Summary
Where to watch cartoons online for free? This article will explore the top 10 destinations for free cartoon streaming sites, and introduce a powerful tool to download cartoons videos for MP4 for offline viewing in permanent HD quality.

There are so many great cartoon movies and TV series to enjoy, from classics like The Simpsons to modern favorites like Avatar: The Last Airbender, Adventure Time, etc. Whether you’re looking for free online cartoon websites for Adults & Kids or wondering where to watch cartoons online for free, finding a reliable site to watch cartoons for free can be challenging.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve carefully selected the best sites to watch cartoons online, including both legal platforms like Plex, YouTube, and popular streaming sites like Toonjet, PBS Kids, and more.

Before diving into our list of 10+ best websites to watch cartoons online for free, a word of caution: Some unofficial online cartoon websites operate in legal gray areas. While using these platforms to watch cartoons online for free isn’t typically prosecuted, the safest approach is to download cartoon videos to MP4 for offline viewing with a professional tool – TunesBank iMovieTool Video Downloader. Let’s dive in!

best sites to watch cartoons

Top 10 Sites to Watch Cartoons Online for Free

1. Plex

URL: https://www.plex.tv/

Plex stands as one of the best free sites to watch cartoons online, offering a wide range of on-demand movies, TV shows, and cartoon content without requiring a subscription. This platform has established itself as a reliable website for streaming cartoons for free without worrying about copyright issues. Plus, it provides a curated selection of animated shows and family-friendly content, making it suitable for both kids and adults.

Plex

Pros:

  • 100% legal and free streaming.
  • On-demand cartoon library.
  • Excellent video and audio quality.
  • Available on multiple devices.

Cons:

  • Ads-supported, it doesn’t allow ad blockers.
  • Content rotates, so some shows may disappear temporarily.

2. Tubi

URL: https://tubitv.com/

Tubi is widely recognized as one of the best websites for watching cartoons online for free. The platformat offers a large library of animated content across different genres. What sets Tubi apart from other free cartoon sites is its partnerships with major studios, ensuring licensed HD content. Users can easily watch cartoons for free without signing up. To unlocks additional features like watchlists, you may also create an account on the platform. One drawback is that commercial breaks may be quite frequent.

Tubi

Pros:

  • Easy to use.
  • Large content library.
  • Licensed cartoon content.
  • Watch cartoons online in HD.

Cons:

  • Ads during playback.
  • Limited newest releases.
  • Library varies by region due to licensing.

3. Pluto TV

URL: https://pluto.tv/

Pluto TV is another popular free online cartoon website, delivering a unique experience similar to traditional television. It offers both live TV channels and on-demand content, allowing users to watch cartoons online through dedicated cartoon channels. One advantage is that it requires no subscription or login.

However, Pluto TV’s live-streaming format means you have less control over what to watch and when. Ads are also frequent, and some channels may not always broadcast cartoons. If you don’t mind, it is also a good site to streaming anime shows and cartoons online.

Pluto TV

Pros:

  • Completely free.
  • Live cartoon channels.
  • TV-like experience.
  • No account required.

Cons:

  • Frequent ads.
  • Limited control over playback.
  • Smaller on-demand library.

4. PBS Kids

URL: https://pbskids.org/videos/movies

Looking for a cartoon website suitable for kids? Check out PBS Kids! PBS Kids is a trustworthy and legal free cartoon streaming website designed specifically for children. It offers educational cartoons that promote learning and foster creativity. Parents can rest assured that their children can watch cartoons online in a safe, ad-free environment. To watch adult animated movies and shows, please turn to other alternatives.

PBS Kids

Pros:

  • No ads, no inappropriate content.
  • Educational content that parents trust.
  • 100% safe and appropriate for young children.

Cons:

  • Limited to PBS programming only.
  • Smaller library than other sites.
  • Not suitable for adults.

5. YouTube

URL: https://www.youtube.com/

YouTube is a versatile platform available on all devices, offering an enormous collection of video clips, HD movies, tutorials, Korean dramas, documentaries, and animated content. etc. The dedicated YouTube Kids app provides a safer and filtered video viewing experience for children under 12. For classic fans, the official Cartoon Cartoons YouTube channel uploads full episodes of beloved shows. It’s also a great place to to watch cartoons for free in HD.

