Private and open-source alternatives to Apple Books
7 ebook readers rated against the same public privacy criteria as Apple Books, with our picks first.
Why look for an alternative?
- Open source: no. Closed source.
- No trackers or telemetry: partial. No third-party trackers, but Apple collects reading and usage data by default under random identifiers not linked to the Apple Account.
- No ads or data sales: partial. The app shows no ads, but store purchases and downloads can be used for Apple's ads in the App Store, Apple News and Stocks if personalized ads are on.
- Independent audit: no. No independent audit is published.
See the full Apple Books rating.
The alternatives
Foliate Grade B
Open-source e-book reader for Linux built with GTK, supporting EPUB, MOBI, AZW3, FB2, CBZ and PDF.
Foliate scores 80 out of 100 (grade B) on the ebook readers criteria. It meets 3 of 4 criteria: open source, no trackers or telemetry and no ads or data sales.
KOReader Grade B
Open-source document and e-book reader for E Ink devices such as Kindle, Kobo and PocketBook, also available for Android and Linux. Supports EPUB, PDF, DjVu, CBZ and more.
KOReader scores 80 out of 100 (grade B) on the ebook readers criteria. It meets 3 of 4 criteria: open source, no trackers or telemetry and no ads or data sales.
Calibre Grade D
Free and open-source e-book manager for organizing, converting and reading e-books, with a built-in viewer, editor and device syncing.
Calibre scores 50 out of 100 (grade D) on the ebook readers criteria. It meets 2 of 4 criteria: open source and no ads or data sales.
Readest Grade D
Open-source e-book reader for desktop, mobile and web, with optional cloud sync of books, progress and notes.
Readest scores 50 out of 100 (grade D) on the ebook readers criteria. It meets 2 of 4 criteria: open source and no ads or data sales.
Thorium Reader Grade D
Open-source desktop reader for EPUB, PDF, audiobooks and comics from EDRLab, a French nonprofit. It supports LCP-protected library loans, read aloud and screen readers.
Based in France (Nine Eyes). Thorium Reader scores 50 out of 100 (grade D) on the ebook readers criteria. It meets 2 of 4 criteria: open source and no ads or data sales.
Librera Reader Grade F
Open-source Android reader for EPUB, PDF, DjVu, MOBI, FB2 and other formats. A free ad-supported version, a paid PRO version and an F-Droid build are available.
Librera Reader scores 30 out of 100 (grade F) on the ebook readers criteria. It meets 1 of 4 criteria: open source.
Kobo Grade F
E-book and audiobook store, reading apps and E Ink e-readers from Rakuten Kobo Inc. in Toronto. Supports EPUB and syncs reading progress through a Kobo account.
Based in Canada (Five Eyes). Kobo scores 0 out of 100 (grade F) on the ebook readers criteria. It does not meet open source, no trackers or telemetry, no ads or data sales and independent audit.