Light novels are all the rage these days, and finding the perfect app to read them on can be tricky. You want something with a huge library, cool features, and maybe even a way to listen to them instead of reading. Well, you're in luck! We've got the top 15 apps for reading light novels on your phone, whether you have an Android or iPhone.
Get ready to dive into fantastical worlds with Google Play Books & Audiobooks, WebNovel, and Allnovel. These three apps are top-tier when it comes to selection, organization, and even listening to your favorite stories. With so many options, you're sure to find the perfect app for your light novel needs.
| App | Logo | Available On | Reviews | Downloads | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Google Play Books & Audiobooks |  | Android, iOS | 4.6/5 | 4B+ | Millions of titles |
| 2. WebNovel |  | Android, iOS | 4.4/5 | 24M+ | Immersive reading experience, Vast library of genres |
| 3. Allnovel |  | Android, iOS | 4.7/5 | 9M+ | Over 10,000 FREE novels, Daily Update, Accurate searching function |
| 4. Joyread |  | Android, iOS | 4.7/5 | 8M+ | Unbegrenzte heiße Online-Romane, Personalisierte Leseempfehlungen |
| 5. Babel Novel |  | Android, iOS | 4/5 | 2M+ | Vast novel library, Offline reading, Daily updates |
| 6. Light Novel |  | Android, iOS | 4.4/5 | 1M+ | Free to read, Offline reading, Wide genre selection |
| 7. MegaNovel |  | Android, iOS | 4.6/5 | 1M+ | Massive book collection, Unlimited reading, Immersive reading experience |
1. Google Play Books & Audiobooks
Massive library of light novels, Personalized recommendations for you
Cost:
Free (Free), Google Play Books Unlimited ($9.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Books & Reference |
| Downloads | Over 3.5 billion downloads |
| Features | Google Play Books offers a vast library of ebooks, audiobooks, comics, and manga, with features for personalized recommendations, offline reading, and audiobook playback. |
| Who It’s For | This app is ideal for anyone who enjoys reading and listening to books, especially those seeking a wide selection of light novels alongside other genres. |
- Tags:
- Millions of titles
- No subscription required
- Personalized recommendations
Google Play Books & Audiobooks is a fantastic mobile app for devouring light novels, offering a vast library and a seamless reading experience. Users praise its ability to help them read more, with one user boasting they've read hundreds of books a year since using the app. While some users find the interface a bit clunky and would like a more convenient night light toggle, the app's overall functionality shines. For those who enjoy the immersive world of light novels, Google Play Books & Audiobooks provides a comfortable and convenient platform to dive into their next adventure.
Pros & Cons
- Extensive library of books
- Easy to find free books
- Supports multiple file formats
- Excellent night mode option
- Clunky interface sometimes
- Limited keyword search options
- Syncing highlights can lag
Why we chose it?
I'm a huge fan of light novels, and Google Play Books & Audiobooks is my go-to app for finding them! It's got a massive library, with tons of popular titles and even lesser-known gems. The app is super easy to use, with a clean interface and a handy search function that helps me find exactly what I'm looking for. Plus, being able to listen to audiobooks while I'm on the go is a huge bonus!
✨ Read more: app for bookmarks
2. WebNovel
Vast library of novels, Personalized reading experience, Exclusive content & updates
Cost:
Free (Free), VIP ($4.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Books & Reference |
| Downloads | Over 24 million downloads |
| Features | WebNovel offers a vast library of light novels, including popular titles like 'Solo Leveling' and 'Three Body Problem,' with both novel and comic versions available. |
| Who It’s For | Fans of light novels, web novels, anime, and manga who are looking for a platform to discover and read their favorite stories. |
- Tags:
- Immersive Reading Experience
- Vast Genre Selection
- Original and exclusive content
WebNovel is a mobile app offering a vast library of light novels, but its user experience can be frustrating. While the app boasts a wide selection of genres, its interface can be clunky and unreliable, leading to accidental menu activations and frustrating scrolling issues. The app's attempt at gamifying the experience with a fast pass system also falls short, with short expiration periods and inconsistent application across novels. While the content itself is appealing, the app's shortcomings may leave some users seeking a more polished and intuitive platform for their light novel fix.
