If you enjoy reading but are increasingly reluctant to carry physical books or even an e-reader, the apps for reading ebooks on your mobile phone They've become the most convenient way to carry a library in your pocket. Today, there's much more than just Kindle and Google Play Books: there are apps for every taste, from "Netflix-like" services for books to super minimalist, ad-free e-readers.
In this guide you will find a very complete overview of the best apps and New software for reading ebooks on mobile phones and tabletsfor both Android and iOS. You'll find pure reading apps, platforms with integrated stores, subscription services, completely free options, and tools to organize your digital library, along with their advantages, compatible formats, and tips for getting the most out of them without straining your eyes.
Classic and multi-device ebook readers
Within the universe of digital reading, there is a group of apps that function as "Lifelong" ebook readersThey focus on displaying text well, being compatible with many formats, and syncing your progress across devices. They usually allow import your own fileswithout forcing you to always buy from their store.
Kindle: the classic that never fails
The Kindle app is probably the world's most popular ebook readerIt belongs to Amazon and is available for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. Although many people think of the physical Kindle device, you don't need one: you can read your entire Amazon catalog directly on your phone or tablet.
With Kindle you have access to a huge selection of titles, from free books to new paid releasesThis includes titles from your Kindle Unlimited subscription, if you have one. Synchronization is automatic: you start reading on the e-reader, continue on your mobile device, and finish on your tablet without losing your place, thanks to cloud saving.
In terms of reading experience, the app allows Adjust font size and type, background color, margins, and line spacingIt also offers multi-color highlighting, note-taking, word search, and a built-in dictionary. Many Amazon titles offer advanced features like X-Ray, which displays information about key characters, locations, and concepts in the book.
Another advantage is that Kindle works reasonably well with formats such as PDF or other documentsso you can send personal files to your account and read them from the app, without having to struggle with too many conversions.
Another advantage is that Kindle works reasonably well with formats such as PDF or other documentsso you can send personal files to your account and read them from the app, without having to struggle with too many conversions.
Google Play Books / Google Play Books
Google has its own ecosystem for reading with Google Play Books (Google Play Books)Available on Android, iPhone, iPad, the web, and even as a Chrome extension, it's a very versatile reader that combines its own store with the option to upload your files.
Its strength lies in the fact that, in addition to accessing a large database of Free and paid ebooks and audiobooks, You can upload your own documents in PDF and EPUB format. This way, you have your entire Google purchase catalog and your personal files all in one place.
As a reader, it allows you to customize the typical features: font size, font type, margins, line spacing, and background colorIt doesn't require a constant internet connection, as you can download titles to read offline. It also includes a dictionary, bookmarking and highlighting system, and keeps your progress across devices with your Google account.
A key feature for comics and manga is BubbleZoom, which intelligently enlarges panels and speech bubbles, making it very comfortable to read digital comics on small screens, something that many generic apps struggle with.
Apple books
If you're immersed in the Apple ecosystem, Apple Books is the native app for reading ebooks and audiobooks on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Its biggest advantage is its integration with iCloud: you buy a book or import a file on one device and it's available on all the others with the same account.
The app has its own very powerful store where you can buy ebooks and audiobooks of all types of genresFrom bestsellers to academic and specialized titles, the app offers a wide range of content. The interface is very clean and minimalist, and it's clear that it was designed to fit seamlessly with the overall design of iOS and macOS.
At a reading level, you can Change font size and type, background colors, and screen modesWhen you change the font size, the app recalculates the total number of pages, so you always know how much of the book you have left without going crazy with your progress.
One very practical detail is that if you add an ebook manually, it will Syncs via iCloud, always keeping the page updated which you access on every Apple device. However, Apple Books doesn't add social layers: there's no community or author tracking, just pure, unadulterated reading.
PocketBook Reader
PocketBook is an eReader manufacturer, but it also offers a A very complete reading app for mobile phones and tablets.With it you can read both books purchased from their store and your own files, with a format compatibility really wide.
