Mobile

Best Reading Apps Must Try in 2024 

Vanshika Jain
Best Reading Apps Must Try in 2024 

Do you love reading books, but it creates tension about the high price?

Don’t worry we’ll guide you through the best and most top-rated reading apps for free. 

In recent times, the advent of digital apps has increased and become highly prevalent. The advanced tools that came up in the market help transform readers’ lives and offer a better experience than ever before. If you’re a lover of reading books, these best reading apps are for you. They will significantly enhance your reading goals. 

The price of books has been increasing daily, and it has become a challenge for readers to buy books at high costs. In this world, many readers are interested in different fields, including fiction, nonfiction, history, storybooks, and self-improvement. 

In this article, we’ll give you the best reading apps with no money, which will be life-changing! So, what are you waiting for? Go and check out the Best Reading Apps in 2024. 

Significance of Reading apps in modern reading culture 

In this advanced world, readers are also searching for online apps and making their presence while sharing their opinions and thoughts globally. Reading apps play a crucial role in this modern reading culture as they offer a level of convenience and experience. They beat the level of physical books that can’t match. 

These apps will customize your needs at every moment, Whether you’re a casual reader, leisure reader, book lover, and improve reading skills, etc. 

The Best Digital Apps in 2024 are tailored to your needs and best suit you. These tools offer a range of features like attractive fonts, dark modes, sync settings, and more. Reading Apps will give you hands-on experience with unique features and improve your reading experience on a high level. 

Types of Reading Apps  

1. E-book readers

This type of reader offers customizable outputs and various unique features. It is the most common app, mainly for those who prefer E-Books. It allows readers to adjust their reading style on their own by applying bookmarks, adjustable font sizes, downloading, purchasing, and more. It gives unique digital tools and sets the reader’s interests according to their preferences. 

The best ebook reading app for android is: 

  1. Google play books
  2. Wattpad
  3. Kobo Books

The best ebook reading app for iOS is:

  1. Apple books 
  2. Scribd
  3. Hyphen, and more. 

We are discussing each reading app in detail, So read the full article to grab more insightful information regarding Top reading apps in 2024. 
Let’s talk about the relevant advantages and disadvantages of E-book reader apps: 

Advantage

  • It allows various features, including the easy carrying of thousands of books in one device and the ability to start reading anywhere, anytime. 
  • It provides customizable tools, as readers can easily adjust the font size, color, and brightness to suit their needs. 
  • It offers built-in dictionary features, so every reader can quickly look at words if they feel difficulty. 
  • It provides easy-to-download notes and highlights texts that you like. 

Disadvantage

  • It doesn’t provide a physical experience; as such, readers need to hold books in their hands and want the satisfaction of turning pages. 
  • It causes eye strain because of the continuation of screen reading. 
  • Digital devices rely upon battery life, as readers worry when the battery runs out of power. 

2. Audiobook App

This is another type of reading app that offers book reading in the form of audio or sound. The app is mainly for those who are interested in listening or enjoying. The app offers a library of audiobooks written by professionals and authors. Readers can easily listen to books while traveling, which relaxes their minds and is easy to carry.

Let’s discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Audiobooks apps: 

Advantage

  • It offers a hands-free reading experience when users are busy with work, driving, exercising, etc. 
  • Such authors and narrators tell exciting stories in different voices, which enhances the listening experience.
  • It is an excellent app for visually impaired readers or those with difficulty reading texts. 
  • Easily adjust your listening speed in fast and slow motion according to your suitability. 

Disadvantage 

  • Some readers miss out on the visual experience when engaging with audiobooks due to the need for visual components.
  • It becomes harder for readers to retain information from audiobooks than reading texts. 
  • It is important to read quality books where some narrative books give poor information. 

3. Literacy and Educational Apps

This app is very popular, and it provides educational and literacy books to help readers. Educational apps are the most important learning platform that every student needs today. They improve reading skills, gain learning experience, enhance knowledge, and more. These apps offer various advanced tools and provide interactive content. These digital apps allow readers to enhance and meet personalized reading goals. Starfall, Headsprout, MeeGenius, and more are the best educational and literacy apps. 

