Android phones and tablets are excellent devices for eBook reading. You can get free apps for your Android device that you can use to read your eBooks from major sources, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo. You can also read eBooks on Android that you download from any other store. Below are the top 5 most popular eBook apps for Android.
1. Amazon Kindle Android App
The Kindle App for Android lets you read all your Kindle eBooks on an Android device, even if you don’t own a Kindle eReader. If you have a Kindle, you can read your eBooks on both the Kindle and Android devices. Your reading progress will be synced between the devices with Amazon’s “Whispering” technology. Like the Kindle itself and other Kindle apps, you can access free content and download eBooks for $9.99.
Download: Search for “Kindle” in the Android Market.
Android OS Version Supported: Android OS 1.6 or higher.
eBooks Supported: Amazon Kindle eBooks in the AZW format are only sold at Amazon.com.
2. Barnes & Noble Nook Android App
The Android Nook App from Barnes & Noble lets you read all the Nook ebooks on your Android device without owning a Nook eReader. Barnes & Noble’s Nook system is unique because it will allow you lend content with their “LendMe” software. You can also sample any Nook books for free before buying them.
Download: Search for “NOOK” in the Android Market.
Android OS Version Supported: Android OS 1.6 or higher.
eBooks Supported: If you want to read using the Nook App, you should get eBooks from Barnes & Noble’s Nook store.
3. Sony Reader Android App
The Sony Reader Android app comes pre-loaded with three classic titles and three excerpts from bestselling eBooks. You can sync your reading position, bookmarks, and highlights to Reader Daily Edition (PRS-950SC with firmware 2.0). Like the other apps, you can also read Sony Reader eBooks even if you don’t have a Sony Reader.
Download: Search for “Sony Reader” in the Android Market.
Android OS Version Supported: Android OS 2.2 or higher.
eBooks Supported: If you want to read Sony Reader eBooks on your Android device, get them from Sony’s “Reader Store.”
4. Kobo eReader Android App
With the Kobo Android app, you can buy eBooks from inside the app and download them directly to your phone. Take your entire library with you on the go. You can find your favorite titles and authors in Kobo’s large eBook selection.
Download: Search for “Kobo” in the Android Market.
Android OS Version Supported: Android OS 1.6 or higher.
eBooks Supported: If you want to use the Kobo Android app, download eBooks from the KoboBooks website.
5. Aldiko Android App
The Aldiko Android App gives eBook lovers an alternative to apps from the bigger book companies listed above. With Aldiko, you are not locked into one eBook store. Instead, you can buy eBooks from any eBook retailer that sells Adobe PDF or EPUB eBooks. You can download eBooks directly to your device without using your computer. Import your content and create your eBook catalogs.
Download: Search “Aldiko: in the Android Market.
Android OS Version Supported: Android OS 2.1 or higher.
eBooks Supported: The Aldiko Book Reader supports Adobe-DRM pub and PDF and non-encrypted pub and PDF formats. You can get eBooks anywhere pub, and PDF are sold or available for free. You can also get eBooks from your public library (where supported).
All of these apps are solid solutions for eBook reading. Choose the one that will work best for you based on your eBook reader or mobile device and the ebooks you’ve already purchased and downloaded.
