31 Apps for Book Lovers (Some You Haven’t Heard Of)
So, here’s the thing… if you’re a book lover like me, your phone has kinda become part of your reading life, right?
Like, it’s not just about shelves and paperbacks anymore — you’ve got apps that can literally hold your whole library, track what you’re reading, even tell you when there’s a crazy book deal you shouldn’t miss.
And honestly, there are so many apps out there that it’s easy to feel lost.
I’ve been there — downloading random ones, deleting half of them a week later.
That’s why I thought, you know what, let’s just put together a list of the ones that actually make sense.
The ones bookworms actually use and love.
So yeah… if you’ve ever wanted to carry your books everywhere, keep your reading habits on track, or just discover your next favorite story without scrolling forever — here are 31 apps for book lovers that are actually worth having in 2025.
1. Kindle
Why I Picked It: It’s the gold standard for eBooks with the biggest library and the smoothest reading experience.
If you’re stepping into the world of digital reading, Kindle is the app that sets the bar.
With millions of titles available, it’s like carrying an entire bookstore in your pocket.
The app works seamlessly across your phone, tablet, and even dedicated Kindle devices, so your reading progress is always in sync.
You can customize your experience too — change fonts, switch to dark mode, highlight favorite quotes, and use the built-in dictionary without breaking the flow.
What makes Kindle stand out is how polished and reliable it feels.
Yes, it’s tied to Amazon’s ecosystem, but that also means constant updates, huge availability, and features that just work.
For book lovers, Kindle remains the most dependable starting point.
Also Read: 27 Free & Paid eBook Apps Every Reader Should Try
2. Google Play Books
Why I Picked It: Because it’s simple, no-strings-attached, and just works across every device you own.
So, not everyone wants to be tied into Amazon’s world, right?
That’s where Google Play Books comes in.
You buy a book once, and it’s yours, forever, no subscription tricks or weird memberships.
And the best part… You can read it literally anywhere — on your phone, tablet, or even in a browser when you sneak in some pages at work.
Plus, if you’ve got random PDFs or EPUBs lying around, you can upload them and keep everything in one place.
It doesn’t shove recommendations in your face, it just lets you read. Sure, the catalog isn’t as massive as Kindle, but the freedom makes up for it.
If you want something simple, clean, and totally cross-platform, Play Books is honestly underrated.
3. Kobo Books
Why I Picked It: Because it’s the best Kindle alternative that doesn’t lock you into Amazon’s world.
Kobo feels like the underdog that every book lover should know about.
The app has a huge catalog of eBooks and audiobooks, plus it gives you really cool stats on your reading — like how many hours you’ve read or how fast you’re moving through a book.
The customization is solid too: fonts, margins, dark mode, all of it.
And the best part… It supports open formats like EPUB, so you’re not stuck with one store.
The selection isn’t as massive as Kindle, yeah, but if you want freedom and a reading app that feels made for actual readers, Kobo is hands-down one of the best.
4. Media365
Why I Picked It: Because it gives you free eBooks without making the experience feel cheap.
Media365 is one of those apps that surprise you — it’s free, ad-supported, but still feels polished.
You’ll find a huge library of indie titles, classics, and translated works, which is perfect if you’re into discovering new authors outside the usual mainstream.
It also doubles as a platform for self-publishing, so readers get access to unique stories you literally won’t find on Kindle or Google Play.
Of course, being free means the selection leans a little toward lesser-known books, but that’s also kind of the charm.
If you want to explore beyond bestsellers and keep your reading budget at zero, Media365 is a gem most book lovers sleep on.
5. Yomu
Why I Picked It: Because it’s a clean, distraction-free reader that’s perfect for iPhone users.
Yomu isn’t trying to be flashy — it’s designed for people who just want to read.
The app supports all the common formats (EPUB, PDF, MOBI, etc.) and lays them out in a way that feels smooth and minimal. No clutter, no ads, just your books.
One thing I really like about Yomu is how it handles organization.
You can keep everything neatly sorted, sync your library across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and even tweak the reading experience to match your style.
It’s not a massive bookstore like Kindle or Kobo, but that’s the point — Yomu is for people who already have eBooks and just want a clean place to enjoy them.
