12 Best Webtoon Alternatives to Read Updated Comics in 2026

1. Manga Plus

Manga Plus by Shueisha doesn’t offer a traditional free trial for its base app since browsing and many chapters remain free, but its paid MANGA Plus MAX tier gives new Standard Plan subscribers a first month free before billing begins. This makes it easy to sample the archive of completed series without upfront commitment, especially appealing to fans who want to binge older arcs of currently airing hits before deciding whether the subscription is worth keeping long-term.

Beyond pricing, Manga Plus remains best known for simulpub releases of Weekly Shonen Jump titles like One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen, arriving in English the same day they publish in Japan. The Deluxe tier unlocks entire back catalogs, making it a strong pick for readers who want both day-one chapters and the freedom to marathon finished series without hunting across multiple apps or paying per volume.

2. VIZ

VIZ offers one of the most generous trial structures in digital manga, giving new subscribers a full seven-day free trial across both its VIZ Manga app and its Shonen Jump app before any charge applies. This lets readers explore the sizable back catalog or the latest simulpub chapters risk-free, which is especially useful for anyone deciding between VIZ’s two separate subscription products before settling on a long-term plan.

VIZ is the official English publisher for major franchises including Naruto, Bleach, and My Hero Academia, giving it unmatched legitimacy and depth for shonen fans. The split between the VIZ Manga library app and the Shonen Jump simulpub app can be confusing at first, but together they cover both catch-up reading and week-to-week new chapter releases better than almost any competitor.

3. Lezhin Comics

Lezhin doesn’t run a conventional free trial, but it compensates with a steady stream of free content: every account earns one bonus coin daily, plus first chapters of nearly every series are free to sample. New users can also grab a limited-time first-purchase coin sale offering up to 70% off, making it relatively cheap to test the platform’s mature-content-heavy catalog before committing further.

Lezhin pioneered the pay-per-chapter webtoon model and remains the definitive home for mature romance and thriller titles like Killing Stalking, which aren’t easily found elsewhere. Because purchases are permanent rather than rentals, readers build a real digital library over time, though the coin economy takes some getting used to compared to flat monthly subscriptions offered by rival platforms.

4. Manta Comics

Manta frequently runs free trial periods for new subscribers, letting readers test the unlimited library before being charged, and its Free Pass feature separately unlocks one episode every 24 hours on select titles at no cost at all. This combination of trial access and rotating free chapters makes Manta one of the friendlier platforms for readers who aren’t ready to commit financially right away.

Owned by RIDI Corporation, Manta specializes in Korean webcomics and webnovels, with an emphasis on binge-friendly romance and fantasy originals. The tiered structure lets casual readers stick with the affordable Standard plan while dedicated fans upgrade to Premium for access to exclusive, high-demand titles that aren’t included in the base subscription library.

5. BookWalker

BookWalker doesn’t require any subscription commitment since its core model is pay-per-volume, effectively functioning as an ongoing “free browse, pay to read” trial. New users can freely explore the storefront’s 76,000+ titles, and the coin-back loyalty system rewards every purchase with credit toward future books, softening the cost of building a manga collection over time.

Backed by KADOKAWA, BookWalker functions more like a premium digital bookstore than a streaming-style app, appealing to collectors who want permanent ownership over rented access. Its catalog spans manga, light novels, and manhwa, with exclusive KADOKAWA titles and digital bonuses like special illustrations that reward loyal buyers who stick with the platform long-term.

6. GlobalComix

GlobalComix offers new subscribers an entry point through a discounted $1.99 introductory trial period before the full Gold membership price kicks in, giving readers a low-risk way to explore its expansive independent and now major-publisher catalog. This trial pricing has helped the platform attract readers who might otherwise stick to free-only comic sites before discovering its growing licensed library.

What started as an indie-comics discovery platform has expanded dramatically, now hosting day-and-date releases from IDW, Marvel, Kodansha, and DC alongside thousands of independent creators. The revenue-split model rewards creators based on actual readership, appealing to fans who want their subscription dollars to directly support the people making the comics they read every month.

