8 Best Sites for Watching Cartoons Online for Free in: Finding a trustworthy site to watch cartoons for free can be challenging. Some platforms have hidden fees, while others feature pirated content that could lead to legal issues. To save you the hassle, I’ve tested several sites and compiled a list of the best options that are completely free, legal, and safe to use.
In this guide, you’ll discover 8 excellent sites for streaming cartoons at no cost. Whether you’re into classic shows, contemporary favorites, or anime, there’s something for everyone. I’ve reviewed each site’s user-friendliness and content variety, so you can dive into great cartoons quickly and securely.
Best Sites to Watch Cartoons Online for Free in 2025
The Amazon FireStick is an incredibly powerful streaming device that has revolutionized the way we watch TV. Even if you don’t own a Smart TV, simply plug the FireStick into any HDMI port, and it instantly transforms your regular TV into a smart one with access to a wide range of streaming services. To take your FireStick experience to the next level, using a VPN is highly recommended. A FireStick VPN helps you bypass geo-restrictions and ISP throttling, ensuring uninterrupted and buffer-free streaming. Using a VPN with FireStick brings significant benefits, and one of the top options is ExpressVPN. This VPN offers excellent performance, strong encryption, and access to global content libraries. No matter where you are, ExpressVPN ensures a seamless, high-speed streaming experience with top-notch privacy protection. Plus, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. If for any reason you're not satisfied (though it’s highly unlikely), you can get a full refund. With ExpressVPN on FireStick, you can enjoy your favorite shows and movies without any interruptions or concerns. Experts Recommended:
1 Tubi
Tubi boasts a vast collection of cartoons, from classics like What’s New, Scooby-Doo? to fun shows like Mr. Bean and Zig & Sharko. The site is user-friendly with a solid search function, although it lacks advanced filters. You can start watching immediately without needing to create an account. Tubi is available in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, Latin America, and Mexico, but content varies by region. Despite this, there’s plenty to enjoy no matter where you’re located.
2 Plex
Plex offers an extensive selection of free cartoons, ranging from classic hand-drawn animation to modern 3D and anime, spanning the 1940s to the 2020s. It’s accessible in 195 countries, making it one of the most widely available streaming platforms. You can start watching right away without signing in, but creating an account allows you to save shows and movies to your watchlist. However, Plex doesn’t support ad blockers, and I had to adjust my settings to stream smoothly. Despite that, the site is very user-friendly, with great filtering and search features.
3 Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is the go-to platform for watching Japanese anime, offering a great selection of subbed and dubbed shows. While the free library is somewhat limited, it’s a good start, and some series only allow access to the first few episodes before requiring a subscription. New users get a 7-day free trial, which is a great way to explore the full library. The search function works well for those who know what they want to watch, and it also lets you add shows to your watchlist, but you’ll need an account to use that feature.
Disclaimer
The following list is for educational purposes only. Firesticktricksapps does not create, own, host, run, manage, sell, or distribute any streaming apps, add-ons, websites, IPTV, or services. We also don’t earn commissions from featuring these services on our site. Our goal is to review and give an honest opinion from the end-user’s point of view to help people decide if these services are useful.
We cannot verify whether the services mentioned have legal licenses to distribute content everywhere. It’s up to our readers to make sure they are using these media services in line with the copyright laws of their countries. Firesticktricksapps assumes that all users are following the copyright rules in their region.
4 Pluto TV
Pluto TV offers hundreds of classic and modern cartoons, including anime, with both live TV channels and an on-demand library. It’s completely free and doesn’t require an account, although you’ll have to watch ads. The platform is available in 35 countries and across 4 continents, including the US and Europe. However, the US library is much more extensive, while other regions have fewer options. The interface can be a bit cluttered, and the auto-playing media while browsing can be annoying.
5 Sling Freestream
Sling Freestream is a solid option for free cartoon streaming in the US, with a mix of 90s classics and modern hits. No account is needed to start watching, and all content is free. However, over half of the shows are live-stream only, meaning you can’t choose specific episodes. Navigation can be frustrating, and with the limited selection, finding something worth watching might not always be easy.
6 RetroCrush
RetroCrush has one of the largest collections of retro English-language anime cartoons. With hundreds of titles, it’s a great destination for fans of pre-2000s animation. About half of the library is free, while the rest requires a paid subscription, though it can be tricky to differentiate between the two. The site is available in the US and Canada and is simple to use. No account is necessary unless you want access to premium content. While it doesn’t have newer cartoons, RetroCrush remains a top choice for retro anime.
