Top 10 Best Websites and Apps to Read Manhwa for Free in 2024
One of the most challenging things about reading manhwa, manga, or manhua as a hobby is finding the right place or platform to read them.
The reality is that many platforms have subscription-based payment systems, while others have a credit-based system that can run into hundreds of dollars every month if you’re an avid reader.
In this article, I will discuss the best websites and apps to read manhwa for free in 2024. These apps also have manga, manhua, and webtoons for you to explore.
What is Manhwa?
Manhwa is a type of East Asian comic that originates from South Korea. Most manhwas are written in Hangul, which is the Korean alphabet, but there are many translation and scanlation websites and platforms to translate those comics into English.Â
Scanlation means scanning, translating, editing, and redrawing, if needed, comics from one language to another by fans of those comics. Scanlation platforms don’t really make money from translating comic works, and they don’t usually get the consent of the original author or artist of the work. However, in some situations, they do.
To enjoy Korean comics without going through translation and scanlation websites, you’d actually have to learn the Korean language, and that can take a long time. Why wait until you can start now?
5 Free Apps to Read Manhwa, Manga, and Manhua
The following are some of the best apps and websites on the internet to read the translated and scanlated versions of East Asian comics.
Webtoon App
As someone who can’t go a week without reading comics, I believe Webtoon is a great place to explore the world of manhwa and webcomics. The platform has a large library and diverse drawing styles. Most of the truly interesting content is also free, and if you look long enough, you can discover hidden gems on Canvas, which is a prelaunch platform on Webtoon.
I’ve personally spent countless hours reading comics like SubZero, Tower of God, The God of High School, and Lore Olympus, and I’m continually amazed by the quality and diversity of what the platform has to offer.
What I Like About Webtoon
- Largest Webcomics Community: Webtoon is the world’s biggest platform for digital comics.
- Free Access: A substantial part of the library is available to read for free.
- Diverse Content: The platform hosts manhwa, manga, and numerous creator-owned comics, catering to a wide range of tastes.
- Webtoon Originals: You can find content that’s exclusive to Webtoon on the app.
- User-Friendly Interface: The app is designed for a seamless navigation and reading experience.
While Webtoon offers an impressive array of features and content, it’s worth noting that some popular titles may require payment to access all chapters, and certain well-known series may not be available. There’s also the problem with the daily pass for old comics, where you can only read a handful of episodes per day unless you pay for it. However, these minor drawbacks are far outweighed by the platform’s overall value and the vast world of webcomics it opens up to readers.
Popular titles on Webtoon include;
- Tower of God
- Noblesse
- Omniscient Reader Viewpoint
- Heart Stopper
- The God of High School
Visit Webtoon
Manta
Manta is different from Webtoon and other manhwa reading apps in a good way. It has a unique subscription model where you don’t have to pay dimes and nickels to open every other chapter. I’ve personally enjoyed how easy it is to jump from Webtoon to Webtoon on the platform without constantly having to worry about in-app currencies or watching ads to unlock chapters.
The platform’s popularity is no accident – there’s a reason it has more than 5 million downloads on Play Store. It also has a vast library, which is the best place to discover fresh and new stories you can’t find anywhere else.
What I Like About Manta
- Unlimited Access: You can unlock a treasure trove manhwa with a single subscription at no additional cost, and if you’re a fast reader, you can read a lot in a month without having to worry about your pocket.
- Exclusive Originals: Manta has a lot of original titles you can’t find anywhere else, which makes the library truly interesting and inspirational.
- Regular Updates: They have a routine for adding new chapters so you don’t miss an update.
- Free Daily Passes: Even without a subscription, you can still enjoy some content for free.
- High-Quality Chapters: The visual quality of the manhwa on Manta is consistently impressive.
While Manta’s library is big and has many impressive titles, it’s worth noting that it doesn’t have some popular manhwa and webtoons. However, it’s still a great app for reading manhwa. Manta also has original novels for some of the stories, like Finding Camellia and Lies Become You, but your subscription doesn’t cover those. Manta is compatible with both Android and iOS.
Popular titles on Manta include;
- Finding Camellia
- Under the Oak Tree
- Your Eternal Lies
- Lies Become You
- The Golden Forest
- I Raised a Black Dragon
Visit Manta
Tappytoon
Tappytoon is a great app if you’re a manhwa or manga reader who loves historical romance, BL, and Yuri stories. The app was launched in 2016, and since then, it’s been a staple in every comic reader’s go-to place for interesting stories.
