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The Best eReader and eBook apps for Android

by on March 15, 2013 4:05 pm
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Best eReader apps for android leaderboard Finding the right eReader application can be a tough task. Many people who are looking for an eReader haven't really used one before. So it can be difficult to determine which ones are the best. There are a bunch of factors to weigh in as well, including compatibility, how good the bookstore attached to it is, and performance. Well we at Android Authority understand and we've created a whole list of the best eReaders for Android. As per the norm, if you'd rather watch it than read it, the video is embedded at the bottom.


Aldiko best eReaders for Android

Source url To download Aldiko Book Reader, click on the source URL.

Aldiko Book eReader

First on our list is Aldiko Book Reader. This eReader has amassed quite the following already and has over 10 million downloads to date. It supports most eBook formats, including Adobe DRM encrypted books. Some Android users may be familiar with Aldiko already, as it comes pre-installed on a number of Android devices. To go along with that, Aldiko offers a simple user interface. There are some customization options but it's mostly just there to display your eBooks so you can read them which can be really helpful for beginners.

When it comes to buying books, Aldiko relies on multiple bookstores to fit the needs of their readers. You'll find most of what you're looking for via these various bookstores. However, if you want a wider selection, you can get away with buying books elsewhere and porting them into Aldiko. When you put everything together, Aldiko is a solid eReader for just about everyone.


Better World eReader

Source url To download Better World eReader, click on the Source URL.

Better World eReader

Next on the list is Better World eReader. This is a relatively new offering in the Google Play Store, but so far people have had nothing but good things to say about it. It's actually connected to a website called Better World Books, which is a well known online bookstore for college students looking for text books. However, they have begun expanding into the eReader world and their store is slowly adding more eBooks to their roster.

Of course, if you don't feel like waiting for the bookstore to improve, you can always import your books into Better World eReader. Like Aldiko's eReader, Better World eReader has a simplistic interface with a small amount of settings. That makes it really good for people who don't often use eReaders and don't want to get confused. Also, as an added bonus, if you do buy books from the official website, you'll be contributing to a charity that encourages literacy. The world could use some more literacy.


Cool Reader - best eReaders for Android

Source url To download Cool Reader, click on the source URL.

Cool Reader eReader

Next on our list is Cool Reader. This is a pretty comprehensive eReader and is geared more for people who know what they're doing already. Newer eBook fans can learn how to use it, but it's definitely not the simple interface as our prior two entries. It features a number of theming and text options as well as a slightly more advanced interface.

There is no stores attached to Cool Reader, so you'll have to buy your books elsewhere and port them into the app. Thankfully, once you get the hang of Cool Reader, this is very easy to do. If you're looking for your first eReader, this is a great offering if you feel like learning how to use it early. Otherwise, you may want to try an eReader with a bookstore and learn to import it into Cool Reader later.


FBReader - best Android eReaders

Source url To download FBReader, click on the source URL.

FBReader eReader

FBReader is next on the list. Like Aldiko and Better World eReaders, this is a solid offering that tries to cater to everyone. It works very well as a standalone reader with all the features you'd need to read comfortably. So if you have a large collection to import, FBReader can handle it. It comes with some basic theming options for pages as well, such as sepia and wood. This definitely helps with eye strain as white on black or black on white can be hard to read after awhile.

If you're looking for an eReader with a bookstore, FBReader has several. You can even add your own if you have the URL. The selection isn't top notch, but it's still better than having no bookstore at all. If you're looking for a solid eReader with bookstores attached, you can do a whole lot worse than FBReader.


Kobo - best eReaders for Android

Source url To download Kobo, click on the source URL.

Kobo eReader

Kobo is one of those all-in-one eReader type apps that competes with Amazon's Kindle and Barnes & Nobles' Nook. So, as expected, the eReader application comes with a fully integrated experience with Kobo services. This is great because Kobo has some unique and innovative features. It's not so great because it means you'll need one of the apps above if already own some books. If you're just starting out, then Kobo can be an enjoyable eReader.

The feature we liked the most with Kobo was the ability to actively comment on books as you read them. Most books don't have a lot of activity, but the ones that do have some interesting conversations. You can discuss quotes from the page you're one, share your thoughts on the book itself, and interact with other readers who read the same books. That is a very nifty feature. We highly recommend giving Kobo a chance but only after you turn down the notifications in the settings. Otherwise, Kobo will send you a lot of nonsense notifications.


Kindle - best eReaders for Android

Source url To download Kindle, click on the source URL.

Kindle eReader

As our list begins to wind down, we are obligated to explore the most popular and well known eReaders out there. Kindle certainly falls into that category. A leader worldwide in both book and eBook sales, Kindle is one of the places you want to go if you're starting a new collection of eBooks. The selection is top notch and it's an excellent place to scope out new writers or find old favorites.

The eReader is pretty decent as well. It comes with all the standard features, although you won't find much aside from the standard stuff. Many people swear by Kindle as being the best while others don't like it so much. Even so, it ranked as among the best eReaders for Android and if you're new with eReaders and want to start a brand new collection, Kindle is a great place to start hunting.


Nook - best eReaders for Andorid

Source url To download Nook, click on the source URL.

