101 Website to Read FREE Books Online in 2023 (Ranked List)

Looking for a way to read free books online? I’ve gathered and ranked a MASSIVE list of sites where you can find online books to read without spending a dime.

As a passionate reader, I’ve discovered that in this digital age, you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy reading.

With so many websites offering ways to read online for free – the books are just a click away.

To make it easier for you to find the perfect match, I’ve rated these websites using a set of criteria that will help you better understand their offerings. Each book site is scored based on the following:

1. Ease of Use: Rankings go from 1 (very hard to use) to 5 (very easy to use).
2. Selection: Rankings range from 1 (very few books) to 5 (very many books).
3. Quality of Books: Score goes from 1 (very poor quality) to 5 (very good quality).
4. Format Options: Scored from 1 (few options) to 5 (many format options).
5. Registration Requirement: Indicated as either “Yes” (if a registration is typically required) or “No” (if not).

Finally a Total Score is the average of the four numerical scores. This will give you a quick snapshot of the overall experience you can expect from each website.

Below the ranking table you can find short website descriptions, tips for finding free books to read as well as short list of pros and cons. Have fun exploring!

List of Websites Where You Can Read Free Books Online

Who doesn’t love to find a good book? And what if you could get it for free? You can dive into magical worlds, thrilling mysteries, and more, all without spending a penny. The best part? You can do it all online!

In today’s world, everything comes with a price. But reading? It’s still free – if you know where to look.

From old-time classics to modern bestsellers, there’s something for everyone. And you can find it in all kinds of formats – eBooks to listen to or read.

I know finding the right website can be hard work. That’s why I made this HUGE list just for you.

This ranked list contains the best places to read free books online at the time of writing. I even analyzed things like how easy the website is to use, the range of books on offer, and how much other users like it to make the pick easier for you.

So, are you ready to explore? Let’s get started…

1. Kindle Store (Free books)

The Kindle Store (Free books) section is Amazon’s treasure trove of free books to read and other types of no-cost literature. Here, you can find an assortment of free eBooks, from up-and-coming authors to classic novels. It’s a gold mine for every book lover seeking cost-effective reading.

Users are advised to check regularly as the selection constantly changes based on different promotions.

This website is easy to navigate with its intuitive interface and powerful search tools. Free books are available in Kindle format, which is suitable for Kindle devices and any device with a Kindle app.

Tip: While some books are permanently free, others are promotional. Make sure to check prices before downloading.

Pros: Diverse genres, large selection of free books, high-quality.
Cons: Requires Amazon account, availability may vary, some books are only free for a limited time.

2. Libby / OverDrive

Libby (powered by OverDrive) is a platform that allows you to borrow eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines from your local library digitally. It’s a wonderful platform for those who love the library experience but prefer digital reading.

Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate the vast collections of books. With a library card, you can borrow and read books in EPUB, PDF, or Kindle formats.

Tip: If a book is currently unavailable, you can place a hold, and Libby will notify you when it’s ready to borrow.

Pros: Wide range of books, integration with local libraries, available in multiple formats.
Cons: Requires a library card, availability based on local library’s collection.

3. hoopla

hoopla is another digital media service that allows library card holders to borrow books, music, and movies. A vast selection of eBooks and audiobooks are available across various genres.

Its design is clean and intuitive, with the content available in EPUB and PDF formats. As with Libby, a valid library card is required.

Tip: Check out the “Recommendations” section for curated lists of books based on your previous reads.

Pros: Varied content (books, music, movies), user-friendly interface.
Cons: Requires library card, limit on how many items can be borrowed per month.

4. Scribd

Although Scribd is known for its premium subscription service, it also offers a selection of free books to read and documents uploaded by users. The website’s clean layout and advanced search make it easy to find and read books.

Most books are in PDF format and cover a variety of genres, both fiction and non-fiction. The quality varies as the content is user-generated.

Tip: Use the advanced search feature to filter out only free books.

Pros: Broad range of content, advanced search feature.
Cons: User-generated content may vary in quality, limited free content compared to premium.

5. Kobo Free eBooks

Kobo’s Free eBooks section offers a wide range of free books across different genres. The platform is clean and straightforward, with options to read online or download in EPUB format for offline reading.

The books range from classics to indie books and even include some exclusive titles. New free books to read are added frequently, so there’s always something new.

Tip: Filter by “Free Only” in the store to browse all available free books.

Pros: Exclusive titles, frequent updates, easy-to-navigate.
Cons: Requires an account, selection varies.

6. Apple Free Books

Apple Free Books is a section of the Apple Books app that offers a wide array of free literature. If you own an Apple device, this is a convenient way to read books online without additional cost.

The user interface is intuitive, sleek, and integrates seamlessly with your device. Books are available in EPUB and PDF formats and span across various genres, including classics, fantasy, romance, and more.

Tip: Don’t forget to check out the “Top Free” chart in the app to find popular picks.

Pros: Wide genre range, user-friendly interface, integrated with Apple devices. Cons: Exclusively for Apple device users, selection varies.

7. Google Books

Google Books provides a vast digital database of books and magazines. Its “Free eBooks” section houses an extensive collection of free books from different genres.

The books are available to read online in a clean, easy-to-read interface. Many of the free books are classics and older works now in the public domain.

Tip: Use the “Free Google eBooks” filter in search to find free books.

Pros: Large selection of classics, integrated with Google account.
Cons: Primarily older books, user interface could be more refined.

8. Project Gutenberg

Project Gutenberg is one of the oldest and most well-known sites for free eBooks. With more than 60,000 free eBooks, it focuses primarily on older works for which U.S. copyright has expired.

The site’s interface is basic but functional, and books are available in various formats, including HTML, EPUB, Kindle, and plain text.

Tip: Check out the “Top 100” list on the site to find popular books other readers have downloaded.

Pros: Wide selection of classics, multiple formats available.
Cons: Mainly older books, basic website design.

