Best Apps for Reading in 2026: 8 Apps Compared
- 1
KindleEbook reading and buyingVisit - 2
LibbyFree library ebooks and audiobooksVisit - 3
Apple BooksApple device readersVisit - 4
Kobo BooksKobo device and open format readersVisit - 5
GoodreadsTracking books and finding recommendationsVisit
- Prices and free plans vary widely, so check the current plan page before you pay.
- The best choice depends on how much you will actually use each week, not on the longest feature list.
- Start with a free plan or trial where one exists, then upgrade only when you hit a real limit.
- Read the privacy and cancellation terms, especially for subscriptions that renew automatically.
Quick comparison
| Product | Ideal for | Price from | Free version | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kindle | Ebook reading and buying | See website | No | Visit |
| Libby | Free library ebooks and audiobooks | Free | Yes | Visit |
| Apple Books | Apple device readers | See website | No | Visit |
| Kobo Books | Kobo device and open format readers | See website | No | Visit |
| Goodreads | Tracking books and finding recommendations | Free | Yes | Visit |
 StoryGraph | Detailed reading tracking and stats | Free | Yes | Visit |
 Google Play Books | Android readers and file uploads | See website | No | Visit |
 Scribd | Mixed reading subscription | See website | Free trial | Visit |
The best apps for reading
We compared official feature pages, pricing pages, app store listings, privacy policies and public reviews to build this list. Our pick for most people is the option that gives the clearest value for its price, but the right choice for you depends on your budget, your devices and how often you will use it.
Kindle
Ideal for: Ebook reading and buying
Kindle fits ebook reading and buying. Its store depth and sync make it the default for many ebook readers. That focus shows in day to day use, where the main tools are easy to find and the extras do not get in the way. The catch is worth knowing before you commit. Readers who want open file formats should look elsewhere. Check the current price, the renewal terms and what is included on the plan you actually want, since entry plans often leave out the features shown in marketing. If that trade off still works for your routine, this is an easy option to recommend.
- Large ebook store
- Whispersync
- Sync across devices
- Purchases are licences
- App is tied to Amazon
Libby
Ideal for: Free library ebooks and audiobooks
For free library ebooks and audiobooks, Libby is a strong place to start. Free borrowing makes it the first app to try before paying for books. It is a practical choice when you want results without a long setup process. The catch is worth knowing before you commit. If you want instant new releases, buying may be faster. Check the current price, the renewal terms and what is included on the plan you actually want, since entry plans often leave out the features shown in marketing. If that trade off still works for your routine, this is an easy option to recommend.
- Free borrowing
- Offline downloads
- Magazines included
- Holds for popular titles
- Library dependent catalogue
Apple Books
Ideal for: Apple device readers
If apple device readers is your main need, Apple Books deserves a close look. Apple owners get a tidy store and reading app in one place. The design keeps the core job front and centre. The catch is worth knowing before you commit. Subscription readers will find it a poor fit. Check the current price, the renewal terms and what is included on the plan you actually want, since entry plans often leave out the features shown in marketing. If that trade off still works for your routine, this is an easy option to recommend.
- Clean reading experience
- Buy per title
- Apple sync
- No subscription
- Android users excluded
Kobo Books
Ideal for: Kobo device and open format readers
Kobo Books fits kobo device and open format readers. Readers who value open formats and Kobo devices get a good home here. That focus shows in day to day use, where the main tools are easy to find and the extras do not get in the way. The catch is worth knowing before you commit. Kindle exclusive titles will not be available. Check the current price, the renewal terms and what is included on the plan you actually want, since entry plans often leave out the features shown in marketing. If that trade off still works for your routine, this is an easy option to recommend.
- Epub support
- Kobo device sync
- Store deals
- Smaller store than Kindle
- App features vary
Goodreads
Ideal for: Tracking books and finding recommendations
For tracking books and finding recommendations, Goodreads is a strong place to start. Its shelves and reading challenges help readers track progress and find next books. It is a practical choice when you want results without a long setup process. The catch is worth knowing before you commit. If you want a clean tracker, a smaller app may feel better. Check the current price, the renewal terms and what is included on the plan you actually want, since entry plans often leave out the features shown in marketing. If that trade off still works for your routine, this is an easy option to recommend.