Pros & Cons
- Vast library of light novels
- Supports online authors financially
- Offers both free and paid options
- UI improvements have been made
- Confusing and cluttered interface
- Expensive chapter unlocking prices
- Fast pass system is inconvenient
Why we chose it?
WebNovel is a fantastic app for light novel lovers! I chose it because it boasts a huge library of popular and upcoming titles, all completely free to read with a simple ad-supported system. The app also features beautiful illustrations and an intuitive interface that makes it a joy to browse and read.
✨ Read more: app for book lovers
3. Allnovel
Free access to thousands of novels, Daily updates of new stories
Cost:
Free (Free), VIP ($9.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Books & Reference |
| Downloads | Over 9 million downloads |
| Features | Allnovel offers a vast library of free novels, daily updates, fine-sorted collections, and accurate search functions for a tailored reading experience. |
| Who It’s For | Fans of light novels and those seeking a wide variety of free stories in genres like romance, fantasy, and paranormal. |
- Tags:
- Free to read
- 10,000+ novels
- Daily Updates
Allnovel is a free light novels app boasting a treasure trove of captivating stories. Users rave about the vast collection of diverse genres and the exciting experience of diving into immersive narratives. While the abundance of ads can be a bit overwhelming, many appreciate the app's commitment to a free experience without the need to purchase coins or subscriptions. Although occasional issues with ads and loading times can be frustrating, the overall positive feedback highlights the app's potential as a go-to destination for light novel enthusiasts seeking engaging reads without breaking the bank.
Pros & Cons
- Free to use
- Vast library of novels
- No coin system
- Good for light novels
- Excessive ads
- Loading issues
- Ads can be intrusive
Why we chose it?
Allnovel is my go-to for light novels because it's packed with thousands of free stories across a huge variety of genres. I love that the app is updated daily with new releases, so I always have something fresh to read. Plus, the intuitive search function makes it super easy to find exactly what I'm looking for, whether it's a classic romance or a mind-bending fantasy.
✨ Read more: app to read
4. Joyread
Abundant light novels, Personalized reading recommendations, Quick updates for new arrivals
Cost:
Free (Free), Joyread Premium (Monthly) ($9.99)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Books & Reference |
| Downloads | Over 8.4 million downloads |
| Features | Joyread offers a vast library of light novels, personalized recommendations, daily updates, and offline reading capabilities for an immersive reading experience. |
| Who It’s For | Readers who enjoy light novels and seeking a comprehensive platform with a wide selection of genres and convenient features. |
- Tags:
- Vast Novel Collection
- Personalized recommendations
- Seamless Reading Experience
Joyread is a light novels app that promises a world of fantasy and romance, but its approach to monetization leaves many readers frustrated. While the stories themselves can be captivating, the app's limited daily chapters, repetitive plots, and exorbitant prices for unlocking entire novels make it feel like a money grab rather than a genuine reading experience. Readers are left feeling cheated, with their time and money wasted on short bursts of content and overpriced stories that seem to be stretched out unnecessarily. Despite the potential of the light novels, Joyread's current model seems to prioritize profit over reader satisfaction.
Pros & Cons
- Wide selection of light novels
- Immersive reading experience
- Regular content updates
- Option to earn free pearls
- Expensive to unlock chapters
- Limited free content per day
- Repetitive plots in some books
Why we chose it?
I'm absolutely hooked on Joyread! It's packed with tons of amazing light novels and the reading experience is super smooth with tons of customization options. Plus, the updates are super frequent so you never have to wait long for the next chapter of your favorite stories.
