If you’re searching for sites like Webtoon, you probably already finished your favorite series and now want something new. Or you’re tired of waiting a week for each episode. Or you simply want a different mix of genres. Good news: there are plenty of places to read vertical-scroll comics, and most of them are legal, safe, and free to start.
This guide covers seven of the best options, what each one does well, and how to pick between them. If you’re new to the format, start with our Webtoon XYZ beginner’s guide first.
Why Readers Look for Sites Like Webtoon
Webtoon is huge, but no single platform has everything. English rights for popular series are split across several services, so the story you want may simply live somewhere else. Some readers also dislike the coin-and-wait system. Others want more mature stories, more manga, or a flat monthly price.
That’s why a “Webtoon alternative” usually means one of three things:
- more free reading
- different genres or licensed titles
- a simpler way to pay
7 Best Sites Like Webtoon
1. Tapas
Tapas is the closest match in look and feel. It’s mobile-first, built around short episodes, and mixes webcomics with web novels. It leans toward indie and creator-owned work, so you’ll find romance, fantasy, BL, and slice of life that don’t appear on bigger platforms. Daily rewards and free-to-wait options keep costs low.
2. Tappytoon
Tappytoon focuses on licensed Korean manhwa and web novels. The translations and artwork are polished, and romance fantasy is a real strength. Many chapters sit behind coins or a subscription, so it suits readers who care more about quality than free volume.
3. Lezhin Comics
Lezhin is a premium, coin-based service known for mature drama, romance, and BL. If Webtoon feels too light, Lezhin is the usual next step. The trade-off is that you will pay for most chapters.
4. Manta
Manta works more like a streaming service for comics. You pay a flat monthly fee and read eligible series without buying each chapter. It’s great for binge readers, though the catalog is smaller than the big freemium apps.
5. Manga Plus
Manga Plus is Shueisha’s official manga service. It isn’t vertical-scroll, but it’s the safest way to read major Japanese series for free. If your taste has started drifting toward manga, this is where to go.
6. ComiXology
ComiXology covers Western comics, indie titles, and graphic novels. It’s a different flavor from Webtoon, but useful when you want superheroes or print-style comics in the same app.
7. Pocket Comics
Pocket Comics offers a mix of licensed webtoons and original stories, often with free daily chapters. It’s worth a look as a secondary app when your main one runs out of free episodes.
Quick Comparison Table
| Platform | Best For | How You Pay | Main Limitation |
| Tapas | Indie comics and free reading | Free episodes plus coins | Quality varies on creator-owned titles |
| Tappytoon | Licensed Korean manhwa | Coins or subscription | Fewer free chapters |
| Lezhin Comics | Mature drama, romance, BL | Pay per chapter with coins | Costs add up quickly |
| Manta | Binge reading | Flat monthly fee | Smaller catalog |
| Manga Plus | Official Japanese manga | Mostly free | Not vertical-scroll |
| ComiXology | Western comics, graphic novels | Mix of free and paid | Not webtoon-style |
| Pocket Comics | Free daily chapters | Free plus coins | Mixed catalog |
Prices and catalogs change often, so check each app’s current plans before you commit.
How to Choose the Right Site
Start with what annoys you most about your current setup.
If you hate waiting, try Manta or a Tappytoon subscription. Both let you read ahead.
If you want free reading, Tapas and Manga Plus give you the most without paying.
If you want one specific series, search for it first. Rights are split, so the title you want decides the platform, not the other way around.
If you like a specific genre, go straight to the platform that leans that way. Our list of BL webtoon recommendations is a good starting point for romance readers, and the best OP manhwa list covers overpowered-lead action stories.
Honestly, most regular readers end up using two or three apps. One for free daily reading, one for a favorite licensed series. That’s normal.
Free vs Paid: What to Expect
Almost every platform here has a free tier, but “free” works differently on each. Some give you a few chapters a day. Others unlock new episodes after a waiting period. A few require coins from the start.
Our guide to reading free manhwa online explains the safest ways to do it without hitting pirated sites. If you want a broader look at the genre, see comics like Webtoon and Korean webtoons you can read for free.
Staying Safe While You Read
Search results for “free webtoons” are full of copycat and typo domains. A few habits will protect you:
- Stick to official apps and well-known publishers.
- Avoid sites that demand downloads, browser extensions, or card details just to read.
- Be careful with look-alike addresses. We explain how to spot them in our guide to We Toon.xyz.
- Skip anything covered in pop-up ads or fake “update your player” warnings.
Unlicensed sites also don’t pay creators. If you enjoy a series, reading it on an official platform is the best way to keep it going.
Where to Start Reading
Not sure what to try first? Here are a few reading paths:
- Want a long, addictive fantasy? Try the Player manhwa.
- Curious about a specific title you’ve seen online? Read our breakdown of The Hole Is Open.
- Want to understand the wider format before you pick an app? Our XYZ manhwa overview covers the basics.
FAQ
What is the best site like Webtoon?
Tapas is the closest in format and feel. For premium licensed manhwa, Tappytoon is the stronger pick.
Are sites like Webtoon free?
Most offer some free chapters, but new episodes are often locked behind coins, waiting timers, or a subscription.
Is there a site like Webtoon with no coins?
Manta uses a flat monthly subscription instead of per-chapter coins. Manga Plus is mostly free for official manga.
Are sites like Webtoon safe?
Official platforms such as Tapas, Tappytoon, Lezhin, Manta, and Manga Plus are legal and safe. Unofficial scan sites carry malware, ad, and privacy risks.
Can I read Webtoon series on other platforms?
Sometimes. Rights are split by region and publisher, so a series may live on one platform only. Search the title to confirm.
Which site is best for mature or BL stories?
Lezhin Comics and Tappytoon are both strong choices for romance, drama, and BL.
Conclusion
There’s no single perfect replacement for Webtoon. Tapas feels the most familiar, Tappytoon and Lezhin deliver polished premium titles, Manta suits binge readers, and Manga Plus covers official Japanese manga. Pick the one that matches how you like to read and pay, then add a second app when the first runs dry.
Whichever you choose, stick with official platforms so you get a safe experience and the creators get paid.