YouTube

However, YouTube content is uploaded by both official studios and independent creators, so you might encounter misleading uploads or incomplete episodes. Furthermore, ads can interrupt your viewing experience, especially when watching longer videos, unless you upgrade to YouTube Premium.

Pros:

  • HD streaming.
  • Massive content library.
  • Free and widely accessible.

Cons:

  • Ads can be disruptive.
  • Not all content is legally uploaded.
  • Search results require careful filtering for quality.

6. Toonjet

URL: http://www.toonjet.com/

Don’t forget you may also access free cartoon content on Toonjet. As a classic free cartoon streaming site, Toonjet is specializes in vintage cartoons like Tom and Jerry, Looney Tunes, Popeye, Betty Boop and many more. The platform is simple and does not require registration.

What I dislike is its outdated interface and limited content selection, which may not appeal to modern users. And the video quality is lower than modern free sites, as content primarily dates from the 80s and 90s. But if you prefer to revisit classic cartoons, then this website is great.

Toonjet

Pros:

  • Completely free.
  • Great for retro fans.
  • No sign-up required.

Cons:

  • Outdated UI.
  • Lower video quality.
  • Limited modern content.

7. Cartoon Network

URL: https://www.cartoonito.co.uk/

As its name suggests, Cartoon Network is a free website to watch cartoons online. The site features full episodes, clips, and games from popular preschool shows like Batwheels, Thomas & Friends, and Mecha Builders. It delivers high-quality, licensed content suitable for both kids and adults. You can filter videos by your favorite characters, and enjoy smooth playback without intrusive pop-up ads. However, most episodes are locked behind a cable login, free content is limited, and availability varies by region.

Cartoon Network

Pros:

  • High-quality videos.
  • Official cartoon content.
  • Safe and legal platform.

Cons:

  • Region restrictions.
  • Limited free episodes.
  • Requires login for full access.

8. Gogoanime

URL: https://gogoanime.run/

Gogoanime is widely known among free anime streaming sites, especially for anime lovers. In addition, it is also an excellent free cartoon streaming site with a vast collection of animated series from around the world. The platform allows users to watch cartoons online and anime series in HD quality with multiple language options. However, Gogoanime is not an official platform, and users may encounter ads, pop-ups, and potential security risks.

Gogoanime

Tips: If you want to download anime from GoGoanime.tv, you can try this GoGoAnime Downloader.

Pros:

  • Massive database of anime and cartoons.
  • Multiple video quality options (360p to 1080p).
  • Active community and regular updates.

Cons:

  • Ads and pop-ups during playback.
  • Unstable servers, frequent domain changes.
  • Legal status is questionable (not officially licensed).

9. Nickelodeon

URL: http://www.nick.com.au/

Let’s move to Nickelodeon. It is a reliable site to watch cartoons for free. One Nickelodeon, you can directly stream official content from popular shows like SpongeBob SquarePants to The Loud House and Rugrats in your browser. The site also features games, character bios, and schedule information.

The catch? Most full episodes require a TV provider login, and free access is limited to clips or selected content. Regional restrictions may also limit availability.

Nickelodeon

Pros:

  • Official, legal, and safe.
  • High-quality video and audio.
  • Engaging extras for fans.

Cons:

  • Ads support the free content.
  • Requires login for full access.
  • Limited episode selection compared to paid services.

10. Sling Freestream

URL: https://www.sling.com/freestream

Sling Freestream is one of the best sites for watching cartoons online for free. The platform offers live TV channels and on-demand content without requiring a subscription. It provides a convenient way to watch cartoons online through various entertainment channels. However, cartoon-specific content is limited compared to dedicated platforms, and ads are frequent. The live format also reduces control over what to watch.

Sling Freestream

Pros:

  • No sign-up required to watch.
  • Good mix of kids and adult animation.
  • Live TV experience with curated channels.
  • Available on web, mobile, and streaming devices.

Cons:

  • Ads are present (typical for free TV).
  • Limited cartoon-only content.
  • Less control over playback.

