The 10 best alternatives to Apple Books (iBooks)
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If you are looking for the top alternatives to Apple Books, take a look at a few of the top options below.
If you are looking for the best reading apps for your iOS devices, you have probably taken a look at numerous formats for your audiobooks, including the ePub format, to find the best option. There are a lot of options available for your Mac, and one of the top options is Apple Books (also known as iBooks). While many people have gotten comfortable with Apple Books, it can be a bit cumbersome. You might find yourself paying for features that you do not need, and you might not like how hard it can be to find the book you want because the selection is not always great, another downside is the limitations. In this article, we'll understand the limitations with Apple Books and the top 10 best alternatives to Apple Books.
Understanding the limitations of Apple Books
When it comes to digital reading, Apple Books offers a sleek and user-friendly interface that is hard to resist. Its visually appealing design and intuitive features make it a popular choice among avid readers. However, like any other platform, Apple Books does have its limitations that may leave some users wanting more. One concern that often arises is the interface and usability of Apple Books. While the overall design is aesthetically pleasing, some users find it challenging to navigate, especially when it comes to organizing and categorizing their extensive book collections. The lack of advanced organizational features can be frustrating for those who like to keep their digital libraries neatly arranged and easily accessible. In addition to the interface, the limited format support is another significant drawback of Apple Books. While it primarily supports EPUB and PDF formats, readers who prefer other file formats may find themselves out in the cold. This limitation can be particularly frustrating for individuals who have a collection of books in different formats or who want to explore a wider range of reading materials. Device compatibility is yet another limitation of Apple Books. The platform is exclusively available on Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs. While this may not be an issue for Apple enthusiasts who solely rely on Apple products, it poses a challenge for readers who prefer to switch between different devices but still want to access their library seamlessly. This limitation restricts the flexibility and convenience that readers seek in a digital reading experience. Despite these limitations, it is important to note that Apple Books still offers a vast selection of books, ranging from bestsellers to classics, catering to a wide range of interests. The platform also provides features like personalized recommendations and the ability to highlight and take notes, enhancing the reading experience for many users. As technology continues to evolve, it is possible that Apple Books will address some of these limitations in future updates. Until then, users may need to explore alternative platforms or find workarounds to overcome these challenges, ensuring they have the best possible digital reading experience. Now that we have explored the limitations of Apple books, lets dive into some alternative e-book platforms that can offer you a richer reading experience.
Diving into the World of E-Book Platforms
When it comes to ebook reader platforms, there are several options available that cater to different preferences and needs. In this expanded version, we will take a closer look at popular platforms.
Kobo
If you are looking for a books app, you might want to consider Kobo. Many people like the Kobo app and the Kobo hardware, but the selection leaves a bit to be desired. It will work well on your iOS and Mac devices, but the program can also be a bit slow sometimes. One of the top advantages of this app is that it should show up crystal clear and provides night mode . The app will do what it is told, but it can take a while to find what you need.
Nook by Barnes & Noble
If you are looking for free eBooks, you might want to take a look at Nook. Nook is one of the most popular options on the app store for people looking to move from the physical bookshelf to a virtual one. Many people like Nook because it is completely free, and it is possible to filter the books by the category you desire—but you will need to have a payment method on file with Barnes & Noble to download books, despite them being free. Some people might not like this experience.
Kindle
The Amazon Kindle app is a popular option for those looking for an eBook reader. It is one of the top alternatives to Apple Books, and many people love this app because it offers a very wide selection for your eBook library. While Kindle Books come in many shapes and forms, the functionality leaves a bit to be desired. It isn’t quite as easy to use, even on macOS or a mobile device, and the library management features can be a bit cumbersome. That being said, if you want to find new books as quickly as possible, you should consider Kindle.
OverDrive Media Console
If you are someone who likes to download books from the public domain, meaning the public library, then you might want to check out OverDrive. As one of the most popular reader apps, you can use this app to download eBooks and audiobooks directly from the library. You can place them on your reading app, including your Apple device, and read them at your leisure. The biggest benefit of this app is that it can help keep public libraries relevant, but your reading experience will be dictated by the hardware you use. For example, an outdated iPod touch probably won’t be as solid as a brand new iPad. That being said, if you want to access your public library for books, this app can help you.
GoodReads
If you are a book reader, there is a good chance that you have heard about GoodReads. This is one of the most popular places for book reviews, and you can even get book recommendations here as well. Therefore, you should consider using GoodReads to help you find new books to read, as well. This is a program that has expanded significantly, and while the user experience is still a bit behind others—such as Apple Books and Kindle—GoodReads has a lot of free features you should explore. They could help you improve your reading experience.