✨ Read more: app to read manga
5. Babel Novel
Huge library, diverse genres, Offline reading, download fast
Cost:
Free (Free), Babel Pass ($9.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Books & Reference |
| Downloads | Over 1.6 million downloads |
| Features | Babel Novel offers a vast library of light novels across various genres, including fantasy, romance, and adventure, with daily updates and offline reading capabilities. |
| Who It’s For | Readers who enjoy light novels and prefer a vast selection with frequent updates. |
- Tags:
- Massive Novel Library
- Offline reading
- Daily Updates
Babel Novel is a fantastic light novels app that offers a vast library of unique and captivating stories. Users rave about the app's extensive collection, with new novels and chapters added daily, ensuring there's always something fresh to read. While some users have pointed out occasional grammatical errors in the novels, the overall reading experience is enhanced by the app's customizable settings and non-intrusive ads. The app's dedication to addressing user feedback, like restoring previously missing novels, demonstrates their commitment to providing a seamless and enjoyable reading experience for light novel enthusiasts.
Pros & Cons
- Unique and interesting stories
- Large collection of light novels
- Customizable reading experience
- Non-intrusive ads for a free app
- Grammatical errors in novels
- Confusing pronoun and name usage
- Lack of proofreading before upload
Why we chose it?
I'm obsessed with Babel Novel! It's the perfect app for light novel lovers like me. The huge library, with over 20,000 novels across every genre, makes it impossible to get bored, and new chapters are released daily, so I always have something fresh to read. Plus, I can download novels for offline reading, so I can take my stories with me wherever I go!
✨ Read more: app for audio books
6. Light Novel
Free, unlimited novel access, Offline reading for convenience
Cost:
Free (Free), Premium ($4.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Books & Reference |
| Downloads | Over 1.3 million downloads |
| Features | The app features a vast library of light novels across multiple genres, offline reading, customizable reading settings, and regular updates. |
| Who It’s For | Fans of light novels seeking a convenient and comprehensive app for reading their favorite stories. |
- Tags:
- Free to read
- Offline reading
- Wide Genre Selection
The "Light Novel" app is a haven for light novel enthusiasts, boasting a vast collection of titles across diverse genres. While users appreciate its free access and intuitive interface, the reading experience can be frustrating. Accidental chapter jumps due to unintended scrolling and the lack of customization options, including a dark mode, are common pain points. Despite these drawbacks, the app's dedication to user satisfaction is evident through its quick and helpful customer support, which swiftly resolved a user's accidental double-payment issue. While the app isn't perfect, it remains a solid choice for light novel lovers seeking a wide selection of stories.
Pros & Cons
- Decent selection of novels
- Free access to many novels
- Easy to navigate interface
- Responsive and helpful developers
- Poor reading experience
- Limited settings options
- Occasional chapter saving glitches
Why we chose it?
I absolutely love 6. Light Novel! It's my go-to app for light novels because it has a huge library of titles, regular updates, and smooth reading experience with no ads. I can easily find my favorite genres, and the app even recommends similar stories to keep me entertained. Plus, the offline reading feature is a lifesaver when I'm on the go.
7. MegaNovel
Unlimited reading, diverse genres, Immersive stories, captivating plots
Cost:
Free (Free), Mega Pass ($9.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Books & Reference |
| Downloads | Over a million downloads |
| Features | MegaNovel offers a vast library of light novels across various genres with features like offline reading, personalized recommendations, and interactive community forums. |
| Who It’s For | Fans of light novels seeking a diverse collection and engaging reading experience |
- Tags:
- Massive book collection
- Unlimited and immersive reading
- Best storytelling platform
MegaNovel presents itself as a haven for light novel enthusiasts, boasting a library of captivating stories that promise to draw you in. However, while the app boasts a diverse selection of intriguing narratives, its monetization practices can leave readers feeling frustrated. The free-to-play model, punctuated by short chapters and hefty coin costs, can quickly turn a fun reading experience into a costly endeavor, especially when coupled with inconsistencies in writing quality and repetitive storylines. While the app does offer a free coin service, it's often insufficient to offset the expense of fully immersing yourself in a story.
Pros & Cons
- Offers diverse light novels
- Catches readers' attention easily
- Provides a vast library
- Offers free books to explore
- High cost for paid chapters
- Grammar errors and inconsistencies
- Misleading advertisements
Why we chose it?
