Best reading apps in 2026
To read free ebooks from your local library, use Libby with a library card. For books you buy, Kindle or Apple Books keep your library in sync. For files you already have, EPUB, PDF or FB2, PocketBook Reader is a free reader without ads. Full breakdown, and new reading apps worth a look, below.
How we picked: a reading app does one of two jobs, it is either a store or library that gives you books, or a reader that opens files you already have. We checked each app’s own store description for where its books come from, which file formats it opens, what is free and whether it works offline, then added a separate section for new reading apps surfaced by real visit traffic from the Censuus ranking.
New reading apps, rising by real visit traffic from Censuus
The same few big names top every reading-app list. Censuus runs a live count on real traffic, so it sees the newcomers earning an audience right now. Among tracked apps, these reading tools are climbing:
Bookyno - Reading TrackerApp Storebuilds a consistent reading habit and keeps your books organized in one simple space.
ReadBlock: Read to Unlock AppsApp Storemakes you read before addictive apps unlock.- Your app hereFree, foreverList my app
Bookleap: Book Tracker TBR4.0★ App Storea reading tracker and book journal for readers who want more consistency.
Must Read – The Book Tracker4.6★ App Storea book tracker that works without internet.
Can you read books for free in an app?
Yes, in two honest ways. Libby lets you borrow ebooks, audiobooks and magazines from your local library for free with a library card. And a free reader such as PocketBook Reader opens books you already own or downloaded legally, in EPUB, PDF, FB2 and more, without ads.
Store app or reader app?
A store app (Kindle, Apple Books) is the easy path when you buy books there: purchases appear on every device and your place syncs. A reader app is for everything else: files from other stores, PDFs for work, old FB2 collections. Many people keep one of each.
| App | Best for | Platforms | Price | Books from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LibbyApp StoreGoogle Play | free library ebooks and audiobooks | iOS, Android | free with a library card | your local library |
| KindleApp StoreGoogle Play | books bought on Amazon | iOS, Android | free app; books sold separately | Amazon, Kindle Unlimited |
| Apple BooksApp Store | buying and reading on iPhone | iOS | free app, no subscription needed | Apple Book Store |
| Google Play BooksApp StoreGoogle Play | a big store on iPhone and Android | iOS, Android | free app; books sold separately | Google Play store |
| PocketBook ReaderApp StoreGoogle Play | many formats plus audiobooks | iOS, Android | free | your files, PocketBook Cloud |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free app for reading books?
For free books, Libby with a library card. For reading your own files, PocketBook Reader is free and has no ads.
Which app opens EPUB, PDF and FB2 files?
PocketBook Reader opens EPUB, PDF, FB2, MOBI, DJVU and more, on iPhone and Android, free and without ads.