TL;DR: You can read ebooks on Kindle, Kobo, iPhone/iPad, Android, Windows, or Mac. Use EPUB everywhere (Kindle converts via Send to Kindle). Borrow free with Libby. Prefer subscriptions? Try Kobo Plus or Kindle Unlimited.
Quick Start: Pick Your Setup
- Kindle (device/app): Buy on Amazon or send personal docs via Send to Kindle (supports EPUB/PDF/DOCX).
→ Step-by-step: How to Upload a Book to Kindle using Amazon’s Send to Kindle (Everything About eBooks) - iPhone/iPad (Apple Books/Kindle/Kobo): Install your app of choice and import EPUB/PDF.
→ Compare ecosystems: Kindle vs Apple Books: Which Is Best for E-Reading? (Everything About eBooks) - Android (Kindle/Kobo/Google Play Books/Libby): Install, sign in, import or borrow.
- PC/Mac: Use Kindle for Desktop or Apple Books (Mac), or beam files with Send to Kindle (see guide above).
→ New to Calibre? The Ultimate Guide to Calibre (Everything About eBooks) - Libraries (free!): Borrow ebooks/audiobooks with Libby; where supported, send to Kindle.
→ Starter ideas: How to Obtain eBooks (includes free sources & tips) (Everything About eBooks) - Support local bookshops: Buy DRM-managed Bookshop.org ebooks and read them on Kobo with ease.
→ Walkthrough: How To Read Bookshop.org eBooks on Kobo (Everything About eBooks)
What Can I Read On?
1) eReaders (Kindle, Kobo, NOOK)
- Kindle: Biggest store, one-tap sync, Audible over Bluetooth on recent models.
→ New device? How to Set Up & Use Your New Kindle Paperwhite (Everything About eBooks)
→ Rewards angle: Kindle Rewards Explained (2025) (Everything About eBooks) - Kobo: Native EPUB, excellent typography, Kobo Plus subscription, note-taking models available.
→ Binge reading: Kobo Plus Guide (category feed) - NOOK: US-centric EPUB alternative.
→ Snapshot: NOOK vs Kindle: Which Is Better? (Everything About eBooks)
2) Phones & Tablets
Perfect for color content, comics/graphic novels, PDFs, and text-to-speech (TTS).
→ Level-up your stack with Calibre automations: 7 Hidden Calibre Features (Everything About eBooks)
3) Computers (Windows & macOS)
Use Kindle for Desktop or Apple Books (Mac). For personal docs and articles, Send to Kindle is the fastest route; for power users, set up Calibre’s email delivery.
→ Tutorial: Get News Updates on Your Kindle Using Calibre (Everything About eBooks)
File Formats in 2025 (What Works Where)
- EPUB — the open standard for Apple, Kobo, Google, and libraries — and the simplest path to Kindle via Send to Kindle (auto-converts).
- AZW/KFX — Amazon’s delivery formats for Kindle store purchases.
- PDF — universal but rigid; best on tablets/laptops or large e-ink.
- MOBI — legacy; avoid creating new MOBIs going forward.
→ Deep dive: Understanding Ebook Formats: EPUB vs MOBI (updated 2025) (Everything About eBooks)
→ Converting files? The eBook Converter Guide (Everything About eBooks)
Step-by-Step: Get Your Book Onto Your Device
Kindle (device or app)
- Find your Send-to-Kindle email (Amazon → Content & Devices).
- Email or upload EPUB/PDF/DOCX (or use the Send to Kindle desktop/web app).
- Open Kindle → Library to read.
→ Full walkthrough: How to Upload a Book to Kindle using Send to Kindle (Everything About eBooks)
Apple Books (iPhone/iPad/Mac)
- Buy or import EPUB/PDF into Apple Books.
- iCloud keeps progress in sync.
→ Compare first: Kindle vs Apple Books (Everything About eBooks)
Kobo eReaders & App
- Buy in Kobo store or sideload EPUB/PDF (USB/Calibre/Dropbox).
- For read-all-you-can, try Kobo Plus.
→ If you shop indie: Bookshop.org eBooks on Kobo (Everything About eBooks)
Free via Your Library (Libby)
- Install Libby, add your library card, and borrow ebooks/audiobooks.
- Read in Libby or (region permitting) send to Kindle.
→ More free sources: How to Obtain eBooks (Everything About eBooks)
2025 Changes Worth Knowing
- Kindle now handles EPUB via Send to Kindle for personal documents (no more new MOBIs).
- USB transfer for purchased Kindle books was retired in 2025; Wi-Fi delivery and Send to Kindle remain for personal docs.
Accessibility & Comfort Upgrades
- Fonts & layouts: bigger text, line spacing, margins, dyslexia-friendly fonts
- Dark Mode & warmth: reduce eye strain day or night
- Audio: Audible on recent Kindles via Bluetooth; audiobooks on Kobo with BT
- Notes & highlights: sync/export to Readwise/Notion/Obsidian
→ Tips & tools: The Ultimate Guide to Calibre (Everything About eBooks)
Comparison at a Glance
| Setup | Best for | Pros | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kindle e-reader | Battery life, Amazon store | E-ink, Send to Kindle, Audible BT on recent models | Purchases tied to Amazon; USB download retired in 2025 |
| Kobo e-reader | Open EPUB & subscriptions | Native EPUB, Kobo Plus, note-taking options | Smaller store in some regions |
| Apple Books | Seamless Apple users | Built-in app, easy EPUB/PDF, iCloud sync | Apple-only; no Windows app |
| Phones/Tablets | Color, comics, PDFs | One device, TTS, multitasking | More distractions, shorter battery |
| Libby (library) | Free reading | Loans ebooks/audiobooks; Kindle delivery in supported regions | Waitlists; lending windows |
FAQs
Can I put an EPUB on my Kindle?
Yes—email or upload it via Send to Kindle, and Amazon converts it.
→ Send to Kindle Guide (Everything About eBooks)
Does Kindle Paperwhite work with a Bluetooth speaker?
Yes on recent models—pair headphones/speakers in Settings.
→ Set Up & Use Your Paperwhite (Everything About eBooks)
What’s the easiest way to get free ebooks legally?
Use Libby. Borrow, then read in Libby or send to Kindle (where available).
→ How to Obtain eBooks (Everything About eBooks)
Is MOBI still relevant?
It’s legacy. Use EPUB → Kindle for personal docs and enjoy better compatibility.
→ EPUB vs MOBI (2025) (Everything About eBooks)