In today’s fast-paced world, reading on the go has never been easier. Thanks to smartphones, you can carry an entire library in your pocket. Whether you enjoy fiction, non-fiction, or academic material, there are plenty of free apps that make reading convenient and enjoyable. In this article, we’ll explore the best free apps for reading books on your phone in 2025, so you can enjoy your favorite titles anytime, anywhere—without spending a dime.
Why Read Books on Your Phone?
Reading on your phone offers several advantages:
☑ Portability: Carry thousands of books without the weight.
☑ Convenience: Read anytime, anywhere—on a commute, at lunch, or before bed.
☑ Cost-effective: Many apps provide free books or access to public domain titles.
With the rise of digital reading, more apps now offer robust features like offline access, adjustable fonts, night mode, and synchronization across devices. Let’s dive into the top choices for 2025.
Top Free Apps for Reading Books on Your Phone
1. Amazon Kindle
Available on: iOS & Android
Why it’s great: Kindle remains one of the most popular reading apps, offering a massive selection of eBooks and easy access to free classics.
Key Features:
☐ Access to free and paid eBooks via Kindle Store
☐ Sync across devices
☐ Adjustable font size, background color, and reading modes
☐ Built-in dictionary and translation tools
Pros:
☐ Huge library, including free classics
☐ Excellent reading experience
☐ Works offline
Cons:
☐ Requires an Amazon account
☐ Premium titles cost extra
2. Google Play Books
Available on: iOS & Android
Why it’s great: Google Play Books integrates seamlessly with your Google account and offers thousands of free titles.
Key Features:
☐ Large collection of free books
☐ Cloud storage for personal PDFs and eBooks
☐ Sync across all your devices
☐ Customizable reading modes and highlights
Pros:
☐ Easy-to-use interface
☐ Supports PDFs and EPUBs
☐ Offline reading
Cons:
☐ Limited free content compared to paid options
3. Libby by OverDrive
Available on: iOS & Android
Why it’s great: Libby lets you borrow eBooks and audiobooks from your local library for free.
Key Features:
☐ Free borrowing with a library card
☐ Read or listen to books without ads
☐ Adjustable reading settings
☐ Download for offline reading
Pros:
☐ 100% free with a library card
☐ Includes audiobooks
☐ Clean, user-friendly interface
Cons:
☐ Limited selection depends on your library
☐ Some titles have waitlists
4. Wattpad
Available on: iOS & Android
Why it’s great: Wattpad is a community-driven platform where readers enjoy free stories and books, including new writers.
Key Features:
☐ Millions of free stories in multiple genres
☐ Personalized recommendations
☐ Ability to interact with authors and readers
Pros:
☐ Great for discovering indie authors
☐ Free to use
☐ Interactive community features
Cons:
☐ Mostly user-generated content
☐ Ads in the free version
5. Aldiko Next
Available on: iOS & Android
Why it’s great: Aldiko is perfect for users who like a lightweight, simple reading experience.
Key Features:
☐ Supports EPUB, PDF, and DRM-protected books
☐ Offline reading
☐ Customizable themes and fonts
Pros:
☐ Minimalist interface
☐ Works with local files and catalogs
☐ Free basic version
Cons:
☐ Fewer built-in book options compared to Kindle or Google Play
6. FBReader
Available on: iOS & Android
Why it’s great: FBReader is a powerful eBook reader with wide file format support.
Key Features:
☐ Supports EPUB, MOBI, FB2, and more
☐ Customizable interface
☐ Cloud sync available
Pros:
☐ Great for managing your own eBook library
☐ Offline functionality
☐ Highly customizable
Cons:
☐ No built-in bookstore
☐ Requires manual book downloads
Which App Should You Choose?
☑ For Access to Best Sellers: Amazon Kindle or Google Play Books
☑ For Free Library Books: Libby
☑ For Indie Reads: Wattpad
☑ For Personal Collections: Aldiko or FBReader
Reading on your phone is more convenient than ever, thanks to these free book reading apps. Whether you want to borrow books from your local library, explore indie authors, or simply enjoy free classics, there’s an app to suit your needs.
Pro Tip: Combine multiple apps for the best experience—use Libby for library books, Kindle for bestsellers, and Wattpad for unique stories.