9. Audible

Audible, an Amazon company, is primarily a paid audiobook service, but it does offer a selection of free audiobooks. These include classics, educational books, and podcasts.

The interface is simple and easy to navigate, and the audiobooks are high quality. To access the free content, you’ll need an Amazon or Audible account.

Tip: Check out their “Channels for Prime” if you’re an Amazon Prime member for additional free content.

Pros: High-quality audiobooks, various genres.
Cons: Requires an account, limited free content compared to paid.

10. Royal Society Publishing

Royal Society Publishing offers free access to many of its academic and scientific research publications. This is the perfect place for those who are into academic reading.

The website has a professional layout, and it’s easy to search for specific research papers or topics. The content is available in PDF format.

Tip: Use the advanced search feature to filter by free content only.

Pros: Access to academic and scientific research, easy to search.
Cons: Focused on academic content, may be too specialized for some readers.

11. International Children’s Digital Library

The International Children’s Digital Library is a treasure for children and young readers worldwide. The site offers thousands of high-quality children’s books in over 50 languages, from Afrikaans to Yiddish.

Its website is designed with engaging, kid-friendly interfaces, making it easy for children to navigate independently. All books are available for online reading in a colorful, full-screen interface.

Tip: Use the “Simple Search” feature, which allows kids to choose books by color, length, genre, and more.

Pros: Multilingual selection, engaging design for kids, high-quality books.
Cons: Books can’t be downloaded, primarily aimed at young readers.

12. Gutenberg Canada

Gutenberg Canada is an excellent source of free eBooks to read, focusing on works by Canadian authors and works that are part of Canada’s cultural heritage. It’s a great destination for those looking to explore Canadian literature.

The website is simple and easy to navigate, with books available in HTML, EPUB, and Kindle formats.

Tip: Check the site monthly as they often upload new books.

Pros: Focus on Canadian literature, various formats available.
Cons: Limited selection compared to larger sites, simple website design.

13. University of California Digital Library

The University of California Digital Library provides free access to a large collection of academic and scholarly works. This is a great resource for researchers and students.

The website is professional and easy to navigate, and the works are available in PDF format for online reading or download.

Tip: Use the “Browse by Topic” feature for more focused research.

Pros: High-quality academic resources, easy navigation.
Cons: Academic focus may not appeal to all readers, requires account creation for full access.

14. Freebooksy

Freebooksy is a website that provides daily updates on free eBooks from various online platforms, including Amazon, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and more. It covers a broad range of genres, ensuring something for everyone.

The site is user-friendly, and books are available in multiple formats depending on the source.

Tip: Sign up for their newsletter to receive daily free book updates in your email.

Pros: Daily updates, broad genre range, user-friendly interface.
Cons: Requires visiting other platforms to download books, availability may vary.

15. HathiTrust Digital Library

HathiTrust Digital Library is a digital preservation repository and highly functional access platform. It provides long-term preservation and access services for public domain and in-copyright content from a variety of sources.

Its website is clean and easy to navigate, with a powerful search tool to locate specific content. Books are available for online reading in a user-friendly interface.

Tip: Use the “Full View” filter to find books available to read in full.

Pros: Huge selection of academic and historic works, high-quality digital preservation.
Cons: Not all books are fully accessible for reading due to copyright restrictions.

16. Smashwords Beta

Smashwords Beta is the experimental playground of its mother site, Smashwords. It’s the place where authors and readers meet, offering a vast range of unique, independently-published eBooks, many of which are available for free.

The layout of the website is a breath of fresh air with its minimalistic design, making navigation a breeze. The eBooks are available in multiple formats, making it flexible for various eReaders.

Tip: Explore the “Special Deals” section for free and discounted books.

Pros: Encourages independent publishing, multiple formats, fresh website design.
Cons: Quality may vary due to independent publishing, requires account creation for downloads, limited access based on region.

17. Cambridge Core

A powerhouse of academic and intellectual content, Cambridge Core is an academic database from Cambridge University Press. Although a significant portion of its content is paid, it also offers access to a trove of free articles and book chapters.

With a sophisticated, professional interface, users can delve into a variety of subjects, from Humanities to Social Sciences and Science & Technology. Content is typically available in PDF format.

Tip: Use the “Only show content I have access to” filter to find free resources.

Pros: High-quality academic content, wide range of disciplines.
Cons: Mostly academic focus, only select parts of books may be free.

18. Perseus Digital Library

Perseus Digital Library is a digital library project of Tufts University that assembles and curates a vast collection of texts, primarily focusing on humanities. For lovers of antiquity, Perseus is a golden goose of ancient Greek and Roman texts.

The website is a little old-fashioned, but the richness of the content makes up for it. Texts are available for online reading, typically in HTML format.

Tip: Visit their collections page to explore texts categorized by time period, language, and author.

Pros: Extensive collection of ancient texts, highly educational.
Cons: Dated website design, primarily caters to academic users.

19. Frontiers

For those curious minds who prefer empirical evidence over fantastical fiction, Frontiers offers open access to a range of peer-reviewed scientific papers and articles.

The website’s professional and sleek design makes searching for specific topics or fields of interest effortless. Content is available in PDF format for download or free online reading.

Tip: Use the “Journal” dropdown menu to access articles from specific scientific disciplines.

Pros: High-quality scientific research, sleek and professional website.
Cons: Niche focus, can be too technical for casual readers.

20. DOAB – Directory of Open Access Books

DOAB – Directory of Open Access Books is a digital oasis in the academic desert. It offers a searchable index to peer-reviewed monographs and edited volumes published under an Open Access business model, with links to the full texts on publisher’s websites.

Its user-friendly interface and powerful search capabilities make it a go-to resource for academicians and researchers.

Tip: Use the advanced search for more precise results.

Pros: Comprehensive database of academic books, user-friendly interface.
Cons: Academic focus, requires visiting publisher’s site for full access.

21. The Open Access Digital Library

The The Open Access Digital Library, maintained by the World Library Foundation, is a world heritage site designed to preserve and provide open access to cultural and historical materials.