Supported formats include PDF, EPUB, DjVu, FB2/FB2.zip, MOBI, DOCX, RTF, TXT, CHM, basic HTML, CBZ, CBR and CBTThis makes it a very interesting option if you handle comics, work documents, and books in different file types.
The app allows you Organize your library by read, pending, favorites and more criteria. It also has audiobook modes, integration with cloud services like Dropbox or Google Drive, and many options to adjust the interface, font sizes, and colors.
Apps to read your own ebooks in any format
Beyond the major platforms, there are a number of apps that stand out for allowing you upload your own ebooks without depending on any store and for their compatibility with rare formats. They are ideal if you download books from projects like Gutenberg, from public libraries, or manage your collection with Caliber.
READER
ReadEra is one of the most beloved apps for those who want Read without ads, without registration, and without complicationsAvailable on Android and iOS, it works completely offline and does not require creating accounts or using additional services.
It is compatible with a huge list of formats: EPUB, MOBI, AZW3, FB2, PDF, DjVu, DOC, DOCX, RTF, ODT, TXT, CHM It even opens documents from ZIP files. In fact, it acts as a set of "readers in one," handling both fiction books and long working documents or articles.
The app automatically detects the books and documents you download It downloads books to your mobile device and organizes them by author, series, lists like "To Read," "Read," or "Favorites," and custom collections (bookshelves) that you can create to your liking. It doesn't duplicate files or take up extra space: it remembers bookmarks and pages even if you move or delete the file and download it again.
When it comes to reading, it offers several color modes (day, night, sepia, console), brightness settings, margins, screen orientation It allows you to change the font, size, thickness, spacing, and even hyphenation in most text formats. With PDFs and DjVu, you can crop margins, use single-column mode, and even open very large documents without them dragging.
Another interesting detail is the multi-document modeYou can have several books open and easily switch between them, or use split screen on Android to read two documents at once—useful if you combine a novel with notes or a guide.
ReadEra (another view from generalist websites)
Other guides also highlight ReadEra as one of the highest-rated apps on the Play Store Its simple interface and comprehensive features, especially considering it's free, make it a standout feature. The complete absence of ads is often emphasized, making it ideal for those who hate interruptions when they're focused on reading.
In addition to the formats already mentioned, it is emphasized that it includes Night mode, font and background color adjustments And it doesn't require any complicated setup: you install it, open your books, and start reading. Basically, it's all about providing a very clean and straightforward experience.
Moon+ Reader and Moon+ Reader Pro
Moon+ Reader is an Android-exclusive reader that has gained fame for being one of the most customizable of the market. It supports virtually all common formats (EPUB, MOBI, PDF, FB2, etc.) and lets you adjust almost any visual detail.
The free version already offers Multiple visual themes, full control over typography, background color, line spacing, margins, blue light filters, and alerts if you've been reading for too long.You can highlight text, take notes, share snippets, and add external dictionaries to look up definitions on the fly.
The paid Pro version adds even more: 10 additional themes, tons of spacing options, font scaling, shadows, alpha colors, blurred edges And, above all, 24 customizable operations (gestures, screen taps) that you can assign to up to 15 different actions such as searching, opening bookmarks, changing reading mode and more.
Another strong point of Moon+ Reader is that You can sync your reading via Dropbox across multiple Android devices, so you don't lose your progress. However, some users find the free version perfectly sufficient, while others, if they plan to use it as their primary reader, will find the Pro edition worthwhile.
FBReader (Favourite Book Reader)
FBReader is another veteran option on Android, also available on iOS, that stands out for its great format compatibility and its practical approachIt opens EPUB, EPUB3, AZW3, FB2 and many more, and offers synchronization of reading positions, bookmarks and other data between devices through its own service and Google Drive.
The interface allows Customize fonts, font size, text and background colors, brightness, night mode and other typical parameters. Its library manager makes it easy to search by author or title, and its support for up to 34 languages makes it ideal if you read in several different languages.
