It's time to upgrade your reading game! There are tons of awesome reading apps out there, but it can be tough to find the best ones for you. Whether you want to dive into a good book, listen to a captivating audiobook, or discover new stories, we've got you covered. We tested out 13 popular reading apps and picked the best ones, so you can find the perfect app to fuel your next reading adventure!
Our top picks include Google Play Books & Audiobooks, offering a wide selection of both ebooks and audiobooks, plus the ability to easily switch between them. Next up is Amazon Kindle, a classic choice with a huge library, helpful reading features, and integration with your existing Amazon account. And for those who love discovering new authors and stories, Wattpad is a fantastic option with a vibrant community and tons of free reads.
| App | Logo | Available On | Reviews | Downloads | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Google Play Books & Audiobooks |  | Android, iOS | 4.6/5 | 4B+ | Millions of titles |
| 2. Amazon Kindle |  | Android, iOS | 4.9/5 | 443M+ | Millions of books at your fingertips, Find your next great read |
| 3. Wattpad |  | Android, iOS | 4.7/5 | 279M+ | Connect with readers, Share original stories, Get your story discovered |
| 4. Everand |  | Android, iOS | 4.4/5 | 45M+ | Massive digital library, All-in-one media hub, Personalized recommendations |
| 5. ReadEra |  | Android, iOS | 4.9/5 | 40M+ | Reads all popular formats, No ads, no registration |
| 6. WebNovel |  | Android, iOS | 4.4/5 | 24M+ | Immersive reading experience, Vast library of genres |
| 7. GoodNovel |  | Android, iOS | 4.5/5 | 16M+ | Numerous Book Genres, Professional Author Team, 1,000,000+ Times Read |
1. Google Play Books & Audiobooks
Millions of books available, Personalized recommendations offered
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 lets you buy, download, and read ebooks, audiobooks, comics, and manga from millions of titles, with personalized recommendations and the ability to preview samples before purchasing. |
| Who It’s For | Anyone who wants a comprehensive reading app to access and manage their digital library of ebooks, audiobooks, comics, and manga. |
- Tags:
- Millions of titles
- No subscription required
- Personalized recommendations
Google Play Books & Audiobooks is a powerful reading app that has helped countless users, like myself, rediscover the joy of reading. Its vast library, encompassing everything from bestsellers to free classics, caters to diverse tastes. While the app can be a bit clunky at times, its strengths lie in its seamless syncing across devices, intuitive note-taking functionality, and convenient dark mode. The ability to upload your own epubs and PDFs adds another layer of flexibility, making it a truly comprehensive reading experience.
Pros & Cons
- Great for reading books
- Convenient for hunting
- Night mode works well
- Free books available
- App can be clunky
- Night light switch is awkward
- Highlight search is limited
Why we chose it?
I absolutely love Google Play Books! It's my go-to for reading on my phone. The massive selection of ebooks and audiobooks is incredible, and I can always find something new to dive into. Plus, the built-in reading features like adjustable font sizes and night mode make it super comfortable to read for long periods, and the audiobook integration lets me listen while I'm on the go. If you're looking for an app to read everything from novels to comics, Google Play Books is the way to go!
✨ Read more: app for learning
2. Amazon Kindle
Millions of books available, Seamless reading experience, Personalized reading experience
Cost:
Free (Free), Kindle Unlimited ($9.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Reading App |
| Downloads | Over 442 million downloads |
| Features | The Amazon Kindle app lets you read millions of books, magazines, newspapers, comics, and manga on your mobile device with features like highlighting, note-taking, adjustable font sizes, and dictionary lookups. |
| Who It’s For | Anyone who loves to read and wants to access a vast library of digital content on their phone or tablet. |
- Tags:
- Millions of books
- Read anytime, anywhere
- Find your next great read
The Amazon Kindle app is a popular choice for mobile reading, offering access to a vast library of books, magazines, and comics. While users praise the app's extensive content selection, some find its interface a bit frustrating. Issues like disappearing progress bars, inconsistent translations, and the recent addition of adaptive brightness control have drawn criticism. Despite these drawbacks, many readers find the app's overall functionality satisfactory, particularly for comic book lovers who can utilize a workaround for download issues.
