Some people prefer reading eBooks over reading physical books. The light from the screen makes it easy to read during the night or on rainy days. Also, they don't take up space in your home, while books require you to have some shelves to store them in. But if you want to read eBooks, you need an eBook reader. This article introduces the 13 software to check. Here are the best eBook readers for Windows.

13 Best Ebook Reader Software for Windows
  1. Wondershare PDFelement
  2. Calibre
  3. Adobe Digital Editions
  4. Bibliovore
  5. Neat Reader
  6. Kobo
  7. Sumatra PDF Reader
  8. Freda
  9. Kindle for PC
  10. Epubor Reader
  11. Icecream Ebook Reader
  12. Cover
  13. Nook

Discover the best e-readers for Windows. This section will list them one by one and inform you about their pros, cons, and the opinions of other users about the apps.

1. Wondershare PDFelement

ebook reader for windows wondershare pdfelement

Wondershare PDFelement - PDF Editor Wondershare PDFelement Wondershare PDFelement is a wonderful Windows app. This is the best ebook reader app for Windows if we are talking about PDF eBooks. Wondershare PDFelement is one of the most trusted PDF solutions. Not only can it read your PDFs, but it can also edit them! Wondershare PDFelement also has a file converter. Thus, you can use it to open other eBook formats.

Pros
  • Wondershare PDFelement can open other eBook formats through conversion.
  • Wondershare PDFelement offers different View settings.
  • It can edit the eBooks or add comments and notes.
  • You can use the AI sidebar to search for the meaning of unfamiliar words.
  • Wondershare PDFelement can translate the document into another language.
Cons
  • Wondershare PDFelement can't directly convert some eBook formats such as EPUB.
User Review:

A user review on G2 says: "Guys, I've got to give PDFelement a solid five stars! This software has truly been my savior when it comes to handling documents. I love it because the interface is super user-friendly and easy to navigate."

2. Calibre

best ebook reader calibre windows

Calibre is a free and open-source ebook reader app for Windows. You can use it to open the eBooks you have saved on your computer. Alternatively, you can download eBooks from online websites within the Calibre app. Unlike other e-readers for Windows, Calibre offers a set of tools for editing eBooks. Other e-readers are just for viewing, so if you need an editor, this is a good choice.

Pros
  • Calibre is free and open-source.
  • This e-reader for Windows can edit eBooks.
  • It can download eBooks from online websites.
Cons
  • The user interface is not modern.
  • You need an internet connection to access the Help section.
User Review:

A user has posted a review on Capterra, saying: " Calibre is a free software to manage ebook collections locally. By backuping your local book collection to cloud storage and using additional software you can connect to your books from everywhere... Reading devices like Kindle and Kobo can easily be connected to Calibre to manage books that are stored locally on the device."

3. Adobe Digital Editions

best ebook reader for windows adobe digital editions

Adobe Digital Editions is Adobe's eBook reader product. You can download and use it completely for free. Admittedly, it is a little slow and more basic compared to the other eBook readers for Windows 10 and other versions. But at least you can rest assured that it is safe to use.

Pros
  • Adobe Digital Editions is free and safe to use.
  • It lets you organize your eBooks into different digital bookshelves.
Cons
  • The user interface of Adobe Digital Editions is outdated.
  • It is slow and can be unresponsive.
  • There are only 5 font sizes.

4. Bibliovore

best ebook reader bibliovore windows

Indeed, Bibliovore is one great eBook reader for Windows. It can display two pages at once, mimicking how real books look. The program also offers progress tracking and synchronization. As such, reading using different devices is easy because Bibliovore puts you on the last page that you read.

Pros
  • Bibliovore offers different themes.
  • It can display one or two pages at a time.
  • It can track your progress and offers synchronization.
  • You can browse online libraries and download eBooks inside Bibliovore.
Cons
  • Some users report that it often crashes.
  • It lacks note-taking and commenting features.
User Review:

A user called Jemmy wrote a review for Bibliovore on the Microsoft Store. They said, "Wow, I just love this app. I hope it will remain free. Thanks to the creator."

