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Comparison · Ebook reader apps

Readest vs Thorium Reader: which is better in 2026?

ReadestvsThorium Reader

Readest ranks higher in our list of ebook reader apps (#3 against #6, score 86.5 against 80.0).

Choose Readest if you want

Open-source reading across phones and desktops.

Open-source EPUB and PDF reader with apps on macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS and the web, plus highlights, notes and text-to-speech. Kindle and Apple Books have longer track records.

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 Readest runs on iOS.
  • Only Readest runs on Android.
  • Only Readest runs on Web.

Side by side

ReadestThorium Reader
Score86.580.0
Rank in list#3 of 6#6 of 6
PriceFree and open sourceFree and open source under AGPL-3.0Free and open sourceFree and open source under BSD-3-Clause
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceYesYes
PlatformsmacOSWindowsLinuxAndroidiOSWebmacOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, WebWindowsmacOSLinuxWindows, macOS, Linux
Made byNot statedEDRLab
Phone appYesNo
Best forOpen-source reading across phones and desktopsDesktop reading of open-format books
Strengths
  • Free and open source under AGPL-3.0
  • Apps for desktop, phone and the web
  • Highlights, notes and cloud sync
  • Free and open source under BSD-3-Clause
  • Reads EPUB files on the desktop
  • Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux
Limits
  • Less established than Kindle or Apple Books
  • Cloud sync is listed on the homepage without pricing detail
  • Desktop only, with no phone app
  • Reads files you already have rather than selling books
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Readest vs Thorium Reader

Is Readest better than Thorium Reader?
Readest ranks higher in our list of ebook reader apps (#3 against #6, score 86.5 against 80.0). Readest is best for: open-source reading across phones and desktops. Thorium Reader is best for: desktop reading of open-format books.
Which is cheaper, Readest or Thorium Reader?
Readest: Free and open source under AGPL-3.0. Thorium Reader: Free and open source under BSD-3-Clause.
Do Readest and Thorium Reader run on the same platforms?
Readest supports macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, Web. Thorium Reader supports Windows, macOS, Linux.