A study by Introspective Market Research revealed that the Webcomic apps market generated $4.6 billion in revenue in 2023. And apps like MangaOwl had a major share in that rise until things fell apart.
Once, the go-to app for manga lovers, MangaOwl, is now nowhere to be found. And all this chaos floods the Mangaowl alternatives Reddit thread.
Reason? Readers do not just want the next best thing. They are looking for something that’s not shady, ad-packed, or illegal.
Understanding the pain of the millions of manga fans, we rounded up the 15 best MangaOwl alternatives free and legal to use in 2025. Even some niche apps for webtoons or light novels.
Moreover, if you’re thinking of building your own manga app, we’ve got you covered with a detailed breakdown of how to create an app from scratch.
So, let’s hop on without wasting an extra second.
2025 Market Stats for the Webcomics Industry
The global webcomics market crossed $7.4 billion in 2024 and is on track to reach $41 billion by 2034, growing at a steady 5.2% CAGR, as reported by GlobeNewswire.
The surge comes from the rise of a shift to mobile-first reading and new platforms built by independent creators without any middlemen.
People don’t wait around for websites anymore. They want fast, on-the-go stories. In fact, recent mobile app usage stats show how fast mobile reading is overtaking everything else.
Apps like Webtoon and Tapas are winning because they work. Unlike sketchy MangaOwl downloads, with them, users don’t face broken pages or spammy redirects. Just open, read, and scroll.
What Is MangaOwl App?
MangaOwl was a free manga reading website with a large collection of titles, including early chapter releases and hard-to-find Japanese anime series. During its peak, the app allure over 30 million monthly visitors, according to Similarweb.
Its noteworthy feature was simplicity. You didn’t need to sign up. Just search and read. However, since it wasn’t an official platform, a lot of people worried, “Is MangaOwl safe?”
For the most part, yes, but some users on Reddit flagged fake virus popups and shady redirects. That’s one reason why users today are looking for MangaOwl alternatives that are safer and more stable.
What Happened to MangaOwl?
MangaOwl shut down in June 2022 after a wave of takedown notices tied to its hosting of unlicensed manga, according to ToonW.
The retraction came quickly, and just like that, no more site. Some users managed to move their bookmarks and reading lists to Vyvymanga, which looked and felt like a MangaOwl clone. But it didn’t hit the same way.
Why People Are Looking for MangaOwl Alternatives?
People want MangaOwl alternatives to keep up with their favorite anime series because the site disappeared suddenly and left them hanging.
Now, readers are looking for a stable, legal app with an intuitive UX for a hassle-free experience. They’re tired of dealing with broken pages, fake virus warnings, or random redirects that feel like a trap.
That’s why manga websites like Webtoon or VIZ are taking over. They buy the copyrights to avoid allegations and ensure timely updates, so fans stick around.
15 Best MangaOwl Alternatives To Try in 2025 [Free & Legal]
Apps like Webtoon, MangaPlus, and VIZ Manga are the best substitutes for readers looking for a MangaOwl replacement since its closure. They maintain official manga releases with daily updates and, of course, no piracy for better reading experiences.
As digital manga platforms hit 1.2 billion global downloads in 2024 (Market.us Scoop), these MangaOwl alternative apps are leading the shift toward safer, legal options.
Here’s a breakdown of the 15 best MangaOwl alternatives worth trying in 2025.
1. MangaDex
MangaDex is one of the most community-driven MangaOwl alternatives out there. It doesn’t host pirated content directly but instead links to fan-translated scans uploaded by users. It’s free, regularly updated, and supports dozens of languages.
Key Features
- Fan-translated manga in 20+ languages
- Active community with discussion threads
- Custom reading settings and user libraries
Supported Devices: Web, mobile browsers (no official app yet)
Ratings: No app store listing, but highly rated across Reddit, MyAnimeList, and forums
| Pros | Cons |
| Huge manga library | No official mobile app |
| Clean, ad-free experience | Incomplete or delayed series due to scanlator gaps |
| Multilingual support | – |
2. MangaPlus by Shueisha
MangaPlus is an official platform run by Shueisha, the publisher behind One Piece, Naruto, and Jujutsu Kaisen. It offers free access to the latest chapters of top manga, often at the same time as Japan. It’s one of the best legal replacements for MangaOwl if you want quality and instant updates.
