Reading has never been more accessible or versatile than it is today. Whether you prefer flipping digital pages on your tablet or listening to a gripping novel during your commute, there’s an app designed just for you.
With the rise of eBooks and audiobooks, countless apps now offer massive libraries, personalized recommendations, offline access, and cross-device syncing to enhance your reading experience.
From casual readers to devoted bibliophiles, finding the right app can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll explore the best apps for reading books and audiobooks in 2025—so you can enjoy your next great story wherever life takes you.
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Kindle has established itself as the undisputed leader in the e-reading space, offering an extensive library of over 6 million titles spanning every genre imaginable.
The app’s seamless integration with Amazon’s ecosystem makes purchasing and accessing new books incredibly convenient. What sets Kindle apart is its commitment to creating an immersive reading experience that closely mimics physical books while adding digital enhancements.
The app’s customizable interface allows readers to adjust font styles, sizes, and background colors to reduce eye strain during extended reading sessions.
Additionally, Kindle’s Whispersync technology intelligently syncs your reading progress across all your devices, enabling you to switch seamlessly between your smartphone, tablet, and dedicated Kindle e-reader without losing your place.
Key Features:
- Access to over 6 million e-books, magazines, comics, and newspapers
- Whispersync technology that synchronizes your reading progress across devices
- X-Ray feature for exploring book details, characters, and notable clips
- Built-in dictionary, Wikipedia access, and translation features
- Adjustable fonts, sizes, margins, and background colors
- Goodreads integration for sharing and discovering new books
- Kindle Unlimited subscription option for unlimited reading from a selected catalog
- Highlight and note-taking capabilities with easy export options
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Audible
As Amazon’s dedicated audiobook platform, Audible has transformed how readers consume literature by making it accessible during commutes, workouts, or household chores.
The service features the industry’s largest collection of professionally narrated audiobooks, with over 500,000 titles performed by acclaimed actors, celebrities, and voice artists.
What makes Audible particularly appealing is its production quality—they invest heavily in creating premium audio experiences with sound effects, multiple voice actors, and meticulous editing.
The app’s sleep timer and bookmarking features make it perfect for bedtime listening, while the variable playback speed allows you to customize your listening experience based on content complexity or time constraints.
Audible’s exclusive content, including Audible Originals, provides subscribers with unique listening experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Key Features:
- World’s largest selection of audiobooks with over 500,000 titles
- Monthly subscription model with credits for purchasing audiobooks
- Offline listening capability and cloud syncing across devices
- Adjustable narration speed (0.5x to 3.5x)
- Sleep timer and bookmarking functionality
- Personalized recommendations based on listening history
- Exclusive Audible Original content
- Whispersync for Voice to switch between reading and listening
Download:
Apple Books
Apple Books (formerly iBooks) delivers a premium reading experience specifically optimized for Apple’s ecosystem of devices.
The app stands out for its elegant, intuitive interface that perfectly complements the iOS design language while offering powerful functionality for avid readers. Apple Books features a beautifully curated Book Store that makes discovering new titles a pleasure, with personalized recommendations and carefully selected collections.
The reading experience itself is exceptional, with smooth page-turning animations, customizable appearance settings, and robust note-taking capabilities.
For audiobook enthusiasts, Apple Books offers a growing collection of professionally narrated titles that integrate seamlessly with Apple devices, including CarPlay for road trips.
The app’s tight integration with iOS means you can easily share quotes or reading progress with friends through Messages or other Apple services.
Key Features:
- Elegant user interface specifically designed for Apple devices
- Integrated bookstore with millions of titles and audiobooks
- Reading goals and tracking features to build reading habits
- Night mode and auto-night theme for comfortable reading in low light
- Advanced typography options with multiple fonts and layouts
- Series organization to keep book collections together
- Family Sharing to share purchases with up to six family members
- Audiobook player with chapter navigation and sleep timer
Download:
- Apple App Store (Pre-installed on iOS devices)
Libby by OverDrive
Libby represents the perfect marriage between traditional public libraries and modern digital reading. Developed by OverDrive, this beautifully designed app connects readers to their local libraries’ digital collections, allowing them to borrow e-books and audiobooks without spending a dime.