Its rather basic design hides a wealth of content. The library offers a variety of formats, including HTML, PDF, EPUB, Kindle, Daisy, DjVu, and ASCII.

Tip: Check out the World Library Foundation’s other digital repositories linked on the site for even more free content.

Pros: Offers a wealth of historical and cultural materials, multiple popular book formats for reading.
Cons: Site design is rather basic, content could be overwhelming for a casual reader.

22. Free Tech Books

Free Tech Books is a haven for tech enthusiasts and computer science students. The site offers legally free computer books, textbooks, and lecture notes, focusing on programming, computer science, and related topics.

Despite its somewhat dated interface, the website provides a rich array of tech-oriented content. Most books are available in PDF format.

Tip: The site categorizes books by subject, making it easier to find specific tech topics.

Pros: Extensive collection of tech and computer science books, legal and free.
Cons: Outdated interface, highly specific niche.

23. Sacred Texts

Sacred Texts is a digital archive of the world’s most profound and influential sacred, spiritual, and philosophical texts. This platform is ideal for those seeking spiritual wisdom or conducting comparative religious studies.

The site is simple and somewhat old-school, but the content is rich and diverse. Texts are primarily available for online reading in HTML format.

Tip: Use the site’s index to navigate the vast collection of sacred texts from various cultures and religions.

Pros: Extensive collection of religious and philosophical texts, free access.
Cons: Old-fashioned design, no download option.

24. Centsless Books

As the name suggests, Centsless Books is a provider of free eBooks. They update every hour with fresh content from Amazon’s free eBook listings, covering a wide range of genres.

The site has a friendly and easy-to-use interface. You’ll be redirected to Amazon for downloads, which are typically available in Kindle format.

Tip: Sign up for their daily newsletter to get updates on the latest free eBooks.

Pros: Regular updates, broad range of genres, user-friendly.
Cons: Requires Amazon account for downloads, no other format but Kindle.

25. National Academy Press

National Academy Press, also known as NAP, offers a wealth of free books to read, primarily focusing on science, engineering, and medicine. The site provides thousands of books from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

The website design is professional and easy to navigate. Most books are available to read online for free, with PDF versions available for purchase.

Tip: Look for the “Download Free PDF” option; some books offer this as well.

Pros: High-quality academic resources, user-friendly interface.
Cons: Limited non-academic content, PDF versions often paid.

26. Free Kids Books

Free Kids Books offers a charming selection of free children’s books, perfect for nurturing young minds. They offer a variety of children’s picture books, activity books, and young adult novels.

The site is designed with a fun, kid-friendly interface, and books are available in PDF format for easy downloading and printing.

Tip: You can filter books by age group to find age-appropriate content for your young readers.

Pros: Wide range of kids’ books, printable PDFs, age group categories.
Cons: Only children’s books, no online reading option.

27. Booknet

Booknet is a literary platform that allows you to read free books online and also gives the opportunity to authors to publish their own books. The website offers a variety of genres such as romance, fantasy, and fan fiction.

The interface is quite user-friendly and interactive with a touch of modernity. The books are available for online reading with a convenient bookmarking feature.

Tip: Participate in the community by commenting and liking your favorite books to support authors.

Pros: Supports budding authors, interactive features, variety of genres.
Cons: Requires registration, quality may vary due to independent publishing.

28. Ebooks.com

While Ebooks.com is predominantly a platform for purchasing eBooks, they also have a section dedicated to free eBooks, offering a variety of titles across different genres.

Their website is professional, easy to navigate, and the books are available in various formats, including EPUB and PDF.

Tip: Check out their “Free eBooks” section available under the “Categories” dropdown menu.

Pros: Variety of genres, professional website, multiple formats available.
Cons: Limited selection of free books compared to paid ones, requires account creation.

29. Smashwords

Smashwords is a global eBook distributor that also provides a platform for independent authors and publishers to share their work for free or at a cost. With thousands of free eBooks, Smashwords offers a wide range of genres.

The site is user-friendly, and books are available in multiple formats compatible with a variety of eReaders.

Tip: Visit their “Free” tab to explore all the free eBooks available.

Pros: Supports independent authors, wide variety of genres, multiple formats available.
Cons: Quality varies due to independent publishing.

30. Biblioboard

Biblioboard provides access to digital books, images, articles, and more. It offers a wide array of categories from children’s literature to classic novels and even comics.

The website is clean and easy to navigate, offering an engaging user experience. You can read books online using their comfortable reading interface.

Tip: Take advantage of their curated collections to discover new reads.

Pros: Wide range of categories, curated collections, comfortable online reading interface.
Cons: No download option, requires library card for access to some content.

31. Adobe Free eBooks

Adobe Free eBooks is a collection of free eBooks offered by Adobe. The collection spans various genres including business, technology, and design.

The website interface is simple and straight-forward. The books are available to download in PDF format, compatible with Adobe’s Acrobat Reader.

Tip: Use Adobe’s own Acrobat Reader for best reading experience.

Pros: High-quality eBooks, focuses on business and technology.
Cons: Limited selection, only available in PDF format.

32. ManyBooks

ManyBooks is an extensive library of over 50,000 free eBooks in genres like Literature, Fantasy, Mystery, and more. It provides a platform for new and independent authors to publish their work.

The site is easy to navigate, with a modern design. Books are available in various formats such as EPUB, PDF, and more.

Tip: Check out their “Free & Discounted” section for the latest deals.

Pros: Wide range of genres, supports new authors, various formats.
Cons: Quality may vary due to independent publishing.

33. LibriVox

LibriVox offers free audiobooks from the public domain. It’s perfect for those who prefer listening to their literature.

The site is simple and easy to navigate, and all audiobooks can be streamed online or downloaded in MP3 or OGG formats.

Tip: Participate as a volunteer reader to contribute to the LibriVox community.

Pros: Free audiobooks, volunteer contribution, download and streaming options. Cons: Limited to public domain books, varying audio quality due to volunteer readings.

