Cartoons are a great source of entertainment, comedy, valuable life lessons, and relaxation for children and adults alike. While we were children we had to sit around for hours waiting for our favorite cartoon to be on TV, but children nowadays have it easy. Instead of waiting around and adjusting their schedules and lives to fit the TV schedule, they (as well as us, adults) can always find our favorite shows and cartoons online and watch them whenever we have time and thus making sure the program fits our schedule and not the other way around.
Nowadays, there are countless great websites, apps, and other online alternatives that enable us to watch cartoons anytime anywhere. Some of them are free and easily accessible, others are paid or require registration. In this article you will find out all there is to know about how to watch cartoons online for free, the best websites to watch cartoons online for free, other ways to watch cartoons online, and things you should take into consideration before watching cartoons online.
How To Watch Cartoons Online For Free
So, the first thing to clarify when it comes to watching cartoons online is to determine and list all the ways or methods how to watch cartoons online for free.
Method No. 1: Free streaming websites
Free streaming websites enable users to watch cartoons and other video content hosted on numerous third-party, non-affiliated servers all over the world. Even though streaming licensed content isn’t completely legal, as the videos aren’t hosted on their servers, these websites are quite protected. Users are very unlikely to get in trouble for using these websites, so there is really nothing for you to worry about. Streaming websites are user-friendly and convenient as they allow you to watch the content anytime anywhere and for any browser-supported device. In addition, they don’t require users to download any content therefore downloading malware is highly unlikely. On the flip side, not all content is available in high-definition (HD) quality and users usually have to deal with annoying ads and pop-up windows.
The exact steps to watch cartoons online using free streaming websites:
Even though there are lots of free streaming websites (as you will see in the next chapter) and the procedure is similar on all of them, in this case, we will demonstrate exactly how to watch cartoons online on CartoonsOn.
Step 1: Go to any web browser and visit https://www.cartoonsons.com/.
Step 2: Notice a search bar in the top-right corner of the website. Use it to type in the name of any cartoon you are looking for.
Step 3: Perhaps you will be required to solve a captcha to validate you are a human.
Step 4: Once you get the results of your search, you can select the exact cartoon you want to watch.
Step 5: Click on ‘Watch Now’ and enjoy your cartoon.
In case the video doesn’t work, make sure to enable flash in your web browser and refresh the website.
Method No. 2: Streaming Torrent Client
When it comes to downloading video content, there no site as popular as Torrent. The latest version of Torrent has a convenient streaming feature that allows you to watch the video before it downloads onto your device. This free feature works on Windows OS, Mac OS, and Linux. Web Torrent Desktop is one of the most popular and user-friendly Torrent clients. It enables you to stream cartoons to Chromecast, AirPlay, and DLNA. It also enables you to find peers through DHT (Distributed Hash Table), tracker servers, and peer exchange. This method allows you to choose any video quality and to cast the content onto your HDTV. On the other hand, a potentially big disadvantage of this method is that the majority of torrent clients have to share enabled by default – make sure to disable it so that you don’t get into trouble.
The exact steps to watch cartoons online using a streaming torrent client:
Step 1: Go to any web browser and visit https://webtorrent.io/desktop/.
Step 2: Download Web Torrent Desktop and make sure to download the one that is designed for the operating system your device uses.
Step 3: Install Web Torrent Desktop.
Step 4: Launch Web Torrent Desktop.
Step 5: On the bottom of Web Torrent you will see a space where you can drop a torrent file or paste a magnet link. Drop or paste it.
Step 6: Enjoy your cartoon!
Method No.3: Using a VPN service
Some cartoons are available in some countries and not available in other countries. If it so happens that your heart is set on watching a cartoon that is not available in your region, you can bypass the restriction by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service. A VPN service hides your real IP address and gives you a new fake one that shows that you are located in another country – one, where the cartoon you wish to watch is available at. The great thing about this method is that it is completely legal and that you don’t have to worry about malware. In addition, cartoons tend to be available in original quality. However, few VPN services are free and the ones that are free usually have some limitations. Also, keep in mind that some cartoons aren’t available on on-demand legal streaming sites.
The exact steps to watch cartoons online using a VPN service:
Step 1: There are many VPN services available online. Do your research and choose the one that best fits your needs.
