27 Free Novel Reading Apps Every Book Lover Should Try
Books are expensive, and let’s be honest—not everyone wants to buy a new novel every time they finish one.
The good thing is, you don’t have to.
Your phone can be a mini library if you know which apps to use.
From community-driven platforms where anyone can share their stories, to library apps that let you borrow books for free, there are plenty of ways to read without spending a dime.
I’ve rounded up 27 free novel-reading apps that are actually worth trying right now.
Some are perfect for discovering hidden stories, while others give you classics and bestsellers. Whatever your style, you’ll find an app here that feels made for you.
1. Wattpad
If you love discovering stories you won’t find on bookstore shelves, Wattpad is where you need to be.
It’s packed with millions of free novels across every genre—romance, fantasy, mystery, you name it.
What makes Wattpad stand out is the community vibe.
You can comment on chapters, chat with other readers, and even follow authors as they release new updates.
Some of the biggest names in publishing actually started here, which makes it exciting because you never know when you’re reading the next breakout hit.
Whether you’re into binge-worthy series or short reads before bed, Wattpad will keep you hooked.
2. Kindle App
The Kindle app isn’t just about buying books—it also gives you access to a wide range of free novels.
From classics like Pride and Prejudice to lesser-known indie titles, there’s always something new to add to your library.
The best part… You can sync your reading across devices, so if you start on your phone during your commute, you can pick up right where you left off on your tablet at home.
Kindle also lets you customize your reading setup—adjust fonts, brightness, and even switch to dark mode for late-night sessions.
If you want reliability with lots of free options, Kindle is a must.
3. Google Play Books
Google Play Books is one of the simplest ways to start reading novels for free.
It has a dedicated section for free books, which includes everything from old classics to modern gems.
The app also works offline, so you can download a book and read it anywhere—perfect for traveling or if you just don’t want to rely on Wi-Fi.
Another neat feature is that you can upload your own EPUB or PDF files, meaning you can keep all your e-books in one place.
It’s clean, easy to use, and works across all your devices, making it a solid pick for everyday reading.
4. Kobo Books
Kobo is like Kindle’s quieter cousin—but just as good.
The Kobo Books app has a big catalog with plenty of free novels, especially classics and public-domain titles.
The app itself is smooth, with adjustable fonts, themes, and a comfy night mode.
One thing readers love about Kobo is how distraction-free it feels—you just open the app, pick a book, and dive right in.
Plus, Kobo often runs promotions where you can grab newer titles for free or at a steep discount.
If you want a reliable app that balances paid and free books nicely, Kobo deserves a spot on your phone.
5. Libby (by OverDrive)
If you’ve got a library card, Libby is hands-down one of the best free reading apps out there.
It connects directly to your local library and lets you borrow e-books and audiobooks without spending a cent.
The app is beautifully designed—you can send books straight to your Kindle, listen to audiobooks in-app, or just read comfortably on your phone.
The only “catch” is that, like a real library, some popular titles may have waitlists.
But with the huge selection most libraries offer, you’ll never run out of novels to read.
Think of Libby as your free ticket to thousands of books.
6. FBReader
FBReader is more like a universal reader than a bookstore app, which makes it super flexible.
It supports pretty much every format—EPUB, MOBI, fb2, you name it.
You can use it to read free novels you download from sites like Project Gutenberg, or even open your personal collection of e-books.
The app also syncs your reading progress across devices if you create an account, which is great if you like switching between phone and tablet.
It doesn’t come with its own giant library, but paired with free sources, FBReader turns into a powerful reading tool that adapts to you.
7. Aldiko
Aldiko has been around for years, and it’s still a favorite for readers who want a simple and customizable experience.
The app supports EPUB and PDF files, which means you can load in thousands of free novels from sources like Project Gutenberg or Feedbooks.
You can adjust the layout, margins, and themes to make reading easier on the eyes, and it also has a solid night mode for bedtime readers.
It may not come with a giant built-in bookstore like Kindle or Kobo, but if you enjoy curating your own collection of free novels, Aldiko is a reliable choice.
8. Calibre Companion
If you’re serious about organizing your e-book library, Calibre Companion is a fantastic app to pair with the Calibre desktop software.
You can store and manage your e-books on your computer, then connect them directly to your phone through the app.
It supports formats like EPUB, MOBI, and PDF, so you can move over all your free downloads and read them comfortably on mobile.
While the app itself doesn’t provide books, it gives you complete control over your personal collection, making it a must-have tool for readers who like everything neat, synced, and ready to go.
9. NovelPlus
NovelPlus is a gem for anyone who enjoys discovering community-written stories.
The app offers a huge selection of free novels, many written by up-and-coming authors.
It’s especially popular in Southeast Asia but has an international audience as well.