Salient Features
- Simulpub releases (same day as Japan)
- Titles from Weekly Shonen Jump and other major magazines
- Bookmarking, notifications, and clean UI
Supported Devices: iOS, Android, Web
Rating: 4.6 on App Store and 4.5 on Google Play
| Pros | Cons |
| Official, high-quality content | No full-series archive for older chapters |
| Free simulpub releases | Some titles are region-restricted |
3. Webtoon
Webtoon is the largest digital comics platform in the world and a solid MangaOwl alternative if you’re into full-color manhwa and webcomics. It’s home to hits like Lore Olympus, Tower of God, and Sweet Home. The app is clean, and fast, and offers free daily episodes with optional coins for early access.
Key Features
- Thousands of original series
- Personalized recommendations
- Daily updates and episode unlocks
Supported Devices: iOS, Android, Web
Rating: 4.8 App Store rating and 4.7 on Google Play
| Pros | Cons |
| A vast catalog of free titles | Mostly webtoons/manhwa. Not traditional manga |
| Great mobile experience | Pay-to-unlock model for the latest episode |
| Offline reading supported | – |
4. VIZ Manga / Shonen Jump App
The VIZ Manga, also famous as Shonen Jump, is the home for legendary titles like One Piece, Naruto, and My Hero Academia in the English language.
It is one of the most trusted apps like MangaOwl, offering a clean reading experience, early chapter access, and a full catalog for just $2.99/month.
Main Characteristics
- Access to 10,000+ chapters
- Offline reading
- Simulpub with Japan for select titles
Supported Devices: iOS, Android, Web
Rating: 4.9 stars on App Store and 4.7 on Google Play
| Pros | Cons |
| Official Shonen Jump content | Full access requires a subscription |
| Very low cost for the full library | US-focused availability |
| Smooth offline reading and tracking | Mostly mainstream series, with fewer niche titles |
5. INKR Comics
INKR Comics is a modern, ad-light manga and webtoon app developed by the team behind the now-defunct Manga Rock. It offers officially licensed content across genres from action and fantasy to slice-of-life with a revenue-sharing model that supports creators. It’s a solid, ethical alternative to MangaOwl.
Notable Features
- Curated library with legal content
- Smart recommendations based on reading history
- An optional “coin” system for unlocking episodes
Supported Devices: iOS, Android
Rating: 4.7 (App Store), 4.4 (Google Play)
| Pros | Cons |
| Legal and creator-friendly | Not every title is free |
| Smooth UI with minimal ads | Requires coins or sub for full access |
| A diverse mix of manga, manhwa, and webtoons | No desktop version yet |
6. BookWalker
BookWalker is Kadokawa’s official digital platform for manga and light novels. It’s one of the most reliable MangaOwl replacements for readers who prefer full-volume downloads over chapter-by-chapter reading. While not free, it frequently offers discounts and free first chapters.
Key Features
- Huge catalog of manga, light novels, and Japanese eBooks
- Bonus coin system for future discounts
- Cross-platform syncing
Supported Devices: iOS, Android, Web and PC
Rating: Rated highly across anime and manga communities
| Pros | Cons |
| Official platform backed by Kadokawa | Mostly paid content |
| Smooth cross-device reading | The interface seems cluttered to new users |
| Great for collecting and owning full titles | Not ideal for casual or short-term reading |
7. Bilibili Comics
Bilibili Comics is the legitimate English-language comics platform from Bilibili. It offers high-quality manhua and manga with clean translations and minimal ads. If you’re tired of messy sites and slow load times, this is a strong, legal alternative to MangaOwl.
Key Features
- HD visuals and consistent translation quality
- Daily updated chapters
- Personalized feed based on reading habits
Work on: iOS, Android, and Web browsers
Rating: 4.9 on App Store, whereas 4.6 on Google Play
| Pros | Cons |
| Legal and fast-loading content | Some popular titles behind a paywall |
| Great UX with minimal ads | Limited offline reading options |
| Clean layout for mobile and desktop | Mostly manhua (less Japanese manga) |
If you’re planning to build a clone app similar to Bilibili Comics, the key is pairing strong visuals with legal licensing and a smooth reading experience.
