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 visit traffic from the Censuus ranking.
New reading apps, rising by visit traffic from Censuus
The same few big names top every reading-app list. Censuus runs a live count of traffic, so it sees the newcomers earning an audience right now. Among tracked apps, these reading tools are climbing:
ReadBlock: Read to Unlock AppsApp Storemakes you read before addictive apps unlock.
Bookyno - Reading TrackerApp Storebuilds a consistent reading habit and keeps your books organized in one simple space.- Seu app aquiGrátis, para semprePublicar meu app
iRead: Read Aloud EPUB ReaderApp Storereads the EPUB books you already own out loud with natural voices, fully offline and without a subscription.
Must Read – The Book Tracker4.4★ App Storea book tracker that works without internet.
Bookleap: Book Tracker TBRApp Storea reading tracker and book journal for readers who want more consistency.
PagePilot Hands-Free ReaderApp Storean iPhone e-book reader that turns pages from your Apple Watch, so your hands stay free.
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. To log what you read, see book tracker apps. To listen to books in Ukrainian, see Ukrainian audiobook apps. To keep track of what you read rather than read inside the app, ReadHero logs reading sessions, your to-be-read pile and notes, with a barcode scanner to add books. For children who are only learning to read, see learn to read apps. To catalog the paper books you own, see home library apps. For habits that help you finish more books, read our guide on how to read more books.
| 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 |
Perguntas frequentes
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.