Updated on: June 19, 2026
Short on time? Here’s the best site for watching cartoons online for free in 2026:
- Tubi. Tubi has a large collection of both new and old cartoons, is really simple to use, and doesn’t require you to create an account or log in to start watching. It offers everything from vintage 1980s cartoons to modern favorites.
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 9 great sites for streaming cartoons for free. Whether you’re looking for classic shows, modern hits, kid-safe educational cartoons, or anime, there’s something for everyone. I’ve checked out each site’s ease 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.
Editor's Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
Best Sites for Watching Cartoons Online for Free in 2026
1. Tubi
Tubi has a huge collection of cartoons, from classics like What’s New, Scooby-Doo? to fun picks like Mr. Bean and Zig & 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. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. PBS Kids
PBS Kids is one of the safest free cartoon streaming options for younger children. It offers educational animated shows focused on literacy, science, problem-solving, and social skills. The platform is completely free and doesn’t require an account.
Because it’s designed for children, the interface is simple and easy to navigate. It’s also a better option for parents who want age-appropriate content without worrying about random recommendations or questionable ads.
The main downside is that it only includes PBS Kids programming, so older kids, teens, and adults may find the library too limited. It’s also only available in the US.
9. SuperCartoons
SuperCartoons is a great option for classic cartoons, with a big collection of older animated shorts featuring characters like Bugs Bunny, Popeye, Tom and Jerry, and more. It’s one of the better places to watch vintage cartoons that can be harder to find on mainstream streaming platforms.
The site is completely free and doesn’t require an account, so you can start watching right away. It’s especially good if you enjoy older cartoons and want something simple to use.
However, the website feels outdated, video quality can be inconsistent, and you won’t find any newer cartoons or modern animated shows.
Quick Comparison Table
Are Sites for Watching Cartoons Online for Free Safe?
Here’s a Quick Guide to Watching Cartoons Online for Free Safely:
- Choose a legal free cartoon streaming site. Check out my list of the best sites for watching cartoons online for free to make sure you’re using a safe and legal platform.
- Download & install a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN. Install it on your device, open the app, and connect to a server. This encrypts your internet traffic and hides your real IP address, keeping your streaming activity private.
- Download & install an antivirus. Norton is the best choice for safe streaming. If you accidentally click on a harmful ad or download a malicious file, an antivirus will protect your device.
- Start streaming your favorite cartoons. That’s it! You’re now ready to enjoy cartoons safely on free streaming sites.
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 ExpressVPN because 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.
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 program is 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.
Editor's Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
Sites to Avoid: Why WatchCartoonOnline and KissCartoon Are Risky
WatchCartoonOnline and KissCartoon often appear in searches for free cartoon streaming because they offer large libraries of current and classic shows at no cost. However, these sites host unlicensed content, making them illegal in many regions.
They also come with security risks. Many users report aggressive pop-ups, redirects, phishing attempts, and tracking scripts. Since some versions are clones run by unknown operators, there’s no guarantee they’re safe to use.
The sites I recommend above are legal alternatives that let you stream cartoons for free without exposing your device or personal data to unnecessary risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best website to watch cartoons for free?
Tubi is one of the best free streaming platforms for cartoons, offering a large selection of classic and modern shows without requiring a subscription. The interface is easy to use, making it simple to browse categories or search for specific titles. But all the sites I recommend are fully legal, so you can watch any of them without piracy concerns.
Is the WatchCartoonOnline website legal?
No, WatchCartoonOnline is not a legal streaming site. It offers unlicensed cartoons, meaning it doesn’t have the proper rights to distribute content. Depending on your country’s laws, using such sites could expose you to legal risks.
For a safe and legal alternative, all the sites I recommend provide officially licensed content. For instance, good platforms like Tubi and Crunchyroll let you stream many cartoons and anime series for free without worrying about malware, piracy, or intrusive ads.
Where can I watch Cartoon Network online?
You can watch Cartoon Network on its official website or app, where some episodes are available for free. To unlock the full catalog, you typically need a cable or streaming TV subscription.
If you’re looking for older Cartoon Network shows without a subscription, some legal free streaming platforms carry select titles. Cartoon Network’s official YouTube channel also uploads episodes and clips, which is another safe option.
Why did my favorite show disappear from a free streaming site?
Free streaming platforms license shows for limited periods, so cartoons sometimes rotate in and out when those agreements expire. A title that leaves one service may later appear on another. If you can’t find a show, check a few legal platforms like Tubi, Pluto TV, or Crunchyroll before assuming it’s gone for good.
What’s the safest free cartoon site for kids?
PBS Kids is one of the safest free cartoon sites for children. It focuses on educational programming for younger viewers and features shows like Wild Kratts, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, and Curious George. The platform is free to use and designed with kids in mind.
For older children, Tubi is another good option. It has a dedicated Tubi Kids section with curated family-friendly content and a wider mix of cartoons, though it does include ads.