Best Apps for Reading in 2025
The Best Apps for Reading are not one-size-fits-all. A student researching topics needs different features than someone who just wants to finish a novel on their commute. The right app depends on what you read, how you read, and how much you want to spend.
That said, three apps stand out for most people: Kindle for sheer convenience and library size, Libby for completely free books via your local library, and Readwise Reader for anyone serious about retaining what they read.
All the Top Reading Apps Compared
Here’s a full breakdown across categories, platforms, cost, and use cases:
| App | Category | Platform | Cost | Standout Feature | Best For |
| Kindle | eBook | iOS/Android | Free* | Massive library | Amazon users, casual readers |
| Libby | eBook / Audiobook | iOS/Android | Free | Library borrowing | Budget readers |
| Audible | Audiobook | iOS/Android | $15/mo | Exclusive originals | Commuters, listeners |
| Goodreads | Tracker | iOS/Android | Free | Reading goals + reviews | Social readers |
| Kobo | eBook | iOS/Android | Free* | ePub + library support | Non-Amazon readers |
| Moon+ Reader | PDF / eBook | Android | Free / $6 | Format support, customization | Power users, PDF fans |
| Readwise Reader | Articles / eBooks | iOS/Android/Web | $7.99/mo | Highlights + spaced repetition | Non-fiction learners |
* Free app, but books are purchased separately
The Best App Based on Your Reading Style
Not sure which one fits you? Here’s a simpler way to decide:
| Reader Type | Best App | Why |
| Budget reader | Libby | Free books from your local library – no cost at all |
| Student / researcher | Readwise Reader + Kindle | Highlights, annotations, and retention tools |
| Commuter / listener | Audible | Best audio production quality and exclusive titles |
| Casual fiction reader | Kindle | Huge library, seamless purchase + sync |
| Social reader | Goodreads | Reading challenges, friend activity, reviews |
| PDF / tech reader | Moon+ Reader | Best PDF customization on Android |
Free vs. Paid: What Do You Actually Get?
Several top reading apps are entirely free – no subscription required. Here’s how they break down:
- Libby: 100% free. Connects to your public library card. Access to eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines. The catch: popular titles often have waitlists.
- Goodreads: Free. Great for tracking reading goals, logging books, writing reviews, and following friends. Owned by Amazon.
- Kindle: The app is free, but books cost money unless you have Kindle Unlimited ($11.99/month for unlimited access to a large catalog).
- Readwise Reader: Paid at $7.99/month, but free for 30 days. Worth it if you read articles, newsletters, and non-fiction and want to retain more of what you read.
One Underrated Pick: Libby
Libby deserves a special mention because so many people don’t realize they have access to it. If you have a library card – and almost everyone does – Libby gives you completely free access to thousands of eBooks and audiobooks. The selection has grown significantly in recent years.
It’s not glamorous, but it works beautifully. For voracious readers on a budget, it’s genuinely one of the best apps on any phone.
Final Recommendation
Start with Libby (free) and Goodreads (free for tracking). If you want a bigger library, add Kindle. If you’re a non-fiction learner who wants to actually remember what you read, Readwise Reader is worth every penny. And if you listen more than you read, Audible’s production quality is hard to beat.