6. Foxit PDF Reader
Why I Picked It: Because every book lover has that one PDF, and Foxit makes reading them way less painful.
Let’s be real — not every book you want to read comes in a nice EPUB or Kindle file.
Sometimes it’s a clunky PDF, and that’s where Foxit shines.
It’s lightweight, fast, and doesn’t freeze up when you open big files.
You can highlight, annotate, and even add notes right inside the PDF, which is a lifesaver if you’re reading textbooks, research papers, or those long free eBooks you found online.
It’s not a full-blown bookstore app, but it’s one of those tools you’ll be glad to have when you need it.
Foxit basically takes something boring (PDFs) and makes it feel smooth and easy to read.
7. Inky Pen
Why I Picked It: Because not all book lovers stick to novels — comics and manga count too.
Inky Pen is like Netflix, but for comics and manga.
If your idea of reading includes graphic novels or you just want to dive into a new manga series, this app has you covered.
The library is stacked with indie comics, international titles, and some big-name publishers, too.
The reader is optimized for panels, so you’re not zooming in and out like with a normal eBook app.
And the subscription model means you can binge as much as you want without worrying about buying every single issue.
It’s not for everyone, sure, but if comics are part of your reading life, Inky Pen is the app that makes it way more enjoyable.
Also Read: 27 Free Novel Reading Apps
8. Scribd
Why I Picked It: Because it’s the closest thing to an all-you-can-read buffet for book lovers.
Scribd has quietly become one of the best deals in the reading world.
For one monthly subscription, you get access to eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, and even sheet music if that’s your thing.
It’s like the Spotify of reading — you don’t own the books, but you can consume as much as you want.
The catalog isn’t infinite (some publishers still pull titles), but it’s wide enough that you’ll always find something worth reading or listening to.
If you’re the type of reader who hops between formats — maybe an audiobook on your commute, then a magazine before bed — Scribd is ridiculously convenient.
It’s one of those apps that can replace three or four others all on its own.
9. Audible
Why I Picked It: Because it’s still the easiest way to dive into audiobooks without overthinking it.
Audible is pretty much the name everyone knows when it comes to audiobooks, and honestly, it’s earned that spot.
The library is massive, covering bestsellers, classics, podcasts, and even Audible Originals you won’t find anywhere else.
The app itself is smooth — speed controls, bookmarks, sleep timers, all the little features audiobook lovers need.
Yes, it’s tied to Amazon, and the subscription model can feel pricey, but the sheer variety makes up for it.
If you want to make your commute, workout, or even chores feel less boring, Audible is one of the easiest apps to recommend.
10. Readly
Why I Picked It: Because sometimes book lovers just want magazines, too.
Readly is like an all-you-can-read pass for magazines and newspapers.
For one flat fee, you get unlimited access to thousands of titles across every category — lifestyle, tech, fashion, news, you name it.
It’s great if you’re the kind of reader who likes mixing things up between long novels and quick articles.
The design feels smooth on both phones and tablets, and the search function makes it super easy to find exactly what you want.
It won’t replace your book apps, but it’s a perfect companion for those times you want lighter, quicker reading.
11. Moon+ Reader
Why I Picked It: Because Android readers deserve a powerhouse app too.
Moon+ Reader is one of those hidden gems on Android that hardcore readers swear by.
It supports basically every format you can throw at it — EPUB, PDF, MOBI, DJVU, you name it — and gives you insane levels of customization.
Fonts, colors, margins, gestures… you can tweak it exactly how you like.
It even has stats, bookshelf organization, and cloud sync if you go premium. The interface looks a little dated compared to Kindle or Kobo, but the functionality is next-level.
If you’re on Android and want full control over how you read, Moon+ Reader is one of the best options out there.
12. PocketBook
Why I Picked It: Because it’s a solid all-rounder for readers who want versatility without the clutter.
PocketBook might not get as much hype as Kindle or Kobo, but it’s quietly one of the most flexible eBook readers out there.
It supports a wide range of formats, including EPUB, PDF, MOBI, and even comics like CBR/CBZ.