34. Feedbooks

Feedbooks is an eBook retailer that offers a section for free public domain books, as well as original books from new authors. From classic literature to science fiction and romance, it covers a broad range of genres.

The website design is clean and modern, and books are available in EPUB, Kindle, and PDF formats.

35. Internet Archive

The Internet Archive is a non-profit library filled with millions of free books, movies, software, music, and more. It’s like a time machine, offering a glimpse into the literary past, but also housing a collection of modern works.

The website is a bit vintage in design, but don’t let that fool you – the content is gold. Books are available in various formats, including PDF, EPUB, and Kindle.

Tip: Make use of their ‘Search’ feature, which allows you to filter by media type, year, language, and more.

Pros: Extensive variety of content, multiple formats, historical and modern works. Cons: Dated website design, the vast array of content can be overwhelming.

36. Project MUSE

Project MUSE is a trusted provider of authoritative humanities and social science books and journals from more than 200 of the world’s most distinguished university presses and scholarly societies.

The website’s interface is scholarly and straightforward, with books typically available in PDF format. The site also offers a limited number of open-access (free) books.

Tip: Use the “Access” filter to refine your search to “Only content I have access to,” which includes free content.

Pros: High-quality academic content, reputable sources, focused on humanities and social sciences.
Cons: Limited non-academic content, mostly paid resources.

37. Magzter

Primarily a digital newsstand, Magzter also features an eBook section, offering a number of free eBooks alongside its paid content. From fiction to biographies and more, there’s a fair selection for casual reading.

The site boasts a clean, modern design and books are available to read online. However, to access them, you will need to create an account.

Tip: Check their “Free Ebooks” section to get a glimpse of what you can grab without paying a dime.

Pros: Easy-to-navigate website, some free eBooks alongside paid ones.
Cons: Requires account creation, limited selection of free content.

38. Standard Ebooks

Standard Ebooks is a volunteer-driven project that produces new editions of public domain eBooks that are lovingly formatted, open source, and free. It prides itself on quality, with improved typography, additional metadata, and cleaner text.

The site design is clean, simple, and easy to navigate. Books are available in EPUB, Kindle, and HTML formats.

Tip: Browse their neatly categorized collection or use the search function for specific titles.

Pros: High-quality public domain eBooks, multiple formats, user-friendly website. Cons: Limited to public domain books.

39. WikiSource

An offshoot of the more famous Wikipedia, WikiSource is a free library of source texts which are in the public domain or freely licensed. It’s a fascinating place where you can find everything from classic novels to government documents.

The website is straightforward and simple, akin to Wikipedia, and all texts are available for online reading.

Tip: Explore their ‘Random transcription’ page to stumble upon new and interesting texts.

Pros: Diverse collection of source texts, familiar interface.
Cons: Dated design, no download option.

40. Scribl

Scribl offers a unique selection of books, audiobooks, and podcasts from new and emerging authors. Their CrowdPricing system lets the global reading public determine fair eBook prices.

The website is modern and user-friendly, with content available in various formats including MP3 and EPUB.

Tip: Check out their “Free Stuff” category for available free eBooks and audiobooks.

Pros: Unique pricing system, supports new authors, offers free eBooks and audiobooks, variety of content including podcasts.
Cons: Pricing varies based on popularity, new authors may mean varying quality of content.

41. BookLending

BookLending capitalizes on Amazon’s Kindle’s loan feature, providing a platform for users to lend and borrow Kindle books. With a vast selection of titles, from popular fiction to technical guides, it’s a treasure trove for book enthusiasts.

The website is straightforward, functioning primarily as a search engine for eBooks. Users need an Amazon account to lend or borrow books.

Tip: Sign up for their daily email to get alerts on the most frequently borrowed books.

Pros: Utilizes Kindle’s lending feature, broad selection of books.
Cons: Requires Amazon account, not all books are lendable.

42. Leanpub

Leanpub is a unique book reading platform and store, focusing primarily on technology and programming languages, as well as other academic topics. Many authors use Leanpub to publish their books in-progress, while they are writing them.

The website has a simple, clean interface. Books are often available in PDF, EPUB, and MOBI formats. Many books are free, but some do have a cost.

Tip: Check out their “Free” section to explore all the free content available.

Pros: Focus on tech and academic books, supports in-progress publishing.
Cons: Mostly niche topics, many books are paid.

43. The Library of Congress

The The Library of Congress offers a plethora of digital collections and services, offering access to millions of books, photographs, maps, and other resources. It is the largest library in the world, making it a paradise for researchers and people looking to read free books.

The website is extensive and somewhat overwhelming, with texts available in various formats, including PDF and JPEG.

Tip: Visit the “Digital Collections” for categorized content for easier exploration.

Pros: Enormous collection of varied resources, highly reputable.
Cons: Website can be overwhelming, not all resources are available online.

44. Books Should Be Free

Books Should Be Free makes the world’s public domain books available as free audiobooks. It’s perfect for those who prefer to listen to their literature, offering a range of genres from Adventure to War & Military.

The website is clean and user-friendly, with audiobooks available to download in MP3 and iTunes formats, or to listen to online.

Tip: Use the genre-based categories to discover new audiobooks of interest.

Pros: Free audiobooks, range of genres, download and online listening options.
Cons: Limited to public domain books.

45. DigiLibraries

DigiLibraries is a free eBooks collection, providing access to over 20,000 eBooks in a wide variety of categories and genres. From Fantasy to Philosophy, Business to Children’s books, there’s something for everyone.

The website’s design is simple and easy to navigate. Books are typically available in EPUB format and require an eReader or eReader app to access.

Tip: Browse their collection by category or use the search bar to find specific titles.

Pros: Wide variety of categories and genres, large eBook collection.
Cons: Only EPUB format, requires eReader or app to read free books.

46. Read Any Book Online

As the name implies, Read Any Book Online provides a platform where users can browse and read a wide variety of books online for free. It offers a mix of classics, modern novels, and a sizable collection of fan fiction.

