Where to Watch Cartoons Online in 2025: Free & Paid Streaming

Cartoons are no longer just for kids! Animated content is experiencing an unprecedented boom, captivating audiences of all ages across the globe. From classic animated series to cutting-edge anime and family-friendly favorites, the options for watching cartoons online are more diverse than ever. This guide will help you navigate the best legitimate platforms, whether you’re looking for free entertainment or a premium, ad-free experience.

Why Cartoons Are Booming in 2025

The demand for animated content has surged, with shows like Bluey, Family Guy, and Bob’s Burger topping streaming charts, racking up billions of viewing minutes in the first half of 2025 alone . This isn’t just about children’s programming; animation has evolved into a versatile storytelling medium that appeals to every demographic.

Behind this growth are significant technological advancements. Innovations from companies like Toonstar are making animation production faster and more affordable, with full episodes created “80% faster and 90% cheaper than industry norms”. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) are streamlining complex tasks like lip-syncing and environment simulation, while improved rendering technologies deliver stunning, detailed visuals more economically. All of this is powered by widespread high-speed internet, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted streaming experiences.

Stream Safely: Avoid Risky Sites!

While the world of online cartoon streaming is vast, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and legality. Many unlicensed platforms, such as KissCartoon, Kimcartoon, and Cartoon Crazy, have faced shutdowns due to severe copyright violations. These illicit sites are notorious for:

• Malware and Viruses: They are often riddled with deceptive ads, intrusive pop-ups, and dangerous redirects that can expose your device to malicious software, tracking, and phishing attempts . Malwarebytes actively blocks domains like kimcartoon.li due to their association with “riskware” and their use for spreading scams .
• Legal Risks: Using pirated streaming sites can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines or even imprisonment in some jurisdictions .
• Poor Quality: Content on these platforms typically suffers from low resolution and frequent buffering .

To protect yourself, always opt for legitimate and secure alternatives. If you must use free, less reputable sites, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your data and bypass geo-blocks, employ a secure browser, and never log in or share personal information.

Top Free Cartoon Streaming Sites

Looking to watch cartoons online without a subscription? Here are some of the best free and legal platforms available in 2025:

1. Tubi

Tubi offers a massive library of cartoons, from classics like What’s New, Scooby-Doo? to modern hits like Mr. Bean. With over 52,000 movies and shows, including dedicated sections for kids and anime, Tubi provides a diverse selection. It’s a legitimate platform, licensing content from major studios like Lionsgate and Warner Bros. Discovery .

• User Experience: Tubi boasts a seamless, intuitive interface with a strong search function. You can start watching without an account, though registration unlocks watchlists and recommendations. It has one of the lowest ad loads among free services, typically 4-6 minutes per hour.
• Cost: Completely free and ad-supported (AVOD). No ad-free upgrade option.
• Availability: Available in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Australia. It’s not available in Europe due to GDPR, requiring a VPN for access from those regions.
• Quality: Most content is 720p HD, with some in standard definition; no 1080p or 4K options.

2. Plex

Plex provides a substantial collection of free cartoons, spanning animation styles from the 1940s to the 2020s. Its unique feature allows users to set up a personal media server to stream their own content globally, bypassing regional restrictions for personal media.

• User Experience: User-friendly with effective filtering and a robust search feature. You can watch without signing in, but an account enables a watchlist. Plex does not allow ad blockers, so you may need to adjust settings. It offers secure server connections, eliminating the need for external VPNs for personal media.
• Cost: Free for licensed cartoon content. Remote streaming of personal media requires a premium subscription.
• Availability: Exceptionally accessible in 195 countries.

3. Pluto TV

Pluto TV offers hundreds of classic and modern cartoons and anime, functioning as both live TV channels and an on-demand library.⁹ It features over 250 virtual channels.²⁵

• User Experience: Entirely free and no account needed, but expect frequent ads.⁹ While some find the interface streamlined ⁸, others describe it as cluttered with auto-playing media.⁹
• Cost: Completely free and ad-supported; no premium ad-free plan.⁹
• Availability: Accessible in 35 countries and 4 continents, including the US and parts of Europe, Latin America, and Brazil.⁹ However, the content library varies significantly by region, with the US library being the most extensive, often requiring a VPN for full access outside the US.⁹

4. Cartoonito

Cartoonito provides a large selection of popular children’s shows like Cocomelon and Baby Looney Tunes, along with new releases and interactive content such as games and craft tutorials .

• User Experience: Designed with a simple and intuitive interface, popular with both children and parents. Features an exclusive ‘Cartoonito Club’ for engaging activities. User reviews describe it as “pretty underrated”.
• Cost: Completely free to watch cartoons online .
• Availability: Operates as a TV channel or programming block across numerous European countries, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and South Korea, indicating a strong international presence . Backed by Warner Bros. Discovery, ensuring legitimacy.⁴⁰

5. Toonjet

Toonjet offers a diverse array of cartoons, including Walt Disney classics like Looney Tunes and contemporary shows like Betty Boop. It focuses on classic public domain cartoons .

