Top 19 places to read books online

Here’s the ultimate list for reading books online. We curated 15 places, totaling millions of books. See the list!

Books have always been one of the best ways to pass the time, learn something new, and unwind. Online book reading has exploded in popularity alongside the spread of the internet and other forms of digital media. Several online resources provide access to a wide selection of books, both free and for a small fee, in many different categories. Here, we present a collection of the finest sites for reading books online.

No matter which formats you prefer, you’re going to love this list of ebooks and audiobooks!

Below is our list of the top 20 places to find books to read online

To help you find your next book, here is a list of our top 15 sources for books online.

1. Project Gutenberg

Project Gutenberg offers over 60,000 eBooks online. Choose from epubs, Kindle eBooks, and more.

The nice thing about these books is that many are in the public domain and can be downloaded to listen to at home or while you’re online.

2. The Online Books Page

Are you ready for a seemingly endless library of books? The Online Books Page has over three million eBooks you can read online. It is a directory of books that are freely available on the internet. This website provides links to various websites that offer free books, including Project Gutenberg and Google Books. The Online Books Page is entirely free, and you don't need to register to access their collection.

In addition to offering free books, this site also provides a search function that allows users to search for specific titles or authors. The website has a feature that allows users to create their own personalized bookshelf, giving the user the option to save and organize their favorite books. The Online Books Page is a phenomenal resource for avid readers, students, and researchers who are looking for free access to a wide range of books.

You can search through the offerings by subject, author, title, or serial number to find the book you’re looking for.

3. Smashwords

Smashwords is a website that has bestsellers, new books as well as classic books that you can read online or download to take on the go. You can also publish on Smashwords if you have a book of your own. The website has a collection of over 500,000 books in various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. 

One of the unique features of Smashwords is that it allows authors to set their own prices for their books, giving readers the opportunity to support independent writers directly. Additionally, Smashwords offers a variety of tools and resources for authors to help them market and promote their books, including a free marketing guide and access to distribution channels such as Apple iBooks and Barnes & Noble.

Smashwords also has a community of readers and writers, where users can connect with each other, share book recommendations, and participate in forums and discussions. The website also hosts an annual promotion called "Read an Ebook Week," where thousands of books are offered at discounted prices or for free, encouraging readers to discover new authors and books.

4. BookBub

On BookBub, you can find eBooks to read quickly and easily. Whether you want to read great books from generations ago or are looking for a new take on an old Jane Austen title, you’ll find it on this site.

It has a collection of over 4 million books in various genres, including romance, mystery, and thriller. BookBub sends daily emails to its subscribers informing them about the latest deals and offers on books. You can read books online on their platform or download them for offline reading.

In addition to offering free and discounted books, BookBub also has a feature called "BookBub Ads" that allows authors and publishers to promote their books to BookBub's audience. This feature helps authors and publishers to reach a wider audience and increase their book sales.

BookBub also has a blog section on their website that provides book recommendations, author interviews, and publishing industry news. The blog is a great resource for book lovers who want to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the book world and discover new authors and books to read.

5. Robin Reads

Robin Reads has a selection of today’s hottest books in its internet archive. It offers non-fiction, science fiction, short stories, and more on its virtual bookshelves.

Robin Reads sends daily emails to its subscribers informing them about the latest deals and offers on books. You can read books online on their platform or download them for offline reading.

In addition to daily deals, Robin Reads also offers a book recommendation service. By filling out a short survey about your reading preferences, Robin Reads will send you personalized book recommendations straight to your inbox. This service is perfect for those who are always on the lookout for their next great read but don't have the time to search for it themselves.

6. eReader News Today

On eReader News Today, you’ll get access to the genres of books that you want to read. There is something for everyone, including an open library of fiction books and bestsellers.

It has a collection of over 30,000 books in various genres, including romance, mystery, and science fiction. eReader News Today sends daily emails to its subscribers informing them about the latest deals and offers on books. You can read books online on their platform or download them for offline reading.

In addition to daily deals, eReader News Today also offers a feature called "Author Buzz," where authors can promote their books to the website's subscribers. This allows readers to discover new authors and books that they may not have otherwise found. eReader News Today also has a blog section where they post book reviews, author interviews, and other book-related content. Overall, eReader News Today is a great resource for book lovers looking for affordable and diverse reading options.

