eReader and eBook Store

Best Apps Like Kobo: Top eReader and eBook Store Alternatives in 2026

Kobo offers eReader hardware, an eBook store, and a reading app that supports ePub files and integrates with public library OverDrive borrowing.

Why People Look for Kobo Alternatives

Kindle has a larger eBook catalog and tighter Amazon ecosystem integration.
Apple Books is pre-installed on iPhone and Mac without a separate app download.
Google Play Books supports multiple file formats and has no hardware dependency.
Scribd offers a subscription for unlimited books, audiobooks, and magazines.

6 Best Alternatives to Kobo

Each app below addresses a specific gap in Kobo's offering. We picked them based on real user review patterns and feature differentiation.

Amazon Kindle

The dominant eReader platform with the largest book catalog.

Kindle offers the largest eBook marketplace, Kindle Unlimited subscription, and the most mature reading hardware ecosystem. Its Whispersync technology syncs reading position across all devices.

Readers who want the largest selection of eBooks and the most mature reading hardware. App free; eBooks sold individually; Kindle Unlimited $11.99/mo.
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Apple Books

Built-in eBook reader for iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Apple Books is pre-installed on all Apple devices and supports purchased books, PDF storage, and audiobooks. It integrates with iCloud for cross-device sync and supports epub format imports.

Apple ecosystem users who want a built-in reading app without additional downloads. Free; books sold individually in Apple Books store.
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Google Play Books

eBook reader and store supporting ePub and PDF uploads.

Google Play Books sells eBooks and audiobooks and accepts user-uploaded ePub and PDF files for free. It works on Android, iOS, Chrome, and any web browser. Cloud-hosted reading position syncs across all platforms.

Android users and those who want to read personal files alongside purchased books. Free; books sold individually.
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Scribd

Digital library subscription for books, audiobooks, and magazines.

Scribd is a subscription service offering unlimited access to a library of eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, and documents. Unlike Kobo's per-purchase model, Scribd gives unlimited reading for a flat monthly fee.

Heavy readers who want unlimited book access at a flat monthly cost. $11.99/mo or $99.99/yr.
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Libby

Borrow eBooks and audiobooks from your public library for free.

Libby (by OverDrive) is a free app that connects to public library accounts to borrow eBooks and audiobooks. Many Kobo devices integrate with OverDrive natively; Libby is the phone app equivalent.

Library cardholders who want to read library books on their phone or tablet for free. Free; requires public library membership.
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Bookmate

Book subscription service popular in emerging markets.

Bookmate is a book subscription service with a catalog of eBooks and audiobooks. It is particularly strong in Russia, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia, where Kindle and Kobo have limited localized catalogs.

Readers in Eastern Europe and Asia looking for a localized book subscription. From $9.99/mo depending on market.
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How we found these alternatives

Kobo is owned by Rakuten and is the primary alternative to Kindle in non-US markets, dominant in Canada, the Netherlands, France, and Japan.

Frequently Asked Questions

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