As for the features, iBooks on the Mac has most of the same tools and themes as iBooks on iPhone and iPad, like color options, text size and style customizations, highlighting tools, dictionary lookup, notes, sharing, illustration rendering, voice over, and more. If you are knee-deep in the Apple ecosystem, iBooks is the best e-reader on your Mac. Best E-Book Readers for 2018. Our editors hand-picked these products based on our tests and reviews. If you use our links to buy, we may get a commission.
- Best Epub Reader For Android
- Epub Reader For Mac Os
- Best Epub Reader For Windows
- Best Epub Reader For Mac 2018 Update
- Epub For Mac
6 Best ePub Reader for Mac 2018 (Updated) - by Mohammed Anzil ePub Reader for Ma c – Adobe’s PDF may be the most popular document format but ePub format performs better than PDF.
Is it just me or iOS reader app market is on the bottom today? iBooks hasn't been upgraded with any noticeable features for centuries, interesting and once powerful third-party projects stalled in their progress (Marvin). Personally I don't see any app I could use without regard to other options - some have limited text formatting functionality and cloud synching, others - no annotation synching at all and nowhere I'll find some things that should have already been implemented in 2018 long ago (handwritten notes in ePub, interconnected books in libraries through notes etc). As books are an important part of many people's life I find it quite strange that we have superfast devices and no proper reading solution. What's your opinion on the current state of iOS reading apps? What app do you use?
Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
The Rundown
- Most Popular: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (Previous Generation) at Amazon, “Featuring an eight-week battery life.'
- Best Overall: 2019Amazon Kindle at Amazon, 'The newest line of Kindle now has a built-in front light.'
- Runner-Up, Best Overall: Amazon Kindle Oasis at Amazon, “The ‘Rolls Royce’ of e-readers with a bevy of high-end features.'
- Best Waterproof: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (Newest Generation) at Amazon, 'Super portable at just 6.4 ounces and (finally) waterproof, with an IPX8 rating.'
- Best for Audiobooks: Amazon Fire HD 8 with Alexa at Amazon, “When you’re tired of reading, it can instantly switch over to listening mode.”
- Best Budget: Barnes and Noble Nook 7' at Barnes and Noble, 'Offers an extensive ebook library with more than one million titles that cost $5 or less.'
- Best Amazon Tablet: Amazon Fire 7 Tablet at Amazon, 'More than just an e-reader, it’s also a full-fledged tablet equipped with Alexa.”
- Best Apple Tablet: Apple iPad at Amazon, 'You’re getting a full-featured tablet on top of the reading functionalities.'
- Best for Kids: Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition at Amazon, 'Comes with one free year of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited, which gives you access to kid-friendly Audible audiobooks.'
- Best for Work: Sony DPT-RP1/B Digital Paper at Amazon, 'Highlight, annotate, or erase on it just like you’d do with physical pen and paper.'
Our Top Picks
Most Popular: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (Previous Generation)
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite offers a whopping eight-week battery life on normal use and a reading experience that far exceeds that of a tablet. The latest Kindle Paperwhite matches Amazon’s flagship Kindle Voyage at 300ppi. The black and white screen is noticeably crisper than previous iterations, with a more pronounced contrast, and there’s no glare even under direct sunlight. For late-night reads, turn on the four built-in LED lights.
Best Epub Reader For Android
The new system font Bookerly has been designed from the ground up to reduce eyestrain while allowing for faster reading. This is not merely advertising fodder; the font is legitimately crisp, modern and easy to read. The typesetting engine has also received an update, so there are fewer awkward misplaced letters or words that plagued earlier models.
The relatively plain Kindle Paperwhite can’t compete with the more expensive Kindle Voyage’s design. At nearly half a pound, it is a little on the heavy side, and there’s no microSD slot. However, with 4GB of internal storage there’s enough space to store thousands of books.
The Kindle bookstore is arguably the best online bookstore available, with over four million titles on offer. It’s a little slow to navigate on the Paperwhite itself, but you can always browse the store on a laptop and send the e-book wirelessly to your device. The Kindle Paperwhite, at its lowest price point, has the right to show you advertising for unfettered access to the Amazon network via Wi-Fi. While these ads are unobtrusive, they might deter readers in search of a more traditional experience.
Read more reviews of the best Amazon Kindles available to purchase online.
Best Overall: 2019 Amazon Kindle
The Amazon Kindle has become a force in the portable electronics space—not because it has the flashiness of an iPad or the versatility of a flagship smartphone. It claims market share because the screen very closely approximates what it’s like to read an actual book. The newest 2019 version brings a lot of specs to the table.