Step 2: Sign up and select a plan.
Step 3: You will be required to enter your credit card details. However, keep in mind that you can cancel the service within around 30 days (the number of days may differ between various VPN services) and you will most likely get your money back with no questions asked.
Step 4: Download a VPN client.
Step 5: Install the VPN client. Once you do so, sign in.
Step 6: Establish a VPN connection. Do so by using a server and IP address from a country or region where the content you want to watch is available at.
Step 7: Enjoy your cartoon or other video content!
You can read one of our past articles How To Add Apps To Vizio Smart TV
The Top 12 Best Free Websites To Watch Cartoons Online
If you are not one to experiment with websites and other methods to watch cartoons online for free, then you can check out our pick of the top 12 best free websites to watch cartoons online. Find out whether or not they are free and safe to use if you need to sign up, what kind of cartoons are available, and their pros and cons.
1. YouTube – Best Websites To Watch Cartoons Online Free
When it comes to watching any kind of video online, including cartoons, YouTube is probably the first website that comes to mind. YouTube may be the most obvious choice, as it is a huge platform with a collection of more than 5 billion videos. With such a vast selection of videos, you can find virtually any type of cartoon. To make things as kid-friendly as possible, YouTube has even designed an app especially for children that contains cartoons and other content that is suitable for children.
Is it free and safe?
Yes, YouTube is completely safe and secure and unlike many other websites on this list totally legal. It’s a free website and app and it’s available all over the world. However, there is also a premium paid version that offers ad-free streaming, background playing even when you are using other apps, and video downloading.
Do I need to sign up?
No, there is no need to sign up if you prefer not to. However, if you do, you can create playlists, monitor your watch history, and resume watching videos where you left off.
What and how many types of cartoons are available?
Due to their large selection of videos YouTube offers virtually every type of cartoon imaginable.
PROS
It is free.- It is safe.
- Offers countless cartoons.
- Offers HD videos.
- User-friendly.
CONS
The free version contains ads.- As the website is not designed especially for children, there may lack some specific cartoons and your child can encounter some semi-graphic content.
- YouTube has lots of security features, which is great, but these security features are also what keeps the website from streaming pirated videos, therefore many full cartoons are not available.
2. Cartoons On – Best Websites To Watch Cartoons Online Free
Cartoons On is one of the most popular websites to watch cartoons online for free. The free and user-friendly site offers a massive selection of HD cartoons of all kinds and ages – both old and new. The website is designed to be used on all kinds of electronic devices, including smartphones. Their advanced categorization allows you to search for cartoons by name, studio, characters, shows, or series and they even feature a list of the most popular cartoons, which can be helpful if you are looking for something new.
Is it free and safe?
Yes, Cartoons On is both free and completely safe to use.
Do I need to sign up?
No, you don’t need to sign up. You can simply go to the website, enter the name of the cartoon in the search bar and enjoy.
What and how many types of cartoons are available?
There are countless types of cartoons available on this huge platform. You can filter them out with their advanced categorization.
PROS
- It is free.
- It is safe.
- Offers countless cartoons.
- User-friendly.
- Designed especially for cartoons, therefore there is no graphic content included.
CONS
- Contains ads.
- Even though the website exists since 2014, which speaks of its reliability, it’s still not as main-stream and full of security features as YouTube.
3. WatchCartoonOnline – Best Websites To Watch Cartoons Online Free
WatchCartoonOnline is another immensely popular free website for watching cartoons. It contains a huge variety of cartoons and you can select the one you want to watch by using the search bar on the top of the website, the sidebar that displays the most popular cartoons, or the genre list on the bottom of the website. The website has been banned in some countries, therefore you may need to use a VPN service to access it.
Is it free and safe?
Yes, the website is free and safe to use.
Do I need to sign up?
No, you can use the website without signing up.
What and how many types of cartoons are available?
There are countless types of cartoons available, including anime, series, and movies.
PROS
- It is free.
- It is safe.
- Offers countless cartoons.
- Offers HD videos.
- User-friendly.
- Designed especially for cartoons, therefore there is no graphic content included.
CONS
- Contains ads.