• User Experience: Extremely simple navigation and direct browser access. Aims for smooth streaming with occasional ads . Supports subtitles and personalized lists.
• Cost: Primarily free, with a premium “ToonJet toons” version for early access.
• Availability: No explicit regional restrictions, likely due to its focus on public domain content . Recognized as a “leading choice among free websites for streaming cartoons online” .

6. Supercartoons

Supercartoons provides access to thousands of animated shows, with a strong emphasis on classics like Tom & Jerry and Bugs Bunny. Content is well-categorized for easy navigation.

• User Experience: Intuitive and well-organized interface. Offers streaming with “limited ads and pop-ups,” providing a less intrusive experience.
• Cost: Completely free.
• Availability: No explicit regional restrictions mentioned, implying global accessibility with an internet connection.

7. WB Kids Go

WB Kids Go, from Warner Bros. Kids, offers a wide selection of popular children’s shows from Warner Bros. Animation, Hanna Barbera, and DC Comics.

• User Experience: Praised for “exceptional interface usability” and “best dependability”. Supports viewing on mobile devices and TVs. Includes a “WB Parents” section with family movies and shows for adults.
• Cost: All popular shows are available for free.
• Availability: Explicitly stated as “one of the best websites to watch cartoons online from any part of the world,” implying global accessibility. Headquartered in Burbank, California, with content available in English .

Other Notable Free Options

• YouTube: Offers legal, region-specific cartoon content through official channels from networks like Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon. Accessible across all devices .
• RetroCrush: Specializes in retro English-language anime (pre-2000s), with about half its library available for free, primarily in the US and Canada.

Key Features and Availability of Top Free Cartoon Streaming Websites (2025)

Platform Name	Primary Content Focus	Cost Model	Ad Load	Key User Experience Features	Max Video Quality	Regional Availability	Overall Reliability/Safety Note
Tubi	General, Classics, Kids, Anime	Free	Limited (4-6 min/hr) 12	User-friendly interface, solid search, watchlist (account req.), parental controls 9	720p (some SD) 11	US, CA, MX, AU (VPN for Europe) 9	Licensed, reputable, Fox Corp. owned
Plex	General, Classics, Anime, Personal Media	Free (freemium for personal media) 9	Varies (ad blockers not allowed) 9	User-friendly, great filters, robust search, watchlist (account req.) 9	Not specified (user media dependent) 16	Global (195 countries) 9	Secure connections, reputable, allows personal media hosting 22
Pluto TV	General, Classics, Anime, Live TV	Free	Frequent 9	Cluttered interface, auto-playing media, web-based TV guide 9	Not specified 28	US, parts of Europe, LATAM, Brazil (US library most extensive) 9	Paramount Global owned, mixed user reviews 30
Cartoonito	Kids, Preschool, Educational	Free	Not specified 37	Simple, intuitive interface, engaging games, craft tutorials, ‘Cartoonito Club’ 37	Not specified 38	Global (TV channels in various regions)	Warner Bros. Discovery backed, positive user sentiment 40
Toonjet	Classics, Public Domain 9	Freemium (free + premium for early access) 37	Occasional 30	Simple navigation, subtitles, personalized lists, “Cartoon History” 37	Not specified 41	Global (implied for public domain)	Leading choice for free classics, regularly updated
Supercartoons	Classics 37	Free 37	Limited 37	Intuitive, well-organized interface, easy navigation 37	Not specified 25	Global (implied) 37	User-centric with limited ads 37
WB Kids Go	Warner Bros. Kids Content 37	Free 37	Not specified 37	Exceptional usability, dependable, “WB Parents” section 37	Not specified 42	Global 37	Major studio (Warner Bros.) backed, legitimate 42
YouTube (Official)	General, Regional, Modern & Classic 4	Free (ad-supported) 4	Varies 4	Works on all devices, official channels 4	Varies (often HD)	Regional (content depends on region)	Legal, high-quality, reputable
RetroCrush	Retro Anime (pre-2000s) 9	Freemium (half free) 9	Not specified 10	Easy to use, no account needed for free content 9	Not specified 10	US, Canada 9	Specializes in niche, half free library 9

Leading Paid Cartoon Streaming Services

For those seeking an extensive, high-quality, and often ad-free cartoon viewing experience, these subscription services are top contenders:

1. Disney+

Disney+ is the exclusive home for content from iconic franchises like Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars, offering a vast array of child-friendly content, exclusive originals, and animated classics.

Bluey was the number one streamed animated show in the first half of 2025 on the platform . Bundles with Hulu programming expand its adult-oriented content .

