The world of ebook formats is a confusing place. There are several mainstream ebook formats you’ll see on a regular basisThe Different Ebook Formats Explained: EPUB, MOBI, AZW, IBA, and MoreThe Different Ebook Formats Explained: EPUB, MOBI, AZW, IBA, and MoreIn this article we look at all of the common ebook formats, explain their pros and cons, and tell you which ebook readers support them.Read More, as well as a host of niche, old, or defunct formats that still pop up occasionally.

The biggest problem is lack of support from e-readers. For example, the most popular e-reader in the world (Amazon Kindle) doesn’t support the most common ebook format (EPUB).

The redesigned Apple Books is a single, beautiful destination for all the books you love, and the ones you’re about to. Browse the new Book Store, keep track of what you’ve read and want to read, and listen to enthralling audiobooks. The Book Reader, on Mac the best e-book reader that is fully featured, gives you an opportunity to read the books easily directly on your Mac in the full-modified layout. It can support the MOBI, PRC, AZW, DOC, FBW, RTF, HTML, TXT formats, and Web archive. Moon+ Reader is definitely one of the best eBook reader apps out there. It supports a wide range of eBook formats, including EPUB, PDF, MOBI, most comic book formats, and more. It even has OPDS.

You can use Calibre to convert the format of your ebooks, but it’s a bit bloated and bulky. There are lots of great online tools that’ll do the job equally well. Here are five online ebook converters for you to check out.

More than just a free ebook reader program, Calibre is a complete ebook cataloging tool with a ton of features, including library management, format conversion, RSS news feeds to ebook conversion, ebook reader synchronization features, and more.

1. Online-Convert

Key Feature: Great for tweaking metadata.

Online-Convert is a well-known online file converterThe Best Free Online File Converters for All Your Formatting NeedsThe Best Free Online File Converters for All Your Formatting NeedsWhether it’s from PDF to DOC, JPG to BMP, or MP3 to WAV, documents, images, audio and video files can be converted easier than you think.Read More. It’s one of the best ways to convert PDF filesHow to Convert PDF to Word for FreeHow to Convert PDF to Word for FreePDF to Word converters are a dime a dozen. We have compiled the 5 best ones you can get for free, for both on- and more secure offline use.Read More, convert images, and convert video files.

The site also offers extensive ebook conversion tools. You can perform all the most common conversions such as EPUB to MOBI and EPUB to AZW3, but the site also supports several niche formats such as LIT, LRF, and FB2.

It will accept most formats as an input; including all the main ebook formats as well as broader formats like PDF, HTML, TXT, and DOC. The nine supported outputs are AZW, EPUB, FB2, LIT, LRF, MOBI, PDF, PDB, and TCR.

To convert an ebook using Online-Convert, select the tool you require and upload the original from your computer, Google Drive, or Dropbox. The site lets you edit some metadata and set a few display options before beginning the conversion.

If you’re not sure which formats your e-reader supports, you can choose your device from a drop-down menu, and Online-Convert will take care of the rest.

Note: DRM-protected ebooks cannot be converted. You’ll need first to remove the DRM using CalibreHow to Remove the DRM on Every Ebook You OwnHow to Remove the DRM on Every Ebook You OwnNo one likes DRM. We all understand why it exists, but that doesn't mean we're ready to embrace it. Therefore, this article explains how to remove the DRM from every eBook you own.Read More.

2. Zamzar

Key Feature: A long list of supported formats.

Zamzar is another multi-purpose file conversion site that offers an extensive list of ebook formats.

In terms of file outputs, the tool is more powerful than Online-Convert. It supports a high number of formats. They are AZW, AZW3, CBZ, CBR, CBC, CHM, EPUB, FB2, LIT, LRF, MOBI, PRC, PDB, PML, RB, and TCR.

It also offers a feature that’s not present on Online-Convert: the ability to convert live web pages into ebook formats. It’s useful if you want to read a lengthy site on a long journey when you won’t have an internet connection.

However, there is a negative side to Zamzar. It can only perform conversions between dedicated ebook formats. That means you can convert AZW to EPUB or convert MOBI to AZW3, but you cannot convert DOC into EPUB.

It’s also not possible to convert more than one book at a time; if you have an entire library’s worth of content, this isn’t the tool for you. Online-Convert suffers from the same issue.

