Looking for free apps to read books? In 2025, reading on your phone or tablet has never been easier. From audiobooks to eBooks, explore the best free reading apps that let you enjoy your favorite titles without any subscriptions. Learn which apps offer public domain classics, indie stories, and more, all for free!
Ever felt like reading a good book but didn't want to pull out your credit card just to do it? You're not alone. Tons of people—myself included—want to read more without spending a fortune (or anything at all). Whether you’re a student on a tight budget, a bookworm trying to cut costs, or just someone curious about what's out there, this post is for you.
I've tested and used plenty of reading apps over the years, and today, I'm sharing my favorite totally free apps to read books—no hidden fees, no subscriptions, just great books.
Summary: Which Free Reading App Is Best for You?
| App | Best For |
|---|---|
| Libby | Library lovers & audiobook fans |
| Hoopla | Mixed media & instant access |
| Kindle | Classics & Amazon promos |
| Wattpad | Fiction & indie storytelling |
| Google Play Books | Android users & easy access |
| Audible | High-quality audiobooks (trial) |
| ManyBooks | Niche readers & classics |
| Web Novel | Binge-worthy online stories |
| Project Gutenberg | Free classics & academic reading |
| BookBub | Finding daily deals |
There’s no single top free book app—it really depends on how you like to read.
Why Use Free Reading Apps in 2025?
Reading is one of the best habits you can build, but traditional options like Kindle purchases or monthly audiobook memberships aren’t always wallet-friendly. Thankfully, 2025 has given us plenty of options if you're looking for the best apps for free books. You can dive into bestsellers, classics, and indie gems without spending a cent.
These apps make reading more accessible than ever. Whether you prefer eBooks, audiobooks, or even graphic novels, there’s something here for everyone. Some are supported by public libraries, others offer open-domain content, and a few are just plain awesome.
Let’s get into it.
Libby – Your Local Library in Your Pocket
If you're in the U.S., Libby is one of the most incredible apps you can use. It connects with your local public library and gives you access to thousands of eBooks and audiobooks—for free.
What I Love About Libby:
- All you need is a library card (which is also free)
- Clean, beautiful interface
- Sync across devices
LSI keywords: borrow library books online, free ebook lending, audiobooks from library
Tip:
Pair Libby with a good digital whiteboard like the NearHub S55 if you like annotating or discussing books in a study group.
Hoopla – More Than Just Books
Another top choice connected to public libraries is Hoopla. Think of it as Netflix, but for books, comics, movies, and more. It supports instant borrowing—no waitlists!
What Makes Hoopla Great:
- Read books without paying a cent
- Includes movies, music, comics
- No late fees, ever
This is a fantastic option if you’re hunting for free apps to read books without paying for adults, especially if you love variety in your media diet.
Bonus:
If you’re using a webcam whiteboard like the NearHub S65, you can even do book club meetups virtually and share screens with ease.
Amazon Kindle – Free Classics & Hidden Deals
Okay, so the Kindle app itself isn’t completely free—but there are a TON of free books on Amazon that you can read using the app. Public domain classics and indie authors offering free promos make this a great option.
Kindle Free Book Features:
- Thousands of classic titles (Pride & Prejudice, Sherlock Holmes, etc.)
- Freebie promos updated daily
- Customizable font, layout, and background
LSI keywords: free kindle books, public domain books, kindle app reading
Wattpad – For Fiction Lovers
If you’re into romance, sci-fi, or young adult fiction, Wattpad is the place to be. It’s a storytelling platform where writers publish their works chapter by chapter—and it’s all free to read.
Why Wattpad is One of the Best Apps for Free Books:
- Huge community of amateur and pro writers
- Discover stories you won’t find anywhere else
- Great mobile reading experience
It’s especially loved by teens and young adults, but honestly, I’ve found some gems here too. Definitely one of the top free book apps if you love storytelling.
Google Play Books – Find Free Gems on Android
Most people don’t realize Google Play has a pretty robust free section filled with classics and rotating offers.
Perks:
- Works on any Android phone or tablet
- Easy to organize your collection
- Offers audiobooks too
Not the flashiest app, but very reliable when looking for free apps to read books without paying.
Audible – Free Trials & Originals to Try
This one’s a bit of a cheat—but hear me out. Audible gives you a free trial with full access to audiobooks, and often has free Audible Originals you can listen to even without a paid plan.
Why I Still Use Audible:
- Professional narration
- Huge range of genres
- Offline listening
Great for sampling audiobooks before you commit. It may not be entirely free long-term, but it's still one of the best free book apps to try for at least 30 days.
ManyBooks – A Hidden Treasure for Book Lovers
ManyBooks is a website and app that offers over 50,000 free eBooks—legally. It’s like the cooler cousin of Project Gutenberg, with a cleaner interface.
What Makes It Shine:
- Easy downloads
- Genre-based recommendations
- Perfect for e-readers and tablets
Definitely worth adding to your toolkit of best apps to read books free in 2025.
Web Novel – Binge on Serialized Fiction
Love serialized fiction or translated works from Asia? Web Novel is like Netflix for stories. Many stories are free to start and hook you instantly.
Cool Features:
- Genre diversity (fantasy, martial arts, urban drama)
- Some paid content, but many books have dozens of free chapters
- Daily unlock bonuses
Whether you love webtoons, fanfics, or drama-packed novels, this is one of the top free book apps with something always new.
Project Gutenberg – The OG Free Book Platform
Founded in the 1970s, Project Gutenberg offers over 60,000 public domain books. It’s plain but powerful.
Highlights:
- 100% free
- No sign-up needed
- Focused on classic literature and academic texts
Ideal for anyone wondering where to read books online free without shady sites.
BookBub – Discover Deals & Freebies
While BookBub isn’t a reading app, it helps you find free and cheap eBooks that you can download and read in Kindle, Apple Books, or Google Play Books.
What BookBub Offers:
- Curated lists of free & cheap books
- Personalized based on your preferences
- Great for daily book deal hunters
If you're looking to download free books legally, this is a great tool to keep bookmarked.
Bonus: Use a Whiteboard Canvas for Your Reading Notes
Whether you’re reading for pleasure or study, visualizing your thoughts helps. Try NearHub’s whiteboard canvas to:
- Organize quotes and notes
- Collaborate with your book club
- Track your reading journey visually
It’s like creating a mind map or reading diary—but interactive.
FAQs About Free Book Apps (2025 Edition)
Are these apps really free?
Yes! Some offer optional in-app purchases, but all the ones listed here give you access to free content without needing to pay.
Do I need a library card for Libby and Hoopla?
Yes, but it’s easy to get one through your local library. Totally worth it.
Can I read offline?
Most apps let you download books to read offline—perfect for flights or commutes.
Which app has the most free books?
Project Gutenberg probably has the largest truly free library, but Libby and Kindle offer excellent variety.
What’s the best app for adult readers?
Libby, Hoopla, and ManyBooks all have great options for adult readers—including nonfiction, thrillers, memoirs, and more.
Final Thoughts
Finding a way to read more without spending more is easier than ever. The best apps to read books free aren’t just cheap—they’re powerful, feature-rich, and often better than the paid stuff.
If you're serious about reading in 2025, these apps are where it’s at. Looking for options tailored for adults? Several of these are fantastic free apps to read books without paying for adults, with genres ranging from romance to nonfiction.
And if you love organizing thoughts visually, or need a smarter way to run your book club? Consider checking out a 75 inch smart board or an interactive canvas to level up your reading life.
Happy (free) reading!
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