How to Get eBooks in 2025

Updated for 2025 by Marios A. Tofarides — witty, practical, and bias‑free (okay, a little bias for Kobo’s EPUB freedom).

If you just want a great book on your device tonight, this page is your fast lane. I’ll show you the smartest ways to get eBooks in 2025—from free & legal classics and public‑library loans to the best stores and all‑you‑can‑read subscriptions. You’ll also find compatibility tips, format basics (EPUB vs Kindle), and a no‑nonsense FAQ.

TL;DR: For most people, start with your public library (Libby/BorrowBox) and Bookshop.org + Kobo if you want to support indies and keep EPUB freedom. Kindle is still king for convenience and a massive store. Apple Books is great if you live inside the Apple ecosystem. Google Play Books is underrated and perfect for Android families.

Quick picks by situation

I want free classics, beautifully formatted: Try Standard Ebooks or Project Gutenberg.
I want popular books without paying: Borrow via Libby (US/UK/CA and more) or BorrowBox (many libraries worldwide).
I want to support local bookshops with eBooks: Bookshop.org eBooks; read on their app and (increasingly) on Kobo devices.
I’m deep in the Amazon ecosystem: Kindle Store + Kindle Unlimited (for voracious genre readers).
I use iPhone/iPad/Mac only: Apple Books is seamless and family‑share friendly.
Android household with shared library: Google Play Books (great family library + upload support).
I read a lot across genres/indies: Kobo Store + Kobo Plus subscription is a sweet spot.

Related reading: How To Read Bookshop.org eBooks On Kobo (and Why It’s The Easiest Way To Support Local Bookstores)

Free & legal eBooks

These are 100% legal and safe.

Standard Ebooks — Curated, typographically lovely editions of public‑domain works. Download EPUB and read anywhere.
Project Gutenberg — The classic. 75k+ titles; formats include EPUB, Kindle, plain text.
Open Library — Borrow modern eBooks via controlled digital lending (availability varies by region/library).
Your public library — Many libraries offer OverDrive/Libby or BorrowBox access with your library card.

Pro tip: For public‑domain fiction, Standard Ebooks usually has the best‑looking EPUBs.

Library loans on your phone or eReader

Libby (by OverDrive) — Borrow eBooks/audiobooks to Kindle (US) or read in the Libby app. Holds sync across devices.
BorrowBox — Common in the UK, Ireland, Australia, NZ, and more; integrates well with local libraries.
Kobo — Many libraries let you sign in on the eReader to borrow and download directly (region dependent).

Why library first? It’s free, legal, and increasingly instant. If the waitlist is long, set a notify‑me and grab a permafree classic while you wait.

Best eBook stores in 2025

Kindle Store (Amazon)

Massive selection, frequent deals, strongest Whispersync/Audible integrations.
Works best with Kindle devices + apps. You can also Send to Kindle standard EPUB files now.

Kobo eBooks

Excellent for EPUB and wide (non‑exclusive) catalogues; very indie‑friendly.
Kobo eReaders support direct library borrowing in many regions.

Apple Books

Seamless on iPhone/iPad/Mac. Great typography, easy family sharing, strong privacy stance.

Google Play Books

Strong on family sharing, Android integration, and uploading your own EPUB/PDF.

Bookshop.org eBooks

Buy eBooks while supporting a specific local bookshop.
Read in the Bookshop.org app; Kobo device compatibility is rolling out and is the most “open” path for non‑Kindle devices.

Also worth a look: specialty retailers (tech/academic), and publisher‑direct stores for series bundles.

Related posts:

Subscription services (unlimited reading)

Kindle Unlimited — Huge genre fiction/non‑fiction pool (romance, mystery, sci‑fi, self‑help). Best with a Kindle.
Kobo Plus — Growing quickly, includes eBooks and often audiobooks; great on Kobo devices and apps.
Everand (by Scribd) — Cross‑publisher catalogue of eBooks & audiobooks in one app.

Should you subscribe? If you read ~2+ books/month from the catalogue, yes. Otherwise, mix library loans + à‑la‑carte purchases, and watch for free trials.

Related post: Kindle Unlimited Review

Formats, DRM & ownership (what actually matters)

EPUB is the open standard. Kobo, Apple, Google Play (and now even Kindle via Send‑to‑Kindle) handle EPUB.
Kindle’s old MOBI is legacy. Don’t buy MOBI; use EPUB or KFX (Amazon’s internal format) via their pipeline.
DRM: Many store‑bought eBooks have DRM that ties each purchase to your account/app/device. Stick to major stores and you’ll be fine. (I don’t cover DRM removal here.)
Sideloading: On Kindle, use Send to Kindle (email, app, or web) to deliver personal EPUB/PDF. On Kobo and others, drag‑and‑drop via USB or use cloud sync.

Device & app compatibility cheat‑sheet

You own…	Best store/app	Also works well	Notes
Kindle eReader	Kindle Store, Kindle Unlimited	Library via Libby (US), Send‑to‑Kindle EPUB	Bookshop eBooks don’t load on Kindle.
Kobo eReader	Kobo Store, Kobo Plus	Public‑library borrowing on‑device; Bookshop.org eBooks increasingly compatible	Great for EPUB freedom.
iPhone/iPad/Mac	Apple Books	Kindle, Kobo, Google Play Books apps	Family Sharing is excellent.
Android phone/tablet	Google Play Books	Kindle, Kobo, Bookshop.org apps	Upload personal EPUB/PDF to Play Books.
Chromebook/Browser‑only	Kindle Cloud Reader*, Play Books web, Bookshop.org web	Library web readers	*Cloud Reader varies by region/title.

Smart buying tips & deals

Price‑watch your wishlist (e.g., eReaderIQ for Kindle, store wishlists for Kobo/Apple/Google).
Hunt “permafree” and limited‑time free sections in major stores.
Watch for publisher promos (box sets, first‑in‑series free, seasonal sales).
Use gift cards and store credits from trade‑in programs.

FAQ

What’s the best place to start if I’m new to eBooks?
Library app (Libby/BorrowBox) + one store that matches your device. If you’re on Kindle, use the Kindle Store. If you’re on Kobo or multi‑device, try Kobo + Bookshop.org.

Can I read EPUB on a Kindle now?
Yes—Send to Kindle accepts EPUB and converts it. You still buy Kindle books from Amazon, but your personal EPUBs are welcome.

Do I own my eBooks?
Functionally, you’re buying a license bound to your account. Stick to reputable stores and keep backups of DRM‑free purchases.

What’s the cheapest way to read a lot?
Library loans first. If you still burn through books, add Kobo Plus or Kindle Unlimited during heavy‑reading months.

Where can I get beautiful free classics?
Standard Ebooks for polished editions; Project Gutenberg for breadth.

Keep exploring

About this page

This guide is refreshed for 2025 and will be updated as stores, apps, and formats evolve. If something changed, drop a comment and I’ll test it.

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