Discover the best ebook subscription apps for 2026. Compare pricing, features, and catalogs of top platforms like Kindle Unlimited, Kobo Plus, and Everand to find your perfect reading service.
77% of readers use ebook and audiobook subscription services daily or weekly. Subscription platforms offer unlimited access to digital libraries for a fixed monthly fee, giving readers more flexibility in how and where they enjoy their favorite books.
In this guide, you'll explore the top 10 best ebook subscription apps available in 2026 to make an informed decision.
Software | Best For | Pricing | Free Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
Kindle Unlimited | Extensive catalog | $11.99/mo | 30-day trial |
Kobo Plus | Flexible plans | $7.99-$9.99/mo | 30-day trial |
Everand | Multi-format | $11.99-$16.99/mo | 30-day trial |
Libby | Free library access | Free | Yes |
Storytel | International | Varies by region | 14-day trial |
Bookmate | Social reading | $9.99/mo | Limited trial |
Perlego | Academic books | From $12/mo | No |
Hoopla | Multimedia | Free | Yes |
Scribd | Documents | Varies | Trial available |
Audible Plus | Audiobooks | $7.95/mo | 30-day trial |
Best for extensive catalog and Amazon ecosystem integration
Kindle Unlimited offers access to over 4 million titles including ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and comics. It's the most extensive catalog of any subscription platform, ideal for voracious readers who consume multiple books per month.
With seamless integration across Kindle devices, Fire tablets, smartphones, and computers, you can start reading on one device and pick up where you left off on another. The service includes audio narration for thousands of titles and access to popular magazines.
The catalog is significantly larger than competitors, though many titles are self-published works. The platform's exclusive content arrangement means many authors publish solely with Kindle Unlimited.
Best for flexible pricing with separate ebook and audiobook plans
Kobo Plus offers flexible subscription models: ebooks only, audiobooks only, or combined. With over 1.5 million ebooks and 150,000 audiobooks, it provides substantial variety without restrictive borrowing limits.
Unlike Kindle Unlimited's 20-book limit, Kobo Plus allows unlimited downloads. This makes it attractive for readers who keep multiple books on their device or download content for extended offline periods.
Available in the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, Europe, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Integrates seamlessly with Kobo e-readers, praised for superior display technology and wider format support.
Best for multi-format content including magazines and podcasts
Everand, formerly Scribd, is a comprehensive reading platform offering ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, podcasts, sheet music, and Everand Originals featuring authors like Margaret Atwood and Stephen King.
Unlike competitors with unlimited access, Everand uses a credit-based system. Standard plan ($11.99/mo) includes one premium unlock monthly, while Plus ($16.99/mo) provides three unlocks. Both maintain unlimited access to magazines, podcasts, sheet music, and curated ebooks/audiobooks.
This hybrid model excels for readers wanting diverse formats beyond books.
Best for free access through public libraries
Libby is a free app providing access to ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines from your public library. All you need is a library card—the most budget-friendly option for quality content.
Built by OverDrive, Libby works with thousands of libraries. The award-winning interface makes borrowing digital content seamless. You can download for offline reading or stream to save space. For US libraries, send borrowed books directly to Kindle devices.
Free with library card
Best for international audiobook selection
Note: Not available in United States
Storytel is a Swedish service serving 2.6 million subscribers in over 20 countries. With 800,000+ titles in 55 languages, it's strong for international and non-English content.
Offers unlimited and family plans with seamless switching between audiobook and ebook formats. Offline downloads ideal for travelers. Recently expanded to include individual purchases with subscriber discounts.
Best for social reading features
Bookmate features unique social capabilities: browse 12 million titles and follow friends' bookshelves. Creates a Goodreads-like experience combined with unlimited access.
Offers separate subscriptions for ebooks, audiobooks, or Premium (everything). Core library has 850,000 books across 12 languages. Personalized recommendations adapt to reading habits. Family subscription for up to three people.
Best for academic and professional books
Perlego is the "Spotify for textbooks," providing 1.4 million professional and academic ebooks across hundreds of subjects. Invaluable for students, researchers, and professionals needing scholarly content.
Essential Plan: 800K+ titles across business, personal growth, humanities. Complete Plan: 1.4M+ books including specialized titles plus Premium Read Aloud and Research Assistant.
Smart Search acts as research assistant for finding relevant passages. Study tools include highlights, notes, and text-to-speech.
Best for multimedia content from libraries
Hoopla provides 1.5M+ titles including audiobooks, ebooks, comics, magazines, music, movies, and TV shows. Completely free with a library card.
Unlike Libby's wait lists, Hoopla titles are always available since libraries pay per checkout. However, libraries typically limit checkouts per month (3-10 items).
Note: Some libraries are discontinuing due to rising costs. Check availability with your local library.
Free with library card
Best for documents and user-generated content
Scribd pioneered ebook subscriptions and offers traditional books plus user-uploaded documents, presentations, and research papers. Consumer reading has moved to Everand; Scribd focuses on document-sharing.
Provides access to user-generated content including academic papers, business documents, presentations, and specialized research. Valuable for professionals, students, and researchers.
Varies by subscription type
Best for audiobook-focused subscribers
Audible Plus is Amazon's audiobook service with unlimited streaming of audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals. At $7.95/month, it's an affordable entry point without the Premium Plus credit system ($14.95/mo).
Unlimited Plus Catalog access includes thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, and exclusive originals. Excellent narration with celebrity voice actors. Whispersync for Voice switches between reading Kindle ebooks and listening.
Consider these factors:
Start with free library apps before paid subscriptions. Use free trials to test catalogs and experience.
The ebook subscription landscape is evolving rapidly:
77% of readers use ebook/audiobook subscriptions daily or weekly. However, rising digital licensing costs are forcing libraries to cut services, leading platforms to shift from unlimited to credit-based systems.
For budget-conscious readers, start with free library apps like Libby or Hoopla. For heavy readers wanting the largest selection, choose Kindle Unlimited or Kobo Plus. Multi-format seekers should consider Everand, while students benefit from Perlego.
Take advantage of free trials to test catalog quality and features before committing to long-term subscriptions.
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