8. Mangamo
Mangamo is a subscription-based manga app backed by Japanese publishers, offering ad-free access to officially licensed content. With exclusives and early releases, it’s one of the cleanest alternatives to MangaOwl that doesn’t rely on user scans or shady hosting.
Key Features
- 1,000+ titles, including exclusives
- No ads
- Drops new chapters daily
Supported Devices: iOS and Android
Rating: Achieved 4.7 on App Store and 4.5 stars on Google Play
| Pros | Cons |
| Fully licensed and ad-free | No web version. mobile-only |
| Exclusive titles not found elsewhere | Subscription required for most content |
| High-quality translations and clean UI | Smaller library compared to giants like VIZ |
9. Manga UP! by Square Enix
Manga UP! is Square Enix’s official manga app. It gives fans access to popular titles like Fullmetal Alchemist, My Dress-Up Darling, and Soul Eater. This well-designed platform runs on a freemium “UP points” system, which means you can read free chapters daily with the option to unlock more using in-app currency.
Key Features
- Licensed Square Enix titles
- Clean reader with panel zoom
- Points-based unlock system
Platform Supported: iOS, Android, Web
Rating: 4.7 (App Store), 4.5 (Google Play)
| Pros | Cons |
| Official releases with clean UX | The UP points system can be confusing at first |
| Exclusive Square Enix titles | Frequent waiting unless you pay |
| Great for fans of fantasy/action manga | Not ideal for binge reading without purchases |
10. Azuki
Azuki is a rising manga platform focused on indie publishers and officially licensed content. It’s a strong MangaOwl alternative for readers who want something fresh and legally clean. With a freemium model, Azuki gives you access to free chapters with ads or an ad-free experience for a small monthly fee.
Key Features
- Licensed titles from Kodansha and indie creators
- Simulpub releases for select series
- Clean, dark-mode-friendly reader.
Supported Devices: iOS, Android, Web
Rating: 4.6 stars (App Store), 4.4 stars (Google Play)
| Pros | Cons |
| Indie-friendly with unique series | Smaller catalog than VIZ or MangaPlus |
| Affordable subscription | Some early chapters are locked behind a paywall |
| Good balance of free and premium content | Lesser-known among mainstream manga fans |
11. Tapas
Tapas is best known for original webtoons, indie manga, and light novels. It’s a go-to platform for fans of romance, slice-of-life, and fantasy stories. While it’s not a direct replacement for MangaOwl’s traditional manga catalog, it’s one of the strongest alternatives if you enjoy narrative-rich comics in bite-sized formats.
Key Features
- Original webcomics and indie manga
- Daily unlocks and “wait-for-free” episodes
- Built-in support for creators
Compatible Devices: iOS, Android, Web
Rating: 4.7 (App Store) and 4.5 (Google Play)
| Pros | Cons |
| Fresh, creator-led stories | Less focus on the traditional Japanese manga |
| Free access via a daily unlock system | Pay-to-unlock can get pricey for bingeing |
| Strong community and discovery features | Niche genres may not appeal to all readers |
If you want to develop an app that supports episodic content and earn well in return, study Tapas. It successfully mixes storytelling with a smart monetization strategy that does not rely on ads or shady hosting.
12. ComiXology
ComiXology is a digital comics platform by Amazon that hosts everything from Marvel and DC to manga from Kodansha, VIZ, and Yen Press. Though it is not free, if you’re looking for high-quality Mangaowl Alternative apps with a huge catalog and cloud sync, this one is worth trying.