5. Neat Reader

best ebook reader neat reader windows

Neat Reader is one of Windows' best eBook readers when it comes to EPUB. This EPUB reader offers a wide range of EPUB viewing and annotation tools. You can also use it to manage your eBooks and eBook libraries.

Pros
  • You can use Neat Reader to manage your eBook library.
  • Neat Reader provides you with annotation tools.
  • It is a free Windows eBooks reader for PC.
Cons
  • Neat Reader can read EPUB files only.
  • You need a subscription to access the advanced features.

6. Kobo

best ebook reader kobo for windows

Kobo Desktop is the Windows eReader app from Kobo Books or Rakuten Kobo. It is one of the most popular and best eBook readers for PC. It lets you access millions of books from around the world. The app offers different themes and customization options. Additionally, it syncs your progress and bookmarks, so switching between your Windows PC and mobile e-readers is seamless.

Pros
  • You can find and download eBooks inside Kobo.
  • It offers multiple customization features.
  • Kobo is a great eBook library manager.
  • It syncs your bookmarks and progress, so switching between different devices does not cause inconveniences.
Cons
  • The eBooks you downloaded using Kobo Desktop can only be read using the Kobo app.
User Review:

A user named Jordan wrote a user review on the Microsoft Store. They wrote: "Perfectly adequate for recreational reading. Love supporting my local bookstore with this app. [It is] not as full-featured as the Android app, but [it] works fine. "

7. Sumatra PDF Reader

best ebook reader in sumatra pdf reader

Sumatra PDF Reader is not just a PDF reader. It is a full-blown eBook reader for Windows 10 and later or earlier versions. It supports EPUB, MOBI, CBZ, and other eBook formats. The app is open source, but it has most of the features closed source eBook readers offer.

Pros
  • Sumatra PDF Reader supports different eBook formats.
  • It is an advanced, free, and open-source program.
  • The app is very fast and responsive.
Cons
  • Sumatra does not support interactive elements.
  • It is a little difficult to use.
User Review:

A user wrote a review for Sumatra PDF Reader on SourceForge. Here is what they said: "This is one of the very best open source softwares I've ever used. The program has a minimal interface, probably to make it fast."

8. Freda

best ebook reader freda ebooks reader

Freda EPUB eBook Reader for Windows is an app you can rely on. You can use this app to download eBooks for free from websites like Feedbooks and Smashwords. It supports EPUB, MOBI, FB2, HTML and TXT. The app also has the features you would expect a good eBook viewer to have.

Pros
  • Freda has great display customization options.
  • It lets you add bookmarks and annotations.
  • Freda supports different eBook formats.
  • Freda can access your eBooks saved on your cloud storage.
Cons
  • You may encounter problems when accessing books from websites like Feedbooks and Project Gutenberg.
User Review:

Here is a user review on the Microsoft Store: "I love this app. I was previously using other eBook readers but they were slow and had issues. After having to reinstall Windows I came across this app, and since then I'm loving this! So far I haven't experienced any crashes or issues with it; also, when I use the search function it is able to go to the intended destination quickly. I will definitely recommend this app!"

9. Kindle for PC

best ebook reader amazon kindle for windows

Kindle for PC is just like the app for mobile phones but for Windows. You can find millions of eBooks inside the app, including free and paid ones. This eBook reader app for Windows lets you change the font style, font size, and background, just like the mobile app. It also lets you search for the meaning of words without leaving the app.

Pros
  • It lets you browse one of the largest eBook collections in the world.
  • The advanced eBook reader is complete with all the features that you need.
  • You can do research without closing the app or opening a different app in a new Windows tab.
  • It offers audiobooks, or you can make Amazon Alexa read them to you.
Cons
  • You can read the eBooks you downloaded in Kindle with only Kindle.
User Review:

A person named T Paul wrote a review on Amazon. Here's an excerpt from what they wrote: "All the things I liked about the Kindle app shifted into high gear like only having a black and white reception your whole life and suddenly switching to color... I love all the options Kindle for PC allows you to personalize how you read each book."

