The 7 Best PDF and Ebook Readers for Windows
1. Kindle
The Kindle application for Windows is a beautifully designed ebook reader. However, to make the most of it, you’ll have to become an Amazon customer. If the ability to access and read a variety of file formats from various book stores is essential for you, then there are other alternatives available.
The interface of Kindle is superb. When you open the app, you’ll see the books you’ve saved in the cloud and/or on your device. Just one click can put you back where you read the text regardless of which device you read prior to that. The remainder of the application is clean and clutter-free. There are no advertisements and no useless tools that can impede the experience.
If you’d like to utilize to use the Kindle app to read books that were not purchased through the Kindle store, you’ll first have to convert them to the format that is supported, and then transfer them onto the Amazon cloud. It is possible to convert ebooks with Calibre or make use of one of the many online tools for the conversion of ebooks.
2. Bookvisor
Bookvisor’s style is distinct from other Windows ebook apps we’ve suggested. While most apps go for boring colors and non-distraction user interfaces, Bookvisor tries to replicate the feeling of reading a physical book.
The app’s prominent other features include automatically changing themes based on the time of the day as well as customizable margins spacing, fonts, and spacing as well as a slider for brightness, with importable bookmarks.
The app is completely free, however, but a premium version is also available. One of the best features of the premium version is the ability to speak text. It’s a great option if you wish to “read” an ebook while you’re traveling.
3. Cover
If a casual reader of comics may be able to use their normal electronic reader software, having a customized application is essential for those who are serious about their comics. Graphic novels and comic books are read in a different manner than traditional text-based novels which is why they require different features. The cover provides a lot of essential additional features. For example, you could zoom in on certain panels by pinching them or moving between pages with a single gesture.
An e-reader for comics also requires support for a variety of file formats and the Cover is not a disappointment. The app is compatible with all important formats, including CBZ ZIP CBR, RAR 7Z, CB7 PDF, EPUB, and PDF, and traditional image formats like JPEG, PNG, GIF, and BMP.
Other noteworthy features include adjustable shelves, read/unread statuses as well as page counts along with support for ebook storage on the local file system, on network drives, or on cloud drives.
4. Sumatra PDF
Sumatra is among the top PDF readers for Windows It naturally serves as one of the best PDF ebook readers, too. It can, however, handle a wide range of commonly used ebook formats such as EPUB, MOBI, XPS, DJVU, CHM, CBZ, and CBR.
The app is also praised for its small footprint. The PDF reader can be overloaded and slow to run however that’s not the case with this app. Your files will load swiftly and you’ll be able to navigate them smoothly without blurring. There’s also the option to install a portable copy, so you can use it from an external memory stick, without the need to install it.
Another fantastic feature Sumatra provides includes tabbed browsing. This may not be the best option for your function if you’re reading a novel to relax however, it can make linking documents and texts easy. It’s especially helpful for those who need to access ebooks as well as PDF files for professional or academic reasons.
The downside is that in order when you want to alter the advanced settings it is necessary to make manual changes to an existing text file. This isn’t very user-friendly. The majority of users will be unable to modify these settings However, if you do, however, the interface may be a bit jarring.
5. Calibre
Caliber is the most popular ebook library management software for Windows. It’s perfect to organize your collection of books and then transfer the books to an e-reader. Many people do not know, however, that Calibre is actually one of the top ebook readers available for Windows.
The interface for reading isn’t quite as attractive as Kindle or Nook apps, but Calibre is an extremely functional setting for reading. There’s a wide range of options to customize how the book displays on your display, and when you’re using full-screen mode, there are no distractions.
But, it’s the best option when complementing the use of an eReader specifically built for your needs. It’s not an ideal solution when your reading needs to be exclusively done on your computer. However, it is a great option if there’s a need to use a Windows PC as well as an additional device It’s an excellent method of combining your ebook reader and management software into one interface.
6. Freda
Freda is a Freda eBook reader that runs on Windows and serves two functions.
In the first place, you can utilize this app for reading any eBook that you own in five supported file formats (EPUB MOBI, FB2 HTML, FB2, and TXT) in the event that the books you own are DRM-free. Additionally, the application allows you to read greater than 50,000 traditional books that are currently accessible to the public. It downloads free ebooks from well-known ebook websites free on the internet, like Gutenberg or Feedbooks.
If you go to the settings menu of the app it allows you to customize the fonts, controls as well as colors. You can also add notes to your books, make use of the application’s text-to-speech tool, as well as create bookmarks and highlighters.
In addition, Freda is also among the only ebook readers on Windows that has dyslexia-friendly settings as well as it comes with the OpenDyslexic font.
7. Icecream Ebook Reader
There’s no need for an app that is awe-inspiring with numerous noises. If you’re looking for a more simple experience, take a look at Icecream Ebook Reader.
The app is compatible with seven ebook formats: EPUB MOBI, FB2 CBR, PDF TXT, CBZ, and more. It also has a library tool that can aid you in managing your library as well as a search tool, An annotation tool and a lot else.
Icecream Ebook Reader doesn’t allow cloud syncing, however, it does come with a helpful archive feature and export function. It’s helpful if you need access to your library of ebooks across a variety of devices.
Learn More About Ebook Readers
If you’re a lover of books and want to read ebooks, a single reader for your Windows machine isn’t sufficient. It is likely that you will also need an app for your phone, tablet, and many more.
If you need advice on other ebook applications to download, check out our guide on the most popular Android eBook readers as well as our list of the most effective tablets for reading ebooks.