- Even though the website is reliable, it’s still not as main-stream and full of security features as YouTube.
4. ToonJet – Best Websites To Watch Cartoons Online Free
This free website to watch cartoons online is safe and reliable. It offers many different kinds of cartoons, including the most popular classics, like Tom & Jerry, Looney Tunes, and Mickey Mouse, as well as some of the newest cartoons. In addition to their decent video selection and simple interface, they also allow you to rate each video and give feedback.
Is it free and safe?
Yes, the website is completely free and safe to use.
Do I need to sign up?
There is no need to sign up to watch videos without limitations. However, if you decide to register, you will be able to monitor your watch history and thus know exactly where you left off.
What and how many types of cartoons are available?
The website is mainly focused on the classic cartoons from the ’80s and ’90s, but there are also lots of other cartoons to be found.
PROS
- It is free.
- It is safe.
- Offers some HD videos.
- User-friendly.
- Designed especially for cartoons, therefore there is no graphic content included.
CONS
- Limited cartoon selection and as many of them are old, they aren’t available in HD.
- Contains ads.
- Even though the website is reliable, it’s still not as main-stream and full of security features as YouTube.
5. Cartoonito – Best Websites To Watch Cartoons Online Free
Cartoonito is a multi-purpose entertainment platform for children. In addition to many wonderful cartoons, they also offer kid-friendly games, informative club tales, and songs. They provide content with educational value, therefore Cartoonito is a great and safe option for your children to explore.
Is it free and safe?
Yes, Cartoonito is completely free and safe.
Do I need to sign up?
No, you don’t need to sign up.
What and how many types of cartoons are available?
There are numerous types of cartoons available, but they mainly focus on content with a high educational value.
PROS
- It is free.
- It is safe.
- Offers cartoons and other content with high educational value.
- Offers HD videos.
- User-friendly and all-around kid-friendly.
- Designed especially for children, therefore there is no graphic content included.
CONS
- Slightly limited cartoon selection.
- Contains ads.
- Even though the website is reliable, it’s still not as main-stream and full of security features as YouTube.
6. Cartoon Network – Best Websites To Watch Cartoons Online Free
Due to their child-friendly interface, a huge selection of cartoons, and the ability to search for videos by your favorite character, Cartoon Network is one of the most popular websites to watch cartoons online for free. While the site does contain ads, pop-ups during playback are banned.
Is it free and safe?
Yes, it’s both free and safe.
Do I need to sign up?
No, there is no need to sign up.
What and how many types of cartoons are available?
There are many types of cartoons available on the website, however, they have all been produced by Cartoon Network.
PROS
- It is free.
- It is safe.
- Offers a large cartoon selection.
- Offers HD videos.
- User-friendly.
- Designed especially for cartoons, therefore there is no graphic content included.
CONS
- Only offers original Cartoon Network cartoons, which tend to have little educational value.
- Contains ads.
- Even though the website is reliable, it’s still not as main-stream and full of security features as YouTube.
7. Kiss Cartoon – Best Websites To Watch Cartoons Online Free
Kiss Cartoon is another great option for watching cartoons online for free, as it offers a large selection of free cartoons, simple navigation, and various different search options, including by series, movies, genres, best rated, most-watched, and of course by a good old search bar.
Is it free and safe?
The website is free and safe to use.
Do I need to sign up?
There is no need to sign up, but in case you want more options, sign up is available.
What and how many types of cartoons are available?
There are many different types of cartoons available on Kiss Cartoon, including fantasy, comedy, action, adventure, and more.
PROS
- It is free.
- It is safe.
- Offers a large cartoon selection.
- Offers HD videos.
- User-friendly.
- Designed especially for cartoons, therefore there is no graphic content included.
CONS
- Slightly limited cartoon selection.
- Contains ads.
- Even though the website is reliable, it’s still not as main-stream and full of security features as YouTube.
8. Go Go Anime – Best Websites To Watch Cartoons Online Free
Besides Anime Planet, Anime Toon, and Anime Flavor, Go Go Anime is one of the most popular websites to watch anime movies. The stylish and user-friendly website enables users to search for anime in the search bar on top of the page or on the anime list or you can check out the recent releases and ongoing series in the main and sidebar. Basically, all videos are dubbed in English.