Pros & Cons
- Wide book selection
- Easy to use interface
- Adjustable reading settings
- Syncing across devices
- Brightness control issue
- Translation problems
- Download bar issues
Why we chose it?
I'm a huge fan of the Amazon Kindle app! It's my go-to for reading on the go because it's super easy to use and has a massive library of books to choose from. Plus, it syncs seamlessly across all my devices, so I can pick up right where I left off, no matter what.
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3. Wattpad
Discover diverse stories, Connect with authors, Write and share
Cost:
Free (Free), Wattpad Premium (Monthly) ($9.99 USD)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Books & Reference |
| Downloads | Over 279 million downloads |
| Features | Wattpad is a social reading app that allows users to discover, read, and write original stories, connect with other readers and writers, and share their reading lists. |
| Who It’s For | Readers and writers of all ages and interests who enjoy discovering new stories and connecting with other story lovers. |
- Tags:
- Social Storytelling
- Original Stories
- Global Community
Wattpad, once a beloved reading app, has become increasingly plagued by intrusive ads, making the reading experience frustrating and often impossible to enjoy. Users report being bombarded with ads after every chapter, even when simply scrolling between sections, leading to constant interruptions and a diminished reading flow. The ads are not only frequent but also lengthy, lasting anywhere from 10 to 30 seconds, further adding to the frustration. The app's performance has also suffered, with laggy loading times and even instances of lost drafts, making the writing experience unreliable and discouraging for authors. The once-enjoyable reading app has become a source of disappointment for many, leaving them searching for more reliable alternatives.
Pros & Cons
- Large library of stories
- Free to read and write
- Interactive community features
- Discover new authors and genres
- Excessive and intrusive ads
- Laggy performance and slow loading
- Frequent app crashes and errors
Why we chose it?
Wattpad is the perfect app for anyone who loves to read and write! It's got a huge library of original stories in every genre imaginable, from romance to fantasy to sci-fi. And the best part? You can connect with other readers and writers to share your love of stories and even get your own work discovered. Plus, it's completely free!
✨ Read more: app for writing a book
4. Everand
Unlimited access to ebooks audiobooks, Personalized reading recommendations based on taste
Cost:
Free Trial (Free for 30 days), Scribd Premium ($11.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Reading App |
| Downloads | Over 44 million downloads |
| Features | Everand offers a vast library of ebooks, audiobooks, magazine articles, podcasts, newspapers, and sheet music. |
| Who It’s For | People who enjoy reading, listening to audiobooks, and accessing diverse content in a digital format. |
- Tags:
- Massive digital library
- All-in-one content hub
- Unlimited access to books
Everand is a fantastic reading app that offers a diverse selection of ebooks and audiobooks at an appealing price. While some users have reported experiencing occasional app crashes, especially during beta testing, others have found the app to be significantly improved. The app's value proposition, however, is marred by its occasional removal of unfinished titles from users' libraries, which has disappointed some users. Despite these hiccups, Everand stands out as a worthy contender in the reading app market, offering a vast library and a user-friendly interface.
Pros & Cons
- Good value for price
- Large selection of books
- App is more stable
- Improved since last review
- Books unavailable often
- App crashes randomly
- Limited storage options
Why we chose it?
Everand is my go-to app for reading because it's packed with features I love! I can easily switch between ebooks, audiobooks, and even sheet music – all in one place. The library is massive and has everything from the latest bestsellers to classic novels, and the app itself is super intuitive and easy to use.
✨ Read more: app for audio books
5. ReadEra
Reads multiple book formats, No ads or in-app purchases, Offline reading capability
Download:
Application information
| Category | Books & Reference |
| Downloads | Over 40 million downloads |
| Features | ReadEra is a powerful and versatile reading app that supports a wide range of ebook formats, including PDF, EPUB, MOBI, DOCX, and more, allowing you to read any book you want on your mobile device. |
| Who It’s For | ReadEra is ideal for anyone who wants a free, ad-free, and versatile reading app that supports a wide range of ebook formats and features. |
- Tags:
- Supports multiple formats
- No ads or in-app purchases
- Offline reading
ReadEra is a truly refreshing reading app that prioritizes a seamless user experience. It's a breath of fresh air in a sea of ad-laden, feature-bloated apps. This app allows you to read comfortably without constant interruptions, ensuring you can focus on the content. Users rave about its lack of ads and its intuitive design, particularly the customizable font and background options, which cater to individual preferences. For those seeking a reading app that simply works without fuss, ReadEra is a winner.
