Wondering if you can read manga for free without breaking the law? You’re likely looking at Manga Plus and trying to figure out if it’s truly free or if there’s a catch. Understanding its model is key to avoiding surprises.
Manga Plus is a free-to-use app and website that allows you to read thousands of manga chapters legally and safely. The free service from the publisher Shueisha focuses on providing the first few and the most recent chapters of ongoing series. A paid subscription is available for full library access.
Based on an analysis of the official platform and current user data, Manga Plus offers a legitimate “freemium” experience. This guide will break down exactly what you get for free, the limitations you’ll encounter, and when you might need to consider the paid Manga Plus MAX plan. You’ll discover the precise rules so you can decide if it’s the right service for you.
Key Facts
- Official and Legal: Manga Plus is the official global platform from Shueisha, one of Japan’s largest publishers, making it a 100% legal and copyright-compliant way to read manga that supports the creators.
- Simultaneous Release Model: Its core feature is the “simulpub” system, which releases new chapters in English and other languages at the exact same time they debut in Japan, often for free.
- Freemium Structure: While the core service is free, it operates on a freemium model. A paid subscription tier, Manga Plus MAX, unlocks the full back-catalog of chapters for most series.
- Vast Library Access: The paid MANGA Plus MAX service provides unlimited, ad-free access to over 8,000 chapters across both ongoing and completed manga series.
- Global Availability: The service is available worldwide, with the exception of Japan, China, and South Korea, and offers content in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and French.
Is Manga Plus Actually Free to Use?
Yes, Manga Plus is an official app and website from the publisher Shueisha that is genuinely free to use, but it comes with specific limitations. The free model is designed to give you legal, immediate access to the newest chapters of many popular series, like One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen, at the same time they are released in Japan. This makes it a fantastic and safe alternative to illegal scanlation sites.
As an official source, using Manga Plus is a trusted way to support the manga authors and artists you admire. Revenue from the platform, even the ad-supported free version, helps ensure creators are paid for their work. The platform’s entire premise is to combat piracy by providing a better, more timely, and legal service.
However, the “free” access isn’t unlimited. To encourage users to purchase full volumes or subscribe, Manga Plus restricts how much of a series you can read for free. For complete access to every chapter of a series, from beginning to end, the platform offers a paid subscription service called Manga Plus MAX. So, what’s the catch with the free version?
What Are the Limitations of the Manga Plus Free Tier?
The free tier of Manga Plus has four main limitations: chapter gaps in ongoing series, a “read once” policy for many chapters, no access to most completed series, and advertisements. These rules are designed to give you a taste of a series and keep you up-to-date, encouraging a subscription for full binge-reading access. Understanding these restrictions is key to managing your expectations.
In our experience analyzing the platform, these limitations are the most common source of confusion for new users. The model is a fair trade-off, offering timely official releases for free, something that was unheard of just a few years ago.
Here are the specific rules of the free service explained:
* Chapter Gaps: For most ongoing manga, you can only read the first three chapters and the three most recent chapters. This creates a gap in the middle of the story that is inaccessible for free.
* “Read Once” Policy: Many free chapters, particularly the newest releases, are marked as “FirstRead FREE.” Once you finish reading them, they become locked and you cannot go back to re-read them without a subscription.
* No Completed Series: The free model is focused on ongoing manga. Once a series is finished, its entire back-catalog (beyond the first few sample chapters) is typically moved behind the subscription paywall.
* Advertisements: The free version of the app and website is supported by ads. A paid subscription removes all advertisements for an uninterrupted reading experience.
What is the “First Three, Last Three” Chapter Rule?
The “First Three, Last Three” rule on Manga Plus means that for an ongoing manga series, only the initial three chapters and the three most recently released chapters are available to read for free. This applies to manga that are currently being serialized in magazines like Weekly Shonen Jump. It is a core part of the simulpub model, designed to let you stay current with the story.
Think of an ongoing series like My Hero Academia, which has hundreds of chapters. Under this rule, a free user could read:
* Chapters 1, 2, and 3 (to get hooked on the story)
* The three newest chapters (e.g., 415, 416, and 417)
All the chapters in between (4 through 414) would be locked and require a Manga Plus MAX subscription to read. When a new chapter (e.g., 418) is released, the oldest of the “latest three” (chapter 415) becomes locked. This system encourages readers to keep up with the series weekly.
