Bookmate

Overview

Bookmate is a subscription service for reading e-books and listening to audiobooks. Its catalog spans 1,800,000 books and 100,000 audiobooks in 16 languages, with a separate free collection of 50,000 books. That range makes it a credible option for readers who want both formats in one service, although the free collection is only a portion of the full catalog.

Key features

Personal library and reading controls

Users can upload their own FB2 and EPUB books for use on a smartphone, tablet, or desktop. That makes Bookmate useful even when a reader wants to bring a personal file rather than choose from the service’s catalog. Brightness, font, and background-color controls allow readers to adjust the display to their preferences.

Social reading and listening offline

Readers can follow friends’ reading, share books and quotes, and create or subscribe to themed bookshelves. These features give Bookmate a social dimension beyond a personal reading library, though they will matter less to readers who prefer to keep reading private. Audiobooks can be saved for offline listening and synchronized across devices, allowing a listener to resume where they left off. Books are protected by copyright and cannot be downloaded and distributed outside Bookmate.

Pricing

Bookmate uses a freemium subscription model, with a free plan and a 7-day trial. The free collection includes 50,000 books, while the Premium offer covers books, comic books, audiobooks, and podcasts, supports personal uploads, and includes offline reading and listening. Premium is shown at 0.00 USD per free for 7 days; cancel anytime. Monthly and annual subscription options are available with custom pricing.

The trial gives a prospective subscriber a short window to try the broader format mix and offline access, but it is not a substitute for knowing the ongoing cost before committing. Bookmate does not suit readers who need one subscription to cover several household members: an account is limited to one person and no more than three devices. Family sharing is listed, but the account terms still impose that one-person limit.

Platforms

Bookmate is available on Android, iOS, and the web, covering phones, tablets, and desktop access. Personal uploads can be used on a smartphone, tablet, or desktop, while offline listening provides a practical option when an internet connection is unavailable.

Who it's for

Bookmate is best suited to individual readers and audiobook listeners who value a broad multilingual catalog, want to add their own EPUB or FB2 files, or enjoy sharing reading activity and themed shelves. It is a weaker fit for households seeking a shared account, or for subscribers who need to compare recurring prices before starting a trial. The company is Bookmate Limited, registered in Dublin, Ireland.

Pros and cons

• Pros: A catalog of 1,800,000 books and 100,000 audiobooks across 16 languages, plus a 50,000-book free collection, gives readers a wide range of material.
• Pros: Personal FB2 and EPUB uploads, adjustable reading settings, and offline audiobook listening serve readers with different formats and routines.
• Pros: Social reading features support sharing and discovery with friends and themed bookshelves.
• Cons: The account is for one person and limited to three devices, constraining household use.
• Cons: Monthly and annual subscriptions have custom pricing, so readers cannot compare ongoing costs from the stated prices.
• Cons: Copyright restrictions prohibit distributing books outside Bookmate, limiting what users can do with service-protected titles.
• Cons: Bookmate’s terms do not warrant the security of its website or services, a relevant caveat for readers weighing account security.

Alternatives

For a broader selection of listening apps, browse Audiobook Apps.

• Playary is a free option on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows, with a Premium plan that includes ad-free listening and a mix of songs, podcasts, movies, audiobooks, and TV shows. Choose it instead if that broader media mix matters more than Bookmate’s reading controls and personal book uploads.
• Audiobookshelf is a free, self-hosted audiobook and podcast server for Android, iOS, Linux, web, and Windows. Choose it if you want a self-hosted server rather than a subscription catalog.
• Hoopla is free with a valid card from a participating public library and an email address; available titles vary by library catalog. Choose it if you qualify for library access and want a free option tied to that collection.
• Libby is a free app for Android, iOS, and web; borrowing requires a library card and depends on the library’s collection. Choose it if library borrowing fits your needs better than a subscription service.
• Google Play Books Auto-narrated Audiobooks offers no-charge creation, publishing, and downloading for a limited time, but requires an EPUB ebook offered on Google Play and a publisher who owns the rights. Choose it for that publishing workflow rather than a reading subscription.
• BorrowBox is a free option for Android, iOS, and web.
• Kobo Books offers a 14-day free trial of Kobo Plus Listen, then costs 7.99 USD per month plus applicable taxes. Choose it if you want a stated monthly audiobook subscription price after a longer trial.
• Libro.fm offers a monthly plan with one audiobook credit, 30% off additional audiobooks, member-exclusive sales, and credits that never expire; its current price is custom pricing. Choose it if those credit and purchase benefits are more important than Bookmate’s book catalog and social reading.

Verdict

Bookmate is a strong choice for an individual who wants books and audiobooks in one place, with personal uploads, social reading, and offline audiobook listening. Its breadth and free book collection are compelling reasons to try it, but readers who need a shared household account or a clearly stated recurring subscription price should look elsewhere.