(Featuring Acorn’s Free Access, Plus Blinkist, Headway & Shortform Summaries)
If you’re looking for the best digital reading experience — or want to enhance your reading with ultra-quick summaries — these eight book apps fit the bill.
Plus, don’t miss our special spotlight: Acorn is offering free access for new users with code 7BAB13
1. Shortform
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android (mobile-friendly website)
Why It’s Great:
- Comprehensive, chapter-by-chapter summaries of top nonfiction titles.
- Additional insights and exercises to reinforce key concepts.
- Updated frequently with new books across various genres.
Shortform stands out by offering deeply detailed summaries of popular nonfiction (e.g., business, self-help, psychology). Beyond skimming the main ideas, Shortform’s analysis and interactive exercises help you truly understand and apply the material.
2. Libby by OverDrive
Platforms: iOS, Android
Why It’s Great:
- Borrow eBooks and audiobooks for free using a library card.
- Neat, intuitive interface and built-in eReader.
- Automatic returns — no late fees or hassle.
Libby is a library-lover’s dream. Simply log in with a valid library card, and you’ll gain access to a massive collection of digital books and audiobooks — completely free. The interface is streamlined for a seamless reading experience.
3. Acorn (Now Offering Free Access!)
Platforms: iOS, Android with FREE Access Code: 7BAB13
Why It’s Great:
- Free access to new users for a limited time.
- More than just books, it offers curated reading lists, podcasts, and more — making it a dynamic gateway to explore titles from fresh perspectives.
- Plus, the team is incredibly open and quick to respond if you need new features and content!
Acorn is a rising star in the digital reading space, boasting an extensive eBook library combined with robust content curation. With free access currently up for grabs, now’s the perfect time to explore Acorn’s curated collections, reading challenges, and lively discussions.
4. Blinkist
Platforms: iOS, Android
Why It’s Great:
- Quick-hit, 15-minute summaries of best-selling nonfiction.
- Audio and text formats for on-the-go learning.
- Curated “packs” organized by topics like productivity, psychology, etc.
When your schedule is packed but your mind is hungry for knowledge, Blinkist provides crisp summaries of popular business and personal development books. Each summary includes key takeaways to help you quickly decide if you want to dive deeper into the full text.
5. Headway
Platforms: iOS, Android
Why It’s Great:
- Bite-sized summaries of nonfiction bestsellers.
- Daily lessons, interactive quizzes, and habit trackers.
- Personalized reading lists based on your goals.
Headway condenses nonfiction titles — spanning business, philosophy, and self-improvement — into easily digestible packets. Its gamified features like quizzes and streaks keep you motivated and engaged.
6. Wattpad
Platforms: iOS, Android
Why It’s Great:
- Vast platform of user-generated stories.
- Ideal for discovering indie authors and niche genres.
- Engaging community features like comments and story discussions.
Wattpad is the go-to place for crowd-sourced content, including original novels, fanfiction, and short stories. You can offer feedback to writers and even publish your own work, making it both a reading and creative outlet.
7. Audible
Platforms: iOS, Android
Why It’s Great:
- World’s largest selection of audiobooks and exclusive podcasts.
- Professional narrations by renowned voice actors and celebrities.
- Whispersync allows a seamless transition between reading and listening on Kindle books.
If you prefer listening over reading — or simply want to devour more books on your commute — Audible is hard to beat. Its monthly credit system and robust library of titles ensure you’ll always have fresh audiobooks at your fingertips.
8. Kobo Books
Platforms: iOS, Android
Why It’s Great:
- Global catalog with multilingual options.
- Smooth syncing with Kobo eReaders.
- Track reading stats and earn badges for milestones.
Kobo Books is cherished worldwide for its diverse selection, especially if you’re looking for titles in languages beyond English. The app is highly customizable, letting you tweak fonts, themes, and more to create the perfect reading environment.
Final Thoughts
These eight apps offer a varied reading ecosystem, covering everything from immersive full-length eBooks to quick-hit summaries of the latest nonfiction releases. Don’t overlook Acorn, which currently provides free access for new users — an excellent opportunity to test-drive an up-and-coming platform. If you’re eager for condensed knowledge on the fly, Shortform, Blinkist, and Headway are all strong contenders.
Happy reading (and summarizing)!