The premium version further expands the capabilities, especially for reading comics and PDFsThis is more limited in the basic edition. For those looking for a stable, lightweight, and highly configurable app, FBReader remains a safe bet.
ALReader
ALReader is an ebook reader exclusively for Android that has been around for years. a very efficient option even on older devices (Works on Android 2.3 and up). It's not the most visually modern app, but it makes up for it with stability and compatibility.
It supports a huge variety of formats: FB2, FB3, FBZ, TXT, DRM-free EPUB, HTML, DOC, DOCX, ODT, RTF, DRM-free MOBI, PalmDoc, TCR and compressed files like ZIP or GZ. In other words, it's rare to find a book you can't open with it.
Among its functions, it allows Load external dictionaries, configure multiple reading profiles (up to four, each with its own settings) and features a text-to-speech function so the app can read books to you. It's not fancy, but if you want something lightweight and very capable, it more than delivers.
Media365
Media365 is a free app, also exclusive to Android, whose business model is based on show ads while you readIn return, it gives you access to a platform where independent authors upload their works, but you'll also find well-known titles.
In addition, it allows you to upload your own ebooks to formats such as EPUB, PDF, AZW3, CBC, CBR, CBZ, CHM, FB2, LIT, MOBI, TCR, AI and PUBIt includes a text-to-speech function. The major drawback is that if you want fully offline reading, you have to pay a small extra monthly or one-time fee.
eBooks
eBoox is another user-oriented reader that seeks a clean experience, with Many compatible formats and no adsReads FB2, EPUB, PDF, DOC, DOCX, MOBI, PRC, TXT, RTF, ODT, HTML, CBR, CBZ, as well as ZIP and RAR files.
Its strong point is a Very nice and fast interfaceIt features instant page loading and a simple system for importing books from any folder on your phone, SD card, the cloud, or directly from your browser. It offers file synchronization between Android devices and a good range of reading settings.
It also includes online book directories It's available in several integrated languages, so you can discover and download ebooks directly from the app, making it a very complete tool for those starting from scratch and not knowing what to read.
Platforms with integrated stores and their own ecosystems
Another large group of apps for reading ebooks on your mobile phone are those that combine reader and digital storeIn many cases they are direct competitors, with huge catalogs of books and audiobooks, personalized recommendations, and social or community features.
Rakuten Kobo / Kobo Books
Kobo, owned by Rakuten, is one of the major alternatives to Amazon in the world of e-books and audiobooksIn addition to its own readers, it offers the Kobo Books app for Android and iOS, which integrates with its entire ecosystem.
From the app you can access millions of titles in several languagesPurchase with your Kobo account and automatically sync your progress across your eReader, mobile phone, and tablet. It includes a dictionary, highlighting, notes, and a recommendation system that adapts to your reading habits.
The app allows you to adjust font size and type, day and night mode, brightness, and other parametersIt also features a night mode to reduce eye strain and an option to review books, which strengthens the sense of community among readers.
Nook
Nook is the latest offering from Barnes & Noble, the major American bookstore chain. Its app for mobile phones and tablets offers a A carefully curated reading experience with a wide catalog of books, magazines and newspapers.
With Nook you can buy games, Try free samples and access over a million free books in its catalog, so you always have something on hand even if you don't want to spend money. A paid subscription expands access to periodicals.
The app allows you to customize font, brightness, reading stylesYou can also add notes, bookmarks, highlights, and search within the book. You can also import your own ebooks in formats like EPUB and CBZ, something not all ebook stores allow.
Kobo and Kindle from the perspective of other websites
Other general compilations again emphasize that both Kindle as Kobo They are among the most complete apps, not only in terms of content but also in terms of... collection management and document compatibilityKindle is praised for its ability to open PDFs and other "rare" formats reliably, while Kobo is highlighted for its visually appealing interface for organizing your library.
In both cases it is emphasized that it is possible Read offline and sync across multiple devicesThis makes these ecosystems very meaningful if you're going to read on both mobile and eReader and tablet.