First off, Amazon has included a brand-new front light that allows you to read in the dark, something that was previously only available on the more expensive Kindle Paperwhite. You’ll also get a decently crisp 167 PPI resolution, so not only can you read in the dark, but it’ll look really close to words on an actual page.
There’s 4GB of storage built in which is enough storage for thousands of books. It connects via Wi-Fi and even offers Bluetooth connectivity so you can listen to audiobooks as well as read. The battery is big enough to provide around four weeks of reading time, depending on things like light usage and how long you spend actually reading in a given session. Plus at only 0.34 inches thick, weighing only 6.1 ounces, and for a really affordable price, it is supremely portable, perfect for tossing into your beach or travel bag.
Runner-Up, Best Overall: Amazon Kindle Oasis
The Kindle Oasis is the best Amazon e-reader you can buy – even though the price is a bit steep. Rest assured, it’s the “Rolls Royce” of e-readers, with an all-new ergonomic design, dedicated buttons for turning pages and a backlight for reading in the dark. The tapered design is .13” at its slimmest, but it still manages to feel extra sturdy. It’s perfectly balanced for one-hand reading the 7” 300ppi display that offers laser-quality text. It also weighs just 4.6 ounces and is the first Kindle to be waterproof (IPX8) in fresh water for up to 60 minutes. Also new: the ability to listen to audiobooks narrated by your favorite A-list celebrities.
Whether it’s black and white comics or lengthy novels, reading on the display feels far closer to reading a physical book than a smartphone display. It’s that sharp and frankly, that good. Battery life will vary with use, but Amazon claims the Oasis can last up to eight weeks on just 30 minutes of reading per day. The 8GB of memory will hold thousands of books with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n connectivity. Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited monthly rate offers one million titles on-the-go, and there are over two million titles priced at $9.99 or less.
Best Waterproof: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (Newest Generation)
Ever since Amazon first introduced the Kindle Paperwhite back in 2012, it’s had a special place in our hearts. It radically improved on the original Kindle's readability and versatility with an improved screen and backlighting. The newest Kindle Paperwhite continues in the tradition of the first Paperwhite with another round of updates. This model has a six-inch, glare-free screen with five LED lights behind the screen so you can read it anywhere. It’s also super portable at just 6.4 ounces and (finally) waterproof, with an IPX8 rating. That means you can read on the beach or by the pool without worrying about water damage.
The Kindle Paperwhite comes with a few configuration options. You’ll have to choose either 8GB or 32GB of storage, depending on how many books, magazines, comics, and audiobooks you need to store. Secondly, you’ll have to choose between having just Wi-Fi connectivity or Wi-Fi and free cellular connectivity from AT&T. Most people will be fine with just Wi-Fi, but heavy readers may prefer the ability to get more books while on the go. Lastly, you’ll have to choose whether to receive ads on your device or no ads. (Amazon calls ads “Special Offers.”) If you go ad-free, it will cost you $15 more.
Best for Audiobooks: Amazon Fire HD 8 with Alexa
If you want the best of the eBook and tablet world, it’s going to be hard to beat the Amazon Fire HD 8. With over millions of eBooks, individual Kindle titles cost as little as $2.99 a month, but you can also sign up for Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited plan for $9.99 a month to read whatever you want for as long as you renew your subscription.
When it comes to reading on the Fire HD 8, Amazon has done its best to create a comfortable screen experience. The tablet has a specialized Blue Shade feature for backlight optimization that allows for a pleasing nighttime reading experience that doesn’t fatigue the eyes. And when you’re tired of reading, you can instantly switch over to listening mode. Just ask Alexa to read aloud and it’ll take over. With dual stereo mode speakers powered by Dolby Atmos, books sound loud and clear.
When you’re done with books altogether, there’s so much more the Fire HD 8 can do. Stream millions of TV shows or movies with Netflix, HBO, or other favorite services. The Amazon app store offers hundreds of thousands of apps including sports, news, games, weather, and productivity for any kind of content you want.
Best Budget: Barnes and Noble Nook 7'
While the Barnes and Noble Nook may not have the prominence of the Amazon Kindle in the e-reading world, it’s worthy of consideration because of two major factors: low prices and many in-store locations in the U.S. where you can get real-life support. The newest Nook 7-inch tablet costs about half the price of a Kindle and offers an extensive ebook library with more than one million titles that cost $5 or less. This base model has 16GB of internal storage, but you can add up to 128GB in additional storage with a microSD card. The Nook also comes pre-installed with the Barnes and Noble Browsery app, where you can discuss your favorite books with their online community and get recommendations for titles you might like. For those that need to take a break from books now and again, you can also access the Google Play store on your Nook and download apps, games, movies, and more. If you prefer a larger screen, Barnes and Noble also offers a 10.1-inch Nook tablet (although that model is more expensive).