Pros & Cons
- Easy to use interface
- No annoying ads or pop-ups
- Customizable reading experience
- Reliable and consistent performance
- Quirky pronunciation issues
- Deleting from read list doesn't delete from device
- Occasional spelling out of first words
Why we chose it?
ReadEra is my go-to app for reading because it handles all my book formats without any fuss! I love that it's completely ad-free and doesn't require registration, making it a truly seamless reading experience. The app is super lightweight and doesn't drain my battery, which is a huge plus when I'm diving into a long novel.
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6. WebNovel
Massive library, diverse genres, Free & paid reading options
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 novels, comics, and manga with personalized recommendations, offline reading, and multiple reading modes. |
| Who It’s For | Readers seeking an immersive [reading app] experience with diverse genres and captivating stories. |
- Tags:
- Immersive Reading Experience
- Vast Genre Selection
- Original and exclusive content
WebNovel is a reading app brimming with diverse genres, from Western fantasy to captivating Eastern tales, offering a treasure trove of stories for every reader. However, navigating through this vast library can be a frustrating experience due to a clunky user interface. While the app boasts a vast collection of novels, users find the "fast pass" system clunky and unreliable, and the high prices for unlocking chapters are a significant concern. Despite these drawbacks, the app's sheer volume of content and the chance to support authors directly make it a compelling, if somewhat flawed, reading app for those willing to tolerate its quirks.
Pros & Cons
- Large library of novels
- Support for online authors
- Free chapters available
- Variety of genres available
- Confusing UI and navigation
- Expensive chapter unlocking costs
- Frequent app bugs and crashes
Why we chose it?
WebNovel is my go-to app for reading! It's packed with tons of diverse genres and high-quality stories, so I always find something new to enjoy. Plus, with daily updates and a huge library of novels, I never have to worry about running out of reading material!
7. GoodNovel
Extensive web novel library, Diverse genre selection, Regular content updates
Cost:
Free (Free), VIP ($9.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Books & Reference |
| Downloads | Over 15 million downloads |
| Features | GoodNovel offers a vast library of web novels across genres, including romance, fantasy, sci-fi, mystery, and more, allowing users to read and write their own stories. |
| Who It’s For | GoodNovel is ideal for avid readers seeking a diverse selection of web novels, as well as aspiring authors who want to share their stories with a wider audience. |
- Tags:
- Massive library
- Diverse genres
- Professional Authors
GoodNovel is a captivating reading app that offers a treasure trove of engaging web novels and fantasy stories. While some users have pointed out minor grammatical errors and a need for more rigorous editing, the overall consensus is that the stories themselves are compelling and hold readers' attention. However, the app's coin system has drawn criticism for being too expensive and limiting, with many users preferring a subscription model that allows for greater flexibility and access. Despite these concerns, GoodNovel remains a popular platform for those seeking immersive and captivating reads.
Pros & Cons
- Great stories, engaging reads
- Variety of genres available
- User-friendly interface
- Multiple ways to earn coins
- Coin system too expensive
- Short chapters, slow pacing
- Grammatical errors present
Why we chose it?
I absolutely love GoodNovel! It's my go-to app for reading because it has a huge library of amazing web novels and books in all my favorite genres, from romance to fantasy. Plus, the new releases and updates are always super quick, and I can even read for free with their rewards system.
8. Libby, the Library App
Free ebooks and audiobooks, Borrow from your library, Download for offline reading
Download:
Application information
| Category | Reading App |
| Downloads | Over 12 million downloads |
| Features | Libby, the Library App, lets you borrow ebooks and audiobooks from your local library for free, instantly, download titles for offline reading, stream titles to save space, and listen to audiobooks via Android Auto. |
| Who It’s For | Anyone with a library card who wants to access ebooks and audiobooks for free. |
- Tags:
- Free ebooks and audiobooks
- Borrow instantly with library card
- Offline reading and streaming
Libby, the Library App, is a game-changer for anyone who loves to read. This intuitive reading app seamlessly integrates with your local library, giving you access to a vast collection of ebooks and audiobooks. Users rave about its smooth functionality, praising the ability to adjust playback speed for audiobooks, download for offline reading, and even access multiple library cards for expanded content. The app's integration with libraries makes it a truly unique experience, offering a massive selection of titles without the need to purchase.