Subscription services: the “Netflix” of books
In recent years, services that, instead of selling you each book separately, operate with monthly fee in exchange for access to a huge catalogThey are a good option if you read a lot each month or if you also like audiobooks.
Scribd
Scribd is often presented as “the Netflix of books and documentsWith its mobile app, you can access, via subscription (around 11 euros per month), more than two million e-books, one million magazines and more than 300.000 audiobooks, as well as podcasts, sheet music and various documents.
The app allows you Read and listen offlineYou can save titles to lists for later and adjust the experience: font, font size, night mode, playback speed in audiobooks, etc. You can also highlight text, take notes, and search within books.
At the catalog level, Scribd mixes major publishers, bestsellers, and more niche contentTherefore, there's usually something interesting for almost everyone. It's ideal if you combine non-fiction reading, magazines, and audiobooks in your daily routine.
Storytel
Storytel is another great subscription service, heavily focused on audiobooks and ebooksIt also includes podcasts and original series. Its monthly fee is usually around €8,99 and provides access to a catalog of over 550.000 titles.
The Storytel app stands out for offering personalized recommendationsIt features exclusive titles, a highly polished offline mode, and functions such as adjustable listening speed, listening statistics, and chapter markers. In the reading section, it allows you to change the theme, font size, and other common settings.
The Total Book as a streaming library
The Complete Book works in a slightly different way: it is a digital streaming library with over 50.000 books and audiobooks, mainly classic works in the public domain or authorized contemporary publications for non-commercial purposes.
It is available for Android and Apple, and allows Access their entire catalog without registrationIf you create an account, you unlock extra features such as marking favorites, keeping a history of recent readings, and more detailed management of your library.
In addition to books, it offers Music and art related to many worksIt includes around 70 dictionaries from different eras and an offline reader compatible with formats such as EPUB, PDF, AZW, and MOBI. For anyone who wants to read classics without spending a penny and without intrusive ads, it's a gem.
Social platforms and writer communities
In addition to traditional e-readers, there are apps that function as community of readers and writersThey are ideal if you usually read fantasy, romance, fanfiction, or if you want to discover new authors and, at the same time, publish your own stories.
Wattpad
Wattpad is one of the world's largest reading and writing communities, with tens of millions of usersTheir app is available on Google Play and the App Store and focuses on community-generated stories: romance novels, fantasy, science fiction, fan fiction, etc.
From the app you can Read millions of stories for freeFollow your favorite authors, comment on chapters in real time, and save titles to reading lists. It works almost like a social network, with profiles, followers, and notifications when writers publish new content.
The reading experience allows adjust font size and colorThis makes it convenient for both mobile phones and tablets. While the base version is free, there are paid plans with extra features and ad-free reading.
booknet
Booknet follows a similar line, although with its own approach. It is a a platform that connects contemporary authors with readers in real time. Any registered user can publish their works, complete or by chapters, and update them as they go.
The grace lies in the continued interaction between writer and readersYou can leave comments, review in real time, and follow the progress of your favorite authors. Many emerging writers find their first fans on Booknet before going to traditional publishers, so it's a great way to discover new voices.
Apps for public libraries and free legal books
If your goal is to read many books without spending money, there are several completely legal options that give you access to thousands of free titleseither because they belong to the public domain or because they are available through public libraries.
Project Gutenberg
Its catalog includes classics by authors such as Shakespeare, Dickens, Jane Austen or Mark TwainSimply download the file in your preferred format and open it with your favorite reader: Kindle, ReadEra, Moon+ Reader, FBReader, etc.
Libby (public libraries)
Libby is a free app that lets you connect to your public library's digital catalogAll you need is a compatible library card and you can borrow ebooks and audiobooks directly to your mobile phone.
The app offers text customization tools, bookmarks, and notes, in addition to audiobook mode with Android Auto supportYou can adjust font size and style and save titles to reading lists. It's one of the most convenient ways to access your library without ever setting foot in the physical building.