Best Amazon Tablet: Amazon Fire 7 Tablet
Amazon’s Fire 7 is so much more than just an e-reader – it’s also a full-fledged tablet equipped with Alexa. While you might not need all of its bells and whistles, there are plenty of features that make this device attractive to avid readers.
First off, its gorgeous seven-inch, 1024 x 600 IPS display has high contrast, vivid colors and sharp text to make reading for hours on end comfortable and enjoyable. Secondly, it boasts eight hours of battery life, so you won’t need to charge up between chapters. Thirdly, the Fire OS has an exclusive Blue Shade feature that automatically optimizes backlight for a better reading experience in dim lighting. And last but not least, Family Library links your Amazon account to that of your relatives to let you conveniently share books.
If you’re an on-the-go reader who doesn’t hesitate to toss your e-reader in your tote, you’ll also love the fact that the Fire 7 is highly durable. (It was rated as twice as durable than the iPad mini 4, not to mention, it’s cheaper, too!) For $30 more you can upgrade to the eight-inch Fire tablet, which will score you a larger reading screen and four more hours of battery life, but we find this seven-incher to be a good balance between function and portability.
Best Apple Tablet: Apple iPad
Apple’s iPad has been a great choice for e-reading for a long time due to its large display and incredible versatility. We've picked the newest version of the iPad with a 9.7-inch screen as the best option. While this is definitely a more expensive option in the e-reader space, you’re getting a full-featured tablet on top of the reading functionalities. The iPad allows you to browse the web, work on projects on the go, draw with the Apple Pencil, play games, and use millions of apps from the App Store. The iPad is also uniquely suited for reading magazines, comic books, and regular books that are full of color (most designated e-readers are black and white). One other reason the iPad is great for e-reading is that you can use various apps for e-reading including Apple Books, Kindle, Bookari, Scribd, Google Play Books, and more, so no matter where you like buying ebooks, you can read them.
Best for Kids: Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition
In the realm of e-readers specifically meant for children, there isn't much to choose from — designated e-readers are generally made with adult audiences in mind. Fortunately, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition is technically a tablet, but it's so versatile that it also makes a great e-reader for kids.
At its core, the Fire HD 8 Kids Edition is a basic Fire HD tablet with an eight-inch display, 32GB of internal storage, a 1.3GHz quad-core processor, and 1.5GB of RAM. It has up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge, so it can get through a whole day (or two!) without being plugged in. But this model adds a few features specifically for kids, including a blue or pink “kid-proof” case that protects it from drops and a two-year guarantee that it will survive whatever your kids to do it. This tablet also comes with one free year of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited, which gives you access to thousands of kid-friendly books, movies, and TV shows through Amazon. FreeTime Unlimited also gives kids the ability to listen to Audible audiobooks like Beauty and the Beast, The Snow Queen, Peter Pan, and more.
Epub Reader For Mac Os
Best for Work: Sony DPT-RP1/B Digital Paper
If you’re looking for an e-reader that is more suited for work tasks — including reading documents, drawing, or taking notes — you need to take a look at the Sony DPT-RP1/B Digital Paper. This device is one of the most interesting products on this list because it is so clearly meant for a future-facing work environment where you read and mark up documents on a single touch-screen reader (and it isn't an Apple, Google, or Amazon product). First and foremost, the Digital Paper is thin and claims to be “as thin as 30 sheets of paper,” so it’s easy to carry around to all your important meetings. The touchscreen, which can be either 10 inches or 13 inches in size, has high contrast and no glare, which means it's easy to read even in direct sunlight. When you pull up documents on the Digital Paper, you can highlight, annotate, or erase on them just like you’d do with physical pen and paper. To transfer documents, you can do so via USB, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. In terms of battery life, it can last up to three weeks on a single charge.
Tested by
How We Tested
We bought five top-rated e-readers that our reviewers tested for more than 130 hours. We asked our testers to consider the most important features when using these e-readers, from their screen size to their durability. We’ve outlined the key takeaways here so that you, too, know what to look for when shopping.