The genius of Libby lies in how it preserves the community-focused ethos of public libraries while adding the convenience of digital access. Setting up Libby is remarkably simple—just enter your library card details, and you’ll instantly gain access to thousands of titles across genres.
The borrowing process mirrors physical libraries, with limited lending periods and waiting lists for popular titles, but with the added convenience of automatic returns.
For budget-conscious readers or families, Libby offers unprecedented value by providing free access to premium reading material through an institution you’re already supporting with your tax dollars.
Key Features:
- Free access to e-books and audiobooks through your local library
- Simultaneous library card management for multiple libraries
- Customizable reading and listening experience
- Offline downloading for reading without an internet connection
- Synchronized bookmarks, notes, and reading progress across devices
- Easy one-tap renewals and holds management
- Integrated e-reader and audiobook player
- Magazine and comic book support with specialized viewing options
Download:
Scribd
Scribd has evolved from its origins as a document-sharing platform to become a comprehensive “Netflix for books” service with one of the most diversified content offerings in the digital reading space.
What sets Scribd apart is its all-inclusive subscription model that grants unlimited access to an eclectic library spanning e-books, audiobooks, magazines, news articles, sheet music, and research papers.
This unprecedented variety makes Scribd particularly valuable for readers with diverse interests or those who consume different types of written content throughout their day.
The app’s clean, minimalist interface prioritizes content discovery through curated collections and personalized recommendations based on your reading history. Scribd’s social features also allow you to follow friends or influencers to discover what they’re reading, creating a community aspect often missing from other reading platforms.
Key Features:
- Unlimited access to e-books, audiobooks, magazines, and documents with a single subscription
- Diverse content library including academic papers and sheet music
- Personalized recommendations based on reading preferences
- Offline reading and listening capabilities
- Custom collections to organize your library
- Reading speed tracking and statistics
- Adjustable font sizes, background colors, and reading modes
- Cross-platform synchronization
Download:
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Kobo Books
Rakuten Kobo has established itself as a formidable alternative to Amazon’s Kindle ecosystem, offering a comprehensive reading platform that emphasizes open standards and global accessibility.
The Kobo Books app connects readers to a vast library of over 6 million titles, with particular strength in international and independent publications.
What makes Kobo especially appealing is its commitment to flexibility—the app supports multiple e-book formats including EPUB, making it compatible with books purchased from various sources, not just Kobo’s own store.
This openness extends to its device strategy as well, with Kobo providing excellent reading experiences across smartphones, tablets, and their own lineup of e-readers.
The app’s reading statistics feature gamifies your reading journey by tracking habits and offering insights into your reading patterns, encouraging consistent engagement with literature.
Key Features:
- Over 6 million e-books and audiobooks in the Kobo Store
- Support for multiple file formats including EPUB and PDF
- Reading Life statistics tracking reading habits and achievements
- Advanced customization options for fonts, margins, and justification
- Built-in dictionary, highlighter, and note-taking tools
- Night mode with blue light reduction
- Kobo Plus subscription service for unlimited reading in selected markets
- Integration with Pocket to save web articles for later reading
Download:
Google Play Books
Google Play Books leverages the tech giant’s extensive digital infrastructure to deliver a robust reading platform deeply integrated with the Android ecosystem and Google’s powerful search capabilities.
The app provides access to millions of titles through the Google Play Store while also supporting the upload of personal e-book collections in EPUB and PDF formats.
What distinguishes Google Play Books is its intelligent use of Google’s technology stack—features like enhanced search functionality allow you to quickly find specific passages across your library, while seamless synchronization ensures your books, bookmarks, notes, and reading progress follow you across all your devices.
The app’s Read Aloud feature, powered by Google’s advanced text-to-speech technology, can transform any e-book into an audiobook, making it an incredibly versatile tool for accessibility or multitasking situations.