Why Can You Only Read Some Free Chapters Once?
On Manga Plus, many free chapters can only be read a single time to encourage users to subscribe for unlimited reading and re-reading privileges. This policy, often labeled “FirstRead FREE” in the app, primarily applies to the latest chapters of ongoing series. Once you read the chapter, the platform locks it.
This can feel frustrating, but it is a key part of the platform’s monetization strategy. The one-time-read feature ensures that free users stay on the cutting edge of a series. If you want to go back to reference a detail from a previous chapter or simply enjoy the story again, the platform guides you toward its subscription service. The first few chapters of a series are often re-readable to allow new fans to get started, but the privilege of unlimited reading for the entire catalog is a primary benefit of the paid MAX plan.
What is Manga Plus MAX and Is It Worth It?
Manga Plus MAX is the subscription plan that unlocks the full Manga Plus library, removing all reading restrictions. For a monthly fee, you get unlimited, ad-free access to all available chapters of most ongoing and completed series. It is designed for binge-readers and fans who want to read an entire story from start to finish without any gaps or limitations.
As of early 2026, the subscription comes in different tiers, with the Standard Plan being the most popular entry point. Whether it’s “worth it” depends entirely on your reading habits. If you only follow one or two new series and read chapters as they come out, the free tier is likely sufficient. However, if you want to discover a finished series like Chainsaw Man Part 1 or catch up on all 100+ chapters of Kaiju No. 8, the MAX plan is essential.
Here is a direct comparison of the free service versus the paid subscription:
| Feature | MANGA Plus (Free) | MANGA Plus MAX (Standard Plan) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $0 | ~$1.99 / month |
| Simulpub Chapters | Latest 3 chapters (often read-once) | All new chapters (unlimited reads) |
| Ongoing Series Backlog | First 3 chapters only | All chapters available |
| Completed Series Access | First 3 chapters only | Most titles fully available |
| Advertisements | Yes | No |
| Reading Limit | Many chapters are “Read Once” | Unlimited Reading |
Who is Manga Plus MAX for?
* Binge-Readers: Anyone who wants to read an entire series from chapter 1 to the latest release.
* Fans of Completed Series: Readers who want to explore finished classics and modern hits.
* Ad-Free Experience Seekers: Users who prefer to read without any interruptions.
* Re-readers: Fans who love to go back and re-read their favorite arcs and moments.
How Does Manga Plus Compare to VIZ Media’s Shonen Jump App?
The main difference between Manga Plus and the VIZ Shonen Jump app is their regional availability and library focus. Manga Plus is Shueisha’s direct global platform, available worldwide with many Shonen Jump+ titles. The VIZ Shonen Jump app is their licensed service primarily for North America, which has a more extensive back-catalog of classic completed Weekly Shonen Jump series.
It’s helpful to understand that Shueisha (the Japanese publisher) is a part-owner of VIZ Media. This means they are partners, not just direct competitors. VIZ acts as the official North American distributor for many of Shueisha’s most famous properties. Because of these regional licensing rights, the content they offer can differ.
For users trying to decide between them, here’s a simple breakdown:
| Aspect | MANGA Plus by SHUEISHA | VIZ Media Shonen Jump App |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Market | Global | North America & select regions |
| Publisher | Shueisha (Direct) | VIZ Media (Licensed Partner) |
| Key Content | Weekly Shonen Jump, Shonen Jump+ titles | Deep Weekly Shonen Jump back-catalog |
| Languages | English, Spanish, Thai, etc. | English Only |
| Subscription Cost | ~$1.99 / month (Standard) | ~$2.99 / month |
For U.S. readers, VIZ’s Shonen Jump app is often considered a better value for its deeper library of completed classic series. However, for readers outside North America or for those who want to follow newer hits from the Shonen Jump+ service (like Kaiju No. 8 and Spy x Family), Manga Plus is the superior and often only legal option.
FAQs About is manga plus free
Is Manga Plus Legal and Safe to Use?
Yes, Manga Plus is 100% legal and safe to use. It is the official international platform directly operated by Shueisha, one of Japan’s largest manga publishers. Using it is a copyright-compliant method of reading manga that directly supports the original authors and artists, unlike illegal scanlation websites.