To convert ebooks using Zamzar, you’ll need to upload the original document from your computer. Services like Google Drive and Dropbox are not supported. After you’ve uploaded the file, choose your preferred output format from the drop-down list. You will receive the converted file via email.

3. To ePub

Key Feature: The best tool for converting large batches of ebooks.

If you have a significant number of books that you want to convert, we recommend taking a look at To ePub. Unlike Online-Convert and Zamzar, it can handle up to 20 files per conversion, thus making it much easier to convert multiple ebooks between different formats.

But beware! If your library is full of unusual or niche formats, you might find To ePub disappointing. Its range of supported file formats is much smaller than the two apps we have already looked at. Just six formats are available: EPUB, MOBI, AZW3, FB2, LIT, and LRF.

The To ePub web app is easy to use; the developers deserve credit for creating an accessible interface. You can upload the books you want to convert by selecting them manually or dragging them into the designated space. Select your desired output format by clicking on the appropriate tab, then hit Download All once the conversion has finished.

4. Aconvert

Key Feature: The largest selection of supported ebook formats.

From all the apps we’ve covered in this article, Aconvert has the most extensive list of supported input formats.

It will accept AZW, AZW3, AZW4, CBZ, CBR, CBC, CHM, DJVU, DOCX, EPUB, FB2, HTML, HTMLZ, LIT, LRF, MOBI, ODT, PDF, PRC, PDB, PML, RB, RTF, SNB, TCR, TXT, and TXTZ.

Although it will convert EPUB to PDF and other common file types with ease, its list of available output is slightly narrower than its list of inputs. The supported outputs are AZW3, EPUB, DOCX, FB2, HTML, OEB, LIT, LRF, MOBI, PDB, PMLZ, RB, PDF, RTF, SNB, TCR, and TXT.

Like Zamzar, Aconvert also lets you convert live web pages into an ebook format; you just need the site’s URL.

To perform a conversion, click either the File or URL tab, enter your selected source file or webpage, and choose your preferred output format using the drop-down menu.

After the conversion has finished, click the download icon to save the new file to your machine. The name of the new file is a random string of characters, so you will need to rename it.

5. ePUBee

Key Feature: Batch conversion and excellent DRM-removal tools.

Like To ePub, the ePUBee tool lets you convert a large batch of several ebooks at the same time, making it an excellent choice for people with large libraries.

Unfortunately, also like To ePub, the list of supported file formats is small. Only six inputs (EPUB, AZW, MOBI, PDF, TXT, DOC) and four outputs (EPUB, MOBI, PDF, TXT) are available.

Nonetheless, you can convert EPUB to MOBI along with most of the other common conversions that people need. And remember, Amazon Kindle devices can read MOBI files, so the lack of AZW as an output format is not a massive issue.

Performing a conversion is straightforward. Set your input and output formats, then select the files you want to convert by clicking the large Add Files button. When the conversion has finished, click on the download link to save them to your computer.

The ePUBee web app also deserves a place on the list thanks to its DRM removal tools. They are standalone apps you need to download, but they work flawlessly. There are different tools for removing DRM from EPUB, AZW, and PDF files.

How to Manage Multiple Ebook Formats Easily

We know what you’re thinking: Why would you spend the time converting all your ebooks into one format today, only to buy a different e-reader that requires different formats in the future?

That’s where an ebook management app comes in handy. For example, Calibre lets you store multiple formats of the same book in its library folder without creating duplicate entries in the user interface.

If you’d like to learn more about how Calibre can help you manage your ebook collection, check out our article on the best hidden Calibre features you might not know about7 Hidden Calibre Features That'll Help You Manage Your Ebooks Better7 Hidden Calibre Features That'll Help You Manage Your Ebooks BetterCalibre is brilliant, but many of its features fly under the radar. Here are the best Calibre features to help you manage your ebook collection.Read More.

Explore more about: Ebooks, eReader, File Conversion, Reading.

1. It would be helpful if you stated, for ALL these applications, where DRM can be removed. Also, do any of these handle Kindle's latest conversion-blocking format?

You don’t need a dedicated device like the Kindle or Nook to read ebooks. The Google Play Store offers lots of great apps that’ll let you enjoy reading right on any Android device.

Using an Android ereader app offers a few benefits. The main advantage is the apps’ flexibility; they are typically more format-agnostic than their dedicated counterparts. It’s also one less device to carry around all day.