Let’s discuss the advantages and disadvantages of literacy and educational apps: 

Advantage

  • These apps provide enjoyable features like games, quizzes, etc., to make reading more exciting.
  • Offers personalized methods and relevant features that every reader can easily adjust to their needs. 
  • These apps provide maximum books and a wealth of educational materials that might not be available in a bookstore. 
  • Young readers and children want enjoyment as these apps offer games and other learning activities. 

Disadvantage

  • It might reduce the connection between physical books and other school books, which creates a dependency on digital apps.
  • In mobile phones, many notifications come from different apps, which might create a distraction between readers. 
  • Such high-rated learning apps require premium versions to access relevant features or tools.

Top 5 Most Reviewed Reading Apps for free 

Before Jumping to Apps, you must ask these question to yourself to see if you are perfect fit for these online apps.

  1. Are you a book lover and tired of going to the library daily? 
  2. Searching for the best reading apps for free? 
  3. Lack of books available in the bookstore? 
  4. Want to enhance your reading skills? 

We are here to solve all your problems in one go; just read the whole article, and you’ll love and be satisfied. We’ll guide you with the best information regarding the 5 reading apps under budget or for free.  

So, Let’s dive into these digital apps and enhance your reading goals. Here are the top 5 Best book-reading apps for free: 

1. Amazon Kindle – eBooks & more

Image from Play-Store

This app has become very popular in the digital industry. The most top-rated and precious app offers the Amazon Kindle app or Amazon website for reading books. Readers can easily access Kindle-branded ebooks and audiobooks from the Kindle app. 

It includes a range of features, such as a built-in dictionary, customizable fonts, text-to-speech functionality, sync and track reading progress on different devices, and the ability to skip a page without losing your exact ongoings. 

Amazon Kindles are the most consistent Ebook app on the internet. Many readers have used us for a long period. Amazon offers a convenient and advanced tools platform—access to buy books directly from the Amazon website at affordable prices. 

Key features:

It offers a variety of unique features and advantages, let’s discuss: 

  • Readers can easily download the app on their mobile phones or any other Kindle devices.
  • If readers have a membership to Kindle Unlimited, they read millions of books for free.
  • It offers customizable fonts, size, background color, type, dark mode, brightness, etc. 
  • Kindle app provides access to iOS, Android, Mac, and PC. 
  • The best sync setting is if readers edit the last page, add bookmarks, or make notes. This makes it easy to pick up where readers left off on different devices as well. 
  • Provide built-in dictionary and Wikipedia features. It will be easy to find any words instantly. 
  • It offers subscription services so readers can access tons of books.
  • It has vast library features as readers can easily access unlimited books. 

Pros:

  1. Excessive Library: Browse millions of books, including top sellers, classics, and best indie titles. 
  2. Customized settings: Allows users to adjust their needs which suits best like fonts, dark theme, color, backgrounds, display, etc. 
  3. Different syncing: Readers can easily sync progress in other devices. 
  4. Transform reading to listening: Users can switch the reading option into listening mode. 
  5. Affordability: The app offers a subscription method as readers access unlimited books for a monthly fee even if you don’t buy your Kindle device. 

Cons:

  1. Limited Format Support: This app mainly supports Amazon’s proprietary formats, which limits its compatibility with non-Amazon books.
  2. High Subscription Cost: The Kindle app offers unlimited books at extra cost. 
  3. Dependent upon Kindle device: The app works on different platforms but such advanced features require a Kindle device. 
  4. Cannot feel or smell the books: Generally Digital apps can’t provide that smell of physical books, it’s relaxing and calms the reader’s mind. 

Who would benefit from the Kindle application:

Most probably, digital readers benefit from this app and love reading books via their Laptop, Smartphones, Macs, etc. Some readers don’t want to buy a Kindle device so they prefer Amazon Kindle applications which are available for free on different platforms. 

We’ll discuss the readers or users who have benefited from the Amazon Kindle app. 

