Yes, there are still many among us who love nothing more than holding a paperback (or hardback) and leafing through its wispy pages. But then there are those who are averse to carrying around their precious books. Why? Because it might get damaged, of course! It would be safe to assume that everyone has felt the sadness that comes with creased covers that were not their fault.
While reading on tablets is popular, your reading experience could be even better if you sifted through the different Epub reader software for Windows. You can continue to be the avid reader that you are by using any of the Epub readers for PCs discussed here.
What is an Epub Reader?
An Epub reader lets you view and read files that have the .epub extension. The extension is not exclusive to books; documents also carry it. Essentially, it is software that lets users access books with the .epub extension. The interface comprises two sections. The left one shows the chapter, while the one on the right serves as a browser that displays content.
What is Epub?
Epub (.epub) is short for electronic publication. It is a publishing format for e-books and is based on XML. The content of Epubs combines CSS, HTML, and XML. Compared to PDFs, Epubs offer readers a document that is far more aesthetic.
Files with this extension can carry text, imagery, typefaces, and metadata specifications. Screen size does not impact the formatting of Epubs. This is one reason why a lot of eReaders can now display Epubs.
Epubor Reader
This is one of the best ebook readers. It is packed with amazing features, and supports a range of formats inclusive of MOBI, AZW3, AZW, TXT, PRC, HTMLZ, and of course, EPUB.
Its interface boasts user-friendliness with its design. By downloading Epubor Reader, you will be indulging in a dynamic experience that you can customize as you go. You can read and organize all those ebooks in a single place, no matter the format.
Available for
- Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10.
- Mac OS X 10.8 and later.
Calibre
This is, without a doubt, among the top 10 when it comes to Epub readers for Windows.
On Calibre, you can download Epubs, transfer books across devices, manage and edit metadata, and convert books! An additional nifty feature is that it comes with a keyboard shortcut in case you want to search the meaning of words online.
Apart from Epubs, you can also use Calibre to read comics and magazines. The one problem that a few people have reported about Calibre is that it can sometimes take a while to load. This problem, however, is not across the board.
Available for
- Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Android.
Freda
To fully understand why Freda has all the trappings of your next favorite Epub reader, you simply have to use it. One of the best things about Freda is that it comes with an array of themes. Using them, you can give it your unique touch and create a personalized look.
Freda also comes equipped with annotating and bookmarking features. It has the capability to integrate with Smashwords, Feedbooks, and Gutenberg. It also connects very easily to a Calibre library, should you have one. To download books, Freda can also be linked with DropBox or OneDrive.
One of the most impressive features about Freda is that it caters to people with dyslexia. It facilitates the reading experience for those impacted by the condition by way of its built-in dyslexia-friendly settings.
Available for
- Windows 8, 8.1, 10, Android.
Bookviser
Let’s go straight to the standout feature offered by Bookviser. It offers a realistic reading experience owing to its top-notch user interface. This is an especially attractive feature for all those who still yearn for some real-world aspects in the digital realm. Rest assured, however, that if you’re not a fan of such frills, Bookviser grants you the option to read using a conventional Epub format.
Additionally, Bookviser offers a clutter-free reading space and allows users to customize font, margins, and spacing. It supports various formats, including Epub, fb2, txt, and PDF.
Available for
- Windows 7, 8, 10.
Neat Reader
The great thing about Neat Reader is that it functions across a number of devices. The one downside is that if you have way too many books in your collection (we’re guilty of that too), you will need to pay to access Neat Reader’s premium feature. Once you do, you will receive 10 GB worth of cloud storage.
All in all, Neat Reader is one of the best Epub readers out there and is sure to be a hit with the avid reader.
Available for
- Windows 7, 8, 10, Android.
Kobo
Kobo is also quite popular when it comes to Epub readers. It houses all those features that are promised by traditional Epub readers. These include bookmarking, searching, and themes. Apart from Epubs, Kobo supports Epub 3 as well.
One of the best selling points about Kobo is that it allows users to browse over 5 million comics, children’s books, and ebooks! Simply purchase what you like and add them to your growing collection.
Available for
- Windows 8.1, 10, Android.
Adobe Digital Editions
You really shouldn’t be doubting anything coming from the house of Adobe, and that’s true for Adobe Digital Editions as well.
It is a truly fantastic Epub reader that supports PDF and EPUB3. This gives readers a better reading experience by:
- Supporting right-to-left reading
- Resizing images sans pixelation
Added to all this are numerous features, including search facilitation, renting and borrowing Epubs from various libraries, highlighting, bookmarking, and multi-language support.
Adobe Digital Editions requires users to have an Adobe accountt, and may take its sweet time loading if you have a particularly large collection on hand.
Available for
- Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, Vista, and Android.
Bibliovore
Bibliovore supports Epubs as well as PDFs. It also allows users to personalize the interface; background, colors, and typefaces can all be changed to match your preferences. There’s also the option to toggle between day and night modes.
With Bibliovore, you can manage your library, edit metadata, link to OneDrive, and access Ebooks Gratuits as well as Gutenberg to download material from there.
Available for
- Windows 8.1 and later.
Cover
This is designed specifically to cater to comic-book aficionados. Books that contain heavy imagery display beautifully on Cover. It comes highly recommended. Once you use it, you are sure to give it your own stamp of approval in no time.
Upon downloading Cover, you will be given access rights to 25 ebooks. In order to remove ads and get access to more ebooks, you will have to pay as you go. This will also allow you to seamlessly sync your digital devices, making for easy access to your collection.
Moreover, you can easily connect Cover to OneDrive and Dropbox. As with most Epub readers, Cover also lets you adjust the interface according to your preferences; page size, color palette, typeface, and font size can all be altered.
Available for
- Windows 8.1, 10.
Sumatra
This is very similar to Calibre, and is completely customizable. Loading large files is a cinch for Sumatra. Its interface is easy to navigate, and it supports EPUB, PDF, CHM, MobiDjVu, CBR, and CBZ.
Small, light, and portable, Sumatra will be a winner for those who enjoy Calibre.
Available for
- Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, Vista, and XP.
Icecream
This Epub reader is a visual treat and houses several features to get you hooked. Its search function is unmatched, whereby it allows users to search selected text on Wikipedia and Google.
In addition, Icecream also features simple and fun page-turning as well as multi-lingual support.
Apart from supporting EPUB, Icecream also works with FB2 and Mobi. The biggest downside to this Epub reader is that while it’s free, the best experience it offers is on the other side of a paywall.
Available for
- Windows 7, 8, 10, and Vista.
Nook
Nook is to Barnes and Noble what Kindle is to Amazon. Unlike Kindle, however, Nook supports Epubs. Similar to Kobo, Nook has an online store that lets you browse and purchase your favorite books.
Nook boasts a sophisticated and friendly user interface, with bookmarking features. As is the case with quite a few Epub readers listed in this post, Nook can also be customized to reflect your personal taste.
Available for
- Windows 8, 8.1, 10.
There you have it. The 12 best Epub readers for Windows that are sure to keep any reader happy!
