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Readest is a modern, feature-rich ebook reader for personal EPUB, PDF, MOBI, AZW3, FB2, CBZ, and TXT files across macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, iPad, and the web. The open-source app is strongest for customizable reading, annotations, translation, text-to-speech, Calibre/OPDS access, and cross-device sync—not for replacing Kindle or Kobo stores and hardware.
Readest presents itself as a modern rewrite of Foliate. The project combines a reading application with a personal-library layer: you bring books you legally own or can access through compatible catalogs, then read, search, annotate, organize, and potentially synchronize them across devices.
Key takeaways
- Readest is an open-source ebook reader and library application, licensed under AGPL-3.0, rather than an ebook store or dedicated e-reader device.
- The project lists EPUB, MOBI, KF8/AZW3, FB2, CBZ, TXT, and PDF support, but fixed-layout PDFs and comics do not necessarily provide the same controls as reflowable EPUB books.
- Readest supports macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and the web, although platform packaging, feature availability, storage, and file-access behavior can differ.
- Advertised synchronization covers book files, reading progress, notes, highlights, and bookmarks; Calibre, OPDS, and KOReader are related library-access or device workflows rather than automatic compatibility with every ebook ecosystem.
- The app is free to download in the U.S. Apple App Store, which also lists Plus at $4.99, Pro at $9.99, and separate storage purchases observed in August 2026; plan entitlements and billing details require current storefront verification.
What is Readest, the modern, feature-rich ebook reader?
Readest is an open-source, cross-platform application for reading and organizing personal ebook files. The project describes Readest as a modern rewrite of Foliate and positions it for personal collections, study, research reading, language learning, accessibility, and deep reading. The public GitHub repository identifies the project as AGPL-3.0 licensed.
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Readest is not a bookstore. Readest does not provide the Kindle Store, Kobo Store, or Apple Books marketplace, and Readest is not a Kindle, Kobo, or other e-ink hardware platform. Readest is also not a replacement for Calibre’s extensive metadata, conversion, and server-management tools. A useful way to understand the product is as a reading layer that can complement Calibre, OPDS catalogs, and compatible KOReader workflows.
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Readest compared with common ebook tools
| Product or category | Primary role | Where Readest differs |
|---|---|---|
| Readest | Cross-platform reading, annotations, organization, and synchronization | Focused on user-supplied files and reading controls rather than a retail store or hardware ecosystem |
| Calibre | Desktop library management, metadata editing, conversion, and server features | Calibre manages and serves a collection; Readest provides a more reader-focused interface and reading workflow |
| KOReader | Highly configurable reading on supported e-ink devices | Readest covers desktop, mobile, and web platforms more broadly; KOReader remains especially relevant on e-ink hardware |
| Kindle or Kobo | Commercial book store, account sync, and dedicated reading hardware | Readest is not a native client for either store and does not reproduce their DRM, purchasing, or hardware systems |
| Apple Books | Apple-device reading integrated with Apple’s book ecosystem | Readest emphasizes cross-platform personal files, customization, and open-source development |
Which platforms support Readest?
Readest documentation lists macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and a web application. The project README directs users to different distribution routes, and the project’s official website provides the main download entry point.
| Platform | Official route | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| macOS | Apple App Store | The listed App Store build requires macOS 13 or later |
| iPhone and iPad | Apple App Store | The listing requires iOS/iPadOS 15 or later |
| Windows | Official GitHub releases or Readest’s website | Choose the current installer for the operating system and processor |
| Linux | Readest website, GitHub releases, or Flathub | Flatpak sandbox permissions may affect folders, removable storage, or network services |
| Android | Readest website or GitHub releases | Verify the current package and installation requirements before sideloading or updating |
| Web | web.readest.com | Browser storage, local-file access, offline behavior, and large-file handling can differ from native apps |
Cross-platform availability does not guarantee feature parity. Native applications generally have more direct access to local files, fonts, notifications, and background capabilities than a browser. Mobile operating systems can also restrict background synchronization or file access. Treat each platform as a separate workflow until a test book confirms the behavior you need.
How do you install Readest?
macOS, iPhone, and iPad
- Open the Apple App Store.
- Search for Readest – eBook Reader.
- Confirm that the developer is Bilingify LLC.
- Check the device requirement shown on the listing before installing.