  • Readers who love traveling and prefer reading for excitement, joy, and relaxing purposes. It offers one lightweight device named ‘Kindle’ or thousands of books available in just one app. 
  • Those readers who want to save money and build a mindset for reading through Kindle’s unlimited subscription, free ebooks, and affordable deals. 
  • Readers need customizable options for setting their needs by applying fonts, screen brightness, color, etc. And readers benefit from this feature. 
  • Such readers want to switch different devices like smartphones, laptops, Mac, etc., and optimize their reading process by using a sync feature. 
  • Those readers who love listening, prefer audiobook settings and read books through audio and sound.
  • Kindle application available on Android and IOS platforms. 

Technical Summary:

Amazon’s Kindle provides multiple sync experiences and offers a wide range of advanced features. Readers can transform their reading journey to the next level by spending time with the best reading-free apps that stand out in the market. Users can easily access Amazon kindle e-readers, smartphones, tablets, and PCs with the same login id. 

The standout feature is called whisper sync, which allows people to shift reading to audiobook settings without losing their place. This is particularly excellent for readers who change their reading methods. 

Pricing and subscription details:

So, talking about the price of the Kindle device which is given below: 

Price: %119.99 on Amazon, Best Buy, and Target. 

Subscription: Kindle Unlimited- $ 9.99 per month, Amazon Prime- $14.99 per month or $139 per year

2. Libby, the Library App

Libby, the Library App
Image from Play-Store

This is yet another popular app that stands out in the market and is one of the best reading apps in demand. Every reader wants satisfaction and enjoyment while reading. This app connects, and readers have a chance to visit their local library. 

It allows users to borrow e-books and audiobooks directly through the app. The Libby app allows readers to read books and magazines using smartphones, laptops, tablets, etc. They prefer audiobooks, and this is the best reading app for kids and those who love reading via sound. 

To borrow e-books, magazines, and audiobooks for free, readers need a valid library card, and they will directly access books from any nearby library. 

It offers a variety of features and advanced tools that readers can customize according to their needs. 

Key Features: 

It offers relevant features which are important for readers to meet their reading goals. 

  • It offers simple and clean interfaces with customization options that are also available. 
  • Every new reader can easily understand app information in detail and improve reading experiences. 
  • Access to read on different devices using sync settings. This allows readers to sync borrowed titles, books, magazines, bookmarks, etc. 
  • The Libby app gives access to iOS, Android, Web browsers, etc. 
  • Readers can use customizable reading tools like fonts, size, background, color, screen brightness, etc.
  • Download and read borrowed titles for offline access.  
  • Readers can add and place holds on important titles to get notifications when they are released. 

Pros: 

  1. Select a wide range of Titles: Readers can easily choose a variety of titles, including bestsellers and classics. 
  2. Simple and user-friendly interfaces: Libby apps allow easy, simple, and interactive interfaces for professionals and new readers. 
  3. Customizable tools: Every reader can adjust font size, color, dark mode, etc. According to their visual elements. 
  4. Offline Accessibility: Readers can download books, magazines, and other things to access offline reading or listening. 

Cons: 

  1. Some popular and featured titles may have long waitlists because of limited copies. 
  2. Having a library card is compulsory and sometimes becomes challenging due to dependency.
  3. Such content might not be viewed in certain regions, and geographical restrictions may be created. 

Who would benefit from the Libby application: 

Are you a money saver or love to visit the local library? So, this app is best for you. 

Earlier, we discussed the pros and cons of the Libby application. Now, we are providing insightful information on who would benefit from and be suitable for using this digital reading app. 

Here we go! 

  • The app doesn’t require money to buy books or anything else. It is free for users. 
  • Readers must have a library card to access unlimited books directly from the app at no cost. 
  • Those readers who love audiobooks reading types. This app is best for listeners, as it enhances the listening experience while exercising, traveling, or any other activity. 
  • It is best for those people who suffer from any disabilities or any physical problem and face difficulty accessing physical libraries. 
  • The Libby app offers flexibility and allows you to borrow books, magazines, bookmarks, or any other things without any financial commitments. 
  • This app is beneficial for casual readers who read occasionally. 

Pricing and subscription details: 

So, the happiest thing is that the Libby app doesn’t offer any subscription or pricing cost. 

This app is free for readers. 

Technical summary:  

Libby app also offers a compulsory library card facility, and readers can have a chance to visit their local library. It will really transform learning ability and enhance reading goals. It provides a sync facility, as once the e-books or audiobook is borrowed with the same library card, users can easily access reading on multiple devices. 