So what are the best ebook readers for Android? Keep reading to find out.

1. Moon+ Reader

If you have a diverse ebook library with books from many sources other than major retailers, you should give Moon+ Reader serious consideration.

The app excels thanks to the 12 file formats it supports. As you may be aware, the world of ebook file formats is a confusing place. Thus, the ability to read EPUB, PDF, MOBI, CHM, CBR, CBZ, UMD, FB2, TXT, HTML, RAR, and ZIP files is a massive benefit. It means you won’t need to use Calibre to convert your ebooks into a different format.

The downside is a lack of support for Amazon’s proprietary AZW format.

Moon+ Reader also offers links to download free (and legal) ebooks7 Free Ebook Download Sites7 Free Ebook Download SitesWant free ebook downloads? This article lists seven of the best sites for downloading free ebooks.Read More from third-party sources, several visual options, annotation, cross-device syncing (using Dropbox), and a night mode.

The pro version removes ads and includes some extra features such as shareable annotations and password protection.

Download:Moon+ Reader (Free) | Moon+ Reader Pro ($5)

2. Bookari

Bookari (formerly Mantano Reader) only supports two ebook formats: EPUB and PDF. As such, it’s an excellent option for people who predominantly download free ebooks online or buy them from major retailers other than Amazon.

It can also read books protected with Sony’s or Adobe’s DRM. They are the two most common DRM systems in the ebook world. However, if you own ebooks that have been protected with a different DRM system, don’t worry. You can use Calibre to remove the DRM from any ebook you ownHow to Remove the DRM on Every Ebook You OwnHow to Remove the DRM on Every Ebook You OwnNo one likes DRM. We all understand why it exists, but that doesn't mean we're ready to embrace it. Therefore, this article explains how to remove the DRM from every eBook you own.Read More.

But it’s Bookari’s library management options that make the app shine. You can create your own collections, add tags, sort your books in several different ways, and use extensive filters to find your content in a flash. (For an even more powerful way to manage your ebooks, use some of Calibre’s hidden features.)

The premium version adds an option to listen to your books using text-to-speech, and unlocks screen display options and the advanced search feature.

Download:Bookari (Free) | Bookari Premium ($5.49)

3. EBookDroid

EBookDroid is another app that supports multiple file formats. It can read DJVU, PDF, XPS, FB2, CBR, CBZ, EPUB, RTF, MOBI, and most notably, AZW.

Indeed, it is the first app here that can read Amazon’s proprietary AZW ebook format. It means you can read any books you buy from the Kindle store on the app without needing to first convert them into a different format in Calibre.

The app also supports the Open Publication Distribution System (OPDS) protocol. It means you can use EBookDroid to access online ebook catalogs and download any titles you want straight onto your device.

Other features include external dictionary support, text highlighting, and support for annotations and notes.

Download:EBookDroid (Free)

4. Wattpad

Wattpad is one of the sector’s most established names. It’s part ebook reader, part social network, and part publishing platform.

It gained popularity thanks to its unique feature that allows amateur writers to upload and submit their books for free. It benefits both the writer (significant exposure) and the reader (free ebooks). For more on this, check out how to write an ebookHow to Write an Ebook: Everything You'll NeedHow to Write an Ebook: Everything You'll NeedHere's everything you need to know on how to write an ebook, from the steps you should take to the tools you should use.Read More.

But Wattpad isn’t only about amateur books. You can find free books from the pros as well, including titles from Anna Todd, Scott Westerfeld, Tyler Oakley, Margaret Atwood, Paulo Coelho, RL Stine, Dan Brown, and more. In total, the app offers more than 75 million titles to choose from.

It supports most common ebook formats, including EPUB, MOBI, and PDF.

Ebook Reader For All Formats Macro Calculator

Download:Wattpad (Free, subscription available)

5. FBReader

FBReader is one of the most popular independent ereaders in the Google Play Store. It boasts more than 10 million downloads and 150,000 five-star reviews.

It’s the second app on this list that supports Amazon’s AZW format. It can also read ebooks in the EPUB, FB2, RTF, DOC, HTML, and TXT formats.

The free version’s biggest weakness is the lack of native PDF support. However, if most of your books have come from Amazon or another online retailer, this shouldn’t prove much of a problem. In the worst case, you can try to use the company’s dedicated PDF plugin—but unfortunately, user reviews in the store are not very favorable.