BookFusion
For those who love to have all their books in one place, BookFusion might be the right choice. This app lets you store, organize, and read all your eBooks, no matter where you got them from. It's like having a personal library right in your pocket. The best part? You can upload any eBook format, and it will work. This means you don't have to worry about whether your book is compatible or not. Plus, it syncs across all your devices, so you can start reading on your phone and pick up right where you left off on your tablet. The app is designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for everyone to use. And if you're someone who likes to highlight or make notes while reading, BookFusion has got you covered. The only thing some users mention is that the design could be a bit more modern. But if you're looking for functionality and a place to keep all your books together, BookFusion is a solid choice.
Scribd
Scribd is a program that has a free version and a paid version. With the paid version, you get access to amazing book recommendations and unlimited listening, creating a new option that many of the other apps do not have. Some people have even said that Scribd is better than Audible. The downside is that this program can be a bit expensive, so you need to use it regularly to make the price worth it.
MegaReader
If you are looking for a free app for your Apple device that you can use to read, you might have heard about MegaReader. The biggest advantage of this program is that it provides you with a litany of features that you can customize to meet your needs. It even provides features that you might not find on Amazon Kindle or Apple Books. On the other hand, with so many features, you might have a hard time learning how to use this program. You have millions of books at your disposal, but the learning curve can be a bit steep.
Speechify
If you are really looking for the best reading app for Apple devices, then you need to go with Speechify. Speechify is a versatile text-to-speech program that works on a variety of platforms, including Apple devices, and it can help you convert text into speech. This makes it easier for you to get through books quickly without sacrificing your reading experience, and it’s even great for people with visual and learning disabilities that might not be able to read as easily. Some of the top advantages of this program include:
- It can handle text files in a variety of formats, including Adobe PDF files, ePub files, Microsoft Doc files, and even web pages. No matter what the file is, it should be able to handle it. You can even pull files right out of your Dropbox and load them into the program.
- You can customize the voice to meet your needs. You have access to lots of customizable features that allow you to change the pitch, tone, volume, and more. That way, you have total control of your listening experience.
- You can select the text you want the program to read to you, allowing the program to skip charts and graphs with annotations or bookmarks that you might not want the program to read to you.
- There is even a highlighting feature that allows you to follow the program as it reads to you. This is a great option for learning new languages or expanding your vocabulary.
- There is a free version, but you can also use a free trial of the premium version to see if you want to pay for the premium features.
Conclusion – Speechify is the best alternative
For all of these reasons, Speechify is the best alternative to Apple books. If you want the best reading app in your arsenal, put Speechify to work for you!
FAQ
Some of the most common questions people ask about reading apps and Apple Books alternatives include:
What is the equivalent of Apple Books on Android?
If you are looking for the equivalent of Apple Books on Android, you might have thought about FBreader, Project Gutenberg, or Wattpad—however, the best app is Speechify. It provides you with access to numerous features you can use to improve your reading experience.
Is Apple getting rid of iBooks?
iBooks has become a source of frustration, with many people turning to Google Books and Amazon instead, but now, because iBooks is being discontinued, many people are turning to Speechify instead.
Are Apple Books worth it?
If you love books, Apple Books is a great option—however, if you are looking for the best option available, then you need to go with Speechify. It provides you with access to plenty of options you can use to customize your reading and listening experience to meet your needs. You can convert text into speech and listen to your favorite titles instead.
Which book reading app is best?
If you are looking for the best reading app for iPhone, you might have taken a look at iTunes and Google Play Books. However, you need to go with Speechify. There are a lot of features you can control, such as the spacing between words with your reading speed, and you can even customize the voice to meet your needs. This is a program that will work on numerous platforms, including iOS and macOS devices, and you can increase the reading speed to get through your books faster. For all of these reasons, consider going with Speechify if you are looking for the best reading app.
What can I use instead of iBooks?
If you are looking for something you can use instead of iBooks, you should go with Speechify. This is a great choice that can even handle multiple languages. The premium version can even translate between languages for you.
What is the best alternative to Apple Books?
Speechify is the best alternative to Apple Books. You can convert your text into speech and listen to your books instead of having to read them!
Cliff Weitzman
Cliff Weitzman is a dyslexia advocate and the CEO and founder of Speechify, the #1 text-to-speech app in the world, totaling over 100,000 5-star reviews and ranking first place in the App Store for the News & Magazines category. In 2017, Weitzman was named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list for his work making the internet more accessible to people with learning disabilities. Cliff Weitzman has been featured in EdSurge, Inc., PC Mag, Entrepreneur, Mashable, among other leading outlets.