A free ebook reader app opens digital books on your phone, tablet or computer, with adjustable fonts, bookmarks and highlights. Store apps suit books you've bought from that store, while open readers handle EPUB and PDF files from anywhere. Check which file types each app supports before you build a library, because formats aren't all interchangeable.
Ebooks have quietly become the way many of us read business books, novels and guides. A good reader app makes long reading comfortable and keeps your notes in one place.
Here are ten free ebook readers in no particular order, sorted alphabetically, from store apps to open-source readers. Each description comes from the app's own website, re-checked today. If you're always looking for your next read, my list of the business books that motivate is a good place to start.
Think about where your books come from. If you buy from one store, its app is easiest. If you collect EPUB files from different places, an open reader gives you more freedom.
And consider your eyes. Font choice, line spacing and a dark mode make far more difference to a long reading session than any other feature.
Free ebook readers compared
In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site describes a free version or free plan, Trial only means a time-limited trial, and No means neither is stated. Free versions often come with limits, so check what's included before you rely on one.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Books | Apple's reading app | Reading on iPhone, iPad and Mac | Yes |
| Calibre | Ebook manager | Organising a big ebook library | Yes |
| FBReader | Ebook reader app | Reading on many devices | Yes |
| Foliate | Linux ebook reader | Comfortable reading on Linux | Yes |
| Google Play Books | Google's reading app | Books across Android and web | Yes |
| Kindle app | Amazon's reading app | Reading Kindle books anywhere | Yes |
| Kobo Desktop | Kobo's reading app | Kobo books on a computer | Yes |
| Koodo Reader | Open-source ebook reader | Cross-platform reading with sync | Yes |
| Moon+ Reader | Android ebook reader | Customising every reading setting | Yes |
| Thorium Reader | Desktop EPUB reader | Accessible reading on desktop | Yes |
Ten free ebook readers to try
Apple Books
Best for: Apple users who want a built-in reader for store books, EPUBs and PDFs.
Calibre
Best for: Readers who want to organise, convert and manage a large collection of ebooks on desktop.
FBReader
Best for: Readers who want one app across Android, iPhone and desktop for EPUB and other formats.
Foliate
Best for: Linux users who want a clean, modern ebook reader with good typography.
Google Play Books
Best for: Android users who want to read store books and upload their own EPUB and PDF files.
Kindle app
Best for: People with Kindle books who want to read them on phone, tablet or computer.
Kobo Desktop
Best for: Kobo readers who want to read and manage their books on a computer.
Koodo Reader
Best for: Readers who want a free, open-source reader for many formats with optional syncing.
Moon+ Reader
Best for: Android readers who like to adjust fonts, themes and page turns in detail.
Thorium Reader
Best for: Readers who need strong accessibility features, such as screen reader support, on Windows, Mac or Linux.
The file type Send to Kindle doesn't list
Here's a change that confuses a lot of readers. Amazon's help page for Send to Kindle lists the supported file types as HTML, RTF, TXT, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, PDF and EPUB. MOBI, the old Kindle format many people still have saved, isn't on that list.
So if you're sending your own files to a Kindle, use EPUB. And if you've got a folder of older MOBI files, an ebook manager can convert them before you send.
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What to check in a free ebook reader
- Formats: does it open EPUB, PDF and the format your books come in?
- Sync: does your place and highlights follow you across devices?
- Comfort: can you change fonts, spacing and background colour?
- Library books: does it work with the way your library lends ebooks?
- Accessibility: does it support text-to-speech or screen readers?
How to set up a comfortable reading app
- Install the app on the device you read on most.
- Choose a font and size you can read without squinting.
- Turn on a darker theme for evening reading.
- Add a few books and check your highlights sync.
- Keep a backup of any files you've added yourself.
Ebook habits worth adopting
- Highlight with purpose. Note why a passage matters.
- Export your notes. Keep them somewhere you'll find them.
- Use dark mode at night. It's kinder on tired eyes.
- Back up your own files. Store books are safe, yours may not be.
For more ways to find great books, my round-up of online book discovery resources has plenty of ideas.
Do you make reading apps? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on free ebook readers
Use your store's own app for books you buy there, and keep one open reader for everything else. That covers almost every situation without juggling five apps.
And back up any ebooks you've added yourself. Store libraries are kept for you, but your own files are your responsibility. A copy in a cloud folder takes a minute and saves you rebuilding a collection from scratch.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free ebook reader?
It depends on where your books come from. Store apps suit store books, while open readers suit EPUB files.
Can I read EPUB on a Kindle?
You can send EPUB files to a Kindle using Send to Kindle.
What's the difference between EPUB and PDF?
EPUB text reflows to fit your screen. PDF keeps a fixed page layout.
Can I read library ebooks for free?
Many libraries lend ebooks through their own apps or compatible readers.
Do free ebook readers sync across devices?
Many do, especially store apps and readers with cloud sync.
Can I highlight and take notes?
Most ebook readers support highlights, notes and bookmarks.
Can I convert ebook formats?
Yes. An ebook manager can convert between common formats.
Are free ebook readers safe?
Download them from official app stores or the maker's own site.
Can an ebook reader read aloud?
Some include text-to-speech, which helps with accessibility and multitasking.
Do I need a dedicated ereader device?
No. Apps work well on phones and tablets, though ereaders are easier on the eyes for long sessions.
Can I read PDFs in an ebook app?
Many ebook apps open PDFs, though fixed layouts are harder to read on small screens.
Can I share ebooks with family?
Some stores offer family sharing for purchased books. Files you own can be read on any compatible app, depending on their licence.
