You'll find ebooks in many forms, but EPUB is one of the most popular. The reading experience it offers is better than a simple PDF, and there's lots of software you can download that accommodate this format. Some even support other ebook formats.
Some are free, others come at a cost, but they each benefit ebooks and readers in their own way. Here are seven options to choose from when you definitely need an EPUB reader.
1. Adobe Digital Editions
Adobe Digital Editions works best with EPUB files, which is why it’s the go-to program for this format. It’s simply designed, easy to use, and completely free. The structure of ebooks and their formats is far from simple, so such user-friendliness is welcome.
Once installed, you can add ebooks to its library and read them on the spot. There’s even a handy bookmark button, invaluable for avid readers. You’re also welcome to create separate bookshelves and organize your files.
Moreover, if you download the software using your Adobe ID, you get access to the same library from different devices that have the app. Basically, this route ensures your files get added to your digital, universal account rather than just your computer.
2. Neat Reader
The next platform to check out is Neat Reader, a system dedicated to EPUBs. First, the software offers a browser extension for you to use, rather than needing to download it to your computer.
The app itself is sleek and user-friendly. With a free account, you can read your EPUB files in peace and with a few basic tools at hand, like a bookmark, highlighter, and annotation features.
A premium account starts at $19.99 per year and expands your user experience. You get the same cloud-based cross-platform accessibility as Adobe Digital Editions. You also get access to a lot more tools and settings to enjoy your ebooks even more.
3. Bibliovore
Bibliovore is one of Microsoft’s products for EPUB reading, and a reliable one at that. It also accommodates PDFs. It’s free and easy to install, at which point you have loads of tools at your disposal. Not only that, but it also offers a simple and customizable interface for reading the files.
You can, of course, add digital books from the computer. There’s also the option to sync Bibliovore with OneDrive to store books on there and even share the files with other devices. Keep in mind that you may need different EPUB readers on those.
This particular system automatically displays your titles with what details it can find, like genre, author, and blurb, while putting them into handy categories. You can edit book information at any time and create folders of your own. All of this helps manage your library as it grows.
4. Epubor
Epubor is easy to download and comes with a free trial, just enough of a taster to understand the system’s ins and out. Unlocking its full capabilities costs between $24.99 and $99.99 per year. If you change your mind, you can get a full refund.
What Epubor offers is both an ebook reader and converter. As soon as you download and install it, the software detects the digital files on your computer, whatever their format. To read in EPUB, just right-click on the ebook and select Preview.
To convert files, select those you want to change and click the Convert to EPUB button. For a different format, the arrow next to it opens a menu with other options, including MOBI and PDF.
5. Freda
This is Microsoft’s second app for ebook reading that lets you open EPUB files, as well as MOBI, FB2, HTML, and TXT. You have many more features to play with, like different sources of free books and boundless settings to really fine-tune your user experience.
Freda's main dashboard isn't the most attractive. Using and navigating it can be a bit complicated too, but it’s still a worthwhile system, especially if you like free services with lots to offer beyond opening EPUBs.
On that topic, just click on a title, whether uploaded, downloaded, or ready and waiting. The reader that opens up is attractive and easy to scroll through. Right-clicking anywhere opens toolbars with your highlighter, bookmark, dictation, settings, and more.
6. Icecream Ebook Reader
If you like being able to access all popular formats, not just EPUB, Icecream Ebook Reader is well known for its simplicity and effectiveness.
The free version lets you upload and read files with a few basic tools thrown in, such as adding bookmarks, highlighting, and searching terms on Google or Wikipedia. You can customize the interface too, from its font and spacing to the view mode. With the Pro package you can also make notations, copy text, edit book details, create categories, and read in full-screen mode without limits.
Overall, Icecream Ebook Reader isn’t as good as other apps, but it works well and has plenty of strengths to keep you happy. If you want to keep looking, there are plenty more universal PDF and ebook readers on the market.
7. EPUBReader Chrome Extension
A final free and super simple option is to get Chrome’s EPUBReader extension. After installing it on your browser, you can download ebooks and open them straight away or launch files from your device.
To do this just click on the extension to activate it and a folder icon will pop up offering to open an ebook. Choose the EPUB you want, and the online reader displays it in good quality.
You also get some tools, including a bookmark and buttons to customize the font, reading style, and other elements of your ebook. That’s the extent of its capabilities, but it’s a great bit of software if you don’t want to spend money or too much space on your reading needs.
Enjoy But Manage Your Screen Time While Reading
Some readers just prefer EPUB to other ebook formats, so the range of related software around is invaluable. Whether you want the simplest and cheapest system possible or a toolkit full of options, including access for all your devices, there’s a service for you.
However, it’s easy to lose track of your screen time when diving into a good ebook. Remember to take long and frequent breaks, but also consider other smart ways to balance avid reading with healthy eyes.