Readest

Overview

Readest is an ebook and PDF reader for people who want annotation, lookup and listening tools alongside their books. It suits readers managing files across devices, though cloud syncing and higher AI allowances require a paid plan.

Its breadth is a strength: Readest combines a large range of file formats with library connections, parallel reading and offline access. Readers who mainly want to borrow digital books through a library may be better served by a library-focused option such as Libby.

Books, notes, highlights and bookmarks stay on the device by default; optional syncing requires an explicit action. Readest says sensitive data is encrypted and app code follows secure practices, while recognizing that no electronic storage or transmission method is completely secure. Its free software is open source under the AGPL-3.0 license.

For a wider set of choices, see our Ebook Reader Software guide.

Key features

Readest covers the core work of reading and revisiting books: readers can highlight passages, bookmark pages, add notes and search across their library. Offline reading is supported, which makes it useful for a personal library that needs to remain accessible without a connection.

Parallel Read displays two books side by side with synchronized scrolling and navigation. That is a more specific advantage for readers comparing texts or moving between related books than a general-purpose reader feature.

Passages can be translated, and words looked up in Wiktionary or Wikipedia. Translation providers include Google, Azure and DeepL. Text-to-speech can use on-device, browser or cloud speech; the free plan's daily translation allowance is limited, while unlimited AI read-aloud hours are included with Plus.

Readest connects to OPDS catalogs and calibre libraries, and can export highlights to Readwise or Hardcover. Its supported formats include EPUB, PDF, MOBI, AZW, AZW3, FB2, CBZ, ZIP, TXT and Markdown. Screen-reader support broadens access for visually impaired readers.

Pricing

The free plan includes 500 MB of cloud storage and 10K AI translation characters per day. It is a meaningful starting point for readers who keep most files locally, but its storage ceiling and translation allowance may constrain larger libraries or frequent translation. Third-party cloud syncing pauses on downgrade, as do uploads above the free 500 MB limit; books already in Readest Cloud remain downloadable.

Plus is the clearest fit for readers who want more room and substantially more daily translation, or who need unlimited AI read-aloud hours. Pro raises storage and translation allowances further, but no read-aloud allowance is stated for it. Lifetime options suit buyers preferring a one-time payment, though the listed choices vary by storage or customization rather than describing a single standard bundle. Free and paid users can get support through documentation, community channels, GitHub issues and support email.

Platforms

Readest is available on web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. That broad coverage is useful for readers who move between desktop and mobile devices. Reading sync is supported, but third-party cloud sync requires a paid plan; local storage remains the default.

Who it's for

Readest is best for readers with books from multiple sources who want broad format support, annotations, lookup, text-to-speech and optional connections to catalogs or calibre. Its local-first defaults also suit people who do not want their reading library uploaded automatically. It is less compelling for readers who need generous cloud storage or third-party sync without paying, or whose main need is borrowing through a library service.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Broad file support, offline access and six-platform availability make it adaptable to varied libraries and devices.
• Pros: Parallel reading, annotations, lookup and text-to-speech bring useful study and accessibility tools together.
• Pros: Local-by-default storage avoids automatic uploading of books and reading data.
• Cons: Third-party cloud sync is paid, and the free cloud allowance is capped at 500 MB.
• Cons: The free plan's 10K daily translation characters may be restrictive for regular translation use.

Alternatives

Libby is the better choice for readers with a valid library card who want to borrow digital content for free without subscription costs.

Adobe Digital Editions is another free reader option for readers who want to compare free ebook software; its supported platforms are Android, iOS, macOS and Windows.

Thorium Reader is a free alternative for readers using iOS, Linux, macOS or Windows.

eBoox is a freemium alternative for Android, iOS and web readers; its free plan is ad-free.

ReadEra is worth considering for Android, iOS and macOS readers who want a free, ad-free reading plan without registration, or a one-time Premium plan that includes Google Drive sync and background text-to-speech.

DinoReader is a free alternative for Android readers.

PocketBook Reader is a freemium reader for Android and iOS.

Google Play Books Auto-narrated Audiobooks is a web option for publishers seeking to create and download auto-narrated audiobooks at no charge for a limited time; it requires an EPUB offered on Google Play and publisher ownership.

Verdict

Choose Readest if you want one flexible reader for a varied personal ebook library, with annotation, comparison, lookup and listening tools across desktop and mobile. Its local-first approach and format breadth are compelling; look elsewhere if free cloud syncing or library borrowing is central to how you read.