One of the nice things about buying ebooks from eBooks.com is that you have choices.
You can read online in your web browser, read on your phone or tablet using the eBooks.com app, or download your ebooks to a desktop reading app such as Thorium Reader. You do not need to be technically minded, and you do not need expensive software. The reading options we recommend are free.
We have recently made some major improvements to the way eBooks.com titles can be read. Our mobile apps have been rebuilt, our Online Reader has been completely upgraded, and we now support Thorium Reader for desktop users — including people who use Linux.
Here is a quick guide to the main options.
1. Read online in your web browser
The simplest way to read many eBooks.com titles is to use our Online Reader.
There is no app to install. You just sign in to your eBooks.com account, go to your bookshelf, and open the book in your browser.
Our new Online Reader is a major improvement on the previous version. It is cleaner, faster and easier to use, and it has been designed to make reading comfortable on a wide range of screen sizes.
It is a good choice if you want to start reading straight away, or if you are using a computer where you do not want to install additional software.
Best for: quick access, reading in a browser, switching between computers.
2. Read on your phone or tablet with the eBooks.com app
For reading on a mobile device, we recommend our new eBooks.com app.
These apps have replaced our older Ebook Reader apps. The new apps are built on modern technology and are designed to be simple, stable and pleasant to use.
Once you sign in, your eBooks.com library is available in the app. You can read on the move, adjust the reading layout to suit your preferences, and continue reading across devices.
The app is available for both:
- iPhone and iPad
- Android phones and tablets
Best for: reading on the go, phones, tablets, and everyday personal reading.
3. Read on your desktop with Thorium Reader
If you prefer to download your ebooks and read them on a desktop or laptop computer, we recommend Thorium Reader.
Thorium is a free ebook reading application for desktop computers. It works with modern ebook standards and provides a clean, accessible reading experience.
A major benefit is that Thorium supports Windows, macOS and Linux. This is especially helpful for Linux users, who were not supported by Adobe Digital Editions.
Thorium is also a good option for readers who want to keep their ebooks organised in a desktop library and read without using a web browser.
Best for: desktop reading, offline reading, Linux users, and readers who prefer a dedicated reading app.
What about Adobe Digital Editions?
For many years, Adobe Digital Editions was the standard desktop app for reading downloaded ebooks protected by Adobe DRM. Some customers may still use it.
However, eBooks.com now supports newer and more flexible reading options. For most desktop users, we recommend trying Thorium Reader instead.
Accessibility
Accessibility is a central part of our new reading experience.
Our new Online Reader, mobile apps and Thorium-compatible desktop reading options have been developed with global accessibility standards in mind. This means we are working to support readers who use screen readers, keyboard navigation, text resizing, high-contrast settings and other assistive technologies.
We want ebooks to be easier to read for everyone — not just for people using the most common devices or default settings.
Which option should I choose?
Here is the simplest answer:
If you want to start reading immediately, use the Online Reader.
If you want to read on your phone or tablet, install the eBooks.com app.
If you want to read on a desktop or laptop, especially if you use Linux, try Thorium Reader.
You can choose the option that suits you best. Many readers use more than one.
Need help?
If you are not sure which option is right for you, sign in to your eBooks.com account and go to your bookshelf. From there, we will show the reading options available for each title.
You can also contact our support team if you need help getting started.