You can read offline, bookmark your favorites, and even try your hand at writing your own novel if you feel inspired.
The app is updated regularly with new stories, which means there’s always something fresh to explore.
If you want to go beyond the usual mainstream catalog and dive into something unique, NovelPlus is worth checking out.
10. GoodNovel
GoodNovel is one of the most popular apps for web novels, especially if you’re into romance, fantasy, or adventure stories.
It offers a huge library of free reads, with plenty of daily-updated chapters that keep you hooked.
The interface is sleek and modern, making it easy to browse genres and pick up where you left off.
While some premium chapters require coins, there’s still a lot of free content available, especially for new users.
If you enjoy binge-reading ongoing stories that feel more like TV series in book form, GoodNovel is definitely worth having on your phone.
11. Hinovel
Hinovel is another rising star in the web novel space, focusing on serialized stories that are fun, fast-paced, and addictive.
You’ll find tons of free chapters across categories like romance, mystery, and fantasy.
The app makes it simple to jump into trending stories or browse by niche genres if you’re looking for something new.
Like many novel platforms, some content eventually shifts to paid, but there’s more than enough free material to keep you entertained.
Hinovel is especially great for readers who like to follow ongoing series and chat about them with other fans in the community.
12. AnyStories
AnyStories is built for readers who want fresh, original fiction without the wait.
The app has a wide selection of free novels, written and updated by authors from around the world.
It’s designed for people who love serialized storytelling, where new chapters are added regularly to keep the excitement going.
The interface is simple, and the offline reading option makes it easy to carry your stories anywhere.
You can also write and publish your own work here, which gives it that creative, community-driven feel.
If you’re looking for something less mainstream but still packed with free content, AnyStories is a solid pick.
13. Webnovel
Webnovel is a powerhouse when it comes to serialized fiction.
It’s loaded with fantasy, romance, sci-fi, and fanfiction, with new chapters dropping daily.
While some premium stories require payment, the app gives you access to plenty of free novels that you can dive into right away.
One cool feature is the community—readers can leave comments, reviews, and recommendations, making it feel alive and interactive.
If you like the idea of following stories as they unfold and being part of an engaged fandom, Webnovel is the kind of app that can keep you busy for months.
14. Free Novels App
The name says it all—Free Novels App is designed for people who want quick, no-frills access to free stories.
You’ll find books across multiple genres like romance, adventure, mystery, and fantasy.
It has offline reading, customizable themes, and a simple layout that makes it easy to get started.
While it doesn’t have the big-name polish of Kindle or Kobo, its library is surprisingly broad and updated often.
If you just want an app that delivers free novels without complications, this one gets the job done.
15. Storipod
Storipod takes a creative approach to reading by blending traditional novels with bite-sized storytelling formats.
It’s designed for readers who like discovering new stories in a casual, engaging way.
The app is still growing, but it already has a mix of free novels and shorter creative works that make it feel fresh.
Its modern design makes browsing enjoyable, and you’ll often stumble upon unique stories that aren’t available on the bigger platforms.
If you’re looking for something different that combines novels with a social, creative edge, Storipod is worth exploring.
16. Scribd (Free Trial)
Scribd is often called the “Netflix for books,” and while it’s usually a paid subscription, the free trial gives you access to a massive library of novels, audiobooks, and even magazines.
It’s a great way to explore premium titles without spending anything upfront.
The app is sleek, works across devices, and even lets you download books for offline reading.
If you time it right, you can squeeze a lot of free reading into that trial period.
Even after the trial, many users stick with it because the catalog is so good.
For book lovers who want to test out a premium experience for free, Scribd is worth trying.
17. Epic!
Epic! is a fantastic app if you’re looking for novels geared toward kids and young readers.
It has a huge library of children’s books, including illustrated stories, beginner-friendly novels, and educational titles.
Teachers and parents love it because it turns reading into something fun, with badges, progress tracking, and read-aloud options.
While there’s a subscription for full access, Epic! still offers a generous amount of free content.
If you have kids or younger siblings who you want to get into reading, Epic! makes it easy and enjoyable for them to fall in love with books.
18. LibriVox
LibriVox is perfect if you enjoy listening to novels instead of reading them.
It offers thousands of free audiobooks from the public domain, all read by volunteers from around the world.
That means you’ll find everything from Dracula to The Great Gatsby ready to listen to without spending a cent.
The app is simple, lightweight, and lets you stream or download books for offline listening.
Sure, the narration quality can vary since it’s volunteer-based, but it adds a certain charm to the experience.
For audiobook fans, LibriVox is like having a free library in your pocket.
19. Project Gutenberg
Project Gutenberg is a goldmine for free novels.