Libby automatically syncs reading progress, bookmarks, notes, and other relative things in other devices, and it becomes a simple and best reading app free. 

3. Audible: Audiobooks & Podcasts

Audible_ Audiobooks & Podcasts
Image from Play-Store

This app is best for people with visual impairments and those who have difficulty reading. It offers a variety of features and advanced tools, such as speed adjustments, offline listening, and personalized interests. 

The Audible app is suitable for readers who love licensing while doing work, exercising, running, walking, traveling, home-based work, etc. It is the best reading app for struggling readers. It provides extensive library features with high-quality narrations. 

Readers can adjust speed accordingly, add books to the wishlist option, and even earn listening badges. If readers want to buy any books, they can go to the subscription button and directly purchase from Amazon or any other bookstore app. The app will reply to readers ‘ interests. 

So, let’s talk about some key features of the Audible app: 

Key Features: 

  • The app offers a range of library settings, and it mainly contains a large collection of audiobooks. 
  • Audible apps require high-quality narrations by professional actors and famous persons, which leads to an enhanced listening experience. 
  • Audible will be the best speed-reading app in 2024. 
  • It allows sync settings to be easily set as readers can shift from reading to listening mode without losing their place. 
  • Users can download audiobooks and listen in offline mode as well. 
  • This app allows readers to adjust the sleep timer and control the speed limit accordingly. 

Pros: 

  1. Allows hands-free reading method: This app allows listening while readers engage in any other activity. 
  2. Professional narrators: The quality of the audiobooks was high, and the narrators were engaging, with different voices and intonations, which improved their skills. 
  3. Easy to access: The app will provide features mainly accessible to visual impairments and reading difficulties. 
  4. Adjust speed: Readers can adjust the speed system both in slow and fast motion, depending on their suitability. 

Cons: 

  1. Lack of picture engagement: Since audiobooks offer only sound connectivity, some readers lack visual experience while reading texts. 
  2. Premium version: The app provides a subscription facility to access advanced tools, but it may not be convenient for all readers. 
  3. Limited audiobooks are available. After that, Readers can only keep one audiobook per month and need to buy extra credits. 

Subscription and pricing details: 

FeatureAudible PlusAudible Premium PlusAudible Premium Plus
Price (monthly)$7.95$14.95$22.95
Price (yearly)$149.50$229.50
Free Trial30 days30 days30 days
Offline ListeningYesYesYes
Free Audiobooks per Month012
Price for Indian Users (monthly)₹199₹199₹199

Technical summary: 

Audible gives every struggling reader access to a sync facility. Audible also syncs audiobooks on multiple devices, including Amazon Kindle.

The app provides exceptional features using whisper sync methods while readers can easily switch between Kindle’s ebooks and the audible audiobook versions. 

It seems a professional and accessible learning feature between reading and audiobooks both. 

4. Google Play Books & Audiobooks

Google Play Books & Audiobooks
Image from Play-Store

Google Play Books is the best book-reading app for Android and iOS. Those readers who love reading with Google’s services in an immersive way. Google offers a variety of audiobooks and ebooks with no subscription services required. Readers love the most while reading these books as they are very popular and the best narration books. 

It has unlimited book requirements but isn’t as extensive as Amazon. Readers can use e-books and audiobooks for one weekend and can replace them whether they’re not satisfied or take some advantage of the monthly fee. 

Some readers are always connected to Google’s environment, as it builds trust and worth. Google is a well-known platform that provides unique features and excellent services. It supports PDFs, audiobooks, and ebooks. These Google apps offer various features and customized tools. 

Key Features: 

Google Playbook apps offer various relevant features and give readers huge satisfaction. Most readers are always immersed in the Google environment. 

Here are the common features of Google Play Books: 

  • It has vast library features, providing accessibility to select interactive free titles. 
  • Buy & grab ebooks and audiobooks in a wide range. 
  • Have the ability to sync on different devices. Readers can easily process readings, bookmarks, and notes on other devices. 
  • Google Play Books apps are relevant for both IOS and Android platforms. 
  • Users can shift background color and screen brightness accordingly or the app will automatically adjust these settings at night to protect from eye strain. 
  • It always provides Google’s powerful search tool in the book apps. 
  • Moreover, readers can also search on the web browser to find any information related to the book’s content.