Best VPN For Streaming
1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN With the Fastest Speeds for Smooth Streaming
| Best Feature | The fastest speeds we tested, ensuring you can stream, browse, game, and torrent without interruptions |
| Server Network | 3,000 servers in 105 countries give you fast worldwide connections |
| Simultaneous Device Connections | Up to 8, so you can protect your compatible devices under one subscription |
| Works With | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, DAZN, and more |
2. NordVPN — Best VPN With the Fastest Speeds for Smooth Streaming
| Best Feature | High security features and fast speeds for a reliable connection |
| Server Network | 5,400 servers in 60 countries for improved accessibility and connection speeds |
| Simultaneous Device Connections | Up to 6 devices, suitable for protecting multiple devices simultaneously |
| Works With | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, DAZN, and more |
7 YouTube
YouTube has a wealth of free cartoon content, including clips, episodes, and sometimes full seasons, thanks to official channels from networks like Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon. You don’t need an account to start watching, and the search function makes it easy to find content. The downside is that most available content is limited to short clips, and for full seasons, you’ll often need to visit the network’s official website and log in with a TV provider. Since YouTube is ad-supported, expect commercials while watching.
8 ToonJet
ToonJet is a great resource for classic cartoons in the public domain, such as Looney Tunes, Betty Boop, and Three Little Pigs. These shows are no longer under copyright in the US, so you can stream them for free without needing to sign up. However, the site is outdated, difficult to navigate, and lacks a proper search function. Finding specific cartoons can be tricky, and if you’re looking for more modern shows, you won’t find them here.
Is It Safe to Watch Cartoons Online for Free?
Here’s a Quick Guide to Enjoy Cartoons Online Safely:
- Choose a Legal Free Streaming Site. Make sure you’re using a safe and legal platform by referring to my list of the best sites for streaming cartoons for free. This will help you avoid risks associated with illegal content.
- Use a VPN. I recommend using ExpressVPN. After installing it on your device, open the app and connect to a server. This will encrypt your internet traffic and hide your real IP address, ensuring your streaming activity stays private.
- Install Antivirus Software. To ensure safe streaming, install an antivirus program like Norton. It will protect your device if you accidentally click on harmful ads or download a malicious file.
- Start Enjoying Your Cartoons. Once you’re set up, you can start streaming your favorite cartoons safely on free streaming sites.
Not all free cartoon streaming sites are safe, though. Many host unauthorized content, which can expose you to legal risks. It’s important to stick to legal platforms that provide free cartoons without breaching copyright laws.
Many unofficial free streaming sites are riddled with intrusive ads, some of which could carry malware. Others may collect and share your personal data with third parties, compromising your privacy. These sites often lack proper security measures, making them more susceptible to cyber threats.
To protect your privacy while using legal free streaming sites, consider using a VPN. A VPN keeps your data secure and prevents anyone, including your internet service provider, from monitoring your activity. My top recommendation is ExpressVPN, which is fast, user-friendly, and works well with a variety of streaming platforms. Plus, it has a built-in ad blocker to reduce disruptive and potentially harmful pop-ups.
To stay protected on free streaming sites, follow good security practices. Avoid clicking on pop-up ads or banners, as they can lead to harmful websites or install malicious software on your device. Be cautious when downloading files from unknown sources, as they may contain malware disguised as legitimate content.
Best VPN For Firestick Free Trial
Best overall VPN with a free trial
ExpressVPN
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Show our expert takeFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best website to watch cartoons for free?
Tubi is one of the top free streaming platforms for cartoons, offering a wide range of classic and modern shows without requiring a subscription. The interface is user-friendly, making it easy to browse or search for specific titles. All the sites I recommend are fully legal, so you can watch content worry-free, without piracy concerns.
Is the Watch Cartoon Online website legal?
No, Watch Cartoon Online is not a legal streaming site. It hosts unlicensed cartoons, meaning it doesn’t have the proper rights to distribute the content. Depending on your country’s laws, using such sites could expose you to legal risks.
For a safer and legal alternative, the sites I recommend offer officially licensed content. Platforms like Tubi and Crunchyroll allow you to 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. However, to access the full catalog, you’ll 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 offer select titles. Additionally, Cartoon Network’s official YouTube channel uploads episodes and clips, which is another safe option.
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