What I particularly like about Tappytoon is that you can read a manhwa or Webtoon in different languages, from English to French and German. In addition, it has plans to expand to even more languages in the future.
What I Like About The Tool
- Free Reading Option: You can read free chapters on the platform without paying a dime.
- Regular Updates: It promotes new and upcoming comics, which makes its content fresh and timeless.
- Exclusive Originals: There are a lot of original works on the platform that you won’t find anywhere else.
- High-Quality Translations: The translations are top-notch and very well done. You can easily tell that they employ good translators.
While Tappytoon offers an impressive array of features and content, it’s worth noting that the number of completely free titles is somewhat limited. However, this minor drawback is balanced by the high quality of translations and the platform’s commitment to regularly updating its content.
Popular titles on Tappytoon include;
- Solo Leveling
- Failed to Defend the Dungeon
- I’m the Max-Level Newbie
- Esper’s Game
- The Game that I Came From
Visit Tappytoon
Tapas
Tapas started out a long time ago as Comic Panda and Tapastic, and from its humble beginnings, it has blossomed into a manhwa and web novel powerhouse under the Kakao Entertainment banner.
However, what caught my eye about Tapas isn’t just its impressive list of famous titles like “The Beginning After The End” and “Solo Leveling” but also its unique blend of accessibility and opportunity for new creators and artists.
What I Like About Tapas
Wait-Until-Free System: The platform has a clever approach that rewards patient readers with free access to chapters.
Genre Diversity: You have a wide range of choices, from action-packed adventures to heartwarming romances.
Creator Launchpad: Aspiring artists and writers can publish directly on the platform, gain exposure, and kickstart their careers.
While the micropayment to open every other episode is not really my cup of tea, it’s a great place to start for people with patience who want more diverse options in comic literature and want to read legally and ethically.
Popular titles on Tapas include;
- The Beginning After the End
- The Return of the Disaster Class Hero
- SSS Class Revival Hunter
- Villains Are Destined to Die
- A Business Proposal
- The Soulless Duchess
Visit Tapas
Pocket Comics
Pocket Comics, also known as Comico, has carved out a delightful niche in the digital comics world as the go-to destination for all things love and romance in manhwa form.
As someone who’s guilty of staying up way too late reading “just one more chapter” of a gripping romance, I’ve found Pocket Comics to be a treasure trove of swoon-worthy and heart-melting content. But what really makes my heart flutter is their reader-friendly approach ( otherwise known as daily free coins and tickets).
What I Like About The Tool
- Romance Central: If your idea of a perfect evening involves diving into tales of star-crossed lovers or adorable meet-cutes, you’ve hit the jackpot with Pocket Comics.
- Free Reading Options: Daily free coins and tickets mean you can indulge your romantic side without breaking the bank.
- Smart Recommendations: Their system seems to have a sixth sense of what you would love to read next based on your previous history.
- Wait-for-Free Option: For those of us who are frugal readers, being patient pays off because the chapters become free as time passes.
Let me be honest here: not everyone can enjoy using Pocket Comics. The choices can be a little… meh if you’re more into mind-bending sci-fi or heart-pounding action, but if you’re one of those people who thinks love is the driving force behind webcomics, then discovering Pocket Comics is like getting a perfect match on a dating app.
Popular titles on Pocket Comics include;
- I Can’t Keep Up With My Stallion Duke
- Sacrificed
- Another Typical Fantasy Romance
- Lady to Queen
- All Hail, Lady Blanche
Visit Pocket Comics
5 Free Websites to Read Manhwa, Manga, and Manhua
While free apps can help you scratch most of your comic reading itch, free websites can be more comfortable and way cheaper.
Asura Scans
To me, Asura Scans is the digital equivalent of that underground comic shop where the owner knows your name and your taste in manhwa better than your own mother. As a seasoned navigator of the sometimes choppy waters of online comic reading, I’ve found Asura Scans to be a delightful mix of quality content and mild ad-venture (see what I did there?).
Sure, it greets you with a smattering of ads like an overzealous street hawker, but don’t let that scare you off. Once you’ve performed the sacred ritual of ad-dodging (consider it your initiation), you’re in for a treat that would make even the most stoic Asura crack a smile.
What I Like About The Tool
- Quality Scanlations: These folks take their translations seriously. It’s like they have a team of linguistic ninjas working around the clock.
- Up-to-date releases: Faster than you can say “cliffhanger,” AsuraScans often has the latest chapters ready for your eager eyes.
