons Online for Free Safe?

Not all free cartoon streaming sites are safe.Many host copyrighted content without permission, and streaming from those sites could lead to legal trouble. That’s why it’s important to stick to legal platforms that offer free cartoons without violating copyright laws.

Security is another major concern. Many unofficial free streaming sites are loaded with intrusive pop-up ads, some of which may contain malware. Others collect and share user data with third parties, putting your privacy at risk. Unlike paid services, these sites often lack proper security measures, making them more vulnerable to cyber threats.

If you want to protect your privacy while using legal free cartoon streaming sites, a VPN is a great option. It keeps your data secure and prevents anyone, including your internet provider, from monitoring your activity. My top choice is ExpressVPNbecause it’s fast, easy to use, and works with a wide range of streaming services. It also comes with a built-in ad blocker, which helps prevent annoying and potentially harmful pop-ups.

ExpressVPN: Save 61% on the 24-month plan + FREE months!

Get a full 28 months (24 months + 4 free months) at a 61% discount.

63% SUCCESS

Get Deal

To stay safe while using free cartoon streaming sites, it’s also important to follow good online security practices. Avoid clicking on pop-ups or banner ads, as they can lead to harmful websites or install malicious software on your device. Be cautious about downloading files from unfamiliar sources since malware is often disguised as legitimate content.

For extra protection, using a reliable antivirus programis a smart move. I recommend Norton because it can detect, quarantine, and remove any threats that might slip through. Pairing an antivirus with a VPN ensures a safer and more private streaming experience.

Get Norton 360 Deluxe for £24.99! *First-year pricing. Renews at £89.99/year.

You can save 77% if you act right now.

60% SUCCESS

Get Deal

Editors' Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Author