The interface is simple, not overloaded with ads or distractions, and it comes with cloud sync, audiobook support, and text-to-speech built in.
It doesn’t lock you into a single store, which is refreshing.
If you just want an app that opens pretty much any book file and gives you a clean, reliable reading experience, PocketBook is worth having on your phone.
13. Libby
Why I Picked It: Because it’s basically like having your local library in your pocket for free.
Libby is hands-down one of the best apps a book lover can download.
All you need is a library card, and suddenly you’ve got access to thousands of eBooks and audiobooks without paying a cent.
The design is gorgeous and super easy to use — no clutter, no nonsense, just borrow and start reading.
The audiobook player is especially good, with clean controls and options to adjust playback speed.
The only catch is that availability depends on what your library offers, and popular titles can have waitlists.
But honestly, for free access to such a huge collection, Libby is unbeatable.
14. Project Gutenberg
Why I Picked It: Because classics should be free, and this app makes that happen.
Project Gutenberg has been around forever, and it’s still one of the best places to find free eBooks — especially classics that are in the public domain.
We’re talking Austen, Dickens, Shakespeare, and thousands of other authors, all available at zero cost.
The app gives you easy access to these titles in formats like EPUB, Kindle, or even plain text if you want.
It’s not fancy and it won’t replace your main reader, but if you love old literature or just want to explore books you’ve always meant to read, Project Gutenberg is a must.
Sometimes the best things really are free.
15. Goodreads
Why I Picked It: Because it’s still the biggest book community where readers hang out.
Goodreads has been around forever, and while people love to complain about it, it’s still the go-to place for tracking your reads, logging reviews, and seeing what your friends are reading.
The app lets you set yearly reading challenges, browse endless user reviews, and join groups for basically any niche genre you can think of.
It’s not the prettiest app out there (honestly, it feels a little clunky at times), but the sheer size of the community makes it valuable.
If you want to connect with other readers or just keep your book list organized, Goodreads is still hard to beat.
16. The StoryGraph
Why I Picked It: Because it feels like the smarter, fresher alternative to Goodreads.
The StoryGraph is where readers are heading when they’re tired of Goodreads’ outdated vibe.
It gives you detailed stats on your reading habits — like what moods you gravitate toward, how long your books usually are, and even personalized recommendations based on your data.
The interface is clean, modern, and just feels more reader-first.
Plus, it’s independent, not owned by Amazon, which a lot of book lovers appreciate.
It doesn’t have the massive community size of Goodreads yet, but the vibe here is much more personal.
If you love data and want to track your reading in a deeper way, StoryGraph is a no-brainer.
17. Bookly
Why I Picked It: Because it makes reading feel like a fun little game.
Bookly takes the idea of reading and turns it into a habit-building experience.
You log your reading sessions, set daily goals, and get stats on how much you’ve read — kind of like a fitness tracker, but for books.
The app rewards you with badges and little achievements, which honestly makes it weirdly addictive.
It also keeps track of quotes and notes so you don’t lose them.
Some of the features sit behind a premium plan, but the free version is still useful if you just want to stay motivated.
If you’ve ever promised yourself you’d “read more this year” and then forgot, Bookly is the gentle nudge that actually works.
18. Bookmory
Why I Picked It: Because it’s perfect for readers who still love their paper books but want digital tracking.
Bookmory is one of those apps that doesn’t get talked about enough.
It lets you track progress whether you’re reading an eBook, a physical copy, or even listening to an audiobook.
You can jot down notes, highlight memorable quotes, and keep everything neatly organized.
The interface feels warm and personal, almost like a diary for your reading life. It’s not as stat-heavy as StoryGraph, but it strikes a nice balance between function and simplicity.
If you’re the kind of reader who still buys hardcovers but wants an app to keep your reading log in order, Bookmory is a hidden gem.
19. Anobii
Why I Picked It: Because it’s like Goodreads but with a more global, community-driven vibe.
Anobii started in Europe and has slowly built up a reputation as a solid alternative for book cataloging and community.
Like Goodreads, you can track your library, write reviews, and get recommendations, but the community tends to feel a bit more international and less commercial.
