Hey readers! Are you looking for the best apps to read books for free? You are at the right place then. Gone are those days when people used to buy every book separately and read them. Because having books may take up the space in your home and cause clutter.
Instead, you can opt for ebooks that can be easily downloaded and used whenever you want. In this article, you can find the 10 most advanced apps to read your favorite books.
Best Apps to Read Books for Free: The Top 10 List!
1. Aldiko Next
I found that Aldiko Next is one of the best apps to read books for free which has quite good features in it. You can get this app on either Android or iPhone by downloading it from the respective app stores. Just like a real bookshelf, you can organize your own bookshelf in the app by downloading all your favorite books.
The app can support books of various formats like EPUB, CBZ, and PDF. Moreover, you can also access all the latest releases and bestsellers in it. As the app has built-in public library support, you can browse and read books from public library catalogs.
2. Amazon Kindle
If you want to access magazines, newspapers, comics, etc. apart from books, then Kindle is the right app for you. By downloading the app on your smartphone, you can change the font style, size, margins of the books, etc. to conveniently read the pages in the book.
Besides, you also have the option to adjust the screen brightness and page color according to your room’s lighting. In case you need a translation for specific sentences, you can get it instantly in the app itself. Due to all these aspects, I would say that this is one of the best apps to read books for free.
3. Wattpad
Wattpad is also one of the best apps to read free books on your smartphone. The app lets you browse some of the best genres and trending books. You can create your own personalized library comprising all the books that you love. The app also gives you alerts whenever there is a new release.
Do you know how many languages you can read in this book? 50 different languages! That’s really a huge number which can help a wide range of audiences to read books in their native language. I would say that it is one of the best apps to read books for free as the app shows you all genres like science fiction, mystery, comedy, fantasy, action, adventure, and more.
4. Kobo
If you want to explore a million titles including eBooks, audiobooks, and graphic novels, why not try Kobo?! I’m sure you would feel that this is one of the best apps to read books for free, once you install it on your mobile. The app ensures you comfortable reading with its features like night mode, and lock screen orientation.
Apart from English, the app supports languages like French, German, Dutch, Spanish, and more. While you read the audiobooks, you can keep track of the remaining time for reading. The app has got user-friendly interface which makes it the best app to read free books.
5. Barnes & Noble NOOK
What if there is an app that enables people with low vision to read ebooks?! Barnes & Noble NOOK app comes with Android assistive technology, including screen magnification and TalkBack that makes it possible for bling and low-vision people to read ebooks.
Moreover, you can access over 3,00,000 audiobooks with the help of this app. If you want to share some of the highlights with your friends, you can do so with the help of social sharing tools. The best part is that due to the auto compatibility with Android, you can listen to audiobooks even while driving.
6. Scribd
Do you know that you can explore research papers, government documents, DIY hobbies, user manuals, case studies, etc. apart from the books? This is possible with the Scribd app. The app has a free version and a paid version as well to get a wide range of documents in the library.
But, if you ask me, you will have enough books and other documents in the free version of the app itself. Moreover, you can sync the app on any of your devices and start reading from where you just left off.
7. FBReader
This is one of the best apps for reading ebooks where the app allows you to install free plugins to open PDF and comic formats. Moreover, the app supports various ebook formats like Kindle azw3 (mobi), fb2 (.zip), and others like RTF, doc (MS Word), HTML, and plain text.
I found it is one of the best apps to read books for free due to the customizations that can be done in the app. The interface is also pretty good and user-friendly which doesn’t seem funky. The app also allows you to read the ebooks offline whenever you want.
8. Oodles
Would you believe me if I said this app has more than 50,000 free ebooks in it?! Yes, you heard it right. There are a lot of ebooks in English and Hindi. The ebooks cover all the fantastic works from the best authors across the world. You can read these books in any format like eBook in epub, mobi, or txt format.
I suggest this app for those who especially prefer ebooks in Hindi. There are so many genres of ebooks like Fiction, Romance, Fantasy, Adventure, Science fiction, Horror, Short stories, Love, Religious, Humor, etc. I can say that this is one of the best apps to read books for free who expect various genres.
9. Google Play Books
I guess, this is a prominent app that is chosen by many for reading free ebooks. You can access thousands of audiobooks, comics, manga, etc. The app allows cross-device syncing with which you can read from where you just ended.
The best thing I like about the app is that you can use voice commands to make Google read your book. It makes your reading easy and simple. Also, the app lets you sleep timer after a specific time of reading.