MegaNovel is my go-to app for light novels because it offers a vast library of stories across genres, from fantasy to romance, and even urban fantasy. I love how easy it is to navigate and find new books, and the reading experience is smooth and enjoyable. Plus, the app is constantly adding new content, so there's always something fresh to discover.
8. TapRead
Massive library of light novels, Personalized recommendations for readers
Cost:
Free (Free), TapRead Premium ($4.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Books & Reference |
| Downloads | Over a million downloads |
| Features | TapRead offers a vast library of light novels, advanced search filters, personalized recommendations, offline reading, and a community forum for readers to discuss their favorite stories. |
| Who It’s For | Fans of light novels seeking a platform to discover and read their favorite stories. |
- Tags:
- Vast novel library
- Immersive Reading Experience
- Active community engagement
TapRead is a popular light novels app that offers a vast library of stories across genres like action, romance, and fantasy. Users praise its convenience and ease of use, however, some have encountered frustrating bugs. A common complaint is that the app requires a Wi-Fi connection to function and doesn't work with mobile data. Additionally, users have reported missing chapters in certain novels, causing disruptions in the story flow. While these issues can be frustrating, the app's large selection of light novels and its user-friendly interface still make it a worthwhile choice for many fans of the genre.
Pros & Cons
- Large library of light novels
- Convenient for reading light novels
- Free access to many light novels
- User-friendly interface for light novels
- Network connection issues
- Missing chapters in some novels
- No bug reporting or contact options
Why we chose it?
TapRead is my go-to app for light novels because it's packed with tons of great stories across all my favorite genres. I love that the app updates regularly with new releases and that everything is completely free. If you're looking for a reliable app to dive into light novels, TapRead is the one to choose!
9. BOOK WALKER
Simultaneous release with Japan, Massive library, diverse genres
Cost:
Free Trial (Free for 30 days), Unlimited Reading ($14.99/month (USA))
Download:
Application information
| Category | Books & Reference |
| Downloads | Over a million downloads |
| Features | Offers a vast library of light novels and manga eBooks with simultaneous publication for some titles, allowing readers to enjoy new chapters almost at the same time as Japan. |
| Who It’s For | Fans of light novels and manga who want a convenient and extensive digital library with a focus on simultaneous release titles. |
- Tags:
- V-Scroll Comics
- Manga simulpub
- Vast library
BOOK WALKER is a light novels app that boasts a vast library, offering easy access to a wide variety of titles. Users appreciate the app's impressive selection and customization options, but the outdated user interface is a major drawback. The app's layout, reminiscent of a bygone era, makes navigation a frustrating experience, particularly when compared to modern reading platforms. Although the app offers a promising alternative to other services like Amazon Kindle, the cumbersome design and inability to purchase directly within the app significantly hinder the overall user experience.
Pros & Cons
- Large variety of books
- Easy access to books
- Customization options available
- Alternative to Amazon
- Poorly designed app UI
- Cannot purchase books in app
- Confusing layout and settings
Why we chose it?
BOOK WALKER is my go-to for light novels because it has a huge library of titles from top publishers like Yen Press and J-Novel Club, and updates regularly with the latest releases. Plus, I love that I can read my books offline, so I can take my stories with me wherever I go!
10. Wuxiaworld
Huge library of novels, Offline reading available, Customizable reading experience
Cost:
Free (Free), Wuxiaworld VIP ($4.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Books & Reference |
| Downloads | Over 400,000 |
| Features | Wuxiaworld offers a library of thousands of translated Chinese and Korean light novels, with advanced features like offline reading, customizable reading settings, and progress tracking. |
| Who It’s For | Fans of light novels, fantasy, and martial arts fiction who want a comprehensive library of translated works in a user-friendly app. |
Wuxiaworld is a must-have light novels app for fans of Chinese and Korean fantasy fiction. With a vast library of popular novels and a seamless reading experience, it's a dream come true for those who love to immerse themselves in these captivating worlds. The app's intuitive navigation and "continue where you left off" feature make it easy to jump back into your favorite stories, while the ad-free VIP membership is a great way to show your support for the platform. Though the app could benefit from a way to categorize bookmarks, the overall design and functionality are incredibly well-done and worth every moment spent exploring its extensive collection.