The interface isn’t flashy, but it does the job — and for readers outside the U.S., it often feels more relevant.
If you’re curious about what people around the world are reading and want a smaller, tighter community feel than Goodreads, Anobii is worth checking out.
20. Abjjad
Why I Picked It: Because it gives Arabic readers a proper space to connect and discover books.
Abjjad is basically the Goodreads of the Arab world, and it’s growing fast.
The app focuses on Arabic-language books, giving readers a place to find recommendations, join discussions, and track what they’re reading.
It’s also got a subscription service that unlocks a digital library of Arabic titles, which is huge for readers who often struggle to find quality eBooks in their language.
Even if you don’t read Arabic, it’s inspiring to see how niche book communities can thrive.
For readers in the Middle East and North Africa, Abjjad is becoming the go-to app.
21. BookBub
Why I Picked It: Because who doesn’t love snagging books for cheap (or free)?
BookBub is one of those apps you don’t realize you need until you try it.
Basically, it’s a deals app for eBooks. You sign up, pick your favorite genres, and boom — every day you get alerts for free or heavily discounted books that actually match your taste.
And we’re not talking random self-pubs (though those exist, too), we’re talking legit publishers and big-name authors.
The only catch is that sometimes you’ll want to grab more books than you can actually read, but that’s the book lover’s struggle, right?
Honestly, if you’re tired of dropping $15 every time you want something new to read, BookBub is the easiest way to keep your library growing without destroying your wallet.
22. Bookshop.org
Why I Picked It: Because sometimes supporting local bookstores feels better than buying from the big guys.
Bookshop.org is like the feel-good alternative to Amazon for eBooks and paperbacks.
Every purchase helps support independent bookstores, which is huge when you think about how many are struggling to survive.
The app gives you access to a massive catalog, plus curated lists and recommendations that feel a little more human than algorithm-driven.
It’s not the cheapest option every single time, but the tradeoff is knowing your money’s helping real bookshops stay open.
And honestly, the app’s design is clean, the browsing feels easy, and it just has this “reader-first” vibe.
If you’ve ever wished buying books could feel more personal and less corporate, Bookshop.org is the app you’ll actually feel good about using.
23. Perlego
Why I Picked It: Because it’s like Spotify, but for textbooks and non-fiction nerds.
Perlego is the app you turn to when you’re serious about learning.
It gives you unlimited access to over a million academic and non-fiction titles for one monthly subscription.
Think business, science, tech, humanities — basically, if there’s a subject you want to dive into, Perlego probably has something on it.
And the best part… You don’t have to buy each book individually, which is a lifesaver for students or lifelong learners.
It even has AI tools built in to help with studying, which makes it feel way ahead of the curve.
Yeah, it’s not really for casual fiction readers, but if you’re into research or self-education, Perlego is the app that makes you feel like you’ve got a whole university library in your pocket.
24. Spreeder
Why I Picked It: Because sometimes you just want to read faster without losing focus.
Spreeder is one of those apps that feels more like a hack than a reader.
It uses RSVP (rapid serial visual presentation), which basically flashes words one at a time at crazy speed, so you train yourself to read quicker.
At first, it feels a little weird — your brain’s like, “uhh, what’s happening?” — but after a few sessions, you start noticing you’re breezing through pages way faster than before.
It’s not for cozy, slow reading, but if you’ve got a stack of articles, reports, or even light reads you want to power through, Spreeder is a solid tool. Think of it as a gym for your eyes.
25. ReadQuick
Why I Picked It: Because it turns your news and articles into a speed-reading workout.
ReadQuick takes the RSVP concept and applies it to the stuff you read every day — news, blogs, web articles.
Instead of scrolling forever, the app feeds you one word at a time, forcing you to focus and cut out the distractions.
Honestly, it’s kind of addictive once you get into the rhythm.
The cool part is you can integrate it with services like Pocket or Instapaper, so you’re not just reading random samples — you’re speeding through things you actually saved to read.
If you’re the type who’s always “behind” on your reading list, this app feels like a cheat code.
26. AceReader
Why I Picked It: Because it’s like a personal trainer for your reading speed.
AceReader is less of a casual app and more of a full training program.