It has over 60,000 titles, mostly classics and public-domain works, all completely free to download.
While it started as a website, many reading apps like Aldiko, FBReader, and even Kindle support Gutenberg downloads.
You can grab books in formats like EPUB, MOBI, or plain text, so they work almost anywhere.
The collection is especially great if you love classic authors like Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, or Mark Twain.
It’s not flashy, but it’s one of the oldest and most trusted free book sources in the world.
20. Internet Archive / Open Library
The Internet Archive’s Open Library project aims to have “a web page for every book ever published,” and it comes pretty close.
With millions of free novels, e-books, and even scanned copies of rare titles, it’s an incredible resource for readers.
You can borrow digital copies just like a library, and many titles are available to download for offline reading.
The interface feels more like a digital archive than a sleek app, but the sheer volume of books makes it unbeatable.
If you’re after hard-to-find novels or just want to explore a massive free collection, Open Library is worth bookmarking.
21. Oodles
Oodles is a lightweight app with a huge collection of over 50,000 free classics.
It’s especially good for fans of old-school novels in genres like romance, horror, adventure, and mystery.
The app is easy to use, lets you adjust fonts and themes, and works offline.
You can even create your own personalized bookshelf of favorites.
It doesn’t have the latest bestsellers or modern web fiction, but for anyone who loves timeless stories, Oodles is a fantastic way to read them without paying a cent.
22. Nook (Barnes & Noble)
The Nook app from Barnes & Noble is a strong alternative to Kindle, and it comes with thousands of free novels to get you started.
You’ll find classics, indie works, and even promotional titles that cycle in and out.
The reading experience is smooth—you can adjust fonts, themes, and brightness to suit your style.
It also syncs across devices, so you can easily switch from your phone to tablet without losing your spot.
If you’re looking for a trusted app with a good balance of free and paid options, Nook is a great one to keep on your list.
23. Goodreads
Goodreads isn’t a full-on reading app like Kindle or Wattpad, but it still earns its spot on this list.
Through Goodreads, you can discover tons of free novels—many linked through Project Gutenberg or promotional releases.
The real strength, though, is the community.
You can join groups, follow friends, and track your reading progress while uncovering new free books along the way.
It’s more about finding your next favorite read than hosting a massive library, but for book lovers who enjoy the social side of reading, Goodreads is a must-have companion.
24. Kitaboo
Kitaboo is designed more for e-learning, but it also doubles as a handy reading app with some free novels and educational titles.
What makes it interesting is its interactive features—you can highlight, take notes, and even use its read-aloud mode.
While it’s not as mainstream as Kindle or Libby, Kitaboo is perfect for readers who like a more study-friendly setup while enjoying novels.
It may not have the biggest catalog of freebies, but the extra tools make it stand out for people who want both reading and learning in one app.
25. Audible (Free Trial)
Audible is known for audiobooks, and while it’s usually paid, the free trial gives you access to premium novels without spending anything.
You can download a couple of titles to keep forever, even if you cancel the trial, which makes it a great way to grab some freebies.
The narration quality is top-notch, and the app works seamlessly across devices.
If you’ve ever wanted to try listening to novels instead of reading, Audible is the perfect starting point—and with the free trial, you don’t risk a thing.
26. PocketBook Reader
PocketBook Reader is an underrated gem for e-book lovers.
It supports a wide range of formats—EPUB, MOBI, PDF, and more—so you can load in free novels from places like Project Gutenberg or Open Library.
The app is packed with features like text-to-speech, cloud sync, and even the ability to play audiobooks.
It’s versatile, user-friendly, and works offline too.
If you like the idea of having a flexible app that can handle all your free downloads in one place, PocketBook Reader is a solid pick.
27. Tap (by Wattpad)
Tap is Wattpad’s experimental app that delivers stories in a chat-style format.
Instead of traditional chapters, you read conversations between characters, making it feel like you’re peeking into someone’s messages.
Many of these stories are free, and it’s a fun twist on reading if you want something casual and different from regular novels.
While it’s not for everyone, Tap is a creative way to experience storytelling in bite-sized, addictive chunks.
If you like quick reads that keep you curious, this app will surprise you.
My Final Take
There’s no shortage of ways to read novels for free—you just have to pick the app that matches your style.
If you love community-driven stories and fresh voices, Wattpad or Webnovel will keep you hooked for weeks.
If you prefer something more traditional with a mix of free classics and modern books, Kindle, Kobo, or Nook are hard to beat.
And if you’re the kind of reader who can’t resist borrowing from a library, Libby and Open Library are absolute gems.
Personally, I’d keep a couple of these apps on my phone—one for discovering new stories and another for classics I’ve always wanted to catch up on.
That way, no matter what mood I’m in, I always have something to read.