The website’s layout is fairly simple and straightforward, with a “Book of the Day” feature for those in need of reading suggestions.

Tip: Check out their “Top Books” section to explore the most popular books among users.

Pros: Great for online reading, diverse collection, features user favorites.
Cons: Limited format options, no download available, contains ads.

47. Open Library

An initiative of the Internet Archive, the Open Library aims to have a web page for every book ever published. This platform offers a variety of free eBooks as well as audiobooks, covering a wide range of genres.

The website is clean and easy to navigate, with multiple formats available, including PDF and EPUB.

Tip: Use their advanced search for more targeted results based on genre, author, or subject.

Pros: Extensive selection of books, user-friendly interface, multiple formats.
Cons: Requires sign-up to borrow books, not all books are free.

48. 24Symbols

24Symbols is essentially a digital reading service without limits. In the cloud catalog, you’ll find both paid and free options spanning across multiple genres and languages.

The website has a modern, user-friendly design. Books can be read on the site or on the 24Symbols app, available for both iOS and Android.

Tip: Explore the “Free” section to find all the available free books.

Pros: Offers both free and paid books, modern interface, app available for mobile reading.
Cons: Requires account creation, limited free book selection.

49. BookBub

BookBub is a free service that helps you discover books you’ll love through unbeatable deals, handpicked recommendations, and updates from your favorite authors. While it’s a platform that mainly promotes eBooks deals, it does feature a section with free eBooks.

The website is clean and user-friendly. You will need to create an account, but this also allows you to set up preferences for personalized book recommendations.

Tip: Subscribe to their newsletter for daily deals and new releases.

Pros: Personalized recommendations, daily deals, some free eBooks.
Cons: Primarily a platform for eBook deals, requires sign-up.

50. FreeBooksy

FreeBooksy is a site that works with authors and publishers to offer freebies of their eBooks. The selection varies from mystery to romance, non-fiction, and even includes audiobooks.

The website is charming and easy to navigate. Books are available for download in various formats, typically Kindle, Nook, Apple, and Kobo.

Tip: Check their “Genres” tab to browse books based on your favorite categories.

Pros: Works with authors and publishers, wide range of genres, includes audiobooks. Cons: Offers are time-limited, requires sign-up.

51. Wattpad

Wattpad is a social reading site where users can write their own stories and share them with the Wattpad community, or read others’ works. It’s a treasure trove of creative stories, spanning genres like romance, fantasy, fanfiction, and more.

The website is highly interactive and user-friendly, with a modern design. Reading is done online, but the Wattpad app allows offline reading.

Tip: Join the community to interact with authors and fellow readers, or even to share your own stories.

Pros: Interactive community, unique stories, offline reading available via app.
Cons: Quality of content varies, contains ads.

52. Harlequin Online Reads

For lovers of romance, Harlequin Online Reads is a paradise of free short stories and serialized novels from various romance genres. Harlequin is a leading publisher of romance novels, offering many of their books online for free.

The website is well-designed, with a vibrant, inviting layout. Books are available to read online in a serialized format.

Tip: Check their “Newest Reads” section for the latest additions.

Pros: Focused on romance genres, serialized novels for bite-sized reading.
Cons: Limited to romance genres, no download option.

53. BorrowBox

BorrowBox is an app that enables members of public libraries and educational institutions to borrow eBooks and audiobooks for free. Its selection varies from fiction to non-fiction, spanning multiple genres.

The BorrowBox app is easy to navigate, with a user-friendly interface. However, access requires a membership with a partnering library or institution.

Tip: Look up if your local library offers BorrowBox services for free access to a wide range of books.

Pros: Wide range of genres, supports local libraries and educational institutions.
Cons: Access requires specific membership, app-only.

54. Knowledge Unlatched

Knowledge Unlatched is an online platform dedicated to promoting open access book publishing in humanities and social sciences. The initiative works with publishers to create high-quality, peer-reviewed works accessible for free.

The website is scholarly and straightforward. Books are typically available in PDF format.

Tip: Use their search feature to explore content by subject, publisher, or specific titles.

Pros: High-quality academic content, promotes open access publishing.
Cons: Limited non-academic content, requires PDF reader.

55. Oxford Text Archive

The Oxford Text Archive houses a wide array of texts from all periods and disciplines. Managed by the University of Oxford, it’s a rich resource, especially for students and researchers.

The website, while fairly basic, is functional. Texts are available in a variety of formats, including HTML, XML, and plain text.

Tip: Check their “Catalogue” section for a categorized overview of available texts.

Pros: Extensive collection of academic texts, multiple formats.
Cons: Website design is outdated, mainly academic content.

56. Obooko

Obooko is a free eBook site that offers legally distributed books across a wide variety of genres, from thrillers to romance and self-help. All books on the site are submitted by authors and publishers for readers to download and enjoy.

The website is colorful and easy to navigate. Books are available in PDF, EPUB, and Kindle formats.

Tip: Explore their “Genres” section for easy browsing based on your reading preferences.

Pros: Wide variety of genres, multiple formats, legally distributed books.
Cons: Requires account creation.

57. Forgotten Books

Forgotten Books is a London-based book publisher specializing in the restoration of old books, both fiction and non-fiction. They offer over 1 million books for free to read online.

The website has a vintage charm, fitting its content. The online reader is easy to use and provides a comfortable reading experience.

Tip: Use their “Random Book” generator for a surprise read from the past.

Pros: Specializes in old books, vast collection, user-friendly online reader.
Cons: No download option, limited modern content.

58. Open Textbook Library

Open Textbook Library provides a growing catalog of free, peer-reviewed, and openly-licensed textbooks. Developed by the University of Minnesota, it’s a vital resource for students looking to alleviate the financial burden of expensive textbooks.

The website is simple and straightforward. Textbooks are typically available in PDF format.

Tip: Use their search feature to quickly find textbooks by subject or title.

Pros: Free academic textbooks, peer-reviewed and openly-licensed content.
Cons: Limited non-academic content, primarily PDF format.

