10 Superb eBook Reader Apps For Android And iOS Devices
You'll never have to lug around your favourite novels ever again!
By Wayne Garreth — 13 Jul 2022, 02:50 PM
Certain hobbies will never die through the ages, but the method to facilitate carrying them out might just come to an end soon enough
Reading is a pastime that'll never grow old. Whether it's classic novels, newest additions on the bestsellers list, or even short stories that grab our attention, sometimes modifying our method of practising this hobby needs to evolve.
From stacking ceiling-high bookshelves to lugging around paperweight-like books in your hands wherever you go, it's time to embrace the technological features that makes reading more enjoyable, and less burdensome.
Here are 10 eBook reader apps to try out on your digital devices the next time you get bitten by the book bug:
1. Kindle
Probably the most well-known eBook app, Kindle gives you access to millions of books, magazines, and newspapers to read whenever you'd like. Though popularly associated with the Kindle device, the app is also available on the iOS Apple Store and the Google Play Store, so you don't need to buy a new device to access it. From choosing your preferred style, size of fonts, and highlighting important page information, you can even check out the hundreds of free samples before selecting a single item.
Price:
Free.
2. Libby, by OverDrive
One of the more user-friendly of the bunch, Libby, by Overdrive offers somewhat of an interactive experience (depending on your perspective of the app). Here, you'll be able to search through titles, and borrow books instead of buying them. To avoid overhauling your phone's space, you can download these books and stream them on other devices. For avid book readers who love to dissect every novel they come into contact with, you can also add notes to the most intriguing part of the books you read.
Price:
Free.
3. Scribd
Popularly known as the 'Netflix of Books', Scribd's description is rather generic in nature, though there is more than enough on the app to make it a classic and sturdy eReader choice. Featuring a trend of bestsellers and hot topic books, the plethora of presented genres makes the reading experience seamless from start to finish. Alternating between vertical and horizontal reading positions, there's also a fairly large number of audiobooks in case you don't feel like flipping pages on the screen.
Price:
$11.99 per month, not including applicable tax (roughly RM53 per month).
4. PocketBook Reader
Supporting more than 20 book formats, PocketBook Reader flows with ease when you open the app. Including a multitude of textbooks, magazines, and comic books, lazy readers can just as well gain entry to their list of audiobooks instead. Syncing downloaded items if need be, the app allows you to connect other devices, such as Dropbox or Google Books, to create a singular consolidated library at one go.
Price:
Free.
5. Wattpad
For newbies getting into the eReader game, Wattpad will probably be the best option for you. Prioritising simplicity and coherence for the reading experience, curated lists on the app allow you to check out which new item will be featured through the title, authors name, and algorithmic suggestions in your previous searches. It's also a good place to meet fellow readers, as you can share your personal library with other people, and even discuss your favourite novels.
Price:
Free.
6. Comixology
A visually enriching reading experience, Comixology caters to the other side of voracious readers with comics that jump right off the page (or in this case, off the screen). From digital comics to graphic novels, and even Japanese manga, the experience on Comixology allows you to zoom and adjust your screens so you can take in every inch of the artistry within the comic books. Some of the more popular publishers include DC, Marvel, and Image. Save these books offline, and travel with them just as well.
Price:
60-day free trial, subsequently $5.99 per month (roughly RM26 per month).
7. Bluefire Reader
Bluefire Reader is likely to solve issues for its users no matter what age you are. After downloading your respective books, get access to a library containing a user guide to buy titles and begin reading. With bookmarking, annotating, highlighting, and even switching between day and night themes, they even carry reads more commonly found in schools and public libraries.
Price:
RM19.90.
8. FBReader
A book app for the world, FBReader has up to 34 languages available for their patrons, so you won't feel left out when the latest English, Chinese, or Indonesia novel gets released. Running on multiple other devices beyond iOS and Android (which include Linux, Blackberry, and Windows, among others), there are multiple alternative formatting options so you won't be limited to a regular PDF file.
Price:
Free.
9. Kobo Books
Featuring more than six million titles on their platform, Kobo Books is a two-for-one wonderland for readers, with an easy-to-use audio player and eReader. Bringing together bookworms from all around the world, a special feature of this reader app is the practical download option. On Kobo Books, you can download novels and access them offline if you're going on a long international flight. Heck, we'd even go as far as to include it in our must-haves for when you're going on a road trip.
Price:
Free.
10. Bookmate
The most diverse and handy of the bunch, you'll be able to find practically anything on Bookmate. Possessing over 12 million books by more than 600 publishers, this app thrives on the social dynamics between you and other users. When you download the app, key in your genre(s) of preference, and browse through what others have stacked on their digital bookshelves. If you're open to basically anything, access the themed bookshelves created by experts for the most informative items.
Price:
Seven-day free trial, subsequent $8.99 per month (roughly RM40 per month).
Have you tried any of these apps out yet? What was your experience using them? Let us know in the comments!