10. Epubor Reader

best ebook reader in epubor reader

Epubor Reader is a highly customizable eBooks reader for Windows. It allows you to switch between horizontal and vertical scrolling. This tool also allows you to change the elements like font color and font size, as well as the font style. Epubor also features a user-friendly interface, making your reading experience as pleasant as possible.

Pros
  • Epubor Reader supports different eBook formats.
  • It allows you to customize the appearance.
  • You can switch between Single Page Mode and Dual Page Mode, as well as horizontal and vertical scrolling.
  • Epubor Reader lets you add text highlights, bookmarks, and notes.
Cons
  • Epubor Reader does not support encrypted files.
  • This is not a free eBooks reader for Windows.
User Review:

User Reynan Hasanov posted a review on TrustPilot, saying: "Great product. Very easy to use, and the UI is friendly for beginners. There weren't any bugs, and overall, the experience was effortless and enjoyable. Would recommend."

11. Icecream Ebook Reader

best ebook reader icecream ebook reader

Technically, it is called Icecream EPUB Reader. However, this app can open EPUB, MOBI, FB2, PDF, and other eBook formats. This is the best eBook reader software for Windows if you like adding notes. It lets you add different color notes, so you can easily remember what they are for. Sadly, only the basic eBook reading tools are free. If you want access to the advanced ones, you need to subscribe.

Pros
  • Icecream Ebook Reader can open EPUB, MOBI, PDF, FB2, CBR, CBZ, TXT, and ZIP files.
  • It offers advanced note-taking features.
  • This app is a great eBook collection manager.
Cons
  • You can't access the advanced features for free.
  • There is a Read Aloud option, but it sounds too robotic.
User Review:

One user commented on Icecream EPUB Reader on G2. They wrote: "There are tons of ebook readers out there, but I personally found this one good. It allows me to read all book with different file formats such as EPUB, mobi, pdf etc."

12. Cover

windows ebook reader cover

Cover is a unique eBook reader for Windows. It specializes in viewing digital comic books. The tool can open the typical comic book formats, including PDF and EPUBs that contain images only. On top of that, it can open PEG, PNG, GIF, BMP, and WEBP files. The tool offers library management, different View settings, cloud storage integration, and more.

Pros
  • Cover is an amazing digital comic reader for Windows.
  • There are multiple View options, including single or dual page, vertical scrolling, fit width/height/page, and Night Mode.
  • It has a Manga Mode, which makes it so you go to the next page by swiping left instead of right.
  • It has gesture controls and keyboard shortcuts.
Cons
  • You can use Cover only to read comics, manga, and graphic novels. You can't use it to read ordinary novels and eBooks.

13. Nook

ebook reader nook for windows

If Amazon has Kindle, Barnes & Noble has Nook. This is a special free eBook reader for Windows. You can no longer download the Windows app. But those who have it can continue using it. New users can use the Nook for Web instead, which you can access on the Barnes & Noble website.

Pros
  • You can find, buy, and download eBooks using this eBook reader.
  • It allows you to set the font style, text size, and margin size so you can choose a setting that's easy for your eyes.
  • Nook has all the reading features you'd need. It can add bookmarks, can read in either windowed or full-screen mode, lets you jump to specific chapters, etc.
Cons
  • You can no longer download the Windows app.
  • You can't export the books that you downloaded using the web app.

Conclusion

These are the best eBook readers for Windows. You have plenty of options, and there is a good variety. Some focus on a specific file type. For example, some readers support only EPUB files. On the other hand, some readers can read comics and graphic novels only.

One of these amazing apps is Wondershare PDFelement. What sets it apart from the others is the ability to edit eBooks. You can convert files to PDF and open them using this tool. Why do that? Because it offers several powerful features, like an AI assistant that you can ask anything, lots of View settings, annotation tools, and so much more.

Audrey Goodwin
Audrey Goodwin Sep 10, 24
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12 years of talent acquired in the software industry working with large publishers. Public speaker and author of several eBooks on technical writing and editing.