How to Read Manta Webtoons for Free: Gems, Subscription Hacks & Free Arcs (2026)

For years, Manta stood out from other webtoon platforms because of its simple promise: one subscription, unlimited reading, and no annoying pay-per-chapter system. Unlike apps such as WEBTOON or Tapas, Manta originally focused on a binge-reading experience where users could unlock entire series with a single monthly plan.But in 2026, things are no longer that straightforward.

Manta now operates with a mixed system that includes Unlimited subscription titles, premium Gems content, novels, temporary free reading events, and limited-time “Free Arcs.” As a result, many new users — and even longtime subscribers — are confused about what is actually included, which series require Gems, and whether it is still possible to read webtoons on Manta for free.

The good news is that free reading options still exist. Many series offer free preview chapters, seasonal unlock events, and promotional story arcs that can be read without spending extra Gems. At the same time, understanding how the subscription system works can save you a surprising amount of money.

In this guide, we will break down exactly how Manta works in 2026, explain the difference between Unlimited and Gems content, show the best ways to read webtoons for free, and help you decide whether Manta’s subscription is still worth it today.

What Is Manta? 

Manta was once known as the "Netflix of Webtoons"—one simple price for everything. However, to accommodate premium Webnovels and licensed Japanese Manga, the platform evolved into a sophisticated hybrid system in early 2026.

While the system has become more complex, Manta has successfully transitioned from a simple comic app into a comprehensive story hub.

How the Library is Divided Today？

To navigate Manta without overspending, you must understand its three main categories:

• Manta Originals: Exclusive global hits like Under the Oak Tree and Semantic Error. These remain the core of the Unlimited Subscription.

• Gem-Only Content: High-end Webnovels, Japanese Manga, and certain 19+ versions. These require Gems for permanent ownership.

• Free-to-Read Titles: Series that offer "Free Pass" or "Free Arc" events, allowing patient readers to enjoy content at zero cost.

Is It Still Worth It?

After the major overhaul, we’ve weighed the pros and cons to see if Manta still holds its crown.

The Pros:

• Unmatched Quality: Manta still holds the gold standard for English localization and HD art. You won't find better-looking webtoons elsewhere.

• Romance & BL Powerhouse: Their "Originals" library remains the strongest and most exclusive in these genres.

• The Premium Upgrade: The inclusion of 1,420 Gems in the $9.99 Premium plan is a game-changer, making it one of the most generous high-tier subscriptions in the market.

The Cons:

• Learning Curve: The 2026 "10x Gem scale" and various mission types can be confusing for new or returning users.

• Fragmented Content: It’s no longer "one price for everything." Seeing some titles locked behind Gems while you have a subscription can be frustrating at first.

Verdict: For Romance and BL fans, Manta remains the best value-for-money platform in 2026. It has grown more complex, but the sheer quality of its exclusive stories makes it worth the learning curve.

Manta’s 3 Reading Systems: The 2026 Survival Guide

To read effectively in 2026, you need to understand that Manta no longer uses a "one-size-fits-all" model. Instead, it operates on three parallel tracks. Mastering these is the only way to avoid the "pay-per-chapter" trap.

① The Free-to-Read Path (Zero Cost)

This is the holy grail for casual readers. Manta has cleverly integrated two features that allow you to finish even premium series for free—if you are strategic.

Mastering the "Free Pass": 

•  The Icon: Look for the Purple Clock next to a series.

• The Rule: You get one free episode every 24 hours.

• The Catch: Once you unlock a chapter, you have 72 hours to read it before it locks again.‘

Pro Tip: Don't just follow one story. Build a "Reading Pipeline"—follow 5 or 6 Free Pass titles at once. By the time you finish your daily chapters, the 24-hour timer is already halfway done for the next set.

Exploiting "Free Arcs":

• What they are: Unlike the Free Pass (which is your personal progress), Free Arcs are sitewide events. Manta will often make the first 30, 50, or even 100 chapters of a mega-hit (like Under the Oak Tree) completely free for a limited time.

• The Strategy: Use Free Arcs to "brute force" through the early seasons of a long manhwa. Once the event ends, switch back to the Free Pass to finish the rest at your own pace.

② Unlimited Subscription (Standard vs. Premium)

While the Free Pass is perfect for casual reading, the Manta Membership is designed for those who want an uninterrupted binge-watching experience. In 2026, the subscription is no longer just about "unlocking stories"—it’s about getting the best exchange rate for Gems. There are two paid plans.