10. Libby
Libby is one of the best apps with a good user interface to read ebooks. The app has a newly curated collection of audiobooks available for free. The app also sends you alerts whenever there is a new release of the best books.
As the interface of this app is quite convincing, you can easily navigate through the app and find your desired book. Moreover, there are a lot of options that allow you to customize the app as you like. This feature makes it one of the best apps to read books for free.
Other Ways For Reading Apps For Free
Apart from the apps mentioned above, there are other prominent apps as well for reading books online at completely free of cost. Here are those apps.
1. ReadEra
Compatibility:
- Android: Available on Google Play Store, supports Android devices.
- iOS: Not available for iOS devices.
Best Features:
- Supports Multiple Formats: ReadEra supports a wide range of ebook formats including EPUB, PDF, MOBI, and others, making it versatile for different types of ebooks.
- Customizable Reading Settings: Users can customize their reading experience with options to adjust font size, style, background color, and margin settings to suit personal preferences.
- Organizational Tools: The app allows users to organize their ebook library into collections, making it easier to manage and access books based on categories or genres.
- Offline Reading: ReadEra offers offline reading capabilities, allowing users to access downloaded ebooks without requiring an internet connection.
- Integrated File Manager: It includes a built-in file manager that enables users to browse and access ebook files stored locally on their devices or cloud storage services.
Pros:
- Lightweight app with a clean and user-friendly interface.
- Free to download with no in-app purchases or ads.
- Supports a wide range of ebook formats without the need for additional plugins.
- Allows importing books from device storage or cloud services like Google Drive.
- Regular updates to improve performance and add new features.
Cons:
- Limited availability only on Android, not accessible on iOS devices.
- The user interface could be more modern and visually appealing.
2. Apple Books
Compatibility:
- iOS: Pre-installed on all iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch).
- macOS: Available on macOS devices.
Best Features:
- Seamless Ecosystem Integration: Apple Books seamlessly integrates with the Apple ecosystem, allowing users to sync their ebook library across all Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
- Extensive Content Library: Users have access to a vast library of ebooks, audiobooks, and PDFs, with options to purchase and download directly from the Apple Books store.
- Customizable Reading Experience: The app offers customization options such as adjustable font size, style, and background color for comfortable reading.
- Built-in Dictionary and Search: It includes a built-in dictionary and search functionality for quick reference and easy navigation within ebooks.
- Accessibility Features: Apple Books supports accessibility features like VoiceOver, making it accessible for users with visual impairments.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface with a focus on simplicity and accessibility.
- Extensive collection of bestsellers and exclusive titles.
- Supports audiobook playback with variable playback speeds.
- Family Sharing feature allows sharing purchases with family members.
- Integration with Siri for voice commands and control.
Cons:
- Limited to Apple devices, not compatible with Android or other platforms.
- Prices for some ebooks and audiobooks can be higher compared to other platforms.
3. BookFunnel
Compatibility:
- Android: Available on Google Play Store.
- iOS: Available on the App Store.
Best Features:
- Ebook Distribution Platform: BookFunnel serves as a platform for authors and publishers to distribute ebooks directly to readers via email, direct download links, or integration with ebook platforms.
- Customizable Landing Pages: Authors can create customizable landing pages for ebook promotions and reader engagement, enhancing marketing efforts.
- DRM-Free and Encrypted Files: It supports both DRM-free and encrypted ebook files, ensuring flexibility and security in ebook distribution.
- Reader-Friendly Features: BookFunnel offers reader-friendly features such as one-click downloads and device-specific instructions for hassle-free ebook access.
- Integration and Support: It integrates with major ebook platforms and provides robust customer support and troubleshooting assistance for authors and readers.
Pros:
- Provides direct access to free and discounted ebooks from authors and publishers.
- User-friendly interface for both authors and readers.
- Offers robust customer support and troubleshooting assistance.
- Integration with major ebook platforms like Kindle and Apple Books.
- Flexible pricing plans for authors based on the number of downloads.
Cons:
- Requires internet access for ebook downloads, no offline reading capability.
- Limited to ebooks distributed through BookFunnel, may not include all titles or genres.
4. Prolific Works
Compatibility:
- Android: Available on Google Play Store.
- iOS: Available on the App Store.
Best Features:
- Free Ebook and Audiobook Access: Prolific Works connects readers with authors offering free ebooks and audiobooks across various genres including fiction, romance, and fantasy.