- Import an EPUB or PDF through the Files app, the system share sheet, or Readest’s import flow.
Windows, Linux, and Android
- Open Readest’s official download site or the official GitHub releases page.
- Select the package matching the operating system and processor.
- Install the package and launch Readest.
- Import one test EPUB before migrating a complete library.
- Check whether the synchronization workflow you want requires an account or paid cloud plan.
Linux through Flathub
The project identifies Flathub as a Linux installation route. A Flatpak installation may need permission to access a folder containing books, removable storage, or a network location. If Readest cannot see a library folder after installation, inspect the Flatpak permissions rather than assuming the book is unsupported.
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Open web.readest.com in a supported browser. The web version is convenient on a device where native installation is unavailable, but browser storage can be cleared, local-file access can be restricted, and very large PDFs or comics may behave differently from desktop builds.
Which ebook formats does Readest support?
Readest’s project README lists EPUB, MOBI, KF8/AZW3, FB2, CBZ, TXT, and PDF. Format opening is not the same as complete feature parity: EPUB is a reflowable format suited to font and layout changes, while PDF and many CBZ files preserve page or image layouts.
| Format | Typical content | What to expect | Key caveat |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPUB | Reflowable novels, textbooks, and articles | Best fit for font, spacing, theme, search, and reading-mode customization | Complex layouts, embedded scripts, or unusual typography may still vary by book |
| MOBI | Older Kindle-oriented ebook files | Useful for compatible DRM-free files | Opening MOBI does not provide Amazon Store or Kindle DRM integration |
| KF8/AZW3 | Newer Kindle-format files | May open when the file is compatible and unencrypted | Amazon DRM and proprietary store access should not be assumed |
| FB2 | Structured ebook files common in some regions | Suitable for text-focused reading | Book-specific formatting and metadata can vary |
| CBZ | Comic or image-page archives | Useful for image-based sequential pages | CBZ support is not automatically a complete comic-reader feature set |
| TXT | Plain text | Simple, broadly compatible reading | Plain text has little embedded structure or typography |
| Fixed-layout documents and research papers | Useful when preserving the original page layout matters | Font resizing, reflow, selection, translation, annotation, and TTS can be less consistent than with EPUB |
DRM warning: A supported filename extension does not mean that an encrypted book will open. Readest should be used with legally obtained, DRM-free files or with files for which the user has the necessary rights and compatible access. Readest should not be presented as a tool for bypassing Kindle, Kobo, Apple, or other vendor protections.
Scanned PDFs may contain only page images. A scanned PDF may require OCR before full-text search, text selection, translation, or read-aloud features can work reliably. Test PDF behavior independently from EPUB behavior rather than assuming that every EPUB feature applies to PDF.
What features does Readest offer?
Readest’s official feature descriptions list a broad set of reading, study, organization, accessibility, and integration tools. The exact controls may depend on the platform and current build.
Reading and layout controls
- Paginated and scrolling reading modes.
- Font, spacing, layout, theme, and color customization.
- Custom font support.
- Reading ruler and paragraph-focused reading aids.
- Speed-reading features.
- Vertical EPUB support listed in the Apple App Store description.
- Side-by-side reading, with the Apple listing advertising up to four books displayed together.
These controls are most meaningful with reflowable EPUB files. A PDF’s fixed page geometry limits how much a reader can change the document without using a separate reflow or text-extraction process.
Search and annotations
Readest lists full-text search within a book, highlights, bookmarks, and notes. These tools make Readest a plausible study reader for searchable EPUB textbooks, technical documentation, and other structured files. The Apple listing also advertises annotation export, but the current build should be checked for the export format and destination before adopting Readest as the sole home for important research notes.
Dictionary, lookup, and translation
Dictionary and Wikipedia lookup can support language learning and unfamiliar terminology. The project also lists DeepL and Yandex translation, while the Apple listing advertises translation of paragraphs, pages, or an entire book. Translation availability may depend on the selected provider, language, network access, account requirements, and current platform build.
Text-to-speech and technical reading
Readest lists text-to-speech and code syntax highlighting. Text-to-speech quality depends partly on the voices installed or exposed by the operating system and on the structure of the book. Code highlighting is particularly useful for technical books and documentation, but it should not be confused with an IDE or code editor.