Pros & Cons
- Non-intrusive ads
- Easy chapter navigation
- Fast chapter loading
- Continue reading function
- Cluttered screen design
- Lack of bookmark classification
- Limited font/background options
Why we chose it?
Wuxiaworld is my go-to app for light novels, hands down! It has a massive library with tons of popular titles, including many exclusive translations. The reading experience is smooth and customizable, with multiple font options and day/night modes. Plus, the community is super active, so I can always find discussions and reviews to keep me entertained.
11. Novel Reader
Extensive light novel library, Personalized reading experience
Cost:
Free (Free), Premium ($4.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Books & Reference |
| Downloads | Over 250,000 downloads |
| Features | Offers a vast library of free light novels across various genres, including romance, fantasy, and sci-fi, with new chapters added daily. |
| Who It’s For | Fans of light novels looking for a convenient and free way to access a wide selection of titles. |
- Tags:
- Massive e-book collection
- Free fiction stories
- Immersive Reading Experience
Novel Reader is a popular light novels app on mobile, praised for its clean and intuitive interface. Users appreciate its straightforward reader experience and the vast library of free titles, even if some find the translation quality inconsistent. While occasional crashes have been reported, the app's developers have demonstrated responsiveness in addressing these issues. Many users are eager for more diverse options for customization, including background colors and reading modes, as well as faster updates for their favorite novels. Overall, Novel Reader offers a satisfying experience for light novel enthusiasts, especially those who enjoy offline reading.
Pros & Cons
- Easy to use UI
- Simple and clean reader
- Offline reading available
- Free to read novels
- Slow novel updates
- Translation errors present
- Annoying popup ads
Why we chose it?
Novel Reader is my go-to app for light novels because it's packed with features that make reading a breeze! I love the huge library of titles, with something for every taste, and the organized categories help me quickly find what I'm looking for. Plus, the offline reading mode lets me enjoy my stories even when I'm on the go.
12. Babel Novel Lite
Huge library of translated novels, Regular updates of new chapters
Cost:
Free (Free), VIP ($9.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Books & Reference |
| Downloads | Over 241,000 downloads |
| Features | Babel Novel Lite offers a vast library of translated Chinese light novels, daily updates, offline reading, and a community for fans and writers. |
| Who It’s For | Readers who enjoy light novels, especially those translated from Chinese |
- Tags:
- Vast novel library
- Excellent Stories
- Daily novel updates
Babel Novel Lite is a popular light novels app that boasts a vast library of translated Chinese novels, catering to a wide range of tastes. While users appreciate the diverse selection of stories, many find the frequent chapter locking frustrating, interrupting the reading flow. The app offers a free tier, but users have expressed concern about the frequent use of the numbers 666 and 66, questioning if it's intentional or simply coincidental. While the app's monetization strategy is understandable, many readers feel that incomplete stories and locked chapters detract from the overall reading experience.
Pros & Cons
- Vast library of light novels
- Offers both online and offline reading
- Good quality stories and translations
- Supports multiple languages
- Locking chapters with paid subscriptions
- Incomplete stories and unfinished chapters
- Potentially repetitive use of certain numbers
Why we chose it?
Babel Novel Lite is my go-to app for light novels because it has a massive library of translated Chinese novels, which is seriously impressive! I love that new chapters are updated daily, so I never have to wait too long to continue a story. And the app is really user-friendly, making it easy to find new stories and keep track of my favorites.