59. Global Grey

Global Grey offers a variety of well-formatted eBooks, focusing on classic literature, philosophy, folklore, and much more. Each book is meticulously formatted by the site owner.

The website has a cozy, personal touch. Books are available in PDF, EPUB, and Kindle formats.

Tip: Check their “Recently Added Books” section for the latest additions.

Pros: High-quality formatting, wide range of genres, multiple formats.
Cons: Selection is not as vast as other platforms.

60. Web Books

Web Books is a platform that offers online reading for a variety of books spanning multiple genres. It’s an excellent option for readers who prefer to avoid downloads.

The website is basic but functional. Books are primarily available for online reading.

Tip: Browse their “Categories” section for an overview of their library.

Pros: Good for online reading, variety of genres.
Cons: Limited format options, no download option, website design is a bit outdated.

61. Funbrain

Funbrain offers a range of online books for kids, from pre-kindergarten to grade 8. It’s a colorful platform that combines education and fun with books, games, and videos.

The website is engaging and kid-friendly. Content is available for online reading and interaction.

Tip: Check their “Grade” section to find age-appropriate content for your child.

Pros: Engaging and educational content for kids, interactive platform.
Cons: Limited to children’s content, no download option.

62. Lit2Go

Lit2Go is a free online collection of stories and poems in Mp3 (audiobook) format, developed by the University of South Florida. It’s an excellent resource for anyone who prefers audiobooks or for educators looking for reading material.

The website is simple and user-friendly. Each passage also comes with a PDF of a reading strategy and comprehension questions.

Tip: Browse their collection by author, title, genre, or reading level.

Pros: Audiobook focus, includes educational resources, variety of content.
Cons: No eBook option.

63. Open Culture

Open Culture is a hub of free cultural and educational resources, offering a vast collection of free eBooks, courses, movies, and more. Their book selection ranges from classic novels to textbooks and even audiobooks.

The website is a bit cluttered, but the search feature is quite helpful. Formats of books vary but commonly include PDF, EPUB, and MOBI.

Tip: Check out their “Free Textbooks” and “Free Audiobooks” sections for more specialized content.

Pros: Wide variety of cultural and educational content, multiple formats.
Cons: Website can be overwhelming, mixed quality of resources.

64. Bookboon

Bookboon focuses on providing free textbooks for students and eBooks for business professionals. With over 1000 free textbooks and 1000 premium business eBooks, it’s an excellent resource for academic and professional development.

The website is sleek and professional. Books are available for download in PDF format.

Tip: Visit their “Articles” section for additional educational content and career advice.

Pros: Focused on textbooks and business eBooks, high-quality content.
Cons: Some content is premium, mostly PDF format.

65. The Online Books Page

The Online Books Page, hosted by the University of Pennsylvania, lists over three million free books available for download on the web. Its vast range covers various genres and formats.

The website is straightforward but might seem outdated. However, its search and categorization functionalities are quite robust.

Tip: Check their “New Listings” section for recent additions to the catalog.

Pros: Huge selection of books, diverse genres.
Cons: Website design is outdated, varying formats depending on source.

66. International Children’s Digital Library

International Children’s Digital Library is a non-profit organization providing access to the best children’s books of their culture, and cultures around the world regardless of where they live. The library offers a vast selection of colorful, engaging stories from different countries.

The website is bright and inviting, designed for children’s easy navigation. Books are available for online reading in an interactive format.

Tip: Use their “Simple Search” for age-appropriate recommendations.

Pros: Multicultural children’s books, interactive reading experience.
Cons: Online reading only, no download option.

67. Free-Ebooks.net

Free-Ebooks.net is a popular source for free eBook downloads, resources and eBook authors. It offers a wide variety of eBooks from independent writers. You can find everything from fiction and non-fiction to textbooks and business books.

The website is clean and easy to navigate. Books are available in PDF, EPUB, and Kindle formats.

Tip: Check their “Top 10 eBooks” section for popular reads.

Pros: Wide variety of genres, supports independent authors.
Cons: Requires account creation.

68. Planet eBook

Planet eBook is a home for free classic literature. The site offers free PDF versions of many classic novels that are in the public domain, focusing on older works for which copyright has expired.

The website design is simple and direct. All books are available in PDF format.

Tip: Browse their collection by author or title for quick navigation.

Pros: Focuses on classic literature, high-quality PDF versions.
Cons: Limited to classics, only PDF format.

69. Loyal Books

Loyal Books provides a vast catalog of free public domain audiobooks and eBooks. Its selection includes classic literature, children’s books, non-English books, and more.

The website is straightforward, with separate sections for eBooks and audiobooks. Books are available in various formats, including MP3 and MP4 for audiobooks, and PDF, EPUB, and MOBI for eBooks.

Tip: Check their “Top 100” section for popular picks.

Pros: Audiobook focus, diverse selection of genres, multiple formats.
Cons: Varying quality of audiobooks.

70. Europeana Collections

Europeana Collections provides access to over 50 million digitized items – books, music, artworks and more – with sophisticated search and filter tools to help you find what you’re looking for.

The website is well-designed, sleek, and multilingual. Books are available in various formats depending on the provider.

Tip: Explore their thematic collections for a curated browsing experience.

Pros: Access to cultural heritage, sophisticated search and filter tools.
Cons: Formats vary depending on the provider.

71. Free Classic Books

Free Classic Books offers, as the name suggests, a selection of timeless classics from authors like Shakespeare, Austen, and Dickens. This website is perfect for lovers of classic literature.

The website design is clean and functional. All books are available in PDF format.

Tip: Use their “Authors” section for a sorted list of available works.

Pros: Focuses on classic literature, clean design.
Cons: Limited to classics, only PDF format.

72. Digital Comic Museum

Digital Comic Museum is the go-to place for fans of classic comic books. It offers an array of free, public domain Golden Age Comics.

The website design has a fun, comic-inspired theme. Books are available for download in CBZ format.

