calibre can be used without paying: Free and open source under GPL-3.0. Check the vendor’s pricing page for current limits.

Is calibre open source?

Yes. calibre publishes its source code under the GPL-3.0 license.

Which platforms does calibre support?

calibre is available on: Windows, macOS, Linux.

What is calibre best for?

Managing and converting a large personal library. In our ranking of ebook reader apps it is number 6 of 10 with a score of 83.0.

What are the best alternatives to calibre?

The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are Kindle, Apple Books, Readest, KOReader.

calibre

Free e-book library manager with conversion and reading tools

#6 of 10 in best ebook reader apps
Free and open source
Free to use
Open source
WindowsmacOSLinux

83.0

Score in best ebook reader apps

Visit calibre-ebook.com Alternatives Compare Share

Ranked 6 of 10 in best ebook reader apps

Free and open source library manager that converts books between formats on Windows, macOS and Linux. It is a desktop tool with no phone reading app, so it complements a reader rather than replacing one.

Best for Managing and converting a large personal library

About calibre

calibre is e-book software that the project calls a one-stop solution for all e-book needs. It manages a library of books on your computer and converts books between e-book formats. It also includes a reader for opening books on the desktop.

The program runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, and its source is on GitHub under GPL-3.0. calibre is a desktop tool rather than a phone app, so it suits people who want to organize a large personal library and move books to other devices. Readers who want a simple reader on a phone may prefer Apple Books or KOReader.

Key features

Library management
Format conversion
Metadata and covers
Open source, GPL-3.0 licensed

Strengths

Free and open source under GPL-3.0
Manages a personal library on the desktop
Converts books between formats

Limits

No phone app, so reading on a phone needs another tool
Desktop tool rather than a reading app

Where calibre ranks

Best ebook reader apps#6of 10 · 83.0
Best for: Managing and converting a large personal library

How calibre compares

Product	Score	Price	Platforms	Phone app
#4KOReader	85.0	Free and open source	AndroidLinux	Yes
#5Libby	84.5	Free	iOSAndroidWeb	Yes
#6calibre	83.0	Free and open source	WindowsmacOSLinux	No
#7Thorium Reader	80.0	Free and open source	WindowsmacOSLinux	No
#8Foliate	79.0	Free and open source	Linux	No

The full comparison table for best ebook reader apps has all 10 products.

Alternatives to calibre

All 9 alternatives

Compare calibre

Questions about calibre

Is calibre free?: calibre can be used without paying: Free and open source under GPL-3.0. Check the vendor’s pricing page for current limits.
Is calibre open source?: Yes. calibre publishes its source code under the GPL-3.0 license.
Which platforms does calibre support?: calibre is available on: Windows, macOS, Linux.
What is calibre best for?: Managing and converting a large personal library. In our ranking of ebook reader apps it is number 6 of 10 with a score of 83.0.
What are the best alternatives to calibre?: The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are Kindle, Apple Books, Readest, KOReader.

Show this ranking on your site

If you make or maintain calibre, this badge links back to this page and shows its current rank. It updates when the ranking does.

<a href="https://listme.name/software/calibre"><img src="https://listme.name/badge/calibre.svg" height="28" alt="Ranked #6 of 10 ebook reader apps on listme.name"></a>

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Guides · 3 min readHow to choose an ebook reader app: store, formats, devicesChoose an ebook reader app by book source, file formats and devices. Compare Kindle, Apple Books, Readest, KOReader, Libby and calibre for your reading habits.