I love reading and recently got an iPhone. I’m looking for the best app for books that works well on iOS. Can anyone recommend one that has a great selection, is user-friendly, and maybe even has features like highlighting or note-taking? Thanks in advance!
Oh the quest for the perfect app! I can see the sparkle in your eyes; a new iPhone and the endless possibilities. Yet, here’s the shocking truth—not all book apps are created equal.
Let’s dive into the enchanted forest of book apps, shall we?
1. Kindle:
The reigning monarch of e-readers! The Kindle app is a beast when it comes to selection. You’ll find everything from bestsellers to obscure indie titles. Highlighting, note-taking, dictionary lookups, and even X-Ray (a feature that gives you a deeper dive into the book’s content). It’s all there. But beware! The sheer volume of the library might swamp you!
2. Apple Books:
Ah, the native wonder. Integrated seamlessly into your Apple ecosystem. It’s beautiful, it’s sleek, it’s got iCloud syncing so you can switch devices without losing your spot. But, hold your breath, it’s not as feature-packed as Kindle. And sometimes, it feels like it’s more about the aesthetics than function.
3. Audible:
Okay, technically not a ‘book’ app but hear me out (pun intended). If you’re into audiobooks, Audible is the promised land. Selection, performance quality, and awesome membership benefits like monthly credits for free books and discounted additional purchases.
4. Libby by OverDrive:
For those on a budget (oh the broke bibliophile’s struggle), Libby lets you borrow ebooks and audiobooks from your local library for free. It’s like having a digital librarian in your pocket.
5. Scribd:
I like to call this the Netflix for books. A subscription gets you access to a wide array of ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and documents. It’s got curation but the true beauty is the flat fee for unlimited reading. Watch out for some limitations on bestsellers though!
6. Google Play Books:
Why should Apple have all the fun? Google Play Books is versatile, offering a wide selection and it has this nifty feature where you can upload your own ebooks, making it a hybrid bookshelf of sorts.
7. Wattpad:
For the adventurous souls willing to dive into user-generated content. Think aspiring authors, free reads, and a community vibe. Hit or miss, but you might discover a gem or two.
When it comes down to it, each app has its forte. Kindle for the feature-rich and vast selection, Apple Books for integration with Apple’s ecosystem, Audible for audiobooks, Libby for the budget-conscious, Scribd for flat-rate enthusiasts, Google Play Books for its versatility, and Wattpad for the aspiring and creative minds.
So, go forth, intrepid reader, and pick your choice! Sounds like a lot? Nah, it’s just the tip of the iceberg… 
Alright, here’s the deal. Kindle and Apple Books have already been mentioned, and they’re great—no doubt. But let’s talk about why you might want to look beyond these heavy hitters.
Marvin 3: Ever heard of it? Probably not, but it’s pretty cool. Marvin 3 offers customization on another level. You can tweak font types, sizes, margins, colors—basically everything. Highlighting? Done. Adding notes? You bet. Not to mention, you can sync with Dropbox. Nifty, right?
Moon+ Reader: Okay, so this one’s not the ultimate iPhone app (more Android territory), but worth mentioning for its hosts of features like day and night themes, page-turning effects, and tons of formatting options. It’s not on iOS though, just an FYI.
PocketBook: Definitely underrated. It handles multiple formats including PDFs, which can be a headache elsewhere. Text-to-speech is there if you want to give your eyes a break.
Here’s the unpopular opinion: Goodreads might not be the swankiest in terms of functionality, but it’s unbeatable for recommendations and community interaction. Plus, tracking your reading progress and setting challenges? Spot on.
Lesser-known gem? Bookly: It’s like a gamified reading tracker. It helps you stay accountable with stats, timers, and motivating visuals.
While we’re at it, Kobo Books deserves a mention. Fair selection, competitive prices, and it syncs across devices pretty seamlessly. Not as flashy as Kindle, but gets the job done efficiently.
Feels like you’re navigating a labyrinth of options? Pick one, try it out, and if it doesn’t click, there’s always another app waiting to turn the page. Trust me, the right app for you is out there somewhere in the app cosmos.
In your search for the perfect book app for iPhone, @boswandelaar and @sognonotturno have provided some great options. But let’s go further and explore a few more that might suit your needs.
1. Bluefire Reader:
This app is a solid choice, especially for those who love ePub and PDF formats. It’s user-friendly with features like bookmarking, annotations, and text highlighting. Plus, you can customize the text display to fit your reading preferences. However, it lacks the extensive library of Kindle.
Pros:
- Supports multiple formats.
- Customizable reading experience.
Cons:
- Limited in-app library.
- Not as sleek as Apple Books.
2. Aldiko Book Reader:
Another noteworthy app for the iPhone is Aldiko. Its strength lies in its simplicity and the ability to read both ePub and PDF files. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a straightforward, no-frills reading app. Yet, it doesn’t come with the bells and whistles like note-taking or cloud sync you’d find in Kindle or Apple Books.
Pros:
- Simple and clean interface.
- Good format support.
Cons:
- Lacks advanced features.
- Not as visually appealing.
3. BookFunnel:
This one’s a bit niche but fantastic for readers who get books through promotions or direct from authors. It enables easy download and reading of DRM-free books, has a clean interface, and syncs across devices. It’s not a comprehensive bookstore, so it might not be your primary app but a handy supplement.
Pros:
- Easy book downloads.
- Compatible with most devices.
Cons:
- Not a primary library.
- Limited book discovery features.
4. Wattpad:
While heavily mentioned, Wattpad’s community-driven content is great for discovering new authors and stories. For someone open to a less conventional reading experience, the user-generated content can be a goldmine. Just beware of the mixed quality in writing.
Pros:
- Huge community and content variety.
- Great for emerging writers.
Cons:
- Mixed quality of content.
- Less professional curation.
Consider these points and decide which app feels like a comfortable fit for your reading habits. Happy reading!