Is it free and safe?
Yes, the website is both safe and free.
Do I need to sign up?
No, there is no need to sign up, but you can if you want to have additional benefits.
What and how many types of cartoons are available?
Go Go Anime offers anime cartoons.
PROS
- It is safe.
- Offers some HD videos.
- User-friendly.
- Great for anime lovers.
CONS
- Only offers anime videos.
- Contains ads.
- Even though the website is mostly reliable, it’s still not as main-stream and full of security features as YouTube.
9. Disney Junior – Best Websites To Watch Cartoons Online Free
Disney offers some of the most beautiful, educating, and popular cartoons of all time. As it is one of Disney’s official websites they offer legal and original content in HD, but of course they do not offer every full-length movie. In addition to cartoons, the series also offers games and other kid-friendly activities. The website may be banned in some countries, therefore you may need to use a VPN service.
Is it free and safe?
Yes, it’s both free and safe.
Do I need to sign up?
No, you don’t need to sign up.
What and how many types of cartoons are available?
There are many different types of original Disney cartoons available of many different genres.
PROS
- It is free.
- It is safe.
- Offers a large original Disney cartoon selection, many of which have great educational value.
- Offers HD videos.
- User-friendly.
- Designed especially for cartoons, therefore there is no graphic content included.
CONS
- As they only offer Disney movies and series, there is a slightly limited cartoon selection.
- Contains ads.
10. Fox – Best Websites To Watch Cartoons Online Free
Fox is a very popular entertainment site, which offers movies, sports, news, and even an impressive selection of HD cartoons. Some of their most popular cartoons include The Simpsons and Family Guy. The website may be banned in some countries, therefore you may need to use a VPN service.
Is it free and safe?
The website is safe and legal, however, they only offer one hour of free access.
Do I need to sign up?
Yes, for full access you definitely have to sign up and select a plan.
What and how many types of cartoons are available?
The selection of cartoons is limited on Fox, but they do offer some of the most popular ones.
PROS
- It is free.
- It is safe.
- Offers HD videos.
- User-friendly.
CONS
- Contains ads.
- As the website is not designed especially for cartoons, there is a limited selection of cartoons. In addition, your child may encounter some semi-graphic content.
- Fox has lots of security features, which is great, but these security features are also what keeps the website from streaming pirated videos, therefore many cartoons are not available.
In case you also need information about What Channel Is Fox On DirecTV And DirecTV All Packages
11. Nickelodeon – Best Websites To Watch Cartoons Online Free
Nickelodeon, also known as Nick is a kid-friendly platform for cartoons. In addition to HD cartoon, you can also find music, TV shows, and games suitable for children. The design is attractive and the navigation is easy.
Is it free and safe?
The website is free, safe, and legal as they only stream original content.
Do I need to sign up?
No, there is no need to sign up.
What and how many types of cartoons are available?
Nickelodeon is an old and reputed TV channel and their official website only streams the channel’s original cartoons. However, they do offer a large selection of different types of cartoons.
PROS
- It is free.
- It is safe.
- Offers a large original Nickelodeon cartoon selection.
- Offers HD videos.
- User-friendly.
- Designed especially for cartoons, therefore there is no graphic content included.
CONS
- As they only offer Nickelodeon movies and series, there is a slightly limited cartoon selection.
- Contains ads.
12. Vimeo – Best Websites To Watch Cartoons Online Free
Much like YouTube, Video is one of the largest video streaming platforms in the world. The website enables you to watch, rate, download, upload, share, and even create videos for free. The premium version offers some additional benefits that may be worth exploring. In addition to cartoons, Vimeo also offers many other types of videos.
Is it free and safe?
While they do offer free membership, they also offer various different subscription plans that come with additional benefits. Not only is Vimeo safe to use, but it is also legal.
Do I need to sign up?
Yes, you need to sign up. You can join Vimeo by email or with a valid Google account.
What and how many types of cartoons are available?
There are many different types of cartoons available on Vimeo but the selection may not be as large as on some other platform designed especially for cartoons.
PROS
- It is free.
- It is safe.
- Offers countless cartoons.
- Offers HD videos.
- User-friendly.
