Readest
Free open-source EPUB and PDF reader for every major platform
- #3 of 10 in best ebook reader apps
- Free and open source
- Free to use
- Open source
- macOSWindowsLinuxAndroidiOSWeb
Ranked 3 of 10 in best ebook reader apps
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.
Best for Open-source reading across phones and desktops
About Readest
Readest is an ebook reader for EPUB and PDF files. Its homepage lists macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS and the web, and it offers highlights, notes, split-screen reading and text-to-speech.
Readest is released under AGPL-3.0, and its code is on GitHub. It has apps on phones as well as desktops, unlike Calibre, so it suits readers who switch devices. Readers who want a long-established app may prefer Kindle or Apple Books.
Key features
- EPUB and PDF reading
- Text-to-speech
- Split-screen reading
- Open source, AGPL-3.0 licensed
Strengths
- Free and open source under AGPL-3.0
- Apps for desktop, phone and the web
- Highlights, notes and cloud sync
Limits
- Less established than Kindle or Apple Books
- Cloud sync is listed on the homepage without pricing detail
Where Readest ranks
How Readest compares
| Product | Score | Price | Platforms | Phone app |
|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 Kindle | 90.0 | Free | iOS, iPadOSAndroidmacOSWindows | Yes |
#2 Apple Books | 88.0 | Free | iOS, iPadOSmacOS | Yes |
| #3Readest | 86.5 | Free and open source | macOSWindowsLinuxAndroidiOSWeb | Yes |
#4 KOReader | 85.0 | Free and open source | AndroidLinux | Yes |
#5 Libby | 84.5 | Free | iOSAndroidWeb | Yes |
The full comparison table for best ebook reader apps has all 10 products.
Alternatives to Readest
All 9 alternatives- KindleAmazon's free reading apps for Kindle ebooks on phones and computers
- Apple BooksApple's built-in app for ebooks and audiobooks
- KOReaderOpen-source ebook reader for e-ink devices and Android
- LibbyFree ebooks and audiobooks borrowed from your public library
calibreFree e-book library manager with conversion and reading tools
Thorium ReaderCross-platform desktop reader for EPUB and accessible publications
Questions about Readest
- Is Readest free?
- Readest can be used without paying: Free and open source under AGPL-3.0. Check the vendor’s pricing page for current limits.
- Is Readest open source?
- Yes. Readest publishes its source code under the AGPL-3.0 license.
- Which platforms does Readest support?
- Readest is available on: macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, Web.
- What is Readest best for?
- Open-source reading across phones and desktops. In our ranking of ebook reader apps it is number 3 of 10 with a score of 86.5.
- What are the best alternatives to Readest?
- The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are Kindle, Apple Books, KOReader, Libby.
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