Key Features
- Massive catalog of comics, manga, and graphic novels
- Guided View for panel-by-panel reading
- Sync with Kindle library
Supported Platforms: iOS, Android, Kindle, Web
Rating: 4.6 (App Store), 4.3 (Google Play)
| Pros | Cons |
| Official releases from top publishers | Requires Amazon login |
| High-quality reader and Kindle integration | Less manga discovery compared to other apps |
| Subscription includes thousands of titles | Platform redesign frustrated longtime users |
13. Hoopla Digital
Hoopla Digital is a free digital media service that lets you borrow manga, comics, movies, and more using your public library card. It’s one of the most underrated MangaOwl replacements, which is completely legal, ad-free, and perfect for readers who don’t want to spend extra.
Key Features
- Free access to licensed manga via local libraries
- No ads, no subscription
- Offline downloads available
Device Supported: iOS, Android, Roku, Chromecast, Web
App Store Rating: 4.8 on Apple and 4.6 on Google
| Pros | Cons |
| Completely free and legal | Only available through partnered libraries |
| Ad-free reading with offline support | Manga selection depends on your library |
| Easy to use and includes comics + more | Requires US or Canadian library access |
14. Libby by OverDrive
Libby, created by OverDrive, is a modern library app that lets you borrow manga, eBooks, and audiobooks for free. It’s one of the simplest and legal alternatives to MangaOwl out there for readers who want to avoid ads, pop-ups, or broken pages.
Notable Features
- Borrow manga and light novels from your local library
- Sync reading progress across devices
- Offline reading and customizable UI
Supported Devices: iOS, Android, Web
Rating: 4.9 (App Store) and 4.7 (Google Play)
| Pros | Cons |
| Completely free and has no ads | Manga availability depends on your library |
| Syncs across devices and works offline | Limited to the USA and select global libraries |
| Super clean, fast interface | No direct search by publisher or genre |
15. Manta Comics
Manta Comics is a fast-growing webtoon and manga platform known for its binge-friendly reading model. Instead of pay-per-chapter, you get unlimited access to all series with one affordable subscription. It’s a top MangaOwl substitute for fans of romance, fantasy, and Korean manhwa who want premium content without ad interruptions.
Key Features
- Unlimited reading with a flat monthly fee
- Exclusive original titles
- Smooth, minimal interface
Compatible Devices: iOS, Android, and Web browsers
Rating: 4.9 on App Store and 4.8 on Google Play
| Pros | Cons |
| Unlimited access for one flat fee | No free reading option |
| No ads ever | Focuses mostly on romance and fantasy genres |
| Exclusive, high-quality content | Smaller catalog than Webtoon or VIZ |
MangaOwl Alternatives Comparison: Which App Is Best for You?
Not every manga app is built the same. Some are legal. Some are full of ads. Others lock offline reading behind a paywall.
Let’s have a quick side-by-side look at the top MangaOwl alternatives so you don’t waste time guessing which one works for you:
| App | Free/Paid | Ads | Offline | Legal | Best For |
| MangaDex | Free | No | Limited | No | Community-driven, rare titles |
| MangaPlus by Shueisha | Free | No | No | Yes | Official Shonen manga, simulpubs |
| Webtoon | Free with optional pay | Yes | Yes | Yes | Webcomics, mobile-first readers |
| VIZ Manga /
SJ App |
Paid with/ free preview | No | Yes | Yes | Shonen Jump fans, legal reading |
| INKR Comics | Freemium | Yes | Yes | Yes | Multiple genres, cross-device sync |
| BookWalker | Paid | No | Yes | Yes | Buying and owning digital manga |
| Bilibili Comics | Freemium | Yes | Yes | Yes | Chinese and Korean webcomics |
| Mangamo | Paid (Free trial) | No | Yes | Yes | Licensed manga, exclusive titles |
| Manga UP!
(Square Enix) |
Freemium | Yes | Yes | Yes | Fantasy-heavy manga |
| Azuki | Paid with/ some free | No | Yes | Yes | Indie titles, no ads |
| Tapas | Freemium | Yes | Yes | Yes | Romance, slice-of-life, webtoons |
| ComiXology | Paid | No | Yes | Yes | Mixed comics & manga |
| Hoopla Digital | Free (Library card) | No | Yes | Yes | Library-based manga access |
| Libby by OverDrive | Free (Library card) | No | Yes | Yes | Classic manga, US libraries |
| Manta Comics | Paid | No | Yes | Yes | Unlimited reading, low subscription |
Some of these platforms are already doing it better by improving discovery, filtering junk, and recommending stuff that users are interested in.