Tip: Register for a free account to access the downloadable content.

Pros: Large collection of Golden Age Comics, unique content.
Cons: Requires registration, only CBZ format.

73. Riveted by Simon Teen

Riveted by Simon Teen is an online community for fans of young adult literature. It offers a selection of free YA eBooks for members, which rotates frequently.

The website is modern and community-oriented. Books are available for online reading after registration.

Tip: Join their community for discussions, polls, and quizzes about their books.

Pros: Young adult literature focus, community features.
Cons: Requires registration, rotating selection of free content.

74. E-Books Directory

E-Books Directory is a daily growing list of freely downloadable ebooks, documents and lecture notes found all over the internet. It covers a vast range of categories from Science, Art, Fiction to Self-Development.

The website is simple with a directory-style layout. Formats of books vary.

Tip: Browse their “New” and “Top 20” categories for recent and popular entries.

Pros: Wide range of categories, growing selection.
Cons: Outdated website design, varying formats.

75. Read.gov

Read.gov, presented by the Library of Congress, is a site containing webcasts, booklists for readers at all ages and a presentation of classic books in a digitized format. It offers a unique collection of classic books, books for kids and teens, and much more.

The website is simple, providing an educational feel. Books are available for online reading.

Tip: Explore their “Exquisite Corpse Adventure” for an episodic story.

Pros: Access to classic and children’s literature, webcasts.
Cons: Online reading only, limited selection.

76. Storynory

Storynory is a treasure-trove of unique, beautifully narrated children’s audio stories. The site includes original stories, fairy tales, and classics from around the world.

The website is vibrant, engaging, and easy to navigate. Stories are available for streaming and downloading in MP3 format.

Tip: Don’t miss their section of educational history and classics, which could be beneficial for kids’ learning.

Pros: Unique and beautifully narrated stories, educational content.
Cons: Audio only, primarily for children.

77. eBookTakeAway

eBookTakeAway is a comprehensive source for free downloadable eBooks, with a range of genres from romance to business and education. Their mission is to provide free reading for all.

The website is clean and straightforward. Books are available in PDF, EPUB, and Kindle formats.

Tip: Check out their “Top 10 eBooks” section for what’s currently popular.

Pros: Wide variety of genres, multiple formats.
Cons: Site navigation could be better.

78. The Internet Speculative Fiction Database

The Internet Speculative Fiction Database (ISFDB) is a community effort to catalog works of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. It links together various types of bibliographic data.

The website is simple and has a database look. It provides bibliographic data and links to online resources.

Tip: Use their advanced search for a tailored browsing experience.

Pros: Focuses on speculative fiction, extensive bibliographic data.
Cons: No direct downloads, site design is outdated.

79. ePub Books

ePub Books has a wide range of free classic and contemporary books in the EPUB format. Its selection includes authors from around the world, covering many different genres and subjects.

The website is clean and well-organized. All books are available in EPUB format.

Tip: Check out their “Popular ePub books” and “Latest ePub books” sections.

Pros: Focuses on EPUB format, wide variety of genres.
Cons: Limited format options, site requires registration.

80. Fiction.us

Fiction.us is a place where lovers of fiction can read novels and short stories online for free. This site caters to fans of romance, mystery, classic, and more.

The website has a simple design. Books are available for online reading only.

Tip: Browse their “Genres” section for an easy search of your favorite types.

Pros: Wide variety of genres, new fiction and classics.
Cons: Online reading only, no downloads.

81. Free Computer Books

Free Computer Books is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a haven for anyone looking to improve their knowledge in computer science, programming languages, systems, and other IT-related areas.

The website is basic and functional. Books are available primarily in PDF format.

Tip: Use their “Top View” button to view the most popular books in each category.

Pros: Focuses on computer science and IT books, various categories.
Cons: Only PDF format, website design is basic.

82. Girlebooks

Girlebooks is a resource for classic and contemporary eBooks by female writers. The site’s mission is to make classic and lesser-known works by female writers available to a large audience.

The website is clean and easy to navigate. Books are available in multiple formats including PDF, EPUB, and MOBI.

Tip: Use their “Browse By Author” option for a quick search.

Pros: Focuses on female authors, multiple formats.
Cons: Limited selection compared to larger sites.

83. Baen Free Library

Baen Free Library offers a selection of science fiction and fantasy books from the Baen Books catalog. It’s a great platform for fans of these genres.

The website is straightforward, with a genre-focused design. Books are available in multiple formats.

Tip: Check out their “Newest Additions” section for the latest entries.

Pros: Focuses on science fiction and fantasy, multiple formats.
Cons: Limited selection outside its focus genres.

84. BookRix

BookRix is a free self-publishing platform that offers eBook distribution services to independent writers. Readers can discover new talent, while writers can share their work with a large audience.

The website is well-organized, and user-friendly. Books are available in EPUB, MOBI, and PDF formats.

Tip: Engage with the BookRix community through groups and discussions.

Pros: Supports independent authors, community features.
Cons: Quality varies due to self-publishing nature.

85. Legamus!

Legamus! is a repository for literary works which are in the Public Domain in the EU, or where the copyright has expired. Legamus offers audiobooks in several languages.

The website is clean and minimalist. Audiobooks are available for streaming and download in MP3 and M4B formats.

Tip: Search their catalog by reader, author, or language for a curated experience.

Pros: Focuses on European public domain works, multi-language.
Cons: Only offers audiobooks, varying audio quality.

86. The Literature Network

The Literature Network offers searchable online literature for the student, educator, or enthusiast. With over 3500 full books and over 4400 short stories and poems by over 260 authors, it’s a go-to place for classics.

The website has a simple design. Books are available for online reading.

Tip: Make use of their quizzes and forums for a more engaging experience.

Pros: Wide variety of classic literature, quizzes, and forums.
Cons: Online reading only, no downloads.

87. Robin Reads

Robin Reads is a service that sends daily, curated book deals in various genres to your inbox. It’s great for discovering new authors and exciting books.