Choose Standard Plan or Premium Plan？

If you look at the math, the Premium Plan is a "Subscription Hack" disguised as a higher tier.

• The Gem Value: In the 2026 Gem scale, 1,420 Gems alone are worth roughly $14.20. By paying only $5 more than the Standard plan, you are essentially getting over $14 worth of currency to spend on Webnovels and Premium Manga.

• The "Bonus" Gap: Premium members get up to 900 extra Gems when they buy bundles, compared to only 400 for Standard members. If you plan on buying novels like Under the Oak Tree, the Premium plan pays for itself within the first purchase.

③ The Gems System: The 180° Shift in 2026

If the subscription is for "renting" stories, Gems are for "owning" them. In 2026, Gems became the mandatory currency for Webnovels, premium Japanese Manga, and certain exclusive content.

The 10x Scale Update (Don't Panic!)

On March 31, 2026, Manta updated its currency scale. If you notice an episode now costs 50 Gems instead of 5, don't worry—the price hasn't actually increased. Manta simply added a zero to the currency to allow for more granular discounts and "Free Gem" rewards. 50 Gems in 2026 is the exact same value as 5 Gems in 2025.

Where to "Top Up" for the Best Price

You can buy Gems in two ways, and where you buy them matters for your wallet:

• In-App Purchase: Convenient, but you are subject to App Store/Google Play regional pricing.

• Manta Web (manta.net): Often the better choice for desktop users, supporting Stripe, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal.

Hack: Always check the Manta Web store first. Sometimes web-exclusive bundles offer more "Bonus Gems" than the in-app store due to lower platform fees.

How to Fill Up Your Gem Box

Manta has made it incredibly easy to buy Gems exactly when you need them:

• The Gem Box: Go to the "More" section (your profile icon) and click Gem Box to see all available bundles.

• Instant Top-Up: If you try to read a locked episode without enough Gems, a "Fill up Gems" button will pop up. It will tell you exactly how many you’re short, so you don't overbuy.

Paid Gems vs. Expiration Gems

In your Gem Box, you will see two categories. Understanding the difference is the key to not losing money:

• Paid Gems: Gems you bought with real money. These never expire.

• Expiring Gems: These are "Free Gems" earned through events, missions, or as part of your Premium Subscription.

  • Crucial Tip: These will expire (check the event terms). Enable Push Notifications in your settings so Manta can remind you before your free Gems vanish!

Best Ways to Read Manta for Free 

In 2026, reading for free on Manta is about being a "Strategic Reader." You aren't just waiting for a timer; you are hunting for value across five different channels.

① Master the "Free Pass" Pipeline (Your Daily Bread)

The Free Pass (indicated by the Purple Clock icon) is your most consistent source of content.

• The Routine: Add 10+ "Free Pass" series to your library.

• The Math: Each pass refreshes every 24 hours. Managing 10 series gives you 300 free chapters every month.

The Pro Tip: You have a 72-hour window once an episode is unlocked. You can "stack" three days of chapters and read them all at once on the weekend for a mini-binge experience.

② Exploit "Free Arcs" (The Bulk Binge)

Manta often opens "Free Arcs" to celebrate new seasons or holidays.

• The Strategy: Never waste your daily Free Pass on the first 30-50 episodes of a hit series. Always check the home banner.

• The Reality: Use these events to "brute force" through the early volumes, saving your limited Free Passes for the later, paywalled chapters.

③ The "Zero-Cost Profit" Hack (Mining Free Gems)

This is the most powerful 2026 tactic. You spend nothing and earn currency to buy novels.

• Case Study: The Headless Horseman and His Bride

  • The Setup: The series currently offers 7 Episodes for free (until May 28).

  • The Mission: "Read 5 episodes & Earn 100 Gems."

  • The Execution: Read 5 of the 7 free episodes. It costs you $0 and 0 Gems.

  • The Result: You instantly pocket 100 Gems for free.

④ The "Cashback" Strategy (High-Value Rebates)

For series that aren't currently free, look for spending incentives.

• Case Study: Happily Ever After with the Second Male Lead

  • The Offer: "Unlock episodes and get up to 570 Gems back!"

  • The Strategy: This is a "Spend-to-Save" model. If you were already planning to "Own" this series, getting 570 Gems back is like a 40% discount. Only use this for your absolute favorite stories.

