10 Best Free Cartoon Websites to Watch Legally and Safely

Do you remember your favorite cartoon? From “Tom and Jerry” to “Adventure Time”, cartoons have enriched the childhoods of every generation.

So, where can you watch cartoons online for free?

In this article, we’ll introduce the 10 best free cartoon websites. These platforms allow you to enjoy safe, legal, and high-quality animated content anytime.

PBS Kids

Safe and Educational Cartoons Website

PBS Kids is one of the best free cartoon streaming sites for families who want both fun and education in one place. Compared to some free online cartoon websites with ads, what impressed me most about its safe and clean interface. Here, everything is kid-friendly, so you don’t worry about children stumbling into something they shouldn’t.

The site has a wide library of classic and modern cartoons like “Sesame Street”, “Arthur”, “Curious George”, and “Wild Kratts”. You can stream full episodes directly on the website or through the PBS Kids app, and the navigation is so simple that my little one figured it out without my help.

What I also like is that PBS Kids has interactive games, quizzes, and fun learning activities that make screen time feel more productive. If you’re comparing different cartoon websites, this one is among the safest choices.

• Website: https://pbskids.org/
• Is it legal? Yes, PBS Kids is a fully legal platform run by the U.S. public broadcaster PBS.
• Is it free? Yes, all shows and games are free.

Cartoon Network

Classic and Modern Cartoons in One Place

Cartoon Network has been a household name since the 1990s, and it remains one of the most recognizable cartoon websites now. I’ve always liked how it mixes old favorites like “Tom and Jerry” with newer hits such as “Adventure Time”, “Ben 10”, and “Young Justice”. If you grew up watching cartoons on TV, this is a great place to watch old cartoons online for free.

You can watch cartoons online directly through this website or the Cartoon Network app. The app is especially convenient for kids, since the navigation is straightforward and the content is age-appropriate. Beyond streaming, Cartoon Network also has a large library of interactive games where kids can play alongside their favorite characters.

• Website: https://www.cartoonnetwork.ca/
• Is it legal? Yes, it’s the official Cartoon Network website.
• Is it free? Partly. Many clips and full episodes are free, though some may require a cable login.

YouTube

Rich Cartoon Library and Secondary Creation Videos

When it comes to cartoon websites, YouTube feels like the most obvious. I often go back to YouTube when I just want to watch cartoons online without downloading an app or signing up for a new service. From classic Saturday-morning shows to the latest kids’ favorites, the platform covers almost everything. Popular YouTube channels include Peppa Pig, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Mickey Mouse.

Children can watch full episodes, clips, or collections for free directly on the website or mobile app. YouTube also offers parental controls through YouTube Kids, ensuring a safer environment for children to explore age-appropriate content.

• Website: https://www.youtube.com/
• Is it legal? Yes, YouTube is 100% legal as long as you watch officially uploaded content.
• Is it free? Yes, most cartoons are free to watch with ads, but some channels require payment.

Tubi

Watch Old Cartoons Online Free with No Sign-Up

When it comes to free cartoon streaming platforms, Tubi is one of my top recommendations. Unlike services that lock popular shows behind paywalls, Tubi lets kids watch a wide variety of cartoons and the best anime for free. Its library includes shows like “Scooby-Doo,” “Shrimp,” and “Shark,” and it’s extensive and constantly updated.

My favorite thing about Tubi is its ease of use. You don’t even need an account to start watching. The cartoons are neatly organized by category, making it easy for kids to find their favorite shows.

• Website: https://tubitv.com/
• Is it legal? Yes, Tubi is a legal ad-supported streaming service owned by Fox.
• Is it free? Yes, all cartoons are free with ads, no subscription needed.

SuperCartoons

Best Retro Cartoons Website

SuperCartoons is a great option for watching free online cartoons. It features classic old cartoons like “Popeye the Sailor”, “Fox Terror”, and “Rabbit’s Kin”.

I personally love SuperCartoons’ clean, retro design. It loads quickly, works smoothly on both desktop and mobile devices, and requires no registration. The site encrypts all traffic, so I can rest assured that my children are browsing safely. The only minor drawback is the limited search function. Some episodes require scrolling to find them.

• Website: https://www.supercartoons.net/
• Is it legal? Yes. SuperCartoons streams classic animated shows legally.
• Is it free? Yes, you can watch all cartoons for free.

Crunchyroll

Free Anime and Japanese Cartoons with Dubs and Subs

While Crunchyroll is a well-known anime website, it also offers a wide selection of Japanese cartoons suitable for teens. I really like it because I can watch new episodes almost immediately after they become available in Japan.

Crunchyroll offers both subtitled and dubbed episodes, allowing you to watch Japanese cartoons seamlessly. However, it’s not completely free. Some episodes and the latest anime require a membership or ad-free viewing.

• Website: https://www.crunchyroll.com/
• Is it legal? Yes, Crunchyroll is a fully licensed and legal platform.
• Is it free? Yes, a big part of the library is free with ads, while premium users get extra perks like offline downloads.

