Is Manga Plus actually free?

Yes, but with a catch. You can read the first three and last three chapters of any series for free. To read the middle chapters of completed series, you'll need a subscription. Ongoing series often have a 'read once' promotion where you can read every chapter for free exactly one time.

Can I turn off the comments?

You can't disable the comments section entirely across the app, but you can simply not scroll down past the final page of a chapter. The comments are hidden at the bottom and require an extra tap to expand.

Is there a 'Kids Mode' for the app?

No. The app lacks a dedicated kids' filter. If you have a younger reader, you'll need to manually check what they're reading. Series like One Piece or Haikyu!! are generally safe, while Chainsaw Man is definitely for the 15+ crowd.

Does the app work offline?

Offline reading is only available for certain chapters and usually requires a paid subscription. The free tier is mostly intended for streaming the chapters over Wi-Fi or data.

Manga Plus – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Manga Plus

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

app2019

73%

WISE Score

3.6

App Store

The official, legal home for the world's biggest manga, minus the sketchy ads of pirate sites.

Manga Plus

app

Teen, 2019

73%

WISE Score

3.6

App Store

The official, legal home for the world's biggest manga, minus the sketchy ads of pirate sites.

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Where to Find

App Store

Google Play

Screenwise Verdict

Manga Plus is the gold standard for manga apps because it's official. If your kid is into anime, they are likely already looking for these stories. This app keeps them off the 'pirate' sites which are notorious for malware, aggressive tracking, and adult-themed advertisements.

However, don't mistake 'official' for 'sanitized.' This is a library for all ages, and a 10-year-old can easily stumble into a series featuring body horror or suggestive 'fan service.' It's a great tool, but it requires you to know what specific series your kid is following rather than trusting the app to gatekeep for you.

Age Fit

Best for ages 12 and up. While 'Shonen' technically means 'boy,' the content ranges from middle-grade adventures to older teen stories with significant blood and complex themes.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

While many titles emphasize friendship and perseverance, the library includes dark fantasy and psychological thrillers with intense emotional themes and 'fan service' that isn't always kid-friendly.

Imaginative

This is the source material for the world's most creative anime. The world-building in titles like One Piece and Dandadan is top-tier and highly inspiring for young artists.

Safe

It's a legal, official app, so you avoid the malware and porn ads of pirate sites. However, there are no robust parental controls to block mature titles like Chainsaw Man or Oshi No Ko from younger readers.

Enriching

Excellent for building reading stamina and visual literacy. Many series tackle complex social issues, grief, and ethics far more deeply than Western cartoons.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Simultaneous releases mean your kid is reading the new chapter at the exact same time it hits newsstands in Tokyo.
Legal support for creators ensures that the artists actually get paid for their work, unlike third-party scanlation sites.
High-quality translations avoid the clunky or occasionally edgy 'fan-made' translations found elsewhere.
Massive variety covers everything from high-stakes sports and cooking to epic space operas and high school romances.

⚠

What to Watch For

Mature content is just one tap away. There is no 'Kids Mode' that filters out the heavy gore of Chainsaw Man or the mature themes of Oshi No Ko.
The 'Read Once' rule on the free tier can be frustrating; once you finish a chapter, you can't go back to it without a subscription.
Comments sections can be a mixed bag of fan theories and typical internet saltiness, though they are generally moderated for extreme toxicity.

Conversation Starters

"What's the difference between a hero like Luffy and a hero like Deku?"
"Why do you think Japanese comics are read from right to left, and was it hard to get used to?"
"If you could have one 'quirk' or power from your favorite series, how would you use it to help people in real life?"
"Does the black-and-white art style make the story feel different than a color comic book?"

Deep Dive

The Piracy Killer

For years, the only way to stay current with manga was to visit sketchy 'scanlation' sites that were essentially a digital minefield for parents. Manga Plus changed the game by offering the same content for free (or a very cheap subscription) in a clean, professional interface.

Shonen vs. Seinen

Most of the titles here fall under the 'Shonen' umbrella (targeted at teen boys), but that label is broad. Spy x Family is a charming, largely wholesome comedy about a fake family. Jujutsu Kaisen is a brutal series about exorcising demons that features significant character death and gore. Because the app presents them side-by-side, it's worth checking the specific age rating of a series on a site like Anime News Network before letting a younger child dive in.

The Subscription Trap

The app uses a 'first-read free' model for many series. This is great for catching up, but if your kid wants to re-read their favorite arc, they'll hit a paywall. The 'MAX' subscription is reasonably priced, but if you're trying to limit digital subscriptions, be aware that the app is designed to convert free readers into monthly payers once they're hooked on a 500-chapter epic like One Piece.

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