6 Best Amazon Kindle App Alternatives

Over the years, eReaders and eBooks have redefined how we read books. And the Amazon Kindle app is one of the popular apps out there. After changing in 2017, this app has come to include many new features including a swanky new interface. However, it’s not the only reading app in the market. If you’re not satisfied with the Amazon Kindle app, there are many alternatives out there.

So, if you are looking for a way to switch from the Kindle app, here are some ebook apps that you should certainly give a shot. And most of them are compatible with both iOS and Android. Cool, right?

1. Google Play Books (Android only)

The first app on our list is Google Play Books, and as you may have expected, this app is also a treat for all the bibliophiles.

There is a horde of features that will slowly charm their ways to one’s heart. I particularly loved the option of both offline and online dictionary. As long as you have a working internet connection, you need to tap on a word and you will see its meaning pop up. At the same time, you can always download an offline version of the dictionary, just for backup.

There’s more to this story. The reading mode is turned on by default. Apart from the above, you can switch between different themes, sync books across different devices, and also enable PDF reading.

If you like listening to audiobooks, there’s a separate section for it too.

As of now, Play Books allows PDF and EPUB files, apart from supporting basic image files for book covers.

Download Google Play Books

2. Aldiko Book Reader

Aldiko is a popular name in the world of eBooks, and over the years, it has earned a good name primarily because of its simple looks and features. You will love the fact that this app can also double up as a book store and comes with its own free and paid books.

At the same time, the interface is clean and clutter-free. Once you buy a book, it will line up neatly in the book rack. To access it, simply slide open the left menu and tap on Books. Similarly, tap on the Get Books button at the top and you’ll be transported to a virtual book store.

It bundles basic features such as translate, Define, Search, Bookmark, etc. A single tap is all it takes for all these options to be visible.

Aldiko uses Google Search (see How to remove Google search his­to­ry every­where) to show you the meanings of words. So you need to be connected to the internet for that. This app supports formats like EPUB, PDF, and Adobe DRM books.

Download Aldiko Book Reader for Android

Download Aldiko for iPhone

3. FBReader

Launch FBReader, and the first thing you will notice is the yellowish reading mode. Yep, similar to Google Play Books, this ebook app also activates the said mode by default.

It supports all the major formats such as EPUB, FB2, MOBI, and even common file formats like RTF, HTML, plain text, among others.

However, compared to most of its peers, the interface of FBReader isn’t impressive. It resembles some of the apps from the good old days of Android. However, let that not deter you from trying out this app.

One of the primary features of FBReader is its huge open network of eBooks. Yes, you read that right. It lets you access network libraries and discover some great public domain content in the process.

And yeah, you can also store all your books on Google Drive.

Download FBReader for Android

Download FBReader for iPhone

4. Kobo Book Reader

The Kobo Book Reader beautifully balances both looks and functionality. The interface is clean and clutter-free. The text is easy to read, and the best thing is that there are plenty of customization options.

Apart from the basic options like changing the screen brightness or the text size, the Kobo Book Reader also lets you pick the page transition effect and the Navigation method.

And yeah, there are plenty of books, both paid and free, which you can easily download and read. And the built-in dictionary is the cherry on top.

This cool Kindle alternative also features over 5 million titles.

Download Kobo Book Reader for Android

Download Kobo Book Reader for iPhone

5. Marvin 3 (iOS only)

Marvin for iOS bundles several features. For one, you can import books from Dropbox, iTunes, iCloud, and even from the Calibre server.

At the same time, there are plenty of customization options and dictionary tools. Like any modern app, it lets you sort your collection into a view of your choice. So, if you do not want the home page to look like a gallery, you can opt for the List view.

However, the free version of Marvin won’t let you enable the full-screen mode. As you have guessed, you’ll have to upgrade to the paid version to remove the banner at the bottom.

Download Marvin 3

6. KyBook 3 (iOS only)

Last but not least, we have KyBook 3. Apart from the local storage, this Kindle alternative lets you import your collection from iCloud Drive.

One of its interesting features is you can also browse and download public domain content from Project Gutenberg. Cool, right?

And that’s not all. The process is a simple. Search for the book, and if you are happy with the gist, you have to tap on the Download option.

KyBook 3 packs plenty of customization options. Swipe up from the screen, and you will see them all. I liked the sleek transitions of the pages along with the clean and modern feel of the app.

Download KyBook 3

Be the Bookworm

It’s 2020 already. Slim eReaders have replaced thick and heavy books. Now, you can tuck these devices into your bag, and you will be sorted. And the best thing is that eBook apps handsomely replicate some of the best features of eReaders. It is light and super useful. Also, it replicates the actual book on your mobile device minus the heft.

So, which of these apps will you use?

Next up: Reading can be fun. Read the next article to find out how to make reading fun an easy.