If you’ve been using Pica (or Pica Comics) for reading manga and manhua, you probably know the struggle: it’s not always reliable. I’ve personally had days when Pica simply wouldn’t load, or the updates lagged behind other platforms. That’s when I started searching for safe, stable, and better Pica alternatives—and trust me, there are some amazing options out there.
On this site, I’ll provide the most practical, first-hand knowledge on the top alternatives to Pica and will discuss what makes them different, as well as the pros and cons and the best one to pick based on your requirements.
Why Look for a Pica Alternative?
From my own experience (and countless user complaints online), here are the main reasons people move away from Pica:
- Server Downtime – Pica often goes offline or gets geo-blocked.
- Slow Updates – New manga chapters sometimes take too long to appear.
- Regional Restrictions – Not accessible in some countries.
- App Issues – Crashes, bugs, and random logouts.
- Legal Concerns – Pica operates in a grey area, which may expose users to risks.
These pain points make it essential to have safe, user-friendly alternatives.
Top 8 Pica Alternatives in 2025
Here are the platforms I’ve personally tested and recommend:
1. MangaDex
- Completely community-driven.
- Updated very quickly with global language support.
- No ads, lightweight, and mobile-friendly.
- Perfect if you want a clean, fan-first experience.
2. MangaPlus by Shueisha
- 100% legal and free.
- Offers popular titles like One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, My Hero Academia.
- Simultaneous chapter releases with Japan.
- My go-to when I want official, high-quality scans.
3. Crunchyroll Manga
- Comes bundled with a Crunchyroll anime subscription.
- Legal, reliable, and offers both anime + manga.
- Best for readers who also stream anime.
4. ComiXology (Amazon)
- Paid service, but huge collection of manga, comics, and graphic novels.
- High-quality scans, offline downloads.
- I use it when I want collector-level reading.
5. Webtoon
- If you enjoy manhwa & original web comics.
- Sleek mobile app, perfect for scroll-reading format.
- Different vibe compared to manga, but still addictive.
6. MangaOwl
- Fan-favorite with a massive library.
- Easy-to-navigate interface, fast updates.
- Unofficial, so use with caution.
7. BookWalker
- Official platform for buying manga eBooks.
- Supports creators directly.
- Great deals & bundles.
8. Kitsu
- Combines manga + anime tracking.
- Social features: track what you read, join discussions.
- Perfect for those who love community engagement.
Which Alternative Should You Choose?
Here’s what I recommend based on different needs:
- Want Free & Legal? → MangaPlus, Webtoon, Internet Archive’s manga collections.
- Willing to Pay for Premium? → ComiXology or BookWalker.
- Want a Fan Community? → MangaDex or Kitsu.
- Need a Casual, Mobile Experience? → Webtoon or MangaOwl.
From my own reading habit, I use MangaPlus for official releases and MangaDex for niche, fan-translated series. That combo covers almost everything I want.
Pro Tips for Safe Reading
- Always check if the site/app is legal before downloading.
- If you use unofficial apps, avoid entering personal info.
- Consider supporting your favorite creators by buying volumes when possible.
Final Thoughts
Pica is a top pick for many manga lovers However, it’s far from perfect. The positive is that there’s numerous secure, reliable alternative options by 2025.
No matter if you’re looking for free, official chapters (MangaPlus), a community-driven hub (MangaDex), or an Premium library (ComiXology BookWalker, ComiXology), there’s an solution that will suit your needs.
Based on my experiences From my experience, the presence of more than two reliable platforms makes sure you’re not stuck when one of them fails.
FAQs About Pica Alternatives
Q1. Is Pica safe to use?
Not always. Unofficial versions may carry risks, and it’s in a legal grey area.
Q2. What’s the best free legal alternative?
MangaPlus by Shueisha is the best free and legal option.
Q3. Which app updates manga fastest?
MangaDex and MangaPlus are usually quickest.
Q4. Can I download manga offline?
Yes—platforms like ComiXology and BookWalker allow legal offline downloads.
Q5. Do these alternatives work worldwide?
Most do, but some titles may be region-locked. Using a VPN can help.