“So many books, so little time.” —Have you ever found yourself stuck in traffic, waiting at an airport, or lying awake at night, wishing you had a book to read? Maybe you love reading but can’t carry a heavy book everywhere you go. Or perhaps you struggle to find the time to sit down with a paperback, even though your love for books is undeniable.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. According to a Pew Research study, 30% of adults in the U.S. now prefer digital books over physical copies. The reason? Convenience, accessibility, and the ability to carry an entire library in your pocket.
This is where apps to read books come in as a game-changer. Whether you enjoy fiction, non-fiction, self-help, or audiobooks, the right app can transform your reading habits and make it easier than ever to devour your favorite stories—anytime, anywhere. But with so many options, how do you choose the best apps to read books?
Let’s dive into the best apps to read books, each offering unique features to enhance your reading experience.
12 Best Apps to Read Books in 2024
After trying out numerous apps to read books, I’ve narrowed down the list to the best ones based on user experience, affordability, and accessibility. Whether you’re a Kindle lover, an audiobook addict, or someone who prefers borrowing books for free, this list has something for you.
1. Kindle – The Most Popular eBook App
Did you know? Kindle users read more than 10 billion pages per month worldwide!
If there’s one app that dominates the digital reading space, it’s Kindle by Amazon. With millions of eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines, this app offers an unmatched reading experience.
Why I Love Kindle:
✔️ Customizable reading experience: Adjust font size, background color, and screen brightness.
✔️ Sync across devices: Start reading on your phone, continue on your tablet, and pick up where you left off on your Kindle device.
✔️ Kindle Unlimited Subscription: Access over 2 million books for a monthly fee.
If you’re someone who enjoys diving into bestsellers, classics, or self-published gems, this is one of the best apps to read books without a doubt.
2. Apple Books – The Best Choice for iOS Users
For Apple users, Apple Books provides a smooth and integrated reading experience. With a beautifully designed interface, this app lets you buy, organize, and read eBooks and audiobooks effortlessly.
Why Apple Books Stands Out:
✔️ Night Mode: Reduces eye strain while reading in the dark.
✔️ Seamless sync: Start reading on your iPhone and continue on your iPad or Mac.
✔️ Huge collection: From bestsellers to indie authors, you’ll find everything.
However, if you’re an Android user, you might want to consider Google Play Books instead.
3. Google Play Books – A Versatile Option for Android & iOS
Ever bought a book and realized it wasn’t what you expected? Google Play Books lets you preview books before you buy them!
Unlike subscription-based models, Google Play Books follows a pay-per-book system, making it perfect for occasional readers.
Key Features:
✔️ Cross-device sync (Start on mobile, finish on desktop).
✔️ Free previews of books before purchasing.
✔️ Massive library of eBooks & audiobooks.
If you don’t want to commit to a subscription but still want access to a huge collection of books, this is a great alternative.
4. Scribd – The Netflix for Books
Imagine having unlimited access to books, audiobooks, magazines, and even research papers—all for a small monthly fee. That’s exactly what Scribd offers.
Why Scribd Is Worth It:
✔️ Massive digital library for a flat subscription fee.
✔️ Offline reading for book lovers on the go.
✔️ Includes audiobooks, sheet music, and articles.
If you read multiple books per month, Scribd’s subscription is more affordable than buying individual books.
5. Libby – Free Books from Your Local Library
Ever wondered if you could borrow digital books for free just like you would from a library? Libby makes that possible!
With Libby, you can borrow eBooks and audiobooks from your local library at no cost. All you need is a library card!
Why I Recommend Libby:
✔️ No subscription fees—it’s 100% free.
✔️ Read across multiple devices (syncs with Kindle, too).
✔️ Perfect for budget-conscious readers.
If you love libraries but hate late fees, Libby is one of the best apps to read books without spending a dime.
6. Audible – The King of Audiobooks
Do you struggle to find time to read? What if you could “read” while commuting, cooking, or even exercising? That’s where Audible shines.
Audible offers a massive collection of audiobooks, allowing you to listen to bestsellers, biographies, and self-improvement books on the go.
Best Features:
✔️ Exclusive Audible Originals not available anywhere else.
✔️ 1 free audiobook per month with a subscription.
✔️ Adjust playback speed and set sleep timers.
If you’re someone who enjoys learning through listening, Audible is one of the best apps to read books in audio format.
7. Kobo Books – A Great Kindle Alternative
Kobo Books is a great competitor to Kindle, especially for those who want to support independent bookstores.
Why Kobo Deserves Attention:
✔️ Millions of eBooks & audiobooks.
✔️ Customizable fonts and themes for a personalized reading experience.
✔️ Earn Kobo Super Points with every purchase.
If you’re looking for an alternative to Amazon Kindle, Kobo is a fantastic option.
Final Thoughts: Why Digital Reading is the Future
With over 2.2 billion people worldwide now using eBooks, it’s clear that digital reading is here to stay. Whether you prefer immersive novels, insightful non-fiction, or audiobooks on the go, these apps to read books will help you read smarter, faster, and more conveniently than ever before.
So, what’s stopping you? Download one of these top apps today and start your next literary adventure!
Which of these apps to read books is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