• User Experience: Generally user-friendly with high-quality streaming and customizable parental filters . Supports 4K streaming . However, users report significant issues including continuous buffering, frequent app crashes, login difficulties, and content randomly stopping. Offline downloads are available, often on premium tiers .
• Cost: Ad-supported plan at $10/month, ad-free premium at $13.99/month, and bundles (e.g., Disney Bundle Trio Basic with Hulu and ESPN+ with ads) for $16.99/month . Annual premium is $139.99/year.⁷ Users note substantial price hikes .
• Availability: Expanded globally across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, South Africa, and parts of the Indo-Pacific . Content availability can vary by region due to licensing . While users in the European Economic Area (EEA) typically retain access to their home country’s titles , some sources indicate it’s “not officially available in Europe” in certain countries and may require a VPN .

2. Netflix

Netflix maintains an extensive content library with over 5,000 combined TV shows and movies, including a large collection of highly-rated Netflix Originals and diverse international content .

• User Experience: Widely praised for ease of use across devices and intuitive layout . Features an advanced recommendation system, separate profiles (with parental controls), and offline viewing . Minor annoyances include auto-playing trailers and repetitive category suggestions .
• Cost: Standard with ads at $7.99/month (1 device, 720p), Standard without ads at $17.99/month (2 devices, 1080p), and Premium at $24.99/month (4 devices, 4K HDR, no ads) . Premium plans are higher-priced, but content volume and quality often justify the cost .
• Availability: Content and pricing vary by region due to licensing. Users traveling within the EU generally retain access to their home country’s titles. VPN use can sometimes cause access issues.

3. Hulu

Hulu offers a distinctive combination of on-demand streaming and live TV, featuring a vast library of TV shows, films, and Hulu Originals.⁷ A key advantage is its exclusive next-day streaming of content from broadcast and cable networks.⁴⁶ It includes popular adult animated shows like

Family Guy and Bob’s Burger . Bundling with Disney+ and ESPN+ is an option.⁷

• User Experience: Offers flexible ad-supported and ad-free plans. Allows up to six user profiles, including a dedicated kids’ profile. The ad-supported plan has “frequent commercials” . Limited to two simultaneous streams. Users report issues with freezing and pausing.
• Cost: $9.99/month for ad-supported, $18.99/month for ad-free, and $82.99/month for Hulu + Live TV (includes Disney+ and ESPN+ with ads) . The ad-free standalone plan is noted as one of the most expensive.
• Availability: Strictly geo-restricted to the US and Japan . A high-quality VPN is needed to bypass these limitations .

4. Amazon Prime Video

Included with an Amazon Prime membership, Prime Video offers a diverse array of content, including exclusive Amazon Originals, blockbuster movies, and classic shows. It boasts a larger movie library than Netflix, with nearly 24,000 titles . It also offers animated children’s shows and some anime.

• User Experience: The user interface is often criticized as “cluttered,” “messy,” and “overcrowded” due to integration with the larger Amazon marketplace . Users are frustrated by the frequent display of content requiring additional payment . The mobile app is generally better for its seamless interface and offline downloads . Allows three simultaneous streams, with a limit of two for the same title .
• Cost: Free trial available. Monthly Amazon Prime membership at $14.99/month, annual Prime at $139/year, or standalone Prime Video subscription at $8.99/month .
• Availability: Content selection can change when traveling outside the home country . EU residents traveling within the EU retain access to their home country’s titles . Outside the EU, EU residents can stream and download Amazon Originals .

5. Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll is the premier platform for Japanese anime, with over 1,000 titles in subbed and dubbed formats. It features new releases and simulcast shows, often available an hour after Japanese broadcast. The free content library is limited to initial episodes.

• User Experience: Effective search function. Account creation is needed for watchlists. The interface is often described as cluttered and overwhelming. Playback can be distracting due to ads, comments, and recommendations. While paid tiers support 1080p , some users report inconsistent performance, buffering, and app crashes.
• Cost: Free tier is ad-supported with limited content. Paid tiers start at $7.99 per month, with a 7-day free trial for new users.
• Availability: Employs geo-restrictions due to licensing, limiting titles in certain locations. Countries in South America, parts of Africa, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and various European regions are blocked from the full library, often requiring a VPN.

Choosing Your Perfect Cartoon Hub

The best website to watch cartoons online ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences:

• For Budget-Conscious Viewers: Tubi, Plex, Pluto TV, Cartoonito, Toonjet, Supercartoons, and WB Kids Go offer excellent free options, each with unique content strengths. Consider their ad loads and regional availability.
• For Diverse Content & Quality: Netflix and Disney+ (especially with bundles) provide vast libraries of high-quality, often exclusive content, though they come with a subscription fee.
• For Anime Enthusiasts: Crunchyroll is the undisputed leader for Japanese anime, offering an unparalleled selection, but be aware of its geo-restrictions and reported technical issues.
• For Next-Day TV & Adult Animation: Hulu is a strong choice for US and Japan-based users, offering current TV shows and popular adult animated series, but its geo-restrictions and ad frequency on the basic plan are significant considerations.
• For Amazon Prime Members: Amazon Prime Video offers bundled value with a large movie library, but its interface can be challenging.

No matter your choice, prioritizing legitimate platforms is paramount for a safe, enjoyable, and high-quality cartoon streaming experience. Happy watching!