Can You Read Completed Series Like Chainsaw Man Part 1 for Free?
No, you generally cannot read entire completed series for free on Manga Plus. While the platform may offer the first few chapters of a finished series like Chainsaw Man as a free sample, access to the full backlog requires a Manga Plus MAX subscription. The free model is primarily focused on keeping up with currently ongoing manga.
How Often Does Manga Plus Update with New Chapters?
Manga Plus updates daily with a simultaneous release schedule. This means that when a new chapter of a series like One Piece or Sakamoto Days is released in Japan’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine, it becomes available on the Manga Plus app at the exact same time, officially translated into English and other languages.
Can You Use Manga Plus on a PC?
Yes, Manga Plus has a fully functional website that works on any PC or Mac. You can visit the official Manga Plus website in your browser to read all the same content available on the mobile app. If you create a free account, your reading progress will sync across your devices.
What is MANGA Plus Creators?
MANGA Plus Creators is a separate, user-submitted manga platform that is hosted by Manga Plus. It allows aspiring artists from around the world to upload their own original comics for others to read. While it is part of the same service ecosystem, its content is independent and not part of the official Shueisha catalog found in the main reader.
Does the Manga Plus MAX Subscription Remove Ads?
Yes, subscribing to either the Standard or Deluxe Manga Plus MAX plan provides a completely ad-free reading experience. Advertisements are only present in the free version of the service to help support the platform financially.
Can You Read Manga Offline with Manga Plus?
No, Manga Plus does not currently offer an offline reading feature. You need an active internet connection to load and read manga chapters on both the mobile app and the website. This applies to both the free and paid subscription tiers, as chapters are streamed from their servers.
What’s the Difference Between the MAX “Standard” and “Deluxe” Plans?
The main difference is the number of readable titles, specifically regarding completed series. The Standard plan gives you full access to all chapters of currently serializing titles. The Deluxe plan, which costs more, adds access to a larger library of completed series that are not fully available on the Standard plan.
Does Manga Plus Have All Chapters of One Piece?
This depends on your subscription plan. On the free tier, you can only read the first three and the latest three chapters of One Piece. To read all 1,000+ chapters from the beginning to the present, you would need to subscribe to a Manga Plus MAX plan that includes the full One Piece backlog in its catalog.
Is Manga Plus Available in My Country?
Manga Plus is available globally in almost every country, with the main exceptions being Japan, China, and South Korea, as they have their own domestic manga services. It is designed as an international platform and offers titles in multiple languages, including Spanish, French, Thai, Portuguese, and more.
Key Takeaways: Manga Plus Free vs. Paid Summary
Here is a quick summary of the most important points to remember about the Manga Plus service as of 2026.
- Free with Limitations: Manga Plus is fundamentally free to use, but this access is limited to the first ~3 and latest ~3 chapters of most ongoing series, and many chapters can only be read once.
- Paid Unlocks Everything: The Manga Plus MAX subscription (from ~$1.99/month) is required to read the middle chapters of ongoing series and the full backlog of most completed series.
- It’s Legal and Supports Creators: As the official platform from publisher Shueisha, using Manga Plus is a safe, legal way to read manga that financially supports the authors.
- Simulpub is Key: Its greatest feature is the “simultaneous publication” model, giving global fans new chapters at the same time they are released in Japan, for free.
- VIZ is the US Alternative: For readers in North America, the VIZ Shonen Jump app is a strong competitor with a deeper back-catalog of classic completed series for a similar price.
- No Offline Reading: A significant drawback is the requirement for an internet connection, as the app does not currently support downloading chapters for offline reading on any tier.
Final Thoughts on Manga Plus
Ultimately, Manga Plus stands as an excellent and revolutionary service in the world of digital manga. Its free tier is an incredible tool for any fan who wants to legally stay current with the biggest ongoing series from Japan without paying a cent. The trade-off of chapter limitations and ads is a small price for timely, high-quality, and official translations that directly support creators.
For casual readers, the free version is more than enough. However, for dedicated fans who want to dive deep into a series from start to finish or explore a vast library of completed masterpieces, the Manga Plus MAX subscription isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. At an affordable price point, it transforms the app from a “latest chapter” service into a comprehensive manga archive, making it a powerful and worthwhile tool for any serious reader.