"Curious" and motivational reading apps
Beyond large e-readers, there are apps that introduce Original ideas to motivate you to read more or to better adapt the books to your pace and lifestyle.
Serial Reader
Serial Reader is designed for those who struggle to maintain a reading habit. What it does is to break the books into “episodes” of about 20 minutesso you can read one chapter a day as if you were following a series.
It has a catalog of more than 850 classicsIt also allows you to add your own EPUB files. To make it more engaging, it gamifies the experience: achievements, badges, streak tracking, and progress synchronization across devices.
yomu
Yomu is an iOS-exclusive app that focuses on a Very careful design and adapted to Apple devicesIt allows you to import your own books in EPUB, MOBI, Kindle, PDF formats and also comics.
In addition to your files, it grants access to libraries of free and open booksSo you can fill the app without paying. It offers different themes and reading modes, as well as font customization, page-turn animations, a note-taking system, and in-text search.
Managers, legacy systems, and apps linked to other brands
Finally, there are a number of applications that have evolved from classic readers into more complete solutions. digital library management or that are linked to other technology brands or operators.
Aldiko Next and Cantook by Aldiko
Aldiko was for years one of the best-known ebook readers on Android. Its most recent evolution is Aldiko Next, which adds support for comics and audiobooks, integration with its own store and import of content from almost any source in formats such as EPUB, CBZ or PDF.
Allows customization style and appearance of pages, save bookmarks, perform internal searches and play audiobooksAll of this is free. Furthermore, Cantook by Aldiko is another facet of the same technology, focusing on... unify ebooks, audiobooks and comics in one place.
Cantook stands out for its support for public librariesIt offers direct access to its catalogs for borrowing books, and allows you to add your own catalogs, such as those you manage through Calibre. Available on Android, iOS, and macOS, it makes it easy to import books from EPUB, CBZ, or PDF, and includes themes, adjustable fonts, and a full dark mode.
Apps recommended by operators and training websites
Guides prepared by mobile operators often highlight solutions such as Kindle, ReadEra, Google Play Books, Rakuten Kobo or El Libro Total, with a strong focus on ensuring you have a solid data plan to download books and stream without worrying about consumption.
Digital learning websites recommend readings such as ReadEra, Moon+ Reader, Kindle and FBReaderemphasizing typical advantages: compatibility with multiple formats, organization by author or reading status, synchronization with Google Drive and the ability to store your files in the cloud to have them available on any device.
Tips for reading ebooks on your mobile without straining your eyes
However good the apps are, reading in one backlit display It's not the same as reading on paper or using e-ink. If you want to read comfortably and protect your eyes, you should adjust a few things.
To begin with, there's no point in emulating a physical book page down to the millimeter: take advantage of the fact that the screen is flexible. Reduce the number of words per screen, increase line spacing If you need to, don't be afraid to turn more pages. Your eyes will thank you.
A key adjustment is the font size and type. Increase the font size enough to... Read without squinting or holding your phone close.Many experts recommend using Sans Serif fonts (Arial, Helvetica, etc.) for screens, as they are usually more comfortable for continuous reading.
If the app allows it, try the automatic scrollingA teleprompter-style reading mode scrolls the text at a speed you set. Some people find it smoother than traditional page turning, especially on narrow phones.
And of course, control the lighting. In dark rooms, having the brightness at maximum is torture. Lower the brightness to the minimum comfortable level. And, when possible, activate dark mode (black background and light text) or a warm theme that reduces blue light. Many apps include night filters that help reduce eye strain.
With this wide range of new and classic software for reading ebooks on your mobile phone, plus the options for legal free books and the right settings to protect your eyes, it's hard not to find a combination that suits you: whether it's Kindle or Kobo if you want an ecosystem, ReadEra or eBoox if you're looking for total freedom of formats, or services like Scribd, Storytel, Wattpad or Booknet if you're drawn to endless catalogs and reader communities, today turning your mobile phone into a comfortable, powerful, and customized ebook reader is literally just a couple of downloads away.