CONS
- Free version contains ads.
- As the websites is not designed especially for cartoons, there may lack some specific cartoons and your child can encounter some semi-graphic content.
- Vimeo has lots of security features, which is great, but these security features are also what keeps the website from streaming pirated videos, therefore many full cartoons are not available.
Alternative Ways To Watch Cartoons
Other than watching cartoons on websites, you can also watch them using a streaming torrent client, buy or rent them online, and use apps.
-
Watch cartoons using a streaming torrent client
Downloading videos through a streaming torrent client may be convenient, quick, and simple. It is also free and most streaming torrent clients offer almost all cartoons, movies, and TV shows imaginable in any video quality you want. This enables you to watch your favorite videos whenever and wherever for free and with minimum effort on any of your electronic devices, including on your HDTV. However, you must keep in mind that this way of watching cartoons may or may not be legal (depending on your country or region) and that sharing (which the majority of torrent client have automatically enabled) is definitely not legal and that it can get you into major trouble.
-
Buy or rent cartoons online
Another option to watch cartoons online is to buy or rent them. Nowadays, there are countless platforms, websites, and apps that allow you to rent or buy a video. The process is very simple, legal, and safe, but even though it tends to be affordable, this option is not for free. Some of the best places to rent or buy movies, TV shows, and cartoons online are Amazon Movies, YouTube Movies, Google Play Movies, iTunes Movie Rentals, and Vudu Movie Rentals.
-
Watch cartoons using apps
In addition to a great many websites to watch, rent, or buy cartoons and other video content from, there are also lots of video streaming apps available for Windows, Android, Mac, and other devices. As most streaming apps are very user-friendly and have a clean interface, watching cartoons on apps is one of the simplest ways to do so. You simply download the app from the Google Play Store or the iOS, Windows, etc. version of such a store, create an account, and yes, in some cases, you will have to pay a subscription fee (at least for the upgraded ad-free versions). Once you do so, you can simply open the app on your favorite device, search for the cartoon you wish to watch (before you install an app simply to watch a specific cartoon you may want to make sure the app offers the exact content you are looking for), and enjoy the experience. Some of the best apps to watch cartoons include YouTube Kids, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney +, Cartoon Network app, Boomerang, PlayKids, Hulu, Pluto TV, Sling TV, Vudu, Tubi, Kodi, etc.
Read one of our past articles How To Download & Install Spectrum App on Smart TV
What To Keep In Mind Before Watching Cartoons Online For Free
Before you watch cartoons online for free you may want to take into account some important considerations. You want to make sure the website is safe, offers high-quality videos, instructive content, perhaps a time limit, and most importantly, you want to make sure that the website won’t include any inappropriate content (such as pornography), especially if you are planning to let your child use the website and watch the videos unsupervised. The last thing you want is to let your little ones watch videos thinking they are safe on a website that offers cartoons and then it turns out they caught a computer virus, watched cartoons with no educational value, or even saw something completely unsuitable.
1. How safe is the website?
Before you or your child watch cartoons on free websites make sure the website is safe. When it comes to safety, the most important thing is to watch out for fake websites or unsupervised websites where you can get a computer virus or download any other malware that could potentially damage your computer (or another device), harm your programs, delete your files, reformat the hard drive, or even steal your data and personal information. There are several ways to recognize a safe website, including by the ‘s’ at the end of http (https), a privacy policy, clearly stated contact information, verifying their trust seal, and knowing the signs of malware.
2. Is there any porn on the website?
In case small children are the ones who will watch the cartoons, you want to make sure there is no porn or other inappropriate and not child-friendly content to be found on the website. You can always Google a website’s reputation or examine the content yourself before letting your children watch it.
3. What is the quality of the cartoon?
To prevent eye strain and avoid a generally bad viewing experience, make sure the website offers high-quality videos. Some websites allow you to choose and adjust the quality manually. You will want the image to be clear and not blurry, especially if you have a rather large screen.
4. Is there anything instructive?
When it comes to watching cartoons, we not only want our children to be amused and entertained (and just sit still for a while), we also want the content they are watching to be instructive and educational. Make sure the cartoons that are available on a particular website have good morals and that they will teach your kids’ young, fresh, and innocent minds valuable lessons, instead of promoting violence, lying, cheating, and other problematic behaviors.