7. ComicWalker

ComicWalker requires no trial at all because the entire platform is completely free to use, funded through ads and promotional tie-ins rather than subscriptions. Readers can dive straight into the roughly 300 rotating weekly series without ever entering payment information, making it one of the most accessible legal alternatives available for casual and budget-conscious manga fans alike.

Operated by KADOKAWA, ComicWalker hosts titles tied to franchises like Mobile Suit Gundam and Neon Genesis Evangelion, plus a rotating slate of original web series. The plain, ad-free-feeling interface keeps focus on the artwork itself, though the completely free model means the catalog is smaller and update schedules can be less predictable than paid competitors.

8. Crunchyroll Manga

Crunchyroll Manga isn’t available as a standalone free trial since it launched purely as an add-on to existing memberships, but Crunchyroll’s broader membership tiers occasionally run promotional discounts that make testing the manga add-on more affordable. Ultimate Fan subscribers get manga access automatically included, which is the simplest route to sampling the service without paying an extra monthly fee.

Crunchyroll Manga pulls titles from VIZ, Square Enix, Yen Press, and Shueisha into one app, letting anime fans read the source material behind shows like Delicious in Dungeon without leaving the Crunchyroll ecosystem. The add-on model means it’s most cost-effective for people already paying for anime streaming, rather than readers looking for a manga-only subscription.

9. Tappytoon

Tappytoon doesn’t advertise a formal free trial period, but its Time Till Free system lets readers unlock chapters at no cost by waiting roughly 12 hours between episodes as Club members, alongside daily check-in bonus points. New readers can also sample plenty of free opening chapters across its catalog before deciding whether the paid points or club membership are worth the investment.

Tappytoon focuses heavily on romance, BL, GL, fantasy, and drama manhwa translated into English, French, and German, serving a passionate niche audience underserved by bigger platforms. The Club membership’s monthly point refills and reduced waiting times make it appealing for readers with a handful of favorite ongoing series they want to follow closely without excessive per-chapter spending.

10. WebComics

WebComics gives new users a starter batch of free coins simply for signing up, roughly 80 daily coins that can cover several chapters without spending real money, functioning as an informal trial period. Some users have reported dedicated free-trial promotions for beginners in the past, though the primary way to sample the app remains its daily coin allowance rather than a fixed trial window.

Run by WEBCOMICS HOLDINGS, this app blends free daily coins with a gem-based premium currency for unlocking exclusive or newer chapters across its romance and drama-heavy library. The annual plan tends to offer the best overall value for frequent readers, since the dual coin-and-gem system can otherwise become an expensive way to keep up with popular ongoing series.

11. Neon Ichiban

Neon Ichiban doesn’t operate on a subscription model at all, so there’s technically nothing to trial; instead, signing up is free and early users during its pre-launch period received a complimentary digital collectible comic. This pay-per-purchase approach means readers can browse the entire storefront and only spend money on the specific titles they actually want to own.

Built by the former ComiXology executives behind its original success, Neon Ichiban emphasizes ownership, collecting, and same-day digital releases from publishers like Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, and Kodansha. Its resellable digital marketplace and signed creator “remarques” set it apart from subscription-first rivals, appealing more to collectors than to readers seeking unlimited binge-reading access.

12. Toomics

Toomics doesn’t offer a dedicated free trial for its VIP Membership, but VIP members receive 10 free Gift Coins every month, and refunds are available within 7 days of any purchase as long as no coins were used, effectively creating a low-risk testing window. New readers can also sample free opening chapters across many series before choosing between the coin system and full VIP access.

Toomics built its reputation on full-color, professionally polished vertical comics spanning romance, action, and mature genres, available in 11 languages including English, Korean, and Chinese. The choice between VIP unlimited access and standalone coin purchases gives readers flexibility, though the coin system suits those who only follow a handful of series rather than binge-readers wanting everything unlocked.