Library organization
Readest supports library organization and sorting, file associations, and “Open With” behavior. The Apple listing additionally advertises custom bookshelf groups. These features are useful for a personal collection, but Calibre remains the stronger choice for extensive metadata editing, format conversion, bulk management, and server administration.
Is Readest good for studying and research?
Readest can be a strong study and research reader when the source material is a well-structured EPUB or another searchable, DRM-free file. Search, highlights, notes, bookmarks, lookup tools, translation, side-by-side reading, TTS, annotation export, and Calibre/OPDS access cover many common study workflows.
| Study need | Readest feature | Practical limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Find a concept quickly | Full-text search | Search depends on the document containing selectable, correctly encoded text |
| Mark evidence | Highlights, notes, and bookmarks | Export behavior and cross-device persistence should be tested before relying on them exclusively |
| Compare sources | Parallel or side-by-side reading | Two or more documents require adequate screen space and can increase memory demands |
| Read in another language | Dictionary, Wikipedia, and translation lookup | Provider, language, connectivity, and account requirements can affect results |
| Review while multitasking | Text-to-speech | Voice quality and language coverage depend partly on the operating system and document structure |
| Read technical material | Code syntax highlighting | Readest is a reader, not a development environment |
| Work with papers | PDF opening, search, and annotations where supported | Scanned or complex PDFs may need OCR or dedicated academic PDF software |
Readest should not be described as independently benchmarked or as a guaranteed replacement for specialist academic PDF software. A sensible evaluation uses the reader’s actual textbooks, papers, fonts, languages, and annotation habits.
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How do Readest sync, Calibre, OPDS, and KOReader work together?
These features address different problems. Readest advertises synchronization of book files, reading progress, notes, highlights, and bookmarks, while Calibre and OPDS generally provide access to a managed collection or catalog, and KOReader synchronization connects Readest with a compatible KOReader workflow.
Readest cloud synchronization
Readest’s own account or cloud workflow is intended to keep reading data and potentially book files available across devices. The project’s official introduction describes cross-device synchronization, and the Apple listing also advertises synchronization of reading-related data. Account, storage, plan, and platform requirements can change, so test synchronization with a non-critical book before moving an entire library.
Calibre and Calibre Web
Calibre is primarily a desktop library manager, metadata editor, conversion tool, and server platform. Readest can complement Calibre by providing the reading interface while Calibre organizes, converts, and serves the collection. This division is often better than trying to make either tool perform the other tool’s main job.
OPDS catalogs
OPDS provides a catalog-oriented way to access compatible ebook collections. Readest can connect to an OPDS catalog, but the user must supply the correct catalog address and credentials. Do not expose a Calibre or OPDS server to the public internet merely to make remote reading convenient; check the server’s authentication and network configuration first.
KOReader synchronization
KOReader synchronization matters mainly to readers who have installed KOReader on supported e-ink hardware. Readest’s KOReader integration does not make Readest a universal Kindle or Kobo client, and a stock Kindle or Kobo does not automatically become a Readest-compatible device. Compatibility depends on the KOReader installation and the specific synchronization workflow.
| Workflow | What it is for | What it is not |
|---|---|---|
| Readest cloud sync | Sharing supported books and reading data among Readest installations | A substitute for an independent backup |
| Calibre/Calibre Web | Managing, converting, and serving a personal collection | Automatic synchronization with every commercial bookstore |
| OPDS | Browsing and accessing a compatible catalog or server | A guarantee that every catalog feature works identically on every platform |
| KOReader sync | Connecting Readest with a compatible KOReader device workflow | Native support for stock Kindle or Kobo software |
| Manual transfer | Importing the same file separately on multiple devices | Automatic sharing of progress, notes, or highlights |
Synchronization can produce conflicts when the same book is read or annotated on multiple devices while one device is offline. Keep original books backed up, export important annotations, and verify that the same book file exists on each device when the workflow depends on matching files. Cloud sync should not be treated as a backup because synchronization can also propagate unwanted changes or deletions.
Is Readest private and genuinely open source?
Readest is open source under the AGPL-3.0 license according to its public repository. Open-source client code improves inspectability and community participation, but open source alone does not prove that a hosted synchronization service is fully local, private, or free from provider access.