7. FreeBooksy

FreeBooksy is a website that offers free and discounted books to readers. It has a collection of over 100,000 books in various genres, including romance, mystery, and science fiction. FreeBooksy sends daily emails to its subscribers informing them about the latest deals and offers on books. You can read books online on their platform or download them for offline reading.

In addition to offering free and discounted books, FreeBooksy also has a blog section where readers can find book reviews, author interviews, and writing tips. The blog is regularly updated with new content, making it a great resource for book lovers.

FreeBooksy also has a feature called "Author Promotions," where authors can promote their books to a wider audience. This feature allows authors to reach out to potential readers and increase their book sales. FreeBooksy offers different promotion packages at affordable prices, making it a great option for self-published authors or those on a tight budget.

8. Manybooks

Manybooks hosts over 50,000 eBooks in a number of genres. These html files are available to be used on your computer or electronic devices, so you can read the genres you enjoy at home or on the go. 

Manybooks also allows you to customize the reading experience by adjusting the font, background color, and spacing. You can read books online on their platform or download them for offline reading.

9. Goodreads 

Goodreads is a website that offers a collection of over 2 million books in various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. It is a social networking site for book lovers, where you can discover new books, connect with other readers, and join book clubs. Goodreads allows you to track what you've read and want to read, write reviews, and share book recommendations with others. You can read books online on their platform or download them for offline reading.

Download classic books by Charles Dickens, Bram Stoker and so many more. Just sign in with your Facebook, Amazon, or email account to get started.

10. Reedsy Discovery

Reedsy Discovery gives you early access to indie books and potential future bestsellers. It has a collection of over 50,000 books in various genres, including romance, mystery, and science fiction. Reedsy Discovery sends daily emails to its subscribers informing them about the latest deals and offers on books. You can read books online on their platform or download them for offline reading.

Sign in with your social media account and start exploring the free books that are available on the site by performing a quick search.

11. Riveted by Simon Teen

Riveted by Simon Teen is a great online platform for reading books for free. From romance to sci-fi, the platform offers books in various genres for readers of different ages. The platform also hosts contests that encourage readers to share their book reviews and win free books. You can even download an app to read books on-the-go.

In addition to offering free books and hosting contests, Riveted by Simon Teen also provides a community for book lovers to connect and discuss their favorite reads. The platform has a forum where readers can share their thoughts on books, ask for recommendations, and engage in discussions with other members. This creates a sense of belonging and fosters a love for reading among the community.

Riveted by Simon Teen also features exclusive content from popular authors, such as interviews, behind-the-scenes looks at their writing process, and sneak peeks of upcoming books. This gives readers a unique insight into the world of publishing and allows them to connect with their favorite authors on a deeper level.

Teens and those who love young adult novels will be happy using Riveted by Simon Teen.

12. Harlequin Online Reads

If you like a good romance novel, Harlequin Online Reads may be a good place to start looking for a book. The platform offers free online reads of romance novels in various sub-genres such as historical, contemporary and paranormal. The website also features bonus content such as author interviews and behind-the-scenes looks at the publishing process.

One of the great things about Harlequin Online Reads is that you can access it from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. This means you can read your favorite romance novels on your commute, during your lunch break, or even while on vacation. The website is also updated regularly with new content, so you'll never run out of stories to read.

In addition to free online reads, Harlequin Online Reads also offers a subscription service called Harlequin My Rewards. This program allows readers to earn points for every purchase they make on the Harlequin website, which can then be redeemed for free books, exclusive merchandise, and even trips to meet their favorite authors. It's a great way to save money while indulging in your love of romance novels.

13. Tor.com

Tor.com is a platform for science fiction and fantasy enthusiasts. The site offers original fiction from some of the best authors in the genre. You can also find articles, essays, and interviews about the latest sci-fi and fantasy books and movies.

In addition to its content, Tor.com also hosts a community of fans who engage in discussions and debates about various topics related to science fiction and fantasy. The site also features a book club where members can read and discuss a selected book each month.  Tor.com is unique because it hosts science fiction, fantasy, and related book genres on its website. There are original stories and more, and they’re all waiting to be read online.

With its diverse range of content and active community, Tor.com is a must-visit destination for any sci-fi or fantasy lover.

14. Libby / OverDrive

If you have a library card, you can access Libby, a great platform that allows you to borrow e-books and audiobooks from your local library. With thousands of titles available, you can read or listen to books for free on your device. The best part is that you don't have to worry about late fees or overdue books since the titles return automatically when the borrowing period ends.