Key Features:
- Access to millions of books through Google Play Store
- Upload feature for personal e-books in EPUB and PDF formats
- Powerful search functionality within books and across your library
- Text-to-speech Read Aloud feature with multiple languages
- Night Light mode that automatically adjusts screen temperature
- Translation tools for reading foreign language texts
- Dictionary, Wikipedia, and Google Search integration
- Free samples of books before purchasing
Download:
- Google Play Store (Pre-installed on many Android devices)
- Apple App Store
Barnes & Noble Nook
The Nook app brings the legacy and expertise of America’s largest book retailer, Barnes & Noble, to the digital reading space.
While maintaining a more focused approach than some competitors, Nook excels at delivering a distraction-free reading experience that puts the content first. The app connects readers to Barnes & Noble’s extensive digital catalog featuring bestsellers, new releases, and classics, with particular strength in curated collections and expert recommendations from B&N’s experienced booksellers.
Nook’s interface strikes an excellent balance between simplicity and functionality, with intuitive navigation and customization options that don’t overwhelm users with excessive features.
The app’s ArticleView feature, which reformats complex layouts into clean, readable text, is particularly valuable for magazine and newspaper content, enhancing readability on smaller screens.
Key Features:
- Access to over 3 million books, magazines, newspapers, and comics
- Free samples before purchasing
- Customizable reading experience with adjustable fonts and themes
- ArticleView for enhanced reading of magazines and newspapers
- Highlight and note-taking capabilities with organization tools
- B&N Readouts feature offering free book excerpts and articles
- Cross-device synchronization
- In-app dictionary and Google/Wikipedia lookup
Download:
Storytel
Storytel has emerged as a leading audiobook platform in many international markets, particularly across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
What distinguishes Storytel from other audio content providers is its strong focus on localized content and regional literary traditions, offering extensive libraries in over 25 languages.
The app’s unlimited subscription model provides all-you-can-listen access to its entire catalog without the credit system used by some competitors, making it ideal for voracious listeners.
Storytel has also invested heavily in original content production, creating exclusive audiobooks and audio dramas specifically designed for the audio format.
The app’s thoughtfully designed sleep mode gradually lowers volume and inserts longer pauses between sentences as you drift off, then automatically bookmarks your position—a feature particularly appreciated by nighttime listeners.
Key Features:
- Unlimited listening with a flat monthly subscription
- Extensive catalog with strong international and multilingual offerings
- Storytel Original content exclusive to the platform
- Adjustable playback speed and sleep timer
- Offline listening capability
- Family account options for shared access
- Personalized recommendations based on listening patterns
- Children’s mode with curated content for young listeners
Download:
BookBeat
BookBeat has rapidly gained popularity across Northern Europe as an audiobook and e-book subscription service that emphasizes simplicity and user experience.
Founded by Bonnier, one of Europe’s largest media groups, the service combines the extensive publishing expertise of its parent company with modern digital design principles. BookBeat’s greatest strength is its straightforward unlimited subscription model that provides unrestricted access to its entire catalog without complicated credit systems or tiered access levels.
The app features a highly intuitive interface that prioritizes quick content discovery and seamless listening experience.
BookBeat has invested significantly in curation, with expertly assembled collections and thematic recommendations that help users discover new titles outside their usual preferences.
The platform also excels at family-friendly features, with robust parental controls and an extensive children’s catalog that make it an excellent choice for households with young readers.
Key Features:
- Unlimited access to audiobooks and e-books with a single subscription
- Intuitive user interface with minimal learning curve
- Curated collections and personalized recommendations
- Offline listening and reading
- Customizable playback speed for audiobooks
- Sleep timer with automatic bookmarking
- Detailed progress tracking and statistics
- Family-friendly content controls
Download:
Blinkist
Blinkist takes a unique approach to literature consumption by condensing non-fiction books into digestible 15-minute “blinks” that capture each book’s key insights and takeaways.
In our information-saturated world, this innovative platform has found a significant audience among busy professionals, students, and lifelong learners who want to absorb knowledge efficiently.
Each blink is professionally written and narrated to maintain the essence of the original work while eliminating repetition and excessive detail.