A lot of that’s powered quietly by generative AI solutions in the background, separating a one-off app from one that people come back to.
How to Build a Manga App Like MangaOwl?
Developing a manga reader app like MangaOwl involves precision and structured methodology. It starts with clarification of the idea. The next step is to consider must-have features, then work on the app design, and finally, evaluate the cost and timeframe to enter the market.
Here is a detailed rundown of how to build a manga app like MangaOwl on iPhone and Android:
1. Know Your Audience’s Mindset
People don’t read like they used to. Today’s generation prefers fast, scrollable manga on mobile. That’s why apps like Webtoon and Tapas grew to 82 million active users in 2023 (Statista).
Before the practical execution, develop an app idea. Research why people loved MangaOwl in the first place, what a similar app like MangaOwl offers, and what readers expect now.
2. Create Your Own Featured Set
You don’t need to reinvent anything. Features like offline downloads, reading history, library filters, and push alerts are prerequisites for any manga website.
Start with these essentials, then expand based on what users do inside the app. A simple MVP can be built in 4 to 6 months if your scope is focused and realistic.
3. Choose the Right Development Partner
Manga apps are data-heavy. Each chapter includes dozens of images, and traffic spikes when new releases go live. That’s where the backend matters.
Your app needs reliable cloud storage, image compression, a content delivery network (CDN), and real-time syncing. If that’s outside your expertise, the smarter option is to work with a proven app development company that’s done this before.
4. Design for How People Read
A well-designed app not only looks good. It also helps in smooth and fast navigation from one page or tab to the next chapter. The best apps are the ones people barely think about while using.
To speed up early builds, test your layouts using no-code AI tools. Once your flow works, refine it using standard UI libraries like Bootstrap. But always build for real user behavior not your developer instinct.
5. Test & Launch
Don’t just launch your app hurriedly. You’ll miss things. First, test it with a small group of people. Watch how they use it, the issues they face, and fix the rough edges.
Once it runs clean, prep your Play Store and App Store listings. Add screenshots, short descriptions, and privacy details. That stuff matters more than people think.
6. Go For Maintenance
The majority of apps die after launch because no one sticks around. Readers leave when there are bugs, slow updates, or nothing new to read.
Keep security patches, bug fixes, and updates on a rolling schedule. You’ll also have to monitor performance and track user feedback for what’s crashing, what’s not loading, and where users drop off. Maintenance isn’t optional if you want decent app user retention.
How Much Does it Cost to Develop a Manga App like MangaOwl?
The cost to build a MangaOwl-like app falls between $15,000 and $60,000. That depends on how lean or full-featured you want the first version to be.
According to Clutch, most mobile apps fall in this range, depending on scope and hourly rates:
| MVP Type | Feature Set | Estimated Cost | Timeline |
| Basic Reader App | Manga reader, offline access, simple UI, basic search | $15,000 – $25,000 | 3 to 4 months |
| Standard MVP | Everything in Basic + login, push notifications, reading history | $25,000 – $40,000 | 4 to 5 months |
| Full-Scale App | Cloud sync, custom UI, in-app purchases, CMS for uploads, API integrations | $40,000 – $60,000 | 5 to 6 months |
Most apps like this take three to six months to build, depending on how ready you are with design, content, and features. The timeframe for developing an app often stretches if you’re adding more functionality later in the build.
Why TekRevol Is the Right Partner to Build a Manga App?
Not every dev team can handle the development of the MangaOWL alternative. Manga platforms aren’t just about UI. There is a lot more to consider, like load speed, user retention, smart design, and systems that don’t fall apart under pressure.
At TekRevol, we have been doing this for over a decade. Our cross-platform app development services helped startups and media platforms launch custom apps across both Android and iOS without the usual delays.
We also know how to handle cloud sync, offline reading, monetization, and everything in between. If you’re playing the long game, we can help you build something that grows beyond just being a MangaOwl replacement.