5. Make sure not to let your child develop an addiction
We all know that watching cartoons (as well as gaming, for example) can be highly addictive. After one cartoon there can be countless streams of ‘Just one more’s. As we don’t want our children to develop an addiction, which could lead to them not wanting to do anything else, and as we don’t want to get addicted ourselves, it would be wise to choose a website that offers a time limit or at least one that doesn’t offer content that tends to be very addictive. The goal is for us and our children to have fun without developing any negative attitudes.
FAQ
Can I watch cartoons using apps?
Yes, you can absolutely watch cartoons using apps. Some apps are paid, others are free. Find the most popular cartoon-streaming apps in chapter 3.
Is the Cartoon Network app free?
Yes, the Cartoon Network app is free. You can download it and start watching your favorite cartoons immediately. Just make sure to select the episodes without a key, as the one with a key requires your TV provider info.
Does YouTube offer HD cartoons?
It depends on the individual video, but most videos on YouTube do come in high-definition. The quality of the video can be adjusted and selected by pressing the ‘Settings’ button in the bottom right corner of the player and then pressing ‘Quality’ and selecting the video quality.
What are the most popular cartoons of all time?
Ranking the best cartoons of all time may be tricky, as we all have very different tastes and ideas about what is good and entertaining. However, ranking the most popular, hence the most viewed cartoons of all time is simple. According to an official listing, the top ten most popular cartoons of all time are South Park (not suitable for children), Dragon Ball Z, The Flintstones, Family Guy, Scooby-Doo, Tom & Jerry, Road Runner, Looney Tunes, The Simpsons, and Mickey Mouse, which ranked number 1.
How to watch cartoons that are not available in our country?
That’s easy! You can use a VPN (virtual private network) service, which is designed to hide your IP address and give you a new IP address, which shows that you are located in another country – one, where the cartoon you want to watch is available at. For the exact steps on how to watch cartoons online using a VPN service, check out method number 3 in the first chapter.
Do I need a VPN for watching cartoons online?
It depends. If the cartoon you want to watch is available in your country and if you are planning to watch it on a safe and reliable website, then there is no need to use a VPN service. However, as VPN services are designed to establish secure and encrypted connections and thus give the user greater online privacy, anonymity, and security, some internet users prefer to use VPN services at all times, no matter what they do and which websites they visit.
Is WatchCartoonOnline safe?
Yes. WatchCartoonOnline has been analyzed for safety and security problems by several cybersecurity companies, which have determined that WatchCartoonOnline is a safe website.
Is GoGoAnime safe?
Yes, GoGoAnime is also a safe website. Their videos are pirated, therefore the site is not legal. Still, their content is safe to watch.
Is Kiss Cartoon legal?
Kiss Cartoon is one of the most popular websites for watching free cartoons online, however, it is not a licensed website, and as such, it is not legal. They stream pirated content and videos, even though they do not have the right to distribute the content.
Can I watch cartoons without downloading them?
Yes, you absolutely can. There are several ways to watch cartoons online, without having to download them. One of the most popular ways to watch free videos online without downloading them is to watch them on free streaming websites. You can find the best free websites to watch cartoons online in chapter 2.
Is WatchCartoonOnline an Authorized Website?
WatchCartoonOnline is not an authorized website and therefore it is not legal. They host pirated content without distribution rights. Nonetheless, the website is completely safe to use and the users who use this or similar websites are very unlikely to get in trouble. For more information about using such websites, check out method 1 in the first chapter.
YouTube advertisement is so annoying, can I remove it?
Yes, there are several ways to remove or avoid YouTube ads. One way to do so is to pay a subscription to YouTube Premium, which provides ad-free content and other benefits. Another way is to download the content from https://www.ssyoutube.com or by using third-party services like ClipGrab or KeepVid. You can also watch Youtube videos by copying the URL and pasting it on viewpure.com, where you will be able to watch the video without ads (keep in mind that this way is not legal). Lastly, you can also use an ad blocker app or web browser extension, which is designed to block ads on YouTube as well as other websites.
You can read one of our past articles How To Watch Bravo Without Cable