Disney Now

Official Disney Cartoons Streaming Site

If you’re looking for a safe place for kids to watch cartoons online for free, DisneyNow is one of the best options. The platform focuses on children’s programming from Disney Channel, Disney XD, and Disney Junior. With just a few clicks, you can watch popular Disney Channel shows like “Raven’s Home,” “Duckburger,” and many classic cartoons. The interface is simple and kid-friendly, so my little one can browse without getting frustrated.

While a pay-TV login is required to watch the latest episodes, a large selection of free episodes is available. The platform also offers simple web games that allow children to interact with their favorite characters.

Read more: Best Disney Movies List: Reminiscences for Post-00s

• Website: https://disneynow.com/
• Is it legal? Yes, DisneyNow is the official streaming service for Disney Channel, Disney XD, and Disney Junior.
• Is it free? Partly. Some cartoons are free with ads, but the newest episodes and live streams require a pay-TV login.

Plex

Free Cartoon Site from the 1940s to Today

Plex is a rich and user-friendly cartoon streaming site. I spent hours browsing its library, which spans decades of classic cartoons, modern 3D shows, and even Japanese anime. Best of all, you can stream instantly without creating an account.

I really appreciate the filtering and search options, which make it easy to find the cartoons you want. It’s available in over 195 countries and supports apps on nearly every device. However, I’ve noticed that Plex doesn’t play well with ad blockers. If you have such security tools installed, you might need to temporarily disable them to ensure smooth operation.

• Website: https://www.plex.tv/
• Is it legal? Yes, Plex is completely legal and partners with official distributors.
• Is it free? Yes, most cartoons and shows are free, though premium features like live TV require payment.

RetroCrush

Best Free Retro Cartoon Streaming Site

If you love to watch old cartoons, RetroCrush is definitely one of the best free cartoon websites you can find. Unlike mainstream platforms that focus on new releases, RetroCrush specializes in classic anime from the 70s, 90s, and beyond. You can watch early cartoons like “Astro Boy,” “City Hunter,” and “Urusei Yatsura.” I often spend hours rewatching them. Honestly, it’s like being a kid again.

No account is required to watch, and much of the content is completely free. The only minor drawback is that the site doesn’t clearly indicate which content is free and which is paid.

• Website: https://www.retrocrush.tv/
• Is it legal? Yes, RetroCrush is a legal service focused on retro anime.
• Is it free? Yes, about half of the catalog is free with ads, but some shows are locked behind a subscription.

BiliBili

Chinese Cartoon Website with Real-Time Comments

When it comes to free cartoon websites, Bilibili is definitely one of the most unique platforms I’ve ever used. Originally launched in 2009 for anime, comics, and gaming content, it has evolved into a hybrid of YouTube, Crunchyroll, and Twitch.

Bilibili boasts a rich library of anime. I’ve personally watched shows like “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “Teletubbies,” “Tom and Jerry,” and “Paw Patrol” there, all officially licensed and easy to find.

While watching cartoons, you’ll see real-time comments from other viewers dancing on the screen, making the experience more interactive. However, parents should be careful to avoid comments that expose inappropriate content to children.

Read more: What Is Bilibili? A Complete Guide to China’s YouTube

• Website: https://www.bilibili.com/
• Is it legal? Yes, Bilibili has official streaming rights for many shows.
• Is it free? Yes, most cartoons and anime are free to stream, though some premium series require a VIP subscription.

Where to Watch Cartoons Online?

In addition to the free cartoon websites mentioned above, some paid cartoon sites offer higher-quality content and fewer ads. If you don’t mind spending a bit of money, here are some of the best options:

1. Netflix: Netflix offers not only a rich library of movies but also animated content. This includes Netflix Originals like “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “Wonderful Creatures: Age of Wonder,” and “Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous.” It offers smooth streaming, HD quality, and multi-device support, though it’s not free.

2. Disney+: If you love Disney classics, Pixar films, or Marvel animation, Disney+ is the best place to watch animated content. All content is ad-free, available in HD and even 4K resolutions, and the app runs flawlessly on a variety of devices.

3. Hulu: Hulu offers animated series suitable for both kids and adults, such as “Family Guy,” “Futurama,” and “Bob’s Burgers.” While its animated library isn’t as comprehensive as Disney+, Hulu still has a wealth of high-quality movies.

4. HBO Max: HBO Max brings together the best of Cartoon Network and Adult Swim, from “Adventure Time” and “Teen Titans Go Go” to “Rick and Morty.” However, it’s currently available primarily in the US, Latin America, and some European countries.

5. Amazon Prime Video: Amazon Prime Video boasts a rich library of animated series, especially with add-on channels like Boomerang, which offer Tom and Jerry, Scooby-Doo, and other classics. If you’re already a Prime member, this is a great option.

Conclusion

These free cartoon websites make it easy to watch cartoons online anytime, anywhere. No expensive subscription fees or security risks.

So, choose a cartoon streaming site that’s best for you and start enjoying your favorite cartoons today!