Readest

Overview

Readest handles EPUB and PDF as well as MOBI, AZW, AZW3, FB2, CBZ, ZIP, TXT, and Markdown files. It works offline, supports screen readers, and is licensed under AGPL-3.0. Catalog connections and highlight exports make it useful beyond a single ebook collection: it connects to OPDS catalogs and calibre libraries, and can export highlights to Readwise or Hardcover.

Books, notes, highlights, and bookmarks are stored locally by default and are not uploaded without an action such as enabling optional sync. Readest says it encrypts sensitive data and follows secure app-code practices, while recognizing that electronic storage and transmission cannot be completely secure.

For more options, see our Ebook Reader Software guide.

Key features

• Annotation and library search: Highlight passages, bookmark pages, add notes, and search across an ebook library. These tools suit readers who return to specific passages, not just those reading straight through.
• Parallel reading: Keep two books side by side with synchronized scrolling and navigation. This is useful for comparing texts or consulting a reference while reading; readers focused on one book at a time may not need it.
• Translation and lookup: Translate passages and look up words in Wiktionary or Wikipedia. Google, Azure, and DeepL are available as translation providers; daily AI translation quotas vary by plan.
• Text to speech: Listen using on-device, browser, or cloud text-to-speech. The Plus plan includes unlimited AI read-aloud hours, while the free plan's stated allowance is 10K AI translation characters per day.
• Library connections and exports: OPDS catalogs and calibre libraries help bring collections into Readest, while Readwise and Hardcover exports let readers carry highlights elsewhere.
• Cloud storage: Sync options include WebDAV, Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud Drive, and S3-compatible storage. Because third-party cloud sync requires a paid plan, readers who rely on those services should factor in the subscription.

Pricing

Readest is freemium, with a free plan and paid options. The free tier provides 500 MB of cloud storage and 10K AI translation characters per day, which can be sufficient for a smaller library and occasional translation. Third-party cloud syncing and uploads above that storage allowance pause after downgrading, though books already in Readest Cloud remain downloadable.

The free plan's listed price is not available as a numeric amount. Plus is the entry paid tier at 4.99 USD per month; Pro costs 9.99 USD per month and raises storage and translation limits. The Lifetime options are billed once, but the storage tiers are smaller than Plus or Pro, and the Full Customization option is a separate offering. Choose based on the quota that matters: Plus adds read-aloud hours, while Pro's stated benefits center on storage and translation.

Platforms

Readest is available on web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. That spread makes it a practical option for readers switching between desktop and mobile devices, while offline reading covers use without a connection.

Who it's for

Readest is a strong fit for readers with mixed-format libraries who want annotations, lookup, translation, and listening alongside catalog and calibre connections. Its local-first defaults and open-source license may also appeal to readers who want control over their collection. It is less suited to someone who requires third-party cloud sync but wants to stay on a free plan, or whose storage and translation use would routinely exceed the free allowances.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Broad format support, from EPUB and PDF to CBZ, ZIP, and Markdown, reduces the need to split a mixed library across readers.
• Pro: Parallel reading, annotations, lookup, and text-to-speech bring study and accessibility tools together.
• Pro: Local storage by default and an AGPL-3.0 open-source license give readers a clear alternative to a cloud-first approach.
• Con: Third-party cloud sync is paid, so readers who depend on an existing drive service cannot get that workflow on the free plan.
• Con: The free tier's 500 MB storage and 10K daily translation characters may constrain larger libraries or frequent translation.

Alternatives

• Libby is a better fit for readers who want free digital borrowing through a valid library card, with no subscription costs.
• eBoox is another freemium reader, with a free, ad-free plan for readers on Android, iOS, or web.
• ReadEra suits Android, iOS, and macOS readers who want free reading without ads or registration; its 14.99 USD one-time Premium plan adds Google Drive sync and background text-to-speech.
• Adobe Digital Editions is a free reader for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows.
• Kobo Books offers a 14-day trial of Kobo Plus Listen, followed by 7.99 USD per month plus applicable taxes.
• PocketBook Reader is a free reader app for Android and iOS; app stores indicate in-app purchases.
• Thorium Reader is a free option for iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows.
• DinoReader is a free-to-use Android ebook reader.

Verdict

Choose Readest if you want a flexible, open-source reader that combines broad format support with annotation, lookup, and listening tools. Its local-first defaults and connections to catalogs and calibre are compelling strengths. Look elsewhere if free third-party cloud sync is essential or the free storage and translation quotas are too restrictive.