Pros & Cons
- Seamless library integration
- Massive content access
- Adjustable playback speed
- Offline download & auto return
- Long wait times
- No bookmarking feature
- Limited audiobook reread option
Why we chose it?
Libby is the clear winner for me! It's free, super easy to use, and lets me borrow books directly from my local library. With its intuitive interface, I can quickly find and start reading ebooks and audiobooks without any complicated sign-ups or subscriptions. Plus, I can download books to read offline, making it perfect for travel!
9. Epic
Vast library of books, Read-to-me feature for kids, Offline access for reading
Cost:
Free (Free), Unlimited ($12.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Education |
| Downloads | Over 11 million downloads |
| Features | Epic offers a vast digital library with read-to-me books, ebooks, audiobooks, learning videos, and more, providing a safe and engaging platform for children to explore and learn. |
| Who It’s For | Children who are developing their reading skills and enjoy interactive learning experiences. |
- Tags:
- Massive library
- Interactive reading
- Read-to-me feature
Epic is a stellar reading app that truly elevates the digital book experience. Parents and educators rave about the seamless performance of its books, audiobooks, and read-to-me features, a stark contrast to the clunky interfaces of other platforms. The app boasts a vast library with a diverse selection, including Spanish language titles, and offers engaging features like profile customization and personalized reading lists. While some users have encountered minor glitches with the read-to-me function, the overall consensus is that Epic provides a highly enjoyable and enriching reading experience for children.
Pros & Cons
- Seamless book playback
- Excellent book selection
- Free for educators
- Fun and engaging for kids
- Linking accounts difficult
- Read-to-me voice cuts out
- Page turn interruption
Why we chose it?
Epic is my go-to reading app because it's overflowing with engaging content! With over 40,000 books, audiobooks, and learning videos, there's something for every kid to enjoy. Plus, the read-to-me feature with engaging sound effects makes it perfect for young learners, and the offline download option means you can read anywhere, anytime.
10. PocketBook reader
Supports 26 file formats, Reads without advertisements, Built-in text-to-speech
Cost:
Free (Free), PocketBook Cloud (Monthly) ($4.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Books & Reference |
| Downloads | Over 7.5 million downloads |
| Features | PocketBook Reader is a comprehensive reading app that supports 26 book and audio formats, including EPUB, MOBI, PDF, CBR, CBZ, and audiobooks, allowing you to read and listen without ads or interruptions. |
| Who It’s For | Anyone who wants a versatile and user-friendly reading app that supports a wide variety of formats. |
- Tags:
- Supports 26 formats
- Reads audiobooks
- No in-app ads
PocketBook Reader is a robust reading app that boasts an impressive array of features, including support for a wide range of file types and a high degree of customization. Users praise its intuitive design, seamless integration with existing libraries, and ad-free experience. While some users have reported bugs and minor inconveniences, the app's overall functionality and rich feature set have cemented its position as a top choice for serious readers.
Pros & Cons
- Supports lots of file types
- Highly customizable and user-friendly
- Immediately detects e-books on device
- Ad-free and enjoyable reading experience
- Bugs with font, paragraph, and annotation issues
- Auto-scan feature not customizable or efficient
- Limited organization and management of bookmarks
Why we chose it?
As a PocketBook user, I love its intuitive interface and vast format support, making it a breeze to read everything from classic novels to complex textbooks. The lack of distracting ads allows me to fully immerse myself in the reading experience, and the wide range of customization options lets me personalize the app to my exact preferences. If you're looking for a reliable and user-friendly app to read on your mobile, PocketBook is a fantastic choice!
