Freedom251 › Ebook Reader Software
Thorium Reader
What Thorium Reader is
Thorium Reader is a free digital book reader and library for ebooks, audiobooks, comics, manga, and documents. It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and iPadOS, and supports EPUB, fixed-layout EPUB, PDF, DAISY, Web Publications, audiobook formats such as MP3 and FLAC, and comics in CBZ, EPUB, or PDF. Readers can change text size, themes, and spacing, choose from more than ten fonts, and navigate with keyboard shortcuts. The app opens DRM-free publications and Readium LCP-protected material from compatible sources, including library downloads. Downloaded publications can be read or heard offline, although LCP-protected files need an online connection at least once. Desktop users can add and browse OPDS catalogs, subject to each provider’s options. Accessibility support includes JAWS, NVDA, Narrator, and VoiceOver; the iOS accessibility statement notes known VoiceOver limitations when reading EPUB and PDF. Minimum platform versions are listed, including Windows 10, macOS 12 Monterey, and iOS/iPadOS 26. Thorium Reader is developed by EDRLab, a Paris-based non-profit.
Who it suits
Thorium Reader may suit heavy readers, library-goers, students, and others reading digital books or documents. It supports several formats and platforms, with accessibility tools and offline reading for downloaded publications.
What it does well
- Free on all listed platforms
- Supports ebooks, audiobooks, comics, and documents
- Adjustable text, themes, spacing, and fonts
- Downloaded publications can be read or heard offline
- Supports JAWS, NVDA, Narrator, and VoiceOver
What to know first
- LCP-protected files need an online connection once
- Known VoiceOver limitations for EPUB and PDF reading on iOS
- Platform minimum versions may exclude older systems
Limits
Thorium Reader is free on all platforms. LCP-protected files require an online connection at least once, and the iOS accessibility statement describes known VoiceOver limitations for EPUB and PDF reading.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Thorium Reader | Free on all platforms | Free |
As thoriumreader.com lists them, read 3 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit the Thorium Reader website.
- Choose the version for iOS/iPadOS, Windows, macOS or Linux.
- Check that your device meets the listed minimum platform version.
- Open a DRM-free publication or compatible Readium LCP publication.
- On desktop, add an OPDS catalog if its provider supports the options you need.
Verdict
Thorium Reader combines broad publication-format support with reading controls, accessibility support, and offline access to downloads. Readers using LCP-protected files or VoiceOver on iOS should note the stated connection requirement and reading limitations.
Questions
How much does Thorium Reader cost?
The Thorium Reader plan is free: free.
Which platforms does it support?
It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and iPadOS. Minimum versions are listed for each platform.
Can I read books offline?
Yes. Downloaded publications can be read or heard offline. LCP-protected files need an online connection at least once.
Which formats does Thorium Reader support?
Listed formats include EPUB 2 and 3, fixed-layout EPUB, PDF, DAISY 2.02 and 3, Web Publications, audiobook formats such as MP3 and FLAC, and comics in CBZ, EPUB or PDF.
Who develops Thorium Reader?
It is developed by EDRLab, a Paris-based non-profit development laboratory created in 2015.
Facts from Thorium Reader's own pages
- Accessibility
- The site lists support for JAWS, NVDA, Narrator and VoiceOver; its iOS accessibility statement also describes known VoiceOver limitations for EPUB and PDF reading. · thoriumreader.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Desktop catalogs
- The desktop app can add and browse OPDS catalogs, subject to the catalog provider’s options. · thoriumreader.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Desktop privacy and network use
- The desktop specification says the app collects no personal data, while describing anonymized telemetry and version checks when network access is available. · thoriumreader.com, 3 Oct 2026
- DRM and retailers
- It opens Readium LCP-protected publications and DRM-free publications from compatible retailers. · thoriumreader.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Formats
- The reader supports EPUB, fixed-layout EPUB, PDF, several audiobook formats including MP3 and FLAC, and comics in CBZ, EPUB or PDF. · thoriumreader.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Headquarters
- Paris, France · thoriumreader.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Libraries and free catalogs
- It can read compatible Readium LCP library downloads and content obtained from Project Gutenberg, LibriVox and other public-domain or openly licensed sources. · thoriumreader.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Maker
- Thorium Reader is developed by EDRLab, a Paris-based non-profit development laboratory created in 2015. · edrlab.org, 3 Oct 2026
- Offline use
- Downloaded publications can be read or heard offline; LCP-protected files require an online connection at least once. · thoriumreader.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Platforms and requirements
- It is available for iOS/iPadOS, Windows, macOS and Linux; the site lists iOS/iPadOS 26, Windows 10, macOS 12 Monterey, Ubuntu 18.04, Fedora 32 or Debian 10 as minimum versions. · thoriumreader.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Reading controls
- Readers can adjust text size, themes and spacing, choose from 10+ fonts, and use keyboard navigation with custom shortcuts. · thoriumreader.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Security assurances
- The desktop specification says ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Type II assurances apply to content providers’ services, not to Thorium Reader itself. · thoriumreader.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker links to a Help Desk and Discord; the desktop specification also points users to guides, a public issue tracker and support channels. · thoriumreader.com, 3 Oct 2026
- What it does
- Thorium Reader is a digital book reader and library for ebooks, audiobooks, comics, manga and documents. · thoriumreader.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Who it is for
- The desktop technical specification names the general public, with particular attention to heavy readers, library-goers and students. · thoriumreader.com, 3 Oct 2026
Where Thorium Reader stands on Freedom251
- Ebook Reader Software#18 of 27