What to Look for in an E-Reader
Screen type -Many e-readers, including Amazon’s Kindles, use a technology called E-Ink Carta to mimic paper and not harm your eyes in the same way an LED or LCD display does. For avid readers, it’s definitely the way to go. If you’ll be reading in short spurts, though, an IPS display (which is common on most tablets) is another option. Just be sure to turn on the Blue Shade feature that optimizes backlight for a better reading experience in dim lighting.
Battery life -In general, e-readers have stellar battery lives. Because the screens take up dramatically less power than smartphones or tablets, they can go days or even weeks without a charge. Some Kindles claim a whopping eight weeks of reading time (on 30 minutes of reading per day), so if you’re forgetful when it comes to charging, you’ll be set.
Durability -Planning to read at the beach? You’ll want an e-reader that can survive high tide. Some devices are designed to be waterproof and rated at IPX8, which means they can swim in depths of up to one meter for up to 60 minutes.
Test Results: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (Previous Generation) (Most Popular)
What We Like
Lightweight
Great screen resolution
Good battery life
What We Don't Like
Limited storage capacity
Awkward to hold
“The battery life, screen, touchscreen interactions, store, Goodreads integration, etc., all make it the best possible Kindle experience,” one of our testers raved about the Previous Generation Amazon Kindle Paperwhite. Our reviewers also liked how lightweight and portable it is, making it ideal for travel. On the other hand, one of our testers felt it was an awkward size: “It's not really necessary to hold in two hands, but it's also not comfortable to hold in just one,” he explained. One of our reviewers also wished for more storage space. Still, according to one of our testers, “it's worth buying, especially for the price.”
Test Results: 2019 Amazon Kindle (Best Overall)
What We Like
Smooth, rubberized plastic design
Expansive brightness settings for interface and light
Customizable page display for easy reading
What We Don't Like
Cluttered home page
Pixel density lower than higher-end models
Not waterproof
“This product is worth buying if you need a simple e-reader,” said our tester. It was also very portable: “The 10th Generation knocked down the size slightly from the previous generation,” she explained, “making it easier to tuck into a purse or bag on the go.” Other highlights were its long battery life and its “useful” LED screen. On the other hand, she felt that its grip was “a little too small for the average person.” She also thought that its pixel density was too low: “The 167 PPI was a huge letdown since the previous generation boasted 300 PPI,” she said, “and it's blatant when using the device.”
Test Results: Amazon Kindle Oasis (Runner-Up, Best Overall)
What We Like
Large screen
Nice design
Easy to flip between pages
What We Don't Like
Pricey
Experimental browser is bad
Our testers loved the 7-inch screen of the Kindle Oasis, which they said was particularly useful for reading comic books or looking at large font. One of our reviewers also noted, “It's got a really nice design, which makes it easy to grip, and the buttons make it easy to flip between pages.” However, one of our testers called the experimental browser “terrible” and also felt the device was so thin she was worried it would break. While our testers felt the large screen was great, overall, they felt the price was still a little steep for its capabilities.
Test Results: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (Newest Generation) (Best Waterproof)
What We Like
Sleek design
Waterproof
Great storage space
What We Don't Like
Small glare in bright light
MOBI format not compatible with local libraries
Our testers loved the improved 8 GB storage space and sleek, modern design of the Newest Generation Amazon Kindle Paperwhite. “It's compact, which means it's easy to take on vacations, and the waterproof feature is a perk,” reported one of our reviewers. On the other hand, our testers felt there was too much glare on the screen and weren’t fans of the experimental browser. One of our reviewers also wished you could read files from local libraries instead of being limited to the Kindle store. Still, our testers felt it was a worthwhile purchase, particularly because of all the extra storage space.
Test Results: Amazon Fire HD 8 with Alexa (Best for Audiobooks)
What We Like
Best Epub Reader For Windows
Durable
Great price
Convenient Alexa voice control
What We Don't Like
Best Epub Reader For Mac 2018 Update
Audio is tinny
Sluggish navigation
Epub For Mac
Our testers loved the Alexa voice integration of the Amazon Fire HD 8. “Hands-free Alexa is truly holistic, and the tablet can be mostly controlled with your voice,” one of our reviewers remarked. Our testers also thought it was super durable and kid-friendly. “It’s a great price for a multimedia streaming tablet,” one of our testers raved. On the other hand, our reviewers didn’t find the audio to be high-quality and found it was best used with headphones. Overall? “The tablet itself is seriously unremarkable due to its specifications, but if you’re not naive to that, this is easily one of the cheapest options on the market for a useful slate that will let you browse social media and stream content regularly,” declared one of our testers.