Another one of the app’s unique features is the FBReader Book Network. It uses Google authentication to allow you to access all your books from any of your devices.

The pro version adds native PDF support, native comic book support, an integrated translator, and an ad-free experience.

Download:FBReader (Free) | FBReader Premium ($5)

6. FReader

FReader has one unique feature that differentiates it from every other app here: it can play audiobooks thanks to its support for MP3 files. The audiobook function includes bookmark support and background playback. Download some free audiobooks10 Ways You Can Download Audiobooks for Free Right Now10 Ways You Can Download Audiobooks for Free Right NowAudiobooks can be a great way of 'reading' while doing other things. The only problem is that free audiobooks are rather hard to come by. This list of online resources should help.Read More to see the feature in action.

From an ebook standpoint, the app can read all the standard formats, including EPUB, MOBI, PDF, CBR, CBZ, DJVU, ODT, and a few more.

FReader is also one of the most customizable apps we’ve covered. It offers 12 fonts, four themes, three page-flipping animations, personalized background images, and a night mode.

Other features include support for bookmarks and notes, a built-in translator, text-to-speech, and a breakdown of your reading stats.

Free Ebook Reader For Windows

The premium version removes the ads.

Ebook Reader App

Download:FReader (Free, premium version available)

7. Media365 Reader

We’ll leave you with Media365 Reader. It comfortably wins the award for the most supported filetypes. There were more than 50 at the last count, with more added all the time.

The app is also a powerful ebook conversion tool. It lets you convert all 50 of those formats into either EPUB or PDF, depending on which is the most suitable.

The conversion feature makes it a useful app to keep on your phone even if you prefer to do your actual reading in one of the other apps. You’ll never be stuck unable to open a book that you want to browse.

Other features include a powerful import tool, extensive search filters, a way to download free ebooks, and even an ebook publishing tool similar to Wattpad.

The premium version removes ads and adds text-to-speech.

Download:Media365 Reader (Free, premium version available)

What About Kindle, Nook, and Kobo Apps?

We focused on vendor-independent ereaders, but the Kindle, Nook, and Kobo apps all deserve a shoutout.

Feature-wise, all three can compete with the apps we’ve discussed. However, they have more restrictions on the books you can read within them—both in file format and file source.

Of course, if you do all your ebook shopping in one of the apps’ associated stores, you should consider using the dedicated app instead of the ones we’ve looked at. Alternatively, download the ebooks to your PC, convert them, and send them to your preferred reader. And if you’re prioritizing annotation features, check out these 6 Android ebook readers with great annotation features.

Looking for book recommendationsThe 15 Best Books for Geeks to Read in 2019The 15 Best Books for Geeks to Read in 2019This is shaping up to be a strong year for literature. Here are the best books for geeks you should read in 2019.Read More? These books will make great additions to your reading list:

Explore more about: Android Apps, Ebooks, Reading.

Free Ebook Reader For Laptop

1. Oh my Gawwwd! EBOOX not here? You kidding? It should be on Top 1!

2. Aldiko seems to be missing from the list.
   WARNING: Media 365 does not remove Ads in the premium version!!.

3. Aldiko and Moon+ Reader are both applications I've paid to own, but I'm shocked that Google Play Books wasn't mentioned. Play Books supports a shocking array of formats, including oddballs like .CBR and also offers its users the option of storing Ebook files from other sources in its cloud so progress in books can be shared across many devices. Google allows for up to 500 books to be stored with a maximum file size of 100MB. I've run across a few PDF textbooks that won't fit but otherwise I'd say that's a feature set that makes it worthy of consideration.

4. '...and most notably, AWZ.

   Indeed, it is the first app here that can read Amazon’s proprietary AWZ ebook format.'

   Amazon's format is AZW, not AWZ.

5. What, no love for Aldko (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aldiko.android)?

   • Indeed, Aldiko is always my go-to for Ebooks, great format support and the free version is almost fully featured. Only Text to Speech is locked behind the premium version (plus a few other bits and bobs that don't really impact just wanting to read).

     • Aldiko was, I believe, the first app I bought specifically to support the developers. I've done that with a few apps since, but Aldiko was the first one that made me feel like it was worth buying even though I use none of the premium features, just to show my support for them.