Readest

Overview

Readest is an open-source reader for ebooks and PDFs, suited to readers who want annotation, lookup and listening tools without tying their library to one device. Its broad format support and offline reading make it a capable everyday reader; cloud syncing is the main feature to budget for.

Readest supports EPUB, PDF, MOBI, AZW, AZW3, FB2, CBZ, ZIP, TXT and Markdown. Readers can highlight, bookmark, take notes and search their library, while connections to OPDS catalogs and calibre libraries help bring books from different collections into one place. It is licensed under AGPL-3.0.

Ebooks, notes, highlights and bookmarks stay local by default and are not uploaded without an explicit action such as enabling sync. Readest says it encrypts sensitive data and follows secure app-code practices, while acknowledging that no electronic storage or transmission method is completely secure.

For more options, see our Ebook Reader Software guide.

Key features

• Annotation and search: Highlights, bookmarks and notes let readers mark up books, and library search helps find a passage without browsing titles one by one.
• Parallel reading: Two books can appear side by side with synchronized scrolling and navigation, useful for comparing texts or following a translation.
• Translation and lookup: Readers can translate passages or consult Wiktionary and Wikipedia for a word. Google, Azure and DeepL are translation providers; daily AI translation allowances depend on the plan.
• Text to speech: Books can be read aloud using on-device, browser or cloud speech, offering a listening option as well as support for screen readers.
• Catalogs and exports: OPDS and calibre connections support access to external libraries, while highlights can be exported to Readwise or Hardcover.
• Cloud sync: WebDAV, Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud Drive and S3-compatible storage are supported, but third-party cloud sync requires a paid plan.

Pricing

Readest uses a freemium model. The Free Plan includes 500 MB of cloud storage and 10K AI translation characters per day, enough for a small synced library but a tight ceiling for readers who upload many books.

The Plus Plan costs 4.99 USD per month and provides 5 GB of cloud sync storage, 100K AI translation characters per day and unlimited AI read-aloud hours. It is the paid entry point for readers who need third-party cloud sync or want substantially more translation capacity.

The Pro Plan costs 9.99 USD per month, raising storage to 20 GB and translation to 500K characters per day. It suits larger synced libraries and frequent translation use; the listed plan does not include a separate AI read-aloud allowance.

Lifetime options are billed as a one-time payment: 1 GB for $9.99, 2 GB for $14.99, 5 GB for $29.99, 10 GB for $49.99, or Full Customization for $19.99. These are alternatives for readers who prefer a one-time purchase over a monthly plan, though storage is capped at the selected tier. The Full Customization option is named but has no further included features specified.

After downgrading, books already in Readest Cloud remain downloadable, but uploads above the free 500 MB limit and third-party cloud syncing pause. Free and paid users can seek support through documentation, community channels, GitHub issues and support email.

Platforms

Readest runs on the web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. Offline reading and broad file support make it practical for a library that includes both local files and cloud-synced books, while screen-reader support extends access for visually impaired readers.

Who it's for

Readest is a strong fit for readers who manage books in several formats, annotate frequently, consult reference sources, or want parallel reading and text to speech in the same app. Its local-first defaults also suit readers who prefer not to upload a library unless they choose to sync it.

It is less compelling for someone who needs generous cloud storage without paying: the free allowance is 500 MB, and third-party sync is paid. Readers who keep books only on one device can still use the reader and its local tools without relying on cloud storage.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Support for EPUB, PDF, MOBI, AZW3, CBZ and other formats reduces the need to convert a mixed ebook collection.
• Pro: Notes, highlights, lookup, translation and synchronized two-book reading address more than basic page turning.
• Pro: Local storage by default gives readers control over whether books and annotations are uploaded.
• Con: Free cloud storage stops at 500 MB, and third-party cloud sync requires a paid plan.
• Con: Translation quotas differ sharply by tier, so frequent users may need the $9.99-per-month Pro plan rather than the free allowance.

Alternatives

For a wider comparison, browse Ebook Reader Software.

• Libby is a better fit for readers who want to borrow digital content for free with a valid library card and avoid subscription costs.
• Adobe Digital Editions is another free reader option.
• Thorium Reader is a free alternative for readers using iOS, Linux, macOS or Windows.
• eBoox offers a free, ad-free plan on Android, iOS and the web.
• ReadEra has a free, ad-free plan with no registration; its one-time $14.99 Premium plan includes Google Drive sync, background text to speech and quotes.
• Kobo Books is an alternative for readers considering a catalog-oriented service, with Kobo Plus Listen at $7.99 per month after a 14-day free trial.
• PocketBook Reader is a free reader app for Android and iOS.
• DinoReader is a free Android ebook reader with no subscription.

Verdict

Choose Readest if you want a flexible reader for varied file formats, with annotation, parallel reading, lookup and speech tools across desktop, mobile and web. Its local-first approach and library connections are persuasive strengths. Look elsewhere if your priority is generous cloud storage at no cost: Readest's 500 MB free cap and paid third-party sync make that the clearest trade-off.