The website is well-designed and user-friendly. Books are available for purchase at a discount from various online marketplaces.

Tip: Subscribe to their newsletter to receive daily book deals.

Pros: Daily book deals, discover new authors.
Cons: Not all books are free, books are hosted on external sites.

88. Calibre Open Books

Calibre Open Books is a collection of freely available books from around the web. It is curated and maintained by the creators of Calibre, a popular eBook management tool.

The website has a basic design. Books are available in various formats.

Tip: Use Calibre software to manage your eBook collection.

Pros: Wide selection, integration with Calibre software.
Cons: Basic site design, books are hosted on external sites.

89. 2020ok

2020ok offers a large directory of free books and categories to choose from. Their catalog includes a wide variety of topics from business and science to self-help.

The website design is quite dated. Books are available for online reading or download in various formats.

Tip: Browse their categories for a wide variety of topics.

Pros: Wide variety of categories, free content.
Cons: Dated website design, inconsistent book formats.

90. PDF Books World

PDF Books World is an online library that houses a large collection of PDF books in a variety of genres. Their aim is to make literature accessible to everyone.

The website is clean and easy to use. As the name suggests, books are available in PDF format.

Tip: Check their “Newly Added” section for the latest updates.

Pros: Clean website design, wide variety of genres.
Cons: Only PDF format, requires registration to download.

91. Bookyards

Bookyards is the library to the world. They provide a simple and accessible platform to share and distribute digital knowledge for everyone around the world.

The website is straightforward with a simple design. Books are available in PDF format.

Tip: Explore their blog and links section for more than just books.

Pros: Wide variety of books, simple interface.
Cons: Only PDF format, website design is basic.

92. GetFreeEBooks

GetFreeEBooks is a site that gives you access to free ebooks. You’ll find everything from technical literature to humor, fantasy, and everything in between.

The website is clean and easy to navigate. Books are available in various formats.

Tip: Don’t miss their Top 10 eBooks section for popular recommendations.

Pros: Wide variety of genres, multiple formats.
Cons: Books are hosted on external sites.

93. Classic Literature Library

Classic Literature Library is a resource for students and lovers of classics. The site offers online copies of classic literature from authors like Dickens, Austen, and Shakespeare.

The website is basic, but functional. Books are available for online reading.

Tip: Use their author index for quick navigation.

Pros: Focuses on classic literature, easy navigation.
Cons: Online reading only, basic site design.

94. FullBooks.com

FullBooks.com is a platform that offers full books for free online reading. From fiction to non-fiction, the classics, and beyond, you’re likely to find something that piques your interest.

The website is simple and minimalist. Books are available for online reading only.

Tip: Use the A-Z directory for quick navigation.

Pros: Wide variety of books, simple interface.
Cons: Online reading only, limited search capabilities.

95. Light Up Your Brain

Light Up Your Brain is a platform that offers free children’s audio stories. The aim is to light up your kids’ brains with imagination and creativity.

The website is bright and engaging. Stories are available for online streaming and download.

Tip: Check out their free games and coloring pages for more kid-friendly activities.

Pros: Focuses on children’s audio stories, additional kid activities.
Cons: Limited to audio format, primarily for children.

96. All Free Novel

All Free Novel is an online platform that provides free access to a wide variety of novels and genres. Whether you’re interested in romance, thriller, or adventure, there’s something for everyone!

The website is straightforward and easy to navigate. Books are available for online reading only.

Tip: Browse the category menu for your favorite genre.

Pros: Offers a diverse range of novels, simple navigation.
Cons: Online reading only, limited advanced search options.

97. Children’s Storybooks Online

Children’s Storybooks Online is a resource that offers free illustrated children’s stories for young readers. The platform delivers enchanting stories to help kids develop a love for reading.

The website is colorful and engaging. Stories can be read online.

Tip: Use the age-specific category listing for targeted reading.

Pros: Focuses on children’s stories, charming illustrations.
Cons: Online reading only, limited to children’s content.

98. PaperBack Swap

PaperBack Swap is a unique platform that enables users to trade physical books with others for free. Share your gently used books and receive credits to get other books in return.

The website is easy to use and operates on a credit-based system.

Tip: Join the community for access to member book reviews and recommendations.

Pros: Encourages book sharing, a wide range of genres available.
Cons: Physical books only, requires participation in the book exchange.

99. Digital Book Index

Digital Book Index is an extensive search engine that grants access to thousands of digital books, journals, and articles. Covering various subjects and genres, this platform offers a wealth of information for any reader.

The website is streamlined and provides detailed search options.

Tip: Use the advanced search feature to find a specific book or author.

Pros: Massive library of digital materials, advanced search capabilities.
Cons: Requires registration, variety in the quality of materials.

100. Chest of Books

Chest of Books is an online library providing free access to a range of educational and informative materials. Categories include arts, history, home, and recreation, among others.

The website is straightforward and easy to navigate. Books are available for online reading only.

Tip: Use their category listing for quick browsing.

Pros: Focuses on educational resources, easy navigation.
Cons: Online reading only, limited fiction books.

101. Page By Page Books

Page By Page Books is a platform offering a collection of classic literature, available for online reading. Classic authors like Edgar Allan Poe, Jane Austen, and Herman Melville are featured.

The website is minimalistic and functional. Books are available for online reading.

Tip: Check out the alphabetical author index for quick navigation.

Pros: Classic literature focus, clean interface.
Cons: Online reading only, limited to older works.

And there you have it!

We’ve journeyed together through the digital world, exploring websites that allow you to read free books online.

From timeless classics to budding bestsellers, academic texts to whimsical children’s tales, these platforms offer an eclectic mix of literature for every kind of reader.

In the era of digital technology, these online libraries break down the barriers of traditional bookstores and physical libraries. With just a few clicks, you have the world’s literature at your fingertips, ready to inspire, educate, and entertain.

And the best part? You don’t need to spend a single penny. Each of these websites offers a wealth of knowledge for free, making reading accessible for all.