⑤ Follow Social Media for "Gift Codes"

Manta’s Discord, Instagram, and X (Twitter) are gold mines for "low-effort" freebies.

• The Strategy: During "Manta Day" or major 2026 updates, they drop Gift Codes in their stories or posts.

• The Benefit: Entering these codes in your settings can grant you 100–500 Gems instantly. It’s the easiest way to skip the 24-hour wait for a cliffhanger episode.

Subscription vs. Gems: Which is Right for You?

Choosing between a subscription and buying Gems depends entirely on your reading habits. In 2026, Manta has evolved into a hybrid platform where "Unlimited" and "Ownership" live side-by-side.

The Quick Decision Matrix

The Verdict: Who are you?

• The Binge-Reader: If you read 10+ chapters of different comics daily, the $4.99 Standard Subscription is the best value.

• The Novel & Manga Collector: If you only care about titles like Under the Oak Tree (Novel) or Japanese Manga, go for Gems or the Premium Plan ($9.99) to get the best Gem-to-Dollar ratio.

• The Strategic Freebie: If you have more time than money, stick to the Free Pass + Mission Center loop.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can you read Manta for free?

Yes — but only partially. Manta allows users to read some content for free, including preview chapters, Free Pass titles, and occasional limited-time “Free Arc” events. However, most full series eventually require either a Membership subscription or Gems to continue reading.

2. What is the difference between Free Pass and Free Arcs?

• Free Pass: A personal 24-hour timer per series.

• Free Arcs: Limited-time events where many chapters are free for everyone (e.g., "7 episodes free until May 28").

3. Does Manta still offer unlimited reading?

Yes, but with a catch. The Standard Subscription ($4.99/mo) still offers unlimited reading for the majority of the library. However, it does not include Gem-locked titles. The Premium Plan ($9.99/mo) includes the unlimited library plus a monthly allowance of Gems (currently 1,420 Gems after the 2026 scale update) to use on locked content.

4. Why are some comics not included in the subscription?

This is usually due to licensing agreements. Some creators or publishers (especially for mature content or Japanese manga added to the platform) require a "pay-per-view" model rather than a flat subscription. These are categorized as Gem-only titles.

5. Why do I need Gems if I have a subscription?

The subscription covers the Unlimited Comic Library. Webnovels, Manga, and 19+ versions are "Premium Ownership" content that must be purchased with Gems.

6. Can I earn free Gems?

Yes, but only occasionally. Unlike WEBTOON or Tapas, Manta does not heavily rely on ad rewards or daily coin systems. Most Gems are meant to be purchased directly. However, users can sometimes get free Gems through:

• Promotional events and anniversary campaigns

• Limited-time giveaway rewards

• Special redemption or promo codes

• Subscription bonus Gems on select plans

• Temporary reading events with Gem rewards

Manta is still primarily a subscription-based platform, so free Gem opportunities are relatively limited compared to other webtoon apps.

7. Is Manta cheaper than WEBTOON?

It depends on how much you read. * Manta is better for binge-readers. For ~$5 a month, you can read hundreds of chapters.

• WEBTOON is better for casual readers. It has a massive amount of free content (Daily Pass), but if you want to "Fast Pass" or unlock many chapters quickly, it can become much more expensive than Manta's flat fee.

8. Is Manta available worldwide?

Mostly. Manta is available in over 170 countries. However, certain titles might be restricted in specific regions due to licensing rights. The app is primarily in English, but they have expanded support for other languages.

9. Are Manta webtoons officially licensed?

Yes, 100%. Manta is owned by RIDI Corporation (a major Korean content platform). Everything on the app is officially licensed, meaning the original creators and artists are paid for your readership.

Final Thoughts

In 2026, Manta is no longer a simple “one subscription unlocks everything” platform. Instead, it now combines free preview chapters, Unlimited subscription titles, Gems-only premium content, and seasonal Free Arc events into a hybrid reading system.

The good news is that you can still enjoy a large portion of Manta without overspending — especially if you focus on included titles, take advantage of free events, and save Gems for premium series that truly interest you.

For binge readers who love romance fantasy, villainess stories, or BL webtoons, Manta can still be one of the best official reading platforms available today. The key is simply understanding which content is free, which requires subscription access, and when Gems are actually worth using.