The Best Free Reading App for Books on iOS: My Thoughts on Apple Books

After exploring various options, I firmly believe that Apple Books stands out as the premier iOS application for reading books without cost. This article outlines several compelling reasons why I advocate for its use, from its functionality to its in-app features.

1. Rarely Experiences Bugs

In my experience with the Kindle app, I frequently dealt with crashes, regardless of whether I was on my phone or tablet, leading to significant frustration over time.

Apple Books, in contrast, has been remarkably stable with very few crashes. This reliability makes it my top choice for an ebook reader on iOS. Importing PDFs from different sources works seamlessly, and downloading books directly within the app is equally hassle-free.

On the rare occasions I did face issues with Apple Books, the solutions were resolved promptly.

2. Extremely User-Friendly

Not only does Apple Books offer a bug-free experience, but I also find it substantially more user-friendly compared to other ebook or PDF readers. Although the Kindle app has improved in usability over the years, I still face difficulties navigating to my settings and other areas.

I also experimented with Adobe Digital Editions. Despite my appreciation for Adobe’s other offerings (like Photoshop and InDesign), I found Digital Editions challenging to use, struggling to upload a book successfully on the first try due to its awkward interface.

Apple Books, on the other hand, features a straightforward interface that helps users quickly locate what they need. Accessing my saved titles is effortless, and I appreciate the option to customize font styles and sizes for a better reading experience.

3. Reading Timer to Track Your Progress

One of the standout features of Apple Books is its reading timer, designed to help users enhance their reading habits and track progress. You can establish goals that correspond with your current capabilities and progressively challenge yourself by increasing the duration. I recommend starting with around five minutes and gradually raising that time each week.

With the reading timer, you’ll have a clear view of how much time you dedicate to reading each day, making it easier to adhere to your goals. The motivation that comes from seeing your reading time accumulate is significant; it prompts creative thinking about how to integrate more reading into your routine.

If you desire added accountability, you can utilize the Share feature to inform friends and family about your reading objectives.

4. Seamless Across All Apple Devices

This advantage is particularly relevant if you own multiple Apple devices, as Apple Books provides a fluid experience across iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Synchronization happens effortlessly, and with features like Continuity, I can switch from one device to another without needing to pause my reading.

Furthermore, you can utilize Apple Books on various devices logged into different Apple IDs. For instance, I might read leisurely on my iPad while accessing work-related materials on my Mac. This capability has simplified organizing my library into distinct categories.

The app even allows audiobook listening across devices, positioning Apple Books as a compelling alternative to Audible.

Due to its ease of use and functional design, Apple Books has become one of my favorite applications. I highly recommend it for anyone with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. You can easily add ebooks and other PDFs from external sources or download content directly within the app. For those needing to read ePubs, consider exploring the best ePub readers designed for students.

Image credit: Canva. All screenshots courtesy of Danny Maiorca.

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