- User-Friendly Search: The search bar at the top is like a mystical portal – type in your desires, and poof! Manhwa appears.
- Comics Tab: For the brave souls who laugh in the face of algorithms, this tab is your ticket to manhwa roulette.
- Minimal Reading Disruptions: Once you’re deep in a series, the ads respectfully retreat like ninjas into the shadows.
AsuraScans might not have the glossy finish of some official platforms, but what it lacks in corporate polish, it more than makes up for in speed, quality, and sheer variety. It’s like the fast and furious of the manhwa world – living life a quarter panel at a time.
So, fellow Manhwa adventurers, sharpen your scrolling skills, prepare your bookmark folder, and dive into the exciting world of AsuraScans. Just remember to come up for air occasionally – and maybe keep a snack handy. After all, navigating through this treasure trove of manhwa can work up quite an appetite!
Reaper Scans
Reaper Scans is a notable platform in the world of manhwa and webcomics. It’s a little like Asura Scans, and it has a user-friendly interface that allows readers to explore and enjoy various series.
What I Like About ReaperScans
Recommended Series: The home page features a curated selection of recommended series, making it easy for readers to discover new content.
Search Functionality: A convenient search bar at the top allows users to quickly find specific series they’re interested in.
Full Chapter Loading: Chapters load in their entirety, allowing for smooth scrolling through each page without interruptions.
While Reaper Scans tries to give you a straightforward reading experience, it’s important to note that it’s not the most legal option for you to read manhwa, and it can be a concern for readers who prioritize supporting official releases.
Visit Reaper Scans
MangaKakalot
Despite the word manga in its name, MangaKakalot is a versatile platform that has both manga and manhwa for interested readers. This diversity makes it a one-stop shop for fans of both Japanese and Korean comics.
What I Like About MangaKakalot
Diverse Content: The site hosts both manga and manhwa, catering to a wide range of reader preferences.
Search Functionality: A user-friendly search bar allows readers to find manhwa easily by using the keyword ‘manhwa’ or specific series titles.
While MangaKakalot offers a wide selection of content, it’s worth noting that the presence of ads on both desktop and mobile versions of the website can be really annoying. However, this doesn’t significantly affect the reading experience, and you can always use an ad blocker to get around the clunky experience.
Visit MangaKakalot
Batoto
Batoto is a diverse platform that offers an extensive collection of both manga and manhwa, catering to a wide range of reader preferences. Its comprehensive library makes it a popular choice for comic enthusiasts looking for variety.
What I Like About Batoto
Extensive Manhwa Collection: Alongside manga, Batoto boasts a wide array of manhwa titles, providing ample choices for Korean comic fans.
Tag-based Browsing: Using the tag ‘manhwa’ makes navigating through the website’s current manhwa selection easy.
Latest Release Section: Readers can stay up-to-date with the newest additions to the platform through the Latest Releases section.
While Batoto has a rich selection of content, it’s important to note that the platform is not legal at all, and some comics can be dropped abruptly even though they seem to have a large following.
Visit Batoto
1st Kiss
1st Kiss is a unique platform in the world of online comics because it has virtually all the manhwas you can think of, including some that may not be readily available anywhere else. This exclusivity makes it an intriguing option for comic enthusiasts looking for new or niche content.
However, while 1st Kiss has a lot of exciting possibilities for comic discovery, it’s worth noting that the translation quality can be inconsistent. This is because the platform doesn’t actually have translators, which can make your comic switch from good to bad so fast it’ll give you a whiplash. This inconsistency might affect the reading experience for some users.
What I Like About 1st Kiss
Unique Content: The platform sometimes features comics that are hard to find on other websites, making it a valuable resource for discovering new titles.
Latest Updates: 1st Kiss often provides newer updates on certain comics, keeping readers up-to-date with their favorite series.
User Accounts: Readers can create personal accounts to track their reading progress and preferences. The comments are also to die for.
Visit 1st Kiss
FAQs
Why use apps and websites to read Manga, Manhwa, and Webcomics?
Apps and websites make reading manga, manhwa, and webcomics easy. You can always wait for the printed version, but if you don’t live in Korea, Japan, China, or Taiwan, you may have to wait a long time to read the latest Asian comics.
How to choose the best Manhwa reading app?
Try to get a feel for the website or app you prefer and how often you can see yourself reading on it because of its user experience or unique offerings. You can also be like me and use a mixture of platforms to read your comics.