Nook eReader

Last on our list is the Nook eReader. Like Amazon, Nook has a gigantic selection of books available to purchase and download. So those starting new collections should definitely give Nook some consideration. You'll likey be able to find all your favorites and some new stuff too.

As an eReader, Nook really has one of the best. It has all the usual settings like text size, font, and night mode. However, Nook goes the extra mile with their epic page turning animations. It's literally the most beautiful page turns we've seen that didn't come from a real book. Unfortunately, like Kindle and Kobo, Nook can't import books so you'll need a different eReader if you already have a massive collection.

Wrap Up

So now that there is a best of list, the question is which ones do we recommend? Well, if you already have a huge collection and just need an eReader to port them all to, Cool Reader and FBReader had the highest Google Store rankings so that's what we would recommend. If you're just now getting into eBook reading, then Nook and Kindle are your best options because they have all kinds of great content. They're a good place to start your new eBook journey. If none of those work for you, check out the rest of the apps on the list.

If you feel like we've missed a crucial eReader, feel more than free to leave a comment to tell us what your favorite one is.

THE APP GUY

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Hi everyone, I'm Joe Hindy the Android Authority app guy. When I'm not checking out the latest stuff happening in Android or creating app videos, I'm attending college to be a video game designer and programmer. I also enjoy reading, writing, cooking, and hockey. Feel free to add me on my social media sites. I always follow back!

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Comments
  • Mike Crosson

    Another great reader is Mantano Reader. Links below.

    Mantano Reader Lite (free): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mantano.reader.android.lite

    Mantano ReaderPremium (Paid): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mantano.reader.android

    • Bradley Bertrim

      I second this. Mantano Reader is the best e-reading application I’ve tried and I’ve had a go at most of the applications in the article.

  • http://profiles.google.com/fahadayaz Fahad Ayaz

    I use Fabrik. Mainly for the Dropbox (and soon Google Drive) integration.

    https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=es.icereader

  • IncCo

    I cannot believe you skipped Moon+ Reader ! Easily the best e-reader, I use it every day.

    • mrband

      +100000 totally agree

      Moon+ is absolutely the best ereader by far, how is not even listed is ridiculous.

      • JosephHindy

        Yeah that was a my bad. But hey that’s why we encourage people to comment about their favorite apps that we may have missed :)

    • amonlb

      I agree Moon+ reader is so much better than any app listed here.

    • Online recharge from mobile

      Yes i am totally agree.

      Online recharge from mobile

  • Andrew Mezzi

    What about Google Books?

    • burningmoon

      The problem with Google Books is that you can only read GOOGLE books. It is solely a content delivery method, not an ebook reader. Barring users from importing their own books essentially neuters the app’s most core feature.

    • Timmy

      Plus, if you like it a lot and use it every day, Google will stop supporting it.

  • M Wong

    nothing beats Moon+ Reader , ive tried all the others

    • Jason

      Have to agree with you mate nothing beats Moon+ Reader I’ve spent quite a bit of time looking for the best and Moon+ Reader is it. Looks great easy to customise and heaps of functionality (that those listed above don’t have) and you don’t need to be a techno geek to use it.

  • Chopper Joe

    As others have mentioned, Moon+ is definitely worth considering. Also,, it is both possible and easy to import books into Nook app: just put books in the Nook’s subdirectory “My Documents” and you’re done.

  • Most Mister

    No mention of Kindle’s killer feature? WhisperSync between my Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 merits #1 spot. Weak review.

    • JosephHindy

      That’s not our rankings, that’s how the users of these apps ranked them in the Google Play Store. Also, this isn’t a review, it’s an app list ;)

  • http://www.facebook.com/larry.hook Larry Hook

    It is incredibly easy to import books into Nook. Hands down amazing app.

  • http://petercast.net Peterson Silva

    Ok, I am so shocked I can’t settle myself with only approving the comments that have already been made. It’s so stupid that moon reader+ is not in this list it’s almost offensive!

    Also take note that moon doesn’t ditch the covers on shelves paradigm altogether (although I’m pretty sure it can be disabled) but it relies much less on it – for me it’s one of those perfect blends between holo, visual identity, performance and features. It’s awesome!

  • Bruce Gavin Ward

    this was a seriously deficient comparison. While competence at enabling one to read ebooks, which would seem to be a given here, the author treats it as a ‘feature’ and all the important features, such as the presentation of your ‘library’, reliability of book downloads, the ability to update bookMarks across platforms, (possibly ‘the most important factor), and meaningful updates and improvements, were completely ignored. I use Kobo, and it does all the above, relatively seemlessly; keeping my last page read bookMark updated in my phone (Nexus4), tablet (Nexus7) and Kobo eReader, no matter where and when i next pick one up to read (as long as each have access to a netWork). Without this knowledge on each app, how could one possibly chose? Joe needs to do his homeWork! [& moonReader, GoogleBooks???]

  • Diego

    I would’ve thought Moon+ Reader would have been the top!

  • Judith Pittman

    I think you’ve covered them all, but from an author or publisher’s point of view, the more readers there are the more problematic it is trying to make sure links to everyone’s reader or app is available on your website. Sure would like to see a universal reader with everyone using the same software. A pipe dream of course, Jude Pittman of bookswelove.com


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