- Large community
- Shelves and challenges
- Recommendations
- Not a reading app itself
- Ads and clutter
StoryGraph
Ideal for: Detailed reading tracking and stats
If detailed reading tracking and stats is your main need, StoryGraph deserves a close look. Readers who love stats and mood tags get richer tracking than a simple shelf. The design keeps the core job front and centre. The catch is worth knowing before you commit. Social features are thinner than Goodreads. Check the current price, the renewal terms and what is included on the plan you actually want, since entry plans often leave out the features shown in marketing. If that trade off still works for your routine, this is an easy option to recommend.
- Detailed stats
- Mood based recommendations
- Challenges
- Smaller community
- Some features need Plus
Google Play Books
Ideal for: Android readers and file uploads
Google Play Books fits android readers and file uploads. Uploading your own EPUB and PDF files is a clear advantage for personal libraries. That focus shows in day to day use, where the main tools are easy to find and the extras do not get in the way. The catch is worth knowing before you commit. Subscription fans should choose a different service. Check the current price, the renewal terms and what is included on the plan you actually want, since entry plans often leave out the features shown in marketing. If that trade off still works for your routine, this is an easy option to recommend.
- Upload your own files
- Buy per title
- Android friendly
- Store varies by country
- No subscription
Scribd
Ideal for: Mixed reading subscription
For mixed reading subscription, Scribd is a strong place to start. Readers who mix formats get value from one subscription. It is a practical choice when you want results without a long setup process. The catch is worth knowing before you commit. Book owners should buy titles instead of streaming them. Check the current price, the renewal terms and what is included on the plan you actually want, since entry plans often leave out the features shown in marketing. If that trade off still works for your routine, this is an easy option to recommend.
- Ebooks, audiobooks and documents
- Curated catalogue
- Titles do not stay after cancel
- Heavy use can be limited
How we picked these
We started with the products that appear most often in this category, then kept only the ones that exist and work today, with a clear official homepage and a plan structure we could describe honestly. We compared official feature pages, pricing pages, app store listings, privacy policies and public reviews, and we left out products whose prices or homepages we could not verify. We did not claim hands on testing that did not happen, and we favoured products with clear terms over products that hide limits in fine print. We also weighed fit over fame. A well known name can be the wrong pick if its plan is built for a different kind of user, while a smaller option can be better when it matches your daily routine. That is why each write up names who the product suits, one concrete strength and one honest weakness, so you can judge the trade off for yourself.
Build a reading habit that survives a busy week
Start with your library card
Libby gives many readers a full library for free. Use it first, then pay only for titles your library does not hold.
Choose tracking separately from reading
A tracker like Goodreads or StoryGraph can sit beside any reading app. You do not need one app to do both jobs well.
Test reading comfort
Try font size, line spacing, night mode and offline downloads on a real book. Comfort over hundreds of pages matters more than store size. Before you decide, shortlist two options and test them side by side for a few days of normal use. Note what slows you down, what costs extra, and what you would miss if you switched. That short test usually reveals the right choice faster than reading another ten reviews, because it is based on your routine, your devices and your budget rather than on a generic ranking. Also check support and cancellation before you pay for a year in advance. A clear help centre, a reachable support team and a simple cancel button are worth more than a small discount, because they decide how painful it is to fix a billing problem or leave later. If support is hard to reach during a trial, treat that as a warning sign, not as a minor detail, and choose the option with clearer terms even if its headline price is slightly higher.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best app for reading books?
Kindle suits store depth, Libby suits free borrowing, and Kobo suits open formats. The best pick depends on your devices and budget.
What is the best book tracking app?
Goodreads suits community and challenges, while StoryGraph suits detailed stats and mood based recommendations.
Are there free reading apps?
Yes, Libby is free with a library card, and Goodreads and StoryGraph offer free tracking. Project Gutenberg also offers free classic ebooks.
Can I read offline?
Yes, most reading apps allow downloads. Check whether borrowed titles expire and how much storage they use.
Is Kindle better than Kobo?
Kindle has a larger store, while Kobo supports open formats and its own devices better. Your device choice often decides it.