Pros: 

  1. Sync settings in multiple devices: Allows sync across all devices, generally in iOS and Android. 
  2. Access to integrated search: As always, Google’s powerful search is provided within the book. 
  3. Customization inputs: Readers can easily adjust font size, color, brightness, and more. 
  4. No subscription policy: The required amount is only for books when readers purchase, and no recurring fee is offered.

Cons: 

  1. Less audiobook tools: This app doesn’t offer audiobook features compared to the Audible app. 
  2. Purchase books: It becomes expensive when readers buy books frequently. 
  3. Less exclusive titles: Google Play Books doesn’t offer as many titles as other platforms.

Who would benefit from Google playbooks: 

Google Play Books is absolutely a very good platform for every reader, but it becomes challenging when it doesn’t offer a large number of books at one time. 

I also have some drawbacks, but Google Play Books stands higher in the market. Readers prefer Google services because they build trust and offer unique features in a vast variety of formats. This app most probably works on multiple platforms, including Android and iOS, and is the best book reading app for Android and iOS users. 

It allows readers to read their own EPUB and PDF files directly through the app. This platform integrates seamlessly with Google services like Gmail and Drive.  

Let’s discuss some factors who would benefit from these apps: 

  • Those readers who read occasionally and love reading unique books on a wide range can benefit. 
  • Some casual readers are also interested in buying unlimited books to enhance their knowledge to the next level. 
  • Google Play Books has provided different audiobooks, and some readers prefer listening rather than reading. Examples include visual impairments, difficulty reading, diseases, etc. 
  • This tool offers extensive educational books, so every student and academic reader benefits from this platform. 
  • This app supports books in various regional languages, so it is most beneficial for readers who need the best manga reading apps in different languages and who want to learn a new language. 

Subscription and pricing cost: 

Subscription: While there is no subscription cost for Google Play books, there is a cost associated with purchasing individual books from the service. 

Pricing: Google Play does not charge any monthly fee. The price of a Google Play book is set by the author or whoever holds the rights to the book.  

Technical summary: 

Google play books offer a variety of features with a unique tool that is sync. This platform allows users to shift google account sync ebooks and audiobooks across multiple devices including IOS, Android, and web browser. Another feature also provided by google’s services is google drive, allowing users to upload PDFs and EPUB files. 

This is yet the most exceptional platform for students, raiders, kids, youngsters, etc. Must try! 

Afterall, This is the best free reading app for students. 

5. Bookly: Book & Reading Tracker

Bookly Book & Reading Tracker
Image from Play-Store

Bookly has unique features and is yet another best book reading app under budget. It allows readers to track their reading scores, enhance experiences, read more, set goals and objectives, track their reading habits, and more. Bookly doesn’t offer various books for reading, but this is the best platform to track your reading journey. 

Bookly offers excellent features to track all your readings in one platform. This app offers a gamified version, which is the best reading app for kids. Readers can scan books according to their interests or search for books online in the app.

It enhances the reading experience while tracking, adding quotes and thoughts, improving learning skills, etc. This app is best for providing insightful data for enhanced knowledge. 

Bookly is an excellent app for enhancing beautiful reading goals. Let’s explore the key features of this app: 

Key features: 

It provides relevant features for readers: 

  • The best app for tracking the reader’s journey includes monitoring reading habits and setting perfect goals and objectives daily and monthly. 
  • Bookly is a very convenient app for readers interested in reading habits. 
  • The app generally provides motivation for readers and builds reading consistency. 
  • It offers reminders for readers to remain focused every time. 
  • It provides and maintains statistical data on reading progress, speed, time limit, time spent reading, and more. 

Pros: 

  1. Extensive search: Readers can search within the books or simply use Google to find related information. 
  2. Access to customizable settings: Users can easily adjust font, size, background color, and screen brightness. 
  3. Track reading progress: The app can track and monitor all reading goals perfectly. 
  4. Set reminders: Readers can easily set reminders to manage all reading stuff.
  5. Statistical data: It gives proper statistical data, including the reading process, time limit, readings spent, and more.