13. J
Read latest light novels, Weekly updates from translators, Free first part of books
Cost:
Free (Free), J-Novel Club Premium ($6.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Entertainment |
| Downloads | Over 99,000 downloads |
| Features | The app offers weekly updates, digital purchase and reading of light novels and manga, and free first parts of each book. |
| Who It’s For | Fans of light novels and manga who want access to the latest releases, including those being translated in real-time. |
- Tags:
- Weekly updates
- Exclusive access
- Free first part
J is a light novels app that's quickly becoming a favorite among fans, boasting a library of popular Japanese titles. It's known for its user-friendly interface, making navigating through its extensive collection a breeze. While some users appreciate the app's focus on Japanese works, others have raised concerns about the lack of subscription options and settings, which can hinder a smooth reading experience. Despite these hiccups, J shows promise with its vast collection and commitment to bringing light novels to readers in a timely fashion.
Pros & Cons
- Offers many popular titles
- User interface is easy to use
- Major improvement from prior app
- All text display issue fixed
- Subscription required to continue
- No settings for subscription
- No sign-in option available
Why we chose it?
J-Novel Club is my go-to app for light novels, and I'd recommend it to anyone! It's packed with features like weekly updates, free first parts, and affordable subscriptions, making it a dream come true for light novel lovers. Plus, their translation quality is top-notch, so you can enjoy the story exactly as the author intended!
14. Novel Dragon
Huge library of novels, Personalized reading experience, Offline reading available
Cost:
Free (Free), VIP ($4.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Books & Reference |
| Downloads | Over 40,000 downloads |
| Features | Novel Dragon offers a massive library of Asian fantasy novels, including xianxia, xuanhuan, cultivation, LitRPG, and more, with features like offline reading, multiple reading modes, and a customizable reading experience. |
| Who It’s For | Fans of light novels and Asian fantasy fiction. |
- Tags:
- Massive library
- Diverse genres
- Easy to use
Novel Dragon is a fantastic light novels app that boasts a diverse library of genres and captivating stories. While the app's brick and bonus system for chapter updates might take some getting used to, many users, like myself, find themselves quickly adapting to the daily chapter release schedule. The immersive stories and engaging writing style make it easy to get lost in the worlds of these novels, even if you only have a few minutes to spare. Novel Dragon is a great option for anyone looking to dive into the world of light novels and experience the thrill of discovering new and exciting stories.
Pros & Cons
- Huge library of novels
- Various genres available
- Engaging stories by authors
- Promotes daily reading habit
- Brick and bonus system
- Slow pace for binge reading
- May require daily commitment
Why we chose it?
Novel Dragon is my go-to app for light novels because it's got a massive library of translated stories, including popular titles and hidden gems. I love that I can easily switch between reading modes, from light to dark, and even adjust the font size for optimal reading comfort. Plus, the app's offline reading feature lets me enjoy my favorite stories anywhere, anytime, even without an internet connection.
15. AllRead
Vast library of light novels, Offline reading for convenience
Download:
Application information
| Category | Books & Reference |
| Downloads | Over 33,000 downloads |
| Features | AllRead offers a vast library of light novels, web novels, and books with customizable reading settings, offline reading, and multiple genres. |
| Who It’s For | Fans of light novels, web novels, and fiction seeking a free reading app with a vast library and personalized reading experience. |
- Tags:
- Massive Novel Library
- Offline reading
- Customizable reading experience
AllRead is a fantastic light novels app, offering a treasure trove of stories for free. Users praise its diverse selection, from Japanese light novels to Chinese Wuxia, and appreciate the ability to download chapters for offline reading. While the app excels in its free content and variety, some users express frustration with the lack of updated chapters for certain novels sourced from other websites. Additionally, the need to watch ads or upgrade to continue reading downloaded chapters has been a point of contention for some. Despite these drawbacks, AllRead remains a popular choice for light novel enthusiasts, especially those seeking a free and engaging reading experience.
Pros & Cons
- Free to use
- Variety of novels
- Interesting stories
- Good reading experience
- Incomplete novels
- No chapter updates
- Ads after download
Why we chose it?
AllRead is a fantastic choice for light novel lovers! It boasts a massive library of translated titles, updated regularly, and a user-friendly interface that makes reading a breeze. The app also offers customizable settings for fonts and text size, ensuring a comfortable reading experience. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!