Comparison · Ebook reader apps
Apple Books vs Thorium Reader: which is better in 2026?
Apple Books ranks higher in our list of ebook reader apps (#2 against #6, score 88.0 against 80.0).
- 88.0Editorial score80.0
- 3Platforms3
- YesFree to useYes
- NoOpen sourceYes
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 Thorium Reader if you want
Desktop reading of open-format books.
Free, open-source desktop reader for Windows, macOS and Linux under BSD-3-Clause. It has no phone app, so it suits readers who only read on a computer.
The main differences
- Only Thorium Reader runs on Linux.
- Only Thorium Reader runs on Windows.
- Only Apple Books runs on iOS.
- Thorium Reader is open source; Apple Books is not.
Side by side
 Apple Books |  Thorium Reader | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 88.0 | 80.0 |
| Rank in list | #2 of 6 | #6 of 6 |
| Price | FreeFree app with no subscription; books priced individually | Free and open sourceFree and open source under BSD-3-Clause |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | iOS, iPadOSmacOSiOS, iPadOS, macOS | WindowsmacOSLinuxWindows, macOS, Linux |
| Made by | Apple | EDRLab |
| Phone app | Yes | No |
| Best for | Apple users who buy ebooks and audiobooks from Apple | Desktop reading of open-format books |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Apple Books vs Thorium Reader
- Is Apple Books better than Thorium Reader?
- Apple Books ranks higher in our list of ebook reader apps (#2 against #6, score 88.0 against 80.0). Apple Books is best for: apple users who buy ebooks and audiobooks from Apple. Thorium Reader is best for: desktop reading of open-format books.
- Which is cheaper, Apple Books or Thorium Reader?
- Apple Books: Free app with no subscription; books priced individually. Thorium Reader: Free and open source under BSD-3-Clause.
- Do Apple Books and Thorium Reader run on the same platforms?
- Apple Books supports iOS, iPadOS, macOS. Thorium Reader supports Windows, macOS, Linux.