Cons: 

  1. No book access: The Bookly app is mainly for tracking reading experiences, not an e-book reader. 
  2. Required subscription: Such features are locked; they require a subscription. 
  3. Distract feature: The time tracker may be distracting for some readers. 
  4. Limited content availability: The app doesn’t provide content for readers, mainly for tracking and reading habits. 

Who would benefit from bookly application: 

Recently, such readers have wanted to develop their careers in the reading industry and build strong futures. This app is mainly for readers and students who genuinely need success and enhanced learning experiences. 

So, this app has various benefits for different readers and students also. Let’s see which readers gain profit with this app:

  • This app is mainly for goal-oriented people who want to track their reading journey on time. They can easily create a timetable for reading and finish certain books within a month or a week. 
  • Such readers are busy and professional in reading, but they need help managing things properly. Bookly is the best reading app for 1st graders as it will track performance daily and keep them focused on their reading goals. 
  • Such readers want self-improvement and increased personal development and don’t want to lose their reading habits, so this app is good for them.
  • Students and academic readers also benefit from this app as this keeps your mind on track and they want to waste time. 

Subscription and pricing details: 

Subscription: $19.99/six months.

Pricing:  One-time monthly fees 

Technical Summary:

The last and most powerful reading app is Bookly. It allows tracking features that enhance readers’ thinking and seriousness. Bookly provides tracking tools by showing statistical data. It has a sync facility but in a limited version. Once readers log in to their Bookly account, they can easily access reading progress, habits, and achievements across devices. 

Since Bookly is mainly used to track reading goals, it does not provide an ebook facility with extensive syncing availability. It is the most powerful tool and one of the best learning-reading apps. 

How to choose the right reading app for you?

There are millions of books available and thousands of reading apps installed, so choosing the best reading app for you is becoming challenging for every reader, whether you’re an avid reader or want to go with the flow while promoting reading culture. 

Don’t worry—you’re at the right place! We will share some important reading hacks and discuss how to select the best digital app based on your thinking and reading habits.

So, let’s start with the first and the most important factor when you face difficulty while choosing the right app: 

  1. Identify your reading preferences first and select the type of book you are interested in, such as E-books, audiobooks, and educational books. 
  2. Connecting with those apps that allow a wide range of genres and content availability, it feels joy and learning reading experiences. 
  3. Always consider cross-device sync features and check platform availability for iOS, Android, Mac, etc. 
  4. After connecting with the app, please review the relevant features, such as customizable settings, offline accessibility, tracking, audiobooks, and an extensive built-in library.
  5. Always check whether built-in dictionary access and searching tools are provided in the app.
  6. The most important thing is to check the subscription or free version settings. 
  7. Choose reading apps with simple, user-friendly interfaces that will help readers use the app easily and access all related tools. 
  8. Do not depend upon one or two apps. Keep trying on multiple apps and opt for other advanced features. 
  9. Before downloading, check the reviews and ratings of the apps in the Play Store.
  10. Always consider those apps that provide the best narrative books and professional authors in a wide variety.

Comparison of Best Reading apps in 2024 

FeatureAmazon KindleLibby AppAudible AppGoogle Play BooksBookly
CustomizationCustomizable fonts, size, background color, type, dark mode, brightnessSimple and clean interfaces, customizable readingRange of library settings, customizable reading, sleep timerVast library features, customizable settingsBest app for tracking reading journey, customizable settings
Library AccessBrowse millions of books, including top sellers, classics, and best indie titlesSelect a wide range of titlesAccess to a wide range of audiobooksAccess to a vast library of booksNo book access
Offline ReadingAvailableAvailableAvailableAvailableAvailable
AudiobooksAvailable with subscriptionNot availablePrimary focusAvailable with subscriptionNot available
Pricing$119.99 (device) + subscription optionsFreeSubscription-basedFree (books sold separately)Subscription-based
PlatformAndroid, iOSAndroid, iOSAndroid, iOSAndroid, iOSAndroid, iOS

Conclusion

As we move into 2024, the world of reading continues to evolve, with digital apps playing a major role in how we consume books. Whether you’re a casual reader, an audiobook enthusiast, or want to immerse yourself in educational content, there’s the best reading apps for your needs.