Comparison · Ebook reader apps
Apple Books vs Kindle: which is better in 2026?
Kindle ranks higher in our list of ebook reader apps (#1 against #2, score 90.0 against 88.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.
- 88.0Editorial score90.0
- 3Platforms5
- YesFree to useYes
- NoOpen sourceNo
Which should you choose?
Choose Apple Books if you want
Apple users who buy ebooks and audiobooks from Apple.
Free app with no subscription, offline reading and audiobook playback on iPhone, iPad and Mac. It works only on Apple devices, and books are priced one at a time.
Choose Kindle if you want
Reading books bought from Amazon.
Free apps on iOS, Android, Mac and PC that read the Kindle Store library. Books are bought from Amazon, and the apps are closed source, so the choice suits Amazon customers.
The main differences
- Only Kindle runs on Windows.
- Only Kindle runs on Android.
Side by side
 Apple Books |  Kindle | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 88.0 | 90.0 |
| Rank in list | #2 of 10 | #1 of 10 |
| Price | FreeFree app with no subscription; books priced individually | FreeFree apps; Kindle books are bought separately |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | iOS, iPadOSmacOSiOS, iPadOS, macOS | iOS, iPadOSAndroidmacOSWindowsiOS, iPadOS, Android, macOS, Windows |
| Made by | Apple | Amazon |
| Phone app | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Apple users who buy ebooks and audiobooks from Apple | Reading books bought from Amazon |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Apple Books vs Kindle
- Is Kindle better than Apple Books?
- Kindle ranks higher in our list of ebook reader apps (#1 against #2, score 90.0 against 88.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Apple Books is best for: Apple users who buy ebooks and audiobooks from Apple. Kindle is best for: reading books bought from Amazon.
- Which is cheaper, Apple Books or Kindle?
- Apple Books: Free app with no subscription; books priced individually. Kindle: Free apps; Kindle books are bought separately.
- Do Apple Books and Kindle run on the same platforms?
- Apple Books supports iOS, iPadOS, macOS. Kindle supports iOS, iPadOS, Android, macOS, Windows.
Choosing between the two
Learning Center
1:17How to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.
1:20How to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.