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The project’s security overview identifies uploaded ebook files and reading data as relevant local and/or cloud-stored information categories, including authentication tokens and synchronization data. Read the current Readest privacy policy before making decisions about retention, encryption, account deletion, or service-provider access.
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|---|---|
| Is the application open source? | Yes, the public repository identifies Readest as AGPL-3.0 software. |
| Does open source mean every workflow is local? | No. Local reading and account-based cloud synchronization are different workflows. |
| Is a free download the same as free cloud storage? | No. The U.S. Apple listing shows a free download alongside paid subscriptions and storage purchases. |
| Does owning a file remove DRM restrictions? | No. Ownership, license terms, encryption, and application compatibility remain separate issues. |
| Should Readest sync replace backups? | No. Keep independent copies of original books and important exported notes. |
How much does Readest cost?
Readest is listed as a free download in the U.S. Apple App Store, which also lists paid subscriptions and storage purchases. The Apple listing observed in August 2026 showed Plus at $4.99, Pro at $9.99, and storage options of 1 GB for $9.99, 2 GB for $14.99, 5 GB for $29.99, and 10 GB for $49.99.
| App Store item | U.S. price observed August 2026 | What should be verified |
|---|---|---|
| Readest download | Free | Which features are included in the free tier on the current platform |
| Plus | $4.99 | Billing period, sync limits, and cross-platform entitlement |
| Pro | $9.99 | Billing period, included storage, and feature differences |
| 1 GB storage | $9.99 | Whether storage is one-time, recurring, account-wide, or platform-specific |
| 2 GB storage | $14.99 | Terms and availability outside the U.S. Apple storefront |
| 5 GB storage | $29.99 | Terms and availability outside the U.S. Apple storefront |
| 10 GB storage | $49.99 | Terms and availability outside the U.S. Apple storefront |
These are storefront signals, not a complete plan comparison. Prices may differ by country, currency, tax, billing period, platform, and storefront. Readers who only sideload books locally or already run a self-hosted Calibre/OPDS/KOReader workflow may have little reason to pay for Readest cloud storage.
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Readest lists keyboard navigation, VoiceOver, TalkBack, NVDA, Orca, a reading ruler, paragraph-by-paragraph reading, and speed-reading features. The Apple listing also indicates VoiceOver support, dark-interface support, sufficient contrast, reduced motion, and differentiation that does not rely only on color.
A feature checklist is not proof of complete accessibility. Test screen-reader navigation through both the library and reader, heading and landmark exposure in real EPUBs, keyboard focus order, shortcut discoverability, TTS voice selection, contrast in custom themes, and PDFs containing scanned or poorly structured text. Accessibility can vary substantially with the source document and operating system.
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What should you test before moving your library?
- Open a standard EPUB.
- Open a large or image-heavy EPUB.
- Open a PDF, preferably one similar to the papers or books you actually read.
- Switch between scrolling and paginated modes.
- Search for both a single word and a phrase.
- Add a highlight, bookmark, and note.
- Close and reopen the book to confirm reading-progress retention.
- Test dictionary or Wikipedia lookup.
- Test text-to-speech using the book’s language.
- Import a custom font if typography matters to you.
- Connect an OPDS catalog or Calibre server only after checking credentials and network exposure.
- Test synchronization with a non-critical book.
- Confirm that notes and highlights appear on the second device.
- Export important annotations and retain backups of original books.
Testing one representative book is more informative than importing thousands of files immediately. Include an EPUB, PDF, comic archive, technical book, and any multilingual or accessibility-sensitive material that determines whether Readest can become your primary reader.
What are Readest’s main limitations?
DRM and commercial stores
Readest is a poor fit for a library dominated by DRM-protected Kindle, Kobo, or Apple Books purchases. A file extension such as .mobi, .azw3, or .epub says nothing about whether the file is encrypted or tied to a vendor account.
PDF behavior
PDFs retain fixed page layouts, and scanned PDFs may lack text entirely. Readers who need advanced academic workflows, dependable OCR, complex citation handling, handwriting, or highly specialized PDF annotation should test Readest against dedicated research software.
Platform differences
Native, mobile, desktop, and web builds may expose different controls. Browser storage can disappear when site data is cleared, mobile systems can restrict background work, and Linux sandboxing can limit access to folders or network services.
Cloud and sync risk
Synchronization is convenient but can create conflicts or propagate unwanted changes. A paid plan may add convenience without eliminating the need for independent backups.