It’s got drills, exercises, and progress tracking that actually show you how your reading speed improves over time.
The vibe is more structured — you can tell it was built with students and professionals in mind — but that’s not a bad thing if you’re serious about getting faster.
It’s not about replacing your normal reading apps; it’s about sharpening a skill that makes everything else feel easier.
If you’ve ever wanted to double your reading speed without feeling like you’re skimming, AceReader gives you the discipline and structure to actually make it happen.
27. Outread
Why I Picked It: Because it’s a speed-reading app that actually feels fun to use.
Outread takes the whole “read faster” idea and makes it more approachable.
Instead of blasting words at you, it highlights chunks of text as you read, guiding your eyes so you naturally pick up speed.
It feels less overwhelming than other speed-reading tools, and you can load in your own eBooks, articles, or even Pocket saves.
The interface is clean, no clutter, and you can dial the speed up or down depending on how much of a challenge you want.
It’s not about replacing slow, cozy reading, but for articles or light books you want to get through faster, Outread is a handy little hack.
28. Calibre
Why I Picked It: Because every bookworm eventually needs a library manager.
Calibre isn’t flashy, and honestly, it’s not even really an “app” in the mobile sense — it’s more of a desktop powerhouse.
But man, it’s a lifesaver if you’ve got a messy eBook collection.
You can convert between formats (like EPUB to MOBI), edit metadata, fix covers, and organize your entire digital library.
It even works with most eReaders, letting you sideload books in seconds.
The learning curve is there — it feels more technical than Kindle or Kobo — but once you get the hang of it, it’s like having full control over your digital bookshelf.
29. Epic!
Why I Picked It: Because getting kids hooked on reading early is priceless.
Epic! is basically the Netflix of kids’ books.
We’re talking 40,000+ titles, from picture books to early chapter books, plus audiobooks and read-to-me options.
What makes it stand out is the gamification — kids earn little badges and rewards for reading, which makes them actually want to spend time in the app.
Parents love it because it’s safe and ad-free, and teachers use it in classrooms, so it’s got credibility too.
Sure, the best stuff is behind a subscription, but honestly, if it makes kids excited to read instead of zoning out on YouTube, it’s worth it.
Epic! turns reading into playtime, and that’s exactly what young readers need.
Also Read: 25 Best Reading Apps for Kids
30. ConceptLM
Why I Picked It: Because it’s a fresh take on connecting books, notes, and ideas all in one place.
ConceptLM is still kind of under the radar, but it’s pretty cool if you’re the type of reader who loves making connections between what you read and what you’re learning.
It’s part reading log, part knowledge manager — you can take notes, tag ideas, and see how concepts link together across different books.
Think of it like a mashup between Goodreads and Notion, but more visual.
It’s not as polished or mainstream as Kindle or StoryGraph, but that’s also what makes it exciting.
If you’re a book lover who also likes building a “second brain” out of what you read, ConceptLM is worth checking out.
31. Reedy
Why I Picked It: Because it’s the no-fuss speed reader that gets the job done.
Reedy doesn’t try to be fancy — it’s a lightweight app that uses RSVP to help you read faster.
You load in your text or eBooks, and it starts flashing words one by one at whatever pace you set.
At first, it feels like a sprint, but after a while, your brain adjusts and suddenly you’re flying through text you thought would take forever.
It’s especially handy for articles, reports, or any kind of reading where speed matters more than savoring every line.
It won’t replace your cozy reading app, but as a side tool, it’s super handy.
My Final Take
So yeah… that’s a lot of apps, right?
And honestly, no one’s saying you need all of them on your phone — that would just be chaos.
But here’s the thing: every reader’s got a different vibe.
Some of us live for audiobooks, some love tracking stats, and some of us just want free classics without overthinking it.
What I love about this list is that there’s something for every type of book lover.
Want speed? Grab Outread or Spreeder.
Want community? Goodreads or Abjjad’s your spot.
Want to save money? Libby and BookBub have your back.
It’s all about finding the combo that makes your reading life easier, fun, and, honestly, a little more magical.
At the end of the day, books are books. Apps just make them fit better into our crazy, busy lives.