Other Sites for Streaming Cartoons for Free

In addition to the best free sites to watch cartoons online, there are many other free cartoon streaming sites worth exploring. These platforms expand your options when searching for a reliable site to watch cartoons for free:

  • WCO.tv (Watch Cartoons Online)
  • KissAnime
  • Cartoonito
  • Boomerang
  • Disney Junior
  • Disney NOW
  • Fox
  • KimCartoon
  • RetroCrush
  • SuperCartoons.net
  • Comedy Central
  • DC Universe
  • Nick
  • SideReel
  • Vimeo

Best Tool for Cartoon Video Download (MP4 HD Files)

When watch cartoons online, you need a fast and stable internet connection. Moreover, most free cartoon streaming websites come with limitations such as ads, pop-ups, no download options, and unstable servers. To get a better viewing experience, the best solution is to download cartoon videos to MP4 format using a third-party tool.

TunesBank iMovieTool All-in-One Video Downloader is a professional desktop software that enables users to download any streaming content to computer and output streaming content to MKV or MP4 format losslessly. It can download cartoons and TV shows from major platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Max, Apple TV Plus, YouTube, YouTube TV, Paramount+, and more.

With iMovieTool, both ad-free or ad-supported users can download full cartoon episodes in HD 1080p quality and enjoy them anytime. It supports batch downloads and speeds up to 50x faster with hardware acceleration, allowing you to download entire seasons and multiple movies with simple clicks. The software also preserves subtitles and audio tracks, including English dubbed and original versions. After downloading, users can keep the video downloads forever and transfer them to any device for offline viewing (like smart TV, Projector, laptop, game console, tablet, phone, etc.)

download cartoon show to mp4

Pros:

  • Supports multiple streaming platforms.
  • Built-in browser for easy access and download.
  • High-quality video downloads (up to 1080p).
  • Download streaming videos to MP4/MKV formats.
  • Batch download modes and 50X faster speed.
  • Preserves multiple audio tracks and subtitles.
  • Customer services and free technical supports via email.

Cons:

  • A desktop software, requires an installation.
  • Limited features in free trial and requires a paid version.

Quick Comparison Table of Top 10 Free Cartoon Websites & TunesBank iMovieTool

Platform Ads Subtitles Quality Download Option Type Update Frequency Genre Variety Sign-up Required
Plex HD × Web/App Frequent Medium ×
Tubi HD × Web/App Frequent High Optional
Pluto TV HD × Web/App Frequent Medium ×
PBS Kids × HD × Web Moderate Low ×
YouTube HD × (Premium Only) Web/App Frequent High Optional
Toonjet × SD × Web Low Low ×
Cartoon Network HD × Web/App Frequent High
Gogoanime HD × Web Frequent High ×
Nickelodeon HD × Web Moderate Medium
Sling Freestream HD × Web/App Frequent Medium ×
TunesBank iMovieTool × 1080p Software (Win/Mac) Frequent Very High

To sum up,

  • For completely safe, legal streaming: Choose Plex, Tubi, Pluto TV, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, or Sling Freestream.
  • For families with young children, PBS Kids provides completely safe, ad-free environments.
  • For classic cartoon lovers, Toonjet and YouTube offer treasure troves of nostalgic content.
  • For anime lovers who don’t mind heavy ads and pop-ups, Gogoanime is worth trying.
  • For those who want to save and collect their favorite cartoon videos and enjoy flexible playback, TunesBank iMovieTool All-in-One Video Downloader is the ultimate tool.

Conclusion

Cartoons are loved by audiences of all ages. Finding the best websites to watch cartoons online for free doesn’t have to be difficult. From major ad-supported platforms like Tubi and Plex to official network sites like PBS Kids, Cartoon Network, and Nickelodeon, there are plenty of safe, legal options for enjoying animated content for free.

For the best overall experience, consider combining online streaming sites with a reliable tool like TunesBank iMovieTool All-in-One Video Downloader. This allows you to download unlimited cartoon shows, build a high-quality offline library, and enjoy ad-free, secure entertainment anytime, anywhere.

Free Sites to Watch Cartoons
Anna Jolin
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Anna Jolin has always had great enthusiasm for writing, programming and web development. He likes writing about software and technology, his works are featured on some tech blogs or forums like Tom's Hardware, CNET, etc.