Hardware expectations
Readest is an application, not an e-ink reader. KOReader synchronization is relevant to compatible KOReader installations, not automatically to stock Kindle or Kobo devices.
Project maturity
The project appears active, but Readest can change more quickly than long-established commercial ecosystems. Do not state a permanent “latest version” from a stale snippet: check the official releases page immediately before installation because release listings and repository summaries can differ.
Which Readest alternatives are better for specific needs?
| Choose this | Best fit | Why choose it over Readest | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calibre | Large-library administration | Stronger metadata, conversion, collection management, and server tooling | Less focused on a polished mobile-first reading experience |
| KOReader | Advanced e-ink reading | Deep device-specific customization and e-ink workflows | Less suitable for someone wanting one simple reader across desktop, mobile, and web |
| Apple Books | Apple-only convenience | Strong integration with Apple devices and Apple’s book ecosystem | Less oriented toward an open, cross-platform personal-file workflow |
| Kindle | Amazon store and hardware | Kindle Store integration, Amazon account synchronization, and Kindle devices | Less attractive for DRM-free, vendor-independent collections |
| Kobo | Kobo store and e-readers | Integrated Kobo purchasing and hardware ecosystem | Does not offer Readest’s exact open-source, desktop/web, and personal-file approach |
| Foliate | Lightweight Linux reading | A focused open-source Linux reader and the project from which Readest describes itself as a modern rewrite | Readest targets a broader set of platforms and workflows |
Who should use Readest?
Readest is a strong candidate for readers who own DRM-free EPUB, PDF, MOBI, AZW3, FB2, CBZ, or TXT files; move among computers and mobile devices; and want search, annotations, translation, text-to-speech, layout control, or access to Calibre and OPDS collections. Readest is also worth testing for language learning, technical reading, and personal research libraries.
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Bottom line: is Readest worth using?
Readest is worth testing as a primary reader when your library consists mainly of legally obtained, DRM-free files and you want a modern cross-platform interface with unusually broad reading and study features. Its biggest strength is the combination of customization, annotations, lookup, TTS, library integrations, and advertised synchronization. Its biggest limitation is that Readest is not a store, DRM client, e-ink operating system, or guaranteed replacement for specialist PDF software.
Install it on your main platform, test representative EPUB and PDF files, verify annotations and synchronization with a low-risk book, and read the current privacy and plan information before uploading a valuable library. Readers who need stronger collection administration should pair Readest with Calibre; readers who need advanced e-ink controls should evaluate KOReader; readers who want books, purchasing, and hardware in one managed ecosystem may be better served by Kindle or Kobo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Readest really free?
Readest is listed as a free download in the U.S. Apple App Store, but the same listing also shows Plus and Pro subscriptions and separate storage purchases. The free tier, billing periods, and feature entitlements can differ by platform and should be checked in the current storefront or account screen.
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Readest can list MOBI and KF8/AZW3 among its supported formats, but Readest is not a Kindle or Kobo Store client and should not be assumed to open DRM-protected books. Readest’s KOReader synchronization is a separate workflow for compatible KOReader installations, not native support for stock Kindle or Kobo software.
Does Readest sync reading progress and notes?
Readest advertises synchronization of book files, reading progress, notes, highlights, and bookmarks. Synchronization may require an account or plan, can vary by platform, and should not replace independent backups because conflicts or unwanted changes can be propagated.
Is Readest better than Calibre?
Readest and Calibre serve different primary roles. Readest is mainly a reading and annotation application, while Calibre is stronger for metadata editing, format conversion, comprehensive library management, and server-based collections; using both can be more effective than choosing only one.
Is Readest suitable for PDF research papers?
Readest can open PDFs, but PDF is a fixed-layout format and may not provide the same reflow, font, selection, translation, annotation, or text-to-speech behavior as EPUB. Scanned PDFs may need OCR, so readers should test their actual research papers before adopting Readest as their only PDF tool.
The Bottom Line
Verdict: Readest is a credible open-source, cross-platform reader for personal DRM-free collections and study workflows, especially when search, notes, translation, TTS, Calibre/OPDS access, and multi-device reading matter. It is not a Kindle or Kobo replacement, and its PDF behavior, cloud plans, accessibility, and platform parity should be verified with your own files.
Quick Recap
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