OverDrive has the Libby app, which gives you access to eBooks, audiobooks, and more directly from any local library. 

15. World Public Library

If you're looking for classic literature or academic texts, World Public Library has you covered. With over 3 million books in its collection, including rare and hard-to-find books, this platform is a treasure trove for scholars and literature lovers. The platform also offers access to journal articles and research papers.

In addition to its vast collection of books and research papers, World Public Library also offers a range of multimedia resources. These include audio and video recordings of lectures, interviews, and documentaries on a variety of topics. Users can access these resources from anywhere in the world, making it a valuable tool for distance learning and research.

World Public Library also provides a platform for independent authors and publishers to showcase their work. This means that users can discover new and emerging voices in literature and academia, as well as access established works. The platform also offers a range of tools for authors and publishers to promote and distribute their work, making it a valuable resource for the publishing industry.

16. Radish

If you enjoy reading serialized fiction, Radish might be right for you. The platform offers bite-sized chapters of various genres such as romance, mystery, and thrillers that you can read on your phone. The app uses a freemium model, where some content is available for free, and some require payment.

Radish also offers a unique feature called "wait-to-unlock," where readers can access new chapters of a story by waiting a certain amount of time or by inviting friends to join the app. This adds a social aspect to the reading experience and encourages readers to share their favorite stories with others.

In addition to reading, Radish also allows users to write and publish their own stories on the platform. This provides a platform for aspiring writers to showcase their work and potentially gain a following. Radish even offers a revenue-sharing program for writers who publish their stories on the app and generate a significant number of reads.

17. Google Books

If you're looking for a comprehensive collection of books, Google Books is the way to go. The platform has digitized millions of books from various sources, including libraries, publishers, and authors. You can read most of these books for free, and some require payment. Google Books also has a feature that allows you to search for specific passages or keywords.

In addition to its vast collection of books, Google Books also offers a feature called "My Library." This feature allows you to create a personal library of books that you can access from any device with an internet connection. You can also organize your books into different categories and add notes or bookmarks to specific pages.

Another useful feature of Google Books is the ability to preview books before you decide to purchase or borrow them. This feature allows you to read a few pages of the book to determine if it's something you're interested in. Additionally, Google Books offers a variety of filters to help you narrow down your search results, such as language, publication date, and author.

18. The Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, and it has a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and other materials that you can access online. While not all the books are available for reading online, you can search for books, read descriptions of them, and even download free e-books from the library's website.

In addition to its extensive collection of books and manuscripts, the Library of Congress also houses a number of unique and rare items. These include the original draft of the Declaration of Independence, the Gutenberg Bible, and the first map to use the name "America." Visitors to the library can view these items in person by making an appointment with the Rare Book and Special Collections Division.

19. Hoopla

Hoopla is another platform that offers access to digital books from libraries. In addition to books, it offers comics, audiobooks, and movies. The platform is free for library cardholders and works with almost all devices.

These are just some of the best platforms to read books online. Each offers its unique features and benefits, so it's essential to find the one that suits your needs best. Try them out and discover new books and authors without leaving the comfort of your own home.

One of the unique features of Hoopla is that it allows users to borrow an unlimited number of titles each month. This means that you can read as many books, comics, or audiobooks as you want without worrying about exceeding a limit. Additionally, Hoopla offers a "Kids Mode" that filters out adult content, making it a safe platform for children to explore and discover new books.

Another benefit of using Hoopla is that it offers a seamless user experience. The platform is easy to navigate, and the search function allows you to find the book you're looking for quickly. Hoopla also offers personalized recommendations based on your reading history, making it easier to discover new books that you'll love.

How to choose a great book to read

Whenever you’re looking for a new book to read, one of the best things you can do is take book recommendations from actual people. If you see a title that you might be interested in, type it into your search bar and see what people have to say about it! You may find that it’s exactly what you’re looking for or be steered away to another title that suits your search a little better.

When looking for books, trust book recommendations from real people, not robots

Last but not least, Speechify audiobooks comes in at number 21. Whenever you’re looking for a new book to read, one of the best things you can do is take book recommendations from real people, not robots. With over 30,000 Speechify audiobooks available to you - our audiobooks comes prepped with your favorite authors and genres. If you see a title that you might be interested in, type it into your search bar and see what people have to say about it! Try searching and listening to your favorite Speechify audiobook today.