The Best eReader and eBook apps for Android
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 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
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 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 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 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 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 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.
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