What makes Blinkist particularly valuable is its curated approach—rather than attempting to cover everything, the service focuses on impactful non-fiction across categories like personal development, psychology, leadership, and science.
The app’s clean, minimalist design reflects its core philosophy of distilling complex ideas into accessible formats, with intuitive navigation that helps users quickly find topics relevant to their interests or current challenges.
Key Features:
- 15-minute summaries of non-fiction books in text and audio formats
- Library of over 5,000 titles across 27 categories
- Daily recommendations based on your interests
- Audio versions of all blinks for listening on the go
- Offline access to downloaded content
- Personalized suggestions based on reading history
- Curated collections around specific themes or goals
- Highlighting and note-taking functionality
Download:
How to Choose the Right Reading App
Selecting the ideal reading app depends on several factors:
- Content Ecosystem: Consider which store has the books you want to read. Amazon’s Kindle store has the largest selection, but other platforms may have specific titles or regional content you’re interested in.
- Device Compatibility: Ensure the app works well with your primary reading devices. Some apps perform better on certain platforms or integrate more deeply with specific operating systems.
- Budget Considerations: Evaluate pricing models against your reading habits. Heavy readers might benefit from unlimited subscription services, while occasional readers might prefer pay-per-book models.
- Reading Preferences: If you switch between e-books and audiobooks, choose a platform that handles both well and synchronizes your progress between formats.
- Library Integration: If you value free access through public libraries, prioritize apps like Libby that connect with local library systems.
- Format Support: For those with existing e-book collections, check file format compatibility and the ability to import personal libraries.
Reading App Accessibility Features
Modern reading apps offer numerous accessibility features that make reading more inclusive:
- Text-to-Speech: Many apps offer text-to-speech capabilities for those with visual impairments or learning disabilities.
- Dyslexic Fonts: Specialized fonts like OpenDyslexic are available on several platforms to improve readability for those with dyslexia.
- Screen Reader Compatibility: Most major reading apps are optimized to work with VoiceOver on iOS and TalkBack on Android.
- Adjustable Text: The ability to change font size, style, line spacing, and background colors helps readers with various visual needs customize their experience.
- High Contrast Modes: Special display modes enhance text visibility for users with low vision.
- Audio Playback Speed: Adjustable playback speeds in audiobook apps accommodate different listening preferences and comprehension needs.
FAQs About Reading Apps
Are reading apps better than physical books?
Reading apps and physical books each offer distinct advantages. Digital apps provide convenience, portability, adjustable text settings, and instant access to new titles. Physical books offer a tactile experience, no screen time, no battery concerns, and potentially fewer distractions. The “better” choice depends entirely on your personal preferences, reading habits, and lifestyle needs. Many readers maintain a hybrid approach, using digital apps for travel and convenience while enjoying physical books for extended reading sessions at home.
Can I share my e-books with family members?
Yes, many reading apps offer family sharing features. Apple Books allows sharing purchases with up to six family members through Family Sharing. Amazon Kindle offers Family Library to share books with one other adult and up to four children. Google Play Books permits family sharing through Google Family Library. However, sharing policies vary by platform and sometimes by publisher, with some titles having restrictions on sharing.
Do I need an internet connection to use reading apps?
Most reading apps allow you to download content for offline reading or listening. Once downloaded, you can access your books without an internet connection, making them perfect for travel, commutes, or areas with poor connectivity. However, you’ll need an internet connection to purchase new titles, sync your progress across devices, or access cloud-based features.
Conclusion
By understanding your personal reading habits, content preferences, and budget constraints, you can choose the platform that best supports your literary journey. Many readers find value in using multiple apps to leverage the strengths of different platforms—perhaps using Libby for free library access, Kindle for purchased e-books, and Audible for premium audiobooks.
Whichever combination you choose, these powerful reading apps ensure that literature remains accessible, engaging, and adaptable to our modern, mobile lifestyles. Happy reading!
Brett is a tech enthusiast with a deep curiosity for exploring digital tools, apps, and gadgets that simplify everyday life. This passion led him to start his blog, where he shares in-depth reviews, helpful guides, and honest recommendations about the best apps and tech solutions available today.