11. Learn to Read
Engaging stories for kids, Bite-sized lessons on phonics, Personalized lessons for learning
Download:
Application information
| Category | Education |
| Downloads | Over 6.5 million downloads |
| Features | This app offers a fun and engaging way to learn reading through phonics, sight words, interactive games, and personalized lessons. |
| Who It’s For | Preschoolers to first graders |
- Tags:
- Interactive learning
- Personalized lessons
- Multi-sensory activities
"Learn to Read" is a delightful mobile reading app designed to engage young learners and help them develop a love for reading. Parents rave about its captivating combination of stories, interactive games, and phonics lessons, making learning fun and effective. This app truly shines in its ability to personalize learning, allowing children to progress at their own pace. One parent shared their child "blasted through 60+ levels" in just a few days! The app's focus on highlighting words helps children concentrate on the letters and sounds they are learning, making the process both engaging and effective. With its ad-free format, "Learn to Read" provides a safe and focused learning environment for young children.
Pros & Cons
- Engaging for young learners
- Teaches phonics and sight words
- Fun stories and games
- Ad-free and high quality
- Navigation buttons can be distracting
- Progress not always saved
- Levels can be completed quickly
Why we chose it?
I absolutely love Learn to Read! It's packed with fun games and activities that make learning the alphabet, phonics, and sight words a breeze. My kids are constantly begging to play and I know they're actually learning while they're having fun. It's also super easy to use so even my youngest can navigate it independently!
12. Inkitt
Discover new fiction books, Read them for free, Download and read offline
Download:
Application information
| Category | Books & Reference |
| Downloads | Over 4.8 million downloads |
| Features | Inkitt is a reading app that offers free access to thousands of new fiction books from indie authors across various genres, including fantasy, sci-fi, thriller, horror, mystery, and romance, with personalized recommendations and offline reading capabilities. |
| Who It’s For | Readers who enjoy discovering new fiction books and supporting aspiring authors. |
- Tags:
- Free books to read
- Discover new authors
- Personalized recommendations
Inkitt is a popular reading app that offers a treasure trove of stories from indie authors. It's a haven for readers seeking diverse genres like fantasy, sci-fi, and romance, all free of charge. While the app boasts a vast selection of captivating tales, users have raised concerns about persistent glitches. Issues like blank screens, reading progress resets, and chapter freezes have marred the otherwise enjoyable experience. Despite these frustrations, readers remain dedicated to Inkitt, recognizing its unique value in providing free access to a wealth of original fiction.
Pros & Cons
- Discover unlimited books
- Read for free
- Support authors
- Variety of genres
- Frequent app crashes
- Reading progress issues
- Black screen glitches
- Reinstall required
Why we chose it?
I'm absolutely hooked on Inkitt! It's the perfect place to discover new stories and support indie authors. I love that I can read thousands of books for free, and I get personalized recommendations based on my reading tastes. The app is super user-friendly, and I can even download books to read offline – perfect for long journeys!
13. hoopla Digital
Free with library card, Vast collection of titles, No ads or late fees
Download:
Application information
| Category | Reading App |
| Downloads | Over 4 million downloads |
| Features | hoopla Digital is a free reading app offering a vast library of eBooks, audiobooks, comics, and manga with no late fees or ads. |
| Who It’s For | Anyone with a library card looking for a free and convenient way to access a wide range of digital reading materials. |
- Tags:
- Unlimited Entertainment
- Vast eBook Collection
- Immersive Audiobooks
Hoopla Digital is a fantastic reading app that offers a wealth of content beyond just ebooks, making it a favorite among library patrons. While users praise the app's vast selection and ability to borrow titles for free, they also point out areas for improvement. The lack of clear genre distinctions for some books can be frustrating, and the occasional glitches with audio playback can be a source of minor irritation. However, the ability to request and renew titles, as well as the overall ease of use, have made Hoopla Digital a go-to app for many avid readers seeking both convenience and variety.
Pros & Cons
- Greater variety of content
- Access to library books
- Request titles and track them
- Renew titles before expiring
- Difficult to determine fiction/non-fiction
- No future reading list option
- Book jumps back randomly
Why we chose it?
I absolutely love hoopla Digital! It's the best reading app because it's completely free with your library card, so you can borrow unlimited books, audiobooks, and even comics without any late fees. Plus, the interface is so easy to use, and I can easily find new books to read thanks to its fantastic recommendations.