Head-to-head · Ebook Reader Software
Readest vs Thorium Reader
Readest leads on 0 checks, Thorium Reader on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreReadest · 9.4/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresReadest · 3 of 3
Readest scores higher on our rubric for ebook reader software: 9.4 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #4.
Readest is the better fit for cross-platform readers and annotation-heavy workflows. Thorium Reader is the better fit for accessible desktop reading with DRM support.
- Readest fits best
Cross-platform readers and annotation-heavy workflows
- Thorium Reader fits best
Accessible desktop reading with DRM support
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Side by side
| Feature | Readest 9.4/10 Visit ↗ | Thorium Reader 8.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.4 | 8.9 |
| Ranking | #1 in Ebook Reader Software | #4 in Ebook Reader Software |
| Best for | Cross-platform readers and annotation-heavy workflows | Accessible desktop reading with DRM support |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | $4.99/mo | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted, Desktop, Mobile | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs | Email, Tickets, Community, Docs |
| Integrations | 9 integrations | 4 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market | Solo, Small business |
| Features Readest 3/3 · Thorium Reader 2/3 | ||
| Annotation tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reading sync | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Offline reading | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, iPadOS |
| Supported formats | EPUB, PDF, MOBI, AZW, AZW3, FB2, CBZ, ZIP, TXT, Markdown | EPUB 2/3, Fixed Layout EPUB, PDF, DAISY 2.02/3, Web Publications |
| Library storage | 0.5 GB | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Readest is an open-source ebook reader for people who read across devices and formats. It runs on the web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, with support for EPUB, PDF, MOBI, AZW/AZW3, FB2, CBZ/ZIP, TXT, and Markdown. Its reading… Read the review → |
Thorium Reader is a free digital reading application and personal library for ebooks, audiobooks, comics, manga, and documents. It is suited to readers who need broad accessibility support, offline access, and compatibility with EPUB, PDF,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Readest — where it wins
- Runs on web, desktop, and mobile platforms
- Supports broad ebook, document, comic, and text formats
- Exports notes and excerpts to Markdown, text, or JSON
Where it doesn't
- Cloud storage is part of paid plans
- Advanced AI tools are limited to the Pro Plan
- Support varies from community support to priority support
Thorium Reader — where it wins
- Supports EPUB, PDF, DAISY, and Web Publications
- Includes annotations, bookmarks, search, and offline reading
- Offers keyboard navigation and screen-reader support
Where it doesn't
- Offline reading applies to downloaded publications
- OPDS browsing depends on available catalogs
- Readium LCP support is limited to protected LCP publications
- Readest9.4/10 · Free plan
A cross-platform ebook reader for broad format support and detailed annotations.
Visit ReadestFull verdict → - Thorium Reader8.9/10 · Free plan
A free, accessible reader for EPUB, PDF, DAISY, and Web Publications.
Visit Thorium ReaderFull verdict →
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All ebook reader software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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