The streaming era is here, and it’s crowded. There is more animated content available online than ever before. But finding the right place to watch cartoons can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. You aren’t just looking for any cartoon. You need reliable sites with large collections. You want to know which platforms are worth your time.
This guide cuts through the noise. We have compiled a solid list of online streaming options. You will find a wide range of animated content here. Different genres. A long roster of shows. We break this down into two main buckets: free sites and paid subscriptions.
Free Sites vs. Paid Subscriptions
The simplest way to categorize cartoon streaming is by cost. Some services are free. Others require a monthly fee. It isn’t always black and white though. Some subscription sites still charge a rental fee for specific titles.
Nominally free sites often come with strings attached. You might face paid upgrade options or, more commonly, advertising. You get to watch the cartoons, but you also have to watch the ads. Still, for many viewers, the tradeoff is worth it. We will start with the free options first.
5 Free Sites and Streaming Services for Cartoons
The following options do not require a subscription or upfront fee. Some have optional paid tiers, but the free versions work for casual viewing. Be aware that these free versions often include commercials.
1. YouTube
This seems obvious, but many fans underestimate the YouTube library. It hosts uploads from all kinds of accounts. Big animation studios and platforms have their own channels. You can subscribe to these channels for free.
Watch full episodes or clips directly. YouTube also offers paid options for music and TV streaming. Those paid tiers remove ads and unlock more content. If you are looking for how to watch cartoons online without a fee, this is a primary destination.
2. PBS Kids
PBS still delivers great programming. It is heavily focused on kid-themed content. This includes a robust selection of cartoons. There are classic shows and newer titles. Your kids might enjoy them. You might too.
PBS gets public support for its content. It also offers subscriptions for some material. Check with your local affiliate for available programming in your area. PBS Kids is their web-based platform. All you need is an internet connection to watch online.
3. Pluto TV
Pluto TV has a respectably large catalogue of animated shows. It likely includes some of your favorites. Like many free options, it relies on ad revenue. You will sit through commercials.
Pluto TV feels similar to traditional TV. It has a steady stream of “live” content you can browse. There is also an on-demand option. Both are accessible through a browser. Use them on computers, smartphones, or tablets. Like most options on this list, it has an app for smart TVs.
4. Tubi
Tubi is a streaming platform with tons of options. The collection is enormous in terms of genres and individual shows. However, the catalogue is not fixed. Shows come and go. You will need to browse to find what is currently available.
Free streaming comes with commercial interruptions. If you do not mind the ads, you have plenty to choose from. It is a solid choice for binge-watching older or niche animated titles.
5. Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network has updated its platform to keep pace with changing times. They have their own app and website. The service streams content through the Max service. You will find lots of options there.
“Cartoon Network has also updated their platform to keep pace with the changing times.”
5 Paid Options for Streaming Cartoons Online
The following services are subscription-based. You will likely need more than one subscription to access a wide variety of shows. Quality and selection are generally consistent across these platforms. Some, like Netflix, offer lower-priced tiers that include commercials.
1. Netflix
Netflix is a top dog in the streaming world. Their animated selection is impressive. They make a lot of their own content. While there might not be as many classic options, there is a vast amount of other stuff to browse.
The consistency is high. The library is deep. If you want original animated series, Netflix is a must-have.
2. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon has a large library of animated shows. They include original content as well. There are lots of options to choose from. Some titles cost extra to watch, even if you have a subscription.
The variety is wide. It covers various genres and eras. It is a strong contender for those who already have Prime.
3. HBO Max
HBO Max holds a lot of classics from the Warner Brothers collection. Think Looney Tunes. It includes Cartoon Network, HBO, and Discovery content. They also offer animated content from Adult Swim.
Adult Swim produces animated content geared towards older audiences. If you want mature animation, this is the place to look. The depth of classic catalogues here is unmatched.
4. Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is a niche service. It specializes in anime. If you are a fan of anime, or want to explore it, this is a great place to start. They have a free version with ads. They also offer subscription-based plans.
For specific genres like mecha or shonen, this is the go-to source. The library is extensive for its niche.
5. Disney+
Disney has kept up with the latest changes in viewing options. They have their own platform for many animated movies and TV shows. You can subscribe through the app itself. You can also subscribe through Hulu.
Hulu is another streaming platform owned by the Disney corporation. This gives you flexibility in how you access their vast animated library. It covers everything from Pixar to classic TV series.