- Personalized Reader Profiles: Readers can create personalized profiles to receive book recommendations based on their reading preferences and favorite genres.
- Social Media Integration: The platform integrates with social media for easy sharing of free book giveaways and promotions, enhancing reader engagement.
- Notification Alerts: Users receive notification alerts for new releases and limited-time book deals, keeping them updated with the latest offerings.
- Offline Reading: Prolific Works supports offline reading through downloaded ebook files, allowing users to enjoy books without an internet connection.
Pros:
- Free access to a wide selection of ebooks and audiobooks.
- Easy signup process with email or social media accounts.
- User-friendly interface with intuitive navigation and search functionality.
- Offers exclusive content and limited-time promotions from authors.
- Supports offline reading through downloaded ebook files.
2 Cons:
- Limited selection compared to larger ebook platforms.
- Some promotional offers may have expiration dates or download limits.
5. Audible
Compatibility:
- Android: Available on Google Play Store.
- iOS: Available on the App Store.
- Amazon Echo: Supports Audible audiobook playback via voice commands.
Best Features:
- Extensive Audiobook Selection: Audible offers the largest selection of audiobooks with exclusive titles and Audible Originals produced with high-quality narration.
- Membership Benefits: Users can choose from various membership options that include monthly credits for audiobook purchases and discounts on additional purchases.
- Enhanced Narration: Audiobooks feature professional voice actors with options for multiple playback speeds to cater to different listening preferences.
- Cross-Device Syncing: Audible syncs audiobook progress across devices, allowing seamless switching between listening on smartphones, tablets, and Amazon Echo.
- Additional Content: In addition to audiobooks, Audible provides access to podcasts, audio shows, and series for a diverse listening experience.
Pros:
- High-quality audio production with immersive storytelling.
- Membership benefits include discounts on additional audiobook purchases.
- WhisperSync feature synchronizes audiobook and ebook progress (if available).
- Audible app supports offline listening with downloaded audiobooks.
- Integrated sleep timer and bookmarking for convenient listening.
Cons:
- Audiobooks purchased with credits are non-refundable.
- Requires a paid subscription for full access to audiobook library.
6. ComiXology
Compatibility:
- Android: Available on Google Play Store.
- iOS: Available on the App Store.
- Amazon Kindle: ComiXology is integrated with Amazon Kindle platform.
Best Features:
- Largest Digital Comics Library: ComiXology boasts a vast digital comics library with thousands of titles from major publishers including Marvel, DC, and independent creators.
- Guided View Technology: The app features Guided View technology for immersive panel-by-panel reading, enhancing the comic book reading experience on digital devices.
- Subscription Options: Users can opt for ComiXology Unlimited, a subscription service offering access to a curated selection of comics and graphic novels.
- Sync Across Devices: Purchases and reading progress sync across devices, allowing users to pick up where they left off on different devices.
- Community and Recommendations: ComiXology offers community features such as user reviews, ratings, and creator interviews, as well as personalized recommendations based on reading history..
Pros:
- Access to new releases and classic comics from Marvel, DC, and independent publishers.
- ComiXology Originals offers exclusive content and digital-first comics.
- Offline reading with downloaded comics for convenient access without the internet.
- Personalized recommendations based on reading history and preferences.
- Integration with Amazon account for easy payment and customer support.
Cons:
- Requires separate purchase or subscription for access to most content.
- Some comics may be unavailable due to licensing restrictions.
Conclusion
Based on the variety and capabilities of these apps for reading free books to read for students, kids, etc., it’s clear that modern technology has transformed how we access and enjoy literature. With features ranging from customizable reading experiences to extensive content libraries across different genres and formats, these apps cater to diverse reader preferences and needs. Whether you prefer the seamless integration with Apple devices offered by Apple Books, the vast selection of audiobooks on Audible, or the community-driven platform of Wattpad, there’s an app tailored to enhance your reading journey. Embrace the convenience of digital libraries and explore the world of literature like never before, all at your fingertips.
FAQ
1. How do these apps handle user data privacy and security?
Data privacy and security measures vary by app and may include encryption and user consent for data collection.
2. Are there any features for community engagement or book discussion within these apps?
Some apps offer features for community engagement, such as discussion forums or book clubs, enhancing the reading experience.
3. Can users access academic or scholarly literature through these apps, or are they primarily focused on popular fiction and non-fiction?
While most apps focus on popular fiction and non-fiction, some, like Scribd, offer access to academic and scholarly literature.
