Are you looking for free ways to stream cartoons online? If so, you have probably already used WatchCartoonOnline once or twice.

Though WatchCartoonOnline does offer a fantastic selection of cartoons, it also poses a few unique challenges. The site frequently migrates, and some users report issues with ads and malware.

In this guide to WatchCartoonOnline alternatives, I’ll suggest a few tips to stay safe while affording yourself of these streaming services. Also, I’ll list for you the best websites I’ve found to watch cartoons completely free.

How does WatchCartoonOnline work?

WatchCartoonOnline is a free streaming online service that releases old and new cartoons to the public. While the URL changes regularly (most likely for legal reasons), I found the site at WatchCartoonOnline.fun at the time that I wrote this review.

All users must create an online account in order to access cartoon shows and movies. While the site claims that a membership is free, it will require you to enter credit card information.

Source: WatchCartoonOnline

The cartoon inventory is impressive. WatchCartoonOnline offers vintage cartoons, anime, and recent animated theatrical releases (such as 2019’s The Lion King). That said, there are a few problems with the site.

Is it legal?

Technically, it is legal for you to sign up and watch cartoon shows and movies for free on WatchCartoonOnline.

However, it is most likely illegal for the site owners unless they are paying for the rights to stream their content to the public (which is highly unlikely). Due to the website’s questionable legality (for the site owner, not for the viewer), law enforcement agencies may force the site to shut down and relocate.

Here is a list of former URLs for WatchCartoonOnline:

WatchCartoonOnline.com

WatchCartoonOnline.io

WatchCartoonOnline.tv

Is it safe?

WatchCartoonOnline uses Iceboxfun for their sign-up and verification process. This company also underwrites many pornography-related websites that require memberships (usually to verify that the subscriber is 18 years or older).

Setting up a free account with WatchCartoonOnline can be safe if you take a few precautions. First, you should never sign up with a bank credit or debit card. Instead, I recommend that you purchase a prepaid Visa at your local grocery store to create your account.

Source: WatchCartoonOnline

Even though the WatchCartoonOnline sign-up page says you will not be charged, you may encounter fine print on the next page during sign-up that allows them to charge your card.

Using a prepaid Visa protects you from fraudulent charges on your bank card. If Iceboxfun does charge you, they will only be able to charge you once.

Also, users should avoid clicking on ads, since most of the advertisements are malware. Many users indicate that between ad blockers and PC virus protection software, they don’t report any safety issues using WatchCartoonOnline.

So long as you take the precautions outlined above, using WatchCartoonOnline is safe.

Top alternatives to WatchCartoonOnline

When streaming cartoons online, you have a few options.

First, there are trustworthy streaming sites that safely and legally stream vintage cartoons (cheap or public domain) with the help of legitimate ads. You won’t, however, find any new releases on these websites.

Second, you can subscribe to another service similar to WatchCartoonOnline, manage the risks of malware ads, and anticipate that the site might move to another URL.

Lastly, many reputable streaming services offer a free trial. If all you need is access to cartoon shows or movies for a few days, you can sign-up for a free trial and cancel before the trial ends.

To the best of my ability, I tested each site to make sure that videos streamed adequately. I also noted advertisement volume and type.

1. Topcartoons.tv

Source: Topcartoons.tv

Baby Boomers will appreciate the Scooby-Doo, Pink Panther, Bugs Bunny, and other vintage cartoon selections on Topcartoons.tv. Even as a Millennial, I was thrilled to see the 1960s Batman & Robin series that my parents played for me when I was in elementary school.

You don’t need to sign-up, and while there are plenty of ads, the malware risk is much lower (virtually non-existent). When trying out the website, I nearly had to scroll to the bottom to find the play button for the show that I had selected. But once I found it, playback was seamless.

2. B98.tv

Source: B98.tv

Similar to Topcartoons.tv, B98.tv features older cartoon shows exclusively, and you don’t have to sign-up to watch.

B98.tv offers a vast library of Hanna-Barbera cartoons, such as The Flintstones and The Jetsons. Additionally, you’ll find some Disney classics like Ducktales and Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers.

3. SuperCartoons

Source: SuperCartoons

SuperCartoons is essentially another version of B98.tv and Topcartoons.tv. All cartoons are older (at least 50 years old), but the site does feature classic Looney Tunes and Mickey Mouse episodes.

You will encounter plenty of ads, but there were no malware snares that I could find.

4. KimCartoon.to

Source: KimCartoon.to

If you feel confident with streaming sources like WatchCartoonOnline, KimCartoon.to is very similar. So long as you’re never giving out your bank card information or clicking on pop-ups, you can access an extensive library of cartoons from past and present.

Source: DisneyNow

Owned and operated by Disney, Disney Now is a mobile device app that includes free games, shows, and clips.

While you don’t need to create an account, your kids may want to create a user profile to track their progress on their favorite games. Disney Now was built with younger children in mind, and parents can trust the app to protect their children’s privacy.

Source: YouTube

YouTube has a surprising array of old and new cartoons. Your best luck will be watching cartoons available via the Live Now channels or cartoon clips.

Source: Boomerang

Boomerang is a genuine video streaming service like Netflix that specializes in cartoons. While the typical cost is $4.99/month, you can sign-up for a free 7-day trial.

You will be required to create an account and add payment details. However, you will be able to cancel your account before the end of the free trial if you do not wish to pay for a membership. I was able to create a trial account and cancel it without any issue.

When I perused Boomerang’s library, I found plenty of vintage cartoons pre-1980, along with 1990s favorites like Garfield and later episodes of Bugs Bunny and Scooby-Doo. And (as the banner above advertises), there were plenty of Tom and Jerry episodes to keep viewers busy for months.

Source: Disney Plus

If you’re a Disney-lover, you should undoubtedly give Disney Plus’s free trial a try. After a week, you can continue your membership for $6.99/month (or cancel before the end of your trial).

In a previous review, I demonstrated Disney Plus’s free trial sign-up process and provided screenshots of the website’s extensive library. It includes all the Disney classics, along with the latest in Pixar and LEGO.

Recap: WatchCartoonOnline alternatives

If you are tired of dealing with WatchCartoonOnline’s pop-up ads and sign-up requirements, there are plenty of other options from which to choose.

That said, if you are primarily interested in the latest and best in animated cinematography, your best bet is to pay for cable or sign-up for a reputable streaming service. These streaming services include Disney Plus, Boomerang, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video.