8 Best Book Apps for Readers

There are lots of book apps that can enrich your reading life, from reading tracking apps to book subscriptions, audiobook apps, and more. Here are my favorite book apps (the ones I enjoy and use the most), including details about each app to help you decide which ones are the best fit for you!

best book apps for readers

Must-Use Apps for Book Lovers

Many of the most-used apps on my phone are book-related or reading apps, whether I’m reading on my phone or planning my TBR list.

I’m a reading tracking fanatic, so of course I have multiple apps for that as well. 🙂

While I try not to download every app under the sun, I’ve found that most bookish apps bring me joy, so I don’t see anything wrong with having multiple on my phone. This is especially true because each app typically serves a different function.

Below, I’m sharing my favorite book apps, and why I love them – so you can determine which ones you’d like to try, too!

Goodreads

Goodreads was the first book app I ever downloaded, and I’ve been using it ever since (at least 10 years).

It’s a reading tracker app, sort of like IMDB, but for books instead of movies. It also features book recommendations, book giveaways, and a yearly reading challenge.

I use Goodreads for lots of reasons: keeping track of the books I want to read, keeping track of the books I already own, getting book recommendations based on what I’ve rated, sharing my reviews for books I’ve read (and reading others’ reviews)…the list goes on.

You can create as many different shelves as you want, and the app’s catalog includes basically every book under the sun (aside from some self-published books, if the author hasn’t added their book to Goodreads).

If you haven’t joined yet, here are more details about how Goodreads works (plus 9 reasons you should join!).

goodreads app screenshot of account homepage with book lists

Storygraph

Storygraph is a reading tracker app like Goodreads, but with some different features. I like to use both, so I can get the best of both worlds!

One of the coolest things about Storygraph is the more granular labeling it uses for books. It includes the “vibe” of a book, in addition to just the genre and star rating (based on readers’ input).

Additionally, each year, the app puts together a pie chart and graph detailing your reading habits. It breaks down the types of books you read, how much you read (and when), your reading moods, and more.

If you want to join Storygraph but don’t want to have to manually transfer over all your data from Goodreads, don’t worry: they have an import feature that makes things much quicker!

Local Library App

Depending on where you’re located, your county’s public library system might have its own app that allows you to search its catalog, keep track of your holds, and check out books (both physical and digital).

I use mine all the time. My favorite part is being able to check out ebooks and audiobooks instantly – for free! (Here’s a walkthrough on how to download digital books through your library).

Often, these apps will require another app in order to actually download the ebook or audiobook (such as Libby – see below).

Libby

Libby is an app that allows you to download digital media – like ebooks and audiobooks – through your local public library.

If you’re using your library’s app (see above), just connect it with Libby, and you’re ready to read (or listen)!

Kindle App

This one is probably pretty self-explanatory!

I have a Kindle, but sometimes I don’t have it with me. Fortunately, my Kindle app syncs everything from my Kindle to my phone, so I can seamlessly switch between the two.

a woman sitting on a grey chair with an open book on her lap next to a mug of coffee

Libro.fm

Libro.fm describes themselves as an independent bookstore for digital media. They offer popular ebooks and audiobooks that can be downloaded digitally.

My favorite feature: you can select a local bookstore to support, and some of the profits from your purchases will be shared with that bookstore!

Audible

This one probably doesn’t need much explanation either, but it’s one of my go-to audiobook apps (along with Libro.fm).

I listen to audiobooks on walks, while driving, and sometimes while doing chores. It’s a great way to get some extra reading time in.

Audiobooks are just one of the many tips I have for how to read more books!

Book of the Month (BOTM) App

Book of the Month is a popular book subscription service that offers a handful of highly-anticipated and/or well-reviewed books each month at a discounted price. They also recently added audiobooks for purchase.

(Here’s more information about Book of the Month – including my thoughts – if you want to learn more about joining!).

I’ve been a BOTM member for years (and that includes using their app). It’s straightforward and easy to use, and it also includes fun reading challenges, book-related polls, and more.

At the beginning of every month, I’m always eagerly checking the BOTM app to see what the new book selections are!

Book of the Month app book selections screenshot

There you have it: my favorite apps for readers! Do you have a favorite book app from this list (or one that isn’t included)?

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