Watch Cartoons Online Free: Best Legal Sites and Apps

In this guide, we list the best free and legal websites and apps to watch cartoons online, explain what each one offers, and share a few tips for parents. We also point out which popular services are paid, so you know what to expect.

Please note: Free catalogs change all the time, and some shows are only available in certain countries. Always check the official app or website for what is available where you live.

Best Free Cartoon Websites at a Glance

Best Free Legal Websites and Apps to Watch Cartoons Online

1. PBS KIDS Video

PBS KIDS is one of the safest places for young children to watch cartoons online. The PBS KIDS Video app and website are free and offer episodes of popular PBS Kids shows, plus a live PBS Kids channel. Everything is made for kids, so you do not need to worry about stumbling into adult content.

It is a great first choice for preschool and early school-age kids, and it works on phones, tablets, smart TVs, and most streaming devices.

2. Official YouTube channels and YouTube Kids

Many cartoon brands run official YouTube channels. The official Cartoon Network channel posts clips and full episodes of its shows, and the official WB Kids channel shares Looney Tunes, Scooby-Doo, and other classic cartoons, including long compilations. Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. also have official channels with clips and episodes from their shows.

For younger viewers, the YouTube Kids app adds parental controls and filters. Stick to channels run by the studios themselves, which usually show a verified badge, and avoid random re-uploads.

3. Tubi

Tubi is a free, ad-supported service with a large kids section that includes animated series, classic cartoons, and family movies. Classic Looney Tunes shorts have been available on Tubi at times, so it is worth a look for retro cartoons. Since Tubi’s main library also includes grown-up content, set up a kids profile or kids mode for younger viewers.

4. Pluto TV

Pluto TV is owned by Paramount, the company behind Nickelodeon, so its kids section often includes Nickelodeon-themed channels such as dedicated SpongeBob SquarePants and PAW Patrol channels, plus other kids and family channels. It works like cable TV: you tune into a channel and watch what is on. It is free with ads and works on most devices.

5. The Roku Channel

The Roku Channel has a Kids & Family section where you can browse free cartoons and family movies by age and watch 24/7 kids channels. It is free with ads, and parental controls are available. It works best on Roku devices, but you can also use the web and mobile apps.

6. Kanopy (Kanopy Kids)

If you have a public library card, check whether your library offers Kanopy. It is free with a participating library card and includes Kanopy Kids, a curated collection of children’s shows and films, often including PBS Kids titles. Some libraries do not count Kanopy Kids titles against your monthly limit, but rules vary by library.

7. hoopla

hoopla is another free service you can use with a participating library card. It includes kids’ TV shows and movies, and many libraries highlight its kids mode, which focuses on age-appropriate content. Your library sets how many titles you can borrow each month.

8. Cartoon Network App

The official Cartoon Network App lets you watch unlocked episodes of current shows without signing in. More episodes are available if you sign in with a TV provider that includes Cartoon Network.

Paid Services Worth Knowing About

If you cannot find a specific show on a free service, it is probably on a paid one. Disney+ is the home of Disney and Pixar animation, Netflix has many original cartoons, Paramount+ carries a big Nickelodeon library, and HBO Max carries many Warner Bros. and Cartoon Network shows. For anime, Crunchyroll is the best-known licensed service. Check each service’s website for current pricing, plans, and any trial offers.

Free Legal Cartoon Options in Other Regions

United Kingdom

• BBC iPlayer: Has CBeebies and CBBC shows with no ads. You need a valid TV Licence to use it.
• ITVX: Free with ads and has a kids section.
• 5 (formerly My5): Free with ads and includes Milkshake! kids programming.

India

• Official YouTube channels: Many kids’ networks and animation studios run official channels with free episodes and clips.
• JioHotstar: Carries a lot of kids’ content. Most of it needs a subscription, which some mobile plans include.

Why We Don’t Recommend Unlicensed Streaming Sites

A lot of “free cartoon” websites upload shows without permission. We used to list several of them here, and we have removed them because:

• Malware: Fake download buttons and pop-ups can install malware or harmful browser extensions.
• Scams: Fake prize alerts, phishing pages, and misleading ads are common, and kids can easily click on them.
• Unsafe ads for kids: These sites often show adult or gambling ads, even next to children’s cartoons.
• Legal risk: Streaming pirated content can break copyright law, and these sites are regularly shut down.
• Poor quality: Broken links, missing episodes, and low-quality video are common.

The legal options above are free, reliable, and much safer for the whole family.

Tips for Parents

• Use kids profiles or kids modes wherever a service offers them.
• Choose services made only for kids, like PBS KIDS, for young children.
• Turn on parental controls in YouTube Kids and on your streaming device.
• Remember that free services show ads, even in kids sections.

FAQ

What is the best website to watch cartoons online for free?

For young kids, PBS KIDS is the safest choice. For a wider mix of cartoons, try Tubi, Pluto TV, and The Roku Channel. If you have a library card, Kanopy Kids and hoopla are excellent ad-free options.

Can I watch cartoons online free without signing up?

Yes. PBS KIDS Video, official YouTube channels, and Pluto TV can usually be watched without an account. Kanopy and hoopla need a library card, and some services work better with a free account.

Where can I watch classic cartoons like Looney Tunes for free?

The official WB Kids YouTube channel posts classic Looney Tunes cartoons and compilations, and classic shorts have been available on Tubi at times. Availability changes, so check both.

Are free cartoon websites safe?

Official services and official channels are safe. Unlicensed cartoon sites are not. They often carry malware, scams, and inappropriate ads.

Conclusion

You do not need risky websites to watch cartoons online for free. PBS KIDS, official YouTube channels, Tubi, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, and library services like Kanopy and hoopla give you a huge range of legal cartoons at no cost.

What is your